Showing posts with label Recipe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recipe. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Cinco de Mayo and Pineapple, Cucumber and Black Bean Salsa

I love Cinco De Mayo! Growing up my parents would always have a fiesta. I thought with today being Cinco De Mayo and this month being national salsa month I should post something with salsa!

How many of you use the Ibotta app? I have for probably a year now and have gotten over $50 back in rebates. This week you can get a rebate on a salsa! Herdez has some good salsa too. I have tried a few different kinds and like them all. I used their chile verde salsa for the recipe below.


This is something new I made today just for the fun of it. I don't eat cucumbers or radishes often, but in this its not even noticeable. 




  • 1 1/2  cups (or 4 - 1/2 inch thick) 
    pineapple rings
  • 1 (15-ounce) can 
    black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups 
    radishes, stemmed and chopped
  • 2 cups 
    chopped and seeded cucumber
  • 1-2 teaspoons 
    chopped jalapeño
  • 1/4 cup 
    chopped cilantro
  • 1 1/2 cups 
    crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup 
    fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup 
    extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup 
  • 1 teaspoon 
    kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon 
    fresh ground black pepper

Combine all the ingredients and enjoy! Try it with chips, on eggs, on a taco, or even with some avocado would be so good! You could grill the Pineapple on a grill or in a sauté pan with some oil oil to help bring out the flavor as well!

If you follow this link to Herdez Website you can take a quiz about Cinco De Mayo and be entered to in some Herdez food or even a trip to Puebla, Mexico. Puebla, Mexico is the reason we celebrate Cinco De Mayo. It was there that the Mexican army beat the french trying to invade. This gave the Mexican army a much needed Moral boost and helped slow the french armies down. Puebla Mexico is also where Mole Poblano originated from. Crazy new things you learn today?!




In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Bacon Potato and Bacon Soup

I love soup. Any time of year it's my favorite thing to eat. I must get that from my mom, because she cooks soup a lot too. It's great for sharing recipes. Not so great when your baby brother comes over crying, "I'm so sick of soup, I can't eat any more soup."

Recently I made a baked potato soup. I love this recipe because I purposely bake too many potatoes just so I can make this soup.
Baked Potato and Bacon Soup
4 Tb Butter
1/4 C Flour
2 C Chicken Stock
2 C Milk
2-3 Bay leaves
1/4 Tsp Pepper
1/2 tsp Salt
4ish Medium Cooked Potatoes
Melt butter then stir in the flour. Then whisk in the chicken stock and milk until smooth. Add all the other ingredients. When I do my potatoes I usually add them  half mashed and  half diced. It depends on how you like it. Do you want it chunky? Then dice them. If you want it smoother you can always throw it in a blender when you are done. Simmer for 10-15 until soup thickens. Then add add Hormel bacon or Hormel bacon pieces.
Other optional toppings are sour cream, cheese or green onions.



In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Friday, March 20, 2015

Life changer- Skippy Salted Caramel Peanut Butter

Yes I just said salted caramel and Skippy peanut butter in the same sentence. No you are not dreaming. It's real, I promise. 

What I struggled with is how else do I eat it besides just plain? It's so good I want it all to myself. In the end I decided to initially try 2 things with it. This morning I threw it in my proetein shake. Talk about starting your morning off right. 

My shake had milk (you could use regular, rice, almond, coconut, etc) 1/2 a banana, 2 ice cubes, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder and a scoop of Skippy's salted caramal peanut butter.  It was so good. It was also a nice change to my usual morning shake. Caramel after a workout isn't always that bad, right?!

Another thing we had was banana salted caramel peanut butter sandwiches. I spread the special peanut butter on bread and added sliced bananas. It was a fun change for the kids lunch and yummy treat snack for me.

Get your coupon and find out more at  http://www.peanutbutter.com

In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Mini Pizza Night

We usually do Friday night pizza night. Sometimes we go somewhere out to eat, sometimes we order it, occasionally I even make it. My kids favorite is when they help make it. Well help make their own mini pizza's anyway. They are easy to make and my kids enjoy making their own pizza, plus there is less complaining about what kind to get.


First I use English muffins. I cut them in half and let the kids spoon marinara or pizza sauce on them. Then they can put as much of what kind of cheese I have out on them. Then of course Hormel pepperoni is a must! Usually my kids are ok with just those 2 things on them. You could add just about anything else though. Then I broil them till the cheese is melted and the edges crispy. Super easy but always a crowd pleaser. Plus I am a big fan of kids helping make dinner.





