tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65714788860123416702024-03-16T02:08:37.842-05:00Steph's Project LifeStephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-14437966435580169982011-08-22T07:35:00.004-05:002011-08-22T07:53:30.616-05:00Back with Sherbet!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mc4Fxd05cPBdlsZ1Q3VzD0Hrfl62ZVAQEDYKbZ25GYEyvvRiJE79a055oS-4mBvZnuAMCTam0KxTv6p6Hg2tctUFn7-KEWaVhFkiWDhRsUm5s94roqNXJhzBFfdmbHVi2V8XhepyJ5k/s1600/cherrysherbet.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643662022645661938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mc4Fxd05cPBdlsZ1Q3VzD0Hrfl62ZVAQEDYKbZ25GYEyvvRiJE79a055oS-4mBvZnuAMCTam0KxTv6p6Hg2tctUFn7-KEWaVhFkiWDhRsUm5s94roqNXJhzBFfdmbHVi2V8XhepyJ5k/s400/cherrysherbet.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div>It has been EXTREMELY hot here this summer. So hot, that you don't even like thinking about turning your oven on. In fact, I've had a hard time getting Steve to even grill anything. It's CRAZY! </div>
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<br /><div>One thing we made a bunch of this summer is homemade ice cream. I have my tried and true favorite...you know, one that you make so many times that you don't even have to look at a recipe. The kind of recipe that Steve knows exactly what ingredients to get at the grocery store without even asking. It's <em>that </em>kind of recipe. We've made it for a couple of different parties we've had at our house and I anticipate it will join the menu of an upcoming fish fry.</div>
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<br /><div>I don't mess with those kind of recipes. Although, I do get bored. So when I saw <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/08/cherry-sherbet/">this</a> on PW's site, I was excited to give it a try. I love cherries and thought a <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/08/cherry-sherbet/">cherry sherbet </a>would go nicely at this Sunday school party along side all the rest of the homemade ice cream from others. </div>
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<br /><div>My kids all tried it. And gotta say...they would probably opt for the good old vanilla. In fact, when I say tried it, it was just a spoonful from a couple of them. Natalie, Steve, and I thought it was really good. And if you like cherries, you'll love this recipe. I'm betting you could use just about any fruit too. Hopefully the long, hot, days of summer are about over. But until then, don't cook. Eat ice cream! (or sherbet)</div>
<br />Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-45202224452576903782011-03-29T18:53:00.004-05:002011-03-29T19:23:36.186-05:00Enchilada Twist<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlVWB4vYWMl62sYqSkGmNuzPzeVzZiTs3xg3w210zwCn2kWbbGOfsrhZzOSvY5U_d0iQAsVoDL9vTzeEIsJCsdJ4KeyNsPaJ5nCnfQxagGO-eC6e0WmzQeS-MUhjdbL1FD622EkXD7PY/s1600/3stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589661691511195890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlVWB4vYWMl62sYqSkGmNuzPzeVzZiTs3xg3w210zwCn2kWbbGOfsrhZzOSvY5U_d0iQAsVoDL9vTzeEIsJCsdJ4KeyNsPaJ5nCnfQxagGO-eC6e0WmzQeS-MUhjdbL1FD622EkXD7PY/s200/3stars.png" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppufeXA7bX6LHtAVUTtiMWcIfnfOl3JRRy3-7051XrdKPTeEX2R7Es0z3btIccWJpJSdiOacvMz6LfKboNNojz_IWkDdVs8aGqitrhAH6Dmy1PypIwTaqLlsEDJUrXeAzk1_7Y7RESok/s1600/cheesyenchilada.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589661557953973106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppufeXA7bX6LHtAVUTtiMWcIfnfOl3JRRy3-7051XrdKPTeEX2R7Es0z3btIccWJpJSdiOacvMz6LfKboNNojz_IWkDdVs8aGqitrhAH6Dmy1PypIwTaqLlsEDJUrXeAzk1_7Y7RESok/s400/cheesyenchilada.jpg" /></a> <br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">PW's Simple, Perfect Enchiladas are always a huge hit. I've made them for family gatherings, church potlucks, when we have guests over, and have stocked our freezer full for a yummy meal on those busy nights when we need something quick. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I was intrigued by the variation on the recipe which uses sour cream and cheese as the filling instead of the usual ground beef. So therefore, in addition to the old standby, I made <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/01/sour-cream-enchiladas/">these</a> tonight. I must admit, the kiddos stuck with the original, but Steve and I really liked the meatless variety. Basically, the method is very much the same...the filling is the only difference. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Worth a try! And definitely a great addition to the original. A perfect combination to serve your guests and also a great way to offer a vegetarian option.</div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-35524196524926994732011-03-29T10:26:00.008-05:002011-03-29T10:39:32.796-05:00Chicken Gnocchi Soup<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4-k7Hs0WX81Lix6Mg7mBkqlf_qZCBv02L2VBVawEpCnoNSiROPh183W0jHQ0PwFKTTN3aLgCR-0AgvslRgY48hAYPpLuh5cGzi7GsYVUtMIIWBlXIeXw9yKqfqOWGpcsSdPmU8Hktrc/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589524007321171778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4-k7Hs0WX81Lix6Mg7mBkqlf_qZCBv02L2VBVawEpCnoNSiROPh183W0jHQ0PwFKTTN3aLgCR-0AgvslRgY48hAYPpLuh5cGzi7GsYVUtMIIWBlXIeXw9yKqfqOWGpcsSdPmU8Hktrc/s200/5stars.png" /></a> <strong><em>Chicken Gnocchi Soup</em></strong> </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGV9CdeIaiZ24V00uyept0iDxBQg18Qaeejrs6SkLQOptTUsLfXWg55c5_hBKVh1mK26TTU8MJgQC57rUSsGYP42NXuh7Xubv53Da2wOwRPXqAkUqwBRJmHPLy6bqYSw3MvxQtA228VHQ/s1600/chicken_gnocchi_soup_7210.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589523917101362994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGV9CdeIaiZ24V00uyept0iDxBQg18Qaeejrs6SkLQOptTUsLfXWg55c5_hBKVh1mK26TTU8MJgQC57rUSsGYP42NXuh7Xubv53Da2wOwRPXqAkUqwBRJmHPLy6bqYSw3MvxQtA228VHQ/s400/chicken_gnocchi_soup_7210.jpg" /></a> Earlier this winter, a good friend of mine at work told me about <a href="http://www.copykat.com/2010/02/28/olive-garden-chicken-and-gnocchi-soup/">THIS</a> recipe and said it was just "out of this world" good. No, this is not from <em>The Pioneer Woman</em>, but from what I know of her, she would LOVE it. The first time I tried it at home and I absolutely loved it. Very rich flavors and the gnocchi add such a nice <em>bite</em> (literally). I had never bought gnocchi before--but they are similar to a potato dumpling. I purchased them from Dillon's in the dry food aisle that has the italian pasta and sauces. Although I loved it at first bite, my critics weren't so sure. Especially of these "round things" floating around in their soup bowls. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">A couple of months later, we had a family reunion at our house and I decided to make two different soups and have sandwiches. I pulled out the Chicken Gnocchi soup recipe and everyone loved it. Even my kids were a bit more enthused.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">That brings us to last night. Again...a couple more months down the road. It was a high of 32 degrees on this March day with cold, drizzling rain. And I had gnocchi and chicken on hand. So, here we are...and I can safely give this dish a 5 star rating after the seconds each child and Steve had last night. Does this go to show the more you introduce something to your children, they will soon begin to like it??? Hmmm...