Healthy Mom Living With Picky Eaters

Vegged out potato salad

2011-09-19T05:09:00.000-07:00

I found this super yummy and easy recipe in Hungry Girls 300 under 300. I love this recipe, however I have modified it to fit what I eat. I have also included the calorie count

Vegged out potato Salad- hungry girl

1 pound small potatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup celery-chopped
1/2 cucumber- chopped

Dressing
1/4 cup FF mayo
1/4 Cup FF sour cream
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp relish
salt

in a large pot of boiling water and let cook roughly 10-12 our until soft. Drain and add to a boil.

Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl, and mix well

once cool add the remaining salad veggies and add dressing and lightly toss.

Refrigerate for one hour(I do it for at least a day)

Calories-58.3
Total fat 2.5
cholesterol-5
sodium- 116.8
Carbs-6.8
fiber.4
sugar-1.5
protein-1.5

Banana Bread

2011-09-12T05:28:00.000-07:00

I found this yummy recipe at thefreshloaf.com. I had put some bananas in the freezer several months ago and knew that I needed to use them ASAP. On sunday I was bored and needed something to do so I ended up baking.
My husband loves banana bread but as long as there are no nuts. He gave these muffins two thumbs and asked me to make them again.

Banana Bread...(I made muffins)

1. preheat oven to 350

2. In one bowl combine the following
1/2 stick butter softened but not melted
2 eggs
2/3 very ripe banana- I squished mine all up so they were very watery and not a lot of chunks
2/3 cup sugar

If you have not already mashed your bananas go ahead and mash them while mixing the there ingredients

In another bowl combing the following
1 1/3 cup floue
3/4 tsp salt
1.2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon

combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well

Pour into either a loaf pan and bake about 50 minutes or
Pour into muffin pans and bake roughly 20 minutes check after 15.

Home style mac and cheese

2011-09-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

SO lately I have been on the lookout for a yummy homemade mac and cheese. I am not a huge fan but like the homemade a lot better than the boxed crap. However my kids love the box crap and my hubby could care less as long as it is good. Today I bring you a yummy recipe that my kids and yummy liked. Next time i make it I will be able to eat it since I will make it on a loading day fro my HCG diet.

Home style mac and cheese from the dinner doctor

cooking spray
8 oz dried elbow noodles
salt
1 container (10 oz ) Alfredo sauce- the recipe called for refrigerated kind however I used jar as it is cheaper, next time only will use half a jar
3 cups shredded cheese

1. preheat oven to 375
2 Lightly spray a baking pan with cooking spray.
3. bring a large pot of water to a bowl and as the noodles and let cook fro 8 minutes. drain but reserve cup of water.
4. Transfer the noodles to the dish, add the past sure, 2 cups of cheese and water Stir until well blended. Scatter remaining one cup cheese over the noodles.
5. bake 20-25 minutes. I would say 15 is more than enough.

New Favorite Meatballs- The biggest loser family cookbook

2011-01-18T04:08:00.000-08:00

So the only way I can get my husband to eat spaghetti is if it has meatballs in however have you ever looked at the price of a bag of meatballs, they are not cheap and do not always have the best ingredients. So for this weekend I went looking through my hundreds of cookbooks and found this recipe. This recipe I made with turkey and hamburger. Next time I won't use the parsley in the turkey recipe. I did not use it in the hamburger meatballs. Also I did cook these longer about 15 -20 minutes. Also the nutritional information will be at the bottom. These freeze well.

Turkey Meatballs
olive oil spray
2 egg whites
1/2 c quick cooking oats
1/4 c ff milk
1/2 c fresh parsley
1 tbsp minced onion- I used onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2/tsp garlic powder
1/4tsp salt
1 pound ground turkey

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with spray.

In a medium bowl, using a fork mix together the egg whites, oats and milk until well combined. Add the parsley, onion, oregano, garlic and salt until well combined. Mix in the beef until well combined.

Make 32 ( I got 36) uniform meatballs, each 1 1/4 diameter. Roll the balls with your hands and arrange, not touching on the prepared baking dish. Bake 7-10 minutes. I baked for 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional Information- per one meatball
Calories-29.6
Total Fat-1.2
cholesterol- 11.3
sodium-15
Total Carbs- .8
Fiber-.1
Protein-3.4

Hamburger Meatballs
olive oil spray
2 egg whites
1/2 c quick cooking oats
1/4 c ff milk
1/2 c fresh parsley
1 tbsp minced onion- I used onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2/tsp garlic powder
1/4tsp salt
1 pound ground turkey

Same directions as above

Nutritional Information- per one meatball
Calories-50.9
Total Fa-3.6
cholesterol- 11.3
sodium-14.9
Total Carbs- 1.1
Fiber-1
Protein-3.7

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

2011-01-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

So I love chicken pot pie however have you ever looked at the back of a chicken pot pie box, there is 550 calories or more per servings and there is 2 servings in a box. However I saw this recipe over at skinnytaste.com for chicken pot pie soup which has everything but the crust but you can add bread if you want. I decided to try my hand at this recipe and all I have to say is yummo. I did change it up a tiny bit but you can find the original over at skinnytaste.com

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

1/4 cup Flour
2 cups water
4 cup lowfat milk
1 large celery, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
2 chicken bouillons
pepper
Thyme-pinch of
10 oz frozen veggies- I used 16 oz
2 potatoes peeled and cubed- I used small ones
2 pieces of chicken, cooked and diced small
salt

Create a slurry by combining flour and 1/2 c cold water. Set aside
Pour remaining water and milk into a large pot and bring to a boil. Add celery, onion, chicken bouillions, thyme pepper, and frozen veggie, return to a boil, partially cover the pot and simmer on low for 20 minutes. Remove lid add potatoes and chicken and simmer additional 10 minutes. Then add the slurry and stir while adding (soup will thicken). Cook additional 2-3 minutes. Serve.

Serving Size- 1 cup
Calories- 169.2
Fat-1.2
protein- 18.5
Fiber-2.3

Serving Size- 1 1/2 cup
Calories- 253.8
Fat-1.8
protein-27.7
fiber- 3.5

Ham and cheese Slider- Reduced Caloire

2011-01-16T16:42:00.000-08:00

I have a hard time finding recipes that I will eat and that my husband will eat without complaining. These sandwiches have been all over several blogs and after much time I deiced today was the day to make them. I am not sure what calorie content would be in a regular recipe, how I did modify mine some and then figure the calories out at Sparkrecipes.com. I do have to say that my hubby took one bit and said they were yummy. My kids not like them because of the poppy seeds but they were so good. I did have 3 but the last one I jut atethe bread. Ham is not my favorite thing and I can only handle in small doses. However this recipe could be changed by the different meats you use. I did change up the cheese this time from Swiss(not a fan) to provolone. The original recipe is below, my changes are in parenthesis

Ham and Cheese Sliders-

24 good white dinner rolls( 12 rolls_
24 pieces good honey ham ( 2 pieces per roll of sandwich ham)
24 small slices Swiss cheese ( half a slice of cheese per roll- only used 6 slices)
1/3 cup mayonnaise ( I used lite)
1/3 cup miracle whip (did not use)

Poppy seed sauce (you probably could half this...I had plenty extra)
1 T poppyseeds
1 1/2 T yellow mustard
1 stick butter, melted (only used 4 tbsp)
1 T minced onion (did not use)
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Nutritional information from sparkpeople- Per one roll

Calories- 208
Total Fat-10
Cholesterol- 370
sodium- 538.8
Total Carbs- 19.6
Fiber-1
sugar 3.8
protein-9.9

Refried Bean Chili

2011-01-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

I love chili but I have to be careful how I make it because my picky hubby only eats certain things. However I am always on the lookout fir a new chili recipe. This recipe caught my eye because it uses refried beans. I never saw a recipe using these type of beans but oh my goodness I have to say I love this recipe. I also have a litte bit leftover for my lunch tomorrow. This recipe can be found on page 121 of the Better Homes and Garde Biggest Book of Slow Cooker Recipes.

Refried Bean Chili- all my changes will be in quotes
2 pounds ground beef - "1/2 pound hamburger, 1/2 pound ground turkey"
1 cup chopped onion- "did not use"
2 15oz chili beans with chili gravy- " 1 can black beans drained"
1 16 oz jar salsa- " i used 1/4 cup salsa and added diced tomatoes"
1 16 oz can refried beans
1 12 oz can beer or 1 can beef broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
2 tbsp lime juice "did not use"

In a large skillet cook beef and onion until meet is brown . Drain off fat.

In a 5-6 qt crockpot place the beef mixture, beans, salsa, refried beans, beer/broth, chili powder and cumin. Cover cook on low 6-8 hour or on high for 3- 4 hours

To serve ladle chili into bowls

Nutrition
Serve 8-10 1 cup servings- Orignal recipe no my modified

Caloires- 482
fat -22
cholesterol-86
sodium-960
carbs-36
fiber- 10
protein-30

Zucchini Pizza Bite

2011-01-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

So I have a confession, I don't like pizza, the only time I really want to eat it is when I am craving pizza. However I saw this recipe on one of the many blogs that I visit( not sure which one. These caught my eye becasue I love zucchini and I have some tomato sauce in my refirgartor. These recipes would be could serve as a appietezer. Plus thye are low calorie but high in protein which I always have a hard time eating. SO without further ado here is the simple but yummy recipe.

