Here is me at 26 weeks! I'm so much bigger then with Ethan....but I'm also about 15 lbs heavier to start with LOL.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Cupcake Beanie added to shop!
I realize these pictures are terrible, I'll have to get some better ones in the morning light....but here is a cupcake beanie I was *aaaallllmooost* done with for the longest time, so I finally thought I'd finish it to add to my shop! It's a super soft light aqua cake base with soft fuzzy white frosting and pink button sprinkles!
Here is me at 26 weeks! I'm so much bigger then with Ethan....but I'm also about 15 lbs heavier to start with LOL.
Here is me at 26 weeks! I'm so much bigger then with Ethan....but I'm also about 15 lbs heavier to start with LOL.
Super Easy Unbaked Cheesecake
I've been making this cheesecake for Craig for awhile now....he always requests it for holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, or when he wants a cheesecake. Which would be all the time if I let it lol.
It's not that pretty, but it's light, fluffy and extremely easy to make and very tasty!
Note: This is a very whipped cheesecake, it wont firm up like a regular cheesecake. Some find the filling to sweet so you can lower the sugar if you'd prefer.
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 6 tbs butter (yes it's A LOT, but I find the crust doesnt stay together as well with less butter. Use less if you want, it will just make it a bit more crumbly but still taste good)
- 1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar - I like to mix brown and white
Cheesecake:
- 1 8oz package cream cheese
- 1 tbs lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar - I've used a mixture of powdered and regular to make it less fluffy before
1) Mix together graham cracker crumbs, margarine, and sugar in a bowl until well incorporated and crumbly. Press into a pie plate, going up the sides as much as possible.
2) Beat whipping cream in a bowl until fluffy. Add in the cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla and powdered sugar and beat/whip until light and fluffy. Pour into the pie crust and smooth with a spatula.
Refrigerate 2-3 hours until firm, or if you want some asap....freeze for 30 minutes :)
It's not that pretty, but it's light, fluffy and extremely easy to make and very tasty!
Note: This is a very whipped cheesecake, it wont firm up like a regular cheesecake. Some find the filling to sweet so you can lower the sugar if you'd prefer.
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 6 tbs butter (yes it's A LOT, but I find the crust doesnt stay together as well with less butter. Use less if you want, it will just make it a bit more crumbly but still taste good)
- 1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar - I like to mix brown and white
Cheesecake:
- 1 8oz package cream cheese
- 1 tbs lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar - I've used a mixture of powdered and regular to make it less fluffy before
1) Mix together graham cracker crumbs, margarine, and sugar in a bowl until well incorporated and crumbly. Press into a pie plate, going up the sides as much as possible.
2) Beat whipping cream in a bowl until fluffy. Add in the cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla and powdered sugar and beat/whip until light and fluffy. Pour into the pie crust and smooth with a spatula.
Refrigerate 2-3 hours until firm, or if you want some asap....freeze for 30 minutes :)
Tex Mex Cheesesteaks
I don't often make Rachael Ray recipes, the ingredient list always seems to be long, with ingredients I've never bought.
Fennel?
Shallots? (onions are so much cheaper :P)
Dill? I know that's not weird, but I really HATE the flavor of dill. I have no idea why....it's such a common ingredient, but the taste is so off putting to me.
I used to have a subscription to the Rachael Ray magazine a few years ago, and had saved all the magazines. Now that I have 2 (well, 1 and a half) kids I needed more space on the bookshelf! So I've been going through and pulling out recipes that I'd actually make.
This Tex Mex Cheesesteak I made last night, with a few modifications.
I have to say, I think it's better with my modifications, even if I've never had it the normal way :P Craig said "See this is the stuff I like, not things with fruit". If I made black bean tacos with pineapple, he'd say "these are ok, but I like regular better". AAAHHHHHH. He just likes boring 'ol same things, while I like fun and new foods. *sobs*
He doesnt like sweet potatoes or pumpkin, but as soon as I see pumpkin in the store I'm cooking with it....I'm pregnant and I'm the cook so we are having what I want sometimes! ;)
Here is the original. Here is my recipe:
2) Add the butter and onion to the saute pan and saute until onions start to soften. Add the garlic and saute another minute. Cook 3 portions of steak over medium-high heat, seasoning lightly with all the seasonings, for 1 minute. Flip the meat, sprinkle with some cheese and push off to the side of the pan. Continue adding meat, seasonings and cheese to the skillet until all of the meat is cooked and topped with cheese.
3) Place a few tomato slices on each roll bottom. Divide the steak among the 4 sandwiches and set the roll tops into place.
You could add hot sauce and use pepper jack cheese like the recipe called for, but I wanted to make sure Ethan could have some.
He did have a few bites!
These seriously are so amazingly good, I'll probably be making them again next week.
Fennel?
Shallots? (onions are so much cheaper :P)
Dill? I know that's not weird, but I really HATE the flavor of dill. I have no idea why....it's such a common ingredient, but the taste is so off putting to me.
