Here's to a Happy & Healthy Fall

Summer has long since faded into the background. I no longer feel the need to jump out of bed and seize the day. I can say goodbye to my swimsuits and sunburns. Why you ask? Because FALL 2009 is HERE! While simultaneously sloughing off summer, I am whole heatedly welcoming fall into my life. I am giving myself permission to slow down, take time for one more cup of coffee, steal a moment more under the covers, read one more page in my book, grab one more snuggle from my kiddos, lounge in my pj's for just a moment longer, and steal my husband's covers for warmth because chilly fall air is wafting through the open windows. So, I raise my Spiced Pumpkin Latte and say, "Here's to a happy & healthy fall, slowing down a bit, and savoring the small moments in life" To properly welcome Fall 09 I made my apple cinnamon muffins this morning and realized I have never shared it with you.

If you make these muffins, be warned : your home will smell so delicious you may become delusional.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 3/4 c. white flour 3/4 c. whole wheat flour 1 1/2t. baking powder 1 t. cinnamon 1 egg beaten 1/3c. melted butter 1 chopped apple (about 1 Cup) I use granny smith, peel and all In lg bowl, mix dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients. Combine and stir with wooden spoon. Put in greased muffin tin or use muffin liners. Bake 18-23 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.

My Food Processor is DRUNK!

With Summer comes all sorts of cooking experiments waiting to happen. I love when my husband can fire up the grill and we can try new things. My parents came over for dinner a few nights ago and I wanted to give them a "Stout Burger", so my creative juices started flowing and this is what I came up with. It ended up be quit the crowd pleaser despite my concerns about the smell of the marinade. This would be a perfect recipe to use for a guys night!

********************************************** Puree all ingredients together 1 Cup red onion 2 Garlic cloves 1 Bottle Dark Beer To make my burgers extra tasty, I mixed in a few tablespoons of marinade into the beef.

Grill burgers as usual, liberally basting with the marinade, while cooking. Serve on toasted RYE bread with a thick slice of Cheddar, some lettuce and enjoy!

**********************************************************

My handy husband also made me some Salt and Pepper shakers out of the used beer bottles (cleaned and dried of course)

This made a great little caddy for taking the silverware, napkins, and salt and pepper shakers wherever we needed them.

Summer Recipe Challenge 2009 - WINNER!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Jennifer Ginelli of Party MOMster You and your Spinach Lasagna just won!

*********************************************** CONGRATULATIONS! Audrey Freisen of Audrey's Favorite Recipes You just won the "2nd Chance Drawing" A big THANK YOU to everyone who entered and to all our sponsors. This was a lot of fun and I can't wait to do it again!

Strawberry Rhubarb Crepes

YUMMO: I have never made crepes before so if this isn't how they are supposed to look, I'm sorry. I served these crepes when my parents came over one evening. I did most of the work ahead of time and then assembled them on the spot. Everybody went nuts for them. They took a lot of patience to make and I wouldn't recommend making them with two kiddos hanging on ya. But they were fantastic and I can't wait to try and make them again the next time I need a desert. Batter: 1 cup all purpose flour 1 tbsp. Sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 1/2 cups milk 2 eggs Filling: 8oz cream cheese, softened 1 carton whipped topping, thawed 1/2 C Confectioner's sugar SAUCE 2 1/2 C chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb (1" pieces) 1 C water 1/2 cup sugar 2 tbsp. grated lemon peel 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup sliced fresh or frozen unsweetened strawberries 2 tbsp. lemon juice 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 3-4 drops red food coloring, optional In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, water, sugar, lemon peel and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat until rhubarb is soft, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in strawberries, lemon juice and cinnamon. Add food coloring if desired. In a large bowl, combine filling, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. In a 8" nonstick skillet, melt 1 tsp. butter. Stir batter; pour about 2 T into the center of skillet. Lift & tilt pan to evenly coat bottom. Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Remove to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter, add butter as needed. When cool, stack crepes between waxed paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat the filling ingredients until smooth. Spread 2T on each crepe; roll up. Top with sauce.

Rio Sweet Pork

I loved this recipe! It was so versatile and my entire family ate it. It was super easy to cook the pork overnight. I am absolutely in love with the dressing and our family has been putting it on the table almost every meal now. I loved that I could give my kiddos the rice and beans on the side. We served ours as tacos with rice, beans, pork, dressing, fresh lettuce, and some guacamole! FANTASTIC, and made TONS of leftovers. We ate it as a salad the next evening. 