Zucchini Pizza Bite
4 slices large zucchini 1/4 inch thick
2 tbsp pizza bite
1/4 cup mozzarella

Cut zucchini about 1/4 inch thich. Spry both sides with cookign spray,and season with salt and pepper. Broil or grill about 2 minutes on each side. I would say do it about 3 minutes. Top with sauce and chesse and cook for an addiitonal minute. I have to say that I broiled it for about 3 minutes I think next time I will cook for about 5 minutes to make the cheese a little bit crunchy.

Serving Size- 4 slices
Calories 124.8
Fat-5.7
protein-8.2

Egg Drop Soup

2010-11-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

So in my family I am the only one who eats chinese food which means I don't eat it alot. I was craving some egg drop soup so I went on the search for a yummy recipe. I found this recipe at all recipe. It is so yummy and easy and takes less than 30 minutes. Plus it makes enough for me for 2 meals.

Egg Drop Soup

4 cups chicken broth, divided1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 eggs
1 egg yolk

1.Reserve 3/4 cup of chicken broth, and pour the rest into a large saucepan. Stir the salt, ginger and chives into the saucepan, and bring to a rolling boil. In a cup or small bowl, stir together the remaining broth and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
2.In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and egg yolk together using a fork. Drizzle egg a little at a time from the fork into the boiling broth mixture. Egg should cook immediately. Once the eggs have been dropped, stir in the cornstarch mixture gradually until the soup is the desired consistency

Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

2010-11-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

So the rage all over the blogs this year is pumpkin chili. At frist this was a turn off for me but after reading several reviews I decided to try it one night when my hubby was at work. This recipe is fantastic. You really don't taste the pumpkin and it make the chili so thick and creamy. My kids had 2 big bowls of it and loved it. I did tell them what was in afterwards and they were like it is yummy. Enjoy

Slow Cooked Pumpkin Chili

1 onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 lb of ground beef
1 – 15 ounce can of pumpkin
2- 14 ounce cans of diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon of dried parsley
2 teaspoons of chili powder ( add more if you like things spicier)
1 teaspoon of oregano
1 1/2 teaspoon of cumin

Cook onion and ground beef until onion is tender and the beef is done.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Place meat, onion, garlic mixture into a crockpot.
Add remaining ingredients.
Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
Serve and enjoy.

Grandma's Corn Chowder

2010-11-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

Now that fall has offically arrived in Texas I am making more soups and stews. I usually use my crockpot to make soup/stews but lately I have been so tired that it just ain't happening.

I have been cravign corn chowder for the last few weeks. This is recipe is a modifed recipe but oh my god it is so yummy.

Corn Chowder

Ingredients
1/2 cup diced bacon
4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups water
2 cups frozen corn
2 teaspoons salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 cups half-and-half

Place the bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat, and cook until crisp. Drain and crumble, reserving about 2 tablespoons drippings in the pot.
Mix potatoes and onion into the pot with the crumbled bacon and reserved drippings. Cook and stir 5 minutes. Pour in the water, and stir in corn. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover pot. Simmer 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until potatoes are tender.
Warm the half-and-half in a small saucepan until it bubbles. Remove from heat before it boils, and mix into the chowder just before serving.

Egg Salad- Weight Watchers - 1 point value

2010-07-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

So I love Egg salad and I figure that since I have tired to cut out as much fat as possible I wanted a recipe that would be low in caloires but still high in taste. I made this today and the only thing I would do different is not add so much mustard.
Here is my recpies and the nutiriotion information

Egg Salad
6 Egg White
3 Medium Celery stalks, chopped small.
2 tbsp Kraft mayo with olive oil
1 2 tbsp dijon mustard
.5 tsp pepper
.5 tsp salt.

Cook eggs for 15 minutes while the water is boiling. Remove eggs from the water. When cooled remove the shell and throw away the yolk( you can use the yolk if you want but modify the point) Chopp the whites into small peices. Combine the eggs and remaining ingredients until well blended. Put in the refrigertaor over night.

Nutrition
Caloires- 56
fat 2.2
sodium 506
Fiber-.6
Protein- 7.8

Serving - 4
Serving size- 1/2 cup
points- 1

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wrap

2010-07-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

This is another weight watchers meal. I made this just for myself since my kids do not like spicy and my husband does not eat veggies. I did modify that amount of chili garlic sauce I used because I an only handle so much spice. The lettuce does cut down the spice but this was so good plus I have more for other lunches.

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
1 pound chicken tenders cut into 1 inch pieces
1 bag shredded carrots
1/3 cup chili garlic sauce. - I used 2 tbsp
1 bunch scallions
8 large botson lettuce leaves- aka butter lettuce
8 lime wedges

to make the filing spray a large non stick skillet with non stick spray and set over medium high heat. Add the chicken and carrots, cook, stirring accasionaliy until the chicken is cooked about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the chili sauce and scallions, cook stirring frequebtly for abou 1 minute. Remove frim heat. Place 2 lettuce leaves in each plates. Place 1/2 filing on each leave squeeze the juice from the lime. roll up and serve.

Per Serving- 2 wraps
Caloires-213
Fat 4
cholesterol-64
sodium-421
carbs- 16
fiber- 5
protien- 84

Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup

2010-07-08T06:11:00.000-07:00

I love love love soup so even though it is 90 plus degrees outside I am still makign soup. This recipe is another WW recipe but it was good.

1 32oz caron low sodium beef broth
3 cups water
1 can tomato paste
3/4 tsp salt
1 lb round steak trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
3 large carrots 1/2 inch thich
2 celery stalks, 1/2 inch thick
1 large leek cleaned and cut in half and cut into 1 inch pieced white and light green parts only
1 potato peeled and diced
2 turnips peeled and diced
3/4 cup frozen peas.

Whisk broth,water tomato paste and salt in a 6 quart crock pot. Stir in beef and all veggies except the peas. Cover and cook for 4-6 hours on high or 8-12 on low.
at the end of cooking time, stir in peas. Cover and cook on high until peas are heated through, about 15 minutes.

Serving-6
serving size-2 cups
calories- 213
fat -3
chol-39
sodium 667
carb 25
fober- 5
protein-22

Points -4

Cheesy Mock Shepherd's Pie

2010-07-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you remember I posted a recipe last week for Sloppy Joe's and I told you to save half of the meat from that recipe. Well this recipe uses that meat you saved. I have to say that I enjoy meals where I can use meat for 2 recipes. Makes my life easy. Also this meal can be made ahead of time and put in the fridge or freezer. Just adjust cooking times some

Cheesy Mock Shepherds Pie
1 1/2 pounds potatoes peeled and quartered
3 Tbsp butter
1/3 cup milk
salt and pepper
reserved meat mixture from sloppy joes
1 1/2 cup chopped zucchini (1 medium)
1 16 oz bag frozen mixed veggies
1 can cheddar cheese soup, condensed
2 to 4 tbsp water.

1. In a large saucepan cook potatoes in enough water to cover for 20 -25 minutes or until tender. Use a potato masher, and mash potatoes. Stir in butter and milk. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If you don have time to make real mash potates use boxed kind following directions. Omit first 3 ingredients.

2. Meanwhile preheat oven to 350. In another large saucepan, combine the meat, zucchini, veggies, soup and water. Cover and cook until heated through.

3. Pour Mixture into a 3 qt casserole. Top with spoonfuls of potato mixture and smooth over top of the casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes. I added a handful of cheese and baked additional 5 minutes.

Stir Fry Spianch

2010-07-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

Another great weigth watchers recipe. I will so be making this again. I think I would cut the vinegar in half.

Stir Fry Spianch

1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp ginger
1 glove garlic
1 bag spianch, washed
1 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar

heat a large skillte or wok over high heat until a drop of water sizzles. add oil, swirl to coat the pan. then add gineger and garlic and let cook 15 seconds. Add the spianch, soy sauce, vinegar. stir fry until the spianch is wilted. About 2 minutes.

Calories-63
Fat-2
sodium-327
carb- 9
fiber -6
protein- 7
Point 1 per 1/3 cup

Shrimp, Peas and Rice

2010-07-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

This dish is another great Weight Watchers meal. I loved it. My oldest loved it and the youngest did not. I will be making it again.

Shrimp, Peas, and Rice

1 lb shrimp
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 tbsp butter
2 tsp plus 1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp parmensan cheese
parlsey

In a medium saucepan melt the butter. Add rice and saute about a minute. Add chicken broth and peas and bring to a boil. When all liquid is absorbed, heat to low, cover and cook on low for 15 minutes. In a large skillet heat 2 tsp olive oil, season shrimp with salt and pepper add to hot pan. Cook 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from pan and set aside. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, add rice,shrimp, cheese, and parsley. Saute another minute.

Servings-4
Serving Size- 1 cup
Caliores 340
Points 7

Roasted Broccoli with Smashed Garlic

2010-07-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow I start my weight watchers diet. While I know that I can do it. Finding things I can eat and enjoy has been the challenge. another challenege will be eating 3 meals a day but that is something I hope to work on. This recipe was so yummy, the only thing I think i would do it add garlic powder becasue I love garlic.
I have inclued that caliore coutn and points for weight watchers.