I used to have a subscription to the Rachael Ray magazine a few years ago, and had saved all the magazines. Now that I have 2 (well, 1 and a half) kids I needed more space on the bookshelf! So I've been going through and pulling out recipes that I'd actually make.
This Tex Mex Cheesesteak I made last night, with a few modifications.
I have to say, I think it's better with my modifications, even if I've never had it the normal way :P Craig said "See this is the stuff I like, not things with fruit". If I made black bean tacos with pineapple, he'd say "these are ok, but I like regular better". AAAHHHHHH. He just likes boring 'ol same things, while I like fun and new foods. *sobs*
He doesnt like sweet potatoes or pumpkin, but as soon as I see pumpkin in the store I'm cooking with it....I'm pregnant and I'm the cook so we are having what I want sometimes! ;)
Here is the original. Here is my recipe:
- 2 Hass avocados
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Coarse salt - I used sea salt
- 4 soft hoagie or kaiser rolls, split (toasted if desired). I used french.
- One 12.25-ounce box thawed frozen steak for cheesesteaks, such as Steak-umm
- 1 small onion chopped into strips
- 1 tbs minced garlic
- 1 tbs butter
- 1 teaspoons chili powder
- 6 ounces Jack cheese, 3 oz cheddar cheese - shredded
- 1 tomato, sliced, for serving
- 1 tsp Lawry's Seasoned Salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 tsp cumin
2) Add the butter and onion to the saute pan and saute until onions start to soften. Add the garlic and saute another minute. Cook 3 portions of steak over medium-high heat, seasoning lightly with all the seasonings, for 1 minute. Flip the meat, sprinkle with some cheese and push off to the side of the pan. Continue adding meat, seasonings and cheese to the skillet until all of the meat is cooked and topped with cheese.
3) Place a few tomato slices on each roll bottom. Divide the steak among the 4 sandwiches and set the roll tops into place.
You could add hot sauce and use pepper jack cheese like the recipe called for, but I wanted to make sure Ethan could have some.
He did have a few bites!
These seriously are so amazingly good, I'll probably be making them again next week.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Orders shipped, now do I nap?
Woohoo big order is all shipped out and I just got another order for a cupcake beanie! I think I'm also going to make my niece (that's so weird sounding to me lol) one for her 1st birthday.
Now I cant decide if I want to have a cup of coffee and get stuff done around the house....or take a nap. Ethan might be up at any time but I'm exhausted, so I'm thinking nap.
Even though the crafter in me says more coffee!
*yawn*
Or maybe sleep.
My parents came up for a few hours today so I was able to get a few errands done, like going to the grocery store and getting enough (well, almost) groceries for the week!! AND it only took half an hour! If Ethan was there it would of been an hour, minimum lol.
Recipes I'm making so far this week:
(I didint get to a few of these last week, there were substitutions so I'm making them this week)
Tex Mex Cheesesteaks
Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta
Chipotle Orange Pork Tacos
Bowtie Lasagna
Now I cant decide if I want to have a cup of coffee and get stuff done around the house....or take a nap. Ethan might be up at any time but I'm exhausted, so I'm thinking nap.
Even though the crafter in me says more coffee!
*yawn*
Or maybe sleep.
My parents came up for a few hours today so I was able to get a few errands done, like going to the grocery store and getting enough (well, almost) groceries for the week!! AND it only took half an hour! If Ethan was there it would of been an hour, minimum lol.
Recipes I'm making so far this week:
(I didint get to a few of these last week, there were substitutions so I'm making them this week)
Tex Mex Cheesesteaks
Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta
Chipotle Orange Pork Tacos
Bowtie Lasagna
Coffee Cozies
I FOUND MY CAMERA CHARGER! And a few other things I was missing (thank you for keeping them safe for me Ethan) in a box that I would toss Craig's random computer parts in....Ethan must of saw me doing that and thought he would "help" lol. So I was able to take a few pictures of the coffee cup cozies I've been working on for my Etsy shop.
Because I love Battlestar Galactica, a show I never ever thought I'd watch. EVER.
A cute little ghost friend cozy that has a sparkly gray outline, I love this one :)
This Pumpkin Patch cozy has Jack 'o Lantern faces drawn in puffy paint all throughout!
I have a few more Halloween themed ones planned, but I really do need to finish Ethan's Brobee beanie!
But first it's time for breakfast.
Because I love Battlestar Galactica, a show I never ever thought I'd watch. EVER.
A cute little ghost friend cozy that has a sparkly gray outline, I love this one :)
This Pumpkin Patch cozy has Jack 'o Lantern faces drawn in puffy paint all throughout!
I have a few more Halloween themed ones planned, but I really do need to finish Ethan's Brobee beanie!
But first it's time for breakfast.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Just a quick update...
I still haven't found canned pumpkin anywhere! That makes me a sad panda. I have a few recipes I really want to try out....I still have 1 store around here that I haven't checked though lol.
