Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan Cheese

Why would green beans be so hard for me to figure out how I wanted to prepare them?? I have no idea, but I had these green beans in my refrigerator for quite awhile, while I thought and thought about how to cook them.  FINALLY(just before they were going bad) I found a recipe!  I am SO glad I roasted these because they turned out so delicious!  This is truly my new favorite way to cook fresh green beans!  You definitely have to try these!!

Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan Cheese

Delish!

Homemade Pizza from Scratch

I am a total pizza lover at heart.  No joke.  I have a pizza craving at least once a week.  I don't allow myself to eat it that often, but I definitely give into the cravings here and there.  Why not?!  Everything in moderation is what I tell myself. :)  I have recently fallen in love with semi homemade pizzas at home made with the store bought Boboli...most of you know, and have tried these right?  They are SO simple, and such a quick meal.  I also LOVE the sauce that comes with them!  It has a sweetness to it that I love.  I am usually not a marinara lover, it always seems too intense flavored for me.  I like a lighter sauce.  I will choose a white garlic sauce for my pizza any day over marinara. 
I finally explored the world of true homemade pizza, and not to my surprise, I fell in love with it.  Go figure right?!  If I have a little more time on my hands when the "pizza craving" strikes, there is NO DOUBT I will make my own homemade pizza/dough.  Amazing.  If you haven't made a pizza totally from scratch, you are missing out, and I can't believe I went so long without making one.  Geez.  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE make your own, you will be changed forever :)  I'll show you how I made it!


Homemade Pizza from Scratch

WOW! YUMMO!

Ham and Pickled Asparagus Wraps

It's finally time to share a family favorite appetizer!  Like I said before I am required to bring these wraps to every get together we have, especially Thanksgiving. We have yet to get tired of them, and I am sure we never will.  They are SO good.  Perfect combination.  If you make these, be sure to make plenty because they will go fast!  I have a secret ingredient that I tried a while ago.  I made half of a normal batch, and half with the secret ingredient, and the secret ingredient blew the standard out of the water! It disappeared quickly, and everyone decided it was the new way to go, so I have been making it that way ever since!  I'll show you how to make it, and let you in on the secret ingredient!

Ham and Pickled Asparagus Wraps

Please excuse these dark photos.  We made these wraps at 10pm! Don't let these dark photos skew your perception on how delicious these are!  :)

On My Radar #6(Thanksgiving leftover recipes)

Good morning fellow stuffed turkeys!  Whew.  Did you all fill your tummies with delicious food?? I hope you had a great day visiting with loved ones too! I definitely did!  We have sort of started a new tradition.  After dinner and dessert, we all sit around and play BINGO!  With prizes!  It's like an early Christmas...AWESOME...  We have SO much fun, and everyone really gets into it, and we all scream when someone yells BINGO, it's funny, and definitely a great time! 

I know the day after Thanksgiving you don't really want to think about food right?? Even though it's sort of required.  I held off posting a recipe yesterday, but I will be back here Monday with my Ham and Pickled Asparagus Wraps!  I made them for Thanksgiving, and everyone gets excited when they see them on the counter.  Stay tuned!

Today I will leave you with some "Thanksgiving leftover recipes" I found online, that sure look tasty!  I only took a little leftovers home, so unfortunately I wont be able to make any of these this year, but ideas for next year! :) Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Day

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I hope you all have a great day with family and friends.  Enjoy their company, and great food!  Don't forget to take some leftovers home!  Be thankful :) 

I am very thankful for my amazing Husband, and caring family.  I couldn't ask for anything more.  They are my life.  I love you all!

I'll leave you with a few Thanksgiving cartoons I found online.

Enjoy!



Spaghetti Pie

My Husband loves Spaghetti.  I think he loves it more the day after, which I agree on that one.  Something about it just tastes better the next day.  All the flavors mend together overnight.  I always put the noodles and sauce together when I put it in the fridge, so the noodles soak up all that good flavor.  We will never get sick of my spaghetti, but I wanted to try something different, and it sure impressed us!  This Spaghetti Pie, is AMAZING.  It has a totally different flavor then my traditional spaghetti, but awesome.  The main reason it tastes different is because it has green bell pepper in it, and chili pepper seasoning.  It definitely has a "pepper" taste, which really works well in this dish.  We absolutely love it, and I will definitely add it to our rood rotation.  It was very simple, and I can't wait to try the leftovers too!!

Spaghetti Pie

I loved the texture of the baked spaghetti noodles

Homemade Dog Biscuits

It is SO true when you hear "A dog is man's best friend."  Well besides my Husband being my true best friend. :)  My dog Zoei, is my baby, and I mean BABY.  She is as much of a best friend as I could possibly have.  She is always there, no matter what, wagging her tail, and "smiling."  She really does smile.  She shows her teeth by lifting her lips, and pulling them back.  It is so stinkin cute.  I will try to catch her smiling on camera, but she is usually wiggling too much out of excitement.  She LOVES treats, and is rewarded with one when she goes outside and does her business.  I have been wanting to make homemade dog treats for quite awhile now, but haven't been able to find a dog bone cookie cutter until recently I found a set of two at a Petco Pet Supply Store for a dollar! Score!  I immediately went home and made these treats, and the end result??? A VERY happy Zoei!  She absolutely LOVES these treats!  If you have a fury four legged best friend, I am sure he/she would enjoy these treats as much as Zoei does! 

