Pinterest Recipes I've Tried And Loved - Part 2

It's been a while since I've posted the original post and I love trying new Pinterest recipes every chance I get.  Problem is, sometimes they just don't turn out quite right.  Have you seen those posts for Pinterest Fails?  So funny.  So here is the second part of Pinterest Recipes I've Tried And Loved that taste amazing and I promise, will turn out great.

1. Creamy Chicken Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole -
This recipe is a go-to for us at dinner time.  Everyone loves it.  You just put everything together in an oven and let it cook.  You can prep it ahead of time so it's a easy weeknight meal.

2. The Best Focaccia Bread -
Again, I'm all about ease here.  It is slightly time consuming waiting for things to rise but otherwise it's an easy recipe with items you already have in your pantry and it always turns out perfect.  You just can't mess this up.

3. Better Chocolate Babka -
Probably one of my favorite desserts ever made. It's hard & time consuming.  In the end though, you'll be glad you made it.  If you love chocolate, this one's for you!

4. Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake -
Ok, if you don't want to work quite so hard for dessert, I've got another option.  This one is easy.  You're kids can help you mix the ingredients and put the strawberries on top.  It looks so pretty when it comes out of the over and it also tastes great. 

5. Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken -
If you can plan ahead of time a little and put the chicken in the crock pot, this is a great meal for a busy evening.  It's a slightly different take on chicken and even better; healthy.

6. The Easiest Ice Cream Shakes -
I'm a little biased because this is my own recipe, but for real guys, this is calling my name.  Especially with home made ice cream.  So easy and quick and perfect for a special treat sitting on the deck.

7. Oil Free Chocolate Coconut Granola -
I'm obsessed with this!  I make a quadruple batch about once a week. I eat it most mornings for breakfast and I add ground flax-seed to it to make it even more healthy. I also snack on it and I just can't get enough.   Add a couple of chocolate chips and this is dessert as well.  Go make it now.

8. Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Motzz and Spinach -
This is my most recent recipe I've tried.  It turned out so good.  I did make my own filling though with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cooked onions and spinach. You really could add anything that you like.  It was an easy dinner and  served with a little brown rice on the side a perfect meal.

9. Cheesy Enchilada Rice Skillet -
Another go to weeknight meal.  One pan dishes are so great and so easy.

10. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake -
For me this is more of a side dish than a meal, although with the bacon on top... who knows.  Either way, it's healthy and a good substitute to cheesy potatoes. 

Favorite Things - In the Kitchen

We've been chugging at life around here.  It's been nice and busy.  Jeff's been out of town a ton and Noah and I have been having fun cooking and making pretend pancakes after work and school... that is until our oven broke.  What a bummer that is.  I didn't even realize how much I used the oven until I actually needed it.  And for the best mom of the year award, I sort of  forgot all about it and broke Noah's heart after watching an episode of Mikey.  It was O'Toodles' birthday and Minny Mouse made him a strawberry cake with fresh strawberries on top.  Of course I thought how awesome would it be if we also made a version of that.  I looked up a recipe for vanilla cupcakes that I was going to top with strawberries Jeff had just picked up, I was so excited, told Noah all about it... and bam, I remembered we don't even have a working oven!  What a bummer.  They're coming to fix it next week, and what a long week it's going to be. Until then I've been trying to figure out other recipes to make on the stove top; something new we haven't tried yet.

For breakfast I've been obsessed with waffles lately and need to figure out how to switch it up a little.  We make normal buttermilk waffles out of a box which is super fast and convenient but after looking at Pinterest I feel like we're missing out on some cool combinations.  I've always loved churros; I look for them everywhere I go and these churro waffles are no different.  I can't imagine they're the healthiest but put some fruit on top and your all set, right...?  Or even better, how about some Nutella stuffed waffles?  I'm drooling already.  If there is something Noah will eat every single time, it's waffles and you can never get bored of waffles with all these options.

