Mommy Meals!

Sloppy Joe Skillet

2012-01-27T21:39:00.000-08:00

Source: asgoodasgluten.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Sloppy Joe Skillet
Ingredients:
·1 lb. ground beef, browned and grease drained
·1 - 12oz. bag frozen corn kernels
·1 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings
·4 small potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
·½ cup water
·½ cup pickle relish
·¼ cup mustard
·1 cup ketchup

Directions:
Place beef at the bottom of a large skillet. Layer corn, onion, and potato on top. Add water, pickle relish, mustard, and ketchup. Stir together.

Cover and cook on medium-low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.

Review: I added fresh mushrooms with corn, onion and potatoes. I also added cheese and onion. Lastly I seasoned the meat with salt, pepper and all seasoning,

Favorite Friday finds

2012-01-26T22:35:00.000-08:00

Here are this weeks favorite finds:

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Source: joelens.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

French toast kabobs

Source: quick-dish.tablespoon.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Chicken Parm meatball sandwiches

Source: foodnetwork.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

For more great finds check out Finding Joy in my Kitchen

Tony’s Tilapia

2012-01-25T22:28:00.000-08:00

Tony’s Tilapia

Source: eatathomecooks.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Ingredients

6 Tilapia fillets, thawed
1/2 stick Butter, melted
Creole or Cajun seasoning to taste

Instructions

Place the fillets on a foil covered baking sheet.
Pour the melted butter over them and sprinkle with the seasoning. Tony’s seasoning has a nice kick to it, so you might want to go lightly (or heavier if you like it hot).
Bake at 400 degrees for about 17 minutes or until you can flake the fillets with a fork.

Review: This tasted great and was simple to prepare.My family loved this recipe and I loved that it only had 3 ingredients.

Best turkey meatballs and Sauce by Clinton Kelly

2012-01-23T21:08:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1/4 pounds of ground turkey
2 eggs
About 3/4 cup bread crumbs
About 1 tablespoon rosemary (crushed)
6 to 8 big dashes of hot sauce
1/2 large onion (diced)
3 large cloves garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit

2. For the meatballs, mix the ground turkey, eggs, bread crumbs, rosemary, hot sauce, and onion. The mixture is pretty mushy, unlike beef meatballs.

3. Form into 24 meatballs and place on a sheet pan coated with nonstick spray.

4. Bake for about 12 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for another 15 minutes or so.

Ingredients
Some olive oil
3 large cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 large onion (diced)
1 28-ounce can Muir Glen Organic Chunky Tomato Sauce
Some oregano (amount up to you)
Some rosemary (amount up to you)
About 1/2 cup romano cheese
About 8 fresh basil leaves
A dash of sweet vermouth

Instructions:
1. For the sauce, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the garlic, mushrooms, and onions until translucent.

2. Add the tomato sauce and everything else. Let it simmer until the meatballs are done. Add the meatballs and let it simmer some more.

Review: We added mushrooms to the sauce. We also used ground beef once. The sauce is amazing as is the meatballs.

Western Burger

2012-01-23T20:30:00.000-08:00

Source: blogchef.net via Bernadete on Pinterest

Ingredients:
2lbs ground hamburger (we used frozen hamburger patties)
8 frozen onion rings
8 slices bacon
8 tablespoons BBQ sauce(we mixed ours with 1 tsp of mayo)
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 hamburger buns

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Deep fry or bake onion rings according to package directions (if deep drying drain on paper towels). Set aside. Add bacon to the fry-pan and cook until crispy, drain on paper towels .

Step 2: S Cook hamburger patties until they have reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Within the last few minutes of cooking top each patty with a slice of your choice of cheese (cheddar/pepper jack) Once cheese has melted, remove from the grill.

Step 3: Place the hamburger buns halves onto the grill and cook on the underside until lightly browned. Remove from the grill. Spread BBQ sauce onto both halves on each bun. Top with a hamburger patty, 2 slices of bacon, and 2 onion rings.
Yield: (4 Servings)

Roast beef sandwiches

2012-01-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

Source: centsiblesavings.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

1 can Campbell's® Condensed French Onion Soup
1 tablespoon reduced sodium Worcestershire sauce
3/4 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
4 Pepperidge Farm® Classic Soft Hoagie Rolls with Sesame Seeds
4 slices deli provolone cheese cut in half
1/4 cup drained hot or mild pickled banana pepper rings

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Heat the soup and Worcestershire in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat to a boil. Add the beef and heat through, stirring occasionally.

Divide the beef evenly among the rolls. Top the beef with the cheese slices and place the sandwiches onto a baking sheet.

Bake for 3 minutes or until the sandwiches are toasted and the cheese is melted. Spoon the soup mixture onto the sandwiches. Top each sandwich with 1 tablespoon pepper rings.

Review:These tasted good and was supper easy to prepare but this recipe is my favorite.

Flubber

2012-01-22T15:40:00.000-08:00

Source: sandytoesandpopsicles.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

-1/8 c warm waterfood coloring (optional)
1 c school glue (about 2-1/2 small school bottles)
1 tbsp borax laundry booster (i found it by the OxyClean, it's like $2.00 for a large box)

1. in a bowl mix 2 c warm water, food coloring and glue. stir until glue has dissolved.
2. in another bowl, combine 1/8 c warm water and borax. Stir until borax has dissolved.
3. add borax solution to glue mixture and mix with hands for about 5 minutes (or more).
4. pour out extra water. (if there is some)
5. play with flubber immediately or store in airtight container.

Oh my goodness, Lily enjoyed this activity so much. She was all giggles.

chicken scampi

2012-01-16T20:37:00.000-08:00

Source: alittlebiteoflife.net via Bernadete on Pinterest

CHICKEN

3-4 Boneless, skinless Chicken breasts
3 eggs
1/2 c. Italian Bread Crumbs
1/4 c. grated Fresh Parmesan Cheese
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

SAUCE

1/2 stick Butter (1/4 c.)
1/4 c. Olive Oil
2 Cloves of Garlic
3 Tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 c. Dry White Wine
1/3 c. Half and Half
2 Tbsp. Parmesan Cheese

Cut chicken into 2 x 3 inch (approx.) chunks.

Crack eggs into a bowl and beat. Mix bread crumbs and parmesan cheese in a large plastic bag. Dip chicken chunks in egg and place in bag of bread crumbs. Shake vigorously to coat chicken. Remove from bag and place on a plate. Heat olive oil in a fry pan on medium high heat. (I use an electric fry pan on 350 degrees.) Add chicken and fry on 4-5 minutes on each side until nice and brown. Remove from pan.

Wipe out fry pan and reheat. Melt butter on low heat. Add olive oil and mix together. Add garlic and slowly saute 2-3 minutes. (Be careful not to burn the garlic--it smells and tastes horrible when burned.) Add lemon juice to butter/olive oil mixture and stir. Add chicken and cook in lemon sauce 2-3 minutes.

Add wine and stir. Mix half and half and parmesan cheese and blend into the chicken mixture. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve over pasta.

REVIEW: Made this as stated, oh so good! This dish had an amazing flavor! PERFECT!!

Playdough recipe

2012-01-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

Source: howdoesshe.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Squishiest Playdough Recipe

1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/4 cup salt
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 Tbls. vegetable oil
food coloring (I used 4 drops)=pastel shade

Just dump all the ingredients into your pot and give them a good stir. (little ones can help with this part

As soon as all ingredients are well combined put your pot on the stove and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it forms into a ball.

As soon as it joins into one big glob, take it off the heat place on wax paper. Wait for it to cool, then knead it a few times until it is nice and soft.

Review: This was the greatest recipe... I even found myself playing with it! It was super squishy and oh so fun!

As stated by as she does it...you can use baby food containers for perfect storage!

Homemade Ranch Dressing Seasoning mix

2012-01-15T22:40:00.000-08:00

Homemade Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix

Source: 5dollardinners.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Ingredients
2 Tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp pepper
Directions
Add each of the dried spices to a bowl and gently stir. Store in a resealable plastic baggie or small ball canning jar with tight fitting lid in your spice cabinet.

To make the ranch dressing, whisk together:
1/3 cup mayonaisse with
1/4 cup milk (more or less depending on the consistency you want)
1 Tbsp of the homemade ranch dressing seasoning mix.
Season with salt, to taste. Use immediately and can refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Makes about 4 Tbsp worth of mix. Or use the ratios above and mix up however much you’ll need!

Review: Worked great in the recipe that I needed and was fraction of the cost of the store bought packages!!

Homemade Hot Chocolate

2012-01-15T22:24:00.000-08:00

Source: marthastewart.com via Tonia on Pinterest

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups cocoa
1 tablespoon table salt
Whole milk for serving
Directions

In a large bowl, combine sugar, cocoa, and salt, and whisk to combine well. Store the mixture in an airtight container.

For individual servings, pour 1 cup whole milk into a microwave-safe mug, and microwave on high just until hot. Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa mix, and stir to dissolve. For a larger batch of cocoa, warm the milk in a saucepan set over medium-low heat, taking care not to let the milk boil; as it warms, stir in 2 tablespoons of mix for each cup of milk.

Review: My daughter wanted hot cocoa but I had ran out of store bought mix, so I turned to the Internet and found this recipe. This is a great tasting mix without all the added powder.

"crack" potatoes

2012-01-15T22:19:00.000-08:00

Source: plainchicken.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

2 (16oz) containers sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 (3oz) bags real bacon bits
2 packages Ranch Dip mix
1 large (28 - 30oz) bag frozen hash brown potatoes - shredded kind

Combine first 4 ingredients, mix in hash browns. Spread into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 400 for 45-60 minutes.

Review:I cut the recipe in half and used home made ranch dip mix. This dish had a ton of flavor. It was ultra creamy.

2012-01-15T14:55:00.000-08:00

Carne de Alguidar

1 lb pork, cubed(i used steak cubed)
Massa de Pimentao (Roasted Pepper Paste)
Garlic
Wine
Bay leaf
Salt and pepper

In a bowl, combine the pork/steak, about 2 or 3 tablespoons of the roast pepper paste, garlic (as much as you want), about a cup of white wine, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Give it a good stir.

Cover and let it sit in your refrigerator for about a day.

The next day, put a little bit of olive oil in a skillet, scoop out the meat and fry until brown, add the remaining marinade and cook for a minute or two longer until it evaporates the wine/sauce.

Place the meat in the middle of a serving platter, and arrange homemade fries around it. Sprinkle a little parsley on top and you’re done.

Review:This had great flavor and was oh so delicous. i loved that the flavor of the meat got to the fries!! I let mine marinade for a few days. For more great portuguese recipes check out Full bellies, Happy kids

Avocado-Lime Black Beans Burrito

2012-01-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

Avocado-Lime Black Beans
2 servings

Source: thekitchn.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

1 15-ounce can black beans
1/2 lime, juiced (i used lemon instead)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 small shallot, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin (left it out on accident)Salt and freshly ground black pepper1 avocado, to serve

Directions:

Drain the beans thoroughly. Toss with the lime juice, cilantro leaves, diced shallot, and ground cumin. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Peel and slice an avocado, and serve the beans at room temperature, with 1/2 avocado on top of each serving.

The beans will last for several days in the fridge. You can take a helping of beans in your lunchbox, along with sliced avocado that has been tightly wrapped to protect against browning.

Review: I served my as a burrito with a serving of beans and half an avocado and added a dollop of sour cream. My picky 4 year old loved this dish!

