The Week of February 27th

Two things I am SO thankful for this week are: antibiotics and a working fridge! Yes people, we are back in business. I am feeling like new again thanks to the meds and my food is no longer soaking wet and hard to find in an ice chest. Anyways, enjoy this weeks picks. I hope you are doing well.

Monday- Chicken and Asparagus Stuffed Crepes

Tuesday- Carne Asada Tacos

Wednesday- Broccoli and Beef Pasta in the Slow Cooker

Thursday- Feta and Herb Stuffed Chicken

Friday- Berry Breakfast Crepes (with the leftovers you made)

Chicken and Asparagus Stuffed Crepes

Picture and recipe from Food Network

So this recipe calls for store bought crepes, but those are just not up to par for me. I make my own. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/basic-crepes/ Make sure to make enough that you have leftovers for a recipe later in the week. Hey, if you are going to go through all the trouble of making your own crepes, you may as well as use it for two different recipes.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chicken-and-asparagus-crepes-recipe/index.html
Carne Asada Taco

So I cheated and bought pre-marinated carne asada (Trader Joes). My husband just grilled it up and we served it with tortillas, fresh salsa, black beans and cheese. If you need some guidance on how to marinate and do it yourself her is a link : http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Carne-Asada-Tacos/

Broccoli and Beef Pasta in the Slow Cooker

Picture and Recipe from Crock Pot.com

So this week I am getting my haircut around dinner time so enter my favorite thing: the crock pot! http://www.crock-pot.com/Recipe.aspx?rid=188

Feta and Herb Stuffed Chicken

Picture and recipe from Frugal Foodie Family

http://frugalfoodiefamily.com/2012/01/16/feta-and-herb-stuffed-chicken/

Berry Breakfast Crepes

My uncle Greg makes these for me when I go visit and they are wonderful. Picture from All Recipes.

Crepes- http://allrecipes.com/recipe/basic-crepes/

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup cream cheese

Strawberries

Blueberries

Maple Syrup

Powdered Sugar

Lemon Juice

• Mix together sour cream and cream cheese- set aside
• Spread 2-3 T. into crepe
• Top with Berries and roll up
• Top with a drizzle of maple syrup, powdered sugar and a squeeze of lemon, more berries if desired.

So...it has been one interesting week

So I hate to do this, but I am going to have to skip blogging this week for a few reasons. Now, don't all cry at one, there are plenty of recipes to try from my previous posts :) It all started when my 10 months old had a 104 temp that we could not bring down after her shots for around 5 hours.....so scary!!! Thank goodness that was the end of it and we will not be giving her another shot like that again. So the first reason, I am taking off this week is, I have been really sick for 3 days now......miserable. For a day and a half I had a temp that was basically 102 (unrelated as far as we know to my daughter). It would start to spike, I would get freezing cold and then it would peak and I would be sweating to death. Then came the worst sore throat of my life, along with intense ear pain. I could barely swallow. Long story short, I am now on antibiotics with a double ear infection along with another source of infection too. I still have a low grade temp, but am pretty wiped out from this experience. The second reason is, I am STILL fridgeless!!! Yes, it has been over a week now...whine, whine. But really, I am just grateful to have it back some time this week. With ALL of that being said (sorry for the super long post) I am limited on what I can cook, in combo of being exhausted, equals no post. Anyways, sorry to bore you all. Have a great week. OH, for those of you who know me, I paid it forward tonight to a sweet old man at Red's BBQ. I hope we made his night. :)

Living out of an ice chest

So this morning we discovered that our fridge was warm :( It could be a lot worse, as we all know. But for someone who cooks a lot, it really is an inconvenience. I am hoping to get someone out to fix it soon so we don't have to keep replacing the ice. This is the third time our fridge has gone out and it would make sense for us to get a new one, except this is a newer, more expensive fridge! So frustrating. The good news is that we cover it under our home warranty so it only costs us $55 to fix it. Anyways, I hope you find something to your liking.

Monday- Beef Stroganoff

Tuesday- Panera Bread's Fuji Apple Chicken Salad

Wednesday- Quick and Easy Noodle Stir Fry

Thursday- Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Friday-Chicken Quesadillas

Beef Stroganoff

This is one of my husband's favorite meals and I have made several different recipes and this is my favorite. Who doesn't love Paula Deen? Picture from Chaos in the Kitchen.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/beef-stroganoff-recipe/index.html

Panera Bread's Fuji Apple Chicken Salad

This is one of my favorite salads from Panera Bread and I believe one of their most popular. This is a knock off version but seems fairly easy to make.