I finished my Etsy order (ships today) and I'm working on some Halloween themed coffee cup cozies (java jammes, coffee sleeves....etc) for my Etsy shop because I wanted to change it up from so many beanies. I'm still working on Ethan's Brobee beanie, but I needed a little break. It's not like he'll wear it anyway lol. My plan for Halloween is to make him this R2D2 costume, but now I'm not so sure since he wont wear hats, at all. I had thought of putting ties on it so he couldn't take it off, but not only would he HATE it, he still probably could take it off.
So we'll see, we still have awhile until Halloween :)
This is terrible, I cant find the charger for my camera battery anywhere!!!! I'm pretty sure I've seen it since we've moved but I have looked EVERYWHERE and cant find it. I probably put it in a "safe place" somewhere :(
I finished my Etsy order (ships today) and I'm working on some Halloween themed coffee cup cozies (java jammes, coffee sleeves....etc) for my Etsy shop because I wanted to change it up from so many beanies. I'm still working on Ethan's Brobee beanie, but I needed a little break. It's not like he'll wear it anyway lol. My plan for Halloween is to make him this R2D2 costume, but now I'm not so sure since he wont wear hats, at all. I had thought of putting ties on it so he couldn't take it off, but not only would he HATE it, he still probably could take it off.
So we'll see, we still have awhile until Halloween :)
This is terrible, I cant find the charger for my camera battery anywhere!!!! I'm pretty sure I've seen it since we've moved but I have looked EVERYWHERE and cant find it. I probably put it in a "safe place" somewhere :(
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Halloween Project Ideas
I hear Ethan snoring on the baby monitor lol. Yesterday I took Ethan downtown to the fountains to let him play in them, and we were there an hour! I didn't think he'd play that long and it was 105 degrees out but he was having so much fun splashing and following the other kids around. Then I took him to the mall to check out The Childrens Place for some gifts for his cousin and our friends who are having a baby. The mall took FOREVER because he had to touch everything and he was walking sooooo slooooooow lol. I also wanted to go to Bath and Body Works to check out there Halloween stuff but he was getting to tired/cranky so we left.
I've started to save pictures and ideas for Halloween decor since we don't have any! We'll see if I can actually get around to making any of it, but here are some things on my crafty wishlish:
(These had to be fast and easy so I could do it while Ethan naps)
- No sew felt pumpkin pillows
- Jack o Lantern Pom Poms: Could be cute in a glass jar or strung up as garland. But I'd rather buy already done orange pom poms.
- Vintage Halloween Banner: Or some sort of Halloween bunting
- Big Spooky Ornament: This would be cool just hanging in the living room or something. Needs more glitter!
- Halloween Lanterns: I always see these at Dollar Tree so this could make fun garland too!
- Felt Cat and Pumpkin Wall Hanging
- Jack the Hoop-o-Lantern: I am in LOVE with this! So creative!
- Spiderwebs: While I normally would never ever put any spider related paraphenalia in my house (hey, I even married a professional bug killer) this is such a cool technique that I am tempted to try it out.
- Birdie Witch: How cute would a mobile of these be?
- Boo Footprints: These would be really great Halloween cards.
- Halloween Art: A tutorial on how to paint a Halloween scene! I'd love to try this!
- Printable Skeleton Decoration
Craftster ideas (you might need to sign up to view):
Spooky Feathered Wreath : I already have a "monster wreath" but this one is waaaaaay cooler
I'll keep updating this post as I find new ideas so I have them all organized in one place. As you can see I like cutsey Halloween stuff, no gore allowed here :P
I'm not a fan of carving pumpkins, I HATE cleaning them out lol.....in years past I usually just glitter or paint them. While glitter is my favorite, I think that would be a bad idea with a 18 month old around....so we probably will just paint a few.
Ethan's awake, I'll finish later!
I've started to save pictures and ideas for Halloween decor since we don't have any! We'll see if I can actually get around to making any of it, but here are some things on my crafty wishlish:
(These had to be fast and easy so I could do it while Ethan naps)
- No sew felt pumpkin pillows
- Jack o Lantern Pom Poms: Could be cute in a glass jar or strung up as garland. But I'd rather buy already done orange pom poms.
- Vintage Halloween Banner: Or some sort of Halloween bunting
- Big Spooky Ornament: This would be cool just hanging in the living room or something. Needs more glitter!
- Halloween Lanterns: I always see these at Dollar Tree so this could make fun garland too!
- Felt Cat and Pumpkin Wall Hanging
- Jack the Hoop-o-Lantern: I am in LOVE with this! So creative!
- Spiderwebs: While I normally would never ever put any spider related paraphenalia in my house (hey, I even married a professional bug killer) this is such a cool technique that I am tempted to try it out.
- Birdie Witch: How cute would a mobile of these be?
- Boo Footprints: These would be really great Halloween cards.