Roasted Broccoli W/ smashed garlic
1 1/2 pounds broccoli
6 cloves garlic, smashed
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 450. I n a baking dish cobine broccol, olive oil, garlic salt and pepper. Roast broccoli 20 minutes

Serving- 4
size-1/4
point 2
caloires 126
fat-7.5
protein 4.3
carb 13.7
fiber 5.7

Sloppy Cheeseburger Joes

2010-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

My husband is not a big fans of sloppy joes but I love them. They remind me of good times as a child. I got this recipe from Dinners for Less. This recipe also makes enough for another recipe so make sure you save some of the meat mixture and I will post that recipe soon.

Sloppy Cheeseburger Joes
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup onion,minced
1 can tomato soup condensed
1/4 cup water
1 TBSP Worcestershire Sauce
2 cloves garlic minced
1/4 tsp pepper
8 hamburger buns
8 slices american cheese

1. In a large skillet cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender, breaking up meat as it cooks. Drain off fat, sti in soup, water, worcestershire sauce, garlic and pepper.

2. Simmer, covered for 15 to 20 minutes or until thickene. Reserve Half of the mixture. Divide the remaining meat mixture among the bun bottoms. Top with cheese slices and bun tops.

Calories- 332
Fat-15
Cholesterol-54
Sodium-615
Carbs-27
Fiber-1
Protein- 19

Fried Rice

2010-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago I had a craving for some fried rice. I went in search for a good recipe in one of my many cookbooks. I found this recipe in a Magazine Dinners for Less. I did change the recipe up some based on the veggies in the home. A plus about this recipe is that my kids loved it.

Fried Rice
Start To Finish-30 Minutes
Cost $7 for the entire recipe as is
All my changes will be in Bold

4 eggs lightlty beaten
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 colves garlic, minced
1 cup celery, sliced thin (2 Stalk)- (1 stalk)
1 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms sliced- I used canned
4 cups cooked rice (I used brown)- I would definalty use white rice next time
1 cup carrots, sliced thin ( I used pre shreeeded carrots)
1cup frozen peas
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 cup cabbage mix

1. In a small bowl, combine eggs and 2 tsp soy sauce. Set aside

2. Pour the 2 tsp oil in a skillet, heat over medium heat. Add Garlic, cook and stir for 30 seconds. Add eggs and cook until scrambled. Remove egg and set aside.

3. Pour 2 TBSP oil in skillet, heat wok over medium high heat, add celery and cabbage if used; cook and stir for 1 Minute. Add mushrooms cook for 1 minute.

4.Add cooked rice, carrots and pea. Sprinkle with the 1/4 cup soy sauce. Cook and stir fro 4 minutes or until heated through. Add cookedegg mixture and green onions. Cook and stir for 1 MINUTE.

You could add any type of meat if so inclined.

Strawberry Ornage Muffins

2010-06-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

With Fruit season here I have been looking for more ways to use fruit in my baking. I have a whole bag of oranges that need to be used, plus a ton of strawberried that are almost at the end. So I found this recipe online a while back and made it for some breakfast muffins for on those busy mornings I am trying to get out the door. Enjoy.

Strawberry Ornage Muffins

1 1/4 cups strawberries -- halved
3 tablespoons butter or margarine -- melted
2 teaspoons orange rind -- grated- I added some juice from the orange.
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar

Combine strawberries, butter, orange rind & eggs in a blender. Process just until blended.

Combine flour, 1 1/4 cups sugar, baking powder & salt. Add strawberry mixture & stir just until moist.

Spoon batter into 12 greased muffin cups. Sprinkle tops with 2 tsp of sugar.

Bake at 400F for 20 minutes or until muffins spring back when lightly touched in center. Remove from pans immediately.

Ground Beef and Cabbage Wraps

2010-06-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

So I found a recipe like this the other day in a magazine but could not find the recipe again so I took to the world wide web. This recipe can be found ar parnetsconnect.com. This recipe is almost like the one I found in the recipe.

I was worried that the barbecue sauce and cabbage would tatse funny but man this recipe was dead on for a hot summer night. I had it completely doen in 15 minutes. The shocking thing was that both girls liked it. I did have to scrape it out of the wrap for Maddison but she still gobbled it up. Any modicfications I made are in bold.

1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup frozen chopped onion (used onion and garlic powder)8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed ( I used frozen and it was yummy)
⅔ cup barbecue sauce(mmaybe used 1/2 cup)
½ (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix, not dressed

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. (Did not use, used the microwave)

In the bottom of a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef and onion until beef is fully cooked through, about 10 minutes.

While beef is cooking, warm the tortillas according to package directions.

Add corn and barbecue sauce to the beef and onion, stirring well to mix, and cook for 2 minutes, until heated through.

To serve, place about ½ to ⅖ cup of beef mixture on each tortilla, top with a small handful of slaw, and roll into wraps.

Mock Nachos

2010-06-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

So tonight I was in the mood for something quick and yummy and I did not want fast food. I had a pound of ground beef so I threw together this recipe tonight for dinner.

Mock Nachos
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp minced onion
half can corn drained
taco sauce 8 oz
1/2 cheese
Tortilla Chips

Brown ground beef, and onion. Drain. Add corn and taco sauce. Cook until heated through. Add Cheese and mix well. Turn off heat. Serve with Chips. Fast and easy

Cupcake Saturday- Apple Muffins

2010-06-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ok so I know this is not a cupcake recipe but I had 2 aples in my refrigertor that I needed to use up. So on the search I went for a recipe. I found this recipe at thegirlwhoateeverything.blogspot.com. My kids loved this recipe. i think it was the brown sugar topping.

So Here you go. Enjoy

Apple Muffins
by Marissa Pinon

Cream together:

2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup oil
1 Tablespoon vanilla

Sift: ( She didn't sift and either did I and they turned out great )
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 cups peeled, cored, diced apples (around 3 apples)
Brown sugar for topping (around 1/2 cup)

Directions:
Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture. The batter will be very thick. Add the diced apples.

Butter & flour muffin tins or use paper liners. Fill muffin tins to the top. Sprinkle with brown sugar.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Makes 18-24 muffins

Chicken Stew with Gnocchi

2010-06-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

When I was at Target the other day doing some shopping I came across a package of gnocchi. I wanted to make something that my kids would eat but that i could freeze for later use. After searching several recipes I came across this recipe at Taste of Home. I did modify the recipe a tiny bit as for the flavoring of the broth plus I did not thicken the recipe. I will add my modifications in bold at the end. The last 3 ingredients I eyed balled.

I enjoyed this recipe alot.I also have enough left over to put into freezer bags and save for later use. I hope you enjoy.

Chicken Stew with Gnocchi

Ingredients
3 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (did not use)
2 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (did not use)
4 green onions, chopped
3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed (used shredded chicken from the freezeer when I made chicken broth)
1/2 teaspoon dried sage leaves (did not use)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
3 tablespoons cornstarch (did not use)
1/4 cup cold water (did not use)
1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
Hot pepper sauce, optional
Parsley
Basil
Garlic Powder

Directions
Place the parsnips, carrots, celery, sweet potato and onions in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Top with chicken; sprinkle with the sage, salt and pepper. Add broth and water. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 180°.
Remove chicken; when cool enough to handle, remove meat from bones and discard bones. Cut meat into bite-size pieces and return to the slow cooker.
Mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into stew. Add gnocchi. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes or until thickened. Season with hot pepper sauce if desired. Yield: 8 servings (3 quarts).

Cupcake Satyurday-Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

2010-06-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

So I have been very busy the lasr few weeks which is why I have missed my cupcakes saturdays, but I am back. This week I made Pink Lemonade cupckaes with a pink lemonade frosting.
I got each of these recipes from 2 different websies.

The cake recipe comes from castsugar.blogspot.com.

Here is the cake recipe

Ingredients:
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
Pinch salt
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. vegetable oil
2 egg whites
1/3 c. thawed frozen Pink Lemonade Concentrate
1/4 c. buttermilk
2 or more drops red food coloring

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line muffin pan with liners.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, egg whites and lemonade concentrate. Alternately whisk in flour mixture and buttermilk, making three additions of flour mixture and two of buttermilk, beating until just smooth. Add just enough food coloring to turn the batter a light shade of pink.

Scoop batter into liners (fill about three-fourths full). Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tops of cupcakes spring back when lightly touched. Let cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely on rack. Top cooled cupcakes with frosting (see below).

The frosting comes from Ehow. com

•1 8oz package cream cheese
•1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
•3 cups sifted powdered sugar
•3 tbs thawed pink lemonade concentrate

Step
1Place the cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low until light and fluffy.

Step
2Zest your lemon for your 1 tsp. Using a cheese grater on the smallest sized grate rub the lemon rind on it just until it gets to the white part. Don't go any further! This is your rind.

Step
3Stop the mixer and add sugar, pink lemonade concentrate, and lemon zest. Blend with the mixer on low speed until sugar is Incorporated, this takes about one minute.

Step
4Increase speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy the whole way through.

