Comfy-Cozy-Friday

 Since this the last day of comfort food week I kind of made a executive decision to forgo our usual Happy Hour for a more simple for ohana to gather and feel good. "What is a friend? I will tell you; It is a person with whom you dare to be yourself." ~ Frank Crane    


This speaks to our H5-0 team and I hope it speaks to many of us, as we have come together here in this cyber universe.  
As our heroes care for each other, we need to do the same. Let's just do as they do lead by example, and think of the positive thins in life.  With the way things can get crazy and out of control we can get caught up in the negative, and forget all the positive.   An interesting quote goes "I've learned that no matter how much I care some people are just idiots.  I've learned... that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.  I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that." ~ Unknown 


Well thanks to one of those close friends I have made here and thanks to one very special show, Ronnette, girl take a bow.  She truly played sous chef to today's experience.  I had asked about what was comfort, which lead to the recipe.  Even better I asked what pictures would she associate with my recipe?  These are all her!! "A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world." ~Leo Buscaglia


So for today's recipe we go for the ultimate in comfort food, 
the Chicken Pot Pie.  I truly hope you enjoy this and you enjoyed our exploration into comfort, friendship, and ohana. ALOHA!!

Chicken Pot Pie

6 Tbsp. unsalted butter  

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup chopped yellow onions -

1/2 cup chopped celery -

6 Tbsp. flour

2 cups chicken stock or broth

1 cup half and half (or milk)

1 bag mixed steamer frozen vegetables

2 cups shredded cooked chicken, white and dark meat (buy a rotisserie chicken)

2 Tbsps. chopped fresh parsley leaves
This is choice either pre-made pie crust, or sheet of puff pastry

1. Preheat to 400 degrees. 
2. Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onions and celery as well as salt and pepper. Allow the onions and celery to for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add flour and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes.   Add chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring it to a boil then turn the heat down to medium-low. Allow it simmer until the sauce thickens, about 4 to 6 minutes.  
3. Add half and half, while stirring. Allow filling mixture to cook for 4 minutes and stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Add the vegetables, the chicken and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste and make sure all vegetables and chicken are incorporated well. 
4. Place in a casserole dish and place the crust on top of the filling and cut out vents. Tuck in crust into the pan. Place into oven on covered baking sheet. Bake until the crust is golden brown and crusty, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.