Winter Garden Polenta

This blog is really helping me try new foods and recipes, I'm thankful for that, and thankful for all you won
derful readers out there!  I have never made Polenta, nor eaten it.  I wish I would have tried this gem earlier, because I really do like it.  I love the texture.  I wasn't sure how it would taste or if it would turn into a pile of mush which it sort of is, but definitely has a texture to it.  I want to try more recipes with it for sure.  When I first made this recipe I thought it was a "girl food" as in something men wouldn't want-thinking that way because it doesn't have any meat in it.  Men I know like meat.  Surprising enough my husband really enjoyed this meal!  I'm lucky that he will try(and most of the time like) anything I make. Thank goodness.  This is SO easy to prepare, and most of the work is done in the Crock Pot! Score!  It takes very little time, and has great flavor, give this a try!



Naked Chicken Burrito(mock Qdoba's)

I'm finally back in business! Just got my computer back today, and I hope I never get a virus again. Ugh, what a pain.  I am happy to be blogging again that's for sure!
The day is finally here to share my homemade mock Naked Chicken Burrito that I LOVE from Qdoba Mexican Grill!  My husband and I love this Naked Burrito which obviously means everything that Qdoba packs into a burrito but without the tortilla.  This is the closest I have come to their recipe, and it is so darn close it's not even funny.  I now will stick with this recipe every time, because you can't tell much of a difference.  I'm proud of myself. ;) If you have ever been to either Qdoba or Chipotle's and have fallen in love with their burritos, be sure to try this recipe at home.  It does take a little bit of time because of the few different recipes that go with it, but it is worth it, and I ate a naked burrito here at home for over a week.  I didn't get tired of it either, and I am ready to make it again.  Let me know if you try this, or any of the recipes, and let me know what you think!



Chipotle Pepper Marinade for Chicken

I am a spice lover all the way.  I would add spice to every dinner if my hubby wasn't the complete opposite.  He is getting better though, and is slowly making his way to the spicy side of life-so happy!  I am kinda weird, I'll admit, I like when food is so spicy it makes your mouth burn.  I just keep eating, my favorite is the HOT salsa at Mexican restaurants.  It makes me down a glass of water while I am eating it, but I can't stop.  SO GOOD.  Chipotle Peppers are HOT, and when they are in Adobo Sauce they are amazing.  Such a nice smoky flavor, it is delicious.  When I made this marinade to put over chicken, I was hoping the spice would calm down a bit for my Husband, and it did!  This is such a great marinade, I can't wait to make it again!  This is still spicy for all of you spice haters out there, so beware! Delicious though! 

OH MY GOODNESS I want more...

Homemade Flour Tortillas

First off, HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I hope you all had a great New Years Eve, and I hope this year will be the best yet!  Let's start the new year off with a simple recipe shall we?! And a great one at that! Like I have said before my hubby loves flour tortillas, and we have always bought them at the store.  Truthfully, I've never even thought about making them at home.  I am so glad I ran across this recipe while I was browsing online.  I literally read the recipe, jumped up, and whipped them right out.  So few ingredients, and easy to make.  I didn't even know what I was going to make with them, I just knew I wanted to eat one warm right out of the pan, so you will see at the end of the recipe, what I did with my first warm tortilla!  By the way, we loved these.  Of course they have a totally different taste then store bought tortillas, and that is the best part, not to mention fewer ingredients(as to which you can pronounce).  I am determined to make these whenever I need tortillas at home.  I can't wait to stuff these full of all sorts of food!  Try them!

Don't mind the tortilla on the bottom that has pieces missing...I couldn't keep my hands away! NOM!

Tuna Noodle Casserole

My family has been making Tuna Noodle Casserole for as long as I can remember.  It is such a quick and easy casserole to throw together, and most of the ingredients everyone has on hand.  I didn't know what to make for dinner the other night, and decided to open the cupboard, and use up some some canned goods.  My stack has been getting way to big, so I decided to make Tuna Noodle Casserole packed with extra veggies.  You can add just about anything to this casserole.  Get creative! This would probably be good without the tuna too-a veggie noodle bake! Yum! Have fun with this recipe, and try all sorts of different concoctions!

MmmMmm Good!

Chicken Pot Pie with Homemade Crust

Hello readers!  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas Holiday.  I hope it was spent with as many loved ones as possible.  Now that most of the excitement around Christmas is over, we prepare for the New Year.  We are big kids at heart, and we always have an annual New Years Eve sledding party.  It is SO much fun, and everyone seems to love it, they plan on it before we even plan it ourselves every year.  It's great, and we can't wait.  We just hope there is snow on the ground, and by the looks of it so far, we may not, but we always have fun no matter what. 
Since we are SUPPOSED to have snow by this time of the year, I wanted to make(in my eyes) one of the biggest comfort foods, and that being Chicken Pot Pie.  Truth is, I have never made Chicken Pot Pie, and I can't believe it myself.  Growing up I didn't really like the stuff, so I sort of stayed away from it.  Why wouldn't I like it, is what I recently asked myself?? What is there NOT to like really?? That is why I made it.   I cannot NOT make this and try it when I haven't eaten it for years, and still think I don't like it, no way.  I made it.  I ate it.  Every bite.  Every lick of the spoon.  What does that say...I like Chicken Pot Pie.  Go figure.  :)  You will too.