</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">This is from the Copykat recipe site, which is a fun website to visit and check to see if some of your favorite dishes/recipes are listed that you may find in restaurants. This particular recipe is a knock-off from the <em>Olive Garden. </em></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-67868620000195549662011-03-28T09:16:00.006-05:002011-03-28T09:41:59.967-05:00Spring Break Special...Sour Cream Noodle Bake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNliBo65O73aqEW8W5G6DihW7emLu_ggAvBynTIpx1W0Rnv1KPvX7T07U0f_2WLOvTEmvPoGLbZW2VRd2vvoaKRrXy7nKA-aGImG7agDn4drpX0tAiIBR9wpEzvf7_AKs1QX9wMCYmhqs/s1600/2011-03-25_14-24-43_524%255B2%255D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589137027695290994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNliBo65O73aqEW8W5G6DihW7emLu_ggAvBynTIpx1W0Rnv1KPvX7T07U0f_2WLOvTEmvPoGLbZW2VRd2vvoaKRrXy7nKA-aGImG7agDn4drpX0tAiIBR9wpEzvf7_AKs1QX9wMCYmhqs/s400/2011-03-25_14-24-43_524%255B2%255D.JPG" /></a> We are back...once again. Obviously, my family has been fed the last few months. They are thriving, and thriving well. And some of their thriving has been on old tried and true PW favorites over the last few months. But now after our Spring break has come to an end, and some of our Spring cleaning has been caught up (the last of the winter decor is finding it's new home), and basketball has ended for this season, and Wednesday evening church is breaking until next year, the <strong>KITCHEN</strong> is bellowing out to me. <br /><p></p><br /><p></p>I worked 12 hours one day this past week at the hospital and Steve took vacation to be with the kids. In my head, I had it all planned out. <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/03/sour-cream-noodle-bake/">This perfect recipe </a>for the girls to try their hand at making a complete meal for the family since I would not be home from work until way past dinner time. I even THOUGHT AHEAD and had Natalie fry the hamburger and grate the sharp cheddar cheese. So, the hardest parts were done. But, Steve had a different idea for dinner that evening which included eating at Grandpa and Grandma's---and the kiddos didn't seem to mind. <br /><p></p><br /><p></p>This worked out for me because we got to make <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/03/sour-cream-noodle-bake/">Sour Cream Noodle Bake </a>the next day for our lunch break from washing windows. Did you see the picture above? That is what was left of this dish which is so, so, simple to make. It is a "comfort food" at its max. And a great recipe for your children who are learning to cook in the kitchen. <br /><p></p><br /><p></p>I have to admit, this recipe is not far off from a casserole I have put together in the past. It also has a somewhat "lasagna" flare to it also. But at any rate, it was a hit here in our household and I will be using it again. And I might even start putting a couple of them in the freezer to have on hand. <br /><p></p><br /><p></p>The only variation we did from PW's original recipe was to use <em>whole wheat egg noodles, our favorite Newman spaghetti sauce with some added seasonings, and turkey pepperoni </em>(because I had extra on hand I needed to use up). This dish would be even better with ground beef so the kids thought. An easy and filling recipe...just add a green and garlic bread and YOU ARE SET! Enjoy!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-6001469679183719902010-12-06T12:08:00.005-06:002010-12-06T12:19:10.805-06:00French Onion Soup Stuffed Mushrooms<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPd-_r6YJ8oD-qzAQJbsChQ80eXMoqkbdETwh3z_fBoICRCjHcjraXhCcwPfTVJsKSfAT3QMbLUQ4WlN6Xk73yz2sJJ4lXkY6ylY0rqY3sFe_MpF_Jxtbb4_YNu6dXMYTq2fepvXcljM/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547633386544954962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPd-_r6YJ8oD-qzAQJbsChQ80eXMoqkbdETwh3z_fBoICRCjHcjraXhCcwPfTVJsKSfAT3QMbLUQ4WlN6Xk73yz2sJJ4lXkY6ylY0rqY3sFe_MpF_Jxtbb4_YNu6dXMYTq2fepvXcljM/s200/5stars.png" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGPSxnfTCkFhHOkFzKttZ0BDseX-qUNADpE0Zx1U6sKSv1eVkb4H_EpkduGs4XvBq4Rp69fE6u4GlbcKINNb7dVKpa8bihiX7efvCuBpgelOm2uyTZXvk9uUP-pAwkJw3UtMcVrERQMI/s1600/us2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547633263401040834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGPSxnfTCkFhHOkFzKttZ0BDseX-qUNADpE0Zx1U6sKSv1eVkb4H_EpkduGs4XvBq4Rp69fE6u4GlbcKINNb7dVKpa8bihiX7efvCuBpgelOm2uyTZXvk9uUP-pAwkJw3UtMcVrERQMI/s400/us2.jpg" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#009900;">Ho Ho Ho! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Yes, it is Santa and Mrs. Claus there at the North Pole dinner table...</span></strong></div><strong><span style="color:#009900;"></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Steve and I hosted a Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner Party for our Sunday School class last night. And it was so much fun! Everyone was assigned a different character and the game played out during the appetizers, dinner, and desserts. The best part about the night was the fact that everyone joined in on the fun and got "in to" character. We loved it!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Our party began at 6:00 and at 3:30 I was frantically trying to figure out what in the world I was going to do for appetizers. I had made PW's stuffed mushroom recipe that included the sausage before, and was prepared to do just that----when I saw <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/11/french-onion-soup-stuffed-mushrooms/">THIS.</a> <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/11/french-onion-soup-stuffed-mushrooms/">French Onion Soup Stuffed Mushrooms</a> just looked too interesting to pass up, so I made them.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Besides the fact that they were extremely simple to make, they did taste exactly like French Onion soup! So if you are not particularly fond of that soup, you may not like these. But if you do like that soup----<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/11/french-onion-soup-stuffed-mushrooms/">these</a> will rock your world.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#009900;">I have a couple more holiday parties I'm gonna make these for. I made a ton of them and was left with just 3 on a plate. I think they liked them. I tried one of the three that were left. Guessing they taste a lot better WARM!! </span></strong>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-16828834007882859132010-10-19T19:43:00.009-05:002010-10-19T20:25:36.004-05:00Corn Chowder with Chilis<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnDQkiPIaaHIOu8jqylgHJva4o7mfXXok7ddJtmHeaCP0KpKfxzWynejjdDiKWjC9fjY1lzubiwhmTNRAxLWNjNv2qTCFbgfHHCLsQ-NmMDTnVYB7vXGHxg7oydupjihgqB1r9zceFcM/s1600/4stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529931685992008914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnDQkiPIaaHIOu8jqylgHJva4o7mfXXok7ddJtmHeaCP0KpKfxzWynejjdDiKWjC9fjY1lzubiwhmTNRAxLWNjNv2qTCFbgfHHCLsQ-NmMDTnVYB7vXGHxg7oydupjihgqB1r9zceFcM/s200/4stars.png" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiSSt0DEHktmHPn4qDLS-ixSAclgz2cI7m7l0rcWIIPNpdCTBb0N9tqF3cw3GkRJD36Ql2FB7azEFHLc2mnFfmRfkewargWT7ufh8ZucMSOUHbvuni4xFQp_l0qsguq6YoNUzSjY78UA/s1600/Picnik+collage2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 344px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529931515777410818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiSSt0DEHktmHPn4qDLS-ixSAclgz2cI7m7l0rcWIIPNpdCTBb0N9tqF3cw3GkRJD36Ql2FB7azEFHLc2mnFfmRfkewargWT7ufh8ZucMSOUHbvuni4xFQp_l0qsguq6YoNUzSjY78UA/s400/Picnik+collage2.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div>A couple of fine days this past summer, our family found ourselves shucking sweet corn, cleaning it, taking it off the cob, then bagging it up to be frozen. Don't get me wrong...it was a wonderful time of bonding. But about after the 90th quart, we were already to be done. Now you did read it right--yes, we have a TON of sweet corn. It is taking up almost 2 full shelves in our stand up freezer in the garage.<br /><br /></div><div>So naturally, when I saw this<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/corn-chowder-with-chilies/"> corn chowder recipe</a>, I was intrigued. Not only do I love soup when the weather changes, I love it when I can find a soup that incorporates something I already have on hand. You guessed it. CORN!!!!</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>Besides the simplicity of <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/corn-chowder-with-chilies/">this recipe</a>, it is just plain good. All of the flavors of bacon, onion, corn, and cream together with the spicyness and bite of the peppers, is just awesome! And comforting. And, I really needed to make a double recipe of this because the kettle was clean after we got done with it.