Birds With A Feather

This year, my Handsome Man took his work crew out pheasant hunting for a day.  He had a great time and when he came home he had a few clean pheasants to throw in the freezer.  I didn't really give them a second thought until the other night he pulled them out of the freezer and asked if I'd make them for him.  Mmmmm kay.  No biggie.  Like, chicken... right?  Apparently not.  I knew that pheasants were a bit dryer than chicken but that if cooked correctly, they could be delicious.  So I did what I do when I'm a bit unsure about how to prepare something... I head to Google, look at recipes, take what I can from that and create my own. 
I was totally ready.  I planned to inject the whole pheasant with delicious flavor (using an old family recipe I use for turkey) and then roast them in the oven.  However, when I took them out of the bags I noticed they were cleaned of skin AND had been cut up.  My plan kinda went out the window so I had to come up with something different.  While I thought, I rinsed the pheasant and noticed something I just seriously can NOT handle.  A feather.  A freaking FEATHER, you guys!  There were a few dark feathers stuck to them!  NOOOOO!  It totally ruined my whole, "I'm gonna try this" mood.  I reluctantly picked off the few feathers, made a couple gagging sounds and told myself I better make one hell of a side dish because I certainly wasn't going to eat that pheasant!
Feather picking aside, the rest of the experience went smoother than I thought.  I used part of a recipe that I've had for years for crockpot chicken wings and I'm telling you... it was AWESOME.  I think it would have been even better had I had the time to marinade them for awhile before baking, so if you choose to do that, great.  If not, this recipe is perfect as is.  I HAD to try it since I made it.  I was just completely surprised by the fact it tasted incredible and that I grabbed myself seconds.
My husband was throwing out the praise left and right so I knew that I definitely had to share this recipe with you.  I'm looking forward to fall when he goes pheasant hunting again and I already asked him to bring home double what he did this year.  Because what's better than sharing a new fav with friends?  I also learned that you don't need to hide pheasant in soups or stews (which is what I found most recipes did with it)... you can make it the star of the meal if cooked properly.  Very good!

Here's what you need to make this phenomenal pheasant:

*2-3 pheasants, cleaned, cut and skin off

*1/2 cup white sugar

*3/4 cup kikkomen soy sauce (use low sodium if you prefer)

*1/2 cup water

*1/2 teas garlic powder

Set your oven to 350.  Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray and place pheasant down in a single layer.  Whisk together sugar, soy sauce, water and garlic powder.  Pour mixture over the pheasant and bake for 45 minutes, flipping the meat every 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes or so.  Serve as whole pieces or slice the meat off and drizzle juices from the bottom of the baking dish all over the meat.  Or you can serve the meat with little bowls of pan juice for dipping.  ENJOY!

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife , Snap Chat username: HauteDishHWife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife for more food, fashion and family.

On Vaca Mode

Vacation.  One of the sweetest words ever, especially when you are living in -20 weather with -40 windchill.  Seriously?  Ugh.  About a week or so before vacation, I go into what I refer to as "vacation mode."  I shop, dine out and have a little count down going with the kids as to how many sleeps are left before take off.  It's almost like a pre-vacation, but without the gorgeous weather, flip flops and bikinis. Mmm-kay, maybe not quite. (damn you MN winter!)
Today has been spent doing laundry and packing (including my fav little striped top I just got from Mainstream Boutique in Savage... check it out below) and while I can't quite bring myself to post spring looks yet, I figured adding some skirts, short sleeves and cold-shoulder tops would satisfy my vaca dreaming until we actually get to go. Here's hoping!
Mainstream Boutique in Savage has already gotten in some SUPER cute spring styles.  Like I said previously, not quite ready to post Spring looks, but that doesn't mean I'm not ready to do a bit of warmer weather shopping!  So get in there and check out the cute dresses, short sleeves and springtime accessories!  Until then, enjoy this little sneak peak as I s-l-o-w-l-y work my way into Spring styles. (PS: Prepare yourself because once I get home from vacation, it's warmer weather clothes only!)


Take a peek at these adorable looks, all available at Mainstream Boutique in Savage.


The "cold shoulder" tops are super in this spring and I have a few here to show you.  This lightweight, soft grey tee has the cutest shoulder cutout. Pair with some of the newest destructed denim at Mainstream (super comfy and has a great fit) and some lovely little accessories (tassels are also trending) and you'll be set to meet up with friends, chase after kids, etc and you'll look totally cute doing it.

Jeans: $89, Top: $44, Bracelet: $42, Earring/Necklace: $28, Bootie: $49

I totally dig this top. I'm a sucker for a nautical anything and so there was no way this wasn't going to end up in my closet.  Pair it with a flowy white skirt, some navy cropped pants or my fav jeans from Mainstream Boutique in Savage.  These navy you & me flats are only $21!

