tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65642882911726567312024-03-12T17:49:06.582-07:00Adventures in CookingLifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-63628243230031500172014-07-18T19:57:00.001-07:002014-07-18T19:57:46.933-07:00Sloppy Joes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because we like sloppy joes, and we always have most of the ingredients on hand, I always make them from scratch instead of buying a canned or powdered mix. The origin of my recipe is found <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sloppy-joes-ii/detail.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>. I don't always measure, as you will be able to see from my eyeballed amounts! I started with these 3 sun scorched peppers from my garden because I can't sell them at the farmers market and an onion. I wish I grew my onion but I am not that cool this year. Maybe next year. Sometimes I use bell peppers, sometimes anaheim or pablano peppers. They are all good!</div>
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Chop the onions and peppers up to the size that you like. I generally like to have more pepper than this, but it was still good in the end. (This is making up a double batch because I was also taking dinner to a friend, probably important for you to know!)</div>
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I sautee the peppers and onions in a TBLS or 2 of oil. Olive, vegetable, canola, whatever I have that day. I prefer olive oil. </div>
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After the peppers and onions start to soften, add the ground beef and brown through. Drain when it is cooked through.<br />
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While waiting for the hamburger to cook, you will mix up your sauce. It calls for 3/4 c ketchup, 3 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp mustard. I just eyeball it til it looks like I want, obviously my ratios are not the same. Sometimes, when I am feeling spicy, I will even add a tsp or 2 of siracha sauce.<br />
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Add the sauce to the drained hamburger mix, stir in completely, and heat through. </div>
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Since we are gluten free, we have sloppy joes over baked potatoes or french fries, rather than on buns. Feel free to do whatever you need to do to make this what you want it to be. It is really good and really flexible. </div>
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<br />LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-60546949953693098852014-07-07T18:47:00.001-07:002014-07-07T18:47:34.201-07:00Chili Cheese Fries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I made a household favorite, chili cheese fries. I make it from scratch because it is quick and easy, and we like the way I season it. This is loosely based on the recipe for the McCormick packet. To make this one you will need:<br />
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1-2 LBS of potatoes (or a bag of your favorite frozen fries, I won't judge)<br />
2 cans black (or whatever variety you like) beans (Bush's beans are gluten free)<br />
2 cans tomato sauce<br />
2 cans diced tomatoes<br />
1 lb (I use half a pound) of ground beef<br />
2 TBLS chili powder<br />
1 TBLS garlic powder<br />
1 TBLS onion powder<br />
2 TBLS cumin<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
(if you want to skip all the seasonings, you can buy a packet seasoning, but I like being able to be in control of the flavor and adjust as needed for our tastes)<br />
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I cut my "fries" first and bake because they take about 45 minutes and that is how long it takes to make and simmer the chili. I just cut them into strips or wedges and toss in olive oil and salt and pepper, then roast in the oven on 450 for 45 minutes.<br />
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While the fries are cooking, you make the chili. Start by browning the ground beef. Once browned through, drain off the fat, and then add back to the pot. Add in the cans of stuffs and then season. Warm through, then leave on a low simmer until you are ready to serve.<br />
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To build your plate, put some fries on the bottom, chili over the fries, and grate some cheese over the top. We use cheddar because, again, that is what we like. Caity and Trevor also put sour cream on them, but Andruw and I don't care for sour cream :)LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-6100375170390969632014-07-02T21:42:00.002-07:002014-07-02T21:45:40.237-07:00Freezing Bananas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To freeze bananas, you will need a few things, Wax Paper, a sheet pan, and bananas... This is what I do when they are overripe :)</div>
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Peel the bananas, and dice them into manageable chunks. I have one row sideways for you to see about how thick I cut them. Lay them on the wax paper lined sheet pan, and place the whole pan in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This helps keep them separate when they are in the freezer so you can thaw them or use them as needed.<br />
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The frozen chunks are good to throw into smoothies with other frozen fruit in place of using ice cubes. It is actually one of my favorite things to do with them.LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-44369129313870756202014-07-02T21:33:00.000-07:002014-07-02T21:45:40.234-07:00Cream peas and new potatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, it is that time of year again, the peas are on. We are picking about a grocery bag full a day which is a good thing and a crazy thing! So, because they are only on for about 10 days a year, we must make our favorite dish with them, right? So here it is. </div>
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You will need:</div>
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about 2 cups of peas</div>
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3 lbs of baby red potatoes</div>
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water</div>
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3 cups milk</div>
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3 TBLS butter</div>
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3 TBLS flour (I used rice flour because,yeah, gluten free, but you can use whatever flour you want)</div>
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Start by shelling the peas. The picture below is twice the amount of peas that I used because we just shelled everything that we had! I need blanch and freeze them tomorrow.<br />
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Cut up your potatoes. Since we are using baby reds, they shouldn't need to be cut too many times to be small enough. I like them a little bigger than bite size because it is rustic. I just quartered them, like below:</div>
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Cover the potatoes in cold water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until fork tender. Then drain the potatoes.<br />
