Monday, December 31, 2012

Turkey & Wild Rice Soup

For Christmas my grandma gave me a book of soup recipes and with our excess of turkey meat I turned the pages of my new book in search of a turkey soup recipe, a few pages into the book I found just what I was looking for.


1 Tbsp butter
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 lb cooked turkey, diced
1 3oz pkg or jar of bacon pieces
3 cups water
2 14 oz can of either chicken stock or turkey stock
1 6.2 oz box fast cooking long grain wild rice with seasoning packet, I used Uncle Bens



1. melt butter in your stock pan on a low heat while slicing up the celery, carrots and dicing the turkey.

2. turn heat to high and add ing vegetables to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 mins, until celery is translucent.

3. add turkey, bacon, water, and broth to the pot. Cover with lid and turn heat to high until mixture comes to a boil, about 3 minutes

4. Stir in rice mix and seasoning packet. turn heat to medium, cover with lid, cook 5 minutes. Turm off heat and allow soup to stand for 5 minutes. then serve.



This recipe came from the book; Soups On by Valerie Phillips

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Patti's 1880's Settlement Sawdust Pie

I found this recipe while looking around at different recipe blogs on the internet. This just sounded so good I had to try it. I am not even a fan of bananas but the combination of it all together made my mouth water, And it was amazing! A must make!
If you want to see more recipes from this blogger I have enclosed her blog address at the end of this post :)


7 egg whites, whipped
then add
1 1/2 cups pecans
1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups sugar

Mix all together well

pour into a 9'inch deep pie shell and bake at 350 for 30 mins.

when cool top with bananas & fresh whipped cream!


The Cozy Little Kitchen

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Huevos Ranchos

This is a recipe that I learned from my Grandma, Its a family Favorite! We used to have it every year for christmas morning breakfast, over the years it changed to biscuits & gravy. But my hubby & I love the Huevos Ranchos and have brought it into our house as a tradition. It is really easy to throw together :)


1 can refried black beans
1 can green enchilada sauce
corn tortillas
bacon  (cooked & chopped)
eggs
shredded cheese


1.begin by warming the beans in a pan and the sauce in a seprate pan.

2.then cook up your bacon while those are warming up.

3.next fry up your corn tortillas. U will need 2 per plate

4. On the center of your plate add a large scoop of the beans then place a cooked tortilla on top of it.

5. cook up your eggs.- we like to do fried eggs- (I like mine over hard & hubby likes his over easy.) after cooking place egg on top of tortilla.

6. place another cooked tortilla on top of the eggs

7. cover the whole thing with enchilada sauce

8. cover with cheese

9. sprinkle on chopped bacon.

10. stick in microwave for 1 min to melt

then enjoy!



Friday, December 21, 2012

Slow Cooker Chocolate Candies!

These are simply about the easiest things on the planet! I started watching the food network last weekend and watched a show by Trisha Yearwood. She was making holiday treats and this recipe was one that she made. I thought How easy & simple! So i bought the  goods & threw it all in the crockpot! Easy as candy! lol


2 pounds salted dry roasted peanuts ( i think it would turn out great with any nut)
4 ounces Germans sweet chocolate (about 4 squares)
one 12 ounce package of semisweet chocolate chips ( about 2 cups)
2 1/2 pounds white almond bark


Turn on your slow cooker to Low
Pour the nuts in the bottom of the cooker. Then begin to layer starting with the sweet chocolate, the chips and then the bark on top. do not stir!
put the lid on it & let it do its thing for 3 hours!

after the 3 hours, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until smooth. drop the candy into cupcake pan liners, using about 2 tablespoons per liner. allow the candy to cool completely before removing from the cupcake liners.




recipe from:
Trisha Yearwood













Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

This is by far my favorite! I love red velvet cake & Love cream cheese! my 2 loves together!

for the cookies:
1 box of red velvet cake mix
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 vegetable oil

for the frosting:
1 (8oz) package of cream cheese, soften
1/4 cup butter, soften
2 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
3-4 cups powder sugar


Preheat 365. at 7 minutes
Mix together all of the cake ingredients in a large bowl.
Roll the dough into balls the size of walnuts.
Place them 2 inches apart on your ungreased cookie sheet ( 1 needed 2)
Bake until the tops crack. Watch them closely, you can burn them quickly.
after cooking let cool for about 5 mins in the pan and then move to cooling racks.

