One-dish Chicken Lo Mein

So you want a twist on your usual Italian pasta?  This is the recipe for you!  Add whatever veggies you like (mushrooms, extra onions, snow peas...) and the spices and you have a quick and easy dinner.  I made this recently but apparently didn't "take a picture for the food blog" so I borrowed an image from the web.  But pick your favorite (long) pasta and give it a go!

1 tbsp. oil
1 lb. boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 can chicken broth
1 cup water
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
3 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce
1 lg. clove garlic, minced
1 - 8 oz. pkg. thin spaghetti
1 - 1 lb. pkg. frozen broccoli, carrot, red pepper combination
2 green onions, sliced (or 1 yellow med.)

In skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.  Brown chicken about 5 min.  Remove to plate.  In same pan, bring broth, water, ginger, pepper flakes, teriyaki sauce & garlic to boiling.

Add spaghetti, simmer covered 8 mins, stirring often.  Stir in vegetables & chicken & bring to a boil.  Simmer, covered, 4 mins.  Stir in onions, heat 1 min & serve.

"Nice w/frozen egg rolls & egg drop soup!" ~Mom (Ann)  I love that she always added these little notes at the end.

For months (years?) after I got married, Mom sent me recipe "cards" to add to my collection.  My favorite thing now is having her recipes in her beautiful handwriting.  I remember receiving each one with a sweet note via old fashioned "snail mail" and they are a treasure for me.  

And please don't underestimate the value of smudges and splatters on your recipes.  It means you made it and perhaps cooked with reckless abandon.  🙂