Hello everyone! I hope your Thursday is treating you well and your meals have been delightful :) Tonight's dinner has been on my meal list for a few weeks now, but I've been nervous to make it. Mainly b/c I was worried about the smoked cheese. Sometimes smokey cheese can add way too much to 'smoke-ness' flavor to the dish. So I finally decided to make it tonight; I had to work so the hubs had to feed the kids :) he he! Anyway--it turned out really well. I got it from www.kraftfoods.com, but adapted the recipe a bit. It called for jar Alfredo sauce, but I made my own. I had some when I got home and really enjoyed it. Below---I give you a noodl-ey dish full of smokey cheese :)
Penne w/ Tomatoes & Smoked Mozz
3 c Penne (or whatever noodles you have)
2 T Olive Oil
1 T minced garlic
Salt & Pepper
1 block cream cheese
1/2 - 3/4 c milk
1 cup frozen peas
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
4 oz smoked mozzarella
Heat oven to 350. Spray casserole dish w/ cooking spray and set aside. Cook pasta according to directions on package. Heat oil in skillet on med heat and add garlic. Saute for 2-3 min, then add cream cheese and enough milk to make a creamy consistency. Cook on low until cheese is melted. Add peas and cook 2-3 min, until peas are thawed, then add tomatoes and cooked pasta. Spoon all into dish and top w/ sliced cheese. Bake 25-30min. I served this w/ garlic bread and some wine for the big kids :) Enjoy!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Dinner Mar 30, 2011 - Pizza Night
Pizza night--'nuf said. I love pizza night :) Make a call and wait for dinner to arrive on the table.....the good life!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Dinner Mar 29, 2011 - Mango-Orange Chicken
Kiddos--tonight's dinner was a H.I.T!!!! I mean--both kids cleaned their plates, there was nothing left for my hubs to take for lunch tomorrow, and they wanted more!!! Seriously! I enjoyed it also, but when the monkeys devour a meal like this--it's a keeper!!
Mango-Chicken Chicken w/ Couscous
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 T ginger powder
1 T cinnamon
2 T Olive Oil
1 mango, cubed
2 stalks green onion (they called for red onion, but I didn't have any)
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup Kraft Asian Toasted Sesame dressing (don't skimp here; use the real stuff)
2 T cilantro
1 box instant couscous
2 Cups broth (beef or chicken)
Heat oil on med-high on skillet. Sprinkle chicken w/ ginger and cinnamon. Cook chicken on both sides 3-5 min, or until no longer pink. Meanwhile, cook couscous according to directions on package. Mix remaining ingredients in bowl. Serve chicken over couscous and top w/ mango mix. I served this w/ corn and we loved it!!!
Mango-Chicken Chicken w/ Couscous
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 T ginger powder
1 T cinnamon
2 T Olive Oil
1 mango, cubed
2 stalks green onion (they called for red onion, but I didn't have any)
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup Kraft Asian Toasted Sesame dressing (don't skimp here; use the real stuff)
2 T cilantro
1 box instant couscous
2 Cups broth (beef or chicken)
Heat oil on med-high on skillet. Sprinkle chicken w/ ginger and cinnamon. Cook chicken on both sides 3-5 min, or until no longer pink. Meanwhile, cook couscous according to directions on package. Mix remaining ingredients in bowl. Serve chicken over couscous and top w/ mango mix. I served this w/ corn and we loved it!!!
A Delightful Lunch Item :)
Hello everyone. I know I'm always dishing out dinner meals, but today I threw together (literally, no planning whatsoever) a sandwich that I think peeps will love!!! It would be an amazing lunch or dinner meal--Blackened Chicken Sandwich
Blackened Chicken Sandwich
1 boneless skinless chicken breast
2 T Olive Oil
1 T garlic powder
1 T Paprika
1/2 T Cayenne
Salt & Pepper
1 hamburger bun
mayo
1 slice provalone cheese
lettuce
fresh cilantro
Heat skillet on med-high. Sprinkle chicken w/ oil and spices. Cook on both sides about 3-5 min per side (I would have grilled it here, but it was FREEZING outside!!!). Serve chicken on bun w/ mayo, cheese, lettuce and cilantro. It was amazing!!
Blackened Chicken Sandwich
1 boneless skinless chicken breast
2 T Olive Oil
1 T garlic powder
1 T Paprika
1/2 T Cayenne
Salt & Pepper
1 hamburger bun
mayo
1 slice provalone cheese
lettuce
fresh cilantro
Heat skillet on med-high. Sprinkle chicken w/ oil and spices. Cook on both sides about 3-5 min per side (I would have grilled it here, but it was FREEZING outside!!!). Serve chicken on bun w/ mayo, cheese, lettuce and cilantro. It was amazing!!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Dinner Mar 28, 2011 - Tacos :)
Hello my friends!! Tonight we dined on delicious, delightful, yummy tacos!!! I wanted something simple, good and pleasing to everyone. This dinner was it! I hope all of you enjoy our little Mexican nights as much as we do :) Ciao!!!
Dinner Mar 27, 2011 - Chicken Alfredo
Hello everyone! I hope the weekend has been fantastic so far. Dinner tonight is brought to you from a recipe that I've made a ton. I adapt it every time I make it! This evening I'm trying the new Cooking Creme from Philly. I used it once last week and I love it! And so I present to you....Chicken Alfredo w/ Green Beans and French Bread.....
Chicken Alfredo
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
1 lb fettuccine noodles
2 T Olive Oil
1 T garlic powder
1 T onion salt
Ground Pepper
Philly Cooking Creme - Plain
Place the chicken in pot and cover w/ broth (use a little water if needed, to ensure the chicken is covered). Boil about 15-20min, or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken and set aside, reserving broth. In large skillet, spread oil around pan and add spices. Cook on med heat a few minutes, careful not to burn. Slice chicken across the grain and add to skillet. Saute a few minutes, allowing the chicken to become coated in the spices. Add the Cooking Creme and about 1/2-1 cup broth to make a creamy consistency. Cook noodles according to package directions and add to chicken. Enjoy w/ green beans and bread!!
Green Beans
1 pkg Steamers green beans (I get mine from Schwan's)
2 T Olive Oil
1 T minced garlic
Salt and Pepper
Cook beans according to package directions. Heat oil and spices in skillet and add beans when they are done. Saute for about 6-8 min on low, letting the beans become coated in the spices. That's it!!!
Again, I used a loaf of frozen French bread--super simple!!
I hope you enjoy this Italian classic that's simple to pull together. Happy Cooking!!!