Cheesy Orzo

2012-01-14T17:58:00.000-08:00

Source: foodnetwork.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cans (14 ounces) chicken or vegetable broth or stock
2 cups orzo pasta (enriched rice may be substituted)
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano or Romano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions
1.Preheat a 8 inch pot with a tight fitting cover over moderate heat. Add oil, onion and garlic and saute for 2 or 3 minutes.
2.Add broth to the pan and bring to a boil. Stir in orzo and return broth to a boil.
3. Cover pot and reduce heat to simmer.
4. Cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until liquid is absorbed and pasta tender.
5. Remove lid and stir in cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. You favorite fresh herbs may also be stirred into the orzo or rice to strengthen the flavor even more.

Review: I added in fresh mushrooms with the onion and garlic. While it was simmiring I added olives.I loved the taste of the dish, it was creamy and oh so good. This is a great base recipe!

Brisket

2012-01-14T15:53:00.000-08:00

Source: foodnetwork.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 5-to-6-pound first-cut or flat-cut brisket, cut into 3 pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
1 12-ounce bottle stout beer
4 stalks celery, cut into large pieces
2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup dijon mustard
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon paprika
2 brioche or other rolls, split open and toasted
Coleslaw, for serving

Directions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the brisket with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides, about 10 minutes, adding the garlic in the last 2 minutes. Transfer the meat and garlic to a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker. Pour the beer into the skillet and simmer 30 seconds, scraping up the browned bits from the pan; add the beer mixture to the slow cooker.
Nestle the celery around the meat and add the brown sugar, tomato paste, vinegar, mustard, soy sauce, bay leaves and paprika. Stir, then cover and cook on low 8 hours or on high 6 hours. Transfer the meat to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes, then thinly slice.
Serve on brioche halves with coleslaw; drizzle with the cooking liquid.

Review: currently in the slow cooker. Smells delicous. I combined the ingredients before adding to the c

Duggar's Taco soup

2012-01-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Source: cookingmommy-cookingmommy.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey (I used ground meat)
4oz can green chilies, chopped
1.25oz packet of taco seasoning
1 package dry ranch dressing mix
15.5oz can hominy
3 - 14.5oz cans diced tomatoes, undrained
15oz can kidney beans, undrained
2 - 15oz cans pinto beans, undrained
grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips for serving

Directions
Brown the ground turkey, season as you like (salt, pepper, onion). Stir in the chilies, seasoning mix, ranch dressing mix, hominy, tomatoes, beans, and about 1 1/2 cups of water (I found it didn't really need this with all the other added liquid, so this is optional). Bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
To serve, put crushed tortilla chips in bottom of bowl. Add soup, then top with grated cheddar cheese and sour cream. Your own tacos in a bowl!

Review: The soup was good, we still had plenty leftover over but I felt it needed more spice. I am going to try adding another can of chilies and some chile powder.

Menu Plan week of 1/16/2012

2012-01-13T21:42:00.000-08:00

It is that time again! Meal planning. This week I will try all new meal ideas!Don't forget to check out Organize Junkie for great meal plans

Monday: Clinton Kelly's best Turkey Meatballs

Tuesday:In n Out Burger Recipe

Source: fullbellies.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Wednesday: Salmon

Source: thismommycooks.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Thursday:Easy Chicken Taco Casserole

Source: organizeyourstuffnow.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Friday:Steak Philly Casserole

Source: mmmdinner.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Saturday:Garlic Tuscan Chicken

Source: gourmetdaytoday.com via Erika on Pinterest

Sunday:Ham Casserole

Source: ourrecipeclub.blogspot.com via Kaylie on Pinterest

Friday Finds

2012-01-13T03:49:00.000-08:00

Hey there here are some great finds from around the web:

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Source: mmmdinner.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Source: alattewithotta.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Easy Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Source: organizeyourstuffnow.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Don't forget to check out Finding joy in my kitchen for my great finds!

Southwestern Chicken Bake

2012-01-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

Source: livinglaughingandloving.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Source: i108.photobucket.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

This was a great recipe...plenty of flavor. I served it with tortillas. This is a great meal with only a few easy ingredients and easy prep time

Menu Planning Week of 1/9/2012

2012-01-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

It is that time again! Meal planning. This week as part of my 5 dinner in one hour I prepared the Southwestern chicken bake and Carne de Augdiara. Enjoy! Remember to check out Organizing Junkie for more great Meal plans!

Monday: Southwestern Chicken bake

Source: livinglaughingandloving.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Tuesday: The Duggar's taco soup

Source: cookingmommy-cookingmommy.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Wednesday: Carne De algudiar

Source: Uploaded by user via Bernadete on Pinterest

from Full Bellies, Happy kids

Thursday: Brisket

Source: foodnetwork.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Friday: Clinton Kelly's best Turkey Meatballs

Saturday: Chicken scampi

Source: alittlebiteoflife.net via Bernadete on Pinterest

Sunday:In n Out Burger Recipe

Source: fullbellies.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Easy Garlic Talapia

2012-01-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

Easy Lemon-Garlic Tilapia:
{Serves 4}

Source: simplyscratch.com via Heather on Pinterest

ingredients:

4 Fresh Tilapia Fillets

Half a Lemon, juiced

3 tablespoon Butter, melted

1 Clove of Garlic, pressed or finely minced

2 tablespoons Minced Fresh Parsley
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

Black Pepper to taste

preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Use a non-stick baking sheet or line with foil.

Pat the tilapia dry with paper towels. Place fillets in baking sheet and set aside.

Quickly press the garlic into a small bowl, and then add the melted butter, juice of half a lemon, the minced fresh parsley and then the salt and pepper. Whisk until combined and then drizzle the garlic butter evenly on top of tilapia fillets, and then brush to cover the entire tilapia fillet.

Bake in preheated oven until the fish is starting to turn opaque, about 6 minutes. Then turn on the broiler on high and broil for 3-5 more minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes when pulled apart with a fork. Serve hot!

Review: This was a good recipe, it had plenty of flavor, but mine needed to cook for a few more minutes to soak in the flavor

Bifanas -Revamped

2012-01-08T21:45:00.001-08:00

Source: fullbellies.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Ingredients
Pork loin chops or pork cubed steaks (you need at least one for each person)
salt and pepper
garlic powder
paprika
bay leaf
white wine
Portuguese Rolls (or any other roll that is thick and doughy)

Season chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Place in a shallow bowl cover with white wine and place bay leafs in the marinade. Refrigerate and Marinate overnight.

When you're ready to cook, boil pork chops in wine sauce for about 3-5 minutes In a large stock pot. Remove from stock pot. Then add some olive oil to a skillet and brown the pork steaks, top with some butter and fry until cooked through and nice and brown.

Review: This is a good recipe, tastes exactly like the ones served at the festas and made at home by my mom. The key is definitely to marinate overnight. Will be a staple in our house now. Thanks Sandra for sharing! The boiling of the pork helps keep them tender but also intensifies the flavor! OH SO GOOD!

Cheddar Bacon chicken

2012-01-08T10:30:00.001-08:00

Source: sandralee.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

1 large onion, peeled and diced large

1 package (16-ounce) diced red potatoes, Reser’s®

1 cup frozen diced green pepper, Pictsweet®

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, rinsed and patted dry

1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt, McCormick®

1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper

1 can (10-ounce) condensed cheddar cheese soup, Campbell’s®

3/4 cup Bass Ale®

3/4 cup bacon crumbles, Hormel®

Fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. In a 5-quart slow cooker, combine onion, potatoes, and green peppers.

2. Season both sides of chicken breasts with garlic salt and pepper. Place in slow cooker on top of vegetables.

3. In a small bowl, stir together cheddar soup, Bass Ale, and bacon crumbles. Pour over chicken. 4. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 31/2 to 41/2 hours. Serving ideas: Serve hot with chive garnish.

Review: This dish had a good amount of flavor and tasted great the next day as well.

Twice Baked Red Potato Casserole

2012-01-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

Source: tasteofhome.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds red potatoes (about 6 medium), baked
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 cups (24 ounces) sour cream
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, sliced

Directions

Cut baked potatoes into 1-in. cubes. Place half in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the salt, pepper and bacon. Top with half of the sour cream and cheeses. Repeat layers.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until cheeses are melted. Sprinkle with onions. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Review: These tasted great.Creamy and oh so good!

Mini pumpkin Pies

2012-01-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

Source: makeandtakes.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

pumpkin pie filling for one 9-inch pie
2 9-inch pie crust doughs – pre-made from a box or I love this recipe from Martha Stewart
bowl or round cookie cutter 4 inches in diameter
muffin tin
whipped cream

Makes 12 mini pumpkin pies

1. Prep your dough. Using a bowl or 4 inch round cookie cutter, cut out 12 circles from your 2 9-inch pie crust doughs.

2. Place each circle into a pre-greased muffin tin. Press them in, letting the sides come up for a fun look. Score the bottom of your dough with a fork to keep the crust from bubbling up as it cooks.

3. Pour your filling into each muffin tin cup. Fill them to the very top. I like to use the recipe for filling from the pumpkin can. But there are a lot of great recipes out there where you can use fresh pumpkin to make your filling. *I did have a little bit of filling left over. I used it with a homemade graham cracker crust recipe*

4. Bake your muffin tin pumpkin pies at 425* for 15 minutes. Then turn your heat down to 350* and bake them for 25-30 minutes. (This is 15-20 minutes less than a regular pie)

5. Let these cool on a wire rack for a couple of hours to let the pumpkin filling set.

6. Add a dollop of whipped cream to each individual muffin tin pie.

Review: These tasted great and were a nice way to dress up pumpkin pie!

Sticky Buns

2012-01-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

Source: all-things-delicious.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

2 small tubes refrigerator buttermilk biscuits OR 1 tube Pillsbury Grands buttermilk biscuits
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
1/2 C. pancake syrup
1/3 C. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 C. chopped pecans, opt.
1/4 C. chopped almonds, opt.

Spray a fluted pan with non-stick spray. Combine the melted butter and syrup in a small bowl and set aside. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if desired).

Place about half of the syrup mixture in the bottom of the pan. Then sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture on top.

Lay the biscuits on the bottom of the pan, overlapping edges (closely together) to form a ring.
I used two tubes of Pillsbury Grands biscuits this morning, but won't do that again. I'll either use the smaller biscuits or one tube of the grands, as stated in the recipe list above. These had to bake for about 30 minutes. Still amazing, but I'll be doing it the other way from now on (the way they're supposed to be made).

Top with remaining syrup and sugar mixtures.

Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool for 1 minute in the pan, then invert onto a serving platter and enjoy!

Review: These were oh so good!

Santa hats

2012-01-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

Source: luxefinds.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Santa Hat Brownies
Adapted from this recipe found on Erica’s Sweet Tooth
Yields 12-16 brownies

Ingredients:
1 pan of your favorite brownies, cooled and cut into desired size and shape (I used a round cutter)
12-16 small strawberries, cleaned and hulled
vanilla-mascarpone buttercream (recipe below)

Mascarpone Buttercream
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
8 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature
2-1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Method:
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat butter and mascarpone cheese until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract and salt. Add 2-1/2 cups of sugar, half a cup at a time and continue beating until smooth. Add more sugar, if needed to reach desired consistency and sweetness.

To assemble, pipe a ring of vanilla buttercream on top of each brownie. Cut off the base of a strawberry so it is flat and place it upside down on each brownie, pushing slightly to secure in place. Top the tip of the strawberry with a dot of buttercream to finish the santa hat

Review: These were easy to make. I used about 2 cups of sugar as it tasted very sweet at this point. Supper festive.

Mini Fruit Pizza's

2012-01-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

Source: lessordinarydesigns.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

2 packages Pillsbury Sugar Cookie dough.
1 block of cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tsp. of vanilla.
1 cup of each of your favorite fruits.