<br /></div><div>Definitely a recipe that I will be adding to my rotation of soups throughout this cold weather season. Three out of four kiddos loved it and Steve thought it was great. Our unexpected dinner guest, Great Grandma Nikkel, thought it was good too---although she had Natalie refill her ice water a few times... </div></div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-49819480701866978202010-10-13T07:56:00.006-05:002010-10-13T08:28:34.073-05:00Seasons Change...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlkaGdhJRheRT82A9KNKtJWMX10vkp_94youwYsESz-0XAX2b352_HCTL1K9maQVfpHHkXpb3fPlH3ZnG-lWOWmsRY3wB4wMqAFMLZJDpQ50248Vsb2p4lCjtgVZqqP9p5_vjGAzqj-A/s1600/pumpkin1b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 181px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527513949091206418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlkaGdhJRheRT82A9KNKtJWMX10vkp_94youwYsESz-0XAX2b352_HCTL1K9maQVfpHHkXpb3fPlH3ZnG-lWOWmsRY3wB4wMqAFMLZJDpQ50248Vsb2p4lCjtgVZqqP9p5_vjGAzqj-A/s200/pumpkin1b.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmGlo03pgjHM2SqgifHEMAWCQZ4ppF5Ss26InVd8woz525bvgfIVXTosB6O_hqcpBJ6B9uA-lbuBvepre746HxKd4BT6zlgXwJMps8cZ5MaSbw_GByMVS_qSO2Z_6uoV5KkbCvXfT0cg/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527513824859974482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmGlo03pgjHM2SqgifHEMAWCQZ4ppF5Ss26InVd8woz525bvgfIVXTosB6O_hqcpBJ6B9uA-lbuBvepre746HxKd4BT6zlgXwJMps8cZ5MaSbw_GByMVS_qSO2Z_6uoV5KkbCvXfT0cg/s200/5stars.png" /></a> Yes, I do realize it has been a few months since I have posted. And quite honestly, I have not made ONE new PW recipe during that time...that is, until last night.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Before I let you in on the amazing recipe that was so easy to make and now we are practically left with just crumbs standing, I must tell you that I have been cooking. And I've even been cooking quite a few PW favorites---just nothing new to this blog. <em>Simple Enchiladas, Chicken Spaghetti, Best Hamburgers, Shrimp Quesadillas, and Cinnamon Rolls </em>are just to name a few. In fact, with the awesome <em>Cinnamon Roll </em>recipe, I DID try them with all whole wheat--and guess what?! They are <strong>GOOD</strong>. You must understand that changing out the flour from white to wheat is a great change-up, but the reason they are so good would be the enormous amounts of butter. Just sayin'...so don't get too crazy and think they are absolutely <em>healthy. </em>But, it's a step in the right direction, right!?</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>We are back in the swing of things with school. Which brings me to the change of seasons. Yes, of course, the obvious switch from sweltering summer heat that brings with it a very care-free lifestyle of minimal commitments, hence the lazy days of summer. I would equate that to a time of organized chaos or on some days, utter disorganization. I cherish our summers! I love our vacations we save to the last month to squeeze in every last ounce of togetherness before the school year starts. I love having almost no responsibilities of getting to bed on time, or having to wake up at 6:00 am to get kids off to school, and NO HOMEWORK or PIANO lessons to worry about. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>But when the SEASON changes, I am SO ready for it. I love organization and writing in my big wall calendar, and my personal planner. I love to see what life has in store for each of us as we begin the new school year. As much as I love to NOT have a schedule, I love even MORE to have a schedule. I thrive on a schedule and so does my family. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Another SEASON CHANGE for us here is my <em>baby</em> going off to Kindergarten. Oh my aching heart! Bittersweet---is the only way to describe it. It has been 11 years that I have had at least some or one child at home with me. It has made for interesting moments after working some or part of the night and trying to stay awake, it has allowed me to be available for most things, it has given me a grocery shopping buddy, a cleaning buddy (HA!), laundry buddy, and cooking buddy. And now it is just me! Definitely a "season" change I am learning to live with. And while it does make my heart ache, it is so, so good to see 4 kids with their backpacks scamper out the door to the bus and puts a smile on my face to see them run home, throw their backpacks on the floor and beg for me to feed them every morsel of food I have in this house. And the sleep after working all night??? MARVELOUS!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>So adjusting to seasons changing is what we have been up to. I really thought I would have all this time on my hands to try a new recipe each and every day. Well, that hasn't happened <em>yet.</em> But it's a good goal, right? Don't hold me to it. But the fall weather does bring out excitement to be in my kitchen. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Which FINALLY, brings me to the recipe you have all been waiting for. And it's definitely worth the wait. <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen-blog/2010/09/a-tasty-recipe-streusel-topped-pumpkin-bread/">Streusel-topped Pumpkin Bread </a>is easily my favorite fall treat of the season. it's about this time of year that everything pumpkin begins to sound good. Why is that? Do any of you use pumpkin throughout the year? I don't. I only use it during the fall and cold temperature months. It's like it doesn't taste the same any other time of the year. Which is exactly why this recipe is so darn good right now!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>It is moist, it is the perfect amount of sweetness with the streusel on top, it is filling, and it goes perfectly with steaming bowls of your favorite soup, as a dessert, or a breakfast sweet bread. Versatile, I tell you. And two loaves later, I am left with two pieces and crumbs. It's barely even been out of my oven for 12 hours!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I will tell you that I did change up the <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen-blog/2010/09/a-tasty-recipe-streusel-topped-pumpkin-bread/">recipe</a> just a bit by switching out my flours to oat flour. You know, because that is just how I roll. I was nervous about the consistency, but it worked wonderfully, and packed some added fiber and protein in the bread. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Delicious! Happy fall y'all! <br /><br /></div><div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-88513058577454649672010-08-02T09:56:00.005-05:002010-08-02T10:07:14.327-05:00Blueberry Crumb Cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlPcDGGjgQGFeL4AGJ0xSBB3y9QH9lWO0Uwia_-X-k9bi4N2g7oZuSTes2uZLwImCpn6HylqUA3Ts7O3AGqyL4bsHpJ_2ktQLySq8cU-UXEdQpKhYTM9gGkEF3szLdNDFCpx8lW_qa5o/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500826601513303538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlPcDGGjgQGFeL4AGJ0xSBB3y9QH9lWO0Uwia_-X-k9bi4N2g7oZuSTes2uZLwImCpn6HylqUA3Ts7O3AGqyL4bsHpJ_2ktQLySq8cU-UXEdQpKhYTM9gGkEF3szLdNDFCpx8lW_qa5o/s200/5stars.png" /></a> Or should I say <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/07/blueberry-crumb-cake/">Blueberry </a><em><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/07/blueberry-crumb-cake/">YUM Cake</a>???</em> This is a keeper people! I had a carton of blueberries that needed to be used, and we actually have a free morning to ourselves this sultry second day of August. So what does that mean? Yep, you guessed it. A PW recipe to critique. And critique we did...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/07/blueberry-crumb-cake/">Blueberry Crumb Cake </a>is simple. Like extremely simple. And it will become a breakfast of champions once school begins in a little over a month. It's not too sweet so you can really enjoy the flavor of your fresh blueberries. The kids all had seconds and I had to slow them down so we could get at least ONE more breakfast out of this 9x13 pan of goodness.