In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Wholly Guacamole and Nacho Night

I have to say how much I love the Wholly Guacamole cups. I recently went back to work part time and this last week they have come in so handy.

One day at work I needed a healthy pick me up and this creamy cup of goodness and some chips hit the spot! They come in this cute 100 Calorie cups now too. I keep a few at the office and a few in my freezer just in case I have a guacamole craving (which is a lot ;) If you click this link they even have a coupon right now you can print from home.

One night we had tacos for dinner and it was a great compliment to them. I used turkey meat for the taco meet, diced some tomatoes, cut up some lettuce and shredded some cheese. Then I just threw the corn tortillas on the griddle and added my Wholly Guacamole. It was a great healthy family meal. 

Then the next day for lunch I had some taquitos in the freezer and this made that quick meal that much better. The possibilities for this Wholly Guacamole cups are endless!




Then we had one of my favorites last night- nachos! I took the leftover taco meat and toppings and opened a jar of Chi Chi's Salsa Con Queso and Voila- yummy quick nachos. This is great cause no matter what you have on hand it makes a great meal. As long as you have chips and the queso you can add, green onions, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, meat, sour cream, the list goes on and on. I always keep a jar in my pantry for when I need a quick meal. So next time you are at the store grab a jar or 2 of Chi Chi's Salsa Con Queso for a fun family build your own nacho night!



In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Recipe- Teriyaki Pulled Pork Rice Bowls


With me going back to work part time I have started to try and make more crock pot meals. This was one I kind of made up on the fly the other night, and my husband loved it. I opened my freezer to find a lovely  HORMEL ®   ALWAYS TENDER ® Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin. I threw it in the crockpot, covered it in water and let it sit on low for at least 8 hours. (You could do high for 4 hours as well.)  When I got home I cooked some rice and made some stir fry with what vegetables I had in my freezer. next time I will make sure to have better stir fry worth vegetables, but here is the basic recipe.





Hormel ®   always tender  t eriyaki pork tenderloin 
1 Cup rice
1/2 C  Teriyaki Sauce
1 TB Soy Sauce
1 tsp Garlic
1 tsp Ginger
dash Salt
1 tsp Brown Sugar
Bag frozen stiry fry vegetables

Slow cook the pork tenderloin till it easily shreds on its own.
Cook the rice
Mix the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce garlic, ginger, salt and brown sugar in a bowl and set aside
Saute the vegetables in a little olive oil, when cooked then add the sauce and let them simmer om medium heat for a few minutes. Then you can build your own teriyaki bowl. Yumm!! Super easy and yummy!


In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Perfect Appetizer in a Pinch


If you're having some games with some friends or need to bring an appetizer to someone house I perfect dish to share. This time of year I feel like there is lots of sweets going around and I like something a little different. I love me some homemade jalapeno jelly. Ever since Utah Mom's Life showed me how to make some its my new favorite thing to can in the fall. Recently I added a slight twist to my usual sack and it has made all the different. Its salami. I took Hormel's Gatherings with cheese, crackers, pepperoni and salami tray and added cream cheese and  jalapeno jelly. Layer a cracker, cream cheese, meat and some jalapeno jelly and enjoy. Now you can add a little kick to the usual meat, cheese and cracker tray.
In  the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie

I came across this recipe on Kraft's website or magazine a few years ago and it is my favorite. I use this with leftover turkey, corn and green beans. It's super fast and easy to make as well!
Zippy Turkey Pot Pie

3/4
cup  milk

1/4
cup  MIRACLE WHIP Dressing

1
Tbsp.  flour

1-1/2
cups  KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

3
cups  chopped cooked turkey (about 1 lb.)

1
pkg.  (10 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables(peas, carrots, green beans, corn), thawed - This is were I add any leftover veggies I have. 

1/4
cup  chopped onions

1
 ready-to-use refrigerated pie crust 

HEAT oven to 400°F.
MIX milk, dressing and flour in large microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 2 to 3 min. or until sauce is thickened, stirring after each min. Stir in cheese; microwave 1 min. Mix until well blended. Add turkey, mixed vegetables and onions; toss to coat. Spoon into 9-inch pie plate; smooth surface. -Note this recipe only calls for the top part of the pie, which I actually like it that way.
PLACE crust over filling; flute edge and seal to rim of pie plate. Cut several slits in crust to permit steam to escape. Place on baking sheet.
BAKE 30 to 35 min. or until crust is golden brown. Let stand 10 min. before serving.


