Day4

Breakfast: zucchini hash browns (recipe coming as soon as I perfect them)

Lunch: squash sliced thinly to act as noodles (sautéed) with one large tomato I put through my new food processor with oregano, basil, garlic, pepper , and red pepper flakes . Sprinkled with Parmesan.

Dinner: 1 slice of sausage pie, and a side salad.

Plus taste tests of waffles and waffle batter lol

I pretty much ate veggies all day so that I could have a slice of sausage pie for dinner. :) Not complaining!

For my sausage pie recipe click here! 

Breaded Pork Chops. Dinner to Lunch

Breaded pork chops with stuffing, corn, and green beans.

First, let me explain... a little thing about Travis, that I've probably explained before. Travis is super picky, I'm pretty sure that might be where Liam gets it from. The WHOLE time we lived in Montana we NEVER ate pork chops because he said he didn't like them, because he didn't like the way his mom use to make them. WHAT??? Yeah. So, fast forward a few years Travis and I are both back in SC in the middle of remodeling our house so staying between parents. I'm at my dad's house making dinner for everyone and I make BBQ pork chops. Then, I remember Travis doesn't like pork chops. Then, I think to myself..oh well if he doesn't eat them he will starve. Travis eyeballs them and I can tell he's like ewww but he won't say anything in front of my parents. We sit down and eat, and what do you know? Travis loves them. We've moved up since then to breaded pork chops. I try not to fry much these does so when I bread them, I bake them.

Another husband funny, he doesn't eat veggies. The past week and a half I've been cooking for just us..so I make our food and then I make a veggie on the side for myself. The other night I made some mini meatball subs for us with french fries for Travis and carrot fries for myself. He eyeballed my carrots and asked if he could try one and guess what...he LIKES them. The same thing happened the other night when I sauteed some summer squash, he asked if he could try them, liked them, and wouldn't get off my plate. Haha. SOO, yes! Wife win!

Breaded Pork Chops
6 pork chops
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
2 eggs, beaten
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups Italian-style seasoned bread crumbs
4 Tablespoons olive oil

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rinse pork chops, pat dry, and season with garlic powder and seasoning salt to taste. Place the beaten eggs in a small bowl. Dredge the pork chops lightly in flour, dip in the egg, and coat liberally with bread crumbs. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the pork chops 5 minutes per side, or until the breading appears well browned. Transfer the chops to a 9x13 inch baking dish, and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

And in good two-fer fashion this is how I turned leftovers in to a delicious salad for lunch. :) 

I tried to change the title on this after I realized that it is *sorta* fried...I'm going to let it go since its with olive oil. LOL

For the salad I did:
1 Cup Spinach
1 Cup Romaine
1/4 Cup Corn
1 Red Onion Slice
2 Slices Chopped Tomatoes 
1/4 Cup Reduced Fat or 2% Shredded Cheese

Any Dressing of your choice works, a light ranch is nice here though.

Smoked Sausage

I know, I know...how many calories are in smoked sausage? A lot. Could I stop serving my family it? No. I'm in a house full of boys. You take their sausage and bacon away...they will riot! Luckily there are smarter choices like chicken sausage which offer lighter versions of smoked sausage. Today I want to share with you a tidbit I learned awhile ago. Growing up we use to have sausage just sliced like coins. As a family we would go to a country restaurant some of you may know as Lizard's Thicket. I use to LOVE their smoked sausage and I don't know why, I didn't think about it until I was an adult that I probably loved it based on the way they cut it. I tested it out, and YEP...so much better. A favorite I like to so with smoked sausage is to saute some banana peppers and onions with it, then top it with sauerkraut...Guy meal? Yes!

Slice the sausage in to quarter links, then make a slit on the top with your knife.

Then peel it back.

In to the frying pan it goes with it's peppers and onions.

Sweet Sloppy Joe Sauce with Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

This recipe is SOOOO simple, and my husband went CRAZY for this cornbread.

First, make my homemade sloppy joes (click here for the recipe)!

Just use a sweet onion and a sweet bell pepper.

