On The Menu

Honey Lime ChickenRoast Chicken in the Crock
Tostadas
Chicken Enchiladas
Beef Stroganoff
Balsalmic Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Chicken Spinach Lasagna
Enchilada Casserole
Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms
Honey Spice Chicken
Eggs, Sausage, Hashbrowns
Sloppy Joes

Don't these sound yummy?!  Can't wait to get cooking.  I just went and did my 2 week grocery trip today.  A hot chocolate and a grocery cart all.to.my.self!  Awesome!

Enjoy the weekend.  We are expecting my family to be in town for some fun.

Finally caved

I finally got a new computer.   Or should I say, Clint finally pushed me out of the house to buy a new one.  I was at the store with my new computer in hand by 9:30am. 
I get so intimidated by new technology.  I nearly loose sleep just getting a new app on my phone.  I think I was an annoying mess when Clint got me the iPhone.  Now, he just laughs at my “simple” ways. 
I am really happy with what I got.  I am back to a PC.  I grew up using  PC and never touched a Mac until I married Clint.  And even then, it was his computer so I just used it here and there.  The last year, I have been using a Mac and while I liked it, it was pretty tricky for me to understand.  Even after a year, I hated the fact that I could not right click.  How am I supposed to do anything if I cannot right click?!!  That is kind of the running joke between Clint and I.
And the really exciting thing is, I can get pictures off my fancy schmancy camera and use them now!!  YEAH!  And, when I type, the words keep up with the speed at which I am actually typing.  My other computer was 8 years old and there was quite a delay between the clicking of the keys and the actual words showing up.  Annoying huh?!
And, I have a new program to play with called Windows Live Writer.  I am typing in it today to do my blog posting.  It is supposed to be easy and wonderful.  I guess I will need to watch a tutorial or ask my 2 year old how it works.  Seems like she can figure out anything.  She figured out how to unlock my phone and scroll through pictures.  AMAZING!!
I feel very “techy” today.  After 2 years of owning our van, I figured out how to use the DVD player.  It is pretty neat.  And yes, I tried to put the DVD in the CD player.  Laugh with me, not at me.  It didn’t work.  You actually have to put the DVD in the DVD player…..imagine that!  Ha! 
We were killing time before Nora’s dr appt and eating lunch in the car.  It was neat that Verity could watch the Letter Factory and be entertained by that. 
Well, now I can blog from my phone and from the computer.  Watch out family and friends.  Lots of pictures and stories coming your way.  ENJOY!

Coming Soon

More recipes coming soon, I promise.  My computer is not really wanting to do it's job anymore.  Blogging from my phone is just not very easy.  But, I have quite a few yummy recipes to share.
Taco Soup
Apple Zucchini muffins
Roast Chicken in the crock pot
Salmon Chowder (I know it doesn't sound appealing, but it is really so delicious)

White Chicken Enchiladas

*UPDATED 8/22/12*
Welcome Pinners!  Thanks for visiting.  There have been hundreds of comments and questions on this recipe so I want to make some of the answers known up front.  :)  Enjoy the recipe!

1. This recipe calls for diced green chilies.  Don't let that fool you, these are NOT spicy in the least.  My 3 year old and 1 year old love them.
2. If you would like, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream in the recipe.  It is a 1 for 1 substitute.
3. If you cook your chicken first (rather than using a rotisserie chicken), you may wan to add some spices to give it extra flavor.  I like the chicken to have good flavor.  I tend to cook my chicken in the crock pot with some ground cumin, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.
4. You can make this ahead and keep it in the fridge up to 24 hours.  Just put it in the oven and increase the time a bit.  You will want to make sure they are heated through.
5. This sauce does not freeze well.  Then enchiladas themselves freeze really well.  I freeze a few pans of them double wrapped in foil and then I just make the sauce the day of.  Thaw them first, add the sauce, cook according to original instructions.
6. Yes, your friends and family will like their plate and ask for you to bring them to every gathering from here on out.

Chicken enchiladas with green chili sour cream sauce

*These are seriously so so good*

10 soft taco shells

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

3 Tbsp. butter

3 Tbsp. flour

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup sour cream

1 (4 oz) can diced green chillies

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x13 pan

2. Mix chicken and 1 cup cheese.  Roll up in tortillas and place in pan.

3. In a sauce pan, melt butter, stir in flour and cook 1 minute.  Add broth and whisk until smooth.  Heat over medium heat until thick and bubbly.  

4. Stir in sour cream and chilies.  Do not bring to boil, you don't want curdled sour cream.

5. Pour over enchiladas and top with remaining cheese.

6. Bake 22 min and then under high broil for 3 min to brown the cheese.

Keep up with my current recipes HERE I am always adding new favorites. (find it here first before all your friends find it on Pinterest)

Green Monster Smothie

I don't have a picture for this one,l but it is my secret "stay-healthy-in-the-winter" recipe.  And no, you cannot taste the spinach.  Your kids will love this.

Green Monster Smoothie
1 banana
5 strawberries
1/2 c blueberries
1 small peach, pealed and chopped
1 heaping cup fresh spinach
splash of milk (can use vanilla soy milk or coconut milk)
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp greek yogurt
1/2 cup ice (omit if you are using frozen fruit)

Blend until smooth and serve right away.  This is seriously really good.  It makes 1 very large smoothie.  I split it between Verity, Clint and I and it works great.  I have been giving this to V since she was about 1 year old (due to milk and honey in it)

Good Morning Muffins

Oh man, Oh man! These were so delicious! Just ask my 2 year old. She ate 3 one morning.

You will have to excuse my food pictures for a while.  I am doing  my blogging from my phone while I don't have a computer capable of uploading pictures.

