Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Ham & Cheese Gnocchi

Ham and Cheese Gnocchi | Rich, creamy, and cheesy, this one pot meal can be made in under 30 minutes! #weeknightmeal #recipe #gnocchi #quickrecipe

Looking back on these pictures from when we first moved down to Tennessee last summer and were staying at my mom-in-law's makes me want some Fiestaware like no other!! This turquoise color is my very favorite of all the colors she has...it's also Nick's favorite color and we often duke it out to get the turquoise plate or bowl when we go over for Sunday dinners.

I love the contrast of the turquoise with this gnocchi dish - it's so pretty! And it's creamy and cheesy and rich to boot! The gnocchi, not the Fiestaware :) Amanda suggested several cheeses and we chose gruyere. I would love to try it with good ol' cheddar though. Ham and cheddar is such a classic combination and I think it would cut on the overall richness that the Gruyere added to the dish. Not that it wasn't a nice quality, but definitely something that you only want to enjoy every once in a while.

Ham and Cheese Gnocchi | Rich, creamy, and cheesy, this one pot meal can be made in under 30 minutes! #weeknightmeal #recipe #gnocchi #quickrecipe


Monday, June 29, 2015

Menu Plan Monday - June 29, 2015 + $20 Amazon Giveaway

Menu Plan Monday | My week of meals, grocery list, and how much I'm spending on these delicious treats! #menuplan #groceries

Another week come and gone - I'm sort of in denial that the kids have one more month and a week or so of summer break. It's going by much too fast! I'm really excited for the July 4th weekend and we are going to be swimming and grilling out at Nick's mom's house. Also just for funsies, I'm doing a giveaway for a $20 Amazon giftcard - tell me what y'all are doing for the weekend and what foods you're excited for?!

{Monday}
Sunday Meatloaf
diced tomatoes, celery, onion soup mix, ground beef (2.5 lb), bacon bits, green bell pepper, onion*, salad, broccoli

Friday, June 26, 2015

Talkin' about Yoplait Plenti #sp #LandofPlenti


Break in your regular Fantastical Sharing feed for some yogurty goodness! Yogurty is totally a word!

Since having Mason, I have been a yogurt-aholic…also a word. Stay with me here, folks. But yogurt by itself isn’t all too filling. I have taken to adding fruit on occasion, but I always add some type of trail mix. My favorite has peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds. Yoplait has come out with a new product that combines Greek yogurt with whole grain oats, flax, and pumpkin seeds for a more filling but still healthy snack: Yoplait Plenti yogurt!

https://ooh.li/153535e

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Chipotle BBQ Hawaiian Pizza

Chipotle BBQ Hawaiian Pizza | This is not your typical Hawaiian pizza - one bite of this spicy pie and you'll never eat a traditional Hawaiian pizza again! #pizza #spicy #jalapeno #chipotle #recipe #food

We have been in our house for about 6 months now, so it's strange to me to just be catching up on posting recipes that I made when Nick first got here to Tennessee. The kids and I (just Matt & Cami at the time) had moved down last July and Nick moved down in September. This pizza recipe was one I made the very night Nick arrived to Tennessee. Since I was pregnant with Mason, I was having weird cravings - namely, spicy foods. So this pizza was a must.

Chipotle BBQ Hawaiian Pizza | This is not your typical Hawaiian pizza - one bite of this spicy pie and you'll never eat a traditional Hawaiian pizza again! #pizza #spicy #jalapeno #chipotle #recipe #food

You get heat from the chipotles - a nice smoky heat. I used Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet & Spicy bbq sauce. The jalapenos last summer were just extra spicy - which was awesome! And, of course, Frank's Red Hot Sauce is always a nice touch of heat. The cheese and pineapple did help not to make the heat overpowering, but it was still a really great slice of spiciness :) It was exactly what I was craving!


Monday, June 22, 2015

Menu Plan Monday - June 22, 2015

Menu Plan Monday on June 22, 2015 | My week of meals, grocery list, and how much I'm spending on these delicious treats! #menuplan #groceries

Originally, when I my June meal plan, Nick was supposed to attend army school. This meant I was gonna carb it up and eat things he didn't like. Then his school got cancelled and I decided I'll just try and modify those particular nights that I know he won't like. Last week, we had Caesar Chicken Sandwiches and I bought a extra pack of chicken and made buffalo chicken for his sandwiches. I'm thinking alfredo will be a good substitution for the dressing for Monday.

