Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Ganache Frosting

Are you looking for a perfect cake to enjoy with your coffee? I would highly recommend Chocolate Chip Pound Cake. This cake has just enough sweetness to be paired with any coffee.

I tried adding normal chocolate chips in my first batch, but they all sunk to the bottom. I enjoy having chocolate in every bite! The mini chocolate chips work much better in proving the chocolaty goodness!

This cake is great in the morning with a side of fruit or a perfect way to end the day.

Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Ganache Frosting

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serving Size:  1 loaf

Ingredients for Cake:

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup softened butter
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
6 ounces mini chocolate chips

Ingredients for Ganache Frosting:

8 ounces (1 cup) heavy cream
8 ounces chocolate chips

Instructions for Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl mix flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until it is light and fluffy.
4. Beat in each egg separately.
5. Add in vanilla and mix.
6. Slowly mix in flour mixture.
7. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
8. Pour batter evenly into 9 x 5 loaf pan.
9. Bake 55-60 minutes. Check the cake at 30 minutes to make sure the top is not browning too quickly. If it is loosely tent some foil over to reduce browning from continuing. When the cake is complete a tooth pick should come out of the center clean.
10. Set on a wire rack to cool. Once cool remove cake from the pan.

Instructions for Ganache:

1. In a sauce pan bring the heavy cream to a boil over medium heat.
2. In a medium bowl put in chocolate chips. Make sure there will be enough room to stir with heavy cream inside.
3. Pour boiling heavy cream over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 10 minutes.
4. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
5. Set aside to cool to room temperature and thicken to frosting-like consistency, approximately 2 hours.
6. Whisk for 2 minutes prior to spreading on top of the cooled pound cake.
7. After spreading onto pound cake add additional mini chocolate chips on if you would like the extra sweetness.

Enjoy with a nice cup of coffee.

Friday's Lunch! We are ready for the weekend.

We have made it to the end of the school week once again! The girls are ready for a weekend of hanging out with friends. I think I tired out my little man with a 5.75 mile hike today. He may just sleep the weekend away at this rate.

The girls decided on a mayo and honey ham sandwich, peanut butter granola, a slice of dark chocolate, fruit salad, carrots with celery, yogurt and an orange. Honey sesame sticks were the snack for the day.

Any new snacks or lunch items in your home?

The recipe for the peanut butter granola can be found at: http://heelstohomecookedmeals.blogspot.com/2015/02/peanut-butter-granola.html

Peanut Butter Granola

I was talking with my girlfriend yesterday and she told me that I should try making some granola. I thought it was worth a try since all three of my kids have been enjoying the vanilla almond granola we picked up at Sprouts. The kids could eat peanut butter and honey off a spoon all day if I would allow them, why not make it something a little less messy for us moms?

Needless to say I went to the store that afternoon to pick up the ingredients for our first batch. I am already thinking of what flavor to try next.

If you would have told me a month ago I would be eating granola by the handful I would have thought you were crazy. I am an extremely picky eater, but it is so easy and delicious.

This recipe is another quickie with 4 ingredients.

 

 

Peanut Butter Granola

 

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Bake Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 4 1/2 cups

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter (you may use regular instead)
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
2. Please oats in a large bowl and set aside.
3. In a microwaveable bowl combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave for 45 seconds or until the peanut butter melts.
4.Whisk peanut butter and honey until well blended.
5. Add vanilla and whisk.
6. Pour the peanut butter mixture over top of the oats and stir until all of the oats are coated.
7. Spread granola in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.
8. Stir granola and then bake an additional 10-15 minutes. Granola should become a light golden brown.
9. Let cool on a baking sheet. The granola will become crisp.
10. Store in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

Healthy Dunkaroo Dip

Does anyone else remember Dunkaroos? I loved them as a kid, but have no idea where to find them today for my kids. They were a perfect sweet treat! Now you can make a healthy version in your own home!

This recipe takes 3 ingredients and is simple to make! I made mine as a party size. It stores in the fridge, so you can bring it out as a perfect snack. I personally liked using Honey Teddy Grahams instead of traditional Animal Crackers.

What else do you like to dip into it?