For dinner, some awesome stove-top options I've found are this cheesy enchilada rice skillet.  What kid doesn't like cheese and rice?  and really, it looks super easy as you can put it all in one pan.  I'm thinking thought to make it a nice full meal it needs a little chicken, so I'll be adding that in when I make it this week.  A couple more of my favorite recipes are the Avocado, White Bean Tacos for a nice meatless option, and Teriyaki Meatballs & Rice.  A favorite at our house.

Finally, I'll leave you guys with a couple new Noah pictures, because no post is complete without that.  Noah's favorite thing to do in the kitchen, other that pull up his stool and help mommy cook, of course, has been taking selfies, turning on some music "weally loud", and watching old videos on the phone.  This kid is getting way too old too fast.  Jeff told me last night if I'm finally starting to get sad about Noah growing up then maybe we're ready for another baby... Ya right, I'll never be ready for another one.  Why can't we just fast forward to toddler life?

Last Minute Thanksgiving Meal Menu & Prep Schedule

Do you have your turkey and haven't given a thought to what you're making for the rest of Thanksgiving dinner?  Lucky for you, I spent a couple hours scouring the internet for the best, easiest and yummiest looking recipes and have it all ready for you in one place.

Menu: 

(OVEN -2.5-4hrs)  Turkey:  Cooks quicker than most and has awesome step by step pictures with tips on how to cook your turkey from beginning to end. 

(CROCK POT - 3.5hrs) Creamed Corn: Better than frozen corn warmed up, this is a creamy rich corn recipe.  You can do it in your crock pot and lets you have more room on the stove.  Plus, crock pot recipes are always so easy.  Just put your ingredients in and go work on something else.

(OVEN - 40-45mins)  Stuffing:  This is a do ahead recipe.  Make it the day before and all you have to do it put it in the over after you pull your turkey out while it's resting. Made fresh with no boxed ingredients.

(STOVE - 30mins) Mashed Potatoes:  I don't have a recipe for these because they are so easy.  Put all your potatoes weather it be sweet, white, maybe even some frozen cauliflower into a pan  with water and cook until the potatoes are all cooked through.  Drain water keeping some left over for mixing with the potatoes.  Add lots of butter cream and left over water along with salt and pepper.  Mash and enjoy.

(STOVE - 25mins) Garlic Green Beans: Another super quick fresh dish unlike the original green bean casserole. Less things in the oven makes for a faster meal.

(STOVE - 10 mins) Turkey Broth - quick and easy and you can make it while you wait for the turkey to rest.

Schedule:  

TURKEY - Anywhere 4-6 hrs before dinner depending on cooking time.
Turkey should be defrosted and room temperature early morning. Prep turkey first, this should take about 20 minutes.  You can even do it the night before and put it in the fridge, just take it out about an hour before you plan on putting it in the oven to come to room temp.
CREAMED CORN - about 4hrs before dinner
Prep is super easy. Open items and dump in and then just wait.
MASHED POTATOES - 1.5 hrs before dinner
STUFFING -  if prep night before 40-45 min before dinner or about 1.5 hrs before dinner in not prepped
GREEN BEANS - Prep after cream corn, start cooking 25 mins before dinner.
TURKEY BROTH - Start about 10-15 minutes after turkey comes out 


And there you go.  No planning for you.  No worries if you haven't given a thought to Thanksgiving dinner because I did it for you.  All you need to do is pick up your groceries (except the turkey, that's a do ahead) and start cooking! 

Cheese Souffle Recipe

A souffle has been on my list of must try recipes for a long time. I love the dessert souffles and I still really want to make one but what I really needed was a new good dinner recipe, so we made it savory instead. Souffles are so perfect when you have a bare fridge because the base is all common pantry ingredients and you can put whatever add ins you want in, making them perfect for using up leftovers. For my left over add ins we had frozen peas, bacon bits and onion.  There are endless options; bacon chicken, cheese and broccoli & pulled pork and bbq sauce just to name a couple.