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Because I am so smart, I didn't get pictures of the next steps, so I hope you have a good imagination. After you have drained the potatoes, leave them aside, put 3 cups of water in the pan and bring to a boil. While waiting for that water to boil, in another pan, bring 3 cups of milk and 3 TBLS of butter to a simmer then add 3 TBLS of flour and cook until thickened, stirring frequently. Once the water in the pot is boiling again, add your peas and cook until they are all a nice dark green, probably 2-3 minutes, then add the potatoes back in, as well as adding your white sauce. Cook over a medium low heat until it is your desired thickness. I don't like it thick, so mine is kinda like a soup. Hubby likes it to be thick like a gravy (but if he wanted to have it bad enough he would be the one cooking it right?) Anyway, finish product pictured below :)<br />
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I cooked it on my griddle because it was too hot to grill..... Here is a picture:<br />
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LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-18396797490308933582014-06-29T08:40:00.000-07:002014-06-30T12:04:23.389-07:00Grilled ChickenRemember my grilled chicken recipe found <a href="http://jenscookingadventures.blogspot.com/2011/04/kicking-up-grilled-chicken.html" target="_blank">here</a>? It is so easy to make gluten free. The only thing that you have to do is make sure that your barbecue sauce and Italian dressing are gluten free. a great resource to use when you are shopping to find if a processed food is safe or not? Google. Now, since anyone can write anything on the internet (seriously, me writing this is a good example) it is a good idea to contact the company directly unless the product is labeled gluten free.<br />
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I really like Sweet Baby Ray's sauces and they are marked gluten free on the back, by the bar code. Kraft does not mark their products gluten free, but they are very good about disclosing gluten containing ingredients. Both Zesty Italian and Light Zesty Italian dressing are gluten free at this time, but if you have been gluten free for any amount of time, you know that this can change, so please verify this information before just buying the products that I mention.<br />
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MMM.. happy grilling! And remember that this is good the next day on a salad as described <a href="http://jenscookingadventures.blogspot.com/2011/04/left-over-chicken.html" target="_blank">here</a>.LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-60365885866684647972014-06-28T20:33:00.002-07:002014-06-28T20:33:47.734-07:00Spamaroni and CheeseSince this winter, our kids are pretty into Spam. We have several meals that we make with Spam and as long as I am not eating it plain, I am good with it. The first thing that we like to do is Spamaroni and cheese. When we make this, we use a gluten free mac and cheese (usually a brand called Annies because it is relatively inexpensive and Andruw really likes it) and a can of diced Spam. If I am feeling somewhat kind, I will make Trevor, AKA Captain Gluten, Kraft Mac and Cheese. Usually this is the case. It is hard to do both kinds side by side and avoid cross contamination. Watching this happen probably seems like a whole new level of OCD to a person who doesn't understand. Separate pans, separate spatulas, don't let them touch, lots of hand washing after each time you touch the gluten spoon, separate strainers, hand washing again, don't forget that you already have separate butter containers in case of crumbs or double dipping. Being gluten free in a shared kitchen is a lot of work. Most of our dinners are just gluten free to protect me from the insanity ;)<br />
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Another meal that we have often is Spam, bacon, and egg sandwiches. Yes, the meal is as greasy as it sounds. We are definitely far from Vegetarians on this meal. I like to start the bacon on my griddle, then start the toast in the oven (because crumbs, toaster, who wants to deal with that OCD). When the bacon is cooked to your taste, then fry up the sliced spam and fry some eggs. I will say, it is better when the eggs are fried over hard IMO, but please fry your eggs how you like. About this time, your toast should be done and you can pull it out and put some Miracle Whip or whatever you use on it. Make sure that you use the right one and don't touch Captain Gluten's bread if you don't have to or, you got it, hand washing. MMM, it is so good with a little cheese, a side of hashbrowns, and a glass of juice (or Coke Zero, who am I kidding?).<br />
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Happy Spam adventures..<br />
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LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-31623605664096308872014-06-28T07:00:00.000-07:002014-06-28T20:11:16.431-07:00Banana Cake, gluten free style!Remember when I made banana cake <a href="http://jenscookingadventures.blogspot.com/2011/04/banana-cake.html" target="_blank">here</a>? Well, this is an easy recipe to fix if you buy a flour mix. They are expensive, but it is easier than trying to make your own. I haven't yet mastered my own blend, but when I do, rest assured this will be the first place I post about it.<br />
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Here is the edited version. If I am feeling the hankering for cake this week, I will make it and take photos, otherwise, rest assured it looks about the same as the other one ;)<br />
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<div style="padding-left: 20px;">
<span class="ingredient">1 c. sugar</span><br />
<span class="ingredient">1 c. butter</span><br />
<span class="ingredient">2 eggs</span><br />
<span class="ingredient">3 ripe bananas, mashed</span><br />
<span class="ingredient">1 tsp. baking soda</span><br />
<span class="ingredient">2 c. flour (rather than all purpose wheat flour, I use a blend like Cup 4 Cup, found in the gluten free section of the store)</span><br />
<span class="ingredient">1/2 c. walnuts (optional)</span></div>
<div class="instructions" style="color: #772222;">
Mix in order given. Put in greased loaf pans.<br />
Bake at 350° for about 1 hour. Allow 24 hours before cutting.</div>
LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-32043761112680495932014-06-27T20:01:00.001-07:002014-06-27T20:01:21.112-07:00Gluten FreeIt has been a very long time since I posted for several reasons. I started a full time job and forgot how much fun cooking is. I have been very tired with all of my illnesses in flair and just trying to figure out what they all are. And part of that is that I have gone gluten free do to an intolerance thought to be Celiac Disease. The only thing that makes me not just outright say I have Celiac Disease is that I didn't opt to have a biopsy. I don't need it to know that either way, gluten free has been very helpful for me.<br />
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In gluten free cooking I have a few philosophies that I like to use:<br />
1. Food shouldn't cost more because we remove wheat, rye, and barley<br />
2. Fresh is best, but I will still find processed foods if I need them<br />
3. My cooking methods weren't broke, so for the most part, they didn't change.<br />
4. Before you overhaul everything, think of how many things you make that are already gluten free<br />