Dunkaroos Dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: about 4 hours
Serving Size: 24 servings

Ingredients:

1 package Funfetti Cake Mix
2 cups low fat plain yogurt
1 cup Cool Whip (you can use original or Light)
Animal Crackers or Teddy Grahams

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl mix together cake mix, plain yogurt, and Cool Whip until there is no more lumps.
2. Cover and place in fridge for 4 hours.
3. Enjoy with Animal Crackers, Teddy Grahams, or whatever you desire to dunk in!

You can add additional sprinkles if you would like more funfetti!

New Snacks For The Home

We ran out of milk today, so I decided to hit the grocery store a day early. I have been keeping an eye out for new sides and snacks to add to the kids lunches.

My little man and I picked up fresh fruits and vegetables. I am working on slowly getting the girls into trying new ones.

We brought home four new items and restocked on two of our new family favorites.

• dry roasted edamame
• vanilla wafers
• honey sesame sticks
• vanilla almond granola
• yogurt pretzels
• Colombian dark chocolate 85% cocoa

Thursday's Lunch Special

Sorry I am a little late on putting up lunch today. I decided to catch up on sleep while my little man was resting. We slept in until 9:30 today and it felt amazing!

The girls went off to school ready for another day. My oldest is working on a project about Oregon and has been filling us in on countless facts about the state. I think my middle daughter enjoys going for the social time and extracurricular activities.

The snack of the day was pretzels (my oldest made the request). Their lunches were filled today with carrots & celery, a fruit salad, cheddar cheese, yogurt covered cranberries, a small orange and salami.

Double Chocolate Brownies

If I am not being requested to make chocolate chip cookies then I am being begged to make brownies. I have always used box brownies and added chocolate chip cookies to make them a little richer.

Today my oldest daughter and I decided we would try a recipe from scratch. I found this recipe on another blog that I follow, www.moneysavingmom.com. I would highly recommend the recipe. The only thing that I would change is to place the brownies in a 10 x 15 dish instead of a 9 x 13. The brownies were a little taller than normal. Although that was what my daughter liked most.

 

Double Chocolate Brownie

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serving Size: 6-8 people

Ingredients:

3/4 cup cocoa (I personally used Hersey)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 melted butter - divided into separate 1/3's
1/2 cup boiling water
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 package of chocolate chips (12 oz.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl mix cocoa, baking soda, and 1/3 cup melted butter.
3. Add boiling water and blend until well mixed.
4. Blend in sugar, eggs, and remaining 1/3 cup melted butter.
5. Mix in flour, vanilla and salt unit completed blended.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Pour mixture into a greased  9x13 or 10x15 pan (depending on how thick you would like the brownies).
8. Bake 35-40 minutes. A tooth pick should come out clean.
9. Let cool and then serve.

If you would like you can add a 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownies when you stir in the chocolate chips.

Half Way Through the Week

Wednesdays are half days at our school! The kids enjoy coming home early.

Before we head outside to play in the sunny 65 degree weather (What a winter we have in Arizona), we have decided to make some fresh brownies. Good thing they had a healthy lunch before they help me in the kitchen.

Lunch today consisted of a salami and mayo sandwich (this is the first sandwich with meat my girls will eat), fruit salad, carrots, kettle corn, yogurt, and a little orange. Their snack is almonds with 5 chocolate covered raisins.

Both of my girls said the vanilla almond granola was a keeper for our house. I gave some to my little man today during his lunch and it was gone before it hit the plate. Guess it is time to make another trip to Sprouts and see what other fun treats I can find.

Crockpot Barbecue Sandwiches

Tonight's dinner was perfect after a randomly rainy afternoon. Our house was energetic today with 6 kids running around playing while I made dinner with my neighbor.

I was requested to make baked mozzarella sticks for an appetizer (http://heelstohomecookedmeals.blogspot.com/2015/02/baked-mozzarella-cheese-stick.html). They only lasted for 5 minutes before the plate was licked clean. I guess this is a major hit in our house.

This recipe I have made a few times now and every time my kids scarf it right up. My littlest is a picker and my oldest is particular about her meat, so when I am able to get it in them I am a happy mom.

We like our meat covered in sauce. I place a batch of sauce on the meat while it cooks in the crockpot and then a second batch on the meat after it is shredded.

