My Favorite Recipes: Meet Hannah Shepherd

Hannah Shepherd was born in Vancouver, Wash. She is the oldest of three daughters and has lived a large portion of her life in Whitman County. Hannah travels back to the west side of the state often to visit the extended family who has remained there, including more than 35 cousins. Hannah graduated from Saint John-Endicott High School in 2013.

Hannah fondly remembers many long, summer days in Whitman County that were spent going to the library. Hannah loves reading and writing in her spare time. She now holds her dream job of working at the Colfax branch of the Whitman County library. She has a passion to help others learn and express themselves through reading and writing and looks forward to helping others create their own positive experiences in the library. Hannah is a self-proclaimed introvert who relishes nothing more than snuggling up with a good book, but when she isn't enjoying her favorite pastime, she appreciates her time spent with family while boating on the lake.

Hannah credited her mother for being her biggest inspiration and teaching her so much through her example, stating that her mother is the hardest working and most selfless person she knows. She is also grateful her mother has demonstrated confidence by being assertive enough to set boundaries and speak her mind, but gentle enough to teach compassion and service to those around her. Hannah aspires to be the kind of woman that her mom is. Hannah hopes to inspire others to be comfortable with themselves. She related that the biggest lesson she keeps learning over and over is that it is okay (and in fact, feels that it is much better) to take steps in life at your own pace. She continued that she is learning that everyone doesn't have to grow at the same pace in exactly the same way. Hannah advised, "You just take the next step when you are ready. Be kind to yourself and know that you'll get there and you'll be more grateful and prepared when you do." Hannah chose to share one of her favorite family recipes that was often served at their gatherings.

Recipes

Chicken Stroganoff

2-3 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cube of margarine or Butter

1 Packet of Italian salad dressing mix

2 8 oz. cream cheese bars

2 Cans cream of mushroom soup

2 Cups milk

Egg noodles or rice

Thaw chicken breasts (if frozen) and cut into cubes, then toss into slow cooker or crockpot with butter and dressing mix. Cook mixture on high for 3.5 hours. Turn down to medium, then add cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk, letting it cook for 30 min. In the meantime, boil preferred amount of egg noodles or rice. Finally, stir crockpot ingredients until combined into a sauce, then pour on top of noodles or rice. Makes enough for a family of 5 with tons of leftovers. This recipe is almost better as leftovers than fresh.