We recently came through a historic winter storm here in the U.P. The kind that knocks the power out before dawn and leaves everything buried in white.
We were without electricity for hours, relying on the woodstove, a stubborn generator, and plenty of grit to keep things warm. No lights, no running water, but we had heat, lanterns, and Starlink humming , thanks to John’s determination. The storm was fierce, but we rode it out the way Yoopers do. ❄️
A bright, comforting skillet dinner with a side of real‑life gratitude
Some recipes come from cookbooks. Others come from the life you’ve lived. The people who steady you, the seasons you’ve weathered, and the quiet strength that resonates in the everyday.
This dish is a little bit of both.
Ingredients
- 4–5 chicken breasts
- 1 stick of butter
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- Juice + zest of 2 lemons
- 2 containers mushrooms, halved
- 3 tablespoons capers
- Lemon pepper
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts generously with lemon pepper.
- In a cast‑iron skillet, melt half the stick of butter and brown the chicken — about 4 minutes per side over medium heat.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. Deglaze the pan with about 3/4 of the lemon juice. Add the remaining butter, garlic, onion, and mushrooms. Let everything mingle on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Nestle the chicken back into the pan and bake for 20–30 minutes.
- Finish with the remaining lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers.
- Serve immediately and enjoy that bright, buttery goodness.
*We had roasted broccoli on the side. It would also be great with fresh dill, olives, and artichokes.
💛 A Little Life to Go With the Lemon
One thing I’ve learned after five decades on this earth is this: life feels a whole lot steadier when you’re walking beside someone with a servant’s heart.
Find yourself a partner who can run a tractor, handle a chainsaw, and meet the world with grit and grace. Someone who is always there. Whether that’s through years of service in law enforcement, the military, EMS, or simply being the person who answers the call when the wind blows a little too hard and the driveway fills a little too fast. If there’s a K‑9 in the mix, that’s extra credit.
People like that don’t brag. They don’t posture. They just do. And when their tractor or chainsaw breaks down, somehow there’s always a whole community of like‑minded folks ready to roll up their sleeves and help.
I’m not built with that same unshakable strength, and that’s okay. I’m the yin to his yang. We balance each other. We make a good team.
If you’ve got an unbreakable love story, the kind built on partnership, not perfection, I’d love to hear about it.
Remember, take care of yourself, and each other. ❤️
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Produce with Amy 