In a large bowl combine the cream cheese, milk, vanilla & butter. Then add powder sugar. Make it as thick or thin as you like. I like mine thick.
Spread on the frosting to the inside of the cookie then attach the other side. after you have assembled all the cookie place in the fridge for about 30 mins to let them set up.
Makes about 15-20 cookies

Enjoy!





Recipe from:
Six Sisters Stuff

Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies

These are so dang good! and no flour! I love them!

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg


Mix peanut butter & sugar together. Then add in egg & baking soda. Mix well.
scoop out balls with a spoon and place on a cookie sheet, this makes 2 cookie sheets full.

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes!



Recipe from:
The Daily Green


Dollar Store Crafts..

I Love Love going to the Dollar Store to get craft supplies for the little guy in my life.
My latest find at the Dollar store included sparkle glue pens, foam popsicle sticks, kid scissors, multi color pom poms.

So we set out to make some special crafts today.
I think that everything turned out great!

Also in the near future I will be taking some foam balls that I found at the Dollar store & making a Mobile to hang above the crib :)



Easy Chocolate Truffles

This recipe was made for my hubby. He loves truffles!

1/2 cup plus 2tbsp heavy cream
1/8 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp orange zest
8 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/4 cup powder sugar
1/2 finely chopped assorted nuts, like walnuts, pecans


In a small saucepan, whisk together the cream & cardamom. Then add in the orange zest. Bring just to a boil. Remove from heat. let stand for 15 mins.

Return mixture tot eh heat, bring to a boil. Place chocolate in a heat proof glass bowl. remove the cream mixture from the heat & pour over the chocolate.
stir until smooth.

Pour chocolate mixture onto an unlined baking pan, spread in an even layer with a spatula. place into the freezer to chill for at least 30 mins.

Use a tablespoon to scrape enough chocolate from pan to form a 1 inch ball. repeat!

Transfer balls to parchment paper, chill for about 10 mins.

Cover the truffles with powder sugar, cocoa powder, chopped nuts, coconut in separate bowls.
Roll the truffles in the bowls to cover them.

then EAT!! Yum Yum Yum!



Recipe from:
Martha Stewart

Thursday, December 20, 2012

French Bread

Yes I said it... French Bread! Nothing goes better with soups then fresh french bread!

2 1/4 cup warm water
2 tsp sugar
1 tbsp yeast
1 tbsp salt
2 tbsp oil
4-5 cups flour


In your mixer add the warm water and yeast with sugar. Let sit until the yeast starts to bubble. Then add in salt, oil & 3 cups flour. start mixing. keep an eye on it, you dont wait it to get too dry and not too moist. Add more flour if needed. mix for a few minutes well the mixture mixes and doesnt attach ti the wall of the bowl. Then tunr it off and wait 10 mins, then come in turn in for 10 seconds. turn off and let sit again. Do this for 5 times!
after your last time take the dough out on a floured counter time, cut the dough in half.
stick both onto your cookies sheet. prepare an egg wash mixture (1 egg, 1 tsp water) brush onto the tops for the bread.
Let raise for 30 mins.
Then place into oven and bake at 375 for 30 mins.
take out and let cool for 40 mins. Then cut open & enjoy!








recipe from:
Mels Kitchen

ClamChowder!!!

This is my first attempt at making Clam Chowder. Even my Hubby said that when I called him and told him what I was making for dinner he was skeptical. He said that he only likes chowder to taste a certain way. Well after the meal he declared that It was a great chowder, really really good.
Yea!!! I guess that means I passed the chowder test!
Here is the recipe so You can try it out for your self.