What do you like to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into? 

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Black Bean and Ham Soup

HORMEL<sup>®</sup> CURE 81<sup>®</sup> Classic Boneless Ham

Are you one of those families that do ham for Thanksgiving? One year we had dinner with a family that smoked their ham, it was the best ham I have ever had! I thought today and tomorrow I would share my favorite left over recipes. Today I will post black bean and ham soup. I love black beans. I love black bean soup even more, and to add Hormel's yummy Cure 81 ham makes it that much better. I use Hormel's Cure 81 Ham because I know I don't have to do much to have it come out tasting good. It has great texture and flavor.  



 This time I also turned my recipe into a crockpot meal this time, to make my day a little easier. I bet it would freeze just fine too. So my amounts are a little general depending on how much ham you decide to add or how much you want to make. 

Black Bean and Ham Soup
3 Cups Chicken broth
1-2 Cups Diced Hormel Cure 81 Ham
1 Medium Onion Diced
1 Bell Pepper Chopped (I did red this time, but green is good too)
2-3 Garlic Cloves
2 Cans Black Beans
1 Can Petite Diced Tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
Salt and Pepper

Add all the ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hrs or on high for 4 hrs. You can then top it off with sour cream, or green onions or shredded cheese. 





This time I bought soup bowls. The kids thought that was the coolest thing ever. Even my pickiest eater was willing to eat the soup because it was in a cool bowl.


Tomorrow I will post my favorite turkey leftover recipe. Maybe I'll even link up for people to add their favorite leftover turkey recipes. 


In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Friday, November 14, 2014

School Days Nostalgia


Who remembers the cafeteria peanut butter bars? I do, and I didn't even have school lunch very often. When I did I picked either a day where they had pizza or peanut butter bars. Can you imagine had the school put those on the same day, it would have been genius. School lunch sales would have hit all time highs. I decided my kids needed to enjoy a little Delicious nostalgia from my youth. I looked all over for the right recipe, and I think I found it at www.triedandtriedagain.blogspot.com. Not too hard, but would be just as delicious as I remember them being. I think I found it. It actually was a pretty easy and quick recipe. My kids even had a blast helping make them.
Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars 
1 1/2 C Flour
1¼ tsp. Salt
½ tsp. Baking Soda
¾ C Butter -best if at room temp
¾ C Sugar
¾ C Brown Sugar
1 ½ tsp. Vanilla
1 1/2 C Creamy Reduced Fat Skippy Peanut Butter (split )
2 Eggs
1 ½ C Quick Oats

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
In a small mixing bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and salt. 
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugars, 3/4 C Skippy peanut butter, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.  
Gradually add dry ingredients, just until incorporated.   Then, s tir in the oats.   Spread onto a greased 11 x 15 Jelly Roll Pan (cookie sheet).   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.   Cool for 10 minutes.

  


Frosting:
½ C Butter (1 stick) 
3 ½ C Powdered Sugar
2 T Cocoa
¼ C Milk 
1 tsp. Vanilla

The frosting is a two step process. First, whip the remaining ¾ C Skippy Peanut Butter until it becomes lighter colored and fluffy. Carefully spread the whipped peanut butter over the pan cookie.



Then, add butter to a small sauce pan and melt the butter. Add the milk and cocoa. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Heat just until boiling. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar. Stir until thickened. Pour over the peanut butter and gently spread over the cookie. Cool completely, and slice into bar cookies.

Then pick you could pick out one of your favorite books from elementary school and have story time with delicious peanut butter bars.  Perfect blast from the past. 



In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own 

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Easy Dinner Ideas- Anything Covered In Syrup

The title says it all. Usually when I need something fast that I know all my kids will like I go with Breakfast for dinner. Anything my kids can put syrup on is never a fail in my home. Pancakes, waffles, french toast or even scones. Yup I once told my kids scones were pancake balls so to this day they cover them in syrup.


I think french toast is one of my favorites. Granted I like to make my french toast with texas toast. This is something I had to actually make a habit of keeping in my pantry just so I could make french toast in a pinch. My favorite thing to add to the toast is a syrup I got from a friend a few years ago that she called Magic Syrup. This is how you make magic syrup.
Magic Syrup:
In a saucepan melt 1 cube of butter; add 3/4 Cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of buttermilk. I don't usually have buttermilk on hand even though it is cheap and lasts a long time. It's OK if you don't just do milk and about a half a Tablespoon of white vinegar. Boil this then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
My kids love to scoop out the bubbles onto their toast. 