Directions:
1. Bake cookies as directed. Let cool.
2. Mix cream cheese, confectioners sugar and vanilla. Spread on top of cooled cookies.
3. Place desired amounts of fruit on pizza. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Review:made these for Christmas eve. They tasted great and were oh so good!

Menu Plan for 1/2/2012

2012-01-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

Ok now that the holidays are over it is time to get organized and one of the best ways iknow how is to prepare my meals ahead of time.

Monday:Cheddar beer chicken

Source: sandralee.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Tuesday: Hamburgers (from freezer)

Wednesday: Bifans

Source: fullbellies.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Thursdy: Baked chicken Fijats

Source: eatinonthecheap.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Friday:Easy Garlic Lemon Talipia

Source: simplyscratch.com via Heather on Pinterest

Saturday:Chicken Scampi

Source: alittlebiteoflife.net via Alittle on Pinterest

Sunday:Pork Marsla

Source: dinnertimeat.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

No Bake Double Layer Pumpkin Pie

2011-12-29T10:51:00.000-08:00

Source: tastykitchen.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Ingredients
8 ounces, weight Cream Cheese, softened
1 Tablespoon Milk
1 Tablespoon Sugar
1 container Whipped Topping, 8 Ounce Tub Plus Extra For Serving
1 cup Milk
1 can Pumpkin (16 Ounce Can)
2 packages Instant Vanilla Pudding (3.3 Ounce Boxes)
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
½ teaspoons Ginger
½ teaspoons Cloves
1 whole Pre-made Graham Cracker Crust

Preparation Instructions
1. Mix cream cheese, 1 Tablespoon milk and sugar until smooth.
2. Fold in whipped topping.
3. Spread cream cheese mixture into graham cracker crust.
4. Blend 1 cup milk, pumpkin, pudding and spices (mixture will be thick).
5. Spoon pumpkin mixture over cream cheese layer and gently spread.
6. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.
7. Serve with additional whipped topping.

Review: Made this for Christmas . My family and I loved it! Delicious, and creamy. The only thing I found though, was that the cream cheese/whipped topping mixture made a lot, next time I will only mke/put about half in the bottom of the pie shell to leave room for the pumpkin mixture.

Coffee Cake

2011-12-19T22:19:00.000-08:00

Source: bettycrocker.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Cinnamon Streusel

1/3 cup Original Bisquick® mix

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons firm butter or margarine

Coffee Cake

2 cups Original Bisquick® mix

2/3 cup milk or water

2 tablespoons sugar

1 egg

1 Heat oven to 375°F. Grease 9-inch round pan. In small bowl, stir streusel ingredients until crumbly; set aside.

2 In medium bowl, mix coffee cake ingredients until blended. Spread in pan. Sprinkle with streusel.

3 Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.

Caramelized chicken

2011-12-19T22:10:00.000-08:00

Caramelized Chicken

Source: food.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Ingredients:
2 1/2 lbs chicken legs
1 2/3 tablespoons olive oil (to help it stop sticking to the pan)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 2/3 tablespoons ketchup
3/4 cup honey
2 -3 garlic cloves , minced
salt and pepper

Directions:

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.Place chicken in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Mix together the oil, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour over chicken and marinate for 30 min-4 hours.
3. Pour over the chicken.
4. Bake in preheated oven for one hour, or until sauce is caramelized.

Review:I used breasts and basted every 10 minutes.. allowed to cook for an hour. Tasted great!

Chicken Bacon alfredo Bake

2011-12-19T22:06:00.000-08:00

Chicken Bacon Alfredo Bake

Source: bigoven.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

4 each skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 cup olive oil
1 cup Progresso Italian Bread Crumbs
3 tablespoon Mayonnaise
1 cup Colby or Jack Cheese; shredded
1 tablespoon Parmesan
1 tablespoon Fresh parsley; chopped
6 slices Bacon
1 cup Alfredo sauce
Salt and pepper; to taste

preheat oven to 375. Fry (or microwave) bacon until crispy, allow to cool. Heat olive oil on medium in 10" skillet. Rinse chicken breasts; coat generously with bread crumbs; fry in olive oil on medium/high heat until cooked through.

In small bowl, combine parsley, mayonnaise, 1/4 c. of the Colby/Jack cheese, and crumbled bacon. This should make a thick paste; if too thick add little more mayonnaise.

Transfer chicken to baking dish and coat with mixture from bowl. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, drizzle Alfredo sauce over tops and add remaining shredded cheese.

Bake 30-35 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Salt and pepper to taste.

Review:What a great recipe.. simple to prepare!! Had lots of flavor and reheated well!

Italian bean and pasta soup

2011-12-19T21:51:00.000-08:00

Italian bean and pasta soup

Source: williams-sonoma.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Ingredients:

2 cups dried cranberry, cannellini or other small
white beans(canned works fine)
3 Tbs. olive oil
1/2 cup chopped pancetta
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced
4 cups water or chicken stock, or as needed
1 1/2 cups diced canned plum tomatoes
2 tsp. salt, plus more, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 lb. small dried pasta, such as shells or
ditalini
Extra-virgin olive oil for serving
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for serving

Directions:
Pick over the beans and discard any misshapen beans and stones. Rinse the beans, drain and place in a saucepan. Add water to cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain.(If using canned beans as we did please omit this step)

In a Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the pancetta and sauté, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the onions and garlic and sauté, stirring often, until softened, about 8 minutes. Add the water, beans, tomatoes and 2 tsp. salt and bring to a boil.Season with Salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of sage and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer 20 minutes. Add stock and beans cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the beans are very tender, about 30 minutes. add pasta and simmer for 12 minutes.

To serve, ladle the soup into warmed bowls. Top each serving with a swirl of extra-virgin olive oil, some grated cheese and a generous grinding of pepper.

Works for me Wednesday

2011-12-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

I hate dust bunnies on my TV screen, but I have found the perfect solution. Use coffee Filters to clean your TV screens, computer screens and other technology. The best part is that no fibers are left beheind!

Source: unplggd.com via Teresa on Pinterest

Meal Plan for the week of 12/5/2011

2011-12-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

This week is filled with family favorites! Enjoy and remember to check out Orgjunkie.com for more great meal plans.

Monday: Bifanas (Portuguese Pork Sandwiches)

Source: fullbellies.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Tuesday: Pork Marsala

Source: dinnertimeat.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Wednesday:Ranch Turkey Burgers

Source: laaloosh.com via Tiffany on Pinterest

Thursday: Sticky Chicken

Source: newlyweds-blog.com via Jill on Pinterest

Friday: Saucy Mozzerelal Patties

Source: hunwhatsfordinner.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Saturday: Chicken Enchilada Pasta

Source: pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Sunday: Chicken Breast Florintine

Source: maresfoodandfun.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Worked for Me Wednesday

2011-11-30T07:01:00.000-08:00

Hello,
Need an easy way to haul those strawberries? Look no further use a straw!

Source: amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Start at the bottom of the straw and push your way up. As your push the white part and stem of the strawberry will pop it's way up!

Meal Plan 11/28/2011

2011-11-28T03:26:00.000-08:00

Here is this weeks meal plans. This week is filled with another great set of recipes I found by searching pintrest.

Monday: Sticky Lemon Chicken

Source: realmomkitchen.com via Amber on Pinterest

Tuesday:Philly Chessesteak sloppy Joes

Source: tasteofhomecooking.blogspot.com via Amber on Pinterest

Wednesday: Cheddar Beer Chicken

Source: sandralee.com via Rxrx on Pinterest

Thursday:Pork chops with orange soy sauce

Source: tasteofhomecooking.blogspot.com via Brittney on Pinterest

Friday: Parmesan Talipia

Source: food.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Saturday: Ground Beef Enchilida Casserole

Source: food.com via Kristine on Pinterest

Sunday: Double crunch pork chops

Source: rockrecipes.blogspot.com via Celeste on Pinterest

Remember to check out Organize Junkie for more great meal plans

Chicken burrito bake

2011-11-27T21:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my wonderful friend Jen for sharing this very yummy recipe!

Source: food.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

4 c shredded cooked chicken (or shredded pork or black beans)

1 c tomatillo salsa/ salsa verde

2 c shredded mexican cheese (or your own shredded cheese with pinch of cumin).

8-10 flour tortillas (I use whole wheat)

1 jar alfredo pasta sauce

Shredded lettuce or cabbage, avacado, tomato, olives and/or celantro for serving

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Place chicken, salsa and 1/2 c cheese in a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined.

Spoon 1/2-3/4 c of mixture down center of a tortilla. Fold one edge over filling, then roll and place seam side down, in 13x9 in glass or ceramic baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling, placing burritos snigly side by side in baking dish. Place pasta sauce and remaining cheese in mixing bowl and stir to combine. Pour over burritos.

Bake the burritos until the sauce bubbles, 20-25 mins. Remove from oven and let cool 10 mins, then serve. Serve over lettuce or cabbage and top with more salsa or other toppings

Review:These tasted great.I used leftover chicken from the other night and Ragu classic alfredo sauce! great way to use up leftovers!

Soup and Salad Please!!

2011-11-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

Baked Potato Soup

Source: dinnertimeat.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

2 potatoes
3 T. Butter
2 C. chopped white onion
2 T. all-purpose flour
4 C. chicken stock
2 C. water
1 1/2 C. instant mashed potato flakes
1 t. salt
3/4 t. pepper
1/2 t. basil
1/8 t. thyme
1 C. half & half
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 lb. bacon cooked and chopped
2 green onions, chopped

Peel and dice potatoes and boil until almost tender. Drain, Meanwhile, cook bacon and chop onions. Melt butter in skillet and saute onion until tender. Mix one cup of water with 2 T. flour. Add this mixture to the butter/onions. Stir to blend well. It should thicken the mixture some.

Put drained potatoes, chicken stock, 1 cup water and onion mixture in crock pot. Add bacon, half & half, pepper, basil, salt, and potato flakes. Stir.

Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. Serve with cheddar cheese and bacon on top and green onions if desired.

Source: dawnsdiversions.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Cesar Salad Dressing

Romaine lettuce - torn into pieces
Croutons
Fresh Parmesan Cheese

Dressing:
5 garlic cloves - minced
4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
5 drops Tabasco
1 cup oil
1 cup Parmesan cheese
Shake all ingredients together in a jar. Pour over Romaine lettuce and Croutons and then add fresh Parmesan.

turkey meatball sandwich

2011-11-25T02:29:00.000-08:00

Turkey Meatball Subs

Source: oneshetwoshe.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

1 Package (about 20oz) Italian flavored or plain ground turkey
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons fresh parsley
2 tablespoons plain bread cumbs
2 tablespoons milk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups jarred marinara
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic paste
5 hero rolls
5 slices provolone cheese

1. Heat oven to broil. Combine seasoned turkey (if using plain ground turkey, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt,1 teaspoon italian season, 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper) Mix ricotta, parsley, bread crumbs, milk, and egg in large bowl mix gently to combine. Shape into 15 meatballs, 3 tablespoons of mixture for each.
2. Heat 1 tablepoon oil in large lidded non stick skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs, 3 minutes per side. add sauce and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer on low for 13 minutes until cooked through.
3. In small bowl blend 2 tablespoons olive oil and garlic paste and brush inside of rolls. Put rolls under broiler for 2 minutes to toast.
4. Once meatballs are cooked through, tuck 3 meatballs and a spoonful of sauce into each roll and top with a slice of cheese. Return to broiler until cheese is melted.

Review: The meatballs were a little dry, but had good flavor..adding an egg and some more breadcrumbs may help.