- Halloween Art: A tutorial on how to paint a Halloween scene! I'd love to try this!
- Printable Skeleton Decoration
Craftster ideas (you might need to sign up to view):
Spooky Feathered Wreath : I already have a "monster wreath" but this one is waaaaaay cooler
I'll keep updating this post as I find new ideas so I have them all organized in one place. As you can see I like cutsey Halloween stuff, no gore allowed here :P
I'm not a fan of carving pumpkins, I HATE cleaning them out lol.....in years past I usually just glitter or paint them. While glitter is my favorite, I think that would be a bad idea with a 18 month old around....so we probably will just paint a few.
Ethan's awake, I'll finish later!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Meal Plan
Here is what I'm thinking for dinner this week:
Monday:
Butter Chicken
Tuesday:
"Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich"
Wednesday:
This depends on if I can find canned pumpkin in the store...I haven't seen it yet but we'll see!
Pumpkin Chili
If not, then Bowtie Lasagna
Thursday:
Either leftover pumpkin chili, Bowtie Lasagna (or if there was no pumpkin and I made the lasagna lol) Chipotle and Orange Pork Tacos
Friday:
Leftover pork tacos
Saturday:
Takeout
Sunday:
Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta
A few days ago I bought a binder and some page protectors to make my own cookbook, and it's already getting super full! I've only really been cooking about 2 years, and I've made a few yummy dishes that I wish I had kept around the recipe....I tend to just make it off the website and then forget. But that is a problem no more :)
The French Onion Soup I made yesterday was pretty good, I've never had real french onion soup so I have nothing to compare it to. The only changes I made from her recipe was I only had red onions in the house, I added some worcestershire sauce and a little bit of flour. Oh yeah and I did saute the onions in the butter for a few minutes before putting them in the slow cooker, I just wanted to make sure it would be done. I had made this soup (although I'm not sure if it was this recipe) before and I remember it being reeeallly good....but I also kinda remember adding in more ingredients, like beer. I wonder if it's in my AllRecipes recipe box lol.
Monday:
Butter Chicken
Tuesday:
"Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich"
Wednesday:
This depends on if I can find canned pumpkin in the store...I haven't seen it yet but we'll see!
Pumpkin Chili
If not, then Bowtie Lasagna
Thursday:
Either leftover pumpkin chili, Bowtie Lasagna (or if there was no pumpkin and I made the lasagna lol) Chipotle and Orange Pork Tacos
Friday:
Leftover pork tacos
Saturday:
Takeout
Sunday:
Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta
A few days ago I bought a binder and some page protectors to make my own cookbook, and it's already getting super full! I've only really been cooking about 2 years, and I've made a few yummy dishes that I wish I had kept around the recipe....I tend to just make it off the website and then forget. But that is a problem no more :)
The French Onion Soup I made yesterday was pretty good, I've never had real french onion soup so I have nothing to compare it to. The only changes I made from her recipe was I only had red onions in the house, I added some worcestershire sauce and a little bit of flour. Oh yeah and I did saute the onions in the butter for a few minutes before putting them in the slow cooker, I just wanted to make sure it would be done. I had made this soup (although I'm not sure if it was this recipe) before and I remember it being reeeallly good....but I also kinda remember adding in more ingredients, like beer. I wonder if it's in my AllRecipes recipe box lol.
Friday, August 20, 2010
I think I love Pioneer Woman
So far I've made 2 Pioneer Woman recipes, and both were amaaaaaaazing. I made the sloppy joes pretty much as written but the spaghetti chicken I changed a bit....I needed a quicker version since I didint start it until like 5:30pm lol.
I have a feeling her recipes will be overtaking our house for weeks to come.
Here is the original recipe.
I just sauteed the chicken in a skillet instead of boiled it, then added some onions, garlic and mushrooms to caramelize a bit.
I only had cream of mushroom soup and yellow bellpeppers, and no pimentos.
When I was mixing it all together, I just added maybe 1/2 cup chicken broth instead of a chicken broth/pasta water mix. In fact I just boiled the spaghetti like normal and didint do anything besides salt the water.
I also baked it at 375 for 20 minutes to speed it up and it was perfect.
It's a VERY rich recipe but super good!
Tonight is going to be French Onion Soup and either leftovers or enchiladas tomorrow....and I'm betting there wont be much leftovers lol.
As I'm typing this I just discovered the PW has her recipes in a printable format! And I'm out of printer paper! Arg!
Be right back.
Back, printer is full and all is ok again.
I've been in such a holiday mood lately...mainly for Christmas because we'll have a brand new baby then! I'm going to be so exhausted, but Santa will still be bringing Ethan special presents and my apartment will still be getting decorated! I don't have much in the way of holiday decor (for any holiday) but I'll just have to keep my eyes open at Ross and Dollar Tree to see what I can do.
I have a feeling her recipes will be overtaking our house for weeks to come.
Here is the original recipe.