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=708141

Quick and Easy Noodle Stir-Fry

These look yummy and easy. Picture and recipe from of course Our best bites.

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/09/quick-easy-noodle-stir-fry/

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

So this is a repeat, but so my family loves them.

1 cup rice (I use brown, but whatever you prefer)

broccoli

carrots

1 tbls vegetable oil

1 lb chicken cut in strips

1 cup teriyaki sauce (I used Soy Vay Teriyaki)

4 tbls light soy sauce

2 tsp rice vinegar

2 tbls cornstarch

• Steam veggies
• Cook rice
• Mix cornstarch with equal parts water, then add to soy sauce, rice vinegar, and teriyaki sauce in a bowl
• Brown chicken then add the teriyaki sauce until it thickens
• Serve with veggies and rice

Chicken Quesadillas

So this one is really open-ended according to your liking. In ours I usually do:

Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese

Shredded Chicken

Black Beans

Red onion

Corn

Cilantro

Top it with Guacamole and Salsa

Even Fresh Veggies would be great in it too!

The week of February 6th

I hope everyone enjoyed at least one thing from last week. My favorite was the coconut chicken I think. If you didn't try it, it is very good with a hint of sweet to it. I posted another recipe from her site this week. Yes, the last two have been on the blog before. But like most of you, I do cook the same things. Enjoy.

Monday- Chicken and mushrooms in a garlic white wine sauce

Tuesday- Tortellini Spinach Bake

Wednesday- Whole wheat apple pancakes

Thursday- BLAT's

Friday- Mexican Rice Bake

Chicken and Mushrooms in a Garlic White Wine Sauce

So this recipe is from Skinny Taste. I was really happy with last weeks recipe from there, so I thought we would try another. If you notice I don't put up many recipes for mushrooms, really only because my husband is not a fan. He always says it is ok as long as he can pick them out, so I assume this would be one he can do that with. Picture and recipe from Skinny Taste.

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/03/chicken-and-mushrooms-in-garlic-white.html

Tortellini Spinach Bake

I love pasta, cream, spinach and lemon, so I assume how can this be bad? Recipe and picture from Our Best Bites

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/04/tortellini-spinach-bake-in-creamy-lemon/

Whole-Wheat Apple Pancakes

I love breakfast for dinner. Apples are in season right now, so I thought I would take advantage of that. Picture and recipe from Food Network.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/whole-wheat-apple-pancakes-recipe/index.html
BLAT's

So I know I have posted this sandwich before, but it is one of my husbands favorites and quite frankly it is so easy. Picture from Closet Cooking.

Sourdough Bread

Avocado

Tomatoes

Lettuce

Turkey Bacon

Mayo

Mexican Rice Bake

This is one of my favorite recipes and well, I will probably be posting it a lot. If you haven't had a chance to try it, well go on. Recipe and Picture from Frugal Foodie Family.

http://frugalfoodiefamily.com/2011/09/29/mexican-chicken-and-rice-bake/

It's a veggie kind of week

So I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, ours was filled with lots of celebrating and fun, but ended with my three year old falling face first from a zip-line. (Def. not my idea) OUCH! So she is a bit cut up and bruised but luckily she barely missed all of the rocks below. She fell 8 feet or so. Just grateful we didn't end up in the ER. Yay! for us. Anyways, enjoy.

Monday- Coconut Chicken or Coconut chicken salad (depending on your mood)

Tuesday- Big Italian Salad and Soup

Wednesday- Broiled Top Sirloin with Garlic Balsamic Asparagus

Thursday- Chicken Fajitas

Friday- Homemade Mac N Cheese

Coconut Chicken

So when I remembered this recipe, I forgot that it was actually the topping to a salad. Anyways, not sure if I am going to do a salad too, or just do the chicken and serve it with sides. Either way, it sure looks yummy. (Picture and recipe from Skinny Taste)

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/03/coconut-chicken-salad-with-warm-honey.html