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Easy Dinner Ideas- Hot Dogs or Chili Dogs

Let me start out by saying I am not a huge hot dog fan. I don't eat them very often, but if I do I like them 3 different ways. Grilled, in central park with mustard or with Hormel Chili. Since I don't have time to bust out the grill, and I'm not in New York, then that means its time to bust out the chili dog.
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Hot dogs are one of my kids favorite things to eat. They are super easy to cook as well, whether you boil them or use the microwave they don't take very long at all. Although my kids just like to dip theirs in ketchup Dad and I like ours with Hormel chili. Dad likes his hot dog  in a bun with cheese and jalapenos, I sometimes like mine just like my kids- plain on a plate, no bun. Either way adding the chili elevates the usual hot dog into something more hearty and tasty for my husband and I.

Another thing I like to do if my eyes are bigger than my stomach and I heat up too much chili is make Cheese and Hormel Chili Dip. Which can also be great if you are going to a Halloween party this week and need to bring a dish to share. You can get the easy recipe here. Next time I suggest  dipping bell peppers in it.
What else do you like to put Hormel Chili on?
In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own 

Monday, October 27, 2014

Easy Dinner Ideas- Fajitas into Tortilla Soup

I don't know about you but this is going to be a crazy week for me. I have 1 child having surgery, practices, Halloween activities, church responsibilities and other time consuming things going on.  I like to have a few go to recipes that I can go to when having a day (or in this case a week) that I need a quick dinner using ingredients on hand. Sometimes the hard balance with this is healthy dinner vs. quick dinners. Several days this week I am going to post some of the things I make for my family in a pinch and how I like to make them more mommy and daddy approved.
Since yesterday I had some time to cook and prep for the week I decided to make fajitas for dinner. Diced some yummy bell peppers that have been awesomely priced, added some chicken and made fajitas. Fajitas with a wheat tortilla and some non fat plain greek yogurt makes it  a win for me. Chicken, cheese and tortillas made it a win for my kids.

Then tonight we are using the leftovers to make a crockpot tortilla soup. I threw the leftover fajitas in the crock pot and added about a cup of chicken broth, black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced peppers and a can of enchilada sauce. My husband likes to eat his with tortilla chips, while my kids mix their soup with sour cream. Depending on the diced peppers and/or enchilada sauce it can come out a little spicy.  Another nice thing is sometimes if I have a ton left over I freeze the soup, then next time I'm in a pinch again all I need to do is reheat and serve.
This is one of my favorite use of leftovers into a different recipe. What's yours? I would love to know. Comment, tweet or facebook me yours. Maybe I'll share it with everyone :)

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Crepes


Crepes with Skippy Chocolate Peanut Butter and Bananas



1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted



In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.


Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.


Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.


One thing that helps if your crepes are getting too thick (especially if you don't want to buy one more thing to take up room in your kitchen that is made to cook 1 thing like a crepe pan) then buy a crepe spreader. You just spin this in the middle of the crepe and it spreads it even and it keeps the crepes in a nice circle. 






 
After the crepes are done than you add a generous amount of Skippy Chocolate Peanut Butter and  sliced bananas inside the crepe, and roll them up. This is actually one of my favorite kind of crepes. If there are extra crepes left over then sometimes when the kids aren't looking I can heat one up for myself and do this really quick. As a side note my son likes to make one with Skippy peanut butter, chocolate chips and powdered sugar.
In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own    

Sunday, September 28, 2014

How to Make Taco Night That Much Better!


Taco night is one of our favorites. Since I'm Hispanic I grew up eating and learning to cook a lot of Hispanic dishes. When we first got married the only thing I really knew how to cook was Mexican food. Then when we went out to eat my husband would ask, "What are you craving?" I would innocently respond, "Umm, Mexican food?!" So here are a few tips that can help make your taco dinner a little yummier.

First off don't skimp on the taco seasoning! I don't buy taco seasoning packets; I buy my taco seasoning in bulk from Costco. This way I am not limited to the amount in a packet and can add plenty of seasoning. 