2 pounds pork (I used boneless pork Tenerloin) 
3 cans Coke (NOT diet)  
1 ¼ C brown sugar  
dash of garlic salt  
1/4 cup water  
1 can diced green chilies  
3/4 can enchilada sauce  

Marinate: 1 ½ can of coke and ¼ C brown sugar. Marinade for a few hours or overnight. Drain marinade and put pork, ½ can of coke, water, and garlic salt in crock-pot on low for 6- 8 hours. Remove pork from crock-pot and drain any liquid. Shred pork.  

In a food processor or blender, blend ½ can Coke, chilies, enchilada sauce and remaining brown sugar (about a cup, you can add a little more or less to taste.). If it looks too thick, add more Coke slowly 

Put shredded pork and sauce in crock-pot and cook on low for 2 hrs.
 

Cilantro Ranch Dressing  

1 Pkg dry Ranch mix (not BUTTERMILK) 

1 c. Light Sour cream 

1 c. skim milk 

1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro 

1 clove garlic 

juice of 1 lime 

diced Jalapenos to taste  

Mix all ingredients together in the blender. That's it!

 

Cilantro-Lime Rice  
2 C cooked rice (long-grain, brown rice) 
2 cloves garlic, minced 
2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice 
3 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro  
Once rice is cooked add all ingredients together.

Caribbean Salad

SALAD

Lettuce (I used Romain and Spinach)

Corn (I used left over corn on the cob)

Black beans

Fresh Pineapple Chunks

Pineapple chunks

Your favorite teriyaki sauce

chicken

pico de gallo (sometimes I just use fresh salsa and drained the juice out of it)

Marinate the chicken in Teriyaki sauce for atleast 2 hours - grill and cube. Dice all ingredients and add all other components.

HONEY LIME DRESSING

1/4 c Grey Poupon mustard (the smooth kind)

1/4 c Honey

1 c Sour Cream

1 T Olive Oil

1 1/2 T apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 t lime juice

Blend all together, cover and chill. Make ahead so the flavors have time to mesh

Blue Berry Chicken Salad

2 C fresh blueberries 2 C cubed cooked chicken breast ¾ C chopped celery ½ C diced sweet red pepper ½ C thinly sliced green onions 1 carton (6 oz.) lemon yogurt 3 Tbs. mayonnaise ½ tsp. Salt Set aside a few blueberries for garnish. In a large bowl, gently combine the chicken, celery, red pepper, onions and remaining blueberries. Combine the yogurt, mayonnaise and salt; drizzle over chicken mixture and gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Top with reserved blueberries. Great on a Salad or as a sandwich. This recipe was great, perfect for a girly lunch. It was also great because I could use leftover grilled chicken! I left out the red pepper for no other reason then I just forgot to get one at store. I had my mom over for lunch and we whipped this up in no time at all. We opted to have it on toasted rye bread. YUMMY! The best part of this recipe was it got me thinking. I wonder if something like "Orange Chicken Salad" could be made. I'm so going to try making chicken salad with : Teriyaki Chicken, Orange yogurt, pineapple chunks, toasted cashews, and green onion. I"ll let you know how it goes.

Margarita Chicken

I love any recipe that starts with Margaritas! Ingredients: 1 pitcher of Margaritas 3 lbs boneless chicken breast 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1/2 T chopped garlic Salt and pepper to taste Cheese & your favorite salsa Directions: Marinate Chicken, Cilantro and garlic in 2 cups of Margarita Mix (including Tequila) for 4-8 hours in the fridge. Drain chicken and season with salt and pepper, then grill the chicken. Serve topped with salsa and Cheese, along with a pitcher of Margaritas! Chicken is great on rice or in quesadillas and salads. Great left over! I loved the recipe, because it was so versatile. And I'm gonna be honest, If I have to make margaritas for a recipe, I'll do it. And if the recipe says to drink those margarita's, I'm gonna do it. That is just the kind of cook I am. ;) Once again my kiddos loved it and it was great left over. We served ours on whole wheat cilantro lime rice, topped with cheese and onions. For a side dish I threw some corn on the grill. Wowo! I'm almost not even cooking this meal,,,, the grill is doing all the work! The Chicken had tons of flavor so we opted to leave the salsa off. The next night we ate the chicken in quesadillas and my family went crazy for them. A great Summery recipe to add to my collection.