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Over the next few weeks, I will rewrite gluten free versions of each of the recipes that I have posted. Looking back, some of them were already gluten free which is awesome. I will also post about what my favorite gluten free finds have been, as well as some mainstream foods that are gluten free that were super exciting for me to find. Be ready!!LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-28360650182984306262012-03-05T11:33:00.001-08:002012-03-05T11:33:39.989-08:00Bountiful Baskets and Menu for March 3rd through 9th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUHcl1a70do50bW-ULjVVcdOzHjWSEoBnRq74mozmhpPEENZXxks9TE3d4WSNvhiLpB0J0jnDWDeHaKppuS7Eu2vljiIjIg4vxZiXDz_iukS66_8Eivj5dTitYd3AfaZOB5LV4BDDnPb5/s1600/20120303_102332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUHcl1a70do50bW-ULjVVcdOzHjWSEoBnRq74mozmhpPEENZXxks9TE3d4WSNvhiLpB0J0jnDWDeHaKppuS7Eu2vljiIjIg4vxZiXDz_iukS66_8Eivj5dTitYd3AfaZOB5LV4BDDnPb5/s320/20120303_102332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As you can see, this week's basket was pretty awesome. There is some new foods for us to try, but mostly just favorites that we have often. As you can see we got a pineapple, a cantalope, 8 bananas, 6 Kiwis, 6 bananas, 3 yellow mangos (if you haven't had these before, you have to wait until they are wrinkled to eat. They look bad, but it is good), 3 bell peppers, 5 Anaheim peppers, some brussel sprouts, 3 english cucumbers, broccoli, butter lettuce (still living.. with roots on it), and Yukon Gold potatoes.<br />
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From all that perfect produce, I came up with a great menu for suppers this week. I will bold the recipes that I plan on posting!<br />
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Saturday: Tuna Casserole and Green Beans (fail, we ate out)<br />
Sunday: Turkey Steaks, Cheesy Mashed potatoes (left over russets), and left over salad<br />
Monday: Cheesy potatoes and ham (left over frozen potatoes made to hashbrowns) tossed salad<br />
Tuesday: <b>Chicken burritos</b> (black beans, chicken, onion, lettuce, peppers), <b>Spanish rice</b> <br />
Wednesday: Lettuce wraps and <b>Chow mein</b><br />
Thursday: Lasagna and green salad<br />
Friday:<b> Roasted red potatoes and oven roasted whole chicken with applewood rub </b><br />
<br />LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-12773968810385728082012-03-05T09:48:00.001-08:002012-03-05T09:48:52.703-08:00A sweetly savory treat for lunch!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes the kids want to have something special for lunch.. and I don't blame them. Well, I have been wanting to have some sweet potatoes recently, and I just really enjoy them roasted in the oven. A couple day care kids and I went off to Walmart to see what special treats we could find, and this is what came to mind for me. Also, I had been eyeing some strawberries that were on "Rollback". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWY1gsio7r_wr45_QL3uY7e9NxmI12D-EHDrCGT7BvG8v7fdjIw5XaCFKEVEl3BS_7HPiypRv8Q7NHChvWb6l6tG8gzSiZjds0oxRrk09sZ3mQlNcqjoJz7fOleR__Ovm-bLQP8uwxBqi/s1600/20120229_114916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWY1gsio7r_wr45_QL3uY7e9NxmI12D-EHDrCGT7BvG8v7fdjIw5XaCFKEVEl3BS_7HPiypRv8Q7NHChvWb6l6tG8gzSiZjds0oxRrk09sZ3mQlNcqjoJz7fOleR__Ovm-bLQP8uwxBqi/s320/20120229_114916.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here is what I did to create our yummy sweet taters:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT4IKJb0cgZR0tXIHOVtK-2uJC9DyBnjKQ6WY8Jrdu_UHffHqTkqGO02C7Jwh3niqh6yx-ypv5Z7hyphenhyphenoO7YoZCszyGuchYJ7koYseEW93RxZDTP6jcR3y1dutSEXQzY2S0edt_ALAgOC0q/s1600/20120229_102225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT4IKJb0cgZR0tXIHOVtK-2uJC9DyBnjKQ6WY8Jrdu_UHffHqTkqGO02C7Jwh3niqh6yx-ypv5Z7hyphenhyphenoO7YoZCszyGuchYJ7koYseEW93RxZDTP6jcR3y1dutSEXQzY2S0edt_ALAgOC0q/s320/20120229_102225.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Step 1 (pictured above): Peel and dice those suckers. I think mine are in 1 inch peices.. maybe some smaller some bigger because I am not a professional chef....<br />
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Step 2: Take your ingredients, pictured above, and toss them all together on a sheet pan. I use about 2 TBLS of oil for 2 sweet potatoes, then salt and pepper to taste. If you like yours sweet, this is where you could add some cinnamon, nutmeg etc.<br />
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Step 3: bake the potatoes at 425 until you are happy with the tenderness. This batch took 20 minutes. I have had it take up to 40.. just watch them.<br />
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Pair with a little cheese melt and some strawberries and you have a delicious and healthy lunch.. YUM! The kids ate their lunch all up with no complaints, in case you wondered how it went over.LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-64826472830003774142012-02-29T09:41:00.001-08:002012-02-29T09:41:11.615-08:00Hey all! I know that it has been so long since I have posted and I am working on some great up and coming healthy eating posts for you as soon as I take my state Property and Casulty Insurance exam this weekend. Until then, I want to share with you my new found love that I refer to as produce Christmas... <a href="http://bountifulbaskets.org/" target="_blank">Bountiful Baskets</a>. Please check them out and see if there is a location near you! It has saved us tons of money in the long run. Check out the last few baskets that I have received:<br />
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<br />LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-55361244468782122292011-05-17T19:18:00.000-07:002011-05-17T19:26:58.174-07:00Burrito fillingWhen our family has tacos/burritos, we don't use the old fashioned taco seasoned beef..we make this delicious and easy recipe handed down from Trevor's mom.<br /><br />What you need:<br />1 lb ground beef<br />1 can chili (whatever kind you like)<br />2 or 3 TBLS bbq sauce (again whatever kind you like is fine)<br /><br />You start by browning the beef, like this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpl7L5y_ih8szznr5Fd6ZfBL96UMauaHw2ZzmxH29b3cSkb32bwgCYOkkUE8p9uFr8JqOFifg3Rlp-V3Ac47pgitVln7wTWk-dQPwSz1yJ7rCE5MnlyqGo4tsHx92ikEevKhRAflXXdaP/s1600/IMG224.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpl7L5y_ih8szznr5Fd6ZfBL96UMauaHw2ZzmxH29b3cSkb32bwgCYOkkUE8p9uFr8JqOFifg3Rlp-V3Ac47pgitVln7wTWk-dQPwSz1yJ7rCE5MnlyqGo4tsHx92ikEevKhRAflXXdaP/s320/IMG224.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607875367804949826" border="0" /></a><br />After the beef is browned, drain the fat off. Return it to the pan and add the chili and the bbq sauce, like this:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5W3KWr2N9uq1a5OhbdBqTL3rLezznztn4TgH-sGJnyBYXUPrqHwedwQz6Sd_O7Nm5sHqUUQCZlpwgDKBrxbm3DHW_KO4cj2LK7tRchcLkRSKiziob8wEoY6QTSJ48TwVsfN34I5Q53t3/s1600/IMG225.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5W3KWr2N9uq1a5OhbdBqTL3rLezznztn4TgH-sGJnyBYXUPrqHwedwQz6Sd_O7Nm5sHqUUQCZlpwgDKBrxbm3DHW_KO4cj2LK7tRchcLkRSKiziob8wEoY6QTSJ48TwVsfN34I5Q53t3/s320/IMG225.