Chicken Alfredo
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
1 lb fettuccine noodles
2 T Olive Oil
1 T garlic powder
1 T onion salt
Ground Pepper
Philly Cooking Creme - Plain
Place the chicken in pot and cover w/ broth (use a little water if needed, to ensure the chicken is covered). Boil about 15-20min, or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken and set aside, reserving broth. In large skillet, spread oil around pan and add spices. Cook on med heat a few minutes, careful not to burn. Slice chicken across the grain and add to skillet. Saute a few minutes, allowing the chicken to become coated in the spices. Add the Cooking Creme and about 1/2-1 cup broth to make a creamy consistency. Cook noodles according to package directions and add to chicken. Enjoy w/ green beans and bread!!
Green Beans
1 pkg Steamers green beans (I get mine from Schwan's)
2 T Olive Oil
1 T minced garlic
Salt and Pepper
Cook beans according to package directions. Heat oil and spices in skillet and add beans when they are done. Saute for about 6-8 min on low, letting the beans become coated in the spices. That's it!!!
Again, I used a loaf of frozen French bread--super simple!!
I hope you enjoy this Italian classic that's simple to pull together. Happy Cooking!!!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Dinner Mar 24, 2011 - Pad Thai Shrimp
Hello Hello Hello!!! I am sooo ready for Friday!! We got some cold weather--boooo--but I think it's just the VERY last of it....spring is almost here :)
Tonight, we will all be dining on a recipe I have never tried before, as well as a cuisine I have never cooked before--Thai food. I'm excited!!! I've made Indian and Mediterranean before, but never Thai. Let's hope all pallets are pleased :)
Ladies and Gentleman....I bring you: Pad Thai Shrimp
Pad Thai Shrimp
4 cups water
1 pkg linguine-style rice noodles (I found what I think is this, but really not sure....)
1/3 c lime juice
1/3 c water
3 T br sugar
1/4 c soy sauce or fish sauce (fish sauce--that's just gross)
1 T rice vinegar
3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
3 T veg oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 med shallot (I never use these--I just use an onion!)
2 eggs, beaten
12 oz frozen cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp, thawed
1/4 cup bean sprouts (yeah--I didn't even buy this!!)
4 med gr onions, sliced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Here we go....
I saucepan, heat 4c water to boiling. Remove from heat; add noodles. Soak noodles 3-5 minutes, or until soft. Drain and rinse w/ cold water. (Here, we'll see if these are the kind I got. I may be trying a new method!!)
In small bowl, stir lime juice, water, br sugar, soy/fish sauce, vinegar, cayenne and 1T oil until mixed. In skillet, heat 2T oil over med heat. Cook garlic and shallot about 30sec, stirring constantly. Add eggs. Cook 2 min, stirring until scrambled.
Stir in noodles and lime juice mixture. Increase heat to high and cook about 1 min, tossing constantly. Sauce should begin to thicken. Add remaining ingredients, except cilantro. Cook 2-3min, tossing. Garnish w/ cilantro.
I hope you enjoy this--I'm really looking forward to it! I'll let you know how it goes :)
Tonight, we will all be dining on a recipe I have never tried before, as well as a cuisine I have never cooked before--Thai food. I'm excited!!! I've made Indian and Mediterranean before, but never Thai. Let's hope all pallets are pleased :)
Ladies and Gentleman....I bring you: Pad Thai Shrimp
Pad Thai Shrimp
4 cups water
1 pkg linguine-style rice noodles (I found what I think is this, but really not sure....)
1/3 c lime juice
1/3 c water
3 T br sugar
1/4 c soy sauce or fish sauce (fish sauce--that's just gross)
1 T rice vinegar
3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
3 T veg oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 med shallot (I never use these--I just use an onion!)
2 eggs, beaten
12 oz frozen cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp, thawed
1/4 cup bean sprouts (yeah--I didn't even buy this!!)
4 med gr onions, sliced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Here we go....
I saucepan, heat 4c water to boiling. Remove from heat; add noodles. Soak noodles 3-5 minutes, or until soft. Drain and rinse w/ cold water. (Here, we'll see if these are the kind I got. I may be trying a new method!!)
In small bowl, stir lime juice, water, br sugar, soy/fish sauce, vinegar, cayenne and 1T oil until mixed. In skillet, heat 2T oil over med heat. Cook garlic and shallot about 30sec, stirring constantly. Add eggs. Cook 2 min, stirring until scrambled.
Stir in noodles and lime juice mixture. Increase heat to high and cook about 1 min, tossing constantly. Sauce should begin to thicken. Add remaining ingredients, except cilantro. Cook 2-3min, tossing. Garnish w/ cilantro.
I hope you enjoy this--I'm really looking forward to it! I'll let you know how it goes :)
A BIG Super-Duper Thank You :)
I would like to thank all of my current followers and all of my new ones!! You guys are why I do this. I LOVE the idea of helping people out when you're just not feeling the 'What's For Dinner???' questions :) I hope we drum tons of support--tell your friends!!! I love you guys!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Dinner Mar 23, 2011 - Pizza Casserole
Good afternoon my lovely food-lovers! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday. It is beautiful here and we have been outside enjoying the weather b/c I heard some nasty stuff is on the way--boo. Not a fan of snow in late March.
Tonight's dinner comes to you, once again, from http://www.bettycrocker.com/. We will be dining on Pizza Casserole w/ breadsticks. This casserole looks scrumptious--sausage, pasta, olives, cheese.....yum! This is a super kid-friendly meal :) Hope you enjoy!
Pizza Casserole
2 cups uncooked pasta
1 lb sausage
2 1/3 cups pasta sauce (I sometimes like to make my own, but tonight I'll be using canned :)
sliced olives
1 can mushrooms, pieces & stems (I'm not adding these--I'm the only one in my fam that likes 'shrooms)
1 cup shredded mozz cheese
Heat oven to 350deg. Cook pasta according to directions on package. Brown sausage in skillet, drain. Mix sausage, noodles, sauce, olives & mushrooms in casserole dish. Cover and bake about 30min. Uncover, sprinkle w/ cheese and bake another 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
We'll be having frozen breadsticks w/ this one tonight. Happy pizza-eating!!!
Tonight's dinner comes to you, once again, from http://www.bettycrocker.com/. We will be dining on Pizza Casserole w/ breadsticks. This casserole looks scrumptious--sausage, pasta, olives, cheese.....yum! This is a super kid-friendly meal :) Hope you enjoy!