I just sauteed the chicken in a skillet instead of boiled it, then added some onions, garlic and mushrooms to caramelize a bit.
I only had cream of mushroom soup and yellow bellpeppers, and no pimentos.
When I was mixing it all together, I just added maybe 1/2 cup chicken broth instead of a chicken broth/pasta water mix. In fact I just boiled the spaghetti like normal and didint do anything besides salt the water.
I also baked it at 375 for 20 minutes to speed it up and it was perfect.
It's a VERY rich recipe but super good!
Tonight is going to be French Onion Soup and either leftovers or enchiladas tomorrow....and I'm betting there wont be much leftovers lol.
As I'm typing this I just discovered the PW has her recipes in a printable format! And I'm out of printer paper! Arg!
Be right back.
Back, printer is full and all is ok again.
I've been in such a holiday mood lately...mainly for Christmas because we'll have a brand new baby then! I'm going to be so exhausted, but Santa will still be bringing Ethan special presents and my apartment will still be getting decorated! I don't have much in the way of holiday decor (for any holiday) but I'll just have to keep my eyes open at Ross and Dollar Tree to see what I can do.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Pretty Things
I've got quite a few projects in the works at the same time that I need to finish up this week....if Ethan (and the house) lets me!
- An order of 4 Ninja Turtle Beanies that I'm about midway done with
- Brobee beanie that is half done. It's for Ethan but I think I'll start adding those to my Etsy shop too
- A cupcake beanie with a purple top and brown base...I started this before the other beanies just to have a finish hat in my shop!
I cannot wait until I can get the Urban Decay Naked Palette! I am waiting until I have some more money saved up in Paypal....but this palette is just gorgeous. It's exactly what I need....all neutrals! But perfect neutrals :)
I've also heard great things about Sephora's Body Self Tanning Tinted Bronzing Mist. I'm super pale so having some color just makes me look a little bit more "alive" lol.
I'm also super interested in L'Oreal's Lash Boosting Serum, I've heard nothing but good things and I could really use it....my lashes have gotten pretty thin and they seem to be falling out! I'm not sure if it's related to all the pregnancy/breastfeeding hormones or mascara, but I noticed it the other day and was surprised.
Today my husband and I have been married 1 year! We've been together 6 years, engaged 5 years (the wedding itself wasen't a huge priority to us....we were just happy being together) , and now we have 2 kids! It was a rough start living with his mom and then my parents before getting on our feet, but now we have an amazing apartment and a happy little family and I'm able to be a stay at home Mom. I love it. Although after Ethan starts school I will probably go back to work part time just to get out of the house a bit.....if we can afford the daycare lol.
We aren't done having kids I dont think, but we arent even really talking about it until Ethan is in school!
- An order of 4 Ninja Turtle Beanies that I'm about midway done with
- Brobee beanie that is half done. It's for Ethan but I think I'll start adding those to my Etsy shop too
- A cupcake beanie with a purple top and brown base...I started this before the other beanies just to have a finish hat in my shop!
I cannot wait until I can get the Urban Decay Naked Palette! I am waiting until I have some more money saved up in Paypal....but this palette is just gorgeous. It's exactly what I need....all neutrals! But perfect neutrals :)
I've also heard great things about Sephora's Body Self Tanning Tinted Bronzing Mist. I'm super pale so having some color just makes me look a little bit more "alive" lol.
I'm also super interested in L'Oreal's Lash Boosting Serum, I've heard nothing but good things and I could really use it....my lashes have gotten pretty thin and they seem to be falling out! I'm not sure if it's related to all the pregnancy/breastfeeding hormones or mascara, but I noticed it the other day and was surprised.
Today my husband and I have been married 1 year! We've been together 6 years, engaged 5 years (the wedding itself wasen't a huge priority to us....we were just happy being together) , and now we have 2 kids! It was a rough start living with his mom and then my parents before getting on our feet, but now we have an amazing apartment and a happy little family and I'm able to be a stay at home Mom. I love it. Although after Ethan starts school I will probably go back to work part time just to get out of the house a bit.....if we can afford the daycare lol.
We aren't done having kids I dont think, but we arent even really talking about it until Ethan is in school!
Meal Plan Monday
Here is the plan for the week, although usually throughout the week it changes some lol.
Monday:
Pioneer Woman's Sloppy Joes
Frozen sweet potato fries tossed with basil/salt/pepper and a dipping sauce:
¾ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
¼ teaspoon minced garlic
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon lime zest
Tuesday:
An enchilada recipe similar to this one, I'll post it once I make it
Wednesday:
Leftovers!
Thursday:
Chicken with Scallion-Lime Sauce and Sweet Carrot Rice
Friday:
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Easy Quiche
Saturday:
Hopefully leftovers, if not then Chicken Spaghetti
Sunday:
Either leftovers or takeout!