Homemade Dog Biscuits

I had to throw in a few of her favorite toys :)



On My Radar #5(Thanksgiving Recipes)

Here we are for another On My Radar!  With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we all are trying to figure out what recipes, and dishes we want to make for the special day.  I thought this would be a good time, to show off some Thanksgiving recipes that look divine,  from people all over the blog world.  Hopefully these recipes will give you ideas, and get your a little excited for next Thursday.  It's a great day to spend with family/friends.  What better way to spend time together that sitting around a bit table of food??? I'm not sure there is a better way. :) 

Pina Colada Yogurt Parfait

I seriously think I just found my new favorite breakfast.  This Pina Colada Yogurt Parfait is so good and would be perfect for breakfast, right?  Yogurt...(duh!)  Or of course it would be a perfect healthy dessert.  Anyway you look at it, it would be awesome, morning, noon, or night.  I'll take the "dessert" for breakfast. :)  My two favorite flavors/food of ALL TIME(no joke) are pineapple and coconut.  Oh geez, they make my mouth water.  If I have a choice between different flavors, and both of those flavors were choices, I would probably end up eating one of each, for sure, no doubt!  I LOVE them this----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------much!  I'll quit talking about my obsession of pineapple and coconut, and show you how to make this yummy parfait.  ;)

Pina Colada Yogurt Parfait

oh goodness...

Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Aioli

Have you ever made a sauce that is so good, that instead of it being a dipping sauce(little bit on the end of whatever you are eating) it turns into the main dish...like instead of eating chicken with a side of roasted red pepper and garlic aioli, we had roasted red pepper and garlic aioli with a side of chicken...you're with me on this right?? Don't tell me you have never done that...a sauce so good it literally turns into the main meal on your plate.  That would just about sum up this Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Aioli.  My husband and I discussed how we could practically eat this with a spoon. :)  I have been making this sauce for quite some time now, and everyone I have introduced it to, has loved it.  This sauce goes with just about every standard meat out there.  We LOVE it on chicken, and it goes great in the summer on barbecued meat.  I am even going to experiment with this in a pasta salad...MmmMmm, and other ideas.  If you like these ingredients, seriously you HAVE to try this! SO stinkin' good!  :)

Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Aioli



Ginger Molasses Quinoa Cookies

Here I go again in the sweet department! Ah, I can feel my pants getting tighter, alright just joking.  I'm sure I would if I didn't share all these sweets with family and friends.  Maybe one day they will blame their pants getting tighter on me...I hope not. :)  If I continue to make desserts like these Ginger Molasses Quinoa Cookies, they shouldn't be able to blame it on me right??  I would like to think so, but truth is, these cookies still have butter and sugar in them, but also have more nutritious benefits.  Quinoa is a complete protein, which means it has all nine essential amino acids, along with magnesium, iron, copper, and phosphorus.  A very healthy little "grain", although it is a relative of spinach.  SO, these cookies are justified, and we should enjoy them!  These cookies end up crunchy for the most part, and the Quinoa also adds a little crunch which I like.  I hope you try these! Let me know what you think also!

Ginger Molasses Quinoa Cookies

I love how you can see the Quinoa!

Cheesy Cauliflower Pancakes

I had a head of cauliflower in my refrigerator, and I wondered what I was going to make with it.  I announced to my husband that cauliflower was going to be involved with dinner is some way.  He immediately thought of Cauliflower Pancakes, what a good idea.  I have made them once before, and he loved them.  They are the same concept as potato pancakes.  These are so simple, and a perfect side to any dinner.  If you like potato pancakes you should try these! 

Cheesy Cauliflower Pancakes

So cheesy and delicious!

On My Radar #4

Good morning readers!  We officially had our first snow fall last night!  I saw on the news last night, that the rain we were getting was to turn into snow over night.  So right when I woke up I peeked outside, and there it was! About an inch and still coming down.  I am one of those crazy people who do love the snow...especially the first snow fall, it gets me all excited, and giddy inside. 
Snow means the Holidays are nearing.
Snow means bundling up in our favorite sweaters, scarves, gloves, coats, and boots.  I definitely love dressing for winter. 
Snow means hot cocoa with marshmallows. 
Snow means sledding, building snowman, and snow angles with the kids.
But snow definitely has some down falls too...

Pumpkin Over Night Oats

Oatmeal for breakfast is super simple, and good for you.  I eat it quite frequently.  I have noticed on healthy food blogs, they tend to make a lot of "Over Night Oats," and I have always been interested in it.  I wasn't quite sure how I would like eating Oatmeal cold, and I have to admit it was a little WEIRD, BUT it was tasty, and a fun new way to eat it!  Also, it's ready right when you get up, so all you have to do is grab a spoon and dig in.  There are so many different variations as to what can be put in it, so experiment!  You just need some sort of liquid substance, and a lot of the bloggers use yogurt, plus some other milk product usually.  If you want to change it up a little you have to try this!  This would also be perfect for a hot summer morning! By the way I am running low on my last little bit of pumpkin. ;)

Pumpkin Over Night Oats

MmmmMmm!