Crockpot Barbecue Sandwiches

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 hours
Total Time: 8-10 hours
Serving Size: 6-8 people

Ingredients:

4 pounds bottom round roast

Ingredients for Sauce: (I make this twice to have saucy meat)

1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic salt
3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup wine vinegar
2 Tablespoon classic mustard
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (I used sea salt)
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Trim the fat off of the roast and cut into multiple large pieces. Then place in crockpot.
2. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and pour over top of the meat.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
4. Drain liquid from the slow cooker.
5. Shred meat with two forks (discard any fat).
6. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and pour over top of the shredded meat.
7. Serve on hamburger buns or sandwich rolls.

We ate ours with mashed potatoes, baked beans and broccoli.

Tuesday's Lunch

The girls told me that they loved the yogurt pretzels. I am happy to know that I have found something else to spice up their snacks with. Today I threw in the vanilla almond granola with 4 yogurt cranberries. We will have to wait and see how that goes over.

The girls have their little fruits salads (my middle daughter just started eating grapes. So proud she tried them again), carrots, yogurt, and celery with peanut butter for one while the other requested crackers. They finally are having a sandwich that is a little out of the norm...salami & mayo.

Apple Honey Chicken

I was in the mood for a little late night snack. My first attempt at this recipe was a real learning experience, but it came out very tasty. I have adjusted the red pepper flakes below. The batch was a little spicier than I was expecting.

I cannot wait to make this recipe again for the whole family to try.

Apple Honey Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving Size: 2-3 people

Ingredients:

6 chicken drumsticks
Salt and fresh ground pepper (I used sea salt)
2 cups apple juice
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1T red pepper flakes
Pinch of salt (I used sea salt)
1T butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Generously season both sides of the drumsticks with pepper and salt. 2. Place drumsticks on baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes (flip drumsticks halfway through)
3. In a large skillet bring apple juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, honey, red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt to a high simmer over medium-high heat.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes (until the sauce is syrupy and coats the back of the spoon).
5. Place chicken in a large bowl. Pour the sauce and butter over to coat.
6. Transfer the chicken to a platter or plates and drizzle any remaining sauce over the pieces.

Starting the Week Off Right

Trying to start the last Monday in February off with a few new items in the girls lunches.

It is so true that the apple does not fall far from the tree. When I was younger I would take large pepperonis for lunch, this week my kiddos requested genoa. My oldest is not big on meat, so I will happily send her with salami every day that she requests it.

I love that spring brings more fruit my girls will eat. They now have mini fruit salads in their lunch. We also added carrots (celery for my younger daughter), cottage cheese, and an orange. Yogurt pretzels won for their Monday snack.

Reese's Cake

My family is crazy about Reese's! I thought for my husbands birthday that I would surprise him with a Reese's cake!

I found the most delectable chocolate cake recipe a couple of years ago. Every time I have tired to change to a different recipe I have been told not to mess with something when you have found the perfect taste. Needless to say I have thrown away all my other variations for chocolate cake. The cake recipe I use is from www.hersey.com called Hersey's "Especially Dark" Chocolate Cake.

The challenge was finding a peanut butter frosting that would compliment the cake. (Icing cakes is the most stressful part for me...it taste good, but I am still trying to master making it look pretty)

The cake went over well with the family. Everyone has had a slice daily.

 

 



Reese's Cake

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serving Size: 10-12 servings

Ingredients for Cake:

2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cups cocoa
1-1/2t baking powder
1-1/2t baking soda
1t salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2t vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Ingredients for Icing:

2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 cup softened butter
2 cups confectioners sugar
1/4t salt
1t vanilla extract
3T milk
1 bag of mini Reese's

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 9" round baking pans.
2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Then add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in boiling water (batter becomes thin).
5. Pour batter into prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan to completely cool on a wire rack.
8. Begin making frost by mixing together peanut butter and butter.
9. Beat in the confectioners sugar in 3 increments.
10. Add salt and vanilla and continue to beat.
11. Pour in milk and beat until frosting is the desired consistency for spreading.
12. Frost the cake and top with chopped mini Reese's (you can cut in half and/or chop in small piece to sprinkle to your liking).

Do not forget a side of milk to enjoy with your cake.

New Snacks for Lunches

Well Costco was not as big of a hit as I was hoping. We ended up only finding 3 new snacks that the kids were willing to try and one of them is just a different style of almonds. The positive is there was at least something new in the house!

The kids have decided to try some Cinnamon Roasted Almonds, Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Bark Thins, and squeezable Apple Sauce.