Jeans: $89, Top: $58, Flats: $21

This outfit is one of my favs!  I love the bow detail on the back and the lace detail peeking out from under the sweater.  I grabbed a pair of high waisted leggings to style with this and it was as comfortable as it is cute.

Leggings: $36, Sweater: $89, Necklace: $32, Booties: $42

This white tunic-y top looks so fresh. I belted it to bring in my waist a bit and again, paired with high waisted leggings.  If you have yet to try a pair of the high waisted leggings at Mainstream Boutique in Savage, they are a muffin tops BFF.  For real.  They just pull everything in tight and give you a nice slim look.  I can't imagine saying no to them!
The necklace has an inspiring little quote on there AND looks cute.  I notice these are super hot these days and they have so many accessories with encouraging words in the store.  Give them a look next time your in!

Leggings: $36, Shirt: $64, Belt: $18, Necklace: $22, Booties: $49

Finally, this lightweight long sleeve top has such a pretty look to it.  I tucked it into this long skirt with a bit of ruched detail on the side.  Super cute for work or a casual date night. Effortless and adorable.

Skirt: $64, Shirt: $66, Necklace: $36, Booties: $52

I will be taking a few weeks off due to vacation, but you can follow along with me at SnapChat (username: hautedishhwife) and Instagram @hautedishhousewife
I hope you enjoyed looking at these outfits as much as I loved getting them together and posting them for you to check out.  If you see something you love, stop on by Mainstream Boutique in Savage if you're close by!  Experience that unbeatable customer service first hand.  Otherwise, give the ladies a call at (952) 440-4020 and they're more than happy to help you out and ship you your purchases.  Not only are they sweet... they're quick to ship because they know you're excited to get your new stuff.
 You can also follow them on Instagram @mainstreamboutiquesavagemn

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife or on Twitter and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways

New Jeans & Sweaters & Flannel... Oh My!

Confession: I'm an over-thinker.  I analyze every thing, every time.  It's no different when I shop.  I always want to be sure I'm getting what I want, what's in style and at a good price.  I certainly don't like over paying for anything, but I'm willing to pay a bit more for a better quality and fit of clothing.  I look for deals, coupons, and sales when I can, splurge when I need and love when I can add something new to my closet. (speaking of deals and discounts, follow Mainstream on FB https://www.facebook.com/MainstreamBoutiqueSavageMn/?fref=ts and claim their 20% off up to 2 items coupon this month.  Their monthly deals are the best!)


I went to Mainstream Boutique in Savage this week after what felt like such a long time.  I had taken some time off for the holidays while the kids were home from school so I could focus 100% on family and we had SO much fun.  However, it felt really good to be back.  While I was away they got in some fabulous new Jag jeans.  They are so comfortable and have a great fit.  I saw a beautiful dove grey sweater that I seriously fell in love with and some new flannels as well.  If you've been paying attention at all, you know by now my love for a cute flannel with a flattering fit. There's more... check it out!




This tunic was absolutely adorable. The fit was great and the suede pockets and neckline made me love it even more.  We styled it with the new jean jacket they got in, some grey high-waisted leggings and a lovely necklace with the cutest charms. Don't forget the fringe booties! 

Leggings: $36, Tunic: $42, Jacket: %89, Booties: $42, Necklace: $48

I'm. In. Love. This alluring sweater is soft, the color is just gorgeous and the fringe detail is pretty irresistible.  I styled this with a simple black tank and some of Mainstreams newest leggings they got in. They're a bit thicker (not lined, just a thicker fabric) that would be perfect to wear to work.  Add some tall black boots, a trendy necklace and you're set.

Leggings: $74, Tank: $28, Sweater: $69, Boots: $79, Necklace: $24

EEEEEK!  YES!  New jeans at Mainstream Boutique in Savage!  These are the perfect amount of destructed and the denim is soft which makes them completely comfortable to wear.  The shirt has cute plaid pocket detail and elbow patches and elbow patches are a weakness of mine as well.  Swoon.

Jeans: $89, Top: $36, Booties: $52, Scarf: $14

Flannel. Beanie. Jeans that have become my fast favorite.  I mean... I'm really not sure what else to say here.  Those are pretty much all my favorite things wrapped up into one outfit, sooooooo....
I'm gonna just stand here while you look at the cutest Midwest casual outfit ever.

Jeans: $89, Flannel: $42, Booties: $49, Beanie: $12

Athleisure is a thing, you guys, and I'm THRILLED about that.  Let's be real here... I'm NOT athletic.  (I wish I was, but I'm just not) But I do like leisurely things so this is totally up my alley.  It makes me look like I might work out, right?  Plus it's soft and has thumb holes which I really dig.  My daughter has a "thing" with shirts with thumb holes that I never understood until I tried this on. It's cute and cozy and you just need to have one. 