1 cup chopped yellow onion
4 cups chopped potatoes ( 1 inch)
3 cloves minced garlic
1 cup chopped celery
3/4 stick Butter, Melted
3/4 cup flour
2 (10oz) cans whole baby clams
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
16oz container of Half & Half ( I used fat free)
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp parsley


I started off by chopping up my potatoes, onion, celery. To a large pot I added these plus the garlic. I then added the juice from the clams & then just enough water to cover the mixture up. I then turned on High to reach a Boil, then turned it down to simmer and put on the lid. I had to cook for about 23 mins for my potatoes to be tender. I then added the Half & Half, mix well.
In microwave safe bowl add the butter, melt! and then add the flour to that. stir well and then disk into the pot for cooking potaoes. I then added my clams, salt, pepper, sugar & parsley. Simmer until it thickens up.
Turn off and serve.!
( I added in a little bit of green onion for taste, you could also add some hot sauce if you prefer)






Recipe addapted by:
Clam Chowder credits


Try this out with some yummy
French Bread

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon

This is one of my hubby's Favorite meals that I make. I made this up while we were living in Idaho, trying to get in more fish into our diets and this has just stayed with us threw the years. I hope you come try it out.


3 Salmon filets, thawed ( I use the individually wrapped one you can find at the grocery store)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp olive oil
juice from half a lime


In a small pie tin add in the brown sugar, pepper, salt, & chili powder. mix with a fork to blend well.
Next add each piece of salmon to the mixture, make sure to coat both sides well.
Place a large frying pan on your stove, turn to a 4-5 area. Add 1/2 tsp olive oil.
When heated place in your salmon and then squeeze the lime juice in on top.
fry for about 5 mins depending on the heat. then flip and cook on the opposite side. you will see the beautiful coating the brown sugar is gonna get.
If you have never cooked salmon before you can check to see if it is doing cooking by flaking the fish with your fork.
Enjoy!





Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

1 box jumbo shells
1 1/2 jars marinara sauce ( I used preggo)
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup chopped fresh spinach

Cook your shells following the directions on the box.
In a medium bowl combine the ricotta & spinach.
When the shells have cooked & cooled start adding the Ricotta mixture to the shells
I used a 9x13 glass baking dish.
line the shells in the baking dish, once filled cover with the marinara.
Cook at 350 for 45 minutes coved with foil.

remove and serve :)
super easy & simple.

I actually put this together during nap time, and then popped in the oven for dinner.



Tuesday, December 11, 2012

BBQ Meatloaf

This is by far the best meatloaf ever! and so so easy to make & throw in the oven. I at one time used a different recipe but then my mom made me try this and we will never go back to anything else.
try it for your self.


2 pounds ground meat ( I use 1 pound ground turkey & 1 pound ground hamburger)
1 cup Bbq sauce ( I used what I had on hand, KC masterpiece..hickory smoked)
1 large egg
1 cup water
1 package stuffing mix ( i use Stouffers turkey mix)


1. Preheat oven to 375
2. cover cookie sheet with foil & spray with cooking spray
3. combine everything into a large mixing bowl
4. place mixture on the cookie sheet and shape it to form a log ( I don't use a bread pan because the 2 pounds is to much to fit)
5. squirt some extra bb sauce on the top. cover with foil & bake for 60 mins. after cooked uncover and cook for 15 mins to crisp the top.
6. remove and enjoy!! (I like to dip mine in the bbq sauce but my hubby likes to dip it in ketchup..so either way is fantastic.)


Monday, December 10, 2012

Roasted chicken with veggies

Such a great recipe to have on hand. Everything turns out so juicy and tender. My whole family loves it. I know you will too.

6 tablespoons olive oil
2 lemons, i thinly sliced, 1 juiced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 pound trimmed green beans
12 baby carrots
8 small red potatoes quartered
4-5 chicken breasts, I used boneless, skinless


1. preheat oven to 450. coat a large baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil. arrange the lemon slices in a single layer in the bottom of the dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine the remaining oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt , pepper. first add the potatoes to the mixture, coat well then place in your dish. Next do the same with the carrots to the mixture and then place in the dish. then do the same with the green beans. lastly add the chicken to the mixture, coat well and then place on top of everything.

3. bake for 50 mins, covered. Then remove the foil from the dish and bake for another 20 mins. Remove and let cool before serving.