Big Italian Salad

I made this SUPER yummy salad for our family gathering this week and it was a huge hit. The dressing is very easy to make. I also added garbanzo beans to it as well. For dinner, I figure you can either add chicken or serve with Soup. Picture and recipe from Once Upon a Chef

http://www.onceuponachef.com/2010/03/big-italian-salad.html

Broiled Top Sirloin with Garlic Balsamic Asparagus

If you aren't accustomed to broiling things, it is really easy and a super fast way to cook fish and steak. Line your broiling pan with foil and non-stick spray. Season your steak with your favorite steak rub. From what I have read, try not to use too much salt when broiling as it tends to dry it out. Then just broil each side for a few minutes. The timing will depend on the thickness and how well you like your steak cooked. If you tend to overcook veggies when steaming them (ME), then roasting them is a great option. These asparagus usually get rave reviews, even from people who don't usually love asparagus. Picture and asparagus recipe from Our Best Bites.

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/06/garlic-balsamic-asparagus/

Chicken Fajitas

(A yummy healthy version) Picture and recipe from the Food Network

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chicken-fajitas-recipe/index.html
Homemade Mac N Cheese

I actually consider mac n cheese a food group, so thus you can eat it for a meal. At least I do. Recipe and picture from food.com

http://www.food.com/recipe/fannie-farmers-classic-baked-macaroni-and-cheese-135350

Week of January 22nd

So I think we are finally on the mend around here. After two trips to the Dr.'s, two different medications and a sick call, I think we are finally getting better. I did particularly enjoy the enchiladas and apple salsa chicken last week, I hope some of you gave them a try. This week is kind of a hodge podge of things so hopefully at least one of them will spark your interest.

Monday- Honey-Ginger glazed tilapia

Tuesday- Grilled Chicken with lemon basil pasta

Wednesday- Pot Roast and Rosemary potatoes

Thursday- Pot Roast Tacos or Taquitos (Left-over night)

Friday- Primavera Tortellini en Brodo (AKA tortellini soup)

Honey-Ginger glazed Tilapia

So this is a very easy fish to make and oh so tasty. The recipe does call for a white dipping sauce to serve with it, but my husband and I both thought it overpowered the fish itself. The fish is plenty tasty without it. If you are not a "fish" person, this is not a "fishy" fish. My daughter even ate it and liked it. Also, I know I post a lot of recipes from this website, but I really like everything on it, can you tell? Picture and Recipe from Our Best Bites.

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/01/honey-ginger-glazed-tilapia/

Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta

I know that this recipe contains a cream sauce, but I thought that it sounded oh so delicious and was worth a "once in a while" try. Warning: this chicken needs to marinate for 24 hours! Hence, the reason I assume it will be so yummy. Picture and recipe from The Pioneer Woman Cooks.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/07/grilled-chicken-with-lemon-basil-pasta/

Crock Pot- Pot Roast with Rosemary Potatoes

(Picture from All Recipes)

So for pot roast I actually use the Trader Joes pre-marinated Caberinet Beef Pot Roast. It is very tasty, but it is quite pricey, but don't worry if you choose to buy it I get two meals out of it so it makes it much more economical. If you don't shop at Trader Joes or you want a cheaper alternative here is a link to an easy one. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/awesome-slow-cooker-pot-roast/. Save 1/3 of the pot roast for another recipe. You can do the potatoes a couple of different ways with this. If you really want an easy way, just cut up some red potatoes and baby carrots and throw them in the slow cooker about 2 hours prior to the pot roast being done. Here's the way I like them better:

Rosemary Potatoes:

1 small bag of Red Potatoes (cut into quarters)

Olive oil

1/2 tsp. Dried Rosemary

1/2 tsp. Garlic powder or garlic salt

• Preheat oven at 350
• Toss all of the ingredients into a bowl until potatoes are coated
• Place on a baking sheet spread apart and bake until soft (approx. 20 minutes)

Left over night (Pot roast taquitos or tacos)

(picture from lifeambrosia.com)

Left over pot roast

Corn Tortillas

Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese (shredded)

Salsa and Guacamole for dipping

Kosher Salt

• Preheat oven at 375
• Warm tortillas in microwave between two wet paper towel (approx 1 min)
• Fill tortillas with pot roast and top with cheese.
• Roll tortillas as tight as possible with seam side down
• You can spray the tortillas with non stick spray if you wish
• Sprinkle with Salt
• Bake until crispy (approx. 20 minutes)
• Serve with salsa and guacamole
• If you prefer tacos, then just make tacos instead, either way they are tasty.