Pizza Casserole
2 cups uncooked pasta
1 lb sausage
2 1/3 cups pasta sauce (I sometimes like to make my own, but tonight I'll be using canned :)
sliced olives
1 can mushrooms, pieces & stems (I'm not adding these--I'm the only one in my fam that likes 'shrooms)
1 cup shredded mozz cheese
Heat oven to 350deg. Cook pasta according to directions on package. Brown sausage in skillet, drain. Mix sausage, noodles, sauce, olives & mushrooms in casserole dish. Cover and bake about 30min. Uncover, sprinkle w/ cheese and bake another 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
We'll be having frozen breadsticks w/ this one tonight. Happy pizza-eating!!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Dinner Mar 22, 2011 - Chicken Capri Pasta
Hello my fellow chefs!! I hope your Tuesday is treating everyone well. I've started my spring cleaning and I'm loving my sparkling house :) I did my bi-weekly shopping today. Had to use two carts! I was a little low on some things :) Tonight we will be dining on Chicken Capri Pasta, a salad and some french bread. Sounds delightful!! This recipe uses something new called Philadelphia Cooking Creme. I've never used the stuff before, but I do make my own Alfredo sauce by melting down cream cheese, so I'm excited to try this stuff!!
I got this recipe from http://www.kraftfoods.com/. They've got some new spring recipes out and I love the new stuff! Here we go....
Chicken Capri Pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1/2 cup red pepper strips
1 cup frozen broccoli
1 tub savory garlic Cooking Creme (I couldn't find the savory so I'm using plain and adding garlic)
2 cups cooked angel hair pasta
1/4 cup shredded parm cheese
Cook and stir chicken, 1 T minced garlic and peppers in skillet 5-7min, or until chicken is done. Stir in broccoli and cook 2-3min, until heated through. Add cooking creme, cook 2-3min, until heated. Serve over pasta, sprinkled w/ cheese.
I'm making a dinner salad and using my ol' reliable Schwan's french bread. That's dinner!!
I got this recipe from http://www.kraftfoods.com/. They've got some new spring recipes out and I love the new stuff! Here we go....
Chicken Capri Pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1/2 cup red pepper strips
1 cup frozen broccoli
1 tub savory garlic Cooking Creme (I couldn't find the savory so I'm using plain and adding garlic)
2 cups cooked angel hair pasta
1/4 cup shredded parm cheese
Cook and stir chicken, 1 T minced garlic and peppers in skillet 5-7min, or until chicken is done. Stir in broccoli and cook 2-3min, until heated through. Add cooking creme, cook 2-3min, until heated. Serve over pasta, sprinkled w/ cheese.
I'm making a dinner salad and using my ol' reliable Schwan's french bread. That's dinner!!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Dinner Mar 21, 2011 - Stuffed Burritos
Another Mexican!!! I haven't had a burrito in awhile so I decided to throw the last of our pantry Mexican items into a skillet and make a dinner! Shopping tomorrow means we're running low on supplies :) I hope you dig into this dinner w/ a margarita and finish it off w/ some fried ice cream--yum!!
Stuffed Burritos
1 lb ground beef
2 pks taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
1/2 can refried beans
1 cup hot, cooked rice
tortillas
lettuce, cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, salsa
Brown beef and drain. Add taco seasoning, water, beans and rice. Cook this mixture on low for about 6-8 minutes to allow the flavors to mesh. Serve inside tortillas w/ the toppings of your choice. These were amazing and my son ate 2!! Enjoy!
Stuffed Burritos
1 lb ground beef
2 pks taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
1/2 can refried beans
1 cup hot, cooked rice
tortillas
lettuce, cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, salsa
Brown beef and drain. Add taco seasoning, water, beans and rice. Cook this mixture on low for about 6-8 minutes to allow the flavors to mesh. Serve inside tortillas w/ the toppings of your choice. These were amazing and my son ate 2!! Enjoy!
Dinner Mar 18, 2011 - Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry
Hello everyone! Just saying the name of this dinner makes me smile. I love stir-fry's and their amazing ability to adapt to any protein you add (or lack thereof) and to clean out your crisper! Let me tell you folks--I make a mean stir-fry :) I've used several different recipes over the years and this one I like because of its flavors. Check it out......
Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry & Eggrolls
1 lb boneless skinles chicken, cut into cubes
2 T Zesty Italian Dressing
2 T ginger powder
3 T soy sauce
1-2 T crushed red peppers (adjust to your tastes)
1 bag frozen stir-fry veggies
2 eggs
2 cups hot cooked rice
Heat dressing in skillet and add chicken. Sprinkle ginger, soy and peppers on chicken. Cook chicken until done--8-10 minutes. Add veggies and cook about 5 minutes, until they are warm. Push mixture to side of pan and crack eggs in open spot in skillet. Scramble in side of pan until they are cooked, then mix w/ chicken & veggies. Serve over rice and enjoy :)
For eggrolls--I like to buy frozen and cook in oven :)
Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry & Eggrolls
1 lb boneless skinles chicken, cut into cubes
2 T Zesty Italian Dressing
2 T ginger powder
3 T soy sauce
1-2 T crushed red peppers (adjust to your tastes)
1 bag frozen stir-fry veggies
2 eggs
2 cups hot cooked rice
Heat dressing in skillet and add chicken. Sprinkle ginger, soy and peppers on chicken. Cook chicken until done--8-10 minutes. Add veggies and cook about 5 minutes, until they are warm. Push mixture to side of pan and crack eggs in open spot in skillet. Scramble in side of pan until they are cooked, then mix w/ chicken & veggies. Serve over rice and enjoy :)
For eggrolls--I like to buy frozen and cook in oven :)
Hello Again!!
Hello hello hello!! I'm back!! It's been a busy, busy week. Thus explaining why I've slacked on my blogging :( Not cool. I apologize kiddos. But I do want to tell everyone this--it's offcially grilling season!!! YES!!!!! We have lots of nights w/ brats and cheeseburgers, baked beans and some chips. Here's to summer!!
I'm back on my game.....shopping again tomorrow. Our list includes Chicken Capri Pasta, Shrimp Tacos and Pad Thai Shrimp. Yummers :) Stay tuned my friends.......
I'm back on my game.....shopping again tomorrow. Our list includes Chicken Capri Pasta, Shrimp Tacos and Pad Thai Shrimp. Yummers :) Stay tuned my friends.......
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Dinner Mar 16, 2011 - Brats & Beans
Hello my summer-loves :) I am loving this weather!! Tonight we began our summer ritual of grillin' on the deck & playin' on the swing set :) I love this time of year! We had a dinner that was delish, and super-easy. I like to buy brats from the meat dept at my grocery store, and then freeze them in packs of 5: 1 for me, 1 for the kids, 2 for my hubby tonight & one for him for lunch tomorrow--perfect! We grilled the brats, heated some canned beans and had a salad. It was soooo good and soooo summer-y :) I hope you had a wonderful day w/ some amazing weather. Here's to grilling season!!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Dinner Lately
Hello my friends! I would like to first welcome our new follower. Thanks for joining :)
I want to apologize for not posting the last couple of days. Last night, everything came to a hault b/c the finale of The Bachelor was on (Fingers crossed for Brad & Em!!!!) and tonight we went out to dinner with my mom. Good times!!!! Tomorrow, I promise I'll be back to cooking!