Tuna Pasta Salad

2010-06-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

So I love tuna Salad and wnated to make some up thta I could keep in the refrigerator this week for nights that I don't feel like cooking. I put this recipe togterher on Sunday night and we ate it several times. I loved it. I will be making it again.

Ingredients
1 (6 1/2 ounce) can tuna, drained and flaked

1/2 lb cooked elbow macaroni or small shell pasta, rinsed and drained
1-2 hard-boiled eggs, mashed
1/2 medium vidalia onion, minced ( I used Green Onion)
1/2 cup chopped or minced celery
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper or green bell pepper (Did not use)
1 cup mayonnaise
salt and pepper (Plus Tony Catchers spice mix).

Directions
1In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
2Mix well to blend.
3If salad is too dry, add more mayonnaise.
4Taste, and adjust seasonings to your preference.
5Chill well before serving.
6Note: If you are going to triple the recipe, only use 1 hard boiled egg per can of tuna.

New Recipe Wednesday- Cheese enchiladas

2010-05-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from my mother in law and it is so yummy and easy. I make it twice a month. So I hope you enjoy it.

Enchiladas

8 tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese
can of Hormel chili no beans
8 oz can tomato sauce

Lay the 8 tortillas out on the counter and put some cheese in the tortillas. I usually eye ball it but I would say 3 TBSP. Roll the tortillas up and place in a baking dish. In a bowl combine the chili and the tomato sauce together and spread over the tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake @ 350 for 20 minutes.

Cupcake Saturday- Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes

2010-05-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

For my second installment of Cupcake saturday I bring you one of the best cupcakes in my opionion. Theses cupckaes were like heaven in my mouth. I did alter the frosting some but the recipe is the same as the original. I found this recipe at catberner.wordpress.com. These cupcakes were again for my girls teachers appreciation week. Sorry no pictures but I am working on getting this fixed

Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes
Orange Cupcake Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs
2 Tb orange zest
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350F. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 cup sugar until blended. In another large bowl beat together eggs, vanilla, orange zest, and remaining 1 cup sugar. Beat in oil and buttermilk until blended. On low speed, beat in flour mixture just until blended. Spoon about 1/4 cup batter into each muffin cup. Bake 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack. Frost with orange cream frosting

Orange Cream Frosting Ingredients:This is where I altered the recipe

8oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp orange zest
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
I cut the orange in half that I zested and squeezed the juice in to the mixture.
I also used 3-4 tbsp of buttermilk because it was not thin enough.

To make orange cream frosting, beat together cream cheese, vanilla extract, orange zest, and ornage jucie on low speed. Add powdered sugar, and beat until combined add milk until you get the deisred texture you want.. Refrigerate until firm enough to spread.

Turkey Potpie

2010-05-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

SO my husband had to work the night shift a few weeks ago and I decided to try my hand at turkey pot pie. After looking at several different version online I found this version at Allrecipe. All I have to say about this recipe was that it was so yummy that I plan on making this when my hubby has to start working the nigth shift

Turkey Pot Pie II
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie( I bought premade pie sheets)
2 cups cubed cooked turkey
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
2 tablespoons chopped onion(did not use)
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line bottom of pie pan with crust. In a skillet saute the chopped onion until slightly soft and set aside.
2.Mix together the turkey or chicken, mixed vegetables, onion, soup and milk. Pour into pie crust, cover with top crust and crimp edges.
3.Poke holes in top crust and bake for 40 to 50 minutes.

Cupcake Saturday- Peanut Butter Cupcakes

2010-05-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe at Mommy's kitchen(Mommyskitchen.net)and thought it looked yummy. This week was teacher appreciation at my girls school and I deciced that this would be my first cupcake. After reading her blog I had high expectations for these but I only ate one and I was not impressed by them maybe it was due to shortening. However everyone I had try them even my kids loved it. So I figure the cupcakes were too dense for me

I was unable to get pictures as we were running out of time this morning

Peanut Butter Cupcake
2/3 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

Cream shortening and sugar together. Add eggs and beat well. Add peanut butter and beat well. Add milk and vanilla extract alternately with the baking powder and flour. Using a ice cream scooper fill the muffing liners about 3/4 full with batter. Bake at 350 for about 20 -25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack and frost with peanut butter frosting

Peanut Butter Frosting
1 - 16oz box (1lb) powdered sugar
1 - stick margarine, softened (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 - tsp vanilla extract
milk (about 3 - 4 tablespoons)

Cream powdered sugar and margarine together, add peanut butter. Mix well, add vanilla extract and enough milk to make it easy enough to spread. Beat mixture together until you have the consistency you want. Frost cupcakes when completely cooled

Mock Chicken Alfredo

2010-05-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

SO my hubby the picky one will eating nothing with veggies or onions. Hence I hide the onion. Yet my hubby loves a good alfredo recipe.
On monday I was slammed for time becuase of work so I planned ahead. I threw 2 chicken breats in a crockpot full of homemade broth and lett simmer on low all day.

When I got home I cooked up a bag of rotini, shredded the chicken and took out a jar of alfredo sacue. I know alot of people don't like proceessed foods but I am ok with them since I have a pciky hubby.

My Hubby took 2 bites of this and said it was good and one of the best he has had in a while. To get that type of complment from him after 2 bites is great.

I was planning on taking pictures but we finished it before I got a chance.

Mock Chicken Alfredo
2 chicken Breast
chicken stock
jar alfredo
mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup to a cup)
1/4 cup milk.

Throw the chicken breast in the crockpot and add the stock. I used homemade and add to add a cup of water. Let simmer on low for 8 hours or more. When you get home turn the crockpot off and let the chicken cool. During this time bring a pot of water to boil, add noodles and cook for 7-8 minutes. Drain pasta, add chicken, cheese, alfredo sauce. Once the jar is empty add the milk and swish around and then add to the pot. Stir well and put in a baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes at 350.

Recipe Update

2010-05-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

My goal for this blog was/ is to post recipes that my fmaily loves to eat and that I love to cook. It has been crazy around here with all the life changes but I hope to get back on track soon. Here are a few goals for this blog

1. Post a new dinner recipe once a week
2. Post a cupcake recipe each saturday. I love cupcakes and love finding unique ideas for them.

How to meet these goals
1. I will post a dinner recipe each Wednesday
2. Post a new cupcake recipe each week

If you know of any good and yummy recipes that can be made with no veggie email me at jsschmidt83@hotmail.com.

Eggnog Pumpkin Pie

2009-11-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

So i love eggnog and love pumpkin pie. I decided to try my handon it and man it is o yummmy. Plus super easy.

Ingredients
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1-1/4 cups eggnog
2/3 cup sugar
3 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, eggnog, sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Pour into pastry shell.
Bake at 375° for 60-65 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate until serving.

I was able to get 2 pies out of it. One is going into the freezer for Christmas

Up Next:Reese Cookies

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

2009-11-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

Ok so I admit I love cranberry sauce from the can bu after seeing this recipe at realmomkitchen.com I knew I wanted to try it.

Simple but Delicious and my kids loved hearing the cranberry's pop

1 bag cranberry's

1 cup OJ or water

1 cup sugar.

Go trough the cranberry's ad pick out any yucky one.

Combine all ingredients bring to a boil over medium heat. Let boil for 10 minutes. Serve chilled or warm.

Yummy.

Up next: Eggnog Pumpkin Pie

Jeannie's Lasgna

2009-11-22T19:34:00.000-08:00

Ok I wish I could say that I created this great recipes bu I did not. I got it from
the Williams Family Blog.
This recipe is awesome I have made it twice but did modify it because we do not like the taste of curry.
Here is a quick and easy recipe.

6 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped (did not use as hubby does not like onions)
1 jar spaghetti sauce (original or traditional)
1/2 tsp curry powder(did not use)
1 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning
8 oz cottage cheese
8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Cook lasagna noodles per package directions

3. Chop onion. ( if you plan on using)

4. Brown hamburger and onion.

5. Add jar of spaghetti sauce, curry powder, and Italian seasoning

6. Simmer until most of liquid is gone.(I do this for about 10 minutes)

7. Layer:
3 noodles, ½ meat sauce, ½ cottage cheese, ½ mozzarella cheese, ½ cheddar cheese.
Repeat layers.

8. Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes

Enjoy.

Tomorrow: Homemade Cranberry Sauce.

Barbecue Beef

2009-09-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

When I mad this I honestly did not think my husband would like it but he said it was one of is his favorites. I will put this on a different kinds of meat for variety.

1 1/2 lb round steak, cubed
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup ketchup
1 can beef broth
2 tbsp honey
1 pkg Lipton onion soup mix

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients. Transfer into crock pot and cover and cook on low for 8 hours. This can be served over rice or mashed potatoes.

3 Can Creamy Cheese Chicken

2009-08-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

This a great meal. My husband loved it even though there were mushrooms in the recipe.

4 chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
1.4 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can golden mushroom soup
1 can cream of cheddar cheese soup
1 carton sour cream

Season the chicken breast on both sides with salt, pepper and garlic. Put in crock pot. combine all 3 soups until smooth. Pour over chicken and cook on low for 7 hours. 15 minutes before serving add the sour cream and mixed until blended. Cook on low an additional 10 minutes.

Chili

2009-08-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

This has now been added to our monhly meal planner. The only thing I did not use was the corn beacuse my hubby doen not eat veggies.