Primavera Tortellini en Brodo (Tortellini Soup)

( Recipe from Meal Time Express)

3-4 cans (14 ounces) of chicken broth

1 package of refrigerated fresh tortellini (cheese, chicken or sausage)

green beans

broccoli

red bell pepper

onion

1 t. dried basil

dash of hot pepper sauce (or more if you like)

2 t. corn starch

Romano or Parmesan to top

• Bring broth to a boil
• Add veggies (to your liking) and boil for a few minutes
• Add tortellini and cook until al dente (according to package)
• in a separate bowl add corn starch and 1 T. water and mix
• Add cornstarch mixture to soup and cook for few min. until thick
• Top with cheese

The Week of January 16th

I hope everyone had a great week last week. I have two sick kids, one with a double ear infection, so this week we are looking forward to healthy kids! I have had a lot of people telling me they love the blog, but that they haven't tried much yet. If you have tried things, let me know what you love and why. Enjoy this weeks recipes.

Monday- Chicken and Apple Salsa with black beans and rice

Tuesday- Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas (Made with greek yogurt)

Wednesday- Chinese Chicken Salad

Thursday- Lasagna with zucchini

Friday- Pineapple teriyaki meatballs

Chicken and Apple Salsa with Black beans and Rice

So this looks so yummy and I have been waiting to try it. It looks sweet, hearty and healthy.

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/01/black-beans-rice-with-chicken-and-apple-salsa/

Picture and recipe from Our Best Bites

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

So this is the first time I will be making something with Greek Yogurt, but I have heard nothing but rave reviews about these enchiladas. A much healthier version and they look tasty too.

http://frugalfoodiefamily.com/2011/06/23/green-chile-chicken-enchiladas/

Picture and recipe from Frugal Foodie Family

Easy Lasagna with Zucchini (picture from All recipes)

One box no bake lasagna noodles

1 pound lean hamburger meat

1 jar organic tomato basil marinara (or your favorite)

2 cloves of garlic

2 zucchini spears chopped into small pieces

1 tomato chopped into small pieces

1 container of ricotta

fresh Parmesan

1 egg

1/2 onion- chopped

1 cup of mozzarella

• Preheat oven to 375
• Saute chopped onion in a little olive oil for a few minutes, add garlic
• Add zucchini and cook until slightly soft
• Add hamburger and cook thoroughly, add salt and pepper
• Add marinara sauce and tomato and warm
• Saute until bubbly on low to medium heat.
• In a separate bowl mix ricotta, egg, a handful of fresh Parmesan, and mozzarella together.
• Spray 9X13 pan with non cooking spray.
• Take the no bake noodles and soak them in some marinara sauce so they don't dry out during baking
• Take 3/4 of the meat mixture and line the bottom of the pan
• Take the noodles and layer on top of the meat
• Add the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles
• Repeat the layering of the noodles
• Pour the remaining Sauce on top of the noodles (just a thin layer)
• Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese
• Bake covered for approx 40-45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is melted.

Chinese Chicken Salad

1 head Romain Lettuce (sliced)

1 cup Broccoli Slaw (optional, but gives it that crunch)

1 Can mandarin oranges

1/4 cup of slivered almonds

2-3 green onions (sliced)

1/4 cup wonton noodles

Diced chicken breast

Dressing

Soy Sauce

Honey

1 T. Rice Vinegar

Pepper

• Combine chicken, lettuce, broccoli slaw, mandarin oranges, almonds, green onions, wonton noodles in a bowl.
• In a separate bowl combine equal parts soy sauce and honey and mix until honey is dissolved
• Then add rice vinegar and pepper
• Toss with salad

Terriyaki Pinapple Meatballs

1 package frozen of turkey meatballs (or make your own)

Soy Vay Teriyaki Sauce (or your favorite teriyaki sauce) enough to cover your meatballs but not float them in it.

1 cup Pineapple diced

1 red pepper (diced)

3 T. brown sugar

3 T. Soy Sauce

Brown Rice to serve with

• In a crock pot combine the above ingredients (except rice) and cook on low for 4 hours
• Serve over brown rice and with steamed green beans