Enjoy!
Tara





Wednesday, December 5, 2012

parent aide books

Two books that I have on hand at all times are

Baby Wise














&
Toddler Wise












When my son was born a good friend of mine mailed it to me and I started to read it, after the birth I used it to help get my son on a great schedule. I had him sleeping all night by 2 months. He has continued to be a great sleeper. So with the birth of my daughter I once again turned to my book for advice. I had her sleeping threw the night. But we went on a trip out of town for 2 weeks and really messed with her schedule, not to mention she got held a lot & slept with us...( we have had her sleeping in her own bed since 1 month).
I have once again opened up my Baby Wise book to get help. I high recommend it to those who are interested in getting their kids on a good sleep routine.
I also used it when potty training our son.
I just really believe it is a must in your parenting book collection.

As for your house, we will be continuing to work on getting this little beauty back on track. I miss my sleep.

Both books can help with sleeping, nap time, parenting, toddlerhood & more.

What are so good books that you have found helpful during times in your life as a parent?

Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Shells

I have to say that I had high expectations for this meal! and was sort of let down. I am only posting because my husband thought they were really good, so maybe my pallet was just off. So you be the judge and let me know what you think :)

Lemon Basil Ricotta stuffed shell in a Champagne cream sauce

1 box of jumbo shells
1 -1/2 cups ricotta
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup basil ( i used dried because I was out of fresh--would recommend fresh)
1 cup grated romano cheese
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 clove garlic
3/4 cup champagne
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Salt & pepper to taste


First in a medium sized bowl pour in your ricotta, then add your lemon juice & basil. then add salt & pepper along with half of your grated romano cheese. mix lightly. place in fridge while making the noodles

Then butter a large baking dish ( or two small).  Bring a large pot of water to boil with salt.
Cook the jumbo shells aldente.

When the pasta is cooked remove from water, drain well & spread out onto a baking sheet or parchment paper. Start to stuff your shells ( i use a regular old table spoon) When the ricotta is all gone move the stuffed shells over to our baking dish.

The sauce--tips: make sure you have all the ingredients already measured out, it happens all really fast, I think that is were I went wrong in my sauce, it ended up more thick then creamy, my oops!

With a small sauce pan melt your butter, when melted down add your garlic. cook until fragrant & soft, not browned. Whisk in the flour and cook while you whisk away about 1 minute. Then add in the champagne and continue to whisk while you pour in your heavy cream. Continue to whisk while it bubbles, and slightly thick 1-2 mins. Add pepper, remove from heat & pour over the stuffed shells.
sprinkle the rest of your Romano cheese over the pasta.

Place in preheated oven at 350
Bake until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling... roughly 20-25 mins.


Try this with
Blackberry spinach salad



Recipe from
Simply scratch

Spinach berry salad


I love a fresh green salad and this one sure hits the spot!

1 package of spinach
1 cup berries ( i used blackberries)
1/2 romano cheese
1/2 cup nut clusters ( i used TrueNorth almond pecan crunch, and chopped it)
Wishbone Raspberry low-fat vignette

In a bowl pour in all of your ingredients & toss with your dressing.
then serve, super easy & so so good!




Pizza Bites

This little guys were first introduced to me by a friend of mine's blog. The first time I made them for my family they became an instant favorite, not to mention how Easy they are. I hope your family loves them as much as mine.


1-2 packages of crescent rolls (8count, I buy the bigger sized ones)
a package of mozzarella cheese sticks
1 package of pepperoni  (we use turkey)


Preheat your oven to 350
roll out each of the crescent rolls, full them at the thickest part with half a cheese stick & 4-5 pepperoni
when all of them have been rolled shut, stick them in the oven for the cooking time on the package, I like cooking mine for about 16 mins.
take them out and enjoy them with some warm marinara & ranch.




recipe from:
The Recipe Critic

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Its beginning to look a lot like christmas...


What are your holiday plans? traditions? would love to hear them

Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

Let me just say that this was so so easy to put together and tastes great! Meat is so so tender!