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607875372516107826" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpl7L5y_ih8szznr5Fd6ZfBL96UMauaHw2ZzmxH29b3cSkb32bwgCYOkkUE8p9uFr8JqOFifg3Rlp-V3Ac47pgitVln7wTWk-dQPwSz1yJ7rCE5MnlyqGo4tsHx92ikEevKhRAflXXdaP/s1600/IMG224.jpg"><br /></a>Mix it all together and heat through. It will look like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMdsrFH8B66gaul43ASEnA2wRoOryw5kn4T4VOUFQjtm-r6GzwYWegP0qSvMMpFO3CciINdkXACValKSkwV4o4zEE2iHvlmz3a3FScHZrOe9lL6C9IatI7TKP6-0y7PxcHIlYpCBvVGJx/s1600/IMG226.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMdsrFH8B66gaul43ASEnA2wRoOryw5kn4T4VOUFQjtm-r6GzwYWegP0qSvMMpFO3CciINdkXACValKSkwV4o4zEE2iHvlmz3a3FScHZrOe9lL6C9IatI7TKP6-0y7PxcHIlYpCBvVGJx/s320/IMG226.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607875381089123074" border="0" /></a><br />Just put on a soft tortilla with your favorite taco fixings! MMMM...LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-63342026910075676612011-05-16T18:56:00.000-07:002011-05-16T19:04:24.370-07:00Taco Salad..sorry no pics :(Tonight we had one of Trevor's most favorite meals! Taco salad is pretty easy and delish!<br /><br />First you make the meat. Here is what you will need:<br />1 lb ground meat<br />1/2 C salsa<br />the juice of 1 lime<br /><br />Brown the meat and drain it if needed. After draining, add salsa and the lime juice, then let it heat through. YOU DID IT!<br /><br />Here is the construction order of the PERFECT salad:<br /><br />Take a pretty good handful of Nacho Cheese Doritos and crush them up on your plate. Take some salad, today I diced up some iceberg lettuce and added tomatoes, but you can used bagged no problems, and top the chips with it. Add a sprinkling of the meat, a bit of shredded cheese, Hidden Valley Ranch, and a bit of salsa.<br /><br />There you have it. A delicious and healthy meal in minutes! I will post pictures next time we have it, I swear!LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-78901317231609383972011-05-15T20:34:00.000-07:002011-05-16T19:05:34.806-07:00Sweedish MeatballsTo make these meatballs, I followed this recipe:<br /><div id=":4w" class="ii gt"><div id=":5l"><div style="padding-left:20px;color:BLACK"><span>1 egg</span><br /><span>1/2 c dehydrated onion</span><br /><span>1 1/2 lbs. ground beef</span><br /><span>1/2 c. milk</span><br /><span>Salt<br />1 TBLS grill seasoning<br /></span><span>1 c. oatmeal</span><br /><span>1 can mushroom soup</span></div><div style="color:#772222">Mix all ingredients except the soup together, form into balls (smaller balls are best), brown on both sides in butter. Place in crock pot. Put in soup and 1 can water. Simmer in crock pot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Serves 8.</div> </div></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHWcg6AzxxFXnKKydaTja0mhkxg-dTN9h5s8zB0EHP0FBYA7-NesoQceAF8vjYKNrbUI_hisO0-ybGsW-vMd8jRe2pV3IbbtRY4a0csrJRC7dTZJ_slrR_4Vv6Ma1ZXOSkQWLXeLrH6Ym/s1600/IMG204.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHWcg6AzxxFXnKKydaTja0mhkxg-dTN9h5s8zB0EHP0FBYA7-NesoQceAF8vjYKNrbUI_hisO0-ybGsW-vMd8jRe2pV3IbbtRY4a0csrJRC7dTZJ_slrR_4Vv6Ma1ZXOSkQWLXeLrH6Ym/s320/IMG204.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607165054984214546" border="0" /></a>Andruw and Caity loved rolling the meatballs:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZyMU5VeSfJswQdAOS1FmFbcuu-9pEulc8H2UhdszpWXKsH3IzNZXT4KM_xMl-qiYOjUHK2PAak4mBOeHK7sTAN-_a6BL1HM1QOyT98J8MGPKJrEDf2iWlDLpb_jBSpHz3HqfjSKBo_Gl/s1600/IMG207.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZyMU5VeSfJswQdAOS1FmFbcuu-9pEulc8H2UhdszpWXKsH3IzNZXT4KM_xMl-qiYOjUHK2PAak4mBOeHK7sTAN-_a6BL1HM1QOyT98J8MGPKJrEDf2iWlDLpb_jBSpHz3HqfjSKBo_Gl/s320/IMG207.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607164458886314290" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK0HIDNMCUHYubS80Vm-c7vtLoozTcID5j5caA106hS-ZBc5QwbqPKiFXxo9PRMLA44CnMZLvZRgcCwDUFNaUgDORWp4I6WyoEBntiU-5xKRhYKkXbqWLCa0YUK0wCZEH5WtVGMJqqJqc/s1600/IMG205.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK0HIDNMCUHYubS80Vm-c7vtLoozTcID5j5caA106hS-ZBc5QwbqPKiFXxo9PRMLA44CnMZLvZRgcCwDUFNaUgDORWp4I6WyoEBntiU-5xKRhYKkXbqWLCa0YUK0wCZEH5WtVGMJqqJqc/s320/IMG205.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607164464537104018" border="0" /></a>I browned them off in a frying pan with a drizzle of olive oil before throwing them in the crock pot<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6-3Qjsd376qAzEvh-wIoHEdIFnvqtctW2UAWtLP7M2esEixNCBhLmleSbSu9vNXINRNk12hCK5z3f5EQltTvfkZ8NnzbkRJOfDvlHxepGUZXiOGGXLOHhAwGzIbyLAHaT6QooHsMtWPk/s1600/IMG208.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6-3Qjsd376qAzEvh-wIoHEdIFnvqtctW2UAWtLP7M2esEixNCBhLmleSbSu9vNXINRNk12hCK5z3f5EQltTvfkZ8NnzbkRJOfDvlHxepGUZXiOGGXLOHhAwGzIbyLAHaT6QooHsMtWPk/s320/IMG208.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607164462742232946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mUWruHS9JEq_J9wgGxjiZSbdX8lAOakA45JMK7T8JviX1yTyAHbGn_xciHoxVaECJQHRmnTouHsY4Q5ZwBAiEYvluDNqv4YYakXV4Wc0uYPREX5sEWaS2GoMX446f4d7XRzRPDD3ia3b/s1600/IMG209.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mUWruHS9JEq_J9wgGxjiZSbdX8lAOakA45JMK7T8JviX1yTyAHbGn_xciHoxVaECJQHRmnTouHsY4Q5ZwBAiEYvluDNqv4YYakXV4Wc0uYPREX5sEWaS2GoMX446f4d7XRzRPDD3ia3b/s320/IMG209.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607164458620569650" border="0" /></a>Serve over rice. I used brown because that is what I had!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXWWN_UrDkgS_cQ1s6Fah4kjGMdf8BoFEa6UZhbo2m11grwKU8mYjFnCOpwfLXM4PNYFo-AHoF8twJSJnJlKAWqNjea1OGCk1bQsvWon7xdSXg6_mZ4WAoD3OP8YIZyPj4j2tf8gxmqTU/s1600/IMG211.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXWWN_UrDkgS_cQ1s6Fah4kjGMdf8BoFEa6UZhbo2m11grwKU8mYjFnCOpwfLXM4PNYFo-AHoF8twJSJnJlKAWqNjea1OGCk1bQsvWon7xdSXg6_mZ4WAoD3OP8YIZyPj4j2tf8gxmqTU/s320/IMG211.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607164453801932082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK0HIDNMCUHYubS80Vm-c7vtLoozTcID5j5caA106hS-ZBc5QwbqPKiFXxo9PRMLA44CnMZLvZRgcCwDUFNaUgDORWp4I6WyoEBntiU-5xKRhYKkXbqWLCa0YUK0wCZEH5WtVGMJqqJqc/s1600/IMG205.jpg"><br /></a>LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-15630098171699304352011-05-09T08:29:00.000-07:002011-05-09T08:57:01.663-07:00Creative cooking on a budgetSo, about a week ago, my friend Jennifer G. moved into her own place. The situation being what it was, she didn't have a pan or money to buy one until she gets paid again. She was just sooo sick of eating foods that can be cooked in the microwave, and she really craving a grilled cheese sandwich. She asked me if I thought that tin foil would work. Since she has an electric stove, I thought that it would be a good plan, and encouraged her to try it. Here is what she did:<br /><br />Place tinfoil over a unit with the heat on medium. Butter the bread on the outsides and put a slice of cheese on the inside. Place the buttered surface on the hot tin foil and let cook until golden:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYkiNIIYFEUFt7uQwyS4WwaFrzLk0eEQSZUC6L7zQ0PmWp6-Kgq0s0N6idLK8lt3REdBCHa0jCID2CgM4qzl9lAuEKpK59hdco462Z9lSYGPjm-J0_LY4bcE_v3g21QUZIS3GHLeyDlzr/s1600/0506112050.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYkiNIIYFEUFt7uQwyS4WwaFrzLk0eEQSZUC6L7zQ0PmWp6-Kgq0s0N6idLK8lt3REdBCHa0jCID2CgM4qzl9lAuEKpK59hdco462Z9lSYGPjm-J0_LY4bcE_v3g21QUZIS3GHLeyDlzr/s320/0506112050.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604742406064412690" border="0" /></a>Turn the sandwich and let cook on the other side as well. It may not be perfect, but it is a creative way to cook when you don't have a pan....moving day perhaps?