 Another little thing that can add some flavor is cilantro. I like to cut up cilantro with some green onions and mix them up. This adds a little freshness to your taco. Cilantro is kind of my food cowbell so to speak, EVERYTHING could use a little more cilantro.
 Next use corn tortillas. I never buy those hard shell, pre-made taco shells, that is nada bueno en mi casa ;) My roomate and I use to fry ours in oil when we made them. I did that until I started having kids, now it is faster and healthier just to heat them up on my griddle.
Don't forget yummy fresh produce! I have so many tomatoes from my garden I have been thinking of as many meals as possible to add tomato too. Then I suggest a good salsa. Store bought or from scratch I like chunky and flavorful salsa. I was nervous when Hormel sent me some salsa to review because I am kind of picky about my salsas, but we loved it! You can even see the onions and cilantro chunks in it. And no cilantro in your salsa and fresh on top is not too much cilantro!!! Next time you can't decide what salsa to try give Herdez Salsa Casera a try.
 Last but not least a good taco needs avocado or guacamole. Where I live avocados aren't always cheap. I prefer fresh avocados, but when they aren't a good price or ripe then try Wholly Guacamole. My blogging friend Utah Moms Life says one of her kids only eats his tacos with cheese and Wholly Guacamole. She taught me that you can freeze them. So last time they were on sale I bought several and froze them. It was a nice addition one time when I was low on groceries and literally only had tortillas, meat and cheese on hand. I was so grateful to have those in my freezer to make dinner  that much better. Now Wholly Guacamole has these mini 100 calorie cups you buy as well. They are great for on the go or when just needed to add a little to your meal and not wanting a whole lot. I put 2 in the freezer I will let you know how those hold up in the freezer in the future.

So next time you make tacos for dinner try one of this little tweaks to enhance your taco's flavor. Enjoy!



In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own 

Friday, August 29, 2014

Make Your Own Bread Crumbs

Ever wonder what to do with the ends of the bread. Or have your kids left the bag wide open and the bread started getting hard? You should make your own bread crumbs with it. I love how expensive bread crumbs are. Really? It crumbs! From bread!
Its really pretty easy. I leave the bread out on a plate to dry out for a day or 2. Then I crunch it up to fit in my magic bullet and I pulse it. Then I add some Italian seasoning, shake it up and store it in a mason jar. Done, see not hard at all!

Next I need to make some of my own meatballs and freeze them. Tweet me your favorite meatball recipes.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Easy Dinner Bowtie Pasta Using Leftovers

Now that school  is back in session its time to get on some better schedules and routines. It also means busier days. That's why I like recipes that everyone in my family likes that are quick to make, filling and use things I almost always have on hand. This is one of my favorites because I often throw in whatever left over proteins I have left over from prior meals. My favorite is chicken and Hormel pepperoni. Sometimes we eat it just plain, or sprinkle it with real bacon crumbles. Today I tried it with Hormels cubed boneless ham, and it was so good. My husband said he likes it better than when I do pepperoni. This ham is great to have around because I can throw it on a salad real quick, or my girls will snack on it, sometimes they even dip it in ketchup and eat it for part of their lunch. 



Here is my pasta recipe. Please remember I don't usually measure and sometimes just add random things depending on my mood or what I have. So I tried really hard to pay attention to how I actually made it.

Bowtie Pasta Dinner
Bouillon cubes
Bowtie Pasta
Heavy Cream (or half and half)
Italian seasoning
Corn Starch
Shredded Italian Cheese or Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
Optional: ham, chicken cooked and cut, cut up pepperoni, etc


First I boil a pot off water with 1-2 chicken bullion cubes.  Then when its boiling I add bowtie pasta. Obviously you could use any pasta, but this one seems to be a family favorite.

Then when the pasta is about 75% cooked I drain most of the liquid and add a pint (or so) of heavy cream. I have used half and half before, but heavy cream seems to be best. At this point I lower the stove to medium and stir it often so the milk doesn't coddle. Also add 1-2 T of Italian seasoning.


Then I take 2 Tablespoons of corn starch and mix it in a separate bowl of water. This makes it smooth, versus pouring it straight in and getting all lumpy. Then I add this and my choice protein to the mixture. This time I did Hormels cubed ham.  Stir frequently till the pasta has absorbed most of the liquid and has thickened. 


Once you remove it from the heat add a bag of Italian shredded cheese, or a mixture of parmesan and mozzarella cheese. This is one of the few meals all 6 people in my family enjoy, so we make it often. Enjoy!




