Toasty Chicken Squares

It's a big weekend here in our little town. They are having the annual carnival that draws more people here than any other event. We've spent the last couple of days down there in the sweltering sun, eating corn dogs and funnel cakes, and listening to some really great bands. The best part, in my opinion, is people watching. You don't get to do too much of that here in a population of 3,000, but this weekend there's plenty of variety when it comes to people. You see some really funny things....

In anticipation of running in and out, I made a whole chicken in the crock pot to shred up and use later. There are just SO many recipes that use cooked chicken, and this makes it so I can still make a decent meal, but in a pinch. I like these chicken squares because they can be used as a satisfying appetizer or you could serve it with soup or fruit and call it a meal!

Toasty Chicken Squares
In a medium saucepan, combine:
2 c. grated cheddar cheese
2 c. shredded cooked chicken
2 T. butter, chunked up
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 T. Dijon mustard
3 T. white cooking wine
2 T. all-purpose flour
2 t. garlic powder
salt/pepper to taste



Cook the ingredients on med-high until the cheese is melted and everything is combined. Stir hard with a wooden spoon to make the mixture nice and creamy. Remove from heat and let cool completely (this is important because if you don't let it cool, the toast will get soggy).


Toast 6 slices of bread (Texas toast works great!). Lay them on a cookie sheet and top with chicken mixture. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese on top:



Bake in a preheated 450 degree oven for 5-10 minutes, until cheese is a bit bubbly and it's toasty and hot. Slice in halves and serve.



As I mentioned, we live in a very small town. We also live in a super quiet, peaceful neighborhood, where our family is by far the youngest. Last night, however, our street turned into a crime scene!

We were outside with Sam and two of his buddies, sitting around a fire. Suddenly a police officer appeared, carrying a big rifle, and said, "Sir, can you please take your family inside and stay in there? We have an emergency situation!"

Everyone ran in, straight to a window to see what in the world could be happening. There were police cruisers (with lights going) parked all over the street, and worse yet, armed police officers running all around ours and neighboring yards.

Considering the fact that we never see any excitement EVER around here, and just because we are insanely nosy, all 5 of us had our ears pressed to the window screens trying to hear the police radios to see what was going on.

Apparently there was an armed man barricaded in his home a few houses down with a loaded pistol, and some major mental problems. We're not sure of all the details, but suddenly we heard a shot...then another..and one more. The ambulance came screaming down the street and police were running everywhere.

The man had fired 2 rounds at the police, and they fired back and hit him. Soon the life flight helicopter went over our house and off he went. We don't know if he lived or not, but man oh man were we freaked out!

Now, to anyone who lives in a populated city, this might not be eventful. However, to us, it was a big deal! In fact, our street is still blocked off and there are all kinds of agencies down the street investigating!

Tonight Sam is going to a friend's house and Rich and I are going to the carnival to watch an awesome band. I'm really looking forward to it! More people watching and funnel cakes. What more is there?