This recipe can be made in individual ramekins or one large one.  You can either use a one and a half quart ramekin or about 6-7 mini ones depending on how many add ins are in the base batter.

Ingredients: 
2 T parmesan Cheese
1 C milk
2.5 T unsalted Butter
3 T butter
1/2 t paprika
1/2 t salt
4 egg yolks
5 egg whites
1C of your favorite shredded cheese
About 1-1.5 of left over items
(I used peas, bacon bits and extra parmesan cheese)

Directions:
1. Pre heat oven to 400 degrees. Butter the ramekins and dust with parmesan cheese. On the bottom as well as on the sides so the parmesan cheese sticks to all sides of the ramekins.

2. Warm milk in a pan over medium heat mixing often so the milk doesn't burn. In a larger sauce pan melt the rest of the butter. Add flour to the butter and mix.  Wait about two to three minutes until mixture bubbles and the flour loses the raw taste.

3. Remove from heat and slowly add the warm milk while mixing until it becomes thick.   Add paprika and salt. Add egg yolks one at a time while mixing.  Let cool slightly.  At this point you could transfer the mixture and put in the freezer to cool down faster while you get the other part ready.

4. Using a mixer, mix the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Mix in your cheese with a spatula being careful not to deflate the egg whites.

5. Slowly add the egg whites to the egg yoke mixture with a spatula.  Add your mix ins.

6. Divide evenly in your ramekins.  Be careful not to overfill. If needed use extra ramekins. Place in the oven and immediately lower temperature to 375 degrees. Cook for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and only slightly jiggly in the center.

Enjoy!

Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs

Sometimes you try and recipe and then decide you need to make it over and over 'cause you can't stop eating it (or your husband keeps asking for them).... yes, this is one of them.  You can roll the meatballs ahead of time and put them in the fridge of freezer.  Pull them out when you're ready to drop them in the pan and all you have to worry about is stirring the sauce.  It doesn't get much easier then that.

Ingredients:

Meatballs:
1lb ground turkey
1 large egg
1/2 C breadcrumbs
1 clove garlic (chopped)
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 medium onion (minced)
salt and pepper

Sauce:
1/2 C soy sauce
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C water
1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp corn starch

Directions:
1. Mix all meatball ingredients and roll into small meatballs. Bake in oven or in a pan.  I like the pan version personally.  (Until golden brown and cooked through)

2. Mix water and cornstarch in a small bowl until all the cornstarch is dissolved and there are no lumps.  Mix all other ingredients in a small pot and add cornstarch mixture.  Heat on high and stir often until sauce thickens.

3. Pour over cooked meatballs and serve over rice. or pasta . or eat alone before the rice is done cooking.
... and enjoy the amazingness of the meatballs.

Sweet and Spicy Beef & Veggies

My most favorite thing about cooking as opposed to baking is not having to use recipes.  Especially when you're looking to make something out of whatever you happen to have defrosted or available to you at that specific moment.  I try to plan things ahead during the week, but for the most part, I throw a couple of proteins from the freezer into the fridge to defrost at once and then pick them out throughout the week to make dinners.  Our go to with beef chunks are typically fajitas of some sort.  They are easy and fast but I was so not feeling fajitas so we had to come up with something else.  Something a little different, but similar to things our family loves to eat.   It's still super easy and fast so I call that a win.

Time: 30 Minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients:

1.25 lbs of beef chunks (for stew), chopped in half
1/4 cup flour
1/4 T ground red pepper
1/2 T paprika
salt + pepper to taste
 1 T minced garlic
dash of worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup peas
1 1/2 cup carrots, cooked, chopped

Directions:

1. Start a large pan on the stove on medium high.  Drizzle with olive oil.

2. In a gallon zip lock bag add beef chunks and flour, red pepper, and salt and pepper.  Shut be bag and toss well until all is covered.  When the oil is hot, dump the coated meat into the pan.  Add garlic, sugar and worcestershire sauce and mix well.  Cook until brown and medium rare inside. (You'll want to make sure the meat is not overcooked.  It will make it tough as it's not the fanciest piece of meat)  Add in the breadcrumbs as needed.  I like to soak up the juices and it gives the meat a nice crust and a different texture.