I want to apologize for not posting the last couple of days. Last night, everything came to a hault b/c the finale of The Bachelor was on (Fingers crossed for Brad & Em!!!!) and tonight we went out to dinner with my mom. Good times!!!! Tomorrow, I promise I'll be back to cooking!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Freezer Meals 101
Hello to all! I have had a request for some freezer meals. A mom who works full-time and is raising two kids on her own during the week while her hubby works out of town is in need of some good, family meals that are easy to make when she comes home from work. Below, I give you my solution.....I hope these help!!!
Spaghetti Sauce
Meal #1-Spaghetti, garlic bread and green beans
Meal #2-Meatball Subs, celery and ranch and cottage cheese
Spaghetti Sauce
2-4 T Olive Oil
2 T butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3-4 T minced garlic
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 large cans crushed tomatoes
1 can stewed tomatoes, blended slightly (use blender, magic bullet, food processor...)
3 cans tomato sauce
3 T Italian Seasoning
1 T Sage
2 T Parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Heat oil in large stock pot on med-high heat. Add butter, onions, garlic and pepper. Sauté 6-8 min or until onions are soft, being cautious not to burn the garlic.
Add crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer on med heat for 10 min, then add herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Cook this for a couple of hours, allowing the flavors to come together.
Divide this in half and place in ziplocs once it's cooled. Grab one of the bags before you leave in the morning and throw it on the counter so it will be thawed when you get home.
Meal #1 - Spaghetti, garlic bread and green beans
1 portion spaghetti sauce
1 lb spaghetti
1 box frozen garlic bread sticks
1 bag steamers green beans (I get mine from Schwan's)
Place one portion spaghetti sauce in a sauce pan. Cook noodles according to directions and put into sauce when they are done. Allow to simmer together while you cook bread sticks and green beans according to directions. Voila!! It's a meal :)
Meal #2 - Meatball subs, celery and ranch and cottage cheese
1 portion spaghetti sauce
1 lb frozen meatballs (thawed in fridge all day)
4 hoagie buns
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 stalk celery, trimmed and cut into sticks
Ranch dressing
Cottage cheese
Heat oven to 400deg. Place spaghetti sauce and meatballs in pan and allow to warm. Once warm, cut open hoagie buns and fill w/ 2-3 meatballs and sauce and top w/ cheese. Place in oven 6-8 min or until cheese is melted. Serve with celery and ranch and cottage cheese. Enjoy!!
Taco Meat
Meal #1 - Good Ol' Tacos!!
Meal #2 - Enchiladas
Taco Meat
Spaghetti Sauce
Meal #1-Spaghetti, garlic bread and green beans
Meal #2-Meatball Subs, celery and ranch and cottage cheese
Spaghetti Sauce
2-4 T Olive Oil
2 T butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3-4 T minced garlic
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 large cans crushed tomatoes
1 can stewed tomatoes, blended slightly (use blender, magic bullet, food processor...)
3 cans tomato sauce
3 T Italian Seasoning
1 T Sage
2 T Parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Heat oil in large stock pot on med-high heat. Add butter, onions, garlic and pepper. Sauté 6-8 min or until onions are soft, being cautious not to burn the garlic.
Add crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer on med heat for 10 min, then add herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Cook this for a couple of hours, allowing the flavors to come together.
Divide this in half and place in ziplocs once it's cooled. Grab one of the bags before you leave in the morning and throw it on the counter so it will be thawed when you get home.
Meal #1 - Spaghetti, garlic bread and green beans
1 portion spaghetti sauce
1 lb spaghetti
1 box frozen garlic bread sticks
1 bag steamers green beans (I get mine from Schwan's)
Place one portion spaghetti sauce in a sauce pan. Cook noodles according to directions and put into sauce when they are done. Allow to simmer together while you cook bread sticks and green beans according to directions. Voila!! It's a meal :)
Meal #2 - Meatball subs, celery and ranch and cottage cheese
1 portion spaghetti sauce
1 lb frozen meatballs (thawed in fridge all day)
4 hoagie buns
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 stalk celery, trimmed and cut into sticks
Ranch dressing
Cottage cheese
Heat oven to 400deg. Place spaghetti sauce and meatballs in pan and allow to warm. Once warm, cut open hoagie buns and fill w/ 2-3 meatballs and sauce and top w/ cheese. Place in oven 6-8 min or until cheese is melted. Serve with celery and ranch and cottage cheese. Enjoy!!
Taco Meat
Meal #1 - Good Ol' Tacos!!
Meal #2 - Enchiladas
Taco Meat
2 lbs ground beef
3 pks taco seasoning
1 cup water
Brown meat in large skillet, drain. Mix taco seasoning and water in bowl. Return meat to pan and cook on low while you stir in seasoning. Cook on low for about 5 minutes. Divide into two portions; freeze one portion in a Ziploc for tacos and follow directions for enchiladas w/ other portion.
Meal #1 – Tacos
1 portion taco meat
10-12 hard shell tacos or tortillas
Toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, green onions, salsa
Thaw meat in fridge overnight or on counter all day. Place in pan on med heat and allow to warm. Heat shells/tortillas according to directions on package. Serve tacos with toppings and enjoy! This one’s SOOOO easy!!!
Meal #2 – Enchiladas
1 portion taco meat
1 can enchilada sauce
½ cup salsa
6-8 tortillas
1 cup shredded cheese
Toppings: sour cream, salsa, green onions
To prepare for freezing: mix meat, sauce and salsa. Fill tortillas and place in 9”x13” pan. Top with cheese. Place plastic wrap tightly over pan and freeze.
When you are ready to cook: take out of freezer and place in fridge overnight or on counter all day. Heat oven to 350. Remove plastic wrap and heat 30-45min, or until warm inside. Serve w/ toppings and a box of Spanish rice. Yummy!!!
And for Friday night—pizza!!! Nothing quite screams ‘IT’S FRIDAY!!!!’ like ordering a pizza. Have a movie night, or if it’s warm, eat on the deck and play until the sun goes down. Now THAT’S what ring’s in the weekend J
Dinner Mar 13, 2011 - Hamburger Soup
Good Monday morning to all of my chefs!! I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend :) I gotta say--I LOVE DST!!!! How awesome is it that it's still daylight at 730pm?? Now, for the warmth :) Soon......