Spinach Lasagna

This was such a Yummy recipe, and OH SO EASY. I'm not sure how I have lived this long without knowing about NO-BOIL noodles. They even come in whole wheat! This recipe was easy for me to make because I had most of the ingredients on hand already. I also loved it because it was super healthy and I felt great about feeding it to my family. I also loved that I could have easily added any number of other ingredients ie; leftover chicken, olives, mushrooms. It also looked great and could easily be used when having company over. I served it with a simple green salad and TaDa I'm a fabulous Chef who spent all day cooking, wink wink. I loved it and my family loved it! I will definitely be making this AGAIN! Harry Loved the noodles!

"my tummy is the lasgunas home" - Emma

Okay I know you have recipes! SO ENTER NOW! Please don't make me beg! I have over $100.00 worth of prizes!

Summer Recipe Challenge 2009 - ENTER TO WIN!

Summer is here and my Family is TIRED of eating the same old stuff so I need your help! I need your RECIPES! There are NO Category restrictions! Entrees, Appetizers, Salads, Sides, Marinades, Drinks, Deserts, Kid food, BRING IT ON! The options are endless. The recipes should be healthy and easy on the budget! Get Creative! I love everything from a great Party Punch to Chicken on the Grill. PS: No Seafood Please

*************************************************************************** Here's the skinny: Submit your recipes before June 11, 2009 through Email On June 12th, I'll announce my top five recipes that I will try. Then I will get cookin’ and let my family be the judge. On June 23rd I will announce the WINNERS! ********************************* How to enter? Email me your RECIPE! ********************************* But Shelly what if I don't win the GRAND PRIZE? No worries, there is a "2nd Chance Drawing!" All contestants are automatically entered in this drawing. Would you like 7 extra chances to win? Here's how:

• "Follow" this blog. Already are? remind me in a comment!
• Share the love and make a post about this contest on your own blog with a link.
• Do you still want more? Get up to 5 extra entries : Leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite item is from each of these lovely shops.

Now for the GOOD STUFF!

The Grand Prize Package includes: ( a $70.00 Value!) Half and Half Apron - from Amber's Ambry

This adorable little apron is a blend of Vintage and Modern Fabrics. Be stylish while you cook! Be sure to Check our Amber's BLOG!

Vintage Bottle Cap Magnets from Boutiki a la kiki

Completely unique, colorful and fun, and they're upcycled and reused which is great for our beautiful earth!

Fiesta Napkin Rings- Set of 4 From Divine Designs Pretty opaque seed beads in bright yellow, red and turquoise blue set off the center glass bead beautifully!

Set of 4 Glass Bead Wine Charms From Emily Houtz Keep track of your wine glass with artist flair!

Be sure to check out Emily's Blog! 2nd Chance Drawing Prize Package Includes: ($20.00 Value) Vintage Bottle Cap Magnets from Boutiki a la kiki

Completely unique, colorful and fun, and they're upcycled and reused which is great for our beautiful earth!

Reusable Sandwich wrapper and napkin set from BisForBadger Lunch in style with this Eco-friendly set. Keep those plastic baggies out of the landfill! This set is perfect for school lunches, work, and picnics.

******************************

A BIG THANK YOU to all the sponsors for providing such lovely prizes!

Let's Get Cooking!

Potato Soup For Breakfast

This morning I was cutting some homemade bread I made last night and my daughter(3 1/2) informed me that it was "soup bread" not "toast bread". Well, she was sorta correct. Last night I made Potato Soup and Rye Bread,,, she thought "clearly the only way to eat this bread, is dipping it in soup" soo, we had potato soup for breakfast. Here is the recipe I made. It is my own variation on about 4 recipes, I couldn't make a potato soup with more cheese then veggies, no matter how good it sounded. 1 C Chopped Celery 1 C Chopped Carrots 1/4 C Chopped Onion 1 T Butter 5 Medium Potatoes, Baked and cubed 3 T Bouillon 2/3 C Flour 6 C Milk (I prefer 2%) 1 Pkg Dry ranch mix Salt and Pepper to taste 1 C shredded cheddar cheese (I prefer SHARP, because you get more flavor with less cheese) Saute Celery, Carrots, Onion, and Butter in a pot on Medium until soft. Wisk in Flour and Milk until smooth. Add bouillon, ranch, salt, pepper, cheese, and potatoes and simmer on LOW for about 20mins

Spicy White Chicken Chili

Spicy White Chicken ChiliSpicy Chicken Chili is one of my favorite winter meals. My whole family enjoys it and it is so easy to make. I love to make it in the morning and just let is simmer all day until we are ready to eat, it makes my whole house smell yummy!