Monday:
Pioneer Woman's Sloppy Joes
Frozen sweet potato fries tossed with basil/salt/pepper and a dipping sauce:
¾ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
¼ teaspoon minced garlic
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon lime zest
Tuesday:
An enchilada recipe similar to this one, I'll post it once I make it
Wednesday:
Leftovers!
Thursday:
Chicken with Scallion-Lime Sauce and Sweet Carrot Rice
Friday:
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Easy Quiche
Saturday:
Hopefully leftovers, if not then Chicken Spaghetti
Sunday:
Either leftovers or takeout!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Garlic Chicken
This is Craig's favorite dinner it seems like since he always requests it! It's super juicy and moist and I usually just serve it with rice pilaf and a veggie. Ethan doesn't like the chicken of course :P
- 3 Chicken breasts (I use the bags of frozen boneless skinless, so just defrost enough for your family)
- Italian Dressing
- Lawry's Garlic and Herb Marinade
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
- 1/2 cup flaxseed (optional but I like to pretend it's healthy then)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup white flour
Place chicken in a plastic bag (I sometimes do this while it's still frozen) and cover with 1/2 italian dressing and 1/2 Lawry's marinade.....enough to cover and add the minced garlic. I marinate it at least 4 hours.
Take 3 bowls and in them place:
Bowl 1: The 2 types of flour
Bowl 2: 2 eggs, beaten
Bowl 3: Bread crumbs, garlic powder and flax seed
Dip the chicken in the flour, then egg then bread crumb mixture.
I usually cook the chicken in a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes, but if I dont have the time I'll just cook it on a medium heat skillet for oh 5 minutes on each side or so....however long it takes.
Then eat :D
- 3 Chicken breasts (I use the bags of frozen boneless skinless, so just defrost enough for your family)
- Italian Dressing
- Lawry's Garlic and Herb Marinade
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
- 1/2 cup flaxseed (optional but I like to pretend it's healthy then)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup white flour
Place chicken in a plastic bag (I sometimes do this while it's still frozen) and cover with 1/2 italian dressing and 1/2 Lawry's marinade.....enough to cover and add the minced garlic. I marinate it at least 4 hours.
Take 3 bowls and in them place:
Bowl 1: The 2 types of flour
Bowl 2: 2 eggs, beaten
Bowl 3: Bread crumbs, garlic powder and flax seed
Dip the chicken in the flour, then egg then bread crumb mixture.
I usually cook the chicken in a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes, but if I dont have the time I'll just cook it on a medium heat skillet for oh 5 minutes on each side or so....however long it takes.
Then eat :D
Pesto Chicken
This is the easiest recipe ever and it's so tasty! Even my 16 month old eats it and he's incredibly picky. I need to start measuring things and taking pictures now lol.
Pesto Chicken
- 3 defrosted chicken breasts or however many feeds your family (I just buy the frozen bags of boneless skinless)
- Half a jar of store bought pesto. I dont have a food processor so I dont make my own although I'm sure it's tastier if you do
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Parmesan cheese (I have the cheapy kind in the bottle)
- Enough cooked spaghetti to feed your family, I use whole wheat
Preheat oven to 350
In a seperate bowl, combine pesto and sour cream.
Place chicken in baking dish, pour pesto mixture over and toss to coat.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 40 minutes or until chicken is done.
Make spaghetti according to package directions.
When the chicken is done I like to cut it up into bite sized cubes, but you can leave it whole if you'd prefer. I just toss everything in a giant bowl, sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese and serve. Super yummy!
I also make my son and husband garlic bread to go along with it....if I remember to buy it I even will serve a garlic loaf sometimes lol.
Pesto Chicken
- 3 defrosted chicken breasts or however many feeds your family (I just buy the frozen bags of boneless skinless)
- Half a jar of store bought pesto. I dont have a food processor so I dont make my own although I'm sure it's tastier if you do
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Parmesan cheese (I have the cheapy kind in the bottle)
- Enough cooked spaghetti to feed your family, I use whole wheat
Preheat oven to 350
In a seperate bowl, combine pesto and sour cream.
Place chicken in baking dish, pour pesto mixture over and toss to coat.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 40 minutes or until chicken is done.
Make spaghetti according to package directions.
When the chicken is done I like to cut it up into bite sized cubes, but you can leave it whole if you'd prefer. I just toss everything in a giant bowl, sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese and serve. Super yummy!
I also make my son and husband garlic bread to go along with it....if I remember to buy it I even will serve a garlic loaf sometimes lol.
Carrots with Curry Orange Sauce
I made this the other day and I was really impressed! Craig loved them too, Ethan wouldent touch them (but he's that way with veggies). It's from a little "Love Your Heart" American Heart Association Cookbook that I have no idea where I got it from.
Serves 4, 1/2 cup carrots and 1 tablespoon sauce per serving.