Black Raspberry Oat Bars

So it seems I have recently fell in love with baking.  A good thing, and a bad thing.  The good part is all the delicious treats that can be made baking, and the bad thing is that a lot of those treats put a real hurting on the waist line.  Whew, it's a tough life, with a lot of tough choices. :)  I will continue to bake delicious treats though, no doubt about it, just may need to do more exercising to make up for it. :)  I definitely couldn't live without the yummy-not-so-good-for-you treats, so don't worry! I know I can make a more healthy version of some baked goods, but you know some recipes just shouldn't be messed with. I'm sure you know what I am talking about.  So relax, and enjoy these Black Raspberry Oat Bars with their one and a half sticks of butter in them. They are worth it, trust me. :)

Black Raspberry Oat Bars

Grandma's String Bean Casserole

Most of us have Grandma's that are, or were the best cooks around right? They put a special touch on everything they make, and it turns out great.  Even if we attempt the same recipe, it doesn't seem to turn out quite as good right? Just because it didn't have Grandma's touch. :)  I swear everything my Grandma made was delicious, and my whole family loved it.  My Mom has been making my Grandma's String Bean Casserole for a very long time now, and it is a huge hit every time.  My Dad requests it quite frequently.  I have made her dish twice now, and will continue to make it many more times because my Husband is in love with it.  It is SO simple and requires few ingredients.  This is a very special recipe to us, and at first my Husband didn't want me to share it with all of you.  He said "we should keep it a secret." :)  I know Grandma would be proud though, and be happy that we are sharing it.  Thank you for the recipe Grandma.  We miss you and your cooking. :)
Please let me know if any of you make this, and I hope your family loves it just as much as we do.

Grandma's String Bean Casserole

This warms my tummy just looking at it.

On My Radar #3

Happy Saturday to you all!  I hope you all are having a great day so far!  I can't wait to show you these recipes I found around the web, they sure look tasty! Check out their blogs/recipes to see more!  I will hopefully be making some or all of these shortly! This post, has really helped me figure out new recipes to try, and helps me plan ahead!  I hope it has given you some ideas as well.  Continue to have a great Saturday!  I'll be back Monday :)

Eggnog Bread Pudding with Craisins

Another Eggnog recipe already?! Yes sir-ee!  What better way to prepare for the Holidays, then to start baking up all this yummy goodness?! Hey, if you make it now, you have a chance to test out recipes before you make them for the whole family, right? :)  Plus most people love the Holidays, and why not make them last a little longer??  I have always had a fascination with bread pudding, and the funny thing is, I have NEVER eaten it.  Yeah, I know.  I had a little eggnog leftover in the refrigerator from my Eggnog French Toast with Eggnog Syrup, and some Hoagie Rolls from when I made this Hot Italian Hoagie.  I'm not one to let anything go bad, well at least I try not too, so this morning I whipped up this SIMPLE and OH SO TASTY Eggnog Bread Pudding with Craisins(dried cranberries).  I thought to myself, how hard can it be to make Bread Pudding?  I came up with a very easy version, that is really good, and I plan on making it for my whole family around the Holidays.  I am sure they will like it, and you will too if you try it!

Eggnog Bread Pudding with Craisins

Oh goodness this is good!

Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Bread

Is there anyone else out there that likes putting cinnamon and sugar on toast?  I love it!  I forget about it most of the time, but once I remember, it usually is a staple in my house for a good week or so.  It's such a good dessert, that is quick and easy, and requires very little that most people always have on hand.  Yum!  Cinnamon is also good for you, so that is a plus!  I have had my eye on this Cinnamon and Sugar Pull Apart Bread for many moons now, and I finally got around to making it, and HOLY MOLY, it could quite possibly be the best thing on earth!  I instantly fell in love with it!  It's so much fun to make, and seriously just looking at it makes me happy.  It's so pleasing to the eye, and undeniably pleasing to the stomach.  I shared some with my Mom, and she texted me later, and said "Yum! To heck with dinner!" :)  Dessert before dinner is how my Mom rolls, and if I had that in front of me too, I wouldn't pass it up.  This is definitely a keeper in my book!  I already can't wait to make it again!! Seriously...go try this! :)

Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Bread

Can you say it with me "Holy Moly!" :)

Chinese Orange Chicken Lightened Up

My husband and I enjoy Chinese food every once in a while.  We would probably eat it more often if it wasn't full of fat.  I have wanted to make my own Chinese food at home, and have once, but it didn't turn out tasting exactly how I wanted it to, or resemble the Chinese dish I was trying to re make, as much as I would have liked.  It was still good, but you definitely want a dish that tastes like the real deal.  This recipe tastes as close as ever in my book.  It is SO tasty, and if we ever want Chinese food, I will definitely stick to this recipe, plus try my hand at some other Chinese dishes.  This is way lower in fat, and is SO good.  If you like Chinese food, please make this at home, you will love it! 

Chinese Orange Chicken Lightened Up

So delicious!