2 pounds cube steak (cut into 1 inch pieces)
1 cup chopped yellow onion
2 cans golden mushroom soup
1 tbsp worcestershire
1 14oz can beef broth
1 package of cream cheese (room temp)
1 cup sour cream (room temp)
package of egg noodles
2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tbsp pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
(for an extra kick you could add 1 tbsp smoked paprika)


In our crock pot add your cube steak, onion, worcestershire, beef broth, golden mushroom soup, salt, pepper, garlic power, stir to combine.

Cook on low for 8 hours

then add your sour cream & cream cheese and cook for 30 mins.

I used this time to make a salad & cook my noodles

then enjoy all this hearty yummy goodness!

*fiy if you work it won't hurt it for it to cook longer than the 8 hours, but maybe 10 hrs at the max






recipe from heathersbytes

DIY Headbands

Every since I had my little girl I have been looking for super cute headbands for her, much to my surprise they can get pretty pricey. So I searched out on Pinsterest for some inspiration. I am still learning but I think so far they are turning out pretty dang cute :)

Here is a photo of the ones that I have made so far


Some supplies that you will need would be:
a hot glue gun
glue sticks
fabric
elastic ( i found mine at joanns)
buttons
felt or white flannel
cloth tape measure
scissors



I looked online to find a few that I wanted to try to do then got to work.
I will show you how to do the Grey and White one :)

To start I cut out a rectangle size that
I will use to glue all of my flowers onto

Next I take my fabric which I have folded in half
 ( I use 2in wide fabric)

Then I gather up the fabric at the end

Put a dot of hot glue on my base and stick the fabric to it,
thats the starting point

then I start to slowly add hot glue and go around
 and around the base in a circle

I glue all the way around as i am creating the circle,
attaching the fabric to the base as I go. 

I did three flowers, doing the same for the first 2,
You have to just decide as u are going how big you want the flower
that will determine how much fabric you need for it.
mine are roughly 7 inches long
for the last flower i used felt buttons, you can find at joanns

I trim off the extra fabric & then glue on my elastic 

I then glue some extra base fabric over were i added the elastic to
help it not wear on the head :)

the Finished product!! so so cute thats for sure!

Please write me if you have any follow up questions.

here are also a few blogs that give great examples also 

Craftiness is not optional

Tip Nut

Homemade by Jill


Let me know how your headbands turn out

Tara





Saturday, December 1, 2012

Crockpot Buffalo Ranch Sliders

How can I even begin to tell you how yummy these are?! not to mention so easy, I love anything from the crockpot because it means less time in the kitchen and more time focused on my kids & hubby.

For this recipe you will need:
5 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 bottle of buffalo wing sauce ( I prefer Franks)
1 packet of dry ranch dressing mix


Turn your crockpot on High
Place in the chicken then pour the buffalo sauce over the top.
Then sprinkle in the ranch seasoning.
Cover & let it cook for 4 hours on high (or 6 on low)
Remove from crockpot and shred if needed then place back into the sauce.

Prepare your mini buns.
I put the meat mixture in & then added some cheese, tomato & ranch dressing.

This does make for a spicy meal so only me & my hubby ate these, my little man got his own meal :)
Hope you enjoy!
<3 Tara

My recipe was adapted from:
Really From Pinterest


Mini German Pancakes

I dont know why I never thought of doing thing before, Its so so easy and quick for a yummy breakfast!
My lil Mr loved them and asked for seconds.
Only 4 ingredients!
Hope you try them out!

You will need a cupcake pan I used a normal sized one thats what I had on hand.
Spray each hole with cooking butter spray, if you dont spray good they will stick

6 eggs
1 cup milk ( I used 1%)
1 cup flour
1/4 salt

toppings: powdered sugar & lemon or syrup


Preheat your oven to 425
Spray with nonstick cooking spray
Whisk together eggs, milk, flour & salt in a bowl, do not over mix you want the lumps
Pour into your cupcake holes (makes 12-16)
Bake for 18-25 mins, depending on the size of the cupcake tin and amount of batter.
after cooked let cool for just a min or two then remove from cupcake pan onto a plate.
Drizzle lemon juice & sprinkle with powdered sugar & enjoy! Or syrup  if thats what you would like :)
Enjoy!
Let me know what you think
<3 Tara

Recipe from:
Momathonblog