Our Family Favorites

Italian Drip Beef

2010-02-10T19:09:00.000-08:00

Not the prettiest picture, but oh this meat was delish! This was recently featured on the legendary Pioneer Woman's website. Since I had the meat sitting in the freezer and I love pepperoncini pepper I had to try it...it did not disappoint. Yum! I've also seen this same recipe with jalapeno's instead of pepperoncini peppers, that's one that I'll have to try another time. Please link over to The

Mini Navajo Tacos

2010-02-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick recipe for those nights you just need to throw something together...although you do have to plan a little ahead for the dough, the rest is just thrown together at the end.Mini Navajo TacosRhodes bread dough rolls, thaw and let raisesmall amount of oil in pancan of your favorite chilitopping of your choice; ex. cheese, lettuce, sour cream, avocado, tomatoesLet dough thaw and rise.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

2010-02-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

I've sung the praises of My Kitchen Cafe before, but really she's got some great recipes and Sweet and Sour Chicken was one of the first recipes I tried from her site. I actually had my son's teachers request the recipe after smelling his lunch...it's that good.Sweet and Sour Chickenfrom My Kitchen CafeChicken:3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breastsalt and pepper1 cup cornstarch (I used flour last

Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli

2010-02-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

Apparently, this is the original recipe for Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli. I had a room mate in college whose Aunt worked for Olive Garden and this recipe was passed on to her family and then to me. I really can't taste a difference between this and the restaurants soup. This recipe makes A LOT, so you can try cutting it down, or do as I do and save it for another night since this soup also

No Fail Pizza Hut Style Breadsticks

2010-02-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

We enjoy our soup with No Fail Pizza Hut Style Breadsticks. I got this recipe from Gourmet Mom on-the-Go. She actually also posted it with the Olive Garden soup that she may or may not have gotten from a good friend of mine...she never responded to her email so I'll never know if the world is that small, although I do believe they live in the same area...any hooo...it's a great bread stick recipe

Indian Chicken Curry

2010-01-17T12:08:00.000-08:00

I was passed another great recipe from a friend of mine through email that we tried and enjoyed this week. I forgot the lemon at the end, but pretty much stuck to the recipe otherwise. It's a repeater for sure.Indian Chicken Curry (Murgh Kari)Allrecipes.com 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves2 teaspoons salt1/2 cup cooking oil1 1/2 cups chopped onion1 tablespoon minced

Taco Soup and Instant Sopaipillas

2010-01-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Several years ago I received a cookbook called Super Suppers in the mail. I have no idea how I came upon this little treasure, there wasn't a note and I couldn't remember signing up to receive it, but I'm glad it fell into my hands. One recipe I found for Taco soup was a little different than the one we had been using previously and so I began using this as my main taco soup recipe.Taco SoupSuper

Hasselback Potatoes

2010-01-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

We also picked up a package of Tony Roma's ribs on our Costco coupon trip..yum! I found this recipe on My Kitchen Cafe, who found it on another blog, who found it on another blog, who found it...well, you get the idea. It's been passed around enough to know it's a great side dish.Hasselback Potatoesas seen on My Kitchen Cafe5-6 medium baking potatoes4 garlic cloves, pressed through a garlic

Hot Wing Sandwich

2010-01-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but every time Costco comes out with their coupons we have a freezer full of food that we don't normally buy. This last week we picked up some precooked chicken strips on sale and I made this quick recipe that's a little bit of a copy cat recipe from Subway.Hot Wing SandwichHeat precooked chicken strips in the amount desired according to package directions. Add Frank's hot

Chiken Tikka Masala

2010-01-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the one you've been waiting for. This picture is terrible, the color is really off...the meat is very red in real life, but this recipe is one that everyone needs to have and make. It's beyond yummy! We got this from a friend in St. Louis and I'm so glad she passed it on. Thanks Camie!! I'll post the recipe as given to me, but add my changes...either way it's to DIE for!!Chicken Tikka

Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup

2009-12-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

This past year our church has been held at 3 to 6pm. By the time we got home our kids were starving and I was ready to put them to bed. So, let's be honest, the crock pot or cereal became our Sunday dinners. This one, from Allrecipes.com, that I modified to fit my families tastes is hearty and delicious and pairs well with homemade rolls...or plain old buttered toast. Feel free to add more

Caramel Rolls with a Twist

2009-12-29T14:04:00.000-08:00

Every year on Christmas morning, we awoke to two things we loved, gifts and yummy caramel rolls! My Grandma Sweetie's delicious caramel rolls were a family favorite and a tradition that I wanted to carry over in my own family. After I got married I discovered the world most picky of men liked cinnamon rolls better..I was devastated. This year, I came up with the compromise that knocked both of

Mock Mrs. Field's Cookies

2009-12-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

We enjoy this mock recipe from top secret recipes for Mrs. Field's Chocolate Chip cookies. We add M&Ms to them sometimes...yum. You'll have to link through to get the recipe.

