On the Menu

Last night for supper I tried out a new recipe. I try to mix it up in the kitchen but it is so easy to get in a rut during the week. I tend to fall back on the same old tried and true recipes, but that can get old. Right?

Yesterday I decided I was going to actually make one of the many recipes that I've pinned. The only requirements were it had to be quick and easy because I had several errands to run prior to going home and knew I would be getting a later start that usual.

The winner from my pinterest board was......... CORNBREAD POT PIE!

Picture Via

It met all of the criteria-- easy, quick yet still delicious. I decided to half the recipe and used an 8x8 pan since it was just Ryan and I. I love a meal that I can cut in half so that we don't waste so much. It was the perfect amount. Ryan and I both had plenty to eat and I even packed up the rest for his lunch today! (read:good wifey)


Here is the link to the recipe if you want to toss it into your week night rotation.  (also I used a rotisserie chicken from the deli instead of making my own-- saves even more time) Enjoy!

A Dignified Gentleman

Sunday night my parents invited Ryan and I over for dinner. Obviously, when my mom is cooking you don't turn it down (because it's so good), so graciously we accepted the offer.

She had made deviled eggs, sweet potato casserole, turnip greens, homemade mac-n-cheese, chicken, and cornbread. It was some good eating!

My favorite part of the evening had to be when Dad got up from his seat and Harley promptly hopped up into it and peered over as if to say, "I do believe I will have a deviled egg, please sir."

I had to snap the pic. He is so sweet. Dogs make life better. Period.  

On the Menu

Occasionally I like to attempt to WOW Ryan with my culinary skills. My mom is an ace in the kitchen... I'm not even going to talk about how good her cornbread is because I couldn't put it in to words. Mmmm....

My mama always made a good ole home-cooked meal with love several night a week when we were growing up. She's just a good wife and mama like that. So I think Ryan believes that it is in my genetic make-up to throw down in the kitchen. 

And let me tell you, I give it my best. I'm a firm believer in that anyone can cook if you can read. Recipes are out there by the thousands. Read, do what it says, eat. Hopefully it's good.... sometimes it is not. I can honestly say Ryan and I have tested a few fails. I love Ryan though because the few times I've tried a recipe that hasn't turned out so well he eats it and tells me it's good, even though we both know it's not. I'm normally the one to say, "that was terrible. never again."

This week I tested out an easy casserole called Bubble Up Enchiladas. It was a super easy one dish meal.

Here's the link for the recipe. (I used the leanest ground beef instead of ground turkey since there is that weird recall on ground turkey right now. I also added half a chopped onion to the meat as it was browning.). You can add corn, black beans, top with sour cream... you name it. It was delicious.

I'm hoping to test out Paula Deen's Shrimp and Wild Rice before the week's end.

I will let you know how it turns out.

Happy Hump Day, Yall!

De Nada

On this day in 2010, just because.

Ryan and I sort of celebrated Cinco de Mayo last night as we feasted on Shrimp Tacos ala this recipe from Skinny Gina's blog.

I served ours on flour tortillas with a bit of salsa. If you aren't going out tonight then you should think about trying this. I simply stopped by the grocery store and picked up the shrimp. I had the butcher steam them for me while I shopped for the rest of the necessary ingredients. Once home, all I had to do was chop up everything and toss it together. Best part... we are potentially skinnier because of it.

We really enjoyed them!

Not really on OTW post, but kind of.

I don't have an O.T.W post this week, because quite frankly our weekend consisted of a lot of yard work and a little relaxing. Nothing too worthy of a picture.

But if you want a mental picture just imagine: Ryan and me digging holes, planting shrubs in dirt covered clothes with sweat dripping off of us. Like I said, no pictures were snapped of the process and for good reason.

However, over the weekend Ryan did mention that he would like some home cooked meals in the upcoming week, as I basically tossed him out to fend for himself the majority of last week, which resulted in him snacking on chips here and there, maybe a turkey sandwich and potentially a hot pocket for good measure.