I would like to point out that a suggestion was made to me over the weekend--someone asked if I could include the recipe name in the blog title. This will make searching easier. I have also been told by more than one person that the mashed potatoes in the Swiss Chicken recipe were To. Die. For. And folks, I gotta say: I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!!! Are they not the most delish, scrumptious, delightful thing EVER?!?!?! And having said that, let's move on :)
For dinner last night I bring you a recipe that I guarantee will be put on the shelf in your recipe pantry--Hamburger Soup. This recipe was just given to me last week by a neighbor. She told me she was having it for dinner and I marveled. I was even more intrigued when she said it was healthy. Yes!! So she brought me a bowl for lunch and I was hooked! We had it last night with a salad and I'm stoked to have it again for lunch today!! Ladies, I give you: Hamburger Soup......
Hamburger Soup
I would like to point out that a suggestion was made to me over the weekend--someone asked if I could include the recipe name in the blog title. This will make searching easier. I have also been told by more than one person that the mashed potatoes in the Swiss Chicken recipe were To. Die. For. And folks, I gotta say: I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!!! Are they not the most delish, scrumptious, delightful thing EVER?!?!?! And having said that, let's move on :)
For dinner last night I bring you a recipe that I guarantee will be put on the shelf in your recipe pantry--Hamburger Soup. This recipe was just given to me last week by a neighbor. She told me she was having it for dinner and I marveled. I was even more intrigued when she said it was healthy. Yes!! So she brought me a bowl for lunch and I was hooked! We had it last night with a salad and I'm stoked to have it again for lunch today!! Ladies, I give you: Hamburger Soup......
Hamburger Soup
1 lb of hamburger
16 oz diced tomatoes (I didn't have these on hand so I used a can of crushed tomatoes instead)
12 oz tomato juice
7 cups of water
1 green pepper, chopped
1 c celery, chopped
16 oz diced tomatoes (I didn't have these on hand so I used a can of crushed tomatoes instead)
12 oz tomato juice
7 cups of water
1 green pepper, chopped
1 c celery, chopped
2-4 carrots, chopped
1-2 potatoes, chopped
2 tsp garlic powder
1Tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/2 c rice
3-4 beef boullion cubes
Salt and Pepper
Brown beef and drain. Mix the remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat, stirring often for several hours. That's it!!! I added a little more water b/c I wanted my soup to be more broth-y. We served it w/ the salad and some saltines w/ butter. I hope you all try this one and enjoy :)
2 tsp garlic powder
1Tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/2 c rice
3-4 beef boullion cubes
Salt and Pepper
Brown beef and drain. Mix the remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat, stirring often for several hours. That's it!!! I added a little more water b/c I wanted my soup to be more broth-y. We served it w/ the salad and some saltines w/ butter. I hope you all try this one and enjoy :)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Dinner Mar 10, 2011
Hello chefs! Today is dreary and feels like a lazy day.......considered ordering pizza or something, but then I found this recipe--Creamy Chicken and Rigatoni; sounds yummy and warm :) I hope you enjoy.....
Creamy Chicken and Rigatoni
1 T Olive Oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
2 T garlic, minced (thank you, jar of pre-minced garlic :)
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 can diced tomatoes (I've recently learned my hubby doesn't like diced tomatoes--yep, never knew that!! So now I'm throwing them into the Magic Bullet to blend them a bit. 2 cans also seems like a lot; I'll probably only use 1)
2 cups heavy cream
Salt and pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 1/2 cups rigatoni (I don't like rigatoni; I think it's too big, so I'm using penne)
1 pkg frozen broccoli, red peppers, onions and mushrooms (I just bought a bag of frozen veggies--couldn't find this exact mix)
Shredded Parm (I like to keep a block of fresh parm in the fridge; nothing adds flavor to an Italian dish like fresh grated parm :)
Heat oil (it says in a Dutch oven but really??? Who has one of those and do you really use it??? I'll take a skillet, please!) and cook chicken, garlic, basil and oregano in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in tomatoes, cream, salt, pepper and cayenne. Heat to boiling, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 min. Cook pasta according to directions, then mix pasta and veggies w/ chicken and simmer until hot. Enjoy!
We'll prob have this one w/ one of those wonderful loaves of bread from Schwan's :)
Creamy Chicken and Rigatoni
1 T Olive Oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
2 T garlic, minced (thank you, jar of pre-minced garlic :)
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 can diced tomatoes (I've recently learned my hubby doesn't like diced tomatoes--yep, never knew that!! So now I'm throwing them into the Magic Bullet to blend them a bit. 2 cans also seems like a lot; I'll probably only use 1)
2 cups heavy cream
Salt and pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 1/2 cups rigatoni (I don't like rigatoni; I think it's too big, so I'm using penne)
1 pkg frozen broccoli, red peppers, onions and mushrooms (I just bought a bag of frozen veggies--couldn't find this exact mix)
Shredded Parm (I like to keep a block of fresh parm in the fridge; nothing adds flavor to an Italian dish like fresh grated parm :)
Heat oil (it says in a Dutch oven but really??? Who has one of those and do you really use it??? I'll take a skillet, please!) and cook chicken, garlic, basil and oregano in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in tomatoes, cream, salt, pepper and cayenne. Heat to boiling, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 min. Cook pasta according to directions, then mix pasta and veggies w/ chicken and simmer until hot. Enjoy!
We'll prob have this one w/ one of those wonderful loaves of bread from Schwan's :)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Dinner Mar 9, 2011
Tonight, my people's, I bring to you Wild West Sizzlin' Chicken Tacos!!! Woot Woot!!! You know we are Mexican lover's around here and I'm so pumped about this one! Again, we get our delights from http://www.bettycrocker.com/. If you haven't checked them out--do so!! And be sure to sign up for emails; you can customize them for whatever kinds of meals you're looking for. Enjoy.....
Wild West Sizzlin' Chicken Tacos
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Taco Shells
Red bell pepper, cut into strips (forgot to grab this at the store--oh well :)
1 cup BBQ baked beans
1 cup shredded cheese
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (again, not adding this. I hate frying bacon)
Heat oven to 400deg. Heat skillet on med-high and add oil. Toss chicken w/ cumin and paprika and cook, 8-10 min, until no longer pink. Arrange taco shells in baking dish (haven't figured out yet how I'm going to make them stand up...), and fill w/ chicken, pepper, beans, cheese and bacon. Bake about 8 min. Top w/ salsa, sour cream and green onions, if desired. Delish!!
We are going to be having this one w/ some Spanish rice--I like Rice-a-Roni. Their rice is yummy, creamy and delightful :)
Enjoy your dinner!!