Banana Bread

2009-11-10T17:19:00.001-08:00

Growing up I hated bananas, but my Grandma had the most delicious banana bread. We loved to get packages in the mail from her because she would always put a loaf or two of frozen loaves in the box and send them to us. Later, in my marriage I looked for a recipe that tasted just as good, but didn't call for buttermilk, since I rarely have any in my fridge. After baking several different loaves we

Snicker Salad

2009-11-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

I found a new way to use up some of that holiday candy. It sounds a lot like the fruit salad we always ate around Thanksgiving growing up, minus the candy. I'll post the recipe now, and when and if I get around to making it I'll post a picture.Snicker SaladRachel Ray's Websiteby Kelly WestraIngredients:2 boxes instant vanilla pudding (3 1/2 oz. each)2 cups whole milk1 tub whipped topping (8 oz.

Raspberry-Balsamic Glazed Chicken

2009-10-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

One of our all time favorite repeat meals is five star Cooking Light recipe, Raspberry-Balsamic glazed chicken. It's one of Jacob's favorites, even though he was certain he wouldn't like a fruit with his meat. It's sweet and savory and pretty quick...so quick I forgot to take a picture before it was already being devoured. I'll have to make it again soon and make sure to take a picture, but I

Pizza Sandwich

2009-10-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

Every Wednesday I go to our local Sprouts farmers market to pick up fresh produce for the next week. Several weeks ago I saw some Ecce Panis Focaccia rolls that I couldn't resist. They are amazing! I called them pizza sandwiches so my kids would eat them, but name them whatever you want they're good. They would be especially yummy paired with a tomato basil soup.Pizza SandwichesFocaccia rolls (

Crazy Chicken Bowl

2009-10-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

Here comes another idea for using up those delicious beans....There is a little restaurant called El Pollo Loco, which means "the crazy chicken," where they have a little thing called a pollo bowl. They are famous for their flame grilled chicken and it really is delicious. I tried a mock recipe I found on the web tonight for their chicken, but I didn't think it came even close. I have one other

Nachos

2009-08-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Our next adventure in using up the pot 'o beans was Nachos!Of course you probably all know the recipe behind nachos, but these nachos were extra yummy, you see we used left over beef carnita meat. For this one we didn't mash the beans, but you can if you'd like. Here's the recipe as I made it:1 bottom of the bag of an ENORMOUS bag of Costco tortilla chips2 cups prepared pinto beans, warmed up1

Tostadas

2009-08-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

One of my all time, quick and easy, favorite meals for using up our beans are tostadas.Tostadas*adjust measurements as needed to your family sizeCorn tortillasCanola oilHamburger (not necessary, but yummy.)Taco SeasoningRefried beansPlace hamburger in skillet, cook till no longer pink, add taco seasoning and refried beans. Mix and lower heat to keep warm. Meanwhile, heat small amount of oil in

Cool Beans

2009-08-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

A good side dish of beans is essential to any Mexican dish. We love this recipe I found on allrecipes.com, although I made a few changes.Refried Beans(adapated from allrecipes.com)Ingredients:1 onion, peeled and diced3 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed1 TBSP. diced chipotle with adobo sauce*2 TBSP. minced garlic2 tsp. black pepper1/2 tsp. cumin9 cups chicken brothDirections1. Place all ingredients in

Mexican Rice

2009-08-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

Of course you can't have beans without the rice, right?Mexican Rice(adapted from allrecipes.com)4 TBSP. canola oil1/2 onion diced finely2 cups uncooked long-grain rice2 TBSP. taco seasoning1 8 oz. can tomato sauce3 1/2 cups chicken brothDirections:Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, add onion cook until softened a little bit then add rice. Stir constantly, until puffed and golden. While

Fattoush

2009-07-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Today I happened across Pioneer Woman's newest recipe for Stacy's pita chips. I had an almost empty bag in our pantry and some fresh mozzarella I wanted to use before it wasn't so fresh any more and so I put two and two together and adapted her recipe to make due with what I had to create a delish dish of fattoush. (He he he, have to laugh cause I know my pronunciation is wrong and probably