3. Add peas and carrots and cook until warm.  Serve over mashed potatoes and enjoy!

For a quick mash potato recipe I put four potatoes in the microwave and cook on high for about 6-8 minutes until they are fork tender.  I put them in a big bowl with about 1/2 cup of milk and a pat of butter and mash with a masher.  Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.  No need to go through the mess of boiling and waiting when the microwave can do it faster. I keep the skins on too for a more rustic feel... and you know, because it's easier and I don't have time for all that funny business when Noah's running around hitting things with his broom and constantly asking to get picked up.

Happy Cooking!

Pinterest Recipes I've Tried and Loved Part 2

I know! Part two!  Looks like I've actually tried a lot more recipes than I thought!  But these are only the good ones so don't worry.  I won't bombard you with all the yucky ones, although maybe they should have their own post so you wont go near them. =)

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1. Home-Made Taco Seasoning - I guess this isn't much of a recipe, but I have to start with this because it's literally changed our lives.  First, we don't have to buy taco seasoning anymore, second, this is way healthier, and third, this tasted a million times better than the packages you buy at the store.  Make a whole bunch ahead of time and you'll have it ready any time you need it.

2. Baked Egg Boat -  Great for Saturday morning when you have a little extra time on your hands.  As usual, super easy.  I'm a savory bread lover and this one is a huge hit in my book.

3. Single Serve Desserts - This is a link to one specific dessert but you can find a ton of single serves.  I've tried pretty much every one and they have turned out great.  For whatever reason though I've doubled the recipes with no luck.  I've had to measure them separately to make more than one.  I promise I can do math! I don't know what the deal is!

4. English Muffin Bread - You will never need to buy English muffins ever again.  You will refuse because this is so amazing.  It makes four loaves so unless you have extra space in the freezer or a million kids I would half the recipe and call it a day.  It does take a little time and effort but it's super worth it in the end.

5. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Bread - I'm sure you've all seen this one all over Pinterest.  It was one of the first recipes I ever pinned and I can see why people love it.  It's easy to make and other than the bread loaf you should have all the ingredients in your kitchen. This is perfect as an appetizer and although not very travel friendly to bring somewhere else, if you're having people over this is sure to please everyone.

6. Pepperoni Pizza Bites - This one would be a great snack after school, or maybe for your just got home husband who can't wait for dinner.  =) The whole family can get in on this.

7. Cream Cheese Stuffed Strawberries -  Another one that's been floating around since the beginning of Pinterest.  Very tedious to make but it sure is amazing and people will love you for making this.  It's not really difficult but it does take time to assemble.

And finally I'll finish up with three of my personal recipes which I love and I know they're good because I made them! =)

8. Meatball Sandwich  9. Sunday Night Mac & Cheese  10. Wonton Chicken Burrito

Happy Cooking!

Asian Marinated Boneless Pork Chops

I'm going through some kind of a rut right now with my recipes.  I have about 10-15 recipes that I can whip up pretty quickly, are easy and I know Jeff and I love.  Eventually though, I just get tired of making the same thing over and over and that's when my mind starts stirring.  I start reading the cookbooks that were getting a little dusty, searching through the internet or Pinterest.  Anything for a little inspiration.  

Mostly though, my go to way to think of a new recipe is by thinking what I would want if I went to a nice restaurant. First I start with a protein, and then a side... and I go from there.  This week, I was craving pork chops!  Salt and pepper is always a great way to start to season your meals but you just have to switch it up a little here are there to get something different.  So here we go, my little pork chop creation. Asian Marinated Boneless Pork Chops.