This crust is amazingly flaky! LOVE!

Spaghetti in White Clam Sauce

Clams anyone?? My Husband and I love clams, especially Clam Chowder, Mmm!  It reminds us of the Oregon Coast that we love so much.  One of these trips over there we want to go clamming, and crabbing.  I want to get all suited up in big rubber boots and rain gear and start digging in the sand.  It would be so great to bring freshly caught clams and crab home!  I have seen recipes for Spaghetti in White Clam Sauce many times and have wanted to try it for so long, finally I got around to making it.  My first thought while making it was if we were really going to like this(the smell of canned clams sort of creeped me out) BUT don't let that fool you because the end result was very tasty!  I am weird about fishy smells of all kinds though, and I know I just have to deal with it because I always end up loving the end result. No sniffing for me.  By the way I smell every thing, almost everything, everything food related for sure though, I'm weird like that. :)  Don't let my rambling about weird smells give you a bad idea about this dish, if you like clams and pasta, I'm pretty darn sure you will enjoy this! Give it a try, just don't sniff the clams in the can ;)

Spaghetti in White Clam Sauce

I can't wait for leftovers tomorrow!

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!

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

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.

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!

Hot Italian Hoagie

Whenever my Husband orders a sandwich from a deli, it's main components usually are Italian inspired.  He always seems to gravitate towards pepperoni, and salami.  Maybe it's a "man thing?"  Today's lunch is another meal inspired by my Husband.  Once again I asked him what he wanted for lunch(these Fajita Turkey Melts were his idea last time) and he said "I'm thinking a sandwich, with Italian flavors, and an Italian dressing-not a red sauce, but a white sauce, or oil and vinegar.  I want red onion, and peperoncinis on it."  Wow huh?  I guess it was one of those days where he knew exactly what he wanted.  Those days are fun because we go back and forth with ideas as to what also sounds good.  This sandwich was REALLY good too!  It is packed full of flavor!  My husband was pretty darn proud. :)

Hot Italian Hoagie(my husband also chose the name)

Chicken Enchilada Spaghetti

Chicken Enchiladas are a huge family favorite in my house.  Now that I think about it, we don't eat them enough for how popular they are.  My husband has always had a love for flour tortillas, but me on the other hand have always had a love for pasta, go figure right.  Don't get me wrong though, I love enchiladas, but this new Chicken Enchilada Spaghetti was amazing, and a new take on the old classic, and call me crazy but I do love changing things up. This dish has great flavors, WITH pasta! YUM!! If you like enchiladas, you should try this!  It actually seemed easier to me, because you just add everything to the pan, rather then filling each tortilla.  Give it a try! :)

Chicken Enchilada Spaghetti



Crock Pot Barbecue Pulled Chicken

My husband is a huge barbecue fan. The kind of barbecuing that you slave over all day-slow cooking.  :)  You know, a long time ago I received an email, that totally and completely explains how much hard work a man(usually a man, right?) puts into barbecuing.  It really is eye opening. ;)  I actually deleted that email, but I found a very similar version online, and it will get you laughing(male and female) because it is in most cases SO TRUE!!  I found the information below on this site.

When a man offers to cook on the BBQ it does not mean an evening off for his partner, she will often end up working longer than him, it has been found.

A healthy eating campaign say that while men might stand at the BBQ to cook meat, they do very little else.

Wives and partners are normally left to; shop for the food, prepare salads and deserts, set the table, serve the food, clear up and even do the dishes.

A spokesperson for 'Eat in Colour' said: "We are all familiar with the summer ritual. At the first hint of sunshine the nation’s menfolk dash to the garden centre and return triumphant with a sack of charcoal briquettes. 

"Donning a humorous apron they set out to show off their culinary flair and give us the afternoon off. But things don’t really work out that way."

The group even found that most men need a woman to tell them when the meat is ready otherwise they would burn it.

How long is spent working when a man does a BBQ?

WOMEN

30 min  Woman does the shopping 


15 min  Woman prepares salads, vegetables and dessert

05 min  Woman sets table 


15 min  Woman serves up food, clears up and does the dishes


Total 1hr05

MEN

15 min  Man places meat on the grill and loiters with a beer

05 min  Man asks woman if she has enjoyed her afternoon off

Total 20min

I hope you all got a kick out of that like I did!  True huh??  I can honestly say that I did ALL the cooking on my Crock pot Barbecue Pulled Chicken, and it was such HARD work ;)  I slaved over it all day...alright, maybe my crock pot is the one who did all the hard work?! :)  Anyways it is not hard at all, and SO good! I shared it with my family, and everyone loved it!

Crock pot Barbecue Pulled Chicken

So delicious!  Perfectly sweet, tangy, and spicy!