Wild West Sizzlin' Chicken Tacos
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Taco Shells
Red bell pepper, cut into strips (forgot to grab this at the store--oh well :)
1 cup BBQ baked beans
1 cup shredded cheese
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (again, not adding this. I hate frying bacon)
Heat oven to 400deg. Heat skillet on med-high and add oil. Toss chicken w/ cumin and paprika and cook, 8-10 min, until no longer pink. Arrange taco shells in baking dish (haven't figured out yet how I'm going to make them stand up...), and fill w/ chicken, pepper, beans, cheese and bacon. Bake about 8 min. Top w/ salsa, sour cream and green onions, if desired. Delish!!
We are going to be having this one w/ some Spanish rice--I like Rice-a-Roni. Their rice is yummy, creamy and delightful :)
Enjoy your dinner!!
Critic's Review
Hello my lovely ladies :) I'm hoping your Wed is going well. Rainy here, but manageable. I have to tell you that last night's dinner was AMAZING!!! The kids gobbles it up, my husband gobbled it up, I gobbled it up :) Love it! Make sure you add this one to your 'try it' list and let me know what you think. Yum!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Dinner Mar 8, 2011
Happy Tuesday! Dinner tonight is in the crock-pot as we speak! I love using my crock-pot and do so whenever I come across a good meal. Tonight's dinner comes from http://www.bettycrocker.com/. It's a Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken. Yum!
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken
3 slices bacon (I didn't put this in. Didn't feel like frying bacon when I was throwing it together this morn)
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 chopped celery
1 1/4 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes (I put mine in the Magic Bullet so they weren't so chunky)
2 cups hot cooked rice
Cook the bacon, adding peppers, onions and celery and sauteing for a few minutes. Place in slow cooker when soft. Add chicken, seasoning and tomatoes. (I just dumped everything into the crock-pot). Cook that baby on low all day! Then serve over rice. I'm going to have cornbread w/ this (hooray for Jiffy!!). A yummy meal on its way!!
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken
3 slices bacon (I didn't put this in. Didn't feel like frying bacon when I was throwing it together this morn)
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 chopped celery
1 1/4 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes (I put mine in the Magic Bullet so they weren't so chunky)
2 cups hot cooked rice
Cook the bacon, adding peppers, onions and celery and sauteing for a few minutes. Place in slow cooker when soft. Add chicken, seasoning and tomatoes. (I just dumped everything into the crock-pot). Cook that baby on low all day! Then serve over rice. I'm going to have cornbread w/ this (hooray for Jiffy!!). A yummy meal on its way!!
Dinner Mar 7, 2011
Hello folks! I hope your Monday went well. Monday's are never fun, but if you're a Bachelor fan, they can be easier :)
I had book club tonight and you know what that means--sloppy joes!! But this time my husband vetoed sloppy joes so that nixed my dinner plans :( Instead, I used my go-to meal--breakfast. My fav meal of the day is breakfast, so I LOVE to make it for dinner! You can never go wrong w/ some pancakes and eggs :) But tonight we had biscuits (frozen; never was good at making my own) and gravy, bacon and eggs. Delish! If you find yourself searching for a dinner idea, just explore breakfast--you'll love it!
I had book club tonight and you know what that means--sloppy joes!! But this time my husband vetoed sloppy joes so that nixed my dinner plans :( Instead, I used my go-to meal--breakfast. My fav meal of the day is breakfast, so I LOVE to make it for dinner! You can never go wrong w/ some pancakes and eggs :) But tonight we had biscuits (frozen; never was good at making my own) and gravy, bacon and eggs. Delish! If you find yourself searching for a dinner idea, just explore breakfast--you'll love it!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Dinner Mar 6, 2011
Tonight's dinner is a classic--Chicken Pot Pie. Sigh.....just saying it makes me smile, relax and think of lazy Sunday's back home. I love pot pie; it's the dish that never gets old and, no matter how you prepare it, it's always delicious. Whether you make your own crust or buy one or top it with biscuits---it's still a pot pie. My pot pie recipe is one that I've adapted from years of trial and error. I've come up with my go-to recipe that knows how to make my Sunday feel like home :) I hope you enjoy as well.
Chicken Pot Pie
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 T Kraft Zesty Italian dressing (I like to use that brand; it's got a tangy flavor that goes well w/ the chicken)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1/2-1 cup milk
2 cups frozen mixed veggies
1 store-bought pie crust (I've tried making my own, but when they're so easy to buy and they taste so good, I have a hard time turning that down)
1 egg w/ a splash of milk
Preheat oven to 375deg. Heat the dressing in a skillet on med-high heat and add chicken. Cook, stirring, until chicken is no longer pink. Turn head down to med-low and add veggies. Allow to cook about 5min, until veggies are thawed. In another bowl, mix soup and milk, making a thick, creamy gravy. Pour gravy over chicken and veggies and stir to mix. Spray a 9"x13" (or whatever size you grab) pan and pour chicken mixture in. Top w/ pie crust. Mix egg and milk in a small bowl and brush lightly over top of the crust. Bake, uncovered, 30-45min, our until crust is brown and gravy is bubbling on the sides. If you need the crust to get browner, turn the oven up to 425deg and cook for a few minutes, checking often. Allow to cool for about 10min, and then serve. The good thing about this dish--it doesn't need any sides; you've got your meat, veggies and gravy. 'nuf said. Happy Sunday's to you all!!!
Chicken Pot Pie
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 T Kraft Zesty Italian dressing (I like to use that brand; it's got a tangy flavor that goes well w/ the chicken)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1/2-1 cup milk
2 cups frozen mixed veggies
1 store-bought pie crust (I've tried making my own, but when they're so easy to buy and they taste so good, I have a hard time turning that down)
1 egg w/ a splash of milk
Preheat oven to 375deg. Heat the dressing in a skillet on med-high heat and add chicken. Cook, stirring, until chicken is no longer pink. Turn head down to med-low and add veggies. Allow to cook about 5min, until veggies are thawed. In another bowl, mix soup and milk, making a thick, creamy gravy. Pour gravy over chicken and veggies and stir to mix. Spray a 9"x13" (or whatever size you grab) pan and pour chicken mixture in. Top w/ pie crust. Mix egg and milk in a small bowl and brush lightly over top of the crust. Bake, uncovered, 30-45min, our until crust is brown and gravy is bubbling on the sides. If you need the crust to get browner, turn the oven up to 425deg and cook for a few minutes, checking often. Allow to cool for about 10min, and then serve. The good thing about this dish--it doesn't need any sides; you've got your meat, veggies and gravy. 'nuf said. Happy Sunday's to you all!!!