Difficulty: Super Easy
Prep Time: 1hr  Total Time: 1hr 20mins

Ingredients:
6 Bonesless Pork Chops
3T Soy Sauce
3T Mustard
4T Olive Oil
Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Fresh Chives (chopped)
Salt and Pepper
1/2 C Heavy Cream

Directions:
1. Lay out your chops on a cutting board and season well with salt and pepper on both sides.  Put in a bowl or baking pan and add soy sauce, half of the olive oil and mustard.  Mix well.  Let rest about an hour.  I did mine about half in the fridge, and half out to let the pork come to room temperature before cooking. This makes it cook more evenly.

2. Heat a pan with the other half of the olive oil to a medium-high heat.  Once your pan is hot put your chops in the pan and cook until brown about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side 2ish minutes. Make sure you put all the sauce your chops where marinating in, in the pan to cook together.
3. Take the chops out and let rest on a plate.  Add your heavy cream (you can also use regular milk if you have that but will have to thicken the sauce with something... Corn starch or flour) and mix well making sure to scrape all the brown bits of the bottom of the pan. Stir and cook on medium-low heat until well mixed and thick to a gravy consistancy. 
4. Serve gravy over chops with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Pinterest Recipes I've Tried And Loved

You know how it goes, you spend mindless hours pinning food on Pinterest and maybe if you're feeling really good one day, you finally get around to trying one, but mostly they just sit on your lovely food board because well, what if they just don't turn out? or they look too hard and you don't have the time.  Are there too many ingredients? Maybe you can cut some out but you just don't have the time to play around with the recipe.

Well let me help you.  Here are some recipes I've tried from Pinterest that we loved as a family.  Maybe you can try them out too since I'll be giving you all the deets.

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1. Basic Zucchini Bread -  This is great for dessert, or a little snack.  Super easy to make.  I didn't change the recipe much other than added an extra cup of zucchini.  It made two loaves.  I froze one and ate the other one.  Perfect amount. I think I'll add a cup of chocolate chips next time but also very good the way it is.

2. Black Bean and Guac Burritos - Ok, this idea is great and these ingredients are yummy, but this is a recipe that you can make a million ways with any ingredients you have around the house.  So, for me, I say, make a burrito with any left overs you have and then put it in the panini maker to make it crunchy which is really all that matters to make it amazing and you're good to go. Remember - Panini maker = Amazing

3. Cherry Pie Bars - I'm an all chocolate dessert type of woman, but once in a while I come across something that changes my mind, even for just one day.  This is one of them. Super simple and I like simple.

4. Guava & Cream Cheese Pastry - Ok, another fun fact, I'm also a pastry addict, mostly the Panera ones. Of course chocolate. But my mom gave me some guava paste after her trip to Hawaii and what's a girl to do with a whole jar of guava paste?  Exactly this.  If a chocolate pastry is a 11, this is a 9. 

5. Enchilada Veggie Quesadilla - Here we go again.  Mexican food rocks.  Mostly because you can add any Mexican ingredient together and they always taste good.  Case in point.  This.  I'm sure you have these items laying around the house. Go make one.

6. Savory Ham and Cheese Muffins - I've tried a couple of different ham and cheese muffins and this one is the best. These are flaky and very tasty.  They are perfect for an on the go breakfast with a cup of milk.  It makes a bunch so if there are only two or three of you I would cut the recipe in half.

7. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread - Another bread.  I must have a thing for bread.  This one though, super moist and great for those bananas that have been sitting around for a little bit too long. 

8. Brown Sugar Spiced Chicken - This girl is amazing.  Her food in general is amazing.  This is one of my favorites though.  You basically put all the ingredients together in a gallon bag, marinate, and toss in the oven.  And you're done.  Make a side of cauliflower mash, and you're all set!

