When I need a quick go-to meal, I often turn to the chicken apple sausage that I keep stashed in my freezer. It sits right next to the fish sticks. In the 'it's been a terrible day and I can't even think about what to make, so I'm going to toss these fish sticks in the oven, or these sausages on the grill' section of my freezer. Everyone needs a section like that. If you … [Read more...]
Freezer Friendly Slow Cooker Lentil Recipes
Here's how this time of year goes: You're so busy doing the fun stuff, you'd prefer dinner to cook itself. But then, you remember all the treats you have been snacking on at work or all the icing you and the kids ingested making cookies or the thousands of calories you inhaled at the Thanksgiving table, and your stomach doesn't feel like eating at all. Sound … [Read more...]
Pollo Asado with Rice & Beans
Can you forgive me? This happens to me every year and I adjusted my camera settings as best I could...but the silly time change doesn't only mess with your infant and toddler (who am I kidding, everyone's) sleep schedule. It messes with my work flow and having good light in the late afternoons. Now, there is no light in the late afternoons...so I ended up with this shot of … [Read more...]
Freezer Friendly Maple Dijon Salmon Marinade
Delicious and easy. That's the name of my cooking game friend! This salmon is both of those things...super simple to prepare and oh, so tasty too! Salmon recipes are not ones I share around here often, but I think it's important to serve fish and seafood as part of a balanced diet. When I do serve salmon or other more expensive meats, I try to pair them with other … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Carne Asada
Learn How to Make a Carne Asada Marinade to Slow Cook One of the best, most flavorful ways to cook carne asada is in the slow cooker. The time in the slow cooker allows the meat to tenderize, and the acidity of the homemade carne asada marinade adds to the perfectly cooked carne asada. This Slow Cooker Carne Asada marinade is packed with flavor and everyone will love … [Read more...]
Make Ahead Oatmeal – Packets & Cook Ahead Methods
So...it the 'mom's new year' as many people call it. August is the time when moms all over regroup from the leisurely days of sleeping in, pool fun and all other summer activities. Regrouping involves a shift in mindset back into routine and structure, but it often involves getting up earlier, having to get breakfast prepared and lunch boxes packed, in a hustle to get out the … [Read more...]
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
I have a problem. But I know it's a problem and I'm working on it. Each week is different, some weeks better than others. Here is my problem: I bite off more than I can chew. (Not with food...with our schedule.) While I crave simplicity and flexibility, I also know that I don't like to be bored. So if I'm not working, then I've got a fun activity scheduled. (Remember that … [Read more...]
Cumin Pork Roast with Black Beans
I have a kid who doesn't like beans. He'll eat a few bites, but with hesitation! The other three kiddos have no issues with beans...in fact, last night the baby (toddler, really!) had beans and bean juice all over him. It was on his chin, his chest, his arms, his legs. He had a bib on, but he really needed a 'body bib.' When we eat spaghetti, I generally remove all of his … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken with Spring Vegetables
I rarely. I mean rarely. Like practically never. Ever. Maybe once every 2 years. Look at other cookbooks. I use my own all the time (for reference in baking or to check if I've done that recipe before or to replicate a flavor combination, but cook it differently.) A few weeks ago, I was clearing out a cabinet above the kitchen desk. I was really looking for books to put into … [Read more...]
Caramelized Onion & Barbecue Meatloaf
Sometimes I wish I blogged only about burgers. Just burgers, that is all. Because I adore burgers...grilled at home, from a restaurant, even fast food (but Whataburger only!) burgers. Here's one of my all time favorite burger. I think you can see why. Anytime there is burger on the menu that has caramelized onions, I'm sold. Because if I could blog about only … [Read more...]