Dinner on the Weekend
Hello my peoples :) I hope this Saturday evening finds you well. We've had a lazy, wonderful weekend thus far. My husband took off work yesterday so we loafed around town :) Love those days....Him being home all day inspired a dinner-by-daddy. I didn't write about this yesterday because I wasn't too 'into' it; dinner on Friday brought us back to our roots: fried deer meat. Yep--you read it right. Now, it's not that I'm totally against deer meat, but it takes forever to prepare, then it makes a mess in the kitchen and, worst of all--it's fried meat! Now don't get me wrong, we occasionally break out the deep fryer and throw in some chicken strips, but not very often. But I looooove those chicken strips; and I don't really like deer meat. The game-y taste throws me off. I know, I know, I'm not a loyalist to my roots--I'm sorry!!
So, having said that, we had deer meat for dinner last night and tonight was a movie night. We bought a take & bake pizza from the grocery store and watched Monster's Inc. I love that movie :) It was a wonderful night day of not cooking and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope your Saturday night was just as enjoyable and I will see you back here tomorrow!
So, having said that, we had deer meat for dinner last night and tonight was a movie night. We bought a take & bake pizza from the grocery store and watched Monster's Inc. I love that movie :) It was a wonderful night day of not cooking and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope your Saturday night was just as enjoyable and I will see you back here tomorrow!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Dinner Mar 3, 2011
Hello my loyal chefs! How is everyone today? We are doing pretty good around here. I'm sorry I'm late getting dinner out tonight; it was a crazy afternoon!
Tonight's dinner is a classic: Spaghetti--but w/ a twist! We are going to add some Italian sausage to the sauce so it has a different flavor to it. My kids love spaghetti, and so do we! Happy noodles :)
Sausage Spaghetti
1 lb Italian sausage (I use Johnsenville and squeeze it out of the casings)
1 med onion, chopped
2 T minced garlic
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
2 T Italian seasoning
Salt and Pepper
1 lb angel hair pasta (or whatever you prefer)
Grated Parm cheese
Place the ground sausage--out of the casing--into a skillet, along w/ the onion and garlic. Cook until sausage is no longer pink. Add crushed and diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add seasonings and salt and pepper. Cook on low, stirring occasionally, about 20 min, or as long as you have.
Cook noodles according to directions on package. Serve sauce over noodles and top w/ grated cheese. We served this w/ a loaf of french bread--wonderful!!!
Tomato Tips....
I love to make my own spaghetti sauce, and it's so simple you can do it in just a few steps. Don't get me wrong--I use pre-made sauce a lot, but sometimes it's nice to make a good, simple spaghetti sauce. I always start w/ crushed tomatoes as the base of the sauce. Then, I'll use whatever tomatoes I have in the pantry. Today, I used the diced tomatoes and some sauce. But I've used stewed before, if I have them in the pantry. Stewed tomatoes are more dense and have a stronger tomato taste than diced, so I usually run them through my Magic Bullet before I put them in the sauce. Just use what you've got and experiment.
Hope your spaghetti was noodle-rific!!! Ha--I crack myself up :)
Tonight's dinner is a classic: Spaghetti--but w/ a twist! We are going to add some Italian sausage to the sauce so it has a different flavor to it. My kids love spaghetti, and so do we! Happy noodles :)
Sausage Spaghetti
1 lb Italian sausage (I use Johnsenville and squeeze it out of the casings)
1 med onion, chopped
2 T minced garlic
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
2 T Italian seasoning
Salt and Pepper
1 lb angel hair pasta (or whatever you prefer)
Grated Parm cheese
Place the ground sausage--out of the casing--into a skillet, along w/ the onion and garlic. Cook until sausage is no longer pink. Add crushed and diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add seasonings and salt and pepper. Cook on low, stirring occasionally, about 20 min, or as long as you have.
Cook noodles according to directions on package. Serve sauce over noodles and top w/ grated cheese. We served this w/ a loaf of french bread--wonderful!!!
Tomato Tips....
I love to make my own spaghetti sauce, and it's so simple you can do it in just a few steps. Don't get me wrong--I use pre-made sauce a lot, but sometimes it's nice to make a good, simple spaghetti sauce. I always start w/ crushed tomatoes as the base of the sauce. Then, I'll use whatever tomatoes I have in the pantry. Today, I used the diced tomatoes and some sauce. But I've used stewed before, if I have them in the pantry. Stewed tomatoes are more dense and have a stronger tomato taste than diced, so I usually run them through my Magic Bullet before I put them in the sauce. Just use what you've got and experiment.
Hope your spaghetti was noodle-rific!!! Ha--I crack myself up :)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Some Teasers.....
Hey guys! I hope dinner went well for everyone. Some tips I'd like to point out---cook the chicken on 375deg for about 40min. It takes a little longer than I remembered. I put too much milk in mine and the gravy was a little runny, but it thickened up as it set.
I'm headed to the store tomorrow to do my bi-weekly shopping trip. Wanna know what's for dinner over the next couple of weeks.......spicy chicken stir-fry, slow-cooker Cajun chicken and some penne w/ chicken and smoked cheese. Yum!!!! I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow! Ciao :)
I'm headed to the store tomorrow to do my bi-weekly shopping trip. Wanna know what's for dinner over the next couple of weeks.......spicy chicken stir-fry, slow-cooker Cajun chicken and some penne w/ chicken and smoked cheese. Yum!!!! I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow! Ciao :)
Dinner Mar 2, 2011
Hello all! Happy Wednesday!! I hope the week is going well for everyone. We are enjoying some sunshine here and loving it :)
Today's meal is an absolute favorite. I first got to taste Swiss Chicken after I had my daughter. It is customary (and, as I've come to find out, very much-appreciated) in this part of the country to bring new moms meals a few times a week for a few weeks after they have a baby! Not sure if anyone else does that, but I LOVE it!!! So, a mom brought me Swiss Chicken and I fell in love. It's soooooooo unbelievably easy, it's almost not even right. But it's soooooooo yummy, you know it's right ;) It's creamy and smooth and a little tart from the cheese and altogether amazing! So, without further ado, I bring you Swiss Chicken.....
Swiss Chicken
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (if the breasts are thick, I like to fillet them so they cook faster)
6-8 slices Swiss cheese
2 cans cream of chicken
1/2 - 1 cup milk
Heat oven to 350deg. Place chicken in baking dish and top w/ slices of cheese, so that chicken is covered. In another bowl mix cream of chicken and milk (you should be able to pour it smoothly, but not have it runny). Pour cream of chicken over cheese and chicken. Bake for 25-35min, or until chicken is done. That's it!! So easy, huh??? I'm serving this w/ some instant mashed potatoes (check out my tips on instant pots below...) so I can pour the gravy all over them--yum :), and some green beans. This one's a winner, kids. I guarantee it. Happy dinners!!!
Pointers on Instant Mashed Potatoes.....