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Pdp21OB2ydoVM9-OiMyKQctRpw0LUHwQfCn7M0eRGilGpzaaUj6xXJNv-8kXUqPz3A0Mk8snNfzv1aY8Zp_HrgGIoMf-UG-eRwysiOloKl79cmUKKVaUJK7oshPdIMFzfpHt5DBknwxz/s1600/0506112055.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Pdp21OB2ydoVM9-OiMyKQctRpw0LUHwQfCn7M0eRGilGpzaaUj6xXJNv-8kXUqPz3A0Mk8snNfzv1aY8Zp_HrgGIoMf-UG-eRwysiOloKl79cmUKKVaUJK7oshPdIMFzfpHt5DBknwxz/s320/0506112055.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604742403027409074" border="0" /></a>LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-36486097624310113142011-05-06T08:36:00.001-07:002011-05-06T09:03:40.341-07:00Chicken EnchiladasOne of our family's favorite dinners is chicken enchiladas. I don't make it much, but I am not sure why since it is so easy and delish! Here is what you need:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJYkAqwmMgU0Z9h6jNLXMt7zJlL_cWGkqWMib4IBubUNYS4uVN_jxvVfWTwt7OU2Ip3Cep11tqe9d_yc9jjd5CkEntOpyZbbyap5_OlLY_NCsNeTvJdxsacH3BnPeZLEi-UuelISUKdIu/s1600/IMG177.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJYkAqwmMgU0Z9h6jNLXMt7zJlL_cWGkqWMib4IBubUNYS4uVN_jxvVfWTwt7OU2Ip3Cep11tqe9d_yc9jjd5CkEntOpyZbbyap5_OlLY_NCsNeTvJdxsacH3BnPeZLEi-UuelISUKdIu/s320/IMG177.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603629220983710434" border="0" /></a>1/2 to 3/4 of a pound of chicken (cut into small cubes)<br />1 can green chili's (optional)<br />1 jalapeno, cut into a small dice (optional)<br />2 TBLS sour cream<br />2 regular sized (or 1 family sized can) of cream of chicken soup<br />8 tortillas (this time I used 7 because I was missing one...oh well)<br />2 to 3 cups of shredded cheese (I used sharp cheddar)<br />*NOTE* (NOT PICTURED) 1 lime, both the zest and the juice (optional). I decided to add this to the filling this time and it was a hint of amazingness....<br /><br />To start, you will put some oil in the pan with you jalapenos and let them start to saute. I also add onion flakes for flavor. This is what it looks like in the pan:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnmqI9XfGOvPnYQX39g4MZaP8JG9zQgzIaOeuVVzDK9QACGyGZuW3Keh-up60lY5YQd4pzpm6ABsIVhhD4iEoHJne-a13HzJ6Jdf57oNBAHWrV_W7FHF82PJQNotdzL0izgBmC2-uSGFR/s1600/IMG162.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnmqI9XfGOvPnYQX39g4MZaP8JG9zQgzIaOeuVVzDK9QACGyGZuW3Keh-up60lY5YQd4pzpm6ABsIVhhD4iEoHJne-a13HzJ6Jdf57oNBAHWrV_W7FHF82PJQNotdzL0izgBmC2-uSGFR/s320/IMG162.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603631662134762130" border="0" /></a>Once the jalapenos start to cook (they will become a rich green and you will start to smell them) then you add the chicken (I season my chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder) to the pan as well as the can of green chilis. (This is where I zested my lime and added the juice). Saute until the chicken is cooked through. This is is what you will be looking at:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12R2Jg7W0NkSMLHqWroXredHRhe5ISMzxKrpoZ3oNLypeTjVVWKk9yhLYRWgWdGZaqi8XDY9PS0l7x4L_JdqosutdtD9Bvu90jOo6WMNlvo0N5BkSFJtmedRK2qlMVrLvhkHJ4EiuIGE8/s1600/IMG179.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12R2Jg7W0NkSMLHqWroXredHRhe5ISMzxKrpoZ3oNLypeTjVVWKk9yhLYRWgWdGZaqi8XDY9PS0l7x4L_JdqosutdtD9Bvu90jOo6WMNlvo0N5BkSFJtmedRK2qlMVrLvhkHJ4EiuIGE8/s320/IMG179.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603629214410318594" border="0" /></a><br />After the chicken is cooked, you will add about half of one of the cans of cream of chicken soup to the pan and 1 TBLS of the sour cream. Mix it all together and you have your filling. This is what it looks like:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisJzIs8KkRV0Sor1SjSvBzVK9WZ2Q3tNJF7-3peVUEiCgz7Xh4CdPZi2ma0eahRkX-jrVAu3OqDN6WFz10pVyHviA37r_J_hXzTkk9IAZKPooujUVQXFd7etQjZ_UWcF8lbyNtPQm64JN/s1600/IMG180.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisJzIs8KkRV0Sor1SjSvBzVK9WZ2Q3tNJF7-3peVUEiCgz7Xh4CdPZi2ma0eahRkX-jrVAu3OqDN6WFz10pVyHviA37r_J_hXzTkk9IAZKPooujUVQXFd7etQjZ_UWcF8lbyNtPQm64JN/s320/IMG180.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603629209084476258" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a picture step by step on how to fill your enchiladas: (if you have questions, comment and I will let you know more details, but I think that the picture explains...)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BDJCGCXj5ZOH_7zkLhsrgoJBm2P0omkR0w5_OuTAd5sQMRbAlkCs4n18lf_uHlxYqJ-R0qVFxRpZlTcjlC5NkJDcmNEVgQHoP3LzBFfG1ZKBZ4fzS9tokg-Ez2HIcilJww-Wnp-ksHwD/s1600/IMG182.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BDJCGCXj5ZOH_7zkLhsrgoJBm2P0omkR0w5_OuTAd5sQMRbAlkCs4n18lf_uHlxYqJ-R0qVFxRpZlTcjlC5NkJDcmNEVgQHoP3LzBFfG1ZKBZ4fzS9tokg-Ez2HIcilJww-Wnp-ksHwD/s320/IMG182.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603629204033443778" border="0" /></a><br />Place the tortillas in a baking dish. I would have preferred one smaller than what I used last night, but it worked okay, and it was what I had!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgy3WolawmYzJkl81sip_8Et1KG1WN8S9bwSsrVq-UuVKZmGYqiasHmT0lyEqYma3LfmMCq_UCnSAUy9-ZLykvE-jdlUKZeiVrypH9If08lKZjSJmcVOsQjPftlp_54KHKNQ8VdmfZxDS/s1600/IMG183.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgy3WolawmYzJkl81sip_8Et1KG1WN8S9bwSsrVq-UuVKZmGYqiasHmT0lyEqYma3LfmMCq_UCnSAUy9-ZLykvE-jdlUKZeiVrypH9If08lKZjSJmcVOsQjPftlp_54KHKNQ8VdmfZxDS/s320/IMG183.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603628009416517570" border="0" /></a>To make your sauce, you will used the last can and a half of cream of chicken soup, the remaining TBLS of sour cream, and 2 TBLS milk. Wisk them together:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJYkAqwmMgU0Z9h6jNLXMt7zJlL_cWGkqWMib4IBubUNYS4uVN_jxvVfWTwt7OU2Ip3Cep11tqe9d_yc9jjd5CkEntOpyZbbyap5_OlLY_NCsNeTvJdxsacH3BnPeZLEi-UuelISUKdIu/s1600/IMG177.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oID98UMKZferhAN_NEJbNJm5SpAdjhQulpPSfUTLcGdOcgLSg8LrpUqnTJbCE3ieHxjmsge29UoPS9dpVx0-DsVRH-isCrPaGtWHI-HUYP7n_Df-IkenMg4orJdxZOSXJqpmgEwA3Ofc/s1600/IMG184.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oID98UMKZferhAN_NEJbNJm5SpAdjhQulpPSfUTLcGdOcgLSg8LrpUqnTJbCE3ieHxjmsge29UoPS9dpVx0-DsVRH-isCrPaGtWHI-HUYP7n_Df-IkenMg4orJdxZOSXJqpmgEwA3Ofc/s320/IMG184.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603628005059149730" border="0" /></a><br />Pardon the sideways picture, but you will dump the sauce over the rolled enchilada's in your pan:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-plGAN1ElVm93cGvuG6-hVhEjr_b8ZDnkw3RNd6t7i2BwfPgIxM9gU6YlGfwI_dyW07WVZPns7cYpBSJowxJFscUHVG672zUNrGkXmVITazTjNRXQ2oh2j-aD_9ll7km6M8_OigBf5_Q/s1600/IMG185.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-plGAN1ElVm93cGvuG6-hVhEjr_b8ZDnkw3RNd6t7i2BwfPgIxM9gU6YlGfwI_dyW07WVZPns7cYpBSJowxJFscUHVG672zUNrGkXmVITazTjNRXQ2oh2j-aD_9ll7km6M8_OigBf5_Q/s320/IMG185.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603627999932352338" border="0" /></a><br />Top with the remaining cheese:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z4Yv0cCRw_AeCDW7P8jVUisLYkf6s764wB0J75ya3mgHcUQiCuE_ZHq_1kVH2EP-JnwdK2oljN0EbCzmu_hGd-prWuQf2Eylmgtvh4K0lFvXvD7HP5j6ziXvqoUDLUU4Q2EJmatVEns_/s1600/IMG186.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z4Yv0cCRw_AeCDW7P8jVUisLYkf6s764wB0J75ya3mgHcUQiCuE_ZHq_1kVH2EP-JnwdK2oljN0EbCzmu_hGd-prWuQf2Eylmgtvh4K0lFvXvD7HP5j6ziXvqoUDLUU4Q2EJmatVEns_/s320/IMG186.