Worked for Me Wednesday

2011-11-23T06:56:00.000-08:00

How many of you have pen marks on your microfiber sofa? Get ready because here is the cure..
Rubbing Alcohol.

Just rember to test a specific area first!

Source: chrisandrobinsnest.blogspot.com via Anne on Pinterest

All you have to do is spray a little rubbing alcohol and scrub with a sponge and the dirt will come right off. To make the surface nice and soft again...just use a bristle brush in a circular motion. (Need more detail...check out the above link).

Maple Mustard Pork Chops

2011-11-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

Source: bistrobess.com via Jessie on Pinterest

■1 tablespoon butter
■4 (4-ounce) boneless pork loin chops, trimmed
■1/2 teaspoon salt
■1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
■1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
■1/4 cup pure maple syrup
■2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
■1 small shallot, chopped
■1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle pork chops evenly with salt and pepper; add pork to pan. Cook 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Remove from pan; keep warm.

Add broth to the hot pan, whisking quickly to deglaze (get all the brown bits left behind by the pork into the sauce). Add next 4 ingredients. Bring to a boil, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Return pork to pan; simmer 3 minutes or until pork is done, turning once. Taste for seasoning, add salt and pepper as needed.

Reviw: The meat was a little tough but full of flavor. My two year old loved it!

Meal Plan November 21

2011-11-21T06:23:00.000-08:00

This is this weeks meal plan.. enjoy! Pintrest is such a great resource for recipes!

Monday:Maple Whole Chicken in the crock pot

Source: isthereanywineleft.com via Tiffanie on Pinterest

Tuesday: Maple Mustard Pork chops

Source: bistrobess.com via Sanja on Pinterest

Wednesday:

Source: howsweeteats.com via Tamara on Pinterest

Thursday:Thanksgiving Dinner

Friday:Leftovers

Saturday: Baked Potato Soup in the crock pot

Source: dinnertimeat.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Sunday:Turkey Meatball Sandwiches

Source: oneshetwoshe.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Don't forget to check out Organizing Junkie for more great meal plan ideas.

Angel Chicken

2011-11-21T06:08:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

Source: cleverlyinspired.blogspot.com via Janet on Pinterest

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/2 pounds)

1 8-oz. pkg. fresh button mushrooms, quartered (sauteed First)

1 6-oz. pkg. fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced (sauteed first)

1/4 cup butter

1 0.7-oz. pkg. Italian dry salad dressing mix

1 10-3/4-oz. can condensed golden mushroom soup

1/2 cup dry white wine(I used chicken broth)

1/2 of an 8-oz. tub cream cheese spread with chives and onion

Hot cooked rice or angel hair pasta

Directions:

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Saute mushrooms in two tablespoons of olive oil if desired.

3. Melt butter in sauce pan, add dressing packet, white wine, mix well.

4. Add soup and cream cheese. Stir until it combines and melts.

5. Place chicken on bottom of 9x 12 baking dish add mushrooms and sauce. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 60 minutes.

**To bake in slow cooker add mushrooms to the bottom of the slow cooker, add chicken and sauce. Cook on low for 5 hours.

Review: Amazingly good flavor. My 2 year old asked for more, and after dinner my husband stated " That was a good dinner I liked it." So it's two thumbs way up in my book!

Sweet Potato Fries

2011-11-21T05:50:00.000-08:00

Source: shewearsmanyhats.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Ingredients
1 whole Sweet Potato
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
½ teaspoons Kosher Salt
¼ teaspoons Freshly Ground Pepper
¼ teaspoons Garlic Powder
1 pinch Cayenne Pepper (if You're Down With That)

1. Preheat the oven to 450F.

2. Scrub the sweet potato and cut into 1/2 inch slices (or thinner if you like your fries crispier).

3. In a bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with the olive oil, kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne (if you like-ah some spice-ah).

4. Arrange fries evenly on a cookie sheet and bake for about 20 to 30 minutes minutes, checking after 20 minutes to prevent burning (ovens vary). Flip halfway so they cook evenly.

Review: Simple yet delicious! The kids loved this dish as well!

Nutella Hot Chocolate

2011-11-20T18:13:00.001-08:00

Source: thehungryhousewife.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

NUTELLA HOT CHOCOLATE
1 serving

1 cup milk (I use skim)
2 1/2 Tbsp Nutella
1 Tbsp Cocoa
Tiny pinch of salt

In a small sauce pan over medium heat, whisk all ingredients together until well blended and hot.
Pour in a cup and top with homemade whipped cream and shaved chocolate.

Review: This was soo good.. rich and oh so good!!

Brownie Strawberry Banana Truffle

2011-11-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

Brownie Strawberry Banana Truffle

Source: Uploaded by user via Bernadete on Pinterest

Ingredients
1 box brownie mix
2 pints fresh strawberries
2 bananas, sliced
1 large tub Cool Whip
4 Skor or Heath candy bars, chopped
Instructions
Mix the brownie mix as directed on package, adding an extra egg for cakelike brownies. Spread batter on a greased jellyroll pan and bake for about 20 minutes, or until done.

Wash, hull and slice strawberries, leaving about 5 whole for decoration on top.

When brownies are done, remove from oven. Cool. Cut into bite size pieces. Arrange half of brownie pieces in the bottom of a trifle bowl, or a bowl with deep sides.

Scatter half of srawberries over brownie pieces, arranging some slices along the bowl so that you can see them. Scatter half of bananas over berries, arranging some slices along the bowl so that you can see them. Sprinkle half of the candy bar over. Spread half of Cool Whip over the top. Repeat layering, leaving a few slices of banana and a sprinkling of candy bar bits for decoration on the top.

Review: This was super simple to prpare and was a hit! Just remember to pull the brownies a few minutes early so that they are nice and moist!

Friday Finds

2011-11-18T22:24:00.000-08:00

I am joining Friday Favorites over at Finding Joy in my Kitchen. I love cooking new recipes and pintrest makes it that much easier. Check out these great recipes I found this week!

Turkey Meatball subs:

Source: oneshetwoshe.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Buttermilk baked chicken

Source: sugarandspice-celeste.blogspot.com via Bernadete on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Alexa on Pinterest

Chicken Enchilada spaghetti

Source: howsweeteats.com via Angie on Pinterest

Don't forget to go over to Finding joy in my kitchen to find more GREAT recipes!

Worked for Me Wednesday

2011-11-14T07:10:00.000-08:00

Tired of getting dirt in your face when cleaning ceiling fans? The perfect solution is to use an old pillow case. Place the pillow case on one blade at a time (by feeding it over the blade). Then move it away.. the pillow case will catch all the dirt and fibers.

Source: simplystated.realsimple.com via Lauren on Pinterest

2nd Birthday Party menu

2011-11-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

My little man turns 2 next week. We are having his birthday party this weekend. Here is the meal plan

Birthday Party Menu:

Super Sliders

Source: nobiggie.net via Sonia on Pinterest

24 Hour Fiesta Chicken Salad

Source: recipe.com via Katrina on Pinterest

Baked Potato Salad:

Source: fakeginger.com via Shelly on Pinterest

Rainbow Pasta Salad:

Source: allrecipes.com via Greta on Pinterest

Italian beef Sandwiches

Source: smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Baked Chicken Fajitas

2011-11-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

Baked Chicken Fajitas
serves 4 – 6

Source: eatinonthecheap.com via Erin on Pinterest

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies

1 medium onion, sliced

1 large bell pepper, seeded and sliced

2 T vegetable oil

2 t. chili powder

2 t. cumin

1/2 t. garlic powder

1/2 t. dried oregano

1/4 t. salt

12 flour tortillas, warmed to serve

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 13×9 baking dish. Mix together chicken, tomatoes, chilies, peppers, and onions in the dish.

In a small bowl combine the oil and spices. Drizzle the spice mixture over the chicken and toss to coat.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve with warmed tortillas and enjoy!!

Bacon Ranch slow cooker Chicken

2011-11-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

Bacon Ranch slow cooker Chicken

Source: healthifiedkitchen.blogspot.com via Windsor on Pinterest

Ingredients:

2 butterball turkey bacon strips, cooked and shredded
1 tsp minced garlic
1 package ranch dressing mix
1 10.75 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup (98% fat free)
1 cup fat-free sour cream
16 oz. chicken breasts
8 oz. pasta (I used rigatoni)

Directions:
Combine the first five ingredients. Place chicken in slowcooker and pour sauce over the top. Cook on high for 3.5 hours. Serve over hot noodle

Monte Cristo Sandwich

2011-11-03T05:18:00.000-07:00

Monte Cristo Sandwich from here

Source: realsimple.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Ingredients
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 6-count boxes frozen French toast
1 9-ounce package thinly sliced ham
1 9-ounce package thinly sliced turkey
12 slices Swiss cheese
3 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

Directions

Heat oven to 400° F.

Spread the mustard on 6 pieces of the French toast. Divide the ham and turkey evenly among them and top each with 2 slices of the cheese.

Spread the remaining 6 pieces of French toast with the mayonnaise (if desired) and sandwich together.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Spread ½ tablespoon of the butter on the top and bottom of each sandwich.

Cook 3 sandwiches in the skillet until brown, 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.

Transfer to oven and bake until the cheese is melted and the toast is heated through, about 4 minutes.

Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake

2011-10-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake

Source: None via Erica on Pinterest

8 oz uncooked rigatoni
1 T olive oil
1 c chopped onion
1 (10 oz) pack frozen spinach, thawed
3 c cubed, cooked chicken breasts
1 (14 oz) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained
1 (8 oz) container Philadelphia chive & onion cream cheese
½ t salt, ½ t pepper
1½ c shredded mozzarella cheese

Prepare rigatoni according to pkg directions. Spread oil on bottom of 11x17 in baking dish; add onion in a single layer. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or just until tender. Transfer onion to large bowl, set aside.

Drain chopped spinach well, pressing between paper towels. Stir in rigatoni, spinach, chicken, & next 4 ingredients into onion in bowl. Spoon mixture into dish & sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake covered at 375 for 30 minutes; uncover & bake 15 more minutes or until bubbly.

Lemon Chicken

2011-10-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

Source: thequeenbeeshive.com via Jeanene on Pinterest

Lemon Chicken

1 cube butter
4 chicken breasts
1 package of Italian Seasonings Salad Dressing Mix
Lemon Juice from 2 fresh lemons.

Melt 1 cube butter in fry pan.

Layer on 4 Chicken Breasts, or Chicken Tenders.

Sprinkle with 1 pkg. Italian Seasonings Salad Dressing Mix

Add juice of 2 lemons.

Cook until tender. Put the lid on at first, then take off at the end in order to brown and absorb seasonings.

Can be done in crock pot. (For chicken breast: Cook on Hi: 4-5 hours, on Low: 6-8 hours. When finished cooking, take out, shred chicken with 2 forks, and ladle on the juices.

TGIF's Sizzling Chicken and Cheese

2011-10-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

Source: food.com via Merilee on Pinterest

2-3 chicken breasts
2T Olive Oil
1 tsp chopped Garlic
1/2 cup Mexican cheese
2-3 slices American cheese
mashed potato's (instant or homemade)

-Marinade-
2T Chopped garlic
2T Chopped Parsley
4T Olive Oil
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt

Pepper and Onions
1 green pepper sliced
1 red pepper sliced
1 yellow onion sliced

1 Pound chicken to even thickness and place in bag. Mix together all the marinade ingredients and pour into the bag with the chicken and refrigerate 2-4 hours.

2.Slice the peppers and onions and saute in 1T olive oil or until al dente. Season with salt and pepper.

