Local Montgomery mom Kandace Besteder shares one of her favorite recipes, which has become a staple in her home. She enjoys parenting and motherhood and is the Experience Montgomery and Community Development Coordinator at the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. Kandace has two sons: Jeremiah (12) and Jayden (10).
Her passion for cooking traces back to childhood moments spent in the kitchen with her mom, who used to let her taste the cake batter after she finished preparing cakes for family and friends. Although Kandance doesn’t recall the exact age she began learning how to cook and her way around the kitchen, her mother introduced her as a young girl, and she continues to teach her throughout her adult years. Also, memories of being a taste tester for Grandmother’s collard greens and black-eyed peas fueled her love for cooking.
As a parent now, she cooks to ensure her children maintain a healthy diet in their active sports lifestyles. With a busy schedule and being a mother to active boys, her go-to quick meal is Crockpot Ranch Chicken, an effortlessly prepared and delicious dish that caters to her on-the-go schedule and satisfies her boys. She enjoys pairing rice and vegetables to go along with this recipe.
“So many times, mothers are looking for work-life balance. For me, this balance definitely includes a crockpot. Also, my boys are at an age where they want to help and learn to cook themselves. I see these as teaching moments to work on math and reading while having quality time.”
Besides her trusty crockpot, Kandance shares, “My favorite cookware to use is Emeril and Rachel Ray, especially my durable Emeril cookware set, which has served me well for over 15 years.” Also, she enjoys Danni’s Juke Joint Comfort Food and Taste of Home cookbooks.
Many families have a night of tradition in their homes, which is memorable and bonds the family. In the Besteder household, Monday nights are family dinner nights dedicated to sitting together without electronics. Amid hectic schedules, they prioritize this time for conversation and connection.
Go-To Crockpot Ranch Chicken
Ingredients:
Chicken breast
Seasoning salt
1 packet Ranch seasoning dry mix
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 can of water
Instructions:
Cut chicken breast into half lengthwise to make cutlets (this makes a thinner breast). Season with your choice of seasoning salt and add to the crockpot. Add dry ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken and mushroom soups, and one can of water. Cook on low for six hours or high for three hours. Add chicken to the plate and pair with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