1 can black beans draind
1 can corn, drained
22oz can crushed tomatoes
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg ranch dress mix(dry)
1 lb ground beef

Brown gound beef and drain. Put all ingredients in crokpot on low for 2-4 hours.

Ranch Pasta with Hamburger

2009-08-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

This is just like the hamburger helper kind but not as strong in the the ranch flavor which my husband did not enjoy when we tried the hamburger helper flavor.

1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1 box pasta( any kind of small tube)
1 cup milk
1 up sour cream
1 pouch dry ranch mix

In a large pot cook pasta according to directions. In a lg skillet brown meat and garlic, add sat and pepper. Drain. In a medium bowl combine the milk, sour cream and ranch mix until mixed. Drain Pasta and add meat to pasta pot. Add sauce and let simmer 5 minuets until thickened.

Mexican Tuna Fish Salad

2009-08-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here is another one of my modifid recipes I use while on Alli.

You can delete mayo and add anything you like

2 cans tuna fish in water
2 celery stalks thinl sliced.
1/4 cup red onion
4 tbsp salsa
4 tbsp mayo
salt and pepper to taste.

Combine all and let refrigrate for a couple of hours.

Egg Salad Modified

2009-08-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

So last Monday I decided to start taking the Alli pill. I have been doing good but today was bad as I gave into my craving for onion rings and cheese cake.Rather than giving up on my diet I will back on track tomorrow. So tonight I wanted to look or recipes using eggs and tuna and not nessecarilry together.
Tonight my first recipe will be the egg salad recipe. I will post the tuna and some other recipes later this week. \

Egg Salad
4 EGGS
1 CELERY stalk
2tbsp red onion
1 1/2 tbsp mayo
1 tsp mustard( This is my modification.

Cook the eggs for 20 minutes. During this time chop up all the veggies. When egg are don soak in a ice bath for 10 minutes. Then peel and finally chop all w egg whites and only 2 egg yolks. Combine well and add little bit of pepper. Let refrigerate for 2 hours.

Ranch Pork

2009-07-29T05:46:00.000-07:00

I have made this several times and everyone loves this meal even my picky hubby.

Ranch Pork

4 pork chops(Can use bonein)
1 Can Cream of Chicken soup
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1/2 Can Water

Combine cream of chicken soup and ranch dressing. Place Pork in crock pot. Cover the meat with the soup. Then pour water over the soup. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.

I serve with roasted potatoes which I will post tomorrow.

South of the Border Chicken and Pasta Skillet

2009-07-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

This recipe comes from Sam's Club Recipes.

While I like this dish my husband was not a fan of it because of the salsa.The next time I make it I will use a can of tomato sauce that way he will eat it.

South of the Border Chicken and Pasta Skillet
2 Cups medium size pasta
2 chicken breast skinless and boneless cut into inch cubes
16 oz salsa
4 oz cream cheese cubed
1/4 tsp cumin
1 cup cheese

Cook pasta according to directions. Meanwhile cook chicken on medium heat for 6 minutes or until juices run clear. Add salsa, cream cheese and cumin. Simmer on medium low for 6 minutes or until cream cheese is melted.
Drain Pasta; add to skillet along with half of the cheese. Simmer 3 minutes.Top with remaining cheese and remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.

I served it with broccoli and garlic bread.

Cowboy Lasagna

2009-06-17T06:38:00.000-07:00

I made this yummy recipe last night. Hubby did not like it but he is too picky of an eater.
Very simple and quick meal!!

Cowboy Lasagn

2lbs Ground Beef
1 Onion Chopped
1 can enchilada sauce
1 bag grated cheddar cheese
1 tbsp chili powder
2 cans cream of chicken
1 bag tortilla chips

Brown ground beef, add chili powder and choped onion. Add soup and enchilada sauce, mixing well. In a 2 quart casserole dish, layer beef mixture, chips, cheese, beef mixture, chips, and end with cheese. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Serves 5

Smores Cookies

2009-05-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

Around here we are getting ready to move!! Due to this I have been using up everything I have in the house. Well I had a bag of marshmallows that I needed to use!! After searchign several recipes I found this recipe at Chocolate chip marshallow cookie which I renamed smores. I only had a tiny cookie due to my diet but man they are wonderful!! I will be giving most of these away to friends but I am sure my kids and husband will love!! I did modify some and will include in Italics!

INGREDIENTS
1 cup shortening (I used butter)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs (used egg beaters)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (did not have any)

DIRECTIONS
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in marshmallows, chips and walnuts. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins!!

2009-05-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

So I am a huge fam of cinnamon sugar donuts so when I found a recipe for sugar donut muffins and knew I had to modify and then try them. I will inculde the origianal recipe with my modifiations in italics. Enjoy

Sugar Donut Muffins
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking power
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg i used a mixture of sugar, cinnamon and a little it of butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil next time I will use applesauce
3/4 cup milk (low fat is fine) soy milk was used
1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp butter, melted i used I can't believe it not butter spray
1/2 cup sugar, for rolling

Preheat oven to 350F.

Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or vegetable oil.

In a large bowl, beat together sugar and egg until light in color.In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Pour into egg mixture and stir to combine. Pour in vegetable oil, milk and vanilla extract.Divide batter evenly into 10 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.Bake for 15-18 minutes, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
While muffins are baking, melt butter and pour remaining sugar into a small bowl.When muffins are done, lightly brush the top of each with some melted butter, remove from the pan and roll in sugar. Cool on a wire rack.
Makes 10 muffins.

Recipe Review: Strawberry Shortycakes

2009-05-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

So here is another recipe from the 200 recipes under 200 caliores. Last week when I went to the grocey store I found 2 lbs of strawberries for 3.88 so i decided to buy some since one of my girls loves strawberries. This recipe is like strawberry shortcake but smaller and without all the caloires.

Strawberry Shortycakes

12 Servings

3/4 cup angle food cake mix

3/4 cup cool whip thawed

3/4 cup strawberry perserves

3/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Preheat oven to 375

Line a 12 cup muffin pan with baking cups. You must use these as they are very sticky

Place cake mix ina medium mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup water and mix for 2 minutes.

Evenly distruibute cake mix among the liners. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Allow cupcakes to cool completely, then carefull peel cupcakes from baking cups and plate them. Spread 1 tbsp of perserves over each cupcake, top with 1 tbsp cool whip, Put strawberries on top!!Enjoy

Nutrition Infromation(Per 1)

68 caloires

0 fat

107 mg sodium

17.5 carbs

0 fiber

8.5 sugar

1 protein

My thoughts::

I love, love these. They are very mosit, have a great amount of flavor plus they are low in caliores which is always a great thing. Also they are pretty thrifty becasue a box can make 3 dozen which you don't need to make at once. Also, my kids loved them. The only thing I don't like about them is how sticky they are, I am going to make a pan of it and then cut it out after words with a cup. Might make a differnce

4.8 out of 5

Yummy Chicken Recipe

2009-05-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

So I have several chicken recipes that I have been wanting to try and this one is so yummy it will defintly be kept in my recipe collection. I am not sure what blog I got it from but I have to say this is one of the better chicken recipes. It is actually 2 recipes but the prep and cook time is 20 minutes.

Super Fast Spice Rubbed Chicken

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken (breasts, thighs, tenderloins)
1/2 teaspoon each:
salt
pepper
cumin
chili powder (you can use chipotle for smokiness)
paprika (you can use smoked for more smokiness)
garlic powder
coriander
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Ideally, you're going to add all your spices to a bowl, mix them up and sprinkle them on the chicken. I said ideally. What I really do is grab the spices out of the cupboard, sprinkle them on one side of the chicken, rub it in, flip it over and repeat. Please don't measure and use your favorite spices, of course. Now, preheat a grill (indoor or outdoor) a saute pan or the broiler. You want a good high heat. Spray your cooking surface with no stick cooking spray, or add a bit of oil. Grill or saute for about 6 minutes per side. Broil on a foil lined cookie sheet about six inches from the source for about five minutes per side. Always check the center to be sure it is no longer pink. Let rest for five minutes.

I was able to use this chicken in my actual dinner recipe and plus put half of the chicken in the freezer for later use. I used 1.37 lbs of chicken tenderloin.

This recipe is one I made for dinner. I served it with some chips and broccoli. So yummy!!

Mini Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches
4 English muffins, preferrably whole grain, split and toasted
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or ranch dressing, regular or low-fat
8 paper thin red onion slices
2 cups fully cooked chicken, (USE YOUR LEFTOVER SPICE RUBBED CHICKEN)
8 tablespoons smoky barbecue sauce
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Preheat broiler. Line cookie sheet with foil. Spread toasted muffins with mayonnaise and place on prepared baking sheet. Top muffins with onion slices and chicken. Drizzle each half with a tablespoon of barbecue sauce. Sprinkle with cheese and broil until cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

Big fat bluebery Muffins

2009-05-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

So my children love muffins but lately it seems like we have been going through a pack of 18 muffins in a week so today I decided to try these muffins. I made them two different ways. The first batch was made with whole wheat flour and splenda the second time I made them with white flour and sugar defintely liked the second version better. The recipe made 6 big size muffins and then 12 mini muffins.