3.Saute chicken in 1T olive oil over med heat. Cook until golden brown color and no longer pink in the middle. About 6-8 min per side.

4.Make the mashed potato's according to the package and add 1tsp garlic and 1/2 cup Mexican cheese when done. Mix well until cheese is melted.

5.To serve scoop some of the potato's onto a plate and top with a slice of the American cheese. Then top with a scoop of the pepper and onion mixture and top with a chicken breast. Sprinkle with chopped parsley(optional)

White Fish Tacos

2011-10-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

White Fish Tacos

Source: annies-eats.net via Laura on Pinterest

Ingredients:

For the fish:

2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice

3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided

3 tbsp. minced cilantro

¼ tsp. cumin

2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

1 lb. white fish (halibut, cod, tilapia, etc.)

Salt

For the cilantro cream sauce:

Juice of 1 lime

2 tbsp. cilantro, minced

6 oz. nonfat greek yogurt (sour cream is fine too)

1 clove garlic, minced

Pepper, to taste

For serving:

Cherry tomatoes, quartered

Green onions, chopped

Red cabbage, shredded

(Or whatever sounds good to you!)

6-inch flour tortillas

Directions:

Combine the lime juice, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, cilantro, cumin, and garlic in a pie plate or shallow dish. Whisk together until well blended. Place the fish in the mixture, turning to coat. Let marinate 15-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro cream sauce. Combine the lime juice, cilantro, greek yogurt, garlic and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until well blended. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the fish in the pan and cook without disturbing, 3 minutes. Flip the fish and cook on the second side 2-3 minutes more. Remove to a plate, season with salt as desired, and let rest for a few minutes. Shred the fish into bite-sized pieces with two forks.

Assemble tacos on flour tortillas with shredded fish, cilantro cream sauce and toppings as desired.

Cilantro Lime Rice

2011-10-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Source: skinnytaste.com via Jeanie on Pinterest

1 cup extra long grain rice or basmati rice
1/2 lime, juice of
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
3 tsp vegetable oil

In a small heavy pot, add rice, water, 1 tsp oil and salt.

Boil on high until most of the water evaporates. When the water just skims the top of the rice, reduceto low and cover about 15 minutes.

Shut off flame and keep covered an additional 5 minute.

In a medium bowl,combine chopped cilantro, lime juice, rice and remaining oil and toss until completely mixed.

Buttermilk Mushroom pork chops

2011-10-11T22:01:00.000-07:00

Source: delightfulcountrycookin.com via Debra Casteel on Pinterest

Buttermilk Mushroom Pork Chops
6-8 boneless pork chops
salt and pepper
1/4 cup flour
16 oz. mushrooms
1 T. butter
1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
1 T. basil
1/2 t. salt (optional)
1 cup buttermilk
1 can cream of mushroom soup

Sprinkle salt and pepper on the pork chops and then dredge each in flour. Brown pork chops on both sides in a nonstick skillet; place in the bottom of a slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray. Melt butter in the skillet and add mushrooms, sauteing until tender (about 5 minutes). Add white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour mushrooms and wine over pork chops; sprinkle basil over the tops. Cook on high for 4 hours. Combine salt, buttermilk, and soup; mix well. Pour mixture over top of pork chops, and cook for another 30 minutes. Stir to combine before serving.

Review: Made exactly as stated.. this was soo good. The gravy made from the recipe tasted great over rice!

Super sliders

2011-10-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

Source: nobiggie.net via Sarah on Pinterest

Super Sliders (the recipe)

-Bag of Costco Rolls
-2 Packages Sliced Roast Beef
- Sliced Swiss Cheese

Sauce:
- 1 Cube Butter
- 4 Tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Garlic Pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Poppyseeds/sesameseeds (or 1 of each)

Cut the rolls in half and fold one piece of roast beef in half and one piece of swiss cheese for each roll. Place into a 9×13 pan making room for 12.

Melt butter and mix all ingredients together. Brush onto rolls. The sauce makes enough for 2 pans/ 24 sandwiches. Cover pans with tinfoil and cook at 350 for 30 minutes

Review: OHH My goodness these were yummy!!! OH SO GOOD!

Talipia Scampi

2011-10-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

Source: formamas.blogspot.com via Wendy on Pinterest

Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
8 cloves garlic, halved
4 (6 ounce) tilapia fillets, rinsed and patted dry
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tsp of pasley

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350

In a bowl, melt 3/4 stick of butter, lemon juice to taste, & garlic together. Add salt, pepper, & a little parsley,

Stir Well

After rinsing the fillets, place them in a baking dish {I use my fav Pyrex}
Cover the fillets with the mixture

Add more parsley to taste

Bake for 30 minutes. Every 10 minutes, take the dish out & turn over the fillets. Making sure they are drenched in the butter mixture

October Menu Plan

2011-10-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

TGIF Fridays Sizzling Chicken

Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake

Lemon Chicken

Crockpot honey garlic chicken

Gnudi (naked ravioli's) with post here

Pub House Steak with Jo Jo Potato Wedges

Chicken and sweet potato stew

White Fish Tacos

Angel Chicken

Ausie Chicken with oven fries

Chicken Burrito Bake from Jen

Turkey Florentine Meatballs

Baked chicken Fajitas

Roast Beef Sliders

Buttermilk Mushroom pork chops

Tilaapia Scampi

Special Treat:
Nutella Hot Chocolate

Friday Finds

2011-09-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

Here are my friday finds for this week.. hoping to cook these next month

TGIF Fridays Sizzling Chicken

Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake

Lemon Chicken Nutella Hot Chocolate

Jo Jo Potato Wedges

Crockpot honey garlic chicken

As always thanks for checking out the blog! Don't forget to check out Finding joy in my kitchen for more great ideas

2011-09-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

This weeks meals were prepared yesterday, I love preparing my meals ahead of time because it gives me extra time in the evenings. Chicken with mushrooms in a wine sauce

Ingredients:1/2 cup white wine1 10 oz can reduced fat cream of mushroom soup1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced1/4 cup flour1 cup fat free sour cream6 boned chicken breasts (I still use boneless skinless, because that's what I always have on hand)Directions:Mix wine, soup, and mushrooms together. Stir flour into sour cream and add to soup mixture. Place mixture together with chicken in freezer bag. Seal and freeze.On serving day, place check and sauce in crock pot. Sprinkle with pepper and paprika. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.Serve with pasta or potatoes if desired.Honey Soy Marinate Tilapia
Ingredients 2 Tilapia Filets (works well with mahi mahi also) 3 T Honey 3 T Soy Sauce 3T Balsamic Vinegar 1 Clove Garlic minced Directions: Preheat oven to 350. Mix last four ingredients in a shallow dish. Add fish fillets, and let marinade in fridge for at least 20 min. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until fish flakes. Review: This was a simple marinade.. .I marinaded my fish for 6 hours and the flavor was fantastic. If you plan to make this ahead and not use it the same day I would make the marinade in a shallow dish with lid. I also doubled all ingredients in order to feed my entire family.Cheese stuffed meatloaf Ingredients 1 lb. ground beef/turkey 3/4 cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1/4 cup each: milk and marinara sauce 1 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning 1 tsp. garlic salt 1 egg, lightly beaten 16 small mozzarella cheese balls Directions When ready to cook preheat oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients except ketchup and cheese in a large bowl until well combined. Shape mixture into 3-inch flat patties and place a small fresh mozzarella ball into the center of each. Press mixture around cheese to completely enclose. Place on a baking sheet and cook for 30 minutes. Serve over pasta with your favorite marinara.Review: This time I prepared one large meatloaf. Tequila lime chicken from hereIngredients:12 boneless skinless chicken breasts3/4 cup soy sauce1/2 cup sweet and sour mix3 T tequila3 T lime juice1 T dry mustard3 t minced garlic3 one-gallon freezer bagsDirections:Place 4 chicken breasts in each bag. Whisk together the other ingredients and divide the marinade evenly over the chicken. Seal and freeze.On cooking day, completely thaw one entree in the refrigerator. Heat grill to medium and cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F. Discard marinade.

5 Meals 1 hour

2011-09-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Another week of great meals prepared on Sunday night and cooked throughout the week! I love this method, for me it works so well! Chicken Marinade from here Picture credits also to food and family!

Recipe:3-4 chicken breasts
1 cup Italian dressing
1/2 cup barbeque sauce

Put the chicken breasts in a resealable, gallon-size plastic bag. Dump in the salad dressing and barbeque sauce. Shake, flip, and otherwise mix it all together. Let sit in the fridge for several hours or overnight, flipping the bag whenever you think about it. Grill as usual.

This was delicious and simple. I loved the tang that the Italian dressing added!

Turkey Parmesan

Meatloaf from here with photo credits as well.
1 lb ground turkey/chicken1 egg
1/4 breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced1 small onion, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese1/2 cup pasta sauce (homemade or store bought)
1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
minced parsley for garnish

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, thyme, oregano, basil, garlic, onion, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese. To not over handle the mixture otherwise it will get tough. Place the mixture in the greased loaf pan and form into a loaf. Top the meatloaf with pasta sauce.To make ahead meal - Prepare the meatloaf mixture as directed and place in a disposable loaf pan. Cover and place in the refrigerator. When ready to prepare and serve, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Top with pasta sauce and place filled loaf pan on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheese. Place the meatloaf back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving/slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.Tequila-Lime
Chicken Marinade from here photo from here

Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sweet and sour mix
1 T tequila
1 T lime juice
1 Tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp minced garlic
Directions:Place 4 chicken breasts in freezer bag. Whisk together the other ingredients and our the marinade evenly over the chicken. Seal and place in regrigerator.When ready to cook place on hot grill until juices run clear and center is no longer pink.
Turkey Joe's
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 Tblsp lemon juice
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup BBQ sauce
Directions:To prepare ahead of time mix first five ingredients and place in a sealed container. Then mix last three ingredients and place in a small sealed container

. In a skillet, brown the turkey along with the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until the turkey is cooked completely through. Be sure to break up the turkey into small pieces - large chunks just aren't that appealing in sloppy joe!Once the turkey is done, add the ketchup/BBQ sauce mixture and allow to cook until heated all the way through.Take caution that you do not want to burn the mix after adding the ketchup and bbq sauce.Cola Pork Chops

INGREDIENTS
1 cup ketchup
1 cup cola-flavored carbonated beverage
2 tablespoons brown sugar
8 pork chopssalt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Mix together the ketchup, cola and brown sugar. Place pork chops into a baking pan and pour cola mixture over, coating well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Refrigerate, When ready to prepare bake in a 350 degree oven for about one hour depending on the thickness of the pork chop.Review: This is simple, esay weeknight dish. My husband really likes the flavor and I just like it for speed and ease.

September Meal Plam

2011-08-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

This is my second month of preparing meals ahead of time and then cooking them throughout the week. This type of cooking is great..because the product is still fresh not frozen (hubby hates frozen meals).