{Monday}
Peanut Butter Crumble Yogurt Parfait // Chicken Caesar Pasta w/broccoli [side]
Snickers Peanut Butter Squares // penne pasta, chicken breast, parmesan, mozzarella, caesar salad dressing, broccoli, alfredo

{Tuesday}
Weeknight Taco Stuffed Peppers
green bell (3), ground beef (2), taco mix, beer, potatoes (2), sharp cheddar cheese, green onions

{Wednesday}
Banana Streusel Muffins // Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup
wheat bran, bananas (3) // shallot, chicken bouillon, broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese

{Thursday}
Baked Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes & green beans [sides]
buttermilk, chicken, potatoes (3), Italian cut green beans, diced ham, onion


{Friday}
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes // Spinach Pizza Dough [pepperoni styles]
bananas (2), all purpose flour // spinach, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni

{Weekend}
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
chocolate chunks, mini M&Ms, granulated sugar

Total Spent: TBA


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Mozzarella Cheese Cutlets #SecretRecipeClub

http://secret-recipe-club.blogspot.com

It's time again for Secret Recipe Club reveal day for my group, Group D! What is Secret Recipe Club? It's a bunch of food bloggers separated into four groups that post once a month on a designated Monday. Each month, we are paired with another foodie from our group secretly (hence the name). We then pick a recipe (or two or more) from that blog and make it. On our reveal day, we reveal whose blog we had and what recipe(s) we chose all at the same time. It's like a Secret Santa every month, but with food and blogs! It's a great deal of fun :)

This month I was paired with Shirley of Enriching Your Kid. After many years as a clinical psychologist, Shirley became a homemaker when she had her children. Her blog explores creative ways to get kiddos to eat the best, most nourishing food out there! I definitely can get on board with that. I love that Shirley shares background on each recipe she posts - you get to learn while you find a new recipe. Her blog is rich with Indian cuisine and I nearly picked out of my comfort zone...but then the name Mozzarella Cheese Cutlets completely stole the spotlight.

Mozzarella Cheese Cutlets | These babies are like gourmet jumbo tatortots and the perfect side dish to a burger!! #sidedish #potato #recipe #SecretRecipeClub
I wasn't sure what they were going to be until I read the recipe. I thought maybe they were mozzarella wedges and wasn't sure if I was going to make cheesesticks since I have a few recipes on my blog for those already. But then I noticed they were little fried cheesy potato "balls" and I definitely knew it was going to be a winner.

Mozzarella Cheese Cutlets | These babies are like gourmet jumbo tatortots and the perfect side dish to a burger!! #sidedish #potato #recipe #SecretRecipeClub

They were pretty simple to put together and after taste-testing, we decided they were like gourmet jumbo tatortots and we LOVED them! The picture doesn't show off the size really well. But they were about as tall as the palm of my hand. The seasoning was very delicious and they were the perfect side for our burgers that night :) We will most definitely make them again.


Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Jalapeno & Cheese Grilled Chicken

Jalapeno & Cheese Grilled Chicken | These bacon-wrapped beauties have a hint of spice and are topped with melty cheesy goodness! #recipe #bacon #jalapeno #maindish

While staying at my in laws', I got to test out a couple recipes before Nick moved down here to Tennessee with us. This particular recipe was made the day before Nick arrived and they were absolutely devoured. The few pictured without jalapenos were the kids' pieces. Surprisingly, the jalapenos at the store were pretty darn spicy. All-in-all though, it made for an incredibly yummy recipe! I skipped the brining step from the original recipe and baked the chicken instead of grilling it. They still were super juicy and turned out very flavorful as well. They were such a big hit that I made them again a week later.

Jalapeno & Cheese Grilled Chicken | These bacon-wrapped beauties have a hint of spice and are topped with melty cheesy goodness! #recipe #bacon #jalapeno #maindish


Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Pizza Spaghetti Bake

Pizza Spaghetti Bake | A twist on traditional spaghetti bake that everyone will love! #pizza #spaghetti #maindish #recipe

Back when my blog was a young'n, I participated in a challenge called "Crazy Cooking Challenge". It was a once a month deal with a different theme each month. You could pick any blog, cookbook, magazine, etc. to make a recipe from...unlike SRC where we only make from other SRC members' blogs. I loved this challenge so much - unfortunately it is no more :( I would pin so many recipes from our posting day. The spaghetti challenge day was one of the best days ever. I saved tons of recipes to try and finally got around to making this pizza spaghetti bake from Tracey of The Kitchen Is My Playground. It is a very fabulous twist on regular spaghetti bake. I love that it wasn't ground beef and that the pepperoni gets crisped up. All around a great dish that everyone loved!

Pizza Spaghetti Bake | A twist on traditional spaghetti bake that everyone will love! #pizza #spaghetti #maindish #recipe



Monday, June 15, 2015

Menu Plan Monday - June 15, 2015

Menu Plan Monday - June 15, 2015 | My week of meals, grocery list, and how much I'm spending on these delicious treats! #menuplan #groceries

Hello again, Monday! My week is kinda all thrown off. Nick got a four day weekend and when he's not on a regular work schedule and the kids aren't in school...I have NO CLUE what day it is. I cannot believe June is half over. Before I know it, summer will be gone! Tonight's dinner is in the crockpot and I'm so excited - it's a old favorite. Hope everyone has a great week!