I did get this recipe from 200 recipes under but it is not under review just wanted to see how they came out.
Let me know what you think

Big Fat Blueberry Muffin(orignal recipe)(only made 6)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup vanilla soy milk
1/4 sugar free panckae syrup
1/4 cup egg beaters
1/4 cup splenda
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp sugar free applesauce( Use blueberry delight if you can find)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 400

In a medium bowl, comine flour, splenda, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well

In another bowl combine soymilk, syrup, egg beaters, butter, applesauce, and vanilla. Mix until blended. Do not worry if butter does not break up.

Add dry ingredients into teh wet ingredients until blended. Then fold in blueberries.

Line a 6 cup muffins with bakign liners or spray with cooking spray. Evenly distribute batter among the 6.

Bake for 22 minutes.

Nutririon facts
calories- 137
fat-2.25
sodium-269
carbs-26.5
fiber-3
sugar-7.5
protein-4

Blueberry Muffins with changes!!
1 cup white flour
1 cup blueberries
1/2 vanilla soymilk
1/4 cup pancake syrup
1/4 cup egg beater
1/4 cup sugar
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp blueberry applesauce
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt

Directions. Same as above

Nutrition Facts(6 big, 12 mini which you can have 4 per serving)
Caloires-119
fat-2.2
sodium-185.9
carbs-22.2
fiber-1
sugars-6.8
Protein-2.7

Nutrition Facts for 6 changed recipe
Caloires-178.6
fat-3.3
sodium-278
carbs-33
fiber-1.3
sugars-10.2
protein-4.1

I am always looking for feedback so let me know what you think.Thanks

Recipe Review: Fuji Fritters

2009-05-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

So for my first review I was doubting what to do and after much debate I chose this recipe fro two reasons. The first is because my daughter needed something to take to school for teacher appreciation and the first day is apples, The second reason is because I have never made a fritter. It was so easy and will be making these again.

Before Baking

Fuji Fritters.

Makes 12

For Apple mixture

3 Cups fuji apples, peeled and cubed

3 tbsp splenda

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

For Fritter Base

1 1/3 cup regular oats ( not instant)

2/3 cup Bisquick Heart Smart Baking mix

2/3 cup vanilla soy milk

2 tbsp brown sugar not packed

1 1/2 tbsp butter

1 tsp baking powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 400

Place apples chunks in a medium microwave safe bowl with 1/4 cup water. Cover and microwave for two and half minutes. Drain and set aside

In a medium unheated pot, combine splenda, cinnamon, vanilla, and cornstarch with 1/2 cup cold water. Cook over medium heat, stir occasionally. Continue to cook and stir until thickened to a caramel sauce like consistency. Remove pot from heat and stir in apple chunks.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients for fritter base until mixed well. Fold apples into the fritter base.

Spray two large baking sheets with nonstick spray. Evenly distribute batter into twelve mounds. They will expand.

Bake for 10-15 minutes(I did 13) minutes until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.

After Baking

Nutrution Facts( 1 fritter)

93 calories

1.75 grams of fat

121 mg sodium

17.5 carbs

1.5 g fiber

5.5 g sugars

2 g protein

My Thoughts

I did not have any oats in the house and was not going out with 2 kids in a storm so I used bisquick for the whole recipe. I feel that they came out wonderful. I am not a big fan of apples so it was hard for me to truly like but my kids love them.Hopefully her teacher likes them.

My rating 4. 2/ 5

Let me know what you think

Healthy Dinner that My kids Like!!!

2009-05-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

So when I do my grocery shopping I always buy some tiliapia. This fish is a mild fish and does not have a fishy taste. My oldest child can eat two pieces. My husband does not like but will eat it because he knows it is good for them and him. Tonight I paired it with a brown rice recipe that I loved. Definitely will be making again.

Tilapia with Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter ( I used 4 tsp butter and 2 tsp olive oil)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced( I used freeze dried and garlic powder)
dash pepper
dash salt
pinch dried dillweed or parsley
dash paprika
4 tilapia fillets ( I had 6 which is why I had more butter)

Preparation:In saucepan, combine butter, garlic, pepper, salt, dillweed, and paprika. Heat over low heat until butter is melted and starts simmering. Remove from heat. Brush a little of the butter mixture in the bottom of a shallow baking dish (line baking dish with foil, if desired) then place tilapia fillets on the buttered area. Brush top of each tilapia fillet with the seasoned butter mixture. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes, until tilapia flakes easily with a fork.Serves 2.

Brown Rice Recipe
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped onion ( I used red onion)
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
1/4 cup butter or margarine( I used 2 tsp olive oil)
1 can or jar (4 ounces) mushroom pieces
3 cups cooked brown rice (I used 2 cups)
3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1tsp onion powder

Preparation:In a skillet over medium low heat, melt butter. Cook chopped onion and green bell pepper in butter for 4 minutes. Add remaining ingredients; cook until hot and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.Serves 4 plus I had some leftover for lunch tomorrow

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the weekly recipe from the 200 recipes under 200 calories.

Free Contest

2009-05-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

If you would like a chance to win a free cookbook or other cooking supplies go to http://foodiegiveaway.blogspot.com/ for a chance to win the Hershey's Chocolate Cookbook. You Have until Thursday May 7th to enter. Good luck!!

New Idea!!

2009-04-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

So I follow several food blogs and at this http://www.tasteandtellblog.com/ she reviews a cookbook each month and then gives one a way each week. Well I love this idea since I have tons of cookbooks that I hardly use I figured I would and could do this. Well I bougth a new one today at walmart and I have found several recipes that I love from this book that I want to try. I will review each recipe each monday and give you my opionion on the recipe I also will be giving away ONE book each month. So you have four times to enter, my children will draw the name.

This month I will be reviewing the following book:

Good luck. Check back Monday to see which recipe I chose.

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-04-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

So my husband has been in Dallas trying to get hired for a police job. Due to him passing all the aspects of it so far I decided to make him some cookies yet I did not have any whote flour but did have whole wheat flour that I need to use before we move. I took the recipe off the back of a chocolate chip bag but made some adjustments.

2 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
4 oz applesauce
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 m&m's

1. Heat oven to 375
2. Stir together flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla untill creamy. Add eggs;beat well. Gradually add flour beat well. Stir in chocolate chips and m&m's . Drop by rounded teaspoon onto cookie sheet.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Makes about 5 dozen.

Oreo Pie!!! Yummy

2009-04-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

So I got this recipe from another blog. You can go here to check out this recipe plus tons others. I made her sugar cookie bars earlier in the week and they were yummy. Here is the recipe for Oreo Pie. I did modifiy a tiny bit because I had alot of the filling left over.

Ingredients
1 Oreo Pie Crust
12 Oreo cookies
8oz Cream Cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups whipped cream(Next I will only use a 1 1/2 cups)

Directions
In a small bowl, smash up 12 of the Oreo cookies...Set aside. In a medium bowl using a hand mixer, combine the cream cheese and sugar...Beat until light and fluffy. Add in the whipped cream and the smashed up Oreo cookies...Then use a rubber spatula and combine gently until well blended and the cookies are distributed throughout. Spoon into the Oreo pie crust and refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm.

Cheeseburger Biscuit Bake

2009-03-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick and delicious recipe. I got this from a slow cooker book.

Cheeseburger Biscuit Bake
1 1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 c onion minced
1'4 cup ketchup
1 (8oz ) can tomato sauce
2 cups cheese, shredded
pillsbury biscuits, 10 per serving

Ground beef and onion together. Drain, add ketchup and tomato sauce. Prehat heat oven to 400. Lye half the meat mixture and sprinkle with chesse, then repet. Add biscuits and bake for 18-22 minutes.
*I only baked mine for 15 because the biscuits were getting hard.
* Hubby said not so much ketchup but I liked it. Add according to taste.

Vegeterian Stuffed Peppers

2009-03-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

I had 2 green peppers in my my fridge that I knew would go to waste if I did not use. For this reason I made a meatless version of green peppers. Any Veggies can be used. I was able to make enougth stuffing for 2 huge for peppers yet, it could fill 4 smaller size peppers.

Stuffed Pepper
2 large green peppers
1 c rice
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup black beans
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1 (6oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6oz) can mushrooms
1/4 cup cheese

Clean the peppers, blanch in hot water for 5 minutes. While these are cooking combine ther remaining ingredients. Preheat oven to 350, when peppers are done stuff with rice mixture and bake in oven for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with chesse and bake 5 more minutes.

Pumpkin Muffins

2009-03-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

I know that it is the wrong time of the year for pumpkins but I still had a can from Thanksgiving so I decided to make chocolate chip pumpkin muffins.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients
3/4 c sugar
1 1/2 cup flour
3/4 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1 t pumpkin pie spice
1/4 t salt
1/4 cup oil(I used 4oz applesauce)
2 eggs
1/4 cup water
3/4 c canned pumpkin (1/2 of 15 oz can)
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 400. Grease 12 medium muffin tins, or 6 jumbo muffin tins. Mix all ingredients with hand mixer. Bake for 20-25 minutes (a little longer for the jumbo muffins!)I was able to make 18 small muffins. Enjoy

Pizza in a Pot!!

