Creative living: Freekeh grain, fantasy film to be featured

Information on cooking with Freekeh grain and working with Fantasy Film will be the featured topics on "Creative Living" 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and noon Thursday.

Bonnie Matthews is the co-founder of Freekeh Foods, and she says that Freekeh is the perfect whole grain for vegetarians because it's flavorful and still provides an abundance of nutrients, such as protein and fiber that can be difficult to find as a vegetarian. She's from Minneapolis, Minn.

Barbara Trombley is president of Art Institute Glitter, Inc., and she's going to show how to work with a product called fantasy film, and make lots of "things with wings" — and they are quick and easy to make. She lives in Cottonwood, Ariz.

Information on reverse appliqué, making swirl decorated cakes and incorporating fabric and crayon art in designs will be the featured topics on "Creative Living" noon Tuesday and 2 p.m. Saturday.

Kim Deneault is a designer and the owner of Raggedy Reverse Applique in Lincolnton, N.C. Deneault will show 17 patterns featuring a reverse appliqué technique, which can be used on various garments and home décor items.

Nancy Siler is the vice president of Consumer Affairs with Wilton Enterprises in Woodridge, Ill., and she will demonstrate how to make an easy swirl buttercream cake. It is an impressive decorating technique, and one that is simple to do.

Patsy Shields is the director of Education with Sulky of America. She will show how ordinary crayons can create works of art. Combined with snips of fabric, Shields will show how to create a unique mix of color and design on a variety of projects. She's from Sellersburg, Ind.

Lemon chicken with dill, carrots and freekeh

• 1 8-ounce package cracked freekeh (1 cup) (Original or Tamari Freekeh work well)
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2-3 cups carrots diced
• 4-6 garlic cloves, diced
• 4 tablespoons Earth Balance® or butter
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 3-4 chicken breasts, whole, skinless, boneless
• 1 bunch fresh dill (about 1 cup), chopped
• juice of 2 lemons or about 4 tablespoons
• fresh cracked pepper and salt to taste

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in carrots, onions and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add Earth Balance® or butter to skillet and add in uncooked freekeh. Stir to coat freekeh. Add chicken broth.

Place chicken in the liquid with the freekeh and vegetables. Top with the dill and the juice of one lemon. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is done. Add a little dill and cracked pepper, plus the rest of the lemon juice and serve. Serves 4.

"Creative Living" is produced and hosted by Sheryl Borden. The show is carried by more than 118 PBS stations in the United States, Canada, Guam and Puerto Rico and is distributed by Westlink, Albuquerque.