Got leftover holiday sprinkles?! I do...and I'll be using them to make "green pancakes" for St. Patrick's Day. Probably for lunch, as we'll be having Irish Soda Bread Wedges for breakfast with "Green Smoothies" (more on those tomorrow!). Super quick story... St. Patrick's Day was my absolute favorite holiday to celebrate when I was in elementary school. Not … [Read more...]
Quiche Biscuit Cups
I'm in love. I'm not sure I'll ever go back to regular muffins. I kid...but seriously, these were absolutely scrumptious!!! Duffy sent this recipe to me and I knew I had to try it and share it you all for breakfast week! Before we get to the nitty gritty, here are some other "drop-ins"... For Meat: Sausage, Ham or Chicken - cooked For Veggies: Broccoli, … [Read more...]
Lightened Up Chicken Parmesan
I never really liked chicken Parmesan. A thick dried out chicken breast smothered in a so-so sauce and topped with too much chewy mozzarella cheese. And loaded with calories to boot! Then I played with a freezer friendly recipe to cut down on excessive calories and boost the favor. Now I am in love. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do! I first cut those massive chicken … [Read more...]
College Cooking on a Budget – Reader Question
Chelsea asks... As a college student, our access to food is limited by our budget and even our supplies (I only have a mini fridge, microwave, hot pot and secret hot plate). We have our highlights outside of ramen and pizza but good food is hard to come by. So I was wondering if you have any suggestions for meal ideas for us? First off, I have to share the all-time best meal … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Make Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese...a kid favorite for sure! But why can't it be an adult favorite?! With just a little sprucing up, it sure can be! I remember my mom making "the blue box" and mixing in peas and tuna. It was the "all-american meal" back in the 80s. That...and chicken cordon bleu's from the freezer. Two meals that I am both fond of, but somehow disgusted by. (I do … [Read more...]
How to Chop an Onion Without Crying
So this has happened to every last one of us. At least once I imagine! After just one slice into one of "those" onions, and we beeline it out of the kitchen hoping to keep the tears at bay. But alas, it's too late! That pesky onion juice has done it again and the waterworks are a-flowin'. With just one slice. How in THE world am I supposed to finish chopping that … [Read more...]
Angel Food Cake with Lime Glaze and Pistachios
(No. I did not forget about my "dessert of the month" promise. Yes. I do realize that it's the last day of the month. I work best on a tight deadline! Translation: I am one giant procrastinator.) A match made in food heaven... Lime. and. Pistachios! I made this earlier this month when we had some friends from church over for dinner. I made the angel food cake the night … [Read more...]
Italian Wedding Soup
Here is my version of Italian Wedding Soup. Simple. Delicious. So yeah. There's going to be a wedding this year. My sister's!!! I'm honored to stand beside her as the matron of honor, and I'm thrilled that Charlie gets to be a ring bearer! And there's going to be an Italian at the wedding. My sister's fiance is Italian. Dark headed, dark eyed with a last name that's … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Batch Cooking: The Super Supper Saver
Having that ground meat, already cooked and ready to pull out of the freezer is a super supper saver. It's a strategy that works with busy toddlers under foot, hungry teens hovering and all those in between. (that's us!) For about two years now I’ve been batch cooking with my slow cooker every shopping trip. My friend, Little Sanctuary, shared how she cooks ground meat in … [Read more...]
Storing Yeast in Your Freezer
If you bake bread regularly, or you are thinking about starting, here's a little tip for you... Store your yeast in the freezer! It is certainly cheaper to purchase a jar of yeast than to purchase the strips. If you are planning to make more than 3 loaves of bread or 3 batches of dough for rolls, pizza crust, cinnamon rolls or other yeast bread, then … [Read more...]