1 1/2 pounds Cooked Chicken Breasts 1 Lg Yellow Onion, chopped 4 Ribs of celery, diced 6 Cans (15.5oz each) Great Northern Bean, drained 4 C Chicken Stalk 2 C Water Chopped Jalapenos to taste 2 t Chili Powder 1/2 t Cumin 2 Garlic Cloves, minced 1/2 t salt 1 pkg dry Ranch Dressing mix Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and let simmer at least 1 hour. Chicken will shred as the chili simmers.

Italian Potato Fries

Italian Potato Fries

Slice potato into 8ths, rinse and thoroughly dry Drizzle with Oil (I prefer Avocado Oil because of the light flavor) Sprinkle with Garlic Salt and Italian Seasoning and Toss together Bake at 400 for approx 30 minutes, turning occasionally Garnish with Parmesan Cheese Serve with Pesto or Marinara Sauce Try it Ole' Style Sprinkle potato with taco Seasoning Serve with your favorite Salsa

Black Bean Pancakes

Happy Birthday Black Bean Pancakes!

On my Detox adventure, I have been forced to be creative in the kitchen. I love guacamole and really wanted some as a treat,,, but how do you eat guacamole without chips or tortillas? I couldn't stand the thought of eating it plain, and didn't want to turn into a salad sooooo Black Bean Pancakes were born. Happy Birthday Black Bean Pancakes! Black Bean Pancakes 1 Can drained Black beans (I like the seasoned kind) 1 t lime juice 1 t cumin 1 T Dry ranch mix Jalapenos to taste 1/4 c whole wheat flour 1 egg Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Heat and Cook on stove top or griddle as you would pancakes. Delicious hot or warm. Serve with GUACAMOLE or salsa and ENJOY!

Flax Seed Pizza

Oh so yummy Flax Seed Pizza

This was a recipe given to me by one of my dearest friends! I love this pizza because the dough is ready in a flash and it taste so great! I hope your family enjoys it as much as ours! Flax Seed Pizza 1 1/2 C Whole Wheat Flour ( you may not need all of this flour) 1 1/2 C. All Purpose Flour ( you may not need all of this flour) 1/4 C. Flax Seed 2 T Sugar 1 T Fast Rising Yeast 1 C Water 1 T Butter Directions Mix 1 Cup of each flour, flax, sugar and yeast Heat water and butter in microwave until steaming. Pour over dry ingredients and mix Then add the rest of the flour about a 1/2 C at a time. (you may not need all of it) Knead for 4 minutes Roll out on floured surface. Transfer to baking stone or cookie sheet, making the pizza about 2 inches bigger all around. Top with sauce and preferred toppings, then bring the extra dough up around the edge and pinch it to make a stuffed crust style pizza. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Turkey Reuben Loaf Horseradish brown mustard (or Thousand Island dressing) natural sliced turkey, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. Mediterranean Pesto sauce, grilled chicken, mixed olives, red peppers, feta and mozzarella cheese White Pizza Loaf Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Mozzarella cheese. Tostada Loaf Refried beans, salsa, cream cheese, cheddar cheese. Cheeseburger Hamburger sauteed with yellow onioin, chopped pickles, bbq sauce, american and cheddar cheese Ham & Cheese Ham, Sautéed chopped onion, Cheddar

*********************************************************************************** I ended up having to cut my dough in two because my 3 year old insisted: "Chicken no go to pizza" I also made traditional red sauce because I knew she wouldn't eat Pesto. At our house Traditional red sauce is half pureed carrots. Shhhh don't tell my kids!

Easy Chocolate Cookies

1 C All-purpose Flour
1/4 C. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1t Baking Powder
1 C. Granulated Sugar
1/2 C Unsalted Butter, softened
1 Lg Egg
1/4 t salt
1 t Vanilla extract

Cream sugar and butter on medium until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg and vanilla.
On low, mix in flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes, cool on a rack.
EAT AND ENJOY!