<br /><br />I did alter the recipe, just a tad. I used spelt flour (which has an unbelievable amount of nutrition) instead of all-purpose. And by what I said above, it did not affect the flavor of this cake in the least. In fact, it may have enhanced it?<br /><br /><br />So, if you're looking for a yummy alternative for your old stand-by coffeecakes, give this one a try. It's delish!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-61570025446305595892010-07-21T18:48:00.005-05:002010-07-21T19:01:18.972-05:00Grilled Chicken and Lemon Pasta<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0Z6O_PE5E00ZBxfPBHkObzmLKLAYuAjBQ-qnZkzpuQ_3BxDpjFFoWOBSipVY-wWPAnbDZRUT2qSHzYNQSbdBukwyFuDBbaNaOxx9IsJJ7QdPsp2fbuyFxADc3gh3otzLzp5sg1jSDOU/s1600/3stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496513479390839266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0Z6O_PE5E00ZBxfPBHkObzmLKLAYuAjBQ-qnZkzpuQ_3BxDpjFFoWOBSipVY-wWPAnbDZRUT2qSHzYNQSbdBukwyFuDBbaNaOxx9IsJJ7QdPsp2fbuyFxADc3gh3otzLzp5sg1jSDOU/s200/3stars.png" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UadcDGMvktOgUtpwFyOF-7mvN8DGPPFc_R0VaQI157Ja-YkFgE474GxxOAmuELw2lR0Rv5Ez34nOws7n4rApqY1xk9shSjaZgU3fU0F3TVbmWgYmjYi41zNAjEJnvRQsi-DXr1x8_P8/s1600/4stars.png"></a>TANGY!!! Wow. That's what we can all say about <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/07/grilled-chicken-with-lemon-basil-pasta/">that</a>. Kind of a flavor that shocks you initially, it proved to be a yummy dish. <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/07/grilled-chicken-with-lemon-basil-pasta/">Grilled Chicken with Lemon Pasta </a>was so easy to put together tonight. I had Steve grill extra chicken last night for this dish tonight. So all I had to do was boil pasta and make the sauce. That's what I'm talking about! EASY!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The kiddos liked it for the most part. Personally, I think the flavor is good in small amounts. But it is VERY powerful, tangy, and rich. We had fresh cut up veggies and a fruit smoothie to round out the meal. When asking for seconds, only Natalie asked for the pasta AND chicken. Everyone else said just CHICKEN please. Landon said "it is TOO lemony". And to finish off the meal, Kassidy left me with this thought: "Could you please just make an alfredo sauce next time?" </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, if you like LEMONS and tangy-ness in an alfredo type sauce, you will love this dish. But seems like my critics would rather make lemonade to drink with chicken alfredo...</div><div><br /> </div><div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-19967639093875112672010-07-20T10:35:00.003-05:002010-07-20T10:46:05.671-05:00Donuts for breakfast!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiURsB6i_XFmjPgDzTYCQSYRmO7O1lAypPpgJOGuKqvVR22Ci2Dg69MkExC_d6wPjUtMHoZuCBc-PXpnGkTGmnhzHFf6hMNWP1OC-lu87GvbXWBDCXH6ogmoRfoaIzcLXZq2UVv-Sf9UQ/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496012876581885954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiURsB6i_XFmjPgDzTYCQSYRmO7O1lAypPpgJOGuKqvVR22Ci2Dg69MkExC_d6wPjUtMHoZuCBc-PXpnGkTGmnhzHFf6hMNWP1OC-lu87GvbXWBDCXH6ogmoRfoaIzcLXZq2UVv-Sf9UQ/s200/5stars.png" /></a> Yes, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breads/muffins-that-taste-like-donuts/">this recipe </a>is very similar to the French Breakfast Puffs that I made months ago <em>without</em> the baking powder, remember?<br /><br /><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breads/muffins-that-taste-like-donuts/">Muffins that taste like Donuts</a> just had to be made this morning. I didn't take the time to look closely at just how similar they are to the French Breakfast Puffs, but the kiddos said they taste almost the same.<br /><br />When I told them I was making<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breads/muffins-that-taste-like-donuts/"> Muffins that taste like Donuts</a> Kassidy said to me: "Well, I will be the judge of that..." Oh my, I think we are gonna be in for an adventure with that girl. In my kids' minds, donuts taste like long john's or chocolate covered donuts---so the sugary cake donuts (which is what these taste like) they don't really know. But none-the-less, the each ate two and were begging for a third. <br /><br />Super easy to make--you don't need a mixer. It's as simple as adding dry and wet ingredients together. And on a side note, I did half white and half wheat flour. Truly, dipped in butter and rolled in sugar, the kids had NO clue. Yep, I am sneaky.<br /><br /><div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-15542022387953940522010-07-17T19:38:00.002-05:002010-07-17T20:08:59.279-05:00The POPeye of Popcorn!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8g3eelwCULlBLDb1Yox_Boroy0Wqp65XfJ6h4-Gnj7MIFS4sqrJHvkZ6x-jDvTUuWdbGa0mzonX3uSqoyAg5MC358oBdKmSISGLuhtEjoG5FFldadCLYXaMn0msxT0Y0_cpLjdxSy5s/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495039872270615538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8g3eelwCULlBLDb1Yox_Boroy0Wqp65XfJ6h4-Gnj7MIFS4sqrJHvkZ6x-jDvTUuWdbGa0mzonX3uSqoyAg5MC358oBdKmSISGLuhtEjoG5FFldadCLYXaMn0msxT0Y0_cpLjdxSy5s/s200/5stars.png" /></a> Popcorn is almost a food group in itself here at our house. And I have a great name for it...the "I am so hungry and it's almost bedtime" food group. In the summertime, it never fails that staying up later results in the "hungry before bedtime" syndrome. I often wonder why in the world we even bother with supper???? Let's just get all of our evening swims, bike rides, swinging, jumping on the trampolene, driveway basketball and front yard whiffle ball games over with and THEN eat supper!!<br /><br />It won't work. I've tried it.<br /><br />In all honesty, I love the carefree living of summer evenings. And if that means a snack before bedtime, then it does. Because all too soon summer will come to an end and ROUTINE will dominate our lives once again (which I secretly love too!) <br /><br />So, back to the popcorn. Steve is the one who always makes the popcorn on the stove. I melt the butter and hold the bowl for him. See why I like when we make popcorn? When I grew up we always had popcorn and apples on Sunday evenings, and it counted as supper. I have had a hard time convincing my family that this is an appropriate menu choice for the last meal of the day. But I am working on it. I have discovered a new love...<a href="http://www.bestnaturalfoods.com/nutritional_yeast.html">nutritional yeast</a>. It is amazing on popcorn!! You just sprinkle it right on. And get this--it adds a whopping 4 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein to your popcorn. How awesome is that? It kind of tastes like cheese, in a sense. Like the popcorn you get that has the cheddar cheese covering it. You can find all the health benefits of<a href="http://www.bestnaturalfoods.com/nutritional_yeast.html"> nutritional yeast here</a>. <br /><br />I am just excited that with popcorn, apples, butter, and <a href="http://www.bestnaturalfoods.com/nutritional_yeast.html">nutritional yeast</a> you're almost hitting every food group---which means, popcorn can be served for supper. (Just drink a <a href="http://greenmonstermovement.com/">green monster</a> with it)<br /><br /><div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-27931022500864107312010-07-16T07:17:00.003-05:002010-07-16T07:32:41.120-05:00Cherry Banana Coconut Butter Bread<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGugBYb6kaJfT_BY9qkS3ksUt9hgXaHp9L356_W2M76uS5uNHd_DY_bQlsohXGb3RuG8I7Mf2YxfCdA8l1mshwK1UKCoXzrJb6uqbQjXzzxTBatloDnIFR-g1rJsc4Wwr5MLXBsIal9KM/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494477339666310402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGugBYb6kaJfT_BY9qkS3ksUt9hgXaHp9L356_W2M76uS5uNHd_DY_bQlsohXGb3RuG8I7Mf2YxfCdA8l1mshwK1UKCoXzrJb6uqbQjXzzxTBatloDnIFR-g1rJsc4Wwr5MLXBsIal9KM/s200/5stars.png" /></a> Oh my word, this <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/06/28/will-run-for-cherry-banana-coconut-butter-bread/">bread</a> is amazing! A couple of different blogs I have read recently have showcased this bread and have swooned all about it. So, you guessed it...I went straight to the store to get the ingredients I needed and made this nutrient beast last night. (Mostly for a little snack before bed for me, but the critics RAIDED the loaf pan!