4 Medium carrots, cut diagonally into 1/8 inch slices (I used about a half pound baby carrots uncut)
Sauce:
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin (I didint have any)
1/8 tsp salt (I used Kosher so I used a little more salt)
In a large saucepan, steam carrots for 7 - 8 minutes, or until just tender. Pour into a colander and drain well. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring the orange juice to a boil over medium high heat. Boil for 1 1/2 minutes, or until reduced to 2 tablespoons. Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining sauce ingrediants, mix in carrots.
Serves 4, 1/2 cup carrots and 1 tablespoon sauce per serving.
4 Medium carrots, cut diagonally into 1/8 inch slices (I used about a half pound baby carrots uncut)
Sauce:
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin (I didint have any)
1/8 tsp salt (I used Kosher so I used a little more salt)
In a large saucepan, steam carrots for 7 - 8 minutes, or until just tender. Pour into a colander and drain well. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring the orange juice to a boil over medium high heat. Boil for 1 1/2 minutes, or until reduced to 2 tablespoons. Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining sauce ingrediants, mix in carrots.
Recipes and no sleep!
It's 6:30 am, I've been up for almost an hour...and Ethan is not even awake! My sleep has been so terrible lately, I wonder if it's pregnancy insomnia.
Actually I think one of the reasons why is that I haven't been able to craft as much and I have so many ideas floating in my head that want me to make them now that it's hard to suppress the creativity LOL. I think I need to start making little beanies for ball joint dolls because they are small and quick....except I only know of my cousin who has one but she lives an hour away! Maybe I'll have her compare her dolls head size to a fruit so I can make some here, mail them to her and she can take pictures for my Etsy shop. We'll see :D
Here are some random recipes I've made lately:
- Crispy Chicken with Creamy Orange Sauce: I marinated mine in a marinade of lemon, lime, garlic, orange juice...and uh I think that's it. I kinda just threw things in there. It was amazing. Ethan wouldn't try it.
- Slow Cooker Sweet Mustard Roast Beef: While I personally didn't care for it (I think I just don't like roast beef to be honest) my husband said it was really good with a mild sweet flavor that went well. My 16 month old tasted it then threw it across the room. But he hates meat so don't take that as any indication of flavor ;)
- Cheesecake Brownies: BEST BROWNIES EVER. I used Ghiradelli double chocolate brownies and added vanilla into the cheesecake mixture. They are super rich but soooooo good.
- Quinoa and Black Beans: This was terrible. I think my taste has been off this week too but I thought this was disgusting. So I added in some cheddar cheese, lime, salsa and sour cream and made it "southwestern". I thought it was ok - Craig liked it and Ethan...again, wouldn't touch it.
- Quinoa with Sweet Potato and Mushrooms: I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dish. But I love sweet potatoes, in fact I think I would make them almost nightly in different forms if I could....but Craig doesn't like them! How insane is that?! (he did also say he didn't like pesto but he requests pesto chicken almost weekly) He did like this dish though.
- Sweet Potato Burritos: This sounds so weird but it's SO GOOD. Craig of course didn't like it but it was one of my favorite meals yet.
- Spinach Ricotta Bites: I made these in the hopes that it would get Ethan to eat some veggies.....but nope it didint work. I think these make a tasty little snack but Craig just said they're alright. Can you tell we have different tastes? :) I added cheddar cheese and bacon to mine.
- Spicy White Lasagna: This was really really good, and normally I'm not a fan of sausage. Ethan even ate it!
Since I REALLY need to start writing my recipes down, I thought I'd post them on here to start off so I at least have them somewhere so I don't forget. I'll post these recipes soon, but here are some staples around our house:
- Pesto Chicken: It's just chicken that I bake with a half a jar of pesto, sometimes I even mix in sour cream if I'm really feeling daring. Then I mix it with cooked whole wheat spaghetti and yummyness ensues. Ethan actually ate the chicken last time I made it!
- Pulled Pork: YUM. This recipes was originally from Makeupalley, but I tweak it a bit and add less vinegar (Craig likes it that way) and just randomly throw in the spices for the rub. I'll look it over and see what I do so I can post it.
- Meatloaf: I used to just use those seasoning packets but that seemed so dumb since I have all the seasonings here. So last week when I made it I added my own seasonings, garlic, Italian breadcrumbs, worchestire and um...I'll have to check on the rest lol. But it was so much better then just a seasoning packet.
- Garlic Chicken: This is Craig's favorite recipe that he ALWAYS asks for when I ask him what he wants for dinner. It's evolved quite a lot so it's not quite as garlicky as it used to be....I like it better that way. I marinade chicken in a mixture of Italian Dressing, garlic and Lawrys Herb and Garlic Marinade which I really hate to use since it has high fructose corn syrup...but it makes for tasty chicken. Then I coat the chicken in a mixture of half whole wheat flour, half white flour, then egg, then a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs/flaxseed/garlic powder. Depending on how much time I have I either bake it at 350 for 40 minutes, or just cook it with some olive oil on the skillet. It's super juicy and flavorful and Ethan even took a bite of it last night when I made it!