In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own 

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Easy Ideas for Pioneer Day or Just 'Cause it's Yummy

Only in Utah is the 24th of July a holiday. It's pioneer day. On July 24, 1847 Brigham Young entered the Salt Lake Valley after traveling with many pioneers from Nauvoo, IL. In Utah it's a holiday. They have the Days of 47 parade, rodeo, fireworks at all different locations and plenty of fun things to do. Here are some fun easy idea's to make your day a little easier.
Are you entertaining friends at your house for a bbq and some fireworks? There are several ways you can go. Easy, fast and yummy or you can take your time and make something delicious to impress. When I want something stress free but still can be enjoyed by all I like to get Lloyds bbg shredded beef. It's so easy to cook, serve and eat. Plus it tastes as if I spent hours cooking it.


One of Hormels recipes that I found on their Facebook page was this bacon wrapped cheesy avocado. It has my 3 favorite things, avocado, cheese and bacon. If your are bringing a dish to share at someones house why not impress with this yummy dish?
Click picture for recipe

Last but not least are for those that are going to need to pack some hearty snacks to keep kids full while going to and from parades, ball games, or other fun events. I think our family favorite is apples with with Skippy's new dark chocolate peanut butter spread and celery with Skippy peanut butter. This also is my mom after bedtime treat. 


Hope everyone has a happy and safe Pioneer Day!

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Valentines Cinnamon Hearts Popcorn Recipe

A little while ago my friend brought over this delicious popcorn to book club. I thought I'll just have a little bit, Wrong! I was hooked, It was surprisingly good. I've had cinnamon bears on my shopping list for a few weeks now and kept forgetting to get them. Last week I saw these cute heart shaped cinnamon bears and was so excited to finally make it.

It's really easy to make and would be so fun for a family night or date night with a cute love/Valentines movie.
 
Cinnamon Hearts Popcorn
 
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup Karo syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 1/2 cups cinnamon hearts (or bears*)
  • 2 regular size bags light or plain microwave popcorn (or about 18 cups popped)

  •  
    * The original recipe chops the bears in half. I liked the hearts whole cause they were cuter, so you could do it either way.
     
    Pop the popcorn and dump in a large bowl. Make sure to pick out any un popped kernels (this is a great job for little helpers.)  Melt the butter, Karo syrup, and sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil and let boil for about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour over the popcorn and stir. Stir in the cinnamon bears and marshmallows.
     
    I boiled mine for closer to 4 minutes and it made the popcorn a little harder when it was all said and done. Next time around I want to stay closer to the 3 minute mark to make it more gooey.
    How easy is that? Thanks oneshetwoshe.com for this yummy recipe.

    Tuesday, January 14, 2014

    Tips For a Tonsillectomy For Your Kids- Day 2 with Slushie Recipe

    Day 2 went well. Since my son had stayed hydrated and ate some he was doing well. My son was too small for liquid loratab (not that I woanted him it.) We made sure that every 3 hours on the dot we rotated Tylenol and Motrin. Even at night we took turns sneaking in his room and giving him some. Just so he would be in as little pain as possible.
     
     I did ask him to rate his favorite things to eat. Although he said he was in no pain, he did say some things felt good and better down his throat.

    1- Slushies
    My son said his favorite and the best thing for him was slushies. When I spoke to other people another women told me the same thing. Slushies were her favorite too. Now a slushie is different than a snow cone. Here is how you make them.

    First take a double popsicle like this one and microwave it for 10seconds.


    Then I used the cup I was about to pour it in and smashed it up a bit.


    Then you add the smashed popsicle with a little bit of Sprite till it's the consistency you want. I sometimes added Gatorade with this as well. I made sure the color of Gatorade matched the color of the popsicle to hide it a bit.
     
    Since my girls always wanted what their brother had I always gave them the orange ones. Since he couldn't have any citrus I avoided the orange popsicles. Realistically they were probably so mild it wouldn't have mattered, but I just gave them to the girls instead.
     
     
     
    2. Ice Cream Sandwiches
     
    I bought the small sammies ones from Smiths (Kroger) since there were double in a box. He loved them and they were just the right size. I wish I would have bought 2 boxes of these, cause in the week to follow we ended up buying 2 more boxes. 
     
     
     
    3. Ice Cream
     
    I know this is pretty much the same, but he said it felt the best. Luckily I have the best sister ever that once bought me an ice cream maker. That way I could make them from scratch and control the sugar. Once I even made him one with Nequick to make it "chocolate" and snuck some protein powder in it.
     
     
    Those were his top 3 favorites. He did also like fudgesicles, snow cones, and half frozen Gatorades. I would put a Gatorade in the freezer for an hour or two, then the fridge to also make them slushie like. For dinner that night he had some mashed potatoes.