Crock Pot Chicken Pesto

You may be pinterested to know that I have actually been putting my pins into action. This week I made this crock pot chicken pesto. Although I've had pesto dishes that tasted better than this, this recipe was super simple. I served it over pasta. I'm giving it four out of five stars because my little toddler ate it up and anytime I can get her to eat something I'll for sure fix it again.

photo courtesy of pickypalate.com

Lettuce Wraps

My dinners have really been sucking it up lately so I finally got some new recipes on the menu for this week. I saw this recipe on Studio 5. (I start way too many sentences that way.) It looked easy enough, so I tackled it last night. Success! Loved it!

 I used ground turkey instead of beef. I opted for cabbage instead of lettuce. I really liked using the cabbage, it's a little more hearty so the meat didn't break through it. The husband and toddler also approved. Yay!

p.s. I'm such a bad photographer, but they really did look pretty.

Thanksgiving Yams

If there is one thing I love about Thanksgiving it is reminiscing with family about all the wonderful blessings in my life I have to be grateful for. The next best thing.... YAMS. I love them. I make them every year so I thought I'd share this recipe.

3 large yams
1 C. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 C. butter
1 t. vanilla
1 t. cinnamon
 cook yams until soft, then mash. Beat eggs, mix all ingredients together. Butter a 9x13 pan and spread mixture throughout. Top with topping.

Topping:
1/3 C.melted butter
1/3 C. flour
1 C. brown sugar
1 T. cinnamon
mix together and spread over yam mixture. Coat top with 1 C. pecans. Bake at 350 for 25 min.
photo credit

Salsa from Garden Fresh Tomatoes

My garden delivered a plethora of tomatoes this year, even with Milly killing off two of my plants.
I saw this recipe, it's suppose to taste like chili's salsa. I think it does. It was easy and delicious.



 

The recipe calls for canned tomatoes, but I wanted to use the fresh stuff. I blanched and peeled my tomatoes and used about four tomatoes in place of the one can that the recipe specifies.

Happy Eating!

What to do with all that Zucchini

First, how can I neglect the obvious? Zucchini Bread! I got this recipe from my mom years ago and it's an absolute hit. You'll fall in love with the sugary crust.

Other zucchini recipes that have been calling my name..
Sweet Zucchini Cupcakes
Stuffed Zucchini with tomatoes and mozzerela
Marinated Zucchini salad
No-bake summer lasagna

Kneaders French Toast

I put pinterest to work over the weekend. I've never personally tried Kneaders French Toast but it's rumored to be legendary, so I thought I'd make it for Father's Day (que the aw.. sweet.)
Pinterest had a few different recipes for it this is the one I used. It turned out great the caramel syrup proved to be the ultimate topper.

Photo Credit

Meatball Sub Sandwiches

I know this sandwich doesn't look too impressive, but trust me it was divine. I took a meatball sub sandwich recipe dissected it and made as many short cuts as I could, it turned out to be way easy!

• Frozen cooked meatballs, cooked according to package directions.
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• hot dog or hogie buns

Heat oven to 350. Put the garlic, canned tomatoes and tomato paste in a pan and heat through on medium heat. Add the cooked meatballs to the mixture. Place desired amount of meatballs on each bun and top with mozzarella cheese. Coat pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place sandwiches on a pan (I brushed a little olive oil on the buns) and pop in the stove for about 5 minutes or so, just until the cheese is melted and the bun is a little toasted. Enjoy.

Mac N' Cheese: The Healthy Version

I realize you don't find my kid's messy face an appetizing introduction to a tasty meal, but I hate when someone gives me a "healthy" recipe and after one bite you realize, ya... this is low-fat. So, I thought I'd provide evidence that your kid will actually enjoy it, and you just might too.

p.s. Milly's nap hair? Does she sleep directly on her head?
This recipe originates from Jessica Seinfield's Deceptively Delicious although I have made some adjustments of my own.
For the Recipe

Meltaway Cookies

Me and my pinterest board tackled these the other day. Super easy, five ingredients, and they really do melt in your mouth. Go here for the recipe.
p.s. These cookies turn out cute and petite, they'd be perfect for your nexy baby/wedding shower.

Pistachio Pesto

I used this recipe and swapped the pine nuts for pistachios, and oh my goodness it was amazing.

I poured it over some bow tie pasta and it made a perfect meal. Be aware this is a bit thicker than most pesto sauces. Also, I dipped a few tortilla chips in it and now I'm convinced it would make a great dip for your Superbowl party. Happy Eating.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made these the other night and felt oh so festive. Snag the recipe here.

Chicken Pot Pie

Requires 5 ingredients and 35 minutes. This is my kind of recipe. Plus, isn't it so fallish?
Get the recipe here. Happy eating.

Herb Tomato Soup

Is this the ultimate comfort/fall food? I think so, and what a great way to use up those last tomatoes from your garden. My mom would make me tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich when I wasn't feeling well. To this day, it just makes me feel good. Go here for this yummy recipe.

What's your ultimate comfort food? I'd love to hear.

Cake Bites

Have you tried them? This is the recipe I used.

Delicious

Summer Spread

 Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches with grilled pineapple.

I marinated the Chicken in teriyaki sauce for most of the day. The sauce is just fry sauce. As for the fruit I threw a little strawberry dressing on them and sprinkled with brown sugar. This meal screams summer.

Summer Salad

This is my number one go to summer salad.
Baby spinach
Fresh Strawberries
Mandarin Oranges
Slivered almonds
Feta cheese
and toss it up with Strawberry vinaigrette. (I like to use Brianna's Blush Wine vinaigrette.)
So easy. So Good. So Summery.
Enjoy!

Chicken Cannelloni

You know I only post the good stuff. Go here for the recipe.  

Gnocchi

I must admit I was quite intimidated by the thought of making noodles from scratch. But I did it! This dish had a rich creamy taste (you'd never guess it's good for you.) I topped the gnocchi with spaghetti sauce and Parmesan cheese. My husband feels a meal is not a meal without meat, so I was thrilled when he actually liked Gnocchi. And get this... my toddler actually ate it! Get the recipe here.

Apple Pear Salad

Just made this salad for a family get together. So Yummy. Get the recipe here!

Current Obsession

I've been popping edamame beans into my mouth as if they were hard shelled Cadbury eggs (and I can down those puppies, I mean down them.) Here's how: Boil six cups of water, add a 1/2 tsp. of salt, throw in the bag of beans while they are still frozen and let them boil for 5 minutes. Dash some more salt on these babies and you'll be in heaven. A great snack and perfect side dish.