I think this is the original garlic chicken recipe.
- Tacos: Tacos are easy around here, it's either chicken or that strips of beef ("sandwich meat" I think it says on the package) that sometimes I marinade in a mixture of salsa/lime/beer/garlic...but most of the time this is a last minute meal so I just throw the meat on the skillet with some taco seasoning and onions and call it done. We put it in a tortilla with lots of cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Super easy.
- Lasagna: I just use the directions on the box of whole wheat no cook lasagna noodles LOL. I do add in more seasonings, cheese and use more sauce and no water.
Actually I think one of the reasons why is that I haven't been able to craft as much and I have so many ideas floating in my head that want me to make them now that it's hard to suppress the creativity LOL. I think I need to start making little beanies for ball joint dolls because they are small and quick....except I only know of my cousin who has one but she lives an hour away! Maybe I'll have her compare her dolls head size to a fruit so I can make some here, mail them to her and she can take pictures for my Etsy shop. We'll see :D
Here are some random recipes I've made lately:
- Crispy Chicken with Creamy Orange Sauce: I marinated mine in a marinade of lemon, lime, garlic, orange juice...and uh I think that's it. I kinda just threw things in there. It was amazing. Ethan wouldn't try it.
- Slow Cooker Sweet Mustard Roast Beef: While I personally didn't care for it (I think I just don't like roast beef to be honest) my husband said it was really good with a mild sweet flavor that went well. My 16 month old tasted it then threw it across the room. But he hates meat so don't take that as any indication of flavor ;)
- Cheesecake Brownies: BEST BROWNIES EVER. I used Ghiradelli double chocolate brownies and added vanilla into the cheesecake mixture. They are super rich but soooooo good.
- Quinoa and Black Beans: This was terrible. I think my taste has been off this week too but I thought this was disgusting. So I added in some cheddar cheese, lime, salsa and sour cream and made it "southwestern". I thought it was ok - Craig liked it and Ethan...again, wouldn't touch it.
- Quinoa with Sweet Potato and Mushrooms: I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dish. But I love sweet potatoes, in fact I think I would make them almost nightly in different forms if I could....but Craig doesn't like them! How insane is that?! (he did also say he didn't like pesto but he requests pesto chicken almost weekly) He did like this dish though.
- Sweet Potato Burritos: This sounds so weird but it's SO GOOD. Craig of course didn't like it but it was one of my favorite meals yet.
- Spinach Ricotta Bites: I made these in the hopes that it would get Ethan to eat some veggies.....but nope it didint work. I think these make a tasty little snack but Craig just said they're alright. Can you tell we have different tastes? :) I added cheddar cheese and bacon to mine.
- Spicy White Lasagna: This was really really good, and normally I'm not a fan of sausage. Ethan even ate it!
Since I REALLY need to start writing my recipes down, I thought I'd post them on here to start off so I at least have them somewhere so I don't forget. I'll post these recipes soon, but here are some staples around our house:
- Pesto Chicken: It's just chicken that I bake with a half a jar of pesto, sometimes I even mix in sour cream if I'm really feeling daring. Then I mix it with cooked whole wheat spaghetti and yummyness ensues. Ethan actually ate the chicken last time I made it!
- Pulled Pork: YUM. This recipes was originally from Makeupalley, but I tweak it a bit and add less vinegar (Craig likes it that way) and just randomly throw in the spices for the rub. I'll look it over and see what I do so I can post it.
- Meatloaf: I used to just use those seasoning packets but that seemed so dumb since I have all the seasonings here. So last week when I made it I added my own seasonings, garlic, Italian breadcrumbs, worchestire and um...I'll have to check on the rest lol. But it was so much better then just a seasoning packet.
- Garlic Chicken: This is Craig's favorite recipe that he ALWAYS asks for when I ask him what he wants for dinner. It's evolved quite a lot so it's not quite as garlicky as it used to be....I like it better that way. I marinade chicken in a mixture of Italian Dressing, garlic and Lawrys Herb and Garlic Marinade which I really hate to use since it has high fructose corn syrup...but it makes for tasty chicken. Then I coat the chicken in a mixture of half whole wheat flour, half white flour, then egg, then a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs/flaxseed/garlic powder. Depending on how much time I have I either bake it at 350 for 40 minutes, or just cook it with some olive oil on the skillet. It's super juicy and flavorful and Ethan even took a bite of it last night when I made it!
I think this is the original garlic chicken recipe.
- Tacos: Tacos are easy around here, it's either chicken or that strips of beef ("sandwich meat" I think it says on the package) that sometimes I marinade in a mixture of salsa/lime/beer/garlic...but most of the time this is a last minute meal so I just throw the meat on the skillet with some taco seasoning and onions and call it done. We put it in a tortilla with lots of cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Super easy.
- Lasagna: I just use the directions on the box of whole wheat no cook lasagna noodles LOL. I do add in more seasonings, cheese and use more sauce and no water.
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