Caesar Shrimp and Pasta

Good morning! It's Friday! :)  Woohoo!  I know sometimes the last thing you want to do when you get home from work is cook a meal.  It would be nice to get home, put the comfy clothes on, and put your feet up!  I want to share the recipe I made last night because it was a cinch!  You could have your feet up in no time, and a delicious meal on the table(please restrain from putting your feet on the table-at least we save that for the couch in my house :))  This meal is simple, and requires very few ingredients.  It's wonderful.  My kind of meal for sure!  Might be yours too, try it out!!

Caesar Shrimp and Pasta

oh YUMMO!

Turkey Meatballs in Cream Sauce

Good morning!  I have a confession...I don't like meatloaf...:( Well I should say I have only eaten it a few times, and made my decision based on that.  I think it's the way it is usually smothered in ketchup??  I like ketchup but only a little bit, once in awhile.  My husband shares the same dislike as me, so thankfully I haven't been forced to make it, BUT I really want to try making it my own way, to give it one last shot.  If you have any amazing meatloaf recipes that aren't smothered in ketchup, and you think I would like, please let me know! :)  For some reason I got a hankering for meatballs the other day, don't ask me why, because I have NEVER made them before(crazy I know!) and have only eaten them maybe twice in my life.  I have always known the base ingredients, so I just went for it.  They turned out AMAZING, and full of flavor! My husband agrees that they were awesome.  I always feel good when I make something for the first time, and hear from my hubby that he loves it.  Makes me feel good.  Makes everyone feel good when their hard work pays off. :)  This recipe can be altered so much to fit every ones taste buds.  I realized that there are so many different spices you could add, and cheeses...I definitely didn't leave out the cheese! I'm a cheese freak! ;)  These meatballs were so simple to make, and the easy cream sauce went perfectly with them! I served them over whole grain noodles.  Enjoy!

Turkey Meatballs in Cream Sauce

Delish!

Dinner Rolls

This would be my first attempt at making homemade dinner rolls, and I have to say the end result is awesome, BUT I encountered a couple problems along the way.  I said on here before that I will post a recipe even if it doesn't turn out the best, and let you know if I came up with a solution, or if I need help from you all.  Today was a success and I came up with a solution! Don't expect that very often...;)  Let me explain.  I followed this recipe bread baking, and the recipe is written as "add 1 cup of flour, then add another cup of flour, then add a third cup flour" and because I am new at this ;) I assumed the "third cup of flour" meant a 1/3 cup of flour! I must have been a complete space cadet today, because when I added that 1/3 cup of flour, I was wondering why my dough definitely wasn't ready to be kneaded.  My fault totally! Any other airheads out there today?! :)  So I fixed it, but didn't realize what the recipe REALLY meant until I scrambled to add more flour over and over until it was, what I thought, a good consistency! I did good thought, and am proud of myself, HA!

Dinner Rolls

They turned out beautiful though.  They definitely each have their own personality in shape. :)

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

Yesterday I had a real craving for some sort of broccoli cheese soup, and I needed to have it ASAP. :)  I have only made it once in my life, but have eaten it from restaurants.  I looked all over the Internet to get a basic idea on how to do it.  It seemed simple enough, so off to the grocery store I went, and picked up a couple things I needed.  I whipped out my own version, and boy was it tasty!!! It is so good and creamy without using processed cheese, or half and half.  Which means it is better for you, and not as fattening.  If you like broccoli cheese soup, you really have to try this! This is for sure my new favorite!

Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup

Oh my this is GOOD!

Pumpkin Pancakes

Sheesh another pumpkin recipe...YEP! :)  I'm not done with pumpkin either! I still have about 1/2 of a large can left to use!  I'm not tired of eating pumpkin either, so I hope you are not tired of reading about it. :)  This morning was a wonderful morning filled with Pumpkin Pancakes!  I have never made them before, and I thought they turned out delicious!  They are super moist and fluffy, I just couldn't get over that part.  The pumpkin flavor was lacking a bit for me though.  I will definitely make this recipe again but will add a little more pumpkin next time.  This is a great recipe though, and if you want just a hint of pumpkin, this will be perfect for you, and you will love how fluffy they are! 

Pumpkin Pancakes

Mmm! Look at that beautiful color!

Crockpot Chili

Crock pot season is just about here!  I secretly admire my crock pot. :)  I love how you cook dinner in the morning...is that weird?? Well I should say you do all the prepping in the morning, and your crock pot does all the rest.  It really is an amazing thing throwing everything together, and ending up with a delicious dinner at the end of the day.  Oh, and the smell while it is working it's magic throughout the day is divine.  MmmMmm.  My crock pot has yet to fail me with a delicious dinner, which is pretty darn amazing since I throw almost anything in there together.  Get ready to see more crock pot dishes coming up! 
I have made this chili for quite some time now, and have shared it with family and friends, and they all love it.  It is one of my favorite crock pot meals, and because of that, I am sharing it with you today!  This is my homemade chili, but I do have to admit I take all the shortcuts possible. :)  I used canned beans...gasp! I know, I know, but just try it, and you will love how simple it is, and delicious!

Crock pot Chili