Skillet fillets with Cilantro Butter

2009-05-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

We can never get enough cilantro...ever. If you love cilantro like us, you will love this recipe from CookingLight. Yes, another one from Cookinglight...I love that magazine!Skillet Fillets with Cilantro Butter CookingLight Any mild white fish such as cod, flounder, or orange roughy would also be delicious in place of tilapia. Serve these brightly flavored fillets

Beef Carnita Tacos

2009-05-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

I was originally going to post all our favorite Mexican dishes at the beginning of May, but didn't get to it...so are you looking for something a little different than hamburgers for memorial day? You have to try these Beef Carnita tacos, it's been one of our family's favorites for quite some time. The recipe is easy to double if you're feeding more, and I love to use any leftover meat with a

Red Enchilada Sauce

2009-05-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

Making your own enchilada sauce is really easy if you use this quick recipe I found on allrecipes.com.Ten Minute Enchilada SauceIngredients 1/4 cup vegetable oil (I use canola.)2 tablespoons self-rising flour (I use all-purpose.)1/4 cup New Mexico or California chilipowder (I usually use regular, but I'm going to try to see if I can find the chili powder specified one of these days.

Mexican Chicken Casserole

2009-05-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

My kids gobble up this Mexican Chicken casserole from Cookinglight!Mexican Chicken CasseroleCookingLight1 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth2 (4.5-ounce) cans chopped green chiles, divided1 3/4 pounds skinned, boned chicken breasts2 teaspoons olive oil1 cup chopped onion1 cup evaporated skim milk1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese1/4 cup (2 ounces) tub-style light cream cheese1

Brown Sugar Muffins

2009-04-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

I brought these to an Easter brunch today, although I ended up cooking them a bit too long while getting ready to go. Luckily for the picture I had a little bit of dough leftover that I was able to watch a little more carefully. We enjoyed these growing up with a delicious BBQ brisket on Sundays. I'll have to add that recipe sometime later. Sweet enough to be desert, yet subtle enough to be a

Mexican Ham and Bean Soup

2009-04-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Are you having Ham for Easter. We will, and we will have lots of leftover Ham. I thought I'd give you a few ideas for all those leftovers.We love this Mexican Ham and Bean soup recipe from Cooking Light. It also freezes well for quick dinners later when you aren't sick of eating ham anymore. I make a few changes to the original recipe, but nothing too drastic.Mexican Ham and Bean Soupadapted

Champion Cornbread

2009-04-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

I like to serve the Mexican Ham and Bean soup with this corn bread recipe from my good friend Erin. Honestly, it's more like cake than cornbread, but oh so yummy!Champion CornbreadErin K.1 1/2 cup sugar4 tbsp. cornmeal3 cups Bisquick3/4 tsp. baking powder2 sticks melted butter1 1/2 c. milk3 eggsSift dry ingredients in a large bowl and make a well in center. In another small bowl, mix cooled

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

2009-04-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

I found this Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe early in our marriage and adapted it slightly. It's not very healthy, so we don't eat it very often, but it's a great way to use up leftover ham and the kids and husband love it.Chicken Cordon Bleu Casseroleadapted from allrecipes.com2 cups cubed prepared chicken nuggets2 cups cubed ham1 cup shredded swiss cheese1 can condensed cream of chicken soup1/2 can

Smoky Chili Joes

2009-04-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

Don't buy the canned stuff any more! If you're frequenting this blog you'll soon realize we try a lot of Cooking Light recipes. We tried this one tonight and it's a great quick meal. We agree with it's five star rating. I changed it slightly, using chipotle tabasco sauce since it is what I had on hand and pinto beans instead of kidney beans. We also used Claussin dill sandwich slices, cause I'm

Salsa Chicken

2009-04-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

This meal is quick and easy and one of the "guys" favorites. It is very forgiving, meaning you don't really need to measure any of the ingredients, but I've provided some for an idea of how to make the dish. Please feel free to add more or less depending on your needs.Salsa Chicken5-6 boneless, skinless chicken (we use breast or tenderloin)1/2 to 1 package taco seasoning (depending on how spicy

Welcome

2009-04-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new adventure in food blogging. I'm mainly doing this as a way to organize and share the recipes our family enjoys. Hope you find some recipes here that your family will enjoy as well!