 

 

I decided to give Sprouts a 3rd chance (I have not had good luck there previously) because they had a good sale on cantaloupe and strawberries. While in the store I did find a couple of new snacks to add to our snack collection for this week.

 

I picked up some Vanilla Almond Granola (I am not a vanilla fan, but it was pretty good), Valentine Pretzels, Yogurt Cranberries, and Wild West Trail Mix. I couldn't help but put the fresh strawberries into the photo.

 



Rocking the Heels for Home Cooked Meals

My oldest daughter learned about my new blog last night. Her first comment was why did my photo not have heels in it. I thought that was a very good observation on her part. Needless to say we corrected that with her performing a photo shoot of me making dinner. I hope that the new photo better suits the blog.

 

PS: She picked out the heels first and then picked a dress to match.

Baked Mozzarella Cheese Stick

The girls are having a slumber party tonight. Right now my oldest is upstairs with her friend watching a scary show, so what better way to enjoy it then with some finger food?

Their friend told me they were amazing 3 times after she took her first bite. It is good to know we can finally make our favorite appetizer in the comfort of our own home.

Baked Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Bake Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 51 minutes
Serving Size: 4 people

Ingredients:

1 package string cheese
1 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup flour
2 eggs
2T milk

Instructions:

1. Unwrap the string cheese and cut in half.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
3. Make one small bowl of flour. In another small bowl beat together the eggs and milk. Then in a final bowl place the bread crumbs.
4. Roll the mozzarella sticks in the flour.
5. Dip the flour coated mozzarella stick in the egg mixture.
6. Roll the mozzarella stick in the bread crumbs while pressing the crumbs onto the stick.
7. On a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil arrange the mozzarella sticks. Then place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes (this hardens the cheese so it does not melt all over the cookie sheet).
8. Remove mozzarella sticks from the freezer and bake in oven for 12 minutes.

Enjoy the mozzarella sticks with a side of marinara sauce.

Once you are done snacking the next best thing to do is a craft at a slumber party. We had some fun with crayons.

 

 

The crayon art was a fun project, but I would recommend using a canvas as well as having a surface to lean the picture up against. We hot glued crayons to drawing paper and put a hair dryer on high to melt the crayons. I held up the pages while each girl designed the paper with the hair dryer. Since I was holding it up the paper kept rolling and my fingers would get really hot when they would be doing the crayons by my hands. Also on the drawing paper you can see where the crayon oil is. I believe a canvas will not emphasis this as much.

 

I think that all of their artwork came out beautifully and I can not wait to try this again.

Snacks for the week

My girls receive snack time at school (I thought that ended after Kindergarten...) They were told no chips, cookies, or gummies for snacks which works fine for our house, but trying to keep it fresh is sometimes a challenge.

I try to prepack the snacks on the weekend that way they can just grab what sounds good for that day.

This week I have prepared the following baggies of snack for their lunch boxes:

• Pretzels
• Snapeas
• Almonds with 5 chocolate covered raisins
• Peanuts with 5 chocolate covered raisins
• Sugar Free Jell-o (amazingly it takes just like the normal Jell-o)



What snacks do you send with your children to school? I will be heading to Costco to see if I can find some other fun items to throw in their lunch boxes the next few weeks.

Last lunch for this week

The weekend is so close. That means one more lunch for the week and grocery shopping for next week.

The final lunch for this week includes cheese (my girls each like different cheeses), veggies, 4 kinds of fruit, and chocolate cheerios for a snack. How could I forget the good ol' sandwich!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Coming from a family who did not cook often I was always scared to get in front of the stove. My biggest fear was my family would hate what I made and then we would have to resort to take out. With my challenge of actually cooking homemade meals I have not only recruited my family to be my testers, but also our close friends. This means that my recipes are being fed to 9 people (4 adults and 5 child) with 9 distinct taste buds. I take that as being a true test to how the food tastes.