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603627999586086242" border="0" /></a><br />Bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted and the enchilada's are hot thought:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczRRQdo4yPwiwphrST9l5-CLzJMDP48_7OnOvP9rFlQmNBUTk1tcn9jZiz878b-xkxRUXr-V01S0N2j-7E9oR3mAHwX2nql3S3llX4A8Tt37N-Ei45caUoGbcEliWzubFgKUX_NWk7le6/s1600/IMG187.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczRRQdo4yPwiwphrST9l5-CLzJMDP48_7OnOvP9rFlQmNBUTk1tcn9jZiz878b-xkxRUXr-V01S0N2j-7E9oR3mAHwX2nql3S3llX4A8Tt37N-Ei45caUoGbcEliWzubFgKUX_NWk7le6/s320/IMG187.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603627994110639154" border="0" /></a>Soooo delish! Enjoy your adventures.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgy3WolawmYzJkl81sip_8Et1KG1WN8S9bwSsrVq-UuVKZmGYqiasHmT0lyEqYma3LfmMCq_UCnSAUy9-ZLykvE-jdlUKZeiVrypH9If08lKZjSJmcVOsQjPftlp_54KHKNQ8VdmfZxDS/s1600/IMG183.jpg"><br /></a>LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-74782676429647863742011-05-05T11:56:00.000-07:002011-05-05T12:25:09.187-07:00Rice a Roni DinnerToday we are making Rice-a-Roni dinner. Here is what you will need:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0-M006lL2H9UKxsCgb443L56LiSpiCkPluAwgx2zBBVhlK7zdMMfjsy8Lc6pK2psOqFL9-qR-WRDkLhuZOsYFw-U6qGsWrMttR31hMENCEKcX3TUBEYkrsmlsRc39w_UL7gMMaQvZNKT/s1600/IMG166.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0-M006lL2H9UKxsCgb443L56LiSpiCkPluAwgx2zBBVhlK7zdMMfjsy8Lc6pK2psOqFL9-qR-WRDkLhuZOsYFw-U6qGsWrMttR31hMENCEKcX3TUBEYkrsmlsRc39w_UL7gMMaQvZNKT/s320/IMG166.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603313304046575890" border="0" /></a><br />1 pound ground beef<br />2 small cans tomato soup<br />2 small boxes or 1 family size box of chicken flavored Rice a Roni<br />1 cup shredded cheese<br />5 cups of water<br /><br />Start out by browning the hamburger.. I don't drain it, but if you do, then you will just have to add the butter that the Rice a Roni box calls for.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFA2hxDM4qyUo05-ciwiqNEBhHAC0vhIyrFNFcVZ5n6J69HaPScIgjaBM7xcXJxNWxfDQ87RWuMYJDzpo2mAqKOi3XsBNOtPoxR1E3N0YsgsOMaro9Wl2N8-6DJo92WxRP7Ki9iXp1FFb/s1600/IMG167.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFA2hxDM4qyUo05-ciwiqNEBhHAC0vhIyrFNFcVZ5n6J69HaPScIgjaBM7xcXJxNWxfDQ87RWuMYJDzpo2mAqKOi3XsBNOtPoxR1E3N0YsgsOMaro9Wl2N8-6DJo92WxRP7Ki9iXp1FFb/s320/IMG167.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603313299921950402" border="0" /></a><br />After the hamburger is browned, add the rice and vermicelli from the box to your pan and saute until the vermicelli starts to brown<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o8lfANZudvqeQj6vzsyCwEWCIAugtvkRvO429EEAgesGRabDZC1WqUKbdkqcw6GuEZDnHumaGxooTCbRjYLd0WsTWYXDFqbAyjMwo6iwEb88QAmsLkcXLf8NQ-ShQhyphenhyphenfZfEW3n0fgAzv/s1600/IMG168.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o8lfANZudvqeQj6vzsyCwEWCIAugtvkRvO429EEAgesGRabDZC1WqUKbdkqcw6GuEZDnHumaGxooTCbRjYLd0WsTWYXDFqbAyjMwo6iwEb88QAmsLkcXLf8NQ-ShQhyphenhyphenfZfEW3n0fgAzv/s320/IMG168.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603312688014054418" border="0" /></a><br />Next, you will add in the 5 cups of water and the seasoning packets from the Rice a Roni box<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0-M006lL2H9UKxsCgb443L56LiSpiCkPluAwgx2zBBVhlK7zdMMfjsy8Lc6pK2psOqFL9-qR-WRDkLhuZOsYFw-U6qGsWrMttR31hMENCEKcX3TUBEYkrsmlsRc39w_UL7gMMaQvZNKT/s1600/IMG166.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3Sno9KaZb9Asm338pt1w1hghxC0BNSAi8a-18DVC_XdaO0jhErfTBQv7D70311oRgFa3bBGeCDG1T9e-cCa2uplywGFB9UdyWf65WlRHT43wld9mrfVWOvSupxzCwqZmA7Yf2nlL3mGq/s1600/IMG169.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3Sno9KaZb9Asm338pt1w1hghxC0BNSAi8a-18DVC_XdaO0jhErfTBQv7D70311oRgFa3bBGeCDG1T9e-cCa2uplywGFB9UdyWf65WlRHT43wld9mrfVWOvSupxzCwqZmA7Yf2nlL3mGq/s320/IMG169.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603312684457842434" border="0" /></a><br />Bring the water to a boil, then cover and simmer for the 15 to 20 minutes that the box calls for, until the water is absorbed. It will look like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW9yRgCYY65hAQmQon62r-92y65LD_m6nY6MJFWwkxSS2MFF-AO0ycEoC1_U-AHvaWjpVonfRPNTgJT28pFrSmHemYVSQzqRhuw9GdPWHLy_mWXci2WDj87LKMbHoE26RF1tEvgj97NIz/s1600/IMG170.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW9yRgCYY65hAQmQon62r-92y65LD_m6nY6MJFWwkxSS2MFF-AO0ycEoC1_U-AHvaWjpVonfRPNTgJT28pFrSmHemYVSQzqRhuw9GdPWHLy_mWXci2WDj87LKMbHoE26RF1tEvgj97NIz/s320/IMG170.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603312677743403106" border="0" /></a>Next you will add in the tomato soup and the cheese:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaW13Kn-00pbF0CVo-d4nXWvnKjMPzXWjBIXr8mNalJFTgocmOqhxyOBlOjkiYCTdba7gK3PVZJ3rjr8-Cutpi24LYYSBG4wT3BePySfxPimU8lvayY15mtlMm3slFLjshr_I8e_VFJXo/s1600/IMG171.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaW13Kn-00pbF0CVo-d4nXWvnKjMPzXWjBIXr8mNalJFTgocmOqhxyOBlOjkiYCTdba7gK3PVZJ3rjr8-Cutpi24LYYSBG4wT3BePySfxPimU8lvayY15mtlMm3slFLjshr_I8e_VFJXo/s320/IMG171.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603312673481646002" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the final product. I put a little extra cheese on the top to make it look fancier for you, but you can leave that out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUFaz64ZFhTzMD8mtQ1vzSMxLXjwF2sF8xuCbEnFL3fdUcSxGKjaKg99Z9noek350INnTUMwhmyG8hHFJYaDviOoK6ATjHYB-MWEJVPFRhozduAMIDiPDF8I_uaO2VRmmcVKKQ8n2fgLw/s1600/IMG172.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUFaz64ZFhTzMD8mtQ1vzSMxLXjwF2sF8xuCbEnFL3fdUcSxGKjaKg99Z9noek350INnTUMwhmyG8hHFJYaDviOoK6ATjHYB-MWEJVPFRhozduAMIDiPDF8I_uaO2VRmmcVKKQ8n2fgLw/s320/IMG172.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603312668752281634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o8lfANZudvqeQj6vzsyCwEWCIAugtvkRvO429EEAgesGRabDZC1WqUKbdkqcw6GuEZDnHumaGxooTCbRjYLd0WsTWYXDFqbAyjMwo6iwEb88QAmsLkcXLf8NQ-ShQhyphenhyphenfZfEW3n0fgAzv/s1600/IMG168.jpg"><br /></a>LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-65264471051754703742011-05-03T12:26:00.000-07:002011-05-04T10:03:59.100-07:00Bean Dip! A crockpot dinner.Trevor's mom makes this delicious bean dip. It is a hot bean dip. This is my version of said bean dip.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DtT6Hp04OLtipj6P8c1zjr5kc8PqrNVc7fYk9SqBVTwUklqXDGhyQQNU1GYdyb3TcBw18rxONSLaGa6MeH4yTA9pa3aYU9yHk77VcB0KLXfmfj1XCLdrqSM66FT2gASu5prwMhVC_Zhf/s1600/IMG160.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DtT6Hp04OLtipj6P8c1zjr5kc8PqrNVc7fYk9SqBVTwUklqXDGhyQQNU1GYdyb3TcBw18rxONSLaGa6MeH4yTA9pa3aYU9yHk77VcB0KLXfmfj1XCLdrqSM66FT2gASu5prwMhVC_Zhf/s320/IMG160.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602574475583205330" border="0" /></a> 3 cans of refried beans<br />1 can of green chilis<br />1 can chopped olives<br />1 lb of hamburger, browned<br />2 cups of shredded cheese<br />2 cups of ketchup<br />1 jalapeno, diced (you can just use a can)<br />Onion flakes (you can use fresh, but I didn't have any)<br />vegetable oil spray<br /><br />Spray a frying pan with pan spray. Place diced jalapeno and onion into the pan and allow to saute until the jalapeno turns a dark green and you can smell it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-otiAiiA1nOVxAETUFtrTLI7a_p6oAfgSaugkqqlNHoMSRDoOnInXo9AB06GTp6ysL6SvO4R05hXCq7MtB5BqjEu7IYYv-wMHrgFqJpT-1IJRLY4GvNS_hl8IuVrHMLPcJaEr8TEGWKsf/s1600/IMG162.