Week1:

Monday: Chicken Marinade with Chicken Ranch Pasta

Tuesday: Chicken Parmensan meatloaf

Wednesday: Grilled Itilian Chicken Sandwiches

Thursday:Tequila Lime chicken

Friday: Sweet and tangy meatballs

Saturday: Chicken Breast Florentine

Week 2

Sunday: Sticky chicken

Monday: Crispy Pork Chops

Tuesday:Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops

Wednesday: Italian Beef Sammie's

Thursday: Turkey Joe's

Friday: Poppy Seed Chicken

Saturday: Bifans

Week 3:

Sunday: Bourbon Chicken

Monday:Orange Teriyaki Chicken

Tuesday:Parm and Garlic chicken

Wednesday: Chicken with White wine and mushrooms

Thursday: Lemon Herb Steak

Friday: Won Ton Lasanga

Saturday: Swiss Mushroom chicken

Week 4:

Sunday:Italian inspired chicken

Monday: Cola Pork Chops

Tuesday: Lemon Pepper Salmon

Wednesday: Itilian Beef Sandwiches

Thursday:Chesse stuffed Meatloaf

Friday: Honey soy salmon
Saturday: Pizza Night

5 Meals in one hour

2011-08-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Margarita Chicken adapted from allrecipes

Ingredients
1 teaspoon lime zest
1/2 cup lime juice
3 tablespoons gold tequila
4 tablespoons honey
2tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
4 (10 inch) flour tortillas, warmed
1 tomato, cut into 8 wedges
1 avocado - pitted, peeled, and cubed
1 lime, cut into 8 wedges
Directions
1.Preheat outdoor grill .
2.Combine the lime zest, lime juice, tequila, honey, oil, garlic salt and pepper in a medium bowl add chicken .
3.Bake for 6 to 10 minutes per side, or until cooked through (no longer pink inside). Baste with prepared sauce for last 5 minutes of cooking time.
4.To serve, arrange a folded tortilla on each of 4 plates; add a chicken breast, 2 tomato wedges and some avocado chunks. Drizzle chicken with remaining sauce and garnish with 2 lime wedges.

Lime Chicken Marinade

Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 lime (juiced)
2 teaspoon white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 green onions (chopped)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
Zest from ½ lime

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: In a sealable plastic bag or bowl combine red wine vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, pepper, green onions, garlic and lime zest. Add chicken. Seal and refrigerate for 6 hours to overnight.
Step 2: Once chicken is done marinating, heat and grease an outdoor grill (or indoor grill pan) and grill chicken until it is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Meatball Sandwiches

I doubled the recipe for petite meat loafs to make the meatballs for the sandwich.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cooked through.

Meanwhile, cut the baguette in half lengthwise, and remove some of the bread from the inside to make a well for the meatballs. Brush with olive oil, and season with garlic powder and salt. Slip the baguette into the oven during the last 5 minutes of the meatball's time, or until lightly toasted.

While the bread toasts, warm the spaghetti sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. When the meatballs are done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the sauce. Spoon onto the baguette and top with slices of provolone cheese. Return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese. Cool slightly, cut into servings, and enjoy!

Petite Meatloaf
I doubled this recipe and stored half for meatball sandwiches!

1 lb lean ground beef

2 eggs, beaten

3 Tablespoons milk

1 Tablespoon mustard

3 cloves fresh garlic

1 small onion, diced

½ Cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ Cup fresh bread crumbs (I used stove top)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

¼ Cup ketchup

Sauce
1/4 cup of ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon mustard

1. Gently combine all ingredients with hands into a large bowl until just combined. Form into 6 mini loaves and place onto a lined baking sheet.
2. Combine the ingredients for the sauce. Lightly brush tops with ketchup mixture . Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Tri tip marindade

Ingredients
1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons mustard powder
2 tablespoons ground ginger
Directions
1.In a small, nonporous bowl, combine the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, mustard powder and ginger. Mix well, cover and refrigerate until ready to use on your favorite meat

Swiss Steak

2011-08-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

Swiss Steak

Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 (1/2 pound) beef sirloin tip steaks
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup (1 small) chopped onion
1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 bay leaf

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350
2.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place steaks into the pot one at a time, quickly browning on each side. Remove steaks, and set aside. Add the onion to the pot, and cook over medium-low heat until wilted, about 3 minutes. Return the steaks to the pot, and add the tomatoes, mushrooms, celery and green pepper. Season with oregano and add the bay leaf. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

3.Transfer to a oven safe dish, bake in a preheated oven for 30-60 minutesor until meat is fork tender.

Review: This tasted GREAT! It was easy to prepare and I loved the addition of all the veggies.

5 dinners one hour

2011-08-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

I love my new to me Meal plan idea! One day of prep in less then an hour and your done. Remember to check out Organization Junkie

Teriyaki Chicken

1/2 cupGREY POUPON Savory Honey Mustard
3 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)

Directions:

1. Mix mustard and teriyaki sauce in shallow dish until well blended. Remove 1/3 cup of the mustard mixture; set aside for later use.

2.Add chicken to remaining mustard mixture; turn over to evenly coat both sides. Cover. Rrefrigerate 1 to 2 hours, turning occasionally. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken 6 minutes on each side or until cooked through, brushing frequently with the reserved mustard mixture. This reicpie may also be broiled for 4-6 minutes per side.

Mini Honey Mustard Meat loaves

Ingredietns:
3. Tbl. of honey mustard
3. Tbl. of ketchup

1 ½ lb lean ground beef
2 eggs
½ C. Panko crumbs
Salt & pepper to taste

½ C. shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Mix first two ingredients in small bowl. (this is your sauce)
2. Mix next 4 ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Scoop meat into 12 ct. muffin tin with ice cream scoop for equal portions.
4. Top each with sauce mixture and cheddar cheese.
5. Cover with plastic wrap

To Cook:
1. Preheat oven to 450.
2. Uncover meatloaves and bake in 450 degree oven for 20 minutes or until no
longer pink inside.

Crispy Pork Chops

Ingredients:
1 ½ C. Panko bread crumbs
3 T Dijon mustard
5 boneless pork loin chops
( ½ inch thick)

Directions:
1.Pour Panko crumbs onto a paper plate.
2. Brush pork chops with mustard and coat with Panko crumbs.
3. Place in large storage container with lid. Use wax paper between layers.

To cook:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2.Place pork chops on foil lined baking sheet.
3.Bake 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until pork is cooked through.

Lemon Pepper Fish

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons white wine

2 teaspoons McCormick® Perfect Pinch® Lemon & Pepper Seasoning

1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder

1 pound tilapia fillets

Directions:
1. Melt butter in small saucepan. Add wine and seasonings; mix well.
2. Place fish in ziploc bag. Pour butter mixture over fish and refrigirate.

To cook:
1. Place fish on broiler pan. Brush butter mixture over fish.

2. Broil 8 to 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork. Or, bake in preheated 375°F oven 10 to 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork.

The Best Crockpot French Dip

The Best Crockpot French Dip Modified from this recipe

Ingredients
4 pounds rump roast
1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed French onion soup
1 (10.5 ounce) can of beef consume
1 (10.5 ounce2 gloves of garlic crushed
1/4 tsp of black pepper
1/2 tsp of worshesire sauce
1/2 tsp of minced onion
1/2 tsp of garlic powder

6 French rolls
2 tablespoons butter
sshredded Provolone cheese

Directions:
1. Trim excess fat from the rump roast.

Season roast with garlic powder, minced onion and garlic powder. Place in ziploc bag

Add the beef broth, onion soup and beef consume and minced garlic.

To cook:

1. Emmpty contenets of ziploc bag into the slow cooker.

2. Cook on Low setting for 6/12-7 hours.

3. Shred beef once cooked with two forks.

4. Place shreded beef in hogie rolls top with cheese and broil in oven for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

4 Meals one hour

2011-08-10T08:36:00.001-07:00

As I am returning to work this week. I need to have plenty of time to prepare for the school year ahead. I saw this great idea of preparing 5 meals in one hour and had to try it. I used the following websites for inspiration for this weeks meal plan:

Make 5 Dinners in One Hour

and

Living, Laughing and Loving

The first meal I prepared was from here:

Honey Soy Marinated Tilapia

Honey Soy Marinate Tilapia
Ingredients
2 Tilapia Filets (works well with mahi mahi also)
3 T Honey
3 T Soy Sauce
3T Balsamic Vinegar
1 Clove Garlic minced

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.

Mix last four ingredients in a shallow dish. Add fish fillets, and let marinade in fridge for at least 20 min. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until fish flakes.

Review: This was a simple marinade.. .I marinaded my fish for 6 hours and the flavor was fantastic. If you plan to make this ahead and not use it the same day I would make the marinade in a shallow dish with lid. I also doubled all ingredients in order to feed my entire family.

Unbelievable Chicken from here

1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 Tbsp prepared coarse-ground mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lime, juiced
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
ground black pepper to taste
6 Tbsp olive oil
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

In a large glass bowl, mix all ingredients except olive oil and chicken. Whisk in olive oil. Place chicken in the mixture. Cover and marinate 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Place chicken on the prepared grill, and cook 6-8 minutes per side until juices run clear. Discard marinade.

Review: This marinaded fo nearly 30 hours and the flavor was great.

Slow Cooked Beef Rolls from here:

2 lbs round steak
1/4 C. dijon mustard
5 slices of bacon sliced in 3rds
1 C. frozen chopped onion

Spread each steak with dijon mustard and lay a slice of bacon on top. Roll up and place in large zipper bag.

For sauce:
1 can beef or chicken broth
1/3 C. flour
1/2 C. water
1 T parsley flakes
2 T worcestershire sauce
1 C. frozen chopped onion

Mix in a medium bowl with lid.

To Cook:
Pour sauce over and cook on low for 6 hours. The longer it cooks, the better it gets. The sauce can be used for a gravy. It is not super thick but has good flavor.

Review: This is cooking now but the sauce smells great!

Crockpot Shredded Beef for Tacos:
2 lb beef roast
1 C. of Onion (recipe called for frozen I used fresh)
1 T chili powder
1 T dried Oregano
1 tsp. crushed garlic
4 oz can of diced green chilies
10 oz can of diced tomatoes

To prepare: Place all ingredients in a large ziploc bag.

To cook: Pour contents of bag into slow cooker and cook on low 8-10 hours. When cooked shred meat with two forks.

Serve with tortillas, cheese, sour cream and avocado.

Open Faced Crab Sandwich

2011-08-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

Open Faced Crab Sandwich from food.com

Ingredients
1/2 lb crabmeat, flaked
3 green onions, chopped
4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
2 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded ( for sprinkling on top) (optional)
1/3 cup mayonnaise ( reduced calorie is fine)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or (to taste) or 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ( or (to taste)
2 tomatoes
4 sourdough English muffins, split Directions

Preheat broiler.

In a bowl, combine crabmeat, green onions, cheese, mayonnaise and cayenne (or hot pepper sauce).

Slice tomatoes into eight slices.

On a baking sheet or broiler pan place English muffin halves and broil 3-4 inches from heat until golden (3-5 minutes); remove from oven.

Place a tomato slice on each muffin half and top with crab mixture (about 1/2 cup per muffin half)and then sprinkle with extra shredded cheese, if desired.

Return to oven and broil until cheese browns. (3-5 minutes).

Review: This was simple to prepare and delicious to! We used fresh crab meat not imitation. Overall a good meal!

Grilled Garlic Parmesan Zucchini

2011-08-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Grilled Garlic and Parmesan Zuchinni from here
3 Zuchinni
3 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate. Cut the zucchini in half crosswise, then slice each half into 3 slices lengthwise, making 6 slices per zucchini. Mix the butter, garlic, and parsley in a bowl, and spread the mixture on both sides of each zucchini slice. Sprinkle one side of each slice with Parmesan cheese, and place the slices, cheese sides up, crosswise on the preheated grill to keep them from falling through. Grill the zucchini until the cheese has melted and the slices are cooked through and show grill marks, about 8 minutes.