Jeans: $89, Top: $66, Booties: $52

Last, but certainly not least, is this suuuuuuuper cute shirt.  It's perfect with jeans and the detail is heart worthy, for sure.  The beautiful blue in this gorgeous necklace matches the blue detail in the shirt perfectly and I LOVE this bag.  It also brings out the color in the shirt and I thought it all just pulled everything together 100%.  The accessories at Mainstream Boutique in Savage are all unique, gorgeous and you must check them out.

Jeans: $89, Top: $46, Booties: $42, Necklace: $28, Handbag: $42

I hope you enjoyed looking at these outfits as much as I loved getting them together and posting them for you to check out.  If you see something you love, stop on by Mainstream Boutique in Savage if you're close by!  Experience that unbeatable customer service first hand.  Otherwise, give the ladies a call at (952) 440-4020 and they're more than happy to help you out and ship you your purchases.  Not only are they sweet... they're quick to ship because they know you're excited to get your new stuff.
 You can also follow them on Instagram @mainstreamboutiquesavagemn

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife or on Twitter and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

About once a week at our house we have a Mexican food night.  While regular ground beef tacos seem to be the favorite with the kiddos, a gal needs to switch things up now and then. (Please see previous posts for an easy, delicious crockpot cilantro lime chicken tacos recipe as well as chicken enchiladas your family are sure to love) I was going through some of my recipes the other night and came across one for chicken tortilla soup.  Bingo!  It was one of those recipes I've made before, was a hit with my husband & I but the (picky) kids seemed a bit young for it so unfortunately it got lost in the shuffle.  Thank goodness now that they are a bit older, they are willing to try more things.  (It helps that this recipe is topped with shredded cheese and tortilla chips... they dug right in!)  Another wonderful thing about this recipe is that you can freeze it.  I LOVE freezable soup recipes and I'm quite picky about them because I don't like the ones where the consistency changes after it thaws.  Ew. Thankfully that won't be an issue with this chicken tortilla soup.  You can also pack it up in a thermos for the kids, along with baggies of some broken up tortilla chips & shredded cheese and they'll get to enjoy a wonderful hot lunch from home while they're at school. 
To make this meal even easier, grab yourself one of those mouthwatering whole roasted chickens from the deli section of the grocery store (I've found Costco is cheapest at about $4.99 for a whole chicken) and start shredding!   I use about 3/4 of the meat for the soup and save the rest to make chicken and cheese quesadillas to go along with the soup.  (I add caramelized onions to my quesadillas, because... yum!) You can do whatever you want!  If you don't want to make quesadillas with it just add all the chicken to the soup and you'll just have a heartier soup.  If you choose to make this earlier in the day, a crockpot can cook it as well or just be used to keep it warm until dinner.
Thinking ahead, this would also make another wonderful meal to bring friends that could use a night off.  (I always try to think outside the box and do something other than lasagna. While it's definitely a fav and much appreciated, I seem to fall into a "lasagna trap" and use that as my go to, every time.  Good to switch it up!) Whether it's celebrating the life of a new baby and a mom that needs a break, or even mourning the loss of a family member or friend, a ready meal is something that gives that person one less thing to worry about.
So whether you choose to top this already amazing Chicken Tortilla Soup with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, avocado or sour cream, I'm confident that you'll really enjoy it.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

*shredded or cubed chicken (about a pound or so)

*one (15oz) can of diced or crushed tomatoes, whichever you prefer

*one (10oz) can of mild enchilada sauce

*one medium onion, chopped

*one (4oz) can chopped green chilis

*2 cloves garlic, minced

*2 cups of water

*one (14oz) can chicken broth

*one tsp cumin

*one tsp chili powder

*one tsp salt

*1/4 tsp black pepper

*one bay leaf

*one (10oz) package of frozen corn

*one Tbls chopped cilantro (or use cilantro paste if fresh isn't available)

*6-7 corn tortillas

*vegetable oil

Saute onion and garlic with a teaspoon of veg oil in a soup pot.  Add chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, chilis, water, broth and dry seasonings.  Once mixed, stir in corn and cilantro.  Bring to a simmer and then turn down to low.  Let cook for about 45 minutes or so, or throw into a crockpot on low for about 6 hours. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Preheat oven to 400.  Brush both sides of the corn tortillas with vegetable oil and lay on a baking sheet.  Grab a pizza cutter and cut into strips.  Bake until you notice they are crisping up... about 8-10 minutes, being careful not to burn.

Sprinkle tortilla chips over soup and serve with delicious toppings of your choice. ENJOY this easy to throw together, incredible meal! 

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife , Snap Chat username: HauteDishHWife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife for more food, fashion and family.