Nonnie's Chicken (Come to Me - Celine Dion)

This post is inspired by the concept of Musical Nutrition and the song, "Come to Me" by Celine Dion.

A Prayer for my Grandchildren:

Dear God, you knew how lonely I would become one day when our children would all grow up, get married, and move away. So, you gave us grandchildren to visit our lonely nest, bringing youth back into our lives, and our later years to bless. Bless them, and watch over them. Safe and happy may they be. Thank you for my grandkids, Lord. They mean so much to me.

- Ron Tranmer

Having grandchildren has been one of my life’s greatest pleasures. Each one of them has their own unique gifts that I know will add value to this world. Having a child in my teens was challenging, and I took parenthood for granted. I knew I wanted more than to just be a mom. I wanted to have a career and be successful. Although I did the best I could as a parent at such a young age, my priorities were not in the right place. I was young and selfish and now realize the importance of giving time to a child, especially when it comes from a grandparent.

“There’s no greater music than the sound of my grandchildren laughing.” - Sylvia Earle

There’s no greater joy than holding your newborn grandchild, knowing that they have come from your own children. It’s an incredible feeling knowing that these little creatures are a part of you and that you get to make up the lost time from when you took parenting for granted.

I’ve learned so many things from being a grandparent. From the moment their sweet eyes looked up at me, I knew I had moved into another passage of life. I was a grandparent, my children were parents, and life would never be the same. I’ve also learned some very important facts about myself as a grandmother, or as a Nonnie or Nonna as my grandkids prefer to call me. When I first held them as newborns, there was a rush of completeness in my heart causing tears of joy to spill over my eyes. I had completed my role as a parent, my prayers were answered, and I was overcome with gratefulness.

Having grandchildren has taught me that genetics are more than the color of eyes, shape of hands, or facial structure. It’s also personality, wit, and talent that passes through generations, connecting family traits. Being a grandmother has also taught me the importance of staying youthful. I treat my body with the respect my age demands. I search inwardly on ways to teach my grandkids about taking care of their own bodies by eating healthy and being kind to others. AND most importantly, to have confidence within! I want them to grow up knowing they have the power to do whatever it is they want to do in this life.

I’ve also learned that it’s okay to share our grandchildren with other grandparents and extended family. Our children are from multiple and blended families. I want my grandchildren to have many people that love them and know we can all be a part of their precious lives.

And lastly, I have come to realize that I am the grandparent, not the parent. I can help and support my grandchildren and be there when needed, but unless asked, my children are the ones raising my grandchildren, and I respect their parenting styles. Truly, being a grandparent is my reward for getting older 😊

My grandchildren love this recipe and named it Nonnie’s Chicken.

I hope your family loves it as much as mine!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

• ¾ cup Mayonnaise

• 1 ½ cups Panko Bread Crumbs

• ½ Tbsp Garlic Powder

• 1 Tbsp Brown Mustard

• ½ Tbsp Onion Powder

• Salt and Pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Cut chicken into 1” strips going with the grain of the meat. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Prepare two bowls. In the first bowl, mix bread crumbs, garlic oowder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Place mayonnaise in the second mixing bowl.

4. Dredge the cut chicken into mayonnaise, then dredge in seasoned panko mixture.

5. Place coated chicken in a single layer on the parchment paper lined baking sheet, leaving room between each tender.

6. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, turn each piece, and bake for 15 more minutes.

7. Tenders will be lightly browned and delicious. Sprinkle with thyme (optional) and serve with Sriracha mayo or sauce of your choice!