It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home; a place where family traditions are passed down and cherished memories are made. For the Jeffares family, that sentiment couldn’t be more true.
Ashley and her husband, TJ, have been married for nearly two decades and are raising three daughters: Kelsi (15), Klaira (12), and Kendall (8). Their household stays busy with volleyball, dance, piano, and guitar lessons, and the older two girls have even begun exploring their entrepreneurial spirit. Kelsi operates a balloon, sign, and custom crochet business, while Klaira sells homegrown vegetables and fresh chicken eggs.
One constant throughout their lives has been the strong presence of Ashley’s parents.
“My girls have always been very close to my parents and love spending time with them,” Ashley said. “They enjoy swimming in their pool, spending days on the lake in their pontoon boat, camping, playing ping pong, and learning how to sew and cook. My parents are always at the girls’ events and are incredibly supportive of everything they do.”
That support extends far beyond attending games and performances. Ashley’s mother, LaShanne, has become known for a tradition that has blessed the entire family: Monday Night Dinners.
“A few years ago, my mom asked what she could do to help us get through our busy weeks, and she came up with the idea of cooking dinner once a week,” Ashley said. “She’s been making Monday Night Dinners for several years now.”
The weekly tradition provides more than just a meal—it offers an opportunity for family connection in the midst of hectic schedules.
“On the other nights, when we aren’t grabbing something between activities, I cook at home for our family,” Ashley said.
“I’m always looking for quick, easy recipes that are both healthy and family-friendly.”
One of their favorites is “Granny Shan’s Chicken and Dumpling” recipe. It is a great meal to enjoy during cooler weather, when you are under the weather or when you need a slow afternoon to connect with those you love.
For the Jeffares family, the kitchen remains much more than a place to prepare food. It is where generations gather, relationships are strengthened, and memories continue to be made—one Monday night dinner at a time.
Granny Shan’s Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 3 bone-in chicken breasts
- 1 stick butter
- 3½ cups self-rising flour, sifted
- ¾ cup Crisco
- Salt and pepper
- Water
- 2 cups of Milk
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken & Broth: Place the chicken breasts in a crock pot and season with salt and pepper. Add enough water to just cover the chicken. Cook on low for 8 hours. Remove the chicken from the crock pot. Discard the bones and shred the meat.Strain the broth and set aside. Pour the strained broth into a large stockpot and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add enough water to bring the liquid level to about one-third of the pot. Add milk until the pot is about two-thirds full. Stir in 1 stick of butter and bring to a gentle boil.
Make the Dumplings: Place the sifted flour in a large mixing bowl. Cut the Crisco into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add 1 cup of the reserved broth and mix. Continue adding small amounts of broth as needed until a soft dough forms. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into strips. Roll each strip loosely and pinch off pieces about 2 inches long. Drop the dumpling pieces into the boiling broth one at a time.
Finish: Reduce heat to a steady boil and cook the dumplings for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