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread box mix
2 eggs and milk for the mix
2-3 tablespoons of diced jalapenos
2 cups of shredded cheddar

Prepare the cornbread according to the box directions and add in the jalapenos and cheddar. Grease a large pan and bake according to the box directions.

Chicken Fajita One Night for Dinner, Then Chicken Fajita Salad for Lunch- With a DIY Fajita Seasoning :)

Heres what you need for delicous Chicken Fajitas: 

• 1lb boneless skinless chicken, cut in to thin slices
• 1 large sweet bell pepper (yellow, red, or blue), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced 
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil 
• 1 tablespoon or so of Fajita seasoning
• 1 package of Whole Wheat tortilla wraps 

(Additional: Lettuce, Tomatoes, Re-fried Beans, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Salsa)

Just heat oil over medium high heat and cook chicken until its almost done, then add sliced onions and peppers. By the time the peppers and onions are tender your chicken will be done. Toss in the seasoning, if you need a little water to get it to mix well use about 1 tablespoon. Serve on tortilla wraps with any toppings you choose.

D-I-Y Fajita Seasoning 

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. paprika
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 2-1/2 tsp. crushed chicken bouillon cube
• 1-1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp. cumin

Preparation:

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Pour into small glass or plastic container, seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place. Makes the equivalent of 3 packets of commercial or purchased Fajita Seasoning Mix. (I like to save my used seasoning containers and then re-use them for my own homemade seasoning. )


Now on to my delicious lunch salad.

Chicken Fajita Salad

Chili Tortilla Straws: Cut using kitchen scissors half of a whole wheat tortilla in to slices. Spray with cooking spray sprinkle with a little salt and chili powder and toast until crispy. Watch it though, to make sure it doesn't burn.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of chicken fajita mix 
• 2 cups of lettuce (romaine) 
• 1/4 cup black beans, rinsed 
• 1/4 cup whole kernel corn
• 2% or Reduced Fat Fiesta Blend Cheese 
• 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes 
• Tortilla straws 
• 1-2 tbsp light sour cream
• Low Cal Restaurant Style Salsa (I probably did and 1/4 cup but use as much as you want because it is so low in calories)

Directions:

Just add this all together starting with the lettuce, tomatoes, beans, corn, cheese, chicken fajita, and top with salsa and sour cream.  Easy as that. :)

Closer View

Pepperoni Pizza Chicken over Garlic Penne

Dip in egg, then bread crumbs, then bake!

Pizza sauce

After it is baked add sauce, and cheese.....

Then, of course pepperonis!

Pizza Chicken

Ingredients:

4 pieces of boneless skinless chicken breast

1 egg, beaten in a bowl

1 cup bread crumbs in a bowl (Italian style)

1 can tomato sauce

1 tsp basil

½ tsp oregano

¼ tsp black ground pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

¼ tsp red pepper flakes

1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided in to ¼ cups

Pepperonis (about 10)

For Pasta:

2 cups whole grain penne pasta, boiled

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic salt

1 tsp minced

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Press your boneless skinless chicken breast down and try to flatten them as much as you can. Grease a baking sheet. Dip your chicken in to beaten egg, then in to the bread crumbs making sure to cover both sides with bread crumbs.  Place on baking sheet and bake in the oven for 30-45 minutes.  While it is baking heat your tomato sauce in a pot and add basil, oregano, pepper, garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes.  Boil your penne as well, drain, and then mix in garlic and olive oil.

When your chicken is done baking, top with enough sauce to cover the breast, ¼ cup mozzarella and 2-3 pepperonis, bake again until the cheese is melted.  You can add leftover sauce on top of your pasta if you like, but it is a good plain.

Pepperoni Pizza Chicken is about 315 calories, ½ cup of the cooked penne is 210 calories. Together it should be about 525 calories.

You'll end up with this delish treat.

ENJOY!