I personally LOVE pasta! If I could have it every day I would, but with changing our families eating habits we have reduced the amount we eat. I decided tonight to make a comfort meal of pasta with a little twist.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Serving Size: 6 people

Ingredients:

1 pound penne noodles
1 1/2t salt
1 1/2t pepper
2t granulated garlic
2t paprika
1.5 lbs. of chicken breast
1T vegetable oil
3T Frank's hot sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup ranch
3/4 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to packaging directions.
2. Cut chicken breasts into bite size pieces.
3. Mix in a ziplock bag salt, pepper, granulated garlic, paprika and chicken.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 7 minutes (until completed cooked).
5. Add 2T of Frank's hot sauce to the chicken and cook for 1 minute
6. In a small mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, ranch, milk and 1T of Frank's hot sauce (it will be lumpy).
7. Add the mixture to the chicken. Cook until it boils.
8. Pour the chicken and sauce into the cooked noodles.
9. Stir together and you are ready to serve.

Chocolate Chip Cookies Are Always A Hit In This House

I had the most amazing cake in mind this year for my husband for his 30th birthday (a Reese's cake because it is his favorite candy). After I finally narrowed down the perfect icing recipe he informed me all he wanted was a HUGE soft chocolate chip cookie. I swear he could eat homemade chocolate chip cookies daily if I would bake them everyday.

I could not let him down, mainly since it was the big 3-0! I took a pizza pan, followed the good ol' Nestle Tollhouse recipe and then 15 minutes in the oven. Out came a beautiful cookie!

I know this is not a special recipe, but it is the one used most in our family. I love to bake and make my family happy. If it requires 1,000's of chocolate chip cookies to be baked I will never complain!

Preparing Lunch

Once again my children came home with empty lunch containers. I take that as a good sign.

My oldest is so much like me when it comes to food. She would eat the same thing day in and day out if I would allow her to. On the other hand my middle child likes to spice it up a little every day.

I realized after I took the picture that I missed something dairy. I guess that happens when you are having a conversation with a friend while you are making lunches. Good thing they have milk with breakfast.

Some of the items are the same as yesterday (as I said she is happy having the same thing every day). I did throw in some lettuce for my middle daughter and changed up the snack to peanuts with 5 chocolate covered raisins.

Wednesdays are always a fun day with lunches because it is a half day, so we will see what they come home with.

French Bread Pizza

Well this one really isn't a recipe, but I love how yummy this quick pizza is!

Last night was dinner for one in my house, so I was not up for a big shebang. Most of my night was spent working on a cake (recipe to come) with my children before they left. After cleaning up our mess cooking was the last thing on my mind at 8pm.

All you need is French bread, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese (I buy a block and shred it), and whatever toppings sound great to you. I am a very simple person...just cheese pizza suits me fine. I actually add a heaping amount of cheese because you can never have too much.

After I have the pizzas set up the way everyone wants them I place the pizza in a convection oven for 5-7 minutes (until the cheese is completely melted). All that is remaining is to sit back and enjoy the mini pizzas.

 

 

Do you have any simple pizzas you make? I tried today at lunch a barbeque chicken pizza (who would have thought barbeque sauce on pizza? Not me) and not am in love with it. I will have to try that next on the French bread.

Tuesday lunches

Two years ago our family started to work at eating healthier. I thought that it would be a hard transition for my children, but they have adapted very well. They now request specific fruits and veggies to be placed on our grocery list.

My girls are just like me. I use to be able to eat a sandwich every day for lunch and that is the only main item they want in their lunch everyday. I have tried to mix it up a little so they will not get too bored (peanut butter, peanut butter with honey, peanut butter and jelly).

Tomorrows lunch includes carrots, apples, cantaloupe, grapes, peanut butter celery, hard boiled egg, yogurt, an orange, and a sandwich.

 

My oldest loves all different fruits while my middle child loves greens. Trying to keep all their likes and dislikes in order is sometimes a jumbled challenge, but I like that we now have colored containers to help make it a little easier.

 

Do you have any healthy foods your children enjoy?

Baby Shower Fun

I know that I created this blog as a place to show my families journey in the kitchen, but I cannot help but share the beautiful shower my friend and I threw today for her sitter. We put a lot of time and thought into trying to make the shower special for her sweet bundle of joy coming next month.

Our inspiration came from the saying "Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of!" The tables were decorated with washcloth lollipops and candies.

 

 

From the ceiling we hung silver and lavender tissue flowers and balls. And how could we pass up having a bar full of candies and sweets (chocolate tipped wafers, chocolate tipped rice krispies, cookies, cheese cake, and brownies) for our guests to enjoy or take home.

 

 

I did not get a close up of our onesie cupcakes, but the food set up was mouth watering! We were barely hungry for dinner because everywhere you turned was a yummy treat or amazing food.