2009-03-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

So I am a very busy person. I work part time, I am a full time mom, and a fulltime student plus I am married to a very supportive man. For this reason I am alawysa looking for great recipes that can be cooked in my crock pot. My husband is not a big fan of the crockpot but I am so I try to cook in it 2 -3 times a week. This recipe I got from my Taste Of Home slow cooker cook book. It is yummy and taste just like pizza with the pasta. Enjoy

Pizza IN a Pot
1 1/2 lb ground beef
1 medium green pepper chopped
1 medium onion chopped
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 cups spiral pasta, cooked and drained
2 packages(3 1/2 oz each) pepperoni
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

In large skillet cook the beef, green pepper, onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink:drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, pizza sauce, and tomato paste.

In a 5 qt slow cooker, layer the pasta, beef mixture, pepperoni, and cheese. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Server with a salad and garlic bread.

Denny's-Style French Toast

2009-03-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
4 eggs
2/3 cup whole milk
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
6 slices Texas toast thick bread
3 tablespoons butter
powdered sugar
butter
syrup

Directions
Mix together the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, salt& cinnamon.
2Heat a large skillet, or griddle.
3When the skillet is hot, add 1 tablespoon butter.
4If the butter smokes, your pan is too hot; turn down the heat.
5Dip each slice of bread into the batter for 30 seconds on each side.
6Let some of the batter drip off, then put in skillet.
7Cook each slice 1 1/2-2 minutes per side until each side is golden brown.
8Add more butter, if necessary, to cook all of the slices.
9To serve, put on plate, dust with powdered sugar. Serve with butter & hot syrup.

Parmesan Chicken Tender

2009-03-07T06:47:00.000-08:00

So last night for dinner I made chicken tender. To save money we have been trying to save money so instead of McDonald's we had homemade food. These were quite tasty and very Juicy. I made two pounds and I think we had 4 left. So here is the recipe. I serve it with Mac and cheese.

Parmesan Chicken Tenders
2 pounds tenderloins
1 cup Italian bread crumbs
1 cup Parmesan cheese
4 tsp Mayo

Combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese together. Mix chicken and Mayo until well coated. Add chicken to bread crumb and cover completely. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Place chicken on cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes on one side. Then flip all chicken and bake additional 10 minutes.

Cheesecake Cookies

2009-02-26T10:39:00.000-08:00

So my husband loves cheesecake but a actual cheesecake takes hours to make so I found this recipe for cheesecake cookies. Super easy and taste like cheesecake.Enjoy

Cheesecake Cookies
1 cup cream cheese, soft
½ cup butter, soft
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking powder
1 1/4 cup flour

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese. Gradually beat in sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and salt.Whisk together baking powder and flour in a small bowl and, mixing by hand or at low speed, add to cream cheese mixture.Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes, until the bottom edge just barely turns brown.Makes about 3 dozen.

Butterfinger Cookies

2009-02-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

I have seen this recipes several times on several different blogs but never thought to make them. Yet, this past week I decided to try my hand at them. I can honestly say are one of my favorite cookies. I am going to try in the coming weeks to make them with resse's. One thing I would change is to add a few more butterfingers(I used small ones). Hope you enjoy

BUTTERFINGER COOKIES INGREDIENTS
1/2 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. sugar
2/3 c. brown sugar
2 egg whites
1 1/4 c. chunky peanut butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
5 Butterfinger candy bars (2.1 ounces each), chopped
DIRECTIONS**Cream butter and sugars. Add egg whites; beat well.
**Blend in peanut butter and vanilla.
**Combine flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in candy bars.
**Shape into 1 1/2 inch balls and place on greased baking sheets. I use parchment paper instead and highly recommend it over greasing the pan. The cookies come off the paper without any problem and you don't have to wash crusted on cookie bits from the baking sheets.
**Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

Mac and Cheese Casserole

2009-02-08T15:11:00.000-08:00

MY husband loves mac and cheese but I am not a huge fan of it.When he returned from Iraq he begged me to make it. Well it has taken me over 6 weeks but we had steaks for dinner tonight so I decided to make it. Needless to say this is loaded in calories.

Mac and cheese casserole

8oz elbow macaroni, uncooked(I usually use 2 cups)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cup milk
6 oz Velveeta (I use 8 oz plus 2 additional oz for the top)

Preheat the oven to 35f. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile in large saucepan melt the butter. Whisk in flour to make paste. Gradually add the milk. Bring to a simmer over high heat while stirring. Add cheese reduce heat to low. Stir in cooked macaroni and then put into a greased baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. Add additional cheese and bake 5 more minutes.

Unstuffed Pepper Soup!!

2009-02-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

I am a huge soup fan. I alos love stuffed peppers but I rarely eat them because the DH does not eat vegetables at . So when I have craving for stuffed peppers I make this. I usually make a huge batch and freze a bunch so I can have it when ever. I have modified it but if you want the original recipe leave me a comment and I will get it to u.

Unstuffed Pepper Soup

1/2lb ground turkey
2 large green peppers chopped
1 can beef broth plus one cup water
1 can v8 concentrat
1 can diced tomatoes plus one cup water
1 can mushrooms, drained
1 cup rice cooked or you can add uncooked to the recipe

In dutch oven ground turkey, drain. When cooked add all other ingredients except rice (unless you are using uncooked rice). Bring to a boil and at this time you can add uncooked rice. Simmer for 30-45 minutes. If using cooked riced add in the last 10 minutes.

Enjoy!!!!

My mixer!!

2009-02-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

Well after 5 years of marrige my husband has fianlly bought me a stand mixer. So needless to say I have been busy all weekend.

I made 2 cheesecake recipes and a blueberry recipe.

The first cheesecake recipe is just a new york style recipe. I did not make the crust which is why I had a little bit left over.

Cheesecake
3 (8oz) black of cream cheese
1 can sweetned condensed milk
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

Preheat oven at 300 degrees. In mixer beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add condensed milk and beat until smooth. Add vanilla and eggs until combined. Put into prepared crust and bake in the oven for 60 minutes. Once done open oven door and let cool in oven for 60 minutes. Referigate for 6 hours.

The next recipe I made was leftover from the above recipe.

Nutmeg cheesecake cups.

Filling
1 Cup leftover cheesecake from above

Crust
1 cup flour
1/3 c sugar
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 butter, softened

Combine the first four ingredients together until combined and then add butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

In greased small muffin pan(24 holes) roll dough into small balls press into holls. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes. Add 1 tbsp of cheesecake mixture on top of crust. Let bake for 30 minutes at 300 degrees.

My last recipe of the weekend is

Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffins

1 box white cake mix
1 cup milk
1/3 cup oil
3 egg whites
3 oz cream cheese
1.5 cup blueberries

Combine first 5 ingriendents in mixer for 2 minutes. Add blueberries. Divide into muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees.

Will make 24 muffins

Chicken Chop Suey

2008-12-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

So I love chicken chop suey but there is not a good chinese resturant here so I deicded to tyr my hand at making it. I think it came out really well but my kids did not like it as much because of all the veggies but they did eat it.

2 pieces of chicken cut into bite sized pieces.
1 can chop suey veggies
1 can chicken gravy

saute the chicken in a skillet. Add the gravy and let simmer for 5 minutes. Add the veggies and cook for additional 5 -10 minutes. Serve over rice.

Mushroom Corn Chowder!!

2008-12-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

So a few days ago I was looking for soemthing to do with a can of cream corn. I found this recipe in a magazine and modified it for what I had.

1/2 can cream corn
1/2 c frozen corn
2 carrots sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1/2 onion, diced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cup milk
4 oz can of mushrooms, drained

Saute onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingreidents and let simmer for 20-30 minutes. Can add chicken and any other vegetables you would like.

Cinnamon Ornaments!!!

2008-12-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

So I am babysitting 2 extra kids on top of my two and I needed something fun to do. I found this recipe for cinnamon ornaments on another website and modified it some. This recipe made 8 ornaments with a little left over. I will defintley be making more of these next weekend as christmas presents from the girls. I know cheap but handmade is the bets way to go. So enjoy the recipe and remember to have some fun with your kids.

Cinnamon Ornaments

Ingredients
3/4 cup applesauce1 bottle (4.12 ounces) McCormick® Cinnamon, Ground
Cookie cutters
Drinking straw
Colorful ribbon

Preparation

1Preheat oven to 200°F.

2Mix applesauce and cinnamon with hands in small bowl until a smooth ball of dough is formed. Using about 1/4 of the dough at a time, roll dough to 1/4-inch to 1/3-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap. Peel off top sheet of plastic wrap; cut dough into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Make a hole in top of ornament with drinking straw. Place ornaments on baking sheet.

3Bake for 2 1/2 hours. Cool ornaments on wire rack. (Or, to dry ornaments at room temperature, carefully place them on wire rack. Let stand 1 to 2 days or until thoroughly dry, turning occasionally.)

4Insert ribbon through holes and tie to hang. Decorate as deisired. I am going to be using glitter on them .

A few of my Thanksgiving recipes!!

2008-11-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

Since the hubby is deployed to Iraq this a group of us wives got togetether and we all made a little bit of the dinner. Here is what I made and brought. The sweet potatoes were a big hit because of how sweet they are. I can not stand marshmellows so I don' make them the traditional way.

