CROCK POT ITALIAN CHICKEN & CARROTS

Steps:

• 1. MOST IMPORTANTLY PUT ON YOUR "JUST A PINCH APRON"
• 2. Soak or Brine CHICKEN 1 to 1 1/2 hours. In a pot put in the KOSHER or TABLE SALT and COLD WATER to almost the top of the pot. Stir the SALT/WATER mixture. Put in the 6 CHICKEN PIECES making sure they are completely submerged in the SALT/WATER mixture. Soak or brine for 1 to 1 1/2 hrs. FYI: Brining helps to remove all excess blood from the chicken and it keeps the chicken pieces moist and tender. Brining or salting is a way of increasing the moisture holding capacity of the chicken resulting in a moister product when it is cooked. Salt changes the structure of the muscle tissue in the chicken, which allows it to swell and absorb water and flavorings that results in a tender chicken and less shrinkage once cooked. Brining is also good for meat, poultry and/or pork.
• 3. While the chicken pieces are brining you can begin preparing your meal. Before starting to cook I like to gather and measure all my ingredients to make sure I have everything needed to prepare the meal. If you are like me and like to be organized the next thing I do is gather all the cooking utensils, pots and pans, etc I will be using.
• 4. Turn crock pot on LOW and begin placing into it the following ingredients: OLIVE OIL to just cover the bottom of the crock pot, DO NOT OVER FILL or your dish will be too greasy Spread evenly in crock pot the GARLIC and ONION to soak in the Olive Oil for 15 -20 minutes. This process really does enhance the flavor of the Garlic and Onion After soaking the Garlic and Onion turn the crock pot to HIGH Evenly spread the CARROTS around the crock pot Evenly spread the ITALIAN DICE TOMATOES and the juice from the can around the crock pot Take each CHICKEN PIECE individually and rinse it good under cold water Evenly lay the CHICKEN PIECES around the crock pot. Try to make it one layer and not put one piece on top of another Spread evenly the HUNT'S TOMATO SAUCE making sure each CHICKEN PIECE is covered with the sauce
• 5. IN A MEDIUM MIXING BOWL ADD THE FOLLOWING MEASURED INGREDIENTS: Measure FRESH OREGANO into the palm of your hand then rub your hands together letting the ground ingredient fall into the mixing bowl Measure FRESH BASIL LEAVES into the palm of your hand then rub your hands together letting the ground ingredient fall into the mixing bowl Add to the bowl the PARSLEY, ITALIAN SEASONING, GARLIC POWDER, SALT and PEPPER. Mix all the ingredients together well then sprinkle evenly over the tomato sauce in the Crockpot Place 1 BAY LEAF down into the sauce on each end of the crockpot. Pour the WATER around the edges of the Crockpot evenly. Cover the Crockpot with the lid and let cook for 4 hrs stiring occassionally.
• 6. After 4 hours prepare a pot of water on the stove adding some VEGITABLE OIL so that the PASTA doesn't stick together and a few shakes of TABLE SALT. When the water comes to a boil add in the PASTA. Cook PASTA to the desired consistency. Once the PASTA is cooked pour it into a collander to drain off any excess water.
• 7. To serve place the Pasta on the plate in the center fanning out the Pasta to cover the plate. Spoon out sauce with Italian Diced Tomatoes, 5 Baby carrots and onions and put on top of Pasta. With a slotted spoon take out a piece of Chicken and place it in the center of the Pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese and enjoy!!!