9. Chocolate Chip Clouds - This is the way to go if you feel guilty about having dessert. It's actually not that bad for you. It's low calorie and it tastes great!

10.  Black Bean Burger - And finally, we'll end with another healthy one after all the desserts and Mexican food that I apparently enjoy.  Listen, just so you know, do not expect this to taste like real meat as my husband expected.  It is as the title says, black beans... but you can enjoy a burger even without mean.  It's a little more work that my usual recipe but worth it in the end for a healthy alternative and a great option for meatless Monday.


Geez, do I like dessert or what? Looks like I might have to branch out!

What Was For Dinner this Week?

By far the easiest this week has been the Brown sugar baked chicken.  I've made it a couple times already and it's just so easy and fast!  Noah was a great helper grocery shopping and we even bought grandma some flowers for her choir concert.  He helped pick out yogurt flavors for dad and held a lot of frozen food since our cart got way too full by the end of the trip.

 

Of course since Jeff was gone for the week and it was just Noah and I, we made sure we were in matching outfits... you know,  in case we got lost or something. 

So, if there is any recipe you have to try this week, the Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potato was my favorite meal to eat, followed closely by the baked chicken as the easiest recipe ever made. Enjoy!

Monday: Sloppy Joes
Tuesday: Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potato
Wednesday: General Tsos
Thursday: Brown Sugar Baked Chicken + Green Beans
Friday: Spaghetti Pie
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Steak Fajitas

What Was For Dinner This Week?

Cooking wise, it was a very adventurous week.  We tried out a couple new recipes, my husband thought the quinoa burgers were the most sketchy.  He did end up giving it a thumbs up and gave the go-ahead to move them into rotation as long as it's just once a month.  I agree.  You just can't beat the taste of a real burger.  But it is a healthy option. Also the cauliflower mash which turned out great.  We will be making that for sure again. 

On Monday though, I had major problems with the puff pastry pizza.  Obviously I did not plan ahead a did not defrost the puff pastry.  Terrible idea. I tried to defrost it in the microwave which I knew was a bad idea... but still I gave it a try, and sure enough it melted together after my lack of watching it carefully.  I managed to salvage it and rolled it out to make a chocolate pastry with some marshmallows and chocolate chips and just started over with another box.  Good thing I had two!  Next time, defrost ahead of time! Lesson learned.

http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com

Monday: Puff Pastry Pizza (Potato and Chicken)
Tuesday: Stuffed Shells
Wednesday: I cannot remember for the life of me = (
Thursday: Quinoa Burgers + Sweet potatoes
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Lemon Chicken + Cauliflower Mash
Sunday: Breakfast Hash

What Was For Dinner This Week?

I never plan my meals too far ahead.  I usually have Jeff pull something out of the freezer in the morning and I figure out a recipe to make when I get home from work.  We also are super big into leftovers too so we're always making way more food than we need for a dinner of two and then we save it for either lunches at work or sometimes, if I'm feeling really lazy, then we'll also have leftovers for dinner.

The dinners I make are honestly very rarely from recipes so when I do write them out for you guys it's just a general guideline.  I'm always switching ingredients around depending on what I have around the house.  I never measure unless I'm baking.  And even then sometimes I wing it... which is probably why sometimes my baked goods turn out a little sketchy. Haha.  I do however love to get inspiration for my dinner from Pinterest and other food blogs so I'll try and link up some of these dinners if I can so you can make your own version too.  

Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday:  Grilled Chicken, Cheesy Polenta, Steamed Broccoli
Wednesday: Chicken Fried Rice
Thursday: Sunday Night Mac & Cheese
Friday: Chicken Bacon Panini + Grapes
Saturday: Shredded Chicken Wraps + Onion Rings
Sunday: Grilled Steak + Grilled Asparagus

So there it is, now, time to get inspired for some more yummy dinners this week. So far I have thoughts of stuffed shells and something with quinoa which I had Jeff buy this week to try out for the first time.