Browsing Category

RECIPES

RECIPES/ Sides

Roasted Sweet Potato Coins

These roasted sweet potato coins make me very happy.
Why?
My 3 girls fight over them like they are candy.  
That is a minor miracle in our home–fighting over a vegetable!!
How to make them?
~Line a pan with parchment paper.
~Peel and slice some sweet potatoes, about 1/8″ thick.
~Drizzle with some EVOO.
~Sprinkle with salt & pepper.
~Bake 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes, or until soft and slightly browned on top.

5
RECIPES/ Sides

Homemade Cheese-Its

I found this recipe from A Bird And A Bean.  It is such an easy and fun snack to make!
I do not buy much processed junk food, so when we get a craving for something crispy and cheesy, I now know have the perfect recipe to make.
Next time I will roll them out thinner for more of a crunch.  These had crunchy bottoms and crisp layers of cheesiness, and my girls liked them “poofy” so they were still a hit even rolled a bit thicker.  
I think I will take a toothpick and poke the middle of each one before baking next time, it may help de-poof and will make them look like the original.
Thanks, Erin, for a great recipe! 
 I love eating a cracker with minimal ingredients and no preservatives!

Homemade Cheez-It Crackers
**I didn’t need to chill mine, I think if you add less water you can skip this step.
  • 1 cup flour
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small squares
  • 1 (8-ounce) bag grated extra-sharp 2% Cheddar cheese (preferably orange)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in food processor, and pulse until crumbly. Add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together. Form into ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Place dough between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper, and roll out to 1/8 inch thickness. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet, and, using pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut into 1 inch squares. Sprinkle with kosher salt and bake for 25 minutes. Test for crispiness; crackers may take a few minutes more to finish crisping. Remove from oven when crisp and just starting to brown. Let cool and serve.

57
Meals/ RECIPES

Coconut And Chicken (Or Beef) Curry With Noodles

{photo does not show it, but this recipe makes a lot of delicious, creamy sauce for the noodles}
Wow-sa! This recipe was good! I loved that it was a recipe that my whole family liked.  My daughters do not like coconut, but that was no problem because this does not have a strong coconut flavor. It has coconut milk in it, which gives it a slightly sweet flavor and makes it creamy!  They also do not like red peppers, but they are necessary in this recipe for flavor, color and health! I made them each eat one pepper strip, and this had to be done before they could dig into the rest of their meal.  It is amazing how this simple rule can make eating certain veggies that are not their favorite, a fast and simple process.
.
When cooking dinner, I try to pull at least on of my girls into the kitchen with me.  I want them all to be comfortable with cooking, and I love the quality time I get with each of them while doing it.  I rarely pull my oldest in, because she frets and complains about it.  She does not like to cook.  I made sure I had all the ingredients out and everything set before bringing my grumpy girl into the kitchen, and I was determined not to let her grump get to me:)

Didn’t she do a lovely job of slicing the red pepper?  She grumped about a cut on her finger that the pepper juice stung, but she got through it!

I cut up the raw chicken and the onion–I know to pick my battles wisely. I knew she would not come close to the raw chicken, but she did she did squeeze the lime and saute’ the chicken.  She also seasoned the chicken, made the noodles, opened the coconut milk, sauteed the veggies and did all the stirring.  
I was a proud mama.

Her frown eventually turned upside down.  
Funny how the smell of goodness cooking,
 and a mom who chooses to remain lighthearted can do just that.  
I give us both a pat on the back. 🙂
This recipe came from Everyday Food:Fresh Flavor Fast.  I am really loving this cookbook.  Every recipe has a full page photo, all of which are simple gorgeous.  The recipes are healthy, fresh and simple.
This recipe is actually Coconut And Beef Curry With Noodles in the book, but I had chicken on hand so that is what we used.
Coconut and Chicken (or Beef) Curry With Noodles

Salt & Pepper
8 Ounces vermicelli (rice noodles) or angel-hair pasta (I used whole wheat)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I used coconut oil)
1 pound of chicken, cut into 2 inch strips (or beef sirloin)
1 red onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced lengthwise
1/4 cup water
1 can (14 ounces) unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves (I only used about 1/3 cup-all I had)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
——————-
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add a generous amount of salt.  Cook noodles until tender according to package instructions; drain.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high.  Season chicken or beef with salt and pepper; add to skillet.  Cook, until chicken is no longer pink, or beef is to desired doneness.  Transfer to a plate.

3. Add onion, bell peppers, and the water to skillet; season with salt and pepper.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes.  Add curry paste; cook, stirring and scraping bottom of skillet, until fragrant and combined, about 1 minute.

4. Return chicken or beef and any accumulated juices to skillet; add coconut milk.  Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, 4-5 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Stir in basil and lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.  

Serve meat mixture over noodles.