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-otiAiiA1nOVxAETUFtrTLI7a_p6oAfgSaugkqqlNHoMSRDoOnInXo9AB06GTp6ysL6SvO4R05hXCq7MtB5BqjEu7IYYv-wMHrgFqJpT-1IJRLY4GvNS_hl8IuVrHMLPcJaEr8TEGWKsf/s320/IMG162.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602577489531707314" border="0" /></a><br />Then add the hamburger to the pan and brown it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZlFaKaId8SoOEN4CnHYPS9mQcHTgwKEdpeve6x8rB7QBSevqBOcdCQxtbCsQjxp5XIYiDP3dW7h9m0dKk9q3axNKrRSze1fBOqBFL_cB3L3HM2mKpdPn1CyadTkn1j_or-n9Y-uRa-Oh/s1600/IMG163.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZlFaKaId8SoOEN4CnHYPS9mQcHTgwKEdpeve6x8rB7QBSevqBOcdCQxtbCsQjxp5XIYiDP3dW7h9m0dKk9q3axNKrRSze1fBOqBFL_cB3L3HM2mKpdPn1CyadTkn1j_or-n9Y-uRa-Oh/s320/IMG163.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602577495236896418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, open all of your cans and open them up, emptying the contents into your crockpot. add the ketchup and hamburger, once browned through, and the cheese. Stir together.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjA9ONxJT8JAi0iRe5B2Ccdd5H-K3pPrlKlFQJZuabQuGcto0mwMfqHsyE9fkCuQhSHKQZVzndVii9EDJh2nCWz5zMLo-K-r8P3cPEMs0qKx4xLsgwvHVwamb1pZB6uBeUlX4fUXpbk7CW/s1600/IMG164.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjA9ONxJT8JAi0iRe5B2Ccdd5H-K3pPrlKlFQJZuabQuGcto0mwMfqHsyE9fkCuQhSHKQZVzndVii9EDJh2nCWz5zMLo-K-r8P3cPEMs0qKx4xLsgwvHVwamb1pZB6uBeUlX4fUXpbk7CW/s320/IMG164.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602577509292250050" border="0" /></a><br />Cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or low for 3 to 4 until the cheese is well melted and all ingredients have come together. Serve with tortilla chips. Delish!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnd0SKGAE-iXcbevK70fHMvfwoh-cpZ_NFMErmlWY6acsw9pAHox0fibQCSxCxoElQovYRORq91ZYUvpDFrfnaisCwsPHcZcziiuL7CIWweQnybwFMpc3P_NfQnJFGPTLfCG2UyNhUD4kc/s1600/IMG165.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnd0SKGAE-iXcbevK70fHMvfwoh-cpZ_NFMErmlWY6acsw9pAHox0fibQCSxCxoElQovYRORq91ZYUvpDFrfnaisCwsPHcZcziiuL7CIWweQnybwFMpc3P_NfQnJFGPTLfCG2UyNhUD4kc/s320/IMG165.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602907644876786706" border="0" /></a>LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-52925102995888311822011-05-02T14:58:00.001-07:002011-05-02T15:18:15.834-07:00Cake from scratch...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQPrEUEhAeMhEzsWC5wTh2e8aKR7qQKoMZIYoRHm8fbKzG92pTCbizVYo3MmmKyNyx63fV3XtFM9ZiF8af3MFNiABwsX3OlA-06oXMoKuzQg_eRhwNtJZDhugiSNK2YJ3ETPdlTrgqfZH/s1600/Caitys+bday+cake.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQPrEUEhAeMhEzsWC5wTh2e8aKR7qQKoMZIYoRHm8fbKzG92pTCbizVYo3MmmKyNyx63fV3XtFM9ZiF8af3MFNiABwsX3OlA-06oXMoKuzQg_eRhwNtJZDhugiSNK2YJ3ETPdlTrgqfZH/s320/Caitys+bday+cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602241833509071762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Last night we were having a small celebration for Caity's birthday at my mom's house. I know that it seems like Caity had a birthday that lasted a week, but now you know why I think my birthday is a week long. We celebrate with my dad and with my mom and sometimes even with Trevor's mom, if she is up. So yeah, that makes for 3 or 4 birthday parties.<br /><br />Anyway, I remembered yesterday on the way to church that I hadn't made Caity a cake, and also, I didn't have a cake mix or frosting. I went over to my mom's to see if she had one that I could still, but she also had only brownies and no cake. I was about to go to the store to get a cake mix when I realized that I probably had everything that goes in a cake in my pantry. I came home, googled a recipe, and baked a cake from scratch. If you google 1-2-3-4 Cake you will probably find the exact recipe that I used, but it wasn't too delish, just okay. I also made the icing. I made that with 3 cups powdered sugar, half a cup of butter, 2 tsp vanilla, and a splash of milk. I also added some red and blue food coloring to make it purple. I would have to say that I am getting pretty crafty after all! dun dun dun!LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-61777825882207321062011-04-29T19:43:00.001-07:002011-05-02T14:57:23.947-07:00Lasagna!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSyXs5OCCNe0t9Q45ASmt8_dulhHq9giqnVrLJTIYWIZfQW9D6mAKaGEtqcPCzSvBbHluDCaQZiGmizFsOdkxhBfqSUfN6zWx20U0QmiKTjYCT0pejqxWs-F9mQNh1l-rkbGODJR0H35v/s1600/IMG154.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSyXs5OCCNe0t9Q45ASmt8_dulhHq9giqnVrLJTIYWIZfQW9D6mAKaGEtqcPCzSvBbHluDCaQZiGmizFsOdkxhBfqSUfN6zWx20U0QmiKTjYCT0pejqxWs-F9mQNh1l-rkbGODJR0H35v/s320/IMG154.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602240806310382274" border="0" /></a><br />Tonight I made the most beautiful lasagna. It was so delicious. I don't do anything special when I make lasagna..Sorry I didn't take the step by step pictures again...but here is how I do it:<br /><br />Layer ingredients:<br />Layer 1) 2 lbs hamburger, browned and drained, then mixed with 2 cans Hunts spaghetti sauce<br />Layer 2) Mozzarella cheese<br />Layer 3) Parmesan<br />Layer 4) 3 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions<br />Layer 5) cottage cheese<br /><br />Repeat the layers 4 times, then pour remaining meat and sauce over the top, then top with one more layer of the cheeses. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour, or until the cheese is melted through. Allow to sit for 10 minutes after baking for the layers to set up...and Voila! amazingLifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-80877511503164085132011-04-28T21:01:00.001-07:002011-04-28T21:06:05.075-07:00Birthday Cupcakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYRGa372ZNQfrRUUS_czZ7A4FYObMYXXqoC6ar9BAWJsMpRDQmQNhEAQMmZuNkhYEj-cn3xSW11PWo4vPpI2KWAIaiq8d0xA6UdMkAAGsJZ-smurfhNkiYgAKyeS44XpWASXAD8wERqcq/s1600/Caitys+cupcakes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYRGa372ZNQfrRUUS_czZ7A4FYObMYXXqoC6ar9BAWJsMpRDQmQNhEAQMmZuNkhYEj-cn3xSW11PWo4vPpI2KWAIaiq8d0xA6UdMkAAGsJZ-smurfhNkiYgAKyeS44XpWASXAD8wERqcq/s320/Caitys+cupcakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600850872717289378" border="0" /></a>Today was Caity's birthday and I thought it would be fun to make cupcakes with her. I have been watching a little bit of Food Network's show Challenge, and there was a cupcake challenge a few weeks ago that made me want to make some cupcakes with the icing piped on. Well, as you can see, I have done it.<br /><br />I just went to Walmart and bought some frosting along with a cupcake decorating kit (disposable piping bags and 3 decorating tips and 1 filling tip) I used 2 of my new tips today on these cupcakes, just going around the cupcake in circles from the outside in. After this, I let Caity put on the sprinkles.<br /><br />These cupcakes were just what I needed to get my creative cooking flowing again. I have so much to share, and I just know that I can do it. Look forward to more upcoming posts!LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-84079906265756514602011-04-12T07:53:00.001-07:002011-04-12T08:11:35.672-07:00Mexican Chicken and RiceLast night's dinner was surprisingly AMAZING! I made one of the recipes on the back of my Minute Rice box, with a slight modification.