I love to make instants potatoes--they are so easy! And I've learned to make them a little more delish: after you make the desired amount, add about 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 block cream cheese. Let them sit, covered, until they mix together smoothly. Now you've got yourself a home cooked meal :)
Today's meal is an absolute favorite. I first got to taste Swiss Chicken after I had my daughter. It is customary (and, as I've come to find out, very much-appreciated) in this part of the country to bring new moms meals a few times a week for a few weeks after they have a baby! Not sure if anyone else does that, but I LOVE it!!! So, a mom brought me Swiss Chicken and I fell in love. It's soooooooo unbelievably easy, it's almost not even right. But it's soooooooo yummy, you know it's right ;) It's creamy and smooth and a little tart from the cheese and altogether amazing! So, without further ado, I bring you Swiss Chicken.....
Swiss Chicken
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (if the breasts are thick, I like to fillet them so they cook faster)
6-8 slices Swiss cheese
2 cans cream of chicken
1/2 - 1 cup milk
Heat oven to 350deg. Place chicken in baking dish and top w/ slices of cheese, so that chicken is covered. In another bowl mix cream of chicken and milk (you should be able to pour it smoothly, but not have it runny). Pour cream of chicken over cheese and chicken. Bake for 25-35min, or until chicken is done. That's it!! So easy, huh??? I'm serving this w/ some instant mashed potatoes (check out my tips on instant pots below...) so I can pour the gravy all over them--yum :), and some green beans. This one's a winner, kids. I guarantee it. Happy dinners!!!
Pointers on Instant Mashed Potatoes.....
I love to make instants potatoes--they are so easy! And I've learned to make them a little more delish: after you make the desired amount, add about 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 block cream cheese. Let them sit, covered, until they mix together smoothly. Now you've got yourself a home cooked meal :)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Dinner Mar 1, 2011
Yikes!!! I just typed MARCH!! Wow--I cannot believe it's here. That much closer to the warmer weather :)))) I'd like to give a shout-out to my newest follower----Hope you're ready for some de-LIGHT-ful dishes :)
We've still got our fam in town and we're going out tonight, but I wanted to leave you with a meal. Tonight I bring you a tried-and-true: Sloppy Joes. Now, let me tell you, I have not always been a fan of sloppy joes. To say the least, I don't like them. I've tried countless recipes and am never satisfied. I'm just not that into them ;) But my fam (mainly my hubby) loooooooves them, so I try to accommodate. I make them on nights when I'm not going to be home for dinner--he he :) It's actually gotten to where he said, 'It seems like we have sloppy joes every time you have book club'. Well--yeah! So, back to the story---I found this recipe from http://www.bettycrocker.com/ and fell in love with it. I mean, I'll be standing at the stove stirring this, getting ready to leave the house and I'll find myself eating sloppy joes by the spoonful! I've since started making them on nights I'm home :)
I've adjusted this recipe a bit from the original, and it is yumm-ers! I hope you all enjoy!!!
Sloppy Joes
1 lb ground beef
1 T garlic, minced (again, from the jar)
1/2 onion, chopped
1 can tomato sauce
3 T ketchup
2 T sugar
3 T Worcestershire sauce
2 T white vinegar
1-2 T hot sauce
salt and pepper
4-6 hamburger buns
Brown beef, garlic and onions; drain. Add sauce, ketchup, sugar, W sauce, vinegar, hot sauce and salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about 5min, allowing flavors to come together. Adjust vinegar and hot sauce to taste. Serve on buns and enjoy!!
I usually serve this with chips and some cheese slices. It's a perfect feel-like-you're-a-kid meal :) Happy eating all!!!
We've still got our fam in town and we're going out tonight, but I wanted to leave you with a meal. Tonight I bring you a tried-and-true: Sloppy Joes. Now, let me tell you, I have not always been a fan of sloppy joes. To say the least, I don't like them. I've tried countless recipes and am never satisfied. I'm just not that into them ;) But my fam (mainly my hubby) loooooooves them, so I try to accommodate. I make them on nights when I'm not going to be home for dinner--he he :) It's actually gotten to where he said, 'It seems like we have sloppy joes every time you have book club'. Well--yeah! So, back to the story---I found this recipe from http://www.bettycrocker.com/ and fell in love with it. I mean, I'll be standing at the stove stirring this, getting ready to leave the house and I'll find myself eating sloppy joes by the spoonful! I've since started making them on nights I'm home :)
I've adjusted this recipe a bit from the original, and it is yumm-ers! I hope you all enjoy!!!
Sloppy Joes
1 lb ground beef
1 T garlic, minced (again, from the jar)
1/2 onion, chopped
1 can tomato sauce
3 T ketchup
2 T sugar
3 T Worcestershire sauce
2 T white vinegar
1-2 T hot sauce
salt and pepper
4-6 hamburger buns
Brown beef, garlic and onions; drain. Add sauce, ketchup, sugar, W sauce, vinegar, hot sauce and salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about 5min, allowing flavors to come together. Adjust vinegar and hot sauce to taste. Serve on buns and enjoy!!
I usually serve this with chips and some cheese slices. It's a perfect feel-like-you're-a-kid meal :) Happy eating all!!!
Chicken Sandwich Review...
The verdict is in....we loved 'em!!! So here's how things went down.....
I planned this recipe over a week ago, then got a call saying my wonderful fam from CO was coming into town for a few days. Hooray!! But now I needed more chicken. I happened to find some in my freezer (yes, I really did stumble across it; I don't normally keep chicken thighs in my freezer for 'that one-time occasion'). So I thrown everything in the crock pot yesterday morn. When I went to check it later that afternoon I realized half of my chicken had bones in it!!! So a little while later after I pick out the bones I get all of the chicken back into the pot and let it sit all afternoon. Then we sat down and had it w/ the blue cheese and I added some ranch--it was awesome!! Everyone loved it! Needless to say--it'll be on the repeat list! I hope your sandwiches went as well as ours.
I wish you the best and we'll talk again tomorrow :)
I planned this recipe over a week ago, then got a call saying my wonderful fam from CO was coming into town for a few days. Hooray!! But now I needed more chicken. I happened to find some in my freezer (yes, I really did stumble across it; I don't normally keep chicken thighs in my freezer for 'that one-time occasion'). So I thrown everything in the crock pot yesterday morn. When I went to check it later that afternoon I realized half of my chicken had bones in it!!! So a little while later after I pick out the bones I get all of the chicken back into the pot and let it sit all afternoon. Then we sat down and had it w/ the blue cheese and I added some ranch--it was awesome!! Everyone loved it! Needless to say--it'll be on the repeat list! I hope your sandwiches went as well as ours.
I wish you the best and we'll talk again tomorrow :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)