Honey-Orange Pork Tenderloin

Honey-Orange Pork Tenderloin 

Ingredients:

1/3 cup orange marmalade

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

3 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce

1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic

1 ½ teaspoons of honey

2 tablespoons canola oil

1lb pork tenderloin, trimmed *

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

*Note: When buying pork tenderloin I always get the Smithfield extra lean, it is half the calories and you get 2 pieces. I used 1 piece for this and saved the second for a meal later on in the week. 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk/mix the first 5 ingredients together in a bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marmalade mixture. Heat an oven proof skillet over medium high heat. Add oil; swirl to coat the pan. Sprinkle both sides of loin with salt and pepper. Add pork to pan; cook about 5 minutes or until brown, turn over and cook another 5 minutes. Brush with ¼ cup marmalade mixture. Bake for 10 minutes in the oven, pull it out, turn over the pork, and brush again with an additional ¼ cup mixture. Bake another 10 minutes or until a thermometer reads 150 degrees. Remove pork from pan and brush with remaining 2 tablespoons of marmalade mixture. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

Serves 4 (3-4 ounces of pork)

Calories 275 Fat 9.5g Protein 24.8 g Carb 21.9 Fiber 0.3g Chol 74mg Iron 1.4 mg Sodium 609mg Calcium 25mg

I don't know or remember where I got this recipe from because I just clip things out of magazines, books, internet, ect. BUT IT WAS GREAT.

Hungarian Ghoulash

 This is a really great new recipe. I suggest doing it in the slow cooker for sure. It makes the meat tender and flavors mix well together. You can also tell a difference in the color of cooking it in the pan and simmering versus slow cooker. I will show you a picture of the slow cooker version.

Hungarian Goulash

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 ½ lbs boneless beef chuck, tip, or round roast, or boneless pork shoulder, cut into ¾ inch cubes

½ cup water with beef bouillon cube OR ½ cup beef broth

3 tablespoons paprika

1 ½ teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon caraway seed

¼ teaspoon pepper

3 large onions, chopped (3 cups)

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (or used the minced garlic squeeze bottle)

1 can of diced tomatoes, undrained

1/4 cup cold water

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Egg Noodles or Brown rice to serve 

 

Directions: In a large skillet, cook beef in oil just until brown. Spray slow cooker with cooking spray. In the slow cooker, mix the beef and all the remaining ingredients EXCEPT water, flour, and noodles/rice. Cover and cook on Low heat setting for 8 to 9 hours. (Or until beef is tender) In a tightly covered container shake the 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and ¼ cup cold water until well mixed. Stir in to the beef mixture, put the heat setting on high and cover. Cook an additional 10-20 minutes on high heat or until sauce has thickened. Serve over egg noodles or rice. 

Quick and Easy Chili Shells and Cheese

Since I've been feeling so bad lately, my meals have been quick and easy. I basically ignored most of my meal planning and made things that wouldn't take long and that I could whip up easily. Somehow I whipped this up one night, and now it is a hubby favorite! Go figure anything that is easy, processed, and generally high in calories he will like. That is besides the point though, because it was easy, delicious, and A LOT better than the Hamburger Helper Chili Cheese Macaroni or whatever it is that they call it. We've always been Velveeta Shells and Cheese people, and it is something I make as a side dish for dinner.

So here it is:
1 box Velveeta Shells and Cheese (You can also use the whole grain spiral too by them.)
1lb ground meat
Splash of milk 

Then:
DIY Salt-Free Taco Seasoning
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
5 teaspoons ground cumin
5 teaspoons paprika
2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

4 tablespoons of this mix equals the same as a 1 ounce package of taco seasoning mix! :) You don't have to add the full amount if you have younger kids.. just 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture mixed in to the pasta will suffice. :)

Directions should be easy enough to figure out. Make your Velveeta Shells and Cheese according to package directions, brown your ground meat in a large pan, drain grease and fat, mix in seasoning in to the meat, then mix in shells and cheese. Serve with a veggie and dinner is served. I would make this tonight if I had a box of shells and cheese.

Happy Late St. Patrick's Day! .....Slacking.

