Appreciation for profession!

So as May comes to an end I sit back and remember how special it is to let those around know how admirable it is what they do for a living. There is no such thing as a bad job, only blind people who do not appreciate what they have. When I was forced to leave my passion for food career and jump into nursing I thought I would die...and I think deep down inside, my soul did. Almost 5 years later I can say that being a nurse has taught me many things. I get to help people heal and overcome very difficult moments which is just simply amazing and self gratifying. Do I think I will do this forever? Perhaps not but for right now it is what I am meant to do.

Therefore, not only is it nice to have a whole week celebrating nurses during this month, but all careers should be appreciated. Teachers, firefighters, environmental staff, cooks, secretaries etc... We all work hard and deserve to be recognize for what we do. So next time you are out with your friends simply tell them how much you appreciate what they do- because in a way they too are helping someone in need.

Here is my version of a yummy chicken recipe that I got from Kraft foods. Make sure you do NOT skip a step otherwise it may come just blah! ha ha..feel free to make your version.

Chicken and Potatoes

What you need:
1/4 C Classic ranch dressing
6 Skinless chicken thighs with bone
4 Bacon slices chopped
1 1/2 Lb Small red skin potatoes, washed, cut in half or quartered
1 Small chopped yellow onion
1 C (or more) of 3 cheese blend, shredded
1/2 C cream cheese, soft
2 Tbsp of chopped parsley
1 C Mild or spicy salsa

How to make:

Place chicken in a container and pour dressing over it. Let it marinade in fridge for 30 minutes turning it half way through. 
In a large pan cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside on paper towels to get rid of excess grease. To that same pan (with the bacon grease) add the onions and allow to cook for a minute, then add the potatoes and brown for about 5 minutes. Take the potatoes out and set aside. If you have little grease left over or none add a tbsp of evoo, and sear the chicken thighs quickly. Do this by placing them on high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side and set them aside.
In an oven proof baking dish (13x9 inch), place the potatoes, then the chicken on top of them. Place in a preheated oven (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Allow to bake for 1 hr until you feel the potatoes soft, or the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees. Take out and spread the cream cheese on the chicken, pour the salsa around everything and sprinkle the shredded cheese. Put back in oven for a few minutes to allow cheese to melt.
Before serving add parsley.

~Enjoy!