** I used an aluminum foil and sprayed with Pam to put the zuchinni on.

Roasted Lemon Garlic Herb Shrimp

2011-08-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

Roasted Lemon Garlic Herb Shrimp from here
(adapted from Fine Cooking)

1/3 cup olive oil
1 lemon, zested then half cut into thin slices and other half into wedges
3-4 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves removed
sea or kosher salt and fresh black pepper
spaghetti/pasta, couscous or rice for serving
1 pound fresh shrimp, medium-sized, deveined with tails off
5 cloves garlic, minced

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a 9x13 baking pan combine olive oil, lemon zest and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bake in oven for 12 minutes. Meanwhile cook pasta, couscous or rice.

2. Remove pan from oven, add shrimp, garlic and the thin sliced lemons (don't squeeze them), toss to coat with oil mixture. Bake for 8-10 more minutes or until shrimp turn pink and start to curl. Serve over pasta, couscous or rice tossed with extra-virgin olive oil and fresh-squeezed lemon with additional lemon wedges for serving

Crispy Lemon Pepper Tilapia

2011-08-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

Crispy Lemon Pepper Tilapia

1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 egg beatens, plus 2 Tablespoons water
2 cup Progresso lemon pepper panko crispy bread crumbs
6 tilapia fillets
3 Tbls of olive oil

1.Dry the tilapia fillets with a paper towel.

2. Dust both sides with flour.

3. Dip the fillets into the beaten egg mixture.

4. Press into the Progresso lemon pepper panko crispy bread crumbs.

5. Fry in 3 tablespoons of olive oil in medium heat for 5 minutes per side. Serve.

REVIEW: These were really crunchy and crispy. This recipe has plenty of flavor that is absorbed from the Panko Lemon pepper.

Friday Favorites

2011-08-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

I am joining in on Finding Joy's Friday Favorites. Here are just a few recipes that I found.

Smoked Crockpot Chicken

Grilled Garlic and Parm Zucchin

Panko Crusted Tilapia

August Meal Plan

2011-08-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

So the month of August is CRAZY busy for me..therefore I plan to use the 5 dinners in an hour method for this month.I am hoping that by taking some time to prep my meals on Sunday, I can save the time during the week.

Week1:

Monday: Skillet Lasagna

Tuesday: BBQ Hamburgers and Hot dogs

Wednesday:Mandarin Chicken

Thursday: Panko Talipa

Friday: Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Saturday: Chicken Breast Florentine

Week 2

Sunday: Sticky chicken

Monday: Crispy Pork Chops

Tuesday:Petite Meatloaf

Wednesday: Foil Baked Salmon

Thursday:Crockpot French dip sandwiches

Friday: Poppy Seed Chicken

Saturday: Bifans

Week 3:

Sunday: Bourbon Chicken

Monday:Honey Mustard-Teriyaki Chicken

Tuesday: Slow Cooked Beef Rolls

Wednesday: balsamic barbecue chicken

Thursday: Margarita Chicken

Friday:lime chicken marinade recipe

Saturday: Swiss Mushroom chicken

Week 4:

Sunday:Italian inspired chicken

Monday: Cola Pork Chops

Tuesday: Meatball Sandwiches

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Shredded Beef for Tacos (recipe from 5 dinners one Hour)

Thursday:Mini Honey Mustard Meat Loaves(recipe from 5 dinners one Hour)

Friday: Turkey Joe's

Saturday: Pizza Night

Week 5:

Sunday: Pork Marsala

Monday: Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops

Tuesday: Cilantro Lime Chicken

Wednesday: Italian Beef Sammie's

Skillet Lasagna

2011-08-02T14:05:00.001-07:00

Skillet Lasgna from Betty Crocker
Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
1 small green bell pepper, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 1/2 cups uncooked mafalda (mini-lasagna noodle) pasta (3 ounces)
1 1/4 cups water
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 jar (14 ounces) tomato pasta sauce (any variety) or Marinara sauce
1 jar (4.5 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, if desired

Directions:

1 Cook beef, onion and bell pepper in Dutch oven over medium-high heat about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain.

2 Stir in remaining ingredients except cheese. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 10 to 12 minutes or until pasta is tender. Sprinkle with cheese.

Review: This was simple and i loved the addition of all the veggies! Yum!I did not have malfada pasta so I used lasgna and cut it up after it been cooked according to package directions.

Smothered Pork Chops

2011-07-17T22:03:00.001-07:00

Smothered Pork Chops

5 slices bacon, chopped
6 bone-in pork loin chops, about 3/4-inch thick
Salt and Pepper
2 yellow onions, peeled, halved and sliced into 1/2-inch thick half moons
1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold water
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

In a large skillet over medium heat, fry bacon until lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the drippings in the pan. If you have more than 2 tablespoons drippings, drain the excess. If you don’t have quite that much, supplement with canola oil. When the bacon is cool, transfer to a small bag or tupperware and refrigerate until later.

Heat the skillet with the drippings over medium or medium-high heat until rippling and hot. Meanwhile, pat pork chops dry with paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook pork chops until they are golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side, cooking them in batches in the skillet if your skillet isn’t big enough to hold all six at a time in a single layer. When golden on each side, transfer the chops to the slow cooker and repeat with remaining pork.
Pour off all but 1 teaspoon of fat from the skillet; add onions, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 cup water to empty skillet. Using a wooden spoon, scrape browned bits from bottom of the pan and cook over medium-high heat until onions are soft, about 4-6 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour onion mixture over chops in the slow cooker. Add broth, soy sauce and remaining 1 tablespoon brown sugar to skillet, bring to a boil and add bay leaves. Pour mixture over onions in slow cooker.

Cover slow cooker and cook on low until pork is tender, about 8 hours (or cook on high for 4 hours).

When ready to serve, carefully transfer chops to serving platter with a large spoon and tent with foil. Discard bay leaves and pour liquid through a mesh strainer into a saucepan, reserving the solids. Transfer solids to a food processor or blender with 1 cup liquid and blend until smooth. Stir the blended mixture back into remaining liquid in the saucepan. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons water together in a small bowl and stir into sauce. Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar, season with salt and pepper, pour over chops and sprinkle with reserved bacon and parsley. Serve.

Review: Made as stated and it was GREAT! This was very tasty!

Pico De Gallo

2011-07-17T21:46:00.000-07:00

Pico De Gallo

Ingredients
2 medium tomato, diced
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
4 sprigs fresh cilantro, finely chopped
3 green onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons of garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
Juice of one lime

Directions
1. In a medium bowl, combine tomato, onion, jalapeno pepper (to taste,) cilantro, garlic and green onion. Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze the juice of one lime over mixture Stir until evenly distributed. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Review: These measurements can be modified upon the spice that you prefer. The original recipe was adapted from allrecipes. This is great tasting and makes a great addition to an Mexican inspired dish.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

2011-07-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos adapted from Real Mom Kitchen

•1 whple chicken
•1 onion, diced
•1 (16 oz.) jar of salsa verde
•1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies
•1 tsp ground cumin
•1/4 tsp of salt
•1/8 tsp of pepper
•2 cloves of garlic, minced
•shredded cheese
•guacamole
•pico de gallo or fresh salsa
•tortilla shells

1.Place chicken in the bowl of a slow cooker.

2. In a small bowl mix cumin, salt and pepper. Rub seasoning into the skin of the chicken. Top chicken with the diced green chiles, onion, and garlic. The pour the slasa over the chicken.

3.Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

4.Remove chicken from pot and shredded. Mix in enough of the juice leftover in the slow cooker to make the meat moist.

5.Spoon chicken into tortillas and top with shredded cheese, guacamole and pico de gallo.

Review: I made this and then froze half the chicken to use latter to make enchildas. The chicken had great flavor and was supper smple to prepare.

Italian inspired chicken

2011-07-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Italian inspired chicken from a Dear friend! Thanks again Beverly!

2 pounds of chicken breasts
2 tablespoons of pappy's choice seasoning
2 jars of Ragu Four cheese
5 slices of bacon, cooked and cut up into pieces
1 cup of fresh mushrooms
1 small tomato, diced
parsley if desired

Directions:
1.season chicken breast the day before with pappy's choice seasoning. Refrigerate.

3. Cook bacon, and set aside.

2.The next day In the bottom of a roasting pan add i jar of four cheese Alfredo sauce then add chicken, top with diced bacon pieces, fresh mushrooms then add another jar of Alfredo sauce then garnish with diced tomatoes and a bit of parsley if desired

3.bake at 350 for about 1 hour or until chicken is done.

Review: This tasted great and had plenty of flavor! We served ours over pasta and the kids loved the flavor of the sauce!

Friday Favorites

2011-07-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

Once again I am partcipating in Friday Favorites over at finding joy in my kitchen! Come join us and check out a ton of great recipes!

Sweet and Sticky Grilled Drumsticks

Frozen Banana Pineapple cups

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Citrus Berry Stuffed French Toast

Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash

Lime chicken Marinade

2011-07-13T22:17:00.000-07:00

Lime chicken Marinade from blog chef

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 lime (juiced)
2 teaspoon white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 green onions (chopped)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
Zest from ½ lime

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: In a sealable plastic bag or bowl combine red wine vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, pepper, green onions, garlic and lime zest. Add chicken. Seal and refrigerate for 6 hours to overnight.
Step 2: Once chicken is done marinating, heat and grease an outdoor grill (or indoor grill pan) and grill chicken until it is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Review: The marinade was great. I marinaded mine overnight and it was delicious!As the blog chef suggested this chicken would be great in a quesadilla or taco. We had it grilled, but may use leftovers in quesidalls tomorrow!

Meatball Sandwich

2011-07-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

Meatball Sandwich from For the Love of Cooking

Mushroom Marinara:

2 tsp olive oil
1/2 sweet yellow onion, diced
6 oz of button or cremini mushrooms, sliced thinly
3-4 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
1 tsp white sugar
1 pinch of red pepper flakes
Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and mushrooms and saute until tender; add the garlic and cook for 60 seconds, stirring frequently. Add the remaining ingredients. Simmer for at least 2 hours.

Meatballs:

1 lb lean ground beef (I used 93/7)
7 button mushrooms, diced finely
1/4 sweet yellow onion, diced finely
1/4 cup of Italian style breadcrumbs
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1/2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp fennel seed, crushed
Sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper
1 tsp olive oil (for cooking)
Put the onions, garlic and mushrooms in a food processor to chop, otherwise chop them as small as you can. Combine all ingredients (except for olive oil) together gently. Form into small meatballs and set aside. Once the meatballs are prepared. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tsp olive oil. Cook the meatballs until golden brown on all sides. Remove from skillet and place the cooked meatballs in the mushroom marinara.

Hoagie rolls
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, shredded
Fresh basil, chopped
To assemble, place meatballs with some sauce in the hoagie rolls. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Place in a pan, under the broiler and melt cheese - watch carefully so don't burn. Top with basil and serve. Enjoy!

ReviewOk..the first time I made this I cheated and used jarred sauce, but the second time I made these I made it from scratch! Both good, but I loved the flavor of the homemade sauce. I made an extra batch and refrigerated it!

Family Favorite: Chicken Marsala

2011-07-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

Chicken Marsala
from blogchef.net

Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon oregano
salt and pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
10 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms
4 garlic cloves (minced)
2 cups Marsala wine
3 cups chicken stock
1 package linguini (cooked)

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: 1 at a time, place chicken breasts between 2 sheets of wax paper (or plastic wrap). With a mallet pound chicken breasts until they are about ¼” thick.
Step 2: On a plate combine flour, salt and pepper, and oregano. Dredge chicken breasts in flour until coated thoroughly.
Step 3: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Fry chicken breasts until they are almost fully cooked (about 3 minutes on each side). Remove from pan and keep warm in the oven at 175 degrees.
Step 4: Deglaze the pan with Marsala wine. Make sure to scrape up all the brown bits on the bottom of the pan and mix them with the wine.
Step 5: Add chicken broth mushrooms and garlic. Cook on medium-high for 10 minutes or until the sauce has reduced by half. Add chicken breasts back to the pan and cook for another 10 minutes. The sauce should now have become somewhat thick. Serve on a bed of linguini.
(Makes 4 Servings)

Review: Ok this has to be the BEST tasting Chicken Marsala ever! My husband really really likes chicken Marsala and he loved the taste of everything in this dish! This will quickly be a staple in our monthly menu! Just a reminder do not use Marsala cooking wine use regular Marsala wine found in the wine section of your grocery store!