Good Morning Muffins

2 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 1/2 cup peeled, shredded apple
1/2 cup raisins

1.  Heat oven to 350.  Spray 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.
2.  In a large bowl, beat the eggs, oil, milk and vanilla with a whisk until well blended.  Add flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.  Stir until dry ingredients are moist.  There will still be lumps.  Stir in carrots, apples, and raisins.
3.  Divide batter evenly among muffin cups filling about 3/4 full.
4.  Bake 20-25 min until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Enjoy!

Fresh Fruit Crisp

This really hit the spot when I had a hankering for a fruit filled dessert. We also ate it for breakfast.

I sliced and peeled 4 ripe nectarines, tossed in 2 cups frozen strawberries, and 2 cups frozen raspberries.  I put these in a greased cake pan.  I then made the topping.  2 cups quick oats, 4 Tbsp cold butter, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar.  I mashed this all together until crumbly.  Then I stirred in 1/2 cup slivered almonds and poured on top of the fruit.  I baked this at 350 for about 25-30 min until the fruit was bubbly and the top was golden.  YUM!

Baked Oatmeal (My Favorite Breakfast)

This is in our fridge at all times. It is so yummy!

If you have ever stayed the night at our house, you know that we LOVE baked oatmeal.  I was given this recipe from a friend and I have been working on making it perfect for my tastes.

Baked Oatmeal
5 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cup oil
2 Tbsp vanilla
4 cups milk
Mix well, then add:
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp  baking powder
2 Tbsp cinnamon
2 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
Mix well, then add:
10 cup oatmeal (not quick oats)
2 cups dried fruit (I love the sunmaid fruit bits)

Pour into a greased 9x13x2 pan and bake for 55 min at 350.
I even bought a special pan just for my baked oatmeal with a lid.  We love it and like I said, always in the fridge.  Put some in a bowl, reheat in the microwave for 60-80 seconds and serve with milk or half and half!  ENJOY!

Sticky Chicken

Sticky Chicken

Place 6 chicken thighs, skin up in a greased pie plate.
Brush with a tinge of olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper and about 1 tsp garlic salt
Mix 3 Tbsp lemon juice with 3 Tbsp honey until well combines.  Brush over chicken.
Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.  Broil for 3 minutes until top of skin is as crisp as you like.
This is always a hit.

Keep up with my current recipes HERE I am always adding new favorites. (find it here first before all your friends find it on Pinterest)

Italian Mushroom Chicken

My husband loved this meal! He really loves mushrooms and wine sauces. I don't "love" wine sauces so this was just ok to me. I think I would really get excited about it had the wine been substituted with chicken broth. Yum!
Italian mushroom chicken4 chicken breasts
Fresh mushrooms sliced
1/4 c butter
1 pig Italian dressing dry mix
1 can cream of mushroom sou
1/2 c dry white wine
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup minced onion (1/4 cup if using dry)
Adapted from cleverly inspired blog. 1. Place chicken & mushrooms in slow cooker.
2. In a sauce pan, melt the butter. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over medium heat. Careful not to burn this sauce
3. Remove from heat and pour over chicken and mushrooms.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. I served this with mashed potatoes and green beans. I will make it again.

Carmel Apple Sticky Buns

Doesn't this picture make you drool. Oh my heavens, these are good!!! I ate 4!! I have no shame.  Your next overnight guest may never want to leave if you make these.  Also, I plan on making these for my neighbors at Christmas....I really want them to like me.

I adapted the recipe from allrecipes.com

Carmel Apple Sticky Buns

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped peeled apple
• TOPPING:
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (you can also use chopped apple in place of the nuts)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla (stirred in after the topping is removed from heat)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt, and cinnamon. In a saucepan, heat the milk, water and butter to 120 degrees F to 130 degrees F. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in remaining flour and apples. Do not knead. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile in a saucepan, combine the topping ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring until blended. Stir in vanilla after removing pan from heat. Pour into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Stir dough down. Spoon walnut-size pieces of dough over nut mixture. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
3. Bake at 375 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 1 minute before inverting onto a large serving platter.

Campfire Cookies

I saw these on Pinterest and they are so so yummy!

The recipe comes from fahrenheit350.blogspot.com

Campfire Cookies
Cream together:
1 cup butter flavored Crisco
1 cup packed brown sugar
Add in and beat thoroughly:
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
Mix in:
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
Stir in:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup miniature marshmallows

Drop by spoonfuls on to half a graham cracker and bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.

Taco casserole

Our little family loves casseroles.  This one was brought to me by my dear friend Sarah after I had Nora.  It is so yummy and easy.

Taco Casserole

1 box twisty rotini noodles, cooked and drained

1 1/2 cups sour cream

Mix together and pour in to greased casserole dish

1 lb ground beef browned and drained

1/4 cup taco seasoning

1 can tomato sauce

Mix together and pour on top of the noodles

Sprinkle with grated cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes

Keep up with my current recipes HERE I am always adding new favorites. (find it here first before all your friends find it on Pinterest)

Monster Cookies

This is my Aunt Audrey's recipe and it is so so  yummy.  She would make these when we all came to visit in the summer.  I am sure all of my cousins remember them.  

Monster Cookies

1 cup butter flavored Crisco

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup + 2 Tbsp brown sugar

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp Karo syrup

4 1/2 cups quick oats

2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup mini M&M's (I use regular because I usually have them on hand.  And I like to use dark chocolate M&M's rather than milk chocolate)

1/2 cup chocolate chips (bittersweet)

1/2 cup butterscotch chips

Cream together Crisco, sugars, and peanut butter.  Add in eggs, vanilla, karo syrup.  Mix well.  Mix in oats, salt and baking soda.  Stir in candies.  Press into 1/4 measuring cup and place on greased cookie sheet.  flatten lightly.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.