Enjoy!
2
Drinks/ RECIPES

Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar Spritzer

If you know me, you know I love Trader Joes for many reasons, and here is one more:
Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar!!
I do not drink soda anymore, and I miss the fizz.  I tried some and after being off of it for so long, I am pleased to say I just can’t handle the sweetness of it anymore! (I never thought I would say that, I used to love my pop!)  But, I do miss the fizz.  When I read the back of Trader Joes Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar bottle and a suggestion for use was to add crushed ice and sparkling water for a refreshing spritzer, I got REALLY excited.  It calls for 3 Tbls of vinegar, next time I will only do 2, as I like just a hint of the citrus and vinegar tang.
 It really was refreshing.  
The vinegar contains:
Champagne Vinegar, Orange Juice, Sugar, Fresh Oranges, Muscat Grape Juice
Its suggested use on the bottle:
~as a marinade for chicken or shrimp
~tossed with melons peaches and berries for a fruit salad
~use as a dressing with 1 part vinegar to 2 parts olive oil
~use to make a tangy fruit salsa of mango, red onion, serrano chile and cilantro.
I will be trying it on my next Spinach Salad w/ Mandarin Oranges and Slivered Almonds.
MMMmmmm.
If you do not live close to a Trader Joes, here is a similar product:

Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar Spritzer
{Add 3 Tbls. (or 2:)) to a glass full of sparkling water and crushed ice.}
———————
6
RECIPES/ Sides

Tomatoes On Toast A Delightful Lunch

There is a neighborhood Italian Bistro here within walking distance of my home.  The owner is from Italy so the food authentic and delish.  His soups are to die for, but what I crave the most when I go is his Bruschetta.  I have had many types of bruschetta, but his is so simple and fresh!  There are no chunks of garlic, so he must use garlic salt or powder, and he finishes it off with freshly ground pepper.  I decided to try and replicate what he does, since paying almost 7 dollars for tomatoes on toasted bread seems like a bit much these days! I tried, and nailed it!
The key is good ingredients, especially the tomatoes. His out-shined mine in the bread area, but I used what I had and paired with a green salad it made a delightful lunch.

 

Tomatoes On Toast

 

1 cup chopped tomatoes

11/2 tbs. olive oil

1/2 tbs. balsamic vinegar

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
a couple small leaves of basil, chopped (optional)
———————-
toasted bread

———————

sprinkle of freshly ground pepper
sprinkle of salt, if needed

———————

Combine the tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic salt.
Let sit for a few minutes.
Scoop with a slotted spoon onto toasted bread.
Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper.

 

9
Meals/ RECIPES

Recipes I Want To Make This Week

{Chicken Gyros @ Annie’s Eats}
 The picture looks great, but to hear her talk about how much she loves the recipe sold me.
{Baked Hasselback Potatoes @ Chico’s Kitchen}
Just because plain ol’ baked potatoes get boring.
{Lasagna Cupcakes @ Framed Cooks}
These are so cute!  I would love to have a bunch stuck in my freezer to pull out for lunch or a quick snack.  Wonton wrappers in place of noodles = brilliant!
{Chocolate Fig Freezer Fudge @ The Chocolate Fig}
I don’t like figs, but her explanation of these made my mouth water so I’m gonna try it!
{Lemon Chicken Breasts @ The Sequined Lobster}
I started making this last week, but when I went to open my bottle of white wine, the spout broke and glass dropped into the wine.  Note to self…do not ever buy cheap wine bottle opener!  We had Toad In A Hole for dinner that night instead..:)  I will try again this week.
{Lentil Soup @ Mission B Fit}
This recipe is very similar to my French Lentil Soup.  Mine uses carrots, celery and balsamic vinegar.
I like the simplicity of hers, can’t wait to try it.  
{Banana Cookies @ Mission B Fit}
These are easy and nutritious, I think my kids will devour them!
2
Brunch/ RECIPES

2 Minute Steel Cut Oatmeal

I have received mixed reviews on my Overnight No Cook Breakfast Chia Oatmeal Pudding, people either love ’em or hate them. 
 I thought I would give you another favorite oatmeal recipe, that is much more “normal”:)
I LOVE this method of making oatmeal, because it takes 2 minutes to throw together, and it makes enough for the family to eat all week!  My girls just take an ice cream scoop, scoop out a serving in the morning, and heat it up in the microwave.  A cheap, healthy and easy breakfast!
All you have to do is dump in 1 cup of oats for every 4 cups of milk and water into a dutch oven or casserole dish, add a little salt and then leave it in the oven for an hour.
That’s it!!
I got this idea from Giver’s Log, she has the cutest story of her husband and his longing for the perfect, creamy, dreamy oats.  She finally was able to satisfy his longings with this recipe.
She has pictures of the different ways they enjoy their oats, so click on through if you are curious.
We like ours with fruit and honey, dried cranberries and brown sugar, or just plain cinnamon and sugar. I do like to throw some chia seed in for extra fiber and protein.
Here is the recipe from Givers Log
Two-Minute Weekday Steel Cut Oatmeal

1 cup steel-cut oats
3 cups water
1 cup milk
1/4-1/2 tsp salt
Preheat oven to 300.
Dump oats, water, and milk into a large, oven-safe pan with extra depth for oatmeal to expand. Add salt. All of this will take you a grand total of two minutes, hence the recipe name. Cover if you want. Or don’t. I’ve done both.
Bake for an hour or two. Seriously, can you believe how easy this is? If you bake a little longer, the oatmeal will be more custardy when you refrigerate. Bake a little shorter if you like your oatmeal saucy.
Store in the fridge. Oatmeal will keep for five days or so. When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop out a bowlful and warm in the microwave. Once it is warmed, drizzle with soy milk (my favorite) or cream. Add something sweet and enjoy.

A little bit about:
Navitas Naturals Chia Seeds Aztec Superfood, 16 Ounce Pouch

Chia seeds and I are becoming fast friends.  Why?
~the are jammed packed with protein and minerals and healthy fats and fiber
~they provide more plant based Omega 3’s than any other food, even FLAX
~they have 5 GRAMS of fiber PER TABLESPOON!
~they are flavorless and dissolve in juice, soups, stews, shakes etc..
~they are FILLING!

3
Top