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/06/28/will-run-for-cherry-banana-coconut-butter-bread/">Cherry Banana Coconut Butter Bread</a> was very simple to make. No mixer, no cracking of eggs--just incorporating the wet and dry ingredients. Generally I am drawn to recipes that have very common ingredients that I would have on hand. That is what makes PW's recipes so enticing to me. So when you check this ingredient list, you may be disheartened to find that you will have to go in search of spelt flour, coconut butter, and perhaps pure maple syrup. And admittedly, I did NOT find the coconut butter but instead tried to make my own in the vitamix. Not sure if the coconut butter turned out the way it should, but the <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/06/28/will-run-for-cherry-banana-coconut-butter-bread/">BREAD </a>was delicious.<br /><br /><br />The <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/06/28/will-run-for-cherry-banana-coconut-butter-bread/">bread </a>is made out of all whole foods. I am becoming fond of spelt flour which you can find at your local whole foods stores. I read that it keeps its nutrition when refrigerated. You can read all about the health benefits of spelt <a href="http://www.histakes-spelt.com/benefits.php">here.</a> <br /><br />The critics loved this bread, by the way. And if I find something they love that is nutrient dense such as this?? Well, I'm gonna go make another loaf...Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-62161247567532134532010-07-15T10:03:00.005-05:002010-07-15T10:43:20.915-05:00Ok...a Confession and a Recipe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKgg2hmat6DaxGu-ZNUkD0WHzIzyFPL5R8-fW6UNIBFMe76z4h4BwqkvIXMyQAob9xwQcnOM1piK4n6urCrtUXRLXoBaXAJGNun9xIN_cCoiiK7nl1QXPK_8FlKqQfcb9736YzdCg2TU/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494148972330771346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKgg2hmat6DaxGu-ZNUkD0WHzIzyFPL5R8-fW6UNIBFMe76z4h4BwqkvIXMyQAob9xwQcnOM1piK4n6urCrtUXRLXoBaXAJGNun9xIN_cCoiiK7nl1QXPK_8FlKqQfcb9736YzdCg2TU/s200/5stars.png" /></a> So, some of you may have noticed that I have been trying other recipes in addition to the PW recipes we all know and love. Yes, I said it--and admitted it! My love for The Pioneer Woman will never die, I promise. But I have been trying new recipes and have put in the "healthy" twist version of some of PW's. <br /><br />As those of you who know me well, know...I become addicted to things quite easily. It is a sickness! But I figure if I am choosing wisely the things I become addicted to, then it is ok, right? For instance, I choose not to try cigarettes, cocaine, marijuana, gambling (ok, well I did try that once on our cruise) for fear of my addiction to addictions. SOMEBODY admit me!! <br /><br />So are you ready for it? My newest addiction? Is food, health, and fitness for both me and my family. I am just having a blast coming up with new and creative ways to feed our family well. And by <em>well</em> I mean, getting the most nutrition you possibly can. I have found that a little bit goes a long way. When making some of PW's pasta dishes, I simply switched to whole grain pasta. Which you can find anywhere and has become much cheaper in price the last year or so. Or like last night when we had the Mini Meatball subs---just by making your own marinara sauce versus buying it in a jar will save you in cost, calories, and add tons of flavor just the way you like it. In addition, layering your meatballs on a whole wheat bun instead of white packs in nutrition in so many ways. The extra fiber you get in whole wheat not only sustains you longer, it is an overall cleansing for your system.<br /><br />Not all the time are the critics as impressed with some of the changes as I am. I am working on that. But little by little, I hope to make some lifestyle changes that will stick with them for a lifetime. Not to say that there isn't room for all kinds of food. There is LOTS of room! And I really believe that anything (when it comes to food) is just fine in moderation. It's what you strive to do MOST of the time. I have yet to switch over flours in PW's cinnamon roll recipe--but believe me, I will at least try it. And if it doesn't work? Well, then those rolls you just leave alone and appreciate all of their yummy goodness in their original white floured, buttery and sugary form!<br /><br />So as I cook and bake my way through PW's recipes (which I will most definitely continue to do because she and her food are so awesome!) you may notice some changes to some of her recipes. And when I come across other recipes that I just love and think you should know about, I will post those too. <br /><br />Which brings me to <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/hearty-whole-wheat-waffles-recipe">this yummy recipe </a>we made for breakfast this morning...<br /><br />Gotta tell you that I made a few changes to the <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/hearty-whole-wheat-waffles-recipe">Hearty Whole Wheat Waffles </a>too. First of all, I doubled them because you are going to get very few waffles out of a single recipe. And I am trying to feed SIX of us! Doubling this recipe worked well and left us with 2 waffles leftover. Steve got up too early on this summer morning to participate in our family breakfast, so this recipe would be just right if we were all eating together. As far as the ingredients go, I used 2 cups whole wheat flour and 1 cup spelt flour. Spelt flour provides extra protein, fiber, and yumminess---google it! I also added two heaping Tbsp. of ground flax seed (more fiber), and used pure sugar, and of course went the butter route. I am here to tell you that these waffles were delicious! The kids coined them the best they have ever had. Maybe they were really hungry, I don't know. But what I do know is that they loved a very nutritious waffle and you NEED to try this recipe. On top were strawberries, bananas, pure maple syrup, and chocolate chips. <br /><br />Go for it. They are really, really yummy. I promise.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-47622330212665995522010-07-14T21:26:00.004-05:002010-07-14T21:50:59.510-05:00Quickie Meatball Sandwiches<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKG5buyyN7H7Elu3E5nK2JoNWFNOFyr6OzB7mGHdbvDRZSrSZN4tQ603Pfhsmt8b-3DRoukTFH6bWpt2V_7v9E0f5fO0Myk77l4A7gCLTBtv8_XHEKdm4YdB_LvB88GkOCgPi6zh9VZ3A/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493953882518296818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKG5buyyN7H7Elu3E5nK2JoNWFNOFyr6OzB7mGHdbvDRZSrSZN4tQ603Pfhsmt8b-3DRoukTFH6bWpt2V_7v9E0f5fO0Myk77l4A7gCLTBtv8_XHEKdm4YdB_LvB88GkOCgPi6zh9VZ3A/s200/5stars.png" /></a> Was kind of funny...a friend of mine thought maybe I wasn't feeding my kids anymore. Let me assure you---they are WELL FED!!! Maybe not all the time fed by the infamous PW recipes, but well fed none the less. These last few days haven't really even been that crazy. More like lazy, I guess you could say. We've eaten with family quite a bit, sent one girl to camp, ended our softball season, and are anticipating and planning our family vacation in August. <br /><br /><br />I decided tonight I <em>had</em> to make a PW recipe and <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/07/16-minute-meal-3-mini-meatball-sandwiches/">this</a> was it. <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/07/16-minute-meal-3-mini-meatball-sandwiches/">Mini meatball subs </a>were a huge hit with the fam tonight! Although I should have made my mini meatballs a bit more "mini". They practically had to eat the sandwiches with a fork (and I wish they would have!) they were so thick. Very simple and very tasty---especially when you wait to feed them until 7:30 pm. I used the panko bread crumbs as PW suggests and made my own marinara sauce out of canned diced tomatoes, tomato soup, and spicy spaghetti seasoning (from Sam's). I then sliced fresh mozzarella on whole wheat hoagie buns and laid the meatballs on top. <br /><br />They loved them. Quick. Easy. ~~~~~~PW strikes again.