I decided I would kindly oblige. So this week I have cooked every night for my boo.

The recipe* that we enjoyed the most was compliments of good ole Pdub. It is called Sour Cream Noodle Bake.

When I saw this posted I "starred" it because I knew it looked like something Ryan would love. And he did!

It doesn't take much for Ryan to go ahead and proclaim that I'm a great cook.... and after this dish he was really singing my praises!

Now, we aren't any skinnier after enjoying this meal, but that's what the gym is for!

Go forth and make yo man some sour cream noodle bake.

*I added more sour cream and cottage cheese than the recipe called for because that's just how I roll.

Hooooot Pocket

Every single time I think about the hot pockets I won I can't help but think about that Jim Gaffaghan's stand up routine...

The hot pockets I won have really sparked a lot of conversation! People are shocked at first to hear I won a years worth of hot pockets and then the number one question that has followed is:

How many hot pockets equate to a year's worth?

Well, my fellow pocketeers, the verdict is in! I received a package via FedEx on New Year's Eve. When Ryan told me I had a package I could not imagine what it might be... then it hit me-- HOT POCKETS!

I received 183 vouchers/coupons for either a box of Regular or Lean Pockets, which can be claimed anytime between Jan 1, 2011 and Dec 31, 2011. 

Two hot pockets come in a box and I got enough vouchers for 183 boxes, which comes to a grand total of 366 hot pockets...  I can rightfully say that a year's worth of Hot Pockets is one per day (with one to spare)!

We took five of the vouchers to the grocery store tonight and got several different kind to try out. It was pretty exciting!

I think Ryan is super stoked about it! If you're one of the chosen ones I may or may not share a Hot Pocket with you sometime during 2011!

I'm thinking I've got birthdays, anniversaries, showers, etc. covered as far as a gift goes! I mean, who doesn't want to celebrate with a mother freakin' HOT POCKET?

Just Some Taco Soup...

Ryan and I have had the same thing for dinner several nights this week. I had a real craving for TACO SOUP, so I had to work it.

I love Fall because it means cooler weather is upon us, but it also means it's time for the heavier foods that aren't as enjoyable during the hot summer months (not so good for the waistline)

As, I was chopping the onion for the taco soup my friend Lacey called. We chatted for bit. It probably went something like this:

(L=lacey; J=me)

L:  "Hey Ho! What's up? You hitting the wine tonight or the gym?"
J:  "Girl, I'm hitting the wine! I've been slacking at the gym this month. I'm also chopping an onion as we speak."
L:  "I feel you on that glass of wine. I'm ready to sit down with a glass myself. What are you making with onion?"
J:  "I'm just throwing together some taco soup..."
L:  "You are going to have to get me that recipe. Oh. hang on. John's beeping in."
J:  "Go work that out. Keep it real."
L:  "Holla"

So, here's the recipe for this yummy soup:

Ingredients-
-1 onion
-1 lb. ground beef
-1 package taco seasoning
-1 package hidden valley ranch dressing mix
-1 can yellow corn
-1 can ranch style beans
-1 can pinto beans
-1 can diced tomatoes
-1 can rotel
-several splashes of your favorite hot sauce

Brown onion and ground beef. Drain and return to large pot. Add the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a boil for several minutes, reduce heat and let simmer for thirty minutes or so...

I let mine simmer until Ryan got home from work (stirring occasionally). Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a litte bit of cheddar cheese. It also important to have Fritos Scoops on hand, as they really pair well it.

(hope you make sometime and enjoy, lacey)

While on the subject of food... I have been attempting to get down my cornbread recipe. You see, my mom,  my grandmother, and even my dad can throw down a mean pan cornbread. So, surely I can. Right? Well, I've had a few flops but this was my best one yet....

Pdub says take food photos in natural light hence the cornbread being by the window. It was delish!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Make some taco soup for your boo... he'll love it!