Recipe 1

Corn with Fresh Herbs
1 bag frozen niblet corn
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp parsley
1 tbsp fresh chives
1/4 tsp saly

Place corn in the strainer and hold under cold water.

In 12 inch skillet heat butter over medium high heat until foamy. Add corn and remaining ingredients. Cook 3 to 5 minutes

Recipe 2

Pumpkin Pie( this was my first attempt at pie and it came out really well)

Crust
1 pillsbury pie crust, softened

Filling
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp salt
1 can (15 oz) Pumpkin
1 can evaporated milk
2 eggs beaten

Heat oven to 425. Place pie crust in a 9 inch glass pie pan .

In large bowl beat filling ingredients with mixer and pour into pan. Cover crust with strips of foil to avoid burning.

Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temp to 350 and bake 40-50 minutes longer. Remove foil last 5 minutes of baking. Cool 30 minutes and refrigerate.

Recipe 3

Praline Sweet Potato Casserole(Reba's recipe)

Ingredients
1 can (40 oz) sweet potato, drained
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp butter melted
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs

Topping
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
3 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350f. Grease shallow 1 1/2 qt casserole. In bowl mash sweet potatoes; stir in sugar, butter,vanilla, cinnamon, salt and eggs. Spoon into prepared casserole. Mix topping ingreidients; sprinkle on potato mixture. Bake 30 minutes.

Veggie Kinda Night!!

2008-11-25T17:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight I made Veggie Shells which is from the Busy woman's cookbook. I did have too modify it because it would have been too much for my small family. While my kids did not eat more than half a bowl it was loaded with the veggies they neglect and could only have a piece of pumpkin bread if they ate it. If I modify the recipe I will have the original in parenthesis.

Veggie Shells

1 yellow sqaush, peeled,and chopped (2 )
1 zucchini sliced(2)
1 cup frozen corn (1 10 oz bag corn frozen)
1 sweet bell pepper (did not use)
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp oregano
1 can beef broth( 2 cans)
1 cup bow tie pasta( 3/4 cup small shell pasta)

In slow cooker combine squash, zucchini, corn, bell pepper, tomatoes, seasonings, beef broth, and 2 cups water (I did not use).

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours

Add pasta and cook additional 30 to 45 minutes.

Garnish with mozzarella cheese. Serves 4 to 5.

Cheesecake- Swirl Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

2008-11-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

So I got this recipe from cookiepiebklyn.blogspot.com. I love both cheesecake and pumpkin so I decided to make this today and will be taking a loaf of it to a friend for Thanksgiving. I did modfiy the recipe a little bit but I think that it came out really really well. I even got my 3 year old invovled and she loved mixing all the pieces togetether.

Cheesecake-Swirl Chocolate Chip Pumpkin BreadMakes 1 9-inch loaf

Cheesecake swirl:
4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
4 oz. sour cream, at room temperature (Orignal Called for 8 oz)
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Pumpkin bread:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda'
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt1 cup sugar
7 1/2 oz. pumpkin puree (half of a 15-oz. can)
1/4 cup vegetable oil (original called for 1/2 cup)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. water
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips (Original Called for 3/4 cup)

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Mist a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Make the cheesecake swirl: In a bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the sour cream, egg, vanilla and salt and beat until well combined and smooth. Set aside.

2. Make pumpkin bread: In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice and salt; stir with a fork to mix well. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar, pumpkin puree and oil. Beat in the eggs, vanilla and water. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a flexible spatula, then beat again until just mixed. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.

3. Spread 1/3 of the pumpkin batter in the loaf pan, then spread about 1/3 of the cheesecake swirl over the pumpkin batter. Repeat layers, ending with the last of the cheesecake swirl. Run a sharp paring knife through the layers to create a swirl pattern.

4. Bake the bread for 75 to 80 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then turn out bread and let cool completely. To store, wrap well in foil and refrigerate.

Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

2008-11-23T15:22:00.000-08:00

Tonight for dinner I made the Chicken and Spaghetti Squash from the Family Circle Magazine the December 2008 edition. I knew I was taking a risk by feeding my kids this but I wanted to try. I did change the recipe a little bit. Hope you enjoy if you try it.

Chicken and Spaghetti Squash

1 large Spaghetti Squash
1tbsp olive oil (original called for 2 tbsp)
4 oz can of mushrooms (10oz sliced in original)
1 clove garlic(3 cloves)
1 can diced tomatoes (2 cans)
2 chicken breast cut into pieces(3 pieces)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes( I did not use)
1/2 cup spinach torn in to pieces( basil was used originally)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Heat Oven to 350

Cut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop Out seeds. Place in a 9x13 baking dish cut side up. Add 1/2 cup water and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 50 -60 minutes

While squash is baking make the sauce. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium high heat add garlic and mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, chicken, salt and red pepper flakes cook for 6 minutes. Put spinach in and stir. To serve shred the spaghetti out of the shell and put onto separate plates. Serve with chicken mixture and cheese.

The nutrition info
292 calories per serving
10g fat
30 g protein
21 g carbs
5 g fiber
714mg sodium
69 mg cholesterol

Apple Stredual Pie!!

2008-11-23T02:27:00.000-08:00

So after making two batches of applesauce I had 2 apples left and decided that I need to make a pie!! So at 9 pm tonight I made a pie.

For the crust I used a refrigerated crust since I have extra one.

For the the filling

I used 2 apples peeled and sliced thin.
1tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter

Melt the butter and combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside

For Topping
2tbsp butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour

Combine the flour and sugar. Add the melted butter until it crumbles. Add to pie.

Bake pie at 425 for 10 minutes. During this time make a foil ring for the crust. Once done bump the temperature down to 350 and bake for 30 more minutes.

Let cool. I am not a big fan of apple pie but I fell in love with this. Also, this recipe was taken from several recipes and I made it my own.

Applesauce

2008-11-22T17:01:00.000-08:00

So lately my kids have been goign thru jar of applesauce and it starting to get to expensive. So instead I decided to make homemade applesauce from apples. It was very simple and I was able to make it in my crockpot. I did make it two ways. The first batch was not so good becasue my kids don't like cinnamon. I also halved the recipe becasue I wanted to make sure they liekd it first.

Here is the recipe for the cinnamon version with splenda
4 apples, peeled and quartered
1/2 water
1/4 cup splenda
1 tsp cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a small slow cooker and Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6

The second recipe came out much better
4 apples, peeled and quartered
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar

Combine all ingredients in a small slow cooker. Cook on High for 3 hour or on low for 6.

To make bigger batch of applesauce double the amount.

I will be going to the store later in the week to make a bigger batch for friends.

Portabella Mushrooms

2008-11-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

So I went to the grocery store on Thursday and they had these beautiful Portabella mushrooms and I have always wanted to try them as a burger since so many people have loved them. I bought 2 and made them for lunch today. I did not make any for the kids because they do not eat mushrooms. Here is the following recipe that I used. Very Yummy and filling.

Portabella Mushrooms
2 portabella mushrooms
4 tsp olive oil
1 tsp basil
1 clove garlic chopped
salt and Pepper to taste

Put 1 tsp if olive oil on both sides. On the underside of the mushrooms add basil, garlic and salt and pepper. Let marinate for 1 hour. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on low heat. I served my with a garlic mayo and cabbage on the top.

The mayo

1 tbsp light Mayo
1/2 tsp garlic
1/2 tsp worceshire

Mix all and put on both the top and bottom bun.

I was very stuffed ater eating just one so the other one will be lunch tomorrow.

chicken and dumplings

2008-11-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

So a few months back my best friend Brandi gave me this recipe for a easy and very delicious chicken and dumplings. It was one of the few things my 5 year will ask for 3rds of. So here is the following recipe. Enjoy

2 chicken breast
4 cups chicken broth or 4 cups water and 4 chicken bouillon
Package of refrigerated biscuits (10 pack)

Bring the broth to a roiling boil on high heat; add chicken and continue boiling chicken for 10 minutes. Turn heat down to low and let simmer for 3 -4 hours. Also can be cooked on High for 1 hour to save time. When chicken in cooked removed the pieces and shred. Return to pan and simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes.
As for the dumplings, open biscuits and flat with the palm of your hand. Dredge in flour on both side. Cut the biscuit into bite size pieces or just make 4 big pieces from 1 biscuit.
Turn temperature of pan up to high. When roiling boil drop the "dumplings" in the broth. Let simmer on high heat for 20 minutes. The dumpling will get puffy but as they cook will flatten out. Once down is the mixture is soupy you and add 1 tsp of Corn starch.
For variation I will make it with vegetables but not as big as a hit.

My Life

2008-11-20T18:18:00.000-08:00

So I am student/mother/ wife/ cook. I have 2 wonderful children ages 3 and 5. I have a wonderful and supportive husband who has helped me so much. He is currently 1 year into a 15month deployment. Yuck. I am a senior in College and will hopefully get my Social Work degree in May 2009. Thank God.

I have recenetly lost 90 pounds and no i did not have suregery it was all doen by hardwork. Yet since losing the weight I have had to mke major chnages in my diet which does not bode well with my meat and Potatoes husband(no veggies at all) and my children who have started to have some bad habits. Yet I push on hoping they will like a few things I make.