One: My neck got a little better. I was all energized and excited for spring so I did some yard work (raking and hoeing). I probably shouldn't have done that because now my neck hurts again and it'll probably take another week until I feel 100% better. This is really messing with my ability to work out, clean, and take care of kids. My house is a disaster and I just don't have the ability to care right now. I've been doing the minimum of cleaning possible. And I'm using the heck out of my simple meals and slow cooker meals. This leaves me with A LOT of foodie posts to update on for the next few days. :)

Two: I'm a little preoccupied with reading A Dance with Dragons, the fifth book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series.

With that said, I know I am late on the St. Patrick's Day post but Oh well. I think I'll share with family anyways.

I think a lot of people go with corned beef, cabbage, hash, green beer, ect. ect. for St. Patrick's Day. I love all those things, my husband- no! Getting him to eat cabbage would be like trying to fit a square in to a circle. Not possible. So I went for something I know everyone will enjoy: bangers and mash, and leprechaun poop cookies. Yes, leprechaun poops cookies. It gave Blake a pretty big giggle. I mean, all kids giggle about poop. Just the word poop itself, is funny.
In retrospect, bangers and mash is something we have often regardless. I’ve never thought about it before as being Irish until I decided to Google some traditional Irish foods. We love smoked sausage around here, and I love mashed potatoes…it works.

Bangers and Mash

Ingredients:

Bangers

24 oz Smoked Sausage Links

2 Yellow Onions

3 TBSP Olive Oil

Mash

4 large potatoes, peeled, diced, and boiled

1-2 TBSP of Worcestershire sauce

2 TBSP butter

Pepper and Garlic Salt to taste 

Directions: Start off by peeling your potatoes, dicing them, then adding them to a pot of water, bring the potatoes to a boil and boil until tender and falling apart. While your potatoes boil, heat oil in a large pan, add sausage and cook them until almost brown while cutting your onions. Add your sliced onions, and cover pan with a lid. At this point, drain your potatoes and add to a large bowl. Smash them with butter and W sauce. Season with pepper and garlic salt, keep your potatoes slightly chunky.

And there you have it, my twist on Bangers and Mash. If you want to add a vegetable on the side you could do sautéed cabbage.  

 I don't know if anyone remembers but there was a recipe going around for unicorn poop cookies? I've yet to make those yet but I remembered it as I was trying to think of a sweet treat to make in honor of St. Patrick's Day, and it obviously had to be green so this is what we came up with on a whim out of ingredients I had on hand and usually always keep in my pantry. Also, obviously, you don't need to call them Leprechaun Poop Cookies if you're trying to raise prim and proper little kids. lol We don't really care around here. Poop is poop.

Making cookies with Mommy!

Leprechaun Poop Cookies 

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

1 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup milk

6 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (could use almond or mint if you have it on hand)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 oz confetti candy sprinkles

green food coloring

Powdered sugar

Baking time!

Directions: Preheat oven at 350 degrees. With a mixer, mix your butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add green food coloring in to the milk, and then add alternately the flour, salt and milk. The dough is going to be thick and you may need to get a spoon and scrap the sides and do a little spoon mixing if your stand mixer can’t get it all the way. Add your sprinkles. Roll in to balls about 1-2 inch, and then flatten on to and greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, keep checking on it to make sure that the cookies do not brown or else they will be very hard.Once the cookies have cooled, cover them with powdered sugar. 

After dinner we made leprechauns and watched: (Excuse the fat that the following will be pictures from my iPhone and poor quality compared to my camera.)

 Does anyone else remember this coming on TV YEARS AGO? I remember I was little, and my mom let me stay up and watch it because I was always obsessed with Romeo and Juliet (even at a young age), fairies, leprechauns, and really  just ANYTHING magical! It has become my own little tradition over the years (minus last year when all my movies were stuck in storage in Montana). Its basically the story of Romeo and Juliet but with fairies and leprechauns. During the movie we made leprechauns using just construction paper and googly eyes. I cut the pieces out and they glued them together. Liam had help from daddy, and that's why you will notice that their leprechaun is a zombie leprechaun. *sigh*

admiring his work

coloring his hat

zombie leprechaun *sighagain*

Done with his leprechaun which is as big as he is.

So I am going to try to catch up with foodie posts for the next few days, stay in touch and come back! :)