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-51109332702092323192010-07-06T09:10:00.002-05:002010-07-06T09:19:23.835-05:00Blackberries and Cream<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZO-e01tgrvv7MvfRC1eO7E6z1WHF8rsqc0h5IS_tVcQmZ_Fd3d8GI1H11HLG213hqL37hQoDhBGxiZobbHWbBibm9xZAx_Cw5H_pOWvtaRsEtNKPE33liL41ZzbD3z0lyuQwsw151xk/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490795964604356434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZO-e01tgrvv7MvfRC1eO7E6z1WHF8rsqc0h5IS_tVcQmZ_Fd3d8GI1H11HLG213hqL37hQoDhBGxiZobbHWbBibm9xZAx_Cw5H_pOWvtaRsEtNKPE33liL41ZzbD3z0lyuQwsw151xk/s200/5stars.png" /></a><br /><div>I have been wanting to try <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/06/blackberries-with-sweet-cream/">this recipe </a>for the last few weeks. Just when I almost forgot about the recipe, PW posted about it <em>again</em>, and Dillon's had blackberries on sale for 10 for $10. Guess since all the stars were aligning, I was going to make <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/06/blackberries-with-sweet-cream/">Blackberries and Cream </a>for this long July 4th weekend!</div><div> </div><div>First of all, the blackberries just on their own were delish. They were huge and sweet with just the right amount of tart to them. I got started right away in the morning and made the cream sauce. My family was coming over in the evening for a fish fry, so this was going to be our fruit of the meal. Does fruit still count as fruit when you cover it in cream sauce????? </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Excellent!! The cream sauce drizzled over the berries in our pretty parfait dishes was so yummy. It almost tasted like my homemade ice cream recipe coating each blackberry. I still have some sauce left over in the fridge and am wondering what to do with it? I am pretty sure if I got out a straw, I would have some volunteers to slurp it down. But I would NEVER do that...</div><div> </div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-89338648217123408222010-07-01T13:02:00.002-05:002010-07-01T13:18:13.771-05:00POPEYE the sailor man...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk1m8Loj77wdaMCxa2mgWLaksoo7cuuaZ_TQP-E9nxsTMoUn3vzqDq3nLfQqSwgfSUI0p2W1Yow4In5WDWpCLtvFLBSd1zZbOvhFgyF11-VqsJCay8Gu2onhXntCp35FthuK_QjAgt78/s1600/4stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489000464179032466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk1m8Loj77wdaMCxa2mgWLaksoo7cuuaZ_TQP-E9nxsTMoUn3vzqDq3nLfQqSwgfSUI0p2W1Yow4In5WDWpCLtvFLBSd1zZbOvhFgyF11-VqsJCay8Gu2onhXntCp35FthuK_QjAgt78/s200/4stars.png" /></a> "Does spinach weally make you stwong like Popeye, Mommy?"<br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Well, yes. Yes it does. Spinach is a superfood!! We eat spinach almost every day in the form of a <a href="http://stephcookspw.blogspot.com/search/label/smoothies">Green Monster. </a> Read all about those <a href="http://stephcookspw.blogspot.com/search/label/smoothies">here</a>. But for lunch today, I decided to try the <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/06/spinach-with-garlic-chips/">Spinach and Garlic Chips </a>that PW posted about a few days ago.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Got to admit, spinach is not really that appetizing when all shriveled up. But the flavor of the olive oil soaked garlic chips and spinach over noodles was very good. And the critics, with the exception of one, liked it too! Amazing.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I've got a feeling that the Green Monsters will be more of a staple around here than <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/06/spinach-with-garlic-chips/">this spinach dish,</a> but it was a nice change of pace for a summer lunch.</div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-58981073671532491742010-06-28T21:27:00.003-05:002010-06-28T21:39:10.452-05:00Almond Joy Anyone???<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXizM-pmVAok2azCqF-hp5UCHowBFRFaJNgF7wWxJyCHqBHjz1r35tzBDJyqE9-UztFtFzp_9Qo3zn24NaappNpnSk0cya1rRc9xPuPkz8Srm52W-J96VWOrK8gDv35Fx1snnkFjRfng/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488016975744489410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXizM-pmVAok2azCqF-hp5UCHowBFRFaJNgF7wWxJyCHqBHjz1r35tzBDJyqE9-UztFtFzp_9Qo3zn24NaappNpnSk0cya1rRc9xPuPkz8Srm52W-J96VWOrK8gDv35Fx1snnkFjRfng/s200/5stars.png" /></a><br /><div>Guess what we had waiting for us after our softball game this evening? <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/coconut-chocolate-pudding-2/">Chocolate Coconut Pudding!!!</a> Overall this pudding is very much chocolate with a hint of coconut to it. The kids loved it, but when it comes to chocolate, they ususally do. I have never used coconut milk before so that was interesting. It was almost curdled, which was extremely unappetizing to me. But after cooking it and stirring it smooth with the chocolate chips, I was brave enough to try it.</div><div> </div><div>YUMMO!!! I think <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/coconut-chocolate-pudding-2/">Chocolate Coconut Pudding </a>would be even better with a few slivered almonds and some spray cream on top. But, next time I will be making 2 recipes. This one only feeds four people. What was I thinking?!</div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-73854498218044961442010-06-23T19:00:00.003-05:002010-06-24T08:49:03.376-05:00Salsa Duo!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUmdR1yezWpVAt4yZfaFmYpKmWuMCOkHzMFHsivFUe-AzS24hA_6-lQjQoHLKpxNJtrinvIelJrFku7gfe0mbYY4tlmh7XMSOWmgI3-kV0F2RZvtegyXMh7Jh89LeGZ_jo1pqGFzLOHk/s1600/3stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486123553812810658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUmdR1yezWpVAt4yZfaFmYpKmWuMCOkHzMFHsivFUe-AzS24hA_6-lQjQoHLKpxNJtrinvIelJrFku7gfe0mbYY4tlmh7XMSOWmgI3-kV0F2RZvtegyXMh7Jh89LeGZ_jo1pqGFzLOHk/s200/3stars.png" /></a> There are many things that got me excited about having Monterey Jack nachos with two different fresh salsas this evening. First of all, it is VERY hot here. Like miserably hot. Like there is no way I want to even think about heating up my stove, grill, or microwave for that matter. Secondly, PW had <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/06/pineapple-mango-salsa/">this recipe </a>posted a few days ago and I could not wait to try it. Thirdly, there was a huge semi load full of Mississippi sweet corn yelling at me to come buy it, so I did. I thought I remembered seeing <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/08/fresh-corn-avocado-salsa/">this recipe </a>for a fresh corn salsa and I was right!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Both of these salsas included fresh cilantro, jalapeno, lime, and red onion for ingredients. So why not make them both? I was buying those ingredients anyway. So after some chopping and a trip to the grocery store for a lime that I forgot, we had our "light" supper. Not sure it can be called "light" when I ate my weight in chips. But darnit, these salsas were good!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/06/pineapple-mango-salsa/">Pineapple Mango Salsa </a>was not a huge hit with my kiddos. They have not yet captured the idea of the gloriousness of sweet and savory. But I loved it---fresh pineapple, mango, along with the flavors of spicy jalapeno and cilantro. YUM! Definitely not something I could eat a lot of, but love it for a different twist on salsa. Steve liked it too, but felt the same way I did.