UPDATED Ranch turkey Burgers

2011-07-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ranch turkey Burgers adapted fromallrecipes

Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
1/4 c. bread crumbs
1 4 oz. can of diced green chiles
1 egg
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
seasoned salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.

Knead together the turkey,bread crumbs, ranch mix, egg,chile peppers garlic, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly combined; divide into 4 equal portions and form into patties.
Cook on the preheated grill about 5 minutes per side for well done. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Review: I love the kick that the can of fire roasted peppers gave to the burgers. The bread crumbs also do their job by holding the patties together! YUM!

Shrimp Fajitas

2011-07-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

Shrimp Fajitas adapted from allrecipes.com

1 pound medium shrimp - peeled and deveined
the juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup of cilantro, minced
1/4 tsp of cumin
1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 pound medium shrimp - peeled and deveined
1 cup (1 small) chopped onion
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
3 tablespoons water, or as needed
6 (10 inch) flour tortillas, warmed

Directions

1. Marinate Shrimp in lime juice, cumin and cilantro and refrigerate for 2 hours

2.Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red and green bell peppers, and onion. Cook, stirring frequently until peppers are hot, but still slightly crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3.Pour the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil into the skillet, and add the shrimp. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pink and opaque. Reduce heat to low, and return the peppers and onion to the skillet. Stir in taco seasoning and water so that everything is evenly coated. Simmer until peppers are heated. Serve in warm tortillas.

Cilantro Lime Sauce (adapted from Indigo's Sugar Spectrum)
2 cups sour cream
3 drops Tobasco sauce
juice of 1 lime
3 cloves minced garlic
1 1/2 Tbsp dried cilantro
Whirl all of the ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Review: WOW talk about a flavor explosion! yum! I served it with fresh avacado slices, cheese, salsa and sour cream!

Broiled Parmesan Tilapia

2011-07-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

Broiled Parmesan Tilapia from allrecipes
Ingredients
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter,Softened
3tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon celery salt
2 pounds tilapia fillets

Directions

1.Preheat your oven's broiler. Grease a broiling pan or line pan with aluminum foil.

2.In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with dried basil, pepper, onion powder and celery salt. Mix well and set aside.

3.Arrange fillets in a single layer on the prepared pan. Broil a few inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the fillets over and broil for a couple more minutes. Remove the fillets from the oven and cover them with the Parmesan cheese mixture on the top side. Broil for 2 more minutes or until the topping is browned and fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to over cook the fish.

Review: This was simple and flavorful.

Chicken Parmesan Bundles

2011-07-09T21:39:00.000-07:00

Chicken Parmesan Bundles

4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
1-1/4 cups KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, divided
6 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
6 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1-1/2 lb.), pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
1 egg
10 RITZ Crackers, crushed (about 1/2 cup)(I used bread crumbs)
1-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce, heated
Make ItHEAT oven to 375ºF.

MIX cream cheese, spinach, 1 cup mozzarella and 3 Tbsp. Parmesan until well blended; spread onto chicken breasts. Starting at one short end of each breast, roll up chicken tightly. Secure with wooden toothpicks, if desired.

BEAT egg in shallow dish. Mix remaining Parmesan and cracker crumbs in separate shallow dish. Dip chicken in egg, then roll in crumb mixture to evenly coat. Place, seam-sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.

BAKE 30 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF). Remove and discard toothpicks, if using. Serve chicken topped with spaghetti sauce and remaining mozzarella.

Review: I used the following healthy living suggestions and Saved 30 calories and 4 g fat per serving by preparing with PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese , KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese and bread crumbs.

Sauteed Zucchini

2011-07-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

Sautted Zuchinni

1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup zucchini, sliced
1 sweet onion, sliced thin
1/2 tsp. ground thyme
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 roma tomato, chopped

Directions
Heat olive oil.
Add all ingredients, except for the tomato; saute until tender.
Add tomato and cook for 1 minute.
Serve plain or sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Number of Servings: 4

July Meal Plan!

2011-07-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

I love meal planning on a monthly basis her is what is planned for this month...enjoy and feel free to browse..tons of great meal ideas.Also check out Orgjunkie.com for more great ideas!

Seafood

Zesty Talpipia

Broiled Parm Talapia

Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp packets(recipe comming soon)

Sweet and sour Fish

Chicken

Au Gratin Chicken Bake

Parmesan Chicken Bundles

Margarita chicken

Crescent Chicken bundles

Lime chicken Marinade

Chicken burgers

Chicken Marsla

Turkey

BBQ TurkeY Meatloaf

Turkey and Spiach stuffed Shells

Pork

Smoothered Pork Chops

Slow cooker Carnitas

Bifanas

Beef

Philly cheeseteak sandwich

In n out burger and animal fries!

Sides:
Sweet Potato fries

Friday Favs

2011-07-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

This week I am taking part in Finding Joy in My kitchen, Friday Favorite Link up. Here is what I found this week

In-N-Out Burger Animal Fries

BBQ TurkeY Meatloaf

Healthy Orange Julius

Strawberry Chocolate Nachos

Zucchini Boats

2011-06-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Zucchini Boats from my Kitchen :)
4 medium zucchini
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 4 oz can of mushrooms
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
2 cups of spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup of Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup of Mozzarella cheese

Directions
1. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. With a spoon, scoop out the seeds.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the zucchini halves in the boiling water until slightly tender but still mostly firm, about 5 minutes; drain and pat dry with paper towels.

3.Preheat your oven's broiler. Place the zucchini on a broiler pan, hollowed-side facing up. Season each zucchini with the olive oil and pepper

4.Roast the zucchini under the broiler until sizzling, about 5 minutes; remove from oven. Decrease oven temperature to 350.

5. Begin by sauteing onion and mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once veggies are tender brown the ground beef over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Season the meat with salt/pepper and Italian species.

6. In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, mushroom, chopped onion, bread crumbs, and egg. Place the meat mixture equally into all of the zucchini halves; mixture should be piled up over the top. Place the filled zucchini halves into the prepared baking dish.

3. Spoon the spaghetti sauce mixture over the filled zucchini, liberally. Sprinkle Parm and Mozzarella on top 15 minutes they are done cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes. You may want to place foil or a cookie sheet underneath the baking dish because it tends to bubble over and splash.

Leftover chicken Croquettes

2011-06-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

Leftover chicken Croquettes
Ingredients
3 cups cooked, finely chopped chicken meat
1 1/2 cups seasoned dry bread crumbs
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups sauteed chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions
1.In a large bowl combine the chicken, bread crumbs, 2 eggs and onion and mix well; if mixture is too dry to form patties, mix in another lightly beaten egg. Then add parsley, salt and pepper to taste, mix well and form into small patties.

2.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry patties in oil until golden brown.

Review: I had to increase the egg by one and also omitted the salt due to the seasoning on the chicken. I loved it, it was simple yet filling. I also added 2tablespoons of Parmesan cheese!

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

2011-06-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

6 Tbsp honey
4.5 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
flour tortillas
colby or monterey jack cheese, shredded
10 oz. can green enchilada sauce

Mix first 4 ingredients together and toss with shredded chicken. Let it "marinate" for at least a half hour. Pour some green enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 10x10 casserole dish or 9x13 pan. Fill flour tortillas with chicken and shredded cheese. Roll up and place seam side down in the dish. Pour the rest of the can of green enchilada sauce over enchiladas then sprinkle with more cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. (Put it under the broiler at the end to make the cheese brown and crispy on the top.)

Review: I used leftover chicken for this recipe. I allowed it to marinate a half hour before rolling it and then it sat there until the oven was warmed up. The marinade was very flavorful, the recipe was supper easy!

Family Dinner!

2011-06-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had the honor of cooking for my Goddaughter and her family, here is what we served:

Pork Loin
Ingredients
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
salt and pepper to taste
2 pounds boneless pork loin roast
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup white wine
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.Crush garlic with rosemary, salt and pepper, making a paste. Pierce meat with a sharp knife in several places and press the garlic paste into the openings. Rub the meat with the remaining garlic mixture and olive oil.
3.Place pork loin into oven, turning and basting with pan liquids. Cook until the pork is no longer pink in the center, about 2 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Remove roast to a platter. Heat the wine in the pan and stir to loosen browned bits of food on the bottom. Serve with pan juices.

Strawberry and Spinach Salad

Baby Red Potato Salad

4 cups baby red potatoes, cut in small pieces
1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
3 scallions, diced
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise
salt and fresh pepper

Boil potatoes in salted water until soft, approx 10 minutes. Drain and let cool.

While the potatoes are boiling, combine red onion, green pepper, mustard, olive oil, vinegar and mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and let the flavors marinade while the potatoes cook. Once the potatoes are done and cool, mix into the bowl and add scallions and additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve room temperature or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Ranch Potatoes
Ingredients:

¼ cup vegetable oil
1 packet (1 ounce) Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix

Instructions:
Place potatoes in a gallon-size Glad® Food Storage Bag and add oil; seal bag. Toss to coat. Add salad dressing mix and toss again until coated. Bake in ungreased baking pan at 450°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until potatoes are brown and crisp.

Three Bean Salad
Ingredients
1 (15 ounce) can green beans
1 pound wax beans
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 onion, sliced into thin rings
3/4 cup white sugar
2/3 cup distilled white vinegar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
Directions
1.Mix together green beans, wax beans, kidney beans, onion, sugar, vinegar, vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Let set in refrigerator for at least 12 hours.

Sweets:
Resess Peanut Butter cup Bites

Cake Balls

chicken Lime Tacos

2011-06-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

Chicken Lime Tacos

1 1/2 Lbs. chicken, cubed
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
juice of 1 lime
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
4-5 green onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 Tbsp fresh cilantro (or to taste)
Flour tortillas

Optional toppings:
Pico de gallo
cheese
onions
tomatoes
jalapeno
guacamole
cilantro
sour cream

Sauté chicken in a medium skillet in a little oil for a few minutes until chicken becomes white all around. Combine vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, pepper, green onion, garlic and cilantro and add to chicken. Simmer for an extra 10-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Add chicken to tortillas and top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado, cilantro, salsa, sour cream, or any other taco topping you
choose !

Reviwew: This was light, and simple to put together. This recipe also smelled great cooking.

Mandarin Chicken Recipe

2011-06-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

Mandarin Chicken Recipe from here

Ingredients:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
vegetable oil or cooking spray
½ tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
Mandarin Sauce-
2/3 cup sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
¼ cup water
4 teaspoons cornstarch

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Pound chicken breasts with a mallet to an even thickness and season both sides with sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Grill chicken 4-6 minutes on each side or until no longer pink inside. Remove from grill and cut into bit sized strips. Set aside.

Step 2: In a bowl combine sugar, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic and ginger. Pour into a wok or sauce pan. Heat the mixture until almost at a boil. Combine cornstarch and water. Once the sauce starts to boil add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened.
Step 3: Add grilled chicken to the wok and coat with the sauce. Simmer until heated thoroughly.

Review: This reciepe was AMAZING!I cut abou 1/4cup of sugar. The sauce taasted great~