{Monday}
Individual Cheese Danish // Crockpot Meatballs & Spaghetti
sour cream, milk // ground beef, lemon, spaghetti sauce (2), spaghetti, bacon, green beans, garlic bread

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Soft Oatmeal Raisin Molasses Cookies

Soft Oatmeal Raisin Molasses Cookies | These oatmeal raisin cookies get a hit of sweet, rich molasses to amp up the flavor! #cookies #recipe #dessert

There are some people who go to grab a cookie thinking it's a chocolate chip cookie and are disturbed when they bite into it and find out it's actually a raisin cookie. I, on the other hand, LOVE raisin cookies...especially if they are oatmeal raisin cookies. What sets this recipe apart is that in addition to oats and raisins, it also contains a bit of molasses that add a very rich flavor to the cookies. They were incredibly addictive...I just kept on eating them. They are soft and chewy too, so the recipe is definitely a keeper :)

Soft Oatmeal Raisin Molasses Cookies | These oatmeal raisin cookies get a hit of sweet, rich molasses to amp up the flavor! #cookies #recipe #dessert



Tuesday, June 09, 2015

Menu Plan Monday - June 8, 2015

Menu Plan Monday | My week of meals, grocery list, and how much I'm spending on these delicious treats! #menuplan #groceries

It's Tuesday...I'm so punctual, right?! I don't have my grocery list added, but I do have the total spent down there. I'm hoping to get the breakfast recipes made for sure. Last weekend, I actually was able to bake - thanks to Mason napping in his crib for all his naps! First time ever!

{Monday}
Easy Blackberry Cheese Danish // Chili Mac [side]

{Tuesday}
Grilled Caprese Chicken [side]

{Wednesday}
French Toast Kabobs // Kale Soup

{Thursday}
Tomato Basil Chicken [side]


{Friday}
Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls // French Bread Pizzas

{Weekend}
White Chocolate Toffee Doodles


Total Spent: $125.72

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Friday, June 05, 2015

Fantastical Friday: 35 Decadent Donuts for National Donut Day

Whether you spell it donut or doughnut, these cakey little rounds are one of the best things to eat for breakfast. They are so versatile - sweet or savory - and everyone has their own favorite, for sure. So to celebrate the many different kinds of donuts on National Donut Day - I have a roundup of 35 different decadent donut recipes to share :)

35 Decadent Donut Recipes for National Donut Day #collection #collage #recipe #donut #doughnut #breakfast #roundup


Wednesday, June 03, 2015

5-Minute Strawberry Froyo

5-Minute Strawberry Froyo | Four simple ingredients and five minutes of your time make for a healthy, delicious, unbelievable treat! #strawberry #froyo #recipe

I made some chocolate chip cookie dough froyo last summer and had decided I definitely needed more of that goodness in my life. I made this twice last summer and it didn't last long at all. I definitely need to make it a few times this summer too. It's four ingredients and takes only five minutes to make. You can enjoy it right away or later on. You can have it tart or add a little more honey for sweetness. It's literally the best froyo I've ever had!


Monday, June 01, 2015

Menu Plan Monday - June 1, 2015

Menu Plan Monday | My week of meals, grocery list, and how much I'm spending on these delicious treats! #menuplan #groceries

Hello, Monday, nice to see you :) NOT! I'm prepared this week with my grocery list and amount spent as well. It's Sunday evening as I type this and I'm excited that I'm actually scheduling something. I am determined to get some more posts scheduled this week and get ahead of the game. This week there are some pretty great recipes lined up that I'm incredibly excited about. I planned two breakfast recipes and hope that it actually works!

{Monday}
Spinach Stuffed Chicken Parmesan
spinach, marinara, thinly sliced chicken breasts, fresh mozzarella, garlic bread (side), salad (side)

{Tuesday}
Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Taquitos
chicken breasts, cilantro, jalapenos, salsa, cheddar cheese, tortillas, cream cheese*, cumin, rice (side), diced tomatoes (side)

{Wednesday}
Puffins // Wonton Soup
bananas // wonton wrappers, green onions, baby carrots, small cabbage, broccoli, ground pork, chicken bouillon

{Thursday}
Cinnamon French Toast Lattes // Sausage & Pea Pasta
milk // sage pork sausage (2), frozen sweet peas, shell pasta, pesto*, onion


{Friday}
Pumpkin Caramel Rolls // Weeknight Garlic Chipotle Double Down Burger // Secret Recipe Club recipe
*all ingredients on hand* // hamburger buns*, ground beef (2), lettuce, tomato, fiery 5-pepper spice seasoning, chipotle mayonnaise, chipotle cheese, red onion // shredded mozzarella, potatoes*

{Weekend}
Southwest Tuna Salad Sandwiches // Chewy Triple Chocolate Cookies
tuna*, green chillies*, green bell pepper, sweet bell peppers, onion, tomato, bagels, colby jack cheese // *all ingredients on hand*

Total Spent: $116.90

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