<br /><br /><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/08/fresh-corn-avocado-salsa/">Fresh Corn and Avocado Salsa </a><em>was</em> a huge hit with my kiddos (and Steve!). In fact, Landon was eating it with a spoon and no chips! The only thing I began questioning is what we would feel like after eating spoonfuls of this salsa that uses fresh uncooked corn....so far, so good. My family loves avocados and that added a lot to this dish. It was sweet enough without the optional tsp. of sugar because that Mississippi sweet corn was SWEET!! <br /><br /><br />I am envisioning a big Mexican fiesta to celebrate the end of harvest with these salsas plus PW's Restaurant Style Salsa to be center stage alongside her enchiladas. I also have the yummiest fruit salsa recipe with homemade cinnamon/sugar chips that is to die for! Got to go get this fiesta scheduled!!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-5956963371865596662010-06-23T08:02:00.003-05:002010-06-23T08:15:50.499-05:00Spicy Orange Garlic Shrimp<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihktfmHpKNDbgtNAViqcKzhFz0MSZkcZxrtsAaEQ5r1Um3fbK3XCvWuHt8_5aHxbMr16yfKS21bSJhHXhyphenhyphen4XvuJKp0KWgjdgQkga6dSsK2-odlovCAGjRbgnWXd_HILLqtxiWfRFSsN2E/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485954331490343346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihktfmHpKNDbgtNAViqcKzhFz0MSZkcZxrtsAaEQ5r1Um3fbK3XCvWuHt8_5aHxbMr16yfKS21bSJhHXhyphenhyphen4XvuJKp0KWgjdgQkga6dSsK2-odlovCAGjRbgnWXd_HILLqtxiWfRFSsN2E/s200/5stars.png" /></a> The minute Natalie saw the orange juice out while I was making the shrimp and she realized it was out to be part of the <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/11/spicy-orange-garlic-shrimp/">shrimp dish</a>--well, let's just say, she was CONCERNED!! I had her peeling the tails off the shrimp as I got everything else ready and her concern grew as the sauce began to boil...<br /><br />All concerns aside, she <em>loved </em>the <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/11/spicy-orange-garlic-shrimp/">shrimp</a>. It's a definite different flavor with the added sweetness of the orange juice. I added a bit more salt because at first it was too sweet for me. I was needing the savory out of this meal. I used a New Orleans rub/seasoning instead of the Old Bay as it calls for, so maybe my seasoning wasn't quite as salty. <br /><br />Overall, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/11/spicy-orange-garlic-shrimp/">Spicy Orange Garlic Shrimp </a>was a nice change for eating shrimp. And the critics gobbled it down---not even one tiny little shrimp left!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-77548244963302089372010-06-20T16:02:00.004-05:002010-06-20T16:12:22.085-05:00Coffee Cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSJpY-FcazF8SlFmoj88mtPDVEhwJdFCvJFfcxTtMdlI3wJOsVDrODOgU1W9B23RXvVPh9gvqE7PPQC2HepT7TuCf-o2r4N43wSCSvWAoSMcG0jNdID5nm5f5jVLlDn-tmAMzbZtrDaM/s1600/3stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484964398745095202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSJpY-FcazF8SlFmoj88mtPDVEhwJdFCvJFfcxTtMdlI3wJOsVDrODOgU1W9B23RXvVPh9gvqE7PPQC2HepT7TuCf-o2r4N43wSCSvWAoSMcG0jNdID5nm5f5jVLlDn-tmAMzbZtrDaM/s200/3stars.png" /></a> Thought I'd do something nice today for all the FATHER's in our Sunday School class in honor of Father's Day. It's the thought that counts, right? All I can say is I am thankful that my sis-in-law shared the "something nice" today with me and made her own bundt cake, for my <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/06/the-best-coffee-cake-ever/">coffee cake</a> was stuck to my pan!<br /><div> </div><div>The <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/06/the-best-coffee-cake-ever/">coffee cake </a>tasted fine, but all the yummy stuff ran to the bottom and just stuck there. We really needed a chisel to get the good stuff. It would have tasted SO much better had it looked like PW's. But no, something went wrong. Thankfully there were a few gracious people in class that took some---and a good number of starving kiddos after Sunday school that pounded it down. </div><div> </div><div>But due to the mishaps as stated above, paired with some of the obnoxious details of whipping egg whites and folding them in to the batter, I will be sticking to my good 'ole favorite coffee cake recipe that turns out yummy each and every time! </div><div> </div><div>Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful father's...but mostly I wish my awesome Dad and hubby a very special day. </div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-69623918746436702672010-06-16T07:19:00.003-05:002010-06-16T07:38:13.923-05:00Enchilada turned Chimichanga...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqd2v96HMPNm82FoyzkxerVLL24sbJdcmvtrWJhLQzfHTRoz3woF7XoZKIBAurl0WwgWtkDe0fE2Bq7Ti8cp5rS5ycVkUBrM0aggYb-xTl-g1XeYLVFD-wwXB47zfPvF5WSFgYtMxons/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483345344091364706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqd2v96HMPNm82FoyzkxerVLL24sbJdcmvtrWJhLQzfHTRoz3woF7XoZKIBAurl0WwgWtkDe0fE2Bq7Ti8cp5rS5ycVkUBrM0aggYb-xTl-g1XeYLVFD-wwXB47zfPvF5WSFgYtMxons/s200/5stars.png" /></a> If you have not made the enchiladas from PW yet, you must do it this week. Get to the store, buy the ingredients, GET 'ER DONE!!! They are awesome! You can find the post all about them <a href="http://stephcookspw.blogspot.com/2010/01/simple-and-perfect-uh-huh.html">here.</a><br /><br /><br />A good friend of mine turned 40 last week and we celebrated with a Mexican fiesta! It was so fun and so yummy! I made PW's famous enchiladas and I made a TON of them. In fact, I made some extra for my kiddos who went to stay with Steve's grandma for the evening. Which left me with about a half of a pan leftover. I love leftovers! But my kids can only tolerate the same meal <em>maybe </em>one more time. Which leads me to my dilemma. I had about 5 enchiladas left over and we had already eaten leftover enchiladas. What to do?!<br /><br /><br />Well, I must give credit where credit is due. I have this friend of mine, whom after this suggestion of his that I took him up on, I believe has a bit of culinary brilliance. Yes, I said it. He did actually impress me with this one. I wanted to use my leftovers but I didn't want my critics <em>knowing</em> they were indeed eating these enchiladas AGAIN. So he suggested re-wrapping the enchiladas in flour tortillas and frying them up like chimichangas. How easy! No, they did not become any more nutritious, but with homemade <a href="http://stephcookspw.blogspot.com/2010/01/excellentay.html">Restaurant Style Salsa</a>, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and guacamole---we got a whole new meal which the kiddos LOVED by the way.<br /><br /><br />Just thought I'd share! The<a href="http://stephcookspw.blogspot.com/2010/01/simple-and-perfect-uh-huh.html"> enchiladas </a>and <a href="http://stephcookspw.blogspot.com/2010/01/excellentay.html">Restaurant Style Salsa </a>are two of our very favorite recipes we eat from PW.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-63523319326172172962010-06-15T16:18:00.003-05:002010-06-15T16:33:01.916-05:00Finger Lickin' Ding Dongs!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgae0vg3ITcyRXJS4OPE-Fh6lcH_cSJjIxJ0qz1B2cRbGpLbqMPBDIx_Q3hlLUEi0yifPPPwveic1AW13CgYFruhM0HMqKLWB_IOKSYbmb_Yv0jj3s6DNnHM3RaZWY0m40YnnPeq9TW98g/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483113092740723026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgae0vg3ITcyRXJS4OPE-Fh6lcH_cSJjIxJ0qz1B2cRbGpLbqMPBDIx_Q3hlLUEi0yifPPPwveic1AW13CgYFruhM0HMqKLWB_IOKSYbmb_Yv0jj3s6DNnHM3RaZWY0m40YnnPeq9TW98g/s200/5stars.png" /></a> <div>Oh my goodness...I have been craving chocolate something FIERCE and I think maybe, just maybe, I have been satisfied. That's a good thing, right? The kids and I have been "eye"ing this <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/homemade-ding-dongs/">recipe</a> since I first noticed it and I finally bought what I needed to make them.