<br /><br />These are the ingredients:<br />1 TBLS oil<br />2 medium bell peppers, any color<br />1 lb chicken breast halves (I cut mine up into bite size pieces even though the recipe didn't)<br />1 pkg frozen corn, thawed (I only used half a package, and I didn't thaw it out)<br />1 cup chunky salsa<br />2 cups water<br />2 cups Minute Rice<br />Shredded cheese to taste<br /><br />Here is what I did (you can thank Katie Meidell for additional pictures showing some steps)-<br /><br />Cut up the bell peppers into a small dice. This is also when I cut up the chicken into bite size dices. Add your oil to a hot skillet, then add peppers and chicken. Cook until chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally (the box said to cover it and if you are leaving the chicken whole, you should cook it for 4 minutes on 1 side, then 4 minutes on the other, also stirring the peppers occasionally). Also, the box calls for no seasoning, but I used seasoned salt, pepper, and garlic powder on my chicken, then salt and pepper with each step :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYw2Caeg-sw56mxUS4dyLUdLXthuXqlwixmC-wL-U007uj9PpFGvzcXiMyVorcQW9TuEfpI_TJ5OTjIU9En4O2zerQyIa8bJpN2PEgQSkSSaQvyLTju3zrzjY3FLcklT5-8T4JYd8e2fX/s1600/IMG117.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYw2Caeg-sw56mxUS4dyLUdLXthuXqlwixmC-wL-U007uj9PpFGvzcXiMyVorcQW9TuEfpI_TJ5OTjIU9En4O2zerQyIa8bJpN2PEgQSkSSaQvyLTju3zrzjY3FLcklT5-8T4JYd8e2fX/s320/IMG117.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594713688127215234" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After the chicken is cooked through, and the peppers are tender, add the salsa, water, and corn and bring to a simmer.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GblJ4VkS4T7TLww2v5zCDuyFu7qFqIxQAeJ9MWndrpllV58k_Q2C_aLgAGrO9nnpk87Dz7RWejSeT5OJDwG6WP2E1SIpQKkhEfXcAlBJF3IY6bw3NlUQvwgQV_0m9lnSiumJGX9bPKJy/s1600/IMG118.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GblJ4VkS4T7TLww2v5zCDuyFu7qFqIxQAeJ9MWndrpllV58k_Q2C_aLgAGrO9nnpk87Dz7RWejSeT5OJDwG6WP2E1SIpQKkhEfXcAlBJF3IY6bw3NlUQvwgQV_0m9lnSiumJGX9bPKJy/s320/IMG118.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594712912353906706" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Add the rice to the simmering mixture, stir, then top with cheese and cover. Bring heat down to low and let cook for 5 minutes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRbGgAhHj8MuF-5SadtcEK6yuh1kT74Y8heldoqAMQxuH4YElBpFAeH6SMx4W3f98YDg_V3CjGG6NuJUo3W2CEN3FjVL9RhSUfVUl50j2wa32PuA9moEmgsiA9ws6eBJw5N_FIm-35GDt/s1600/IMG119%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRbGgAhHj8MuF-5SadtcEK6yuh1kT74Y8heldoqAMQxuH4YElBpFAeH6SMx4W3f98YDg_V3CjGG6NuJUo3W2CEN3FjVL9RhSUfVUl50j2wa32PuA9moEmgsiA9ws6eBJw5N_FIm-35GDt/s320/IMG119%25281%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594714224453217842" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I chose to serve this with sour cream since the salsa that I used was "medium heat" and my kids don't like spice at all really. Here is the finished product:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PssZqIJ1dSGpQ6PxPNQN-GspFgLzXg8HitE81sQ2MWnKkZXSH1_T30tHgXwGsxBkg99HozGj2y7-dY0hNTgTe6KzrZNA1MslAxLdCRkpSk9TCnSz6JgmftaMFs_o4By8QQgLTWD-466a/s1600/IMG120.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PssZqIJ1dSGpQ6PxPNQN-GspFgLzXg8HitE81sQ2MWnKkZXSH1_T30tHgXwGsxBkg99HozGj2y7-dY0hNTgTe6KzrZNA1MslAxLdCRkpSk9TCnSz6JgmftaMFs_o4By8QQgLTWD-466a/s320/IMG120.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594714226334291442" border="0" /></a>LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-1632574053500518552011-04-10T19:13:00.001-07:002011-04-10T19:20:36.755-07:00Chicken Roll ups<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihB9Bilx1CBPjdAsahHFz-6tlQTNEZAq8MWEvni-dh9qYu-qlgj_U-Rqyaji3o5MWM8TH5OSnaB4vqlZnDSXYo82rYD2nHrgp83NJtFrA3jjY8tU5KBFQxSuxJVP-n75_DtQnmf6EI1dEF/s1600/IMG116.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihB9Bilx1CBPjdAsahHFz-6tlQTNEZAq8MWEvni-dh9qYu-qlgj_U-Rqyaji3o5MWM8TH5OSnaB4vqlZnDSXYo82rYD2nHrgp83NJtFrA3jjY8tU5KBFQxSuxJVP-n75_DtQnmf6EI1dEF/s320/IMG116.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594143586480022434" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of Trevor's favorite meals, I try to duplicate what his mom can do. This is a simple, yet delish creation.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />4 chicken breasts<br />1 box chicken flavored stuffing, made according to package directions<br />1 can Golden Mushroom soup mixed with 1 can full of water<br /><br />Usually I stuff the breasts by rolling them around the stuffing, but today I was using half breasts to save money, so I cut them in half and put the stuffing inside. Place the chicken and stuffing into a baking dish. When you have stuffed all of the breasts, you just dump the left over stuffing into the baking dish around the chicken. Take the Golden Mushroom soup mixture and poor over chicken and stuffing. Bake at 350 degrees until the chicken is cooked through (usually 30 to 50 minutes)<br /><br />To make this a meal, try baked potatoes and cream corn. Sooo perfect. (No we didn't have the corn today)LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6564288291172656731.post-43722546756293001222011-04-09T19:59:00.000-07:002011-04-09T20:17:53.517-07:00Grocery Shopping daySo, I was really sad when I realized that there just weren't enough coupons in my not-yet-built-up supply to save me killer amounts on food. I resigned myself to the fact that I would probably spend $100 on food yet again (which isn't too bad considering it includes 3 balanced meals a day for my family and breakfast and lunch is also provided to 4 other kids) but still, I was sad.<br /><br />Price matching is great, but I just really wanted to try other stores besides Walmart. Macey's is having it's Grand Opening in my town, so that is where I chose to do most of my shopping this week, just to try it out. It is a block from Walmart, so convenience wasn't an issue. But before Macey's we went to Smith's to get a couple things that were just cheaper than we could find any where else, eggs, butter, and bone in chicken. I spent $10.<br /><br />Next was Macey's. I had a list for all the things that I needed this week and I was ready to go. I think that the most notable deals were Grandma Sycamore's bread 4 for $5 (savings of over $8 when you buy 4 loafs!!) and broccoli and cauliflower were $0.25 a pound. Another deal, but one that I didn't take advantage of this week, was turkey steaks for $7.99. This is about half price, but since this sale was carried over from last week, I have enough in my freezer! The only things that I didn't buy at Macey's because I KNEW that Walmart had<span style="font-weight: bold;"> much</span> better prices, so I couldn't do it was Stove Top stuffing, sour cream, and Hidden Valley Ranch. I came out of Macey's at just around $46. Short stint to Walmart to pick up the missing items was $8 (milk was also missing). So even though I only used 1 coupon, $0.50 in value, I only spent $66!!! YAY for me! Here is our menu for the week:<br /><br />Tonight: Leftovers!<br />Sunday: Chicken Roll ups<br />Monday: Mexican Chicken and Rice (found on the back of the Minute Rice box)<br />Tuesday: Spaghetti<br />Wednesday: Chicken Noodle Soup<br />Thursday: Stroganoff<br />Friday: Leftovers!LifeIsWhatWeMakeIthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17609604827524817687noreply@blogger.com0