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/homemade-ding-dongs/">Homemade Ding Dongs </a>are dingdongdelicious! I had no doubt that this would give way to 5 smiley stars especially after an afternoon of swimming. I even got the kids to each read a bit while I finished making the ganache for the tops of the <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/homemade-ding-dongs/">ding dongs</a>. Oh the power of <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/homemade-ding-dongs/">DING DONGS!!</a> I wonder how well they will work on Steve? Hmmm... Let's see, I still have a few pictures I need hung--ha!</div><div> </div><div>The best part about these <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/homemade-ding-dongs/">ding dongs</a>? Easy ingredient list: Devil's Food Cake Mix, Cool Whip, Chocolate Chips, Whipping Cream, Corn Syrup. </div><div> </div><div>I am on a huge chocolate high right now. Maybe you're more of a twinkie type like me. I've got a great recipe for homemade twinkies too. But if nothing else, grab a spoonful of ganache. You'll be glad you did.</div><div> </div><div> </div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-31425814025359586532010-06-08T19:18:00.005-05:002010-06-08T19:32:40.597-05:00Who Needs SONIC?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZlr9N7QTIW9eIkwakDyDrblgoeE6BmylYt36-032cs01cbsBKDh_icPxa2H6LhQkb0UZhzBuweOT7qoc-GD361mA3scnmGG2ahTB-Cyt_mBdIhDYCMHA7rraLrS0gQPmGA4m_PtSt6A/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480561882050183922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZlr9N7QTIW9eIkwakDyDrblgoeE6BmylYt36-032cs01cbsBKDh_icPxa2H6LhQkb0UZhzBuweOT7qoc-GD361mA3scnmGG2ahTB-Cyt_mBdIhDYCMHA7rraLrS0gQPmGA4m_PtSt6A/s200/5stars.png" /></a><br /><div>Anyone else <em>feeling</em> the heat of summer? This past weekend was so hot and humid--it felt like late July and early August! And it's the beginning of June... Thankfully, the last couple of days have brought a brief reprieve with some rain and cooler temperatures. </div><div> </div><div>Honestly, I have enjoyed the last two evenings that were supposed to be filled with ball games, but were canceled due to soggy fields. The kiddos have been disappointed, but I think we have all needed this break. And if you are in need of a break during these hot summer nights, you really need to try<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/06/lemon-and-grape-granita/"> Lemon Granita</a>. Truly, you can say good-bye to your Sonic runs...sorry, Sonic! Very refreshing and easy to make if you are home for the day. The most effort in this recipe is stirring it every hour and a half or so while it freezes in order to keep it flaky-like. </div><div> </div><div>I am also kind of excited about the possibility of creating a Lemon Cream Slush which is one of my favorite drinks to get at Sonic. I think all you would have to do is combine some vanilla ice cream with the<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/06/lemon-and-grape-granita/"> Lemon Granita</a>. Yummy! I hope to try that sometime soon...</div><div> </div><div> </div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-32313982272937197972010-06-03T16:59:00.003-05:002010-06-03T17:13:59.493-05:00Bananaberry Muffins<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTKbrTKqK3YkRIJkHDGQciqFOCTqEpU8_PZrcZQ67Bkgd_wLPKl9YUv6e4bI6ErTNmhZk8Kh7swRaFnynF-MhoUo_w77vrlNF_479RqJfaPP6rnRtCPPscEXQyTRwxdAvnXhnozDzZRg/s1600/IMG_0800.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478672150640612914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTKbrTKqK3YkRIJkHDGQciqFOCTqEpU8_PZrcZQ67Bkgd_wLPKl9YUv6e4bI6ErTNmhZk8Kh7swRaFnynF-MhoUo_w77vrlNF_479RqJfaPP6rnRtCPPscEXQyTRwxdAvnXhnozDzZRg/s400/IMG_0800.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAaHxRjDtIlpH9bNarZm1vupiERt9PaTBfpHybleJCmlzKXJLsBE_icMSw7-_8Ho9kFZLoauXWMCCgKri-VkVi-7i1iCle7ssLmp_maiNe6XQx1wK4TUGNNY53cW3-6lH1tOPHFilHes/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478670704204424962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAaHxRjDtIlpH9bNarZm1vupiERt9PaTBfpHybleJCmlzKXJLsBE_icMSw7-_8Ho9kFZLoauXWMCCgKri-VkVi-7i1iCle7ssLmp_maiNe6XQx1wK4TUGNNY53cW3-6lH1tOPHFilHes/s200/5stars.png" /></a> Behold! A morning starring something other than cereal, bagels, or toast!!! <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breads/bananaberry-muffins/">Bananaberry Muffins </a>hit the spot this morning and left smiles on faces all around...<br /></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breads/bananaberry-muffins/">They</a> are kind of hard to pronounce but definitely simple to make. I love that you are using all whole ingredients from home and not from a box. Simple, real food. They are moist and bursting with both flavors of banana and blueberry. I used 1 1/2 cups of wheat flour and a 1/2 cup white flour and the kids thought they were wonderful. The muffins bake in 20 minutes and there you have it---homemade <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breads/bananaberry-muffins/">Bananaberry muffins</a>. Hoping they'll freeze well too. I'm adding these to my list of favorite <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breads/bananaberry-muffins/">muffins</a>!!<br /><div></div></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6571478886012341670.post-88028956249714364442010-06-02T08:20:00.004-05:002010-06-02T08:38:49.733-05:00Spicy Marinated Fish Tacos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsE_2jNO478PFy_s9ezkXoyzQbkTKNVFx9kttGgNZOg4cz8vZKizMbxcUy1F4yTU1piWX44aUMEDys1FmbXN5AjYaBtWQZHHtc6V0I327KjYbKg1OwbtCYE26iA9XKWYteWp0DB-_X6k/s1600/5stars.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 40px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478165944550772706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsE_2jNO478PFy_s9ezkXoyzQbkTKNVFx9kttGgNZOg4cz8vZKizMbxcUy1F4yTU1piWX44aUMEDys1FmbXN5AjYaBtWQZHHtc6V0I327KjYbKg1OwbtCYE26iA9XKWYteWp0DB-_X6k/s200/5stars.png" /></a> Tilapia was on sale at the grocery store, and these people love tilapia around this house. But I seem to make it basically the same way. We grill it, broil it, bake it--almost always with the same flavors. So I was looking for something <em>different</em> and I FOUND <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/main-courses/spicy-marinated-fish-tacos/">IT</a>--on PW's <strong>Tasty Kitchen</strong> site. The site she launched for sharing recipes. <br /><br /><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/main-courses/spicy-marinated-fish-tacos/">Fish Tacos</a> has become one of our favorite meals and I've made them a number of times. I've used tilapia with a fresh slawed cabbage that was really yummy. These were different. A marinated tilapia (for 6-8 hours---did ours overnight) with black beans and monterey jack cheese. Before I go on, I must address the fact that I have heard from some of my "culinary friends" (whom I trust when it comes to cooking, by the way!) that you should NEVER put cheese in your fish dishes. But for <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/main-courses/spicy-marinated-fish-tacos/">this dish </a>it worked!!! Just saying...<br /><br />Anyway, the marinated tilapia is delish! I could have woofed down all of the fish. It has a blend of flavors with the fresh lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, etc... so it does have a sweetness to it. I have been in a major quesadilla making movement lately, so that is what I did with this fish. I did not use very much cheese---just enough to melt through with the fish and ranch style black beans. This recipe also calls for a sauce made with sour cream which I am sure is yummy too, but since I went the quesadilla route, I did not try the sauce. <br /><br />My kids LOVED <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/main-courses/spicy-marinated-fish-tacos/">these.</a> We added avocado for the ones who love avocado. It was a great way to use tilapia in a different way and sure makes your fish go further than if you would just grill a piece for everyone. A light meal that's great for the summertime!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16224473897776757910noreply@blogger.com3