 



 

The Mama to be had a special comfy chair to open presents on.

 

 I think my favorite part of all was the leaf thumb print tree that will be placed on the wall of her daughters room forever remembering this special day.

 

 

 

 

I wish I would have remembered my camera today so that the pictures would have been better...but the iPhone will have to do.

Deviled Eggs

My family loves hard boiled eggs! I send them in my kids lunches almost every day. The one thing I had yet to figure out was a good deviled egg recipe...well until last night. I made some for the shower and let my daughters be the taste tester (didn't want to bring nasty eggs for a baby shower with 40+ guests). This morning when I came downstairs to serve them breakfast they told me it wasn't the desserts they were looking forward to at the shower, it was the deviled eggs. My face was beaming from ear to ear. It means the world to me that I make food that my family actually truly enjoys!

Deviled Eggs

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Serving Size: 8-12 people

Ingredients:

12 eggs
6 tablespoons of mayonnaise
3 teaspoons white vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons classic mustard
paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil eggs for 12 minutes then let cool.
2. Cut the eggs in half
3. In a separate bowl mix the cooked yolk, white vinegar, sugar and classic mustard.
4. Fill the whites back with the mixture. I used a zip lock bag and cut a small hole in the corner to use like a pastry bag or you can fill with a spoon.
5. Top with paprika.

Simple Layered Bean Dip

I was very lucky to be able to make some food for a friends baby shower the last two days. I am so happy that she had a wonderful shower! I cannot wait to meet her new little bundle of joy next month (she holds a special spot in my heart since she has the same name as my sister).

 

This dish is so easy to make and there is endless possibilities...you can always add olives or peppers, remove ingredients...we went with the basics. I was told that it was delicious (sorry I do not eat most of what is in the dish so I did not sample this one).

 

Simple Layered Bean Dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serving Size: Good for a gathering

Ingredients:

30oz refried beans can
1 package of taco seasoning
24oz sour cream
32oz store bought guacamole
32oz of salsa (chunky) or pico de gallo
14oz fiesta blend shredded cheese
1 cup green onions
1/2 cup of cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a separate small bowl mix the refried beans and taco seasoning together.
2. Spread the bean mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13 dish.
3. Add each additional ingredient down the list layering it on top of the last.
4. Place in fridge until it is time to enjoy.

First meal was a success: Honey Sesame Chicken

I went completely out of my comfort zone for my first meal making a Chinese dish. The meal was not only tried on my family, but also our close friends. I normally do not invite people over if it is my cooking because I barely ever make anything from scratch, but I guess I had a lot of faith in this meal.

 Luckily it worked in my favor! My oldest daughter is not a big chicken fan and she requested seconds. I have to say that was the best compliment I could have asked for!

This dish is delicious! I am not a big fan of honey, but after having this meal I may have to reevaluate what I can use honey on.

Honey Sesame Chicken

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serving Size 6-8 people

Ingredients:

6 chicken breasts
1 cup corn starch
3 eggs
salt and pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
Sauce:
1 cup honey
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
2 T sesame oil
1 T granulated garlic
1 t cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cut the chicken breast into bite size pieces and season lightly with salt & pepper.
3. In a medium size separate bowl beat the corn starch and eggs.
4. Mix the chicken into the egg mixture (Using a gallon size bag and shaking with coat the chicken well also).
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 8minutes on each side unit they are golden brown.
6. Place the chicken in a 9x13 greased baking dish.
7. In a medium sized mixing bowl combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and cornstarch.
8. Pour sauce mixture over chicken and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Stir the chicken every 15 minutes to ensure it is coated with sauce.

I served mine with white rice. If you would like to add additional sesames seeds for garnish it add the restaurant appearance.

I am kicking off my high heels to learn to cook

I am a mother of 3 wonderful children (2 girls and a boy). I traded in working outside the home 2 years ago and have never regretted one moment. In the last few months my work load has pretty much come to a standstill causing some financial stress on my family. I have cut cost everywhere expect in the dreaded kitchen.

When I was a kid my family ate out for most meals, so home cooking was not my specialty. Two years ago we decided it was time to change our lifestyle to be more healthy. Joining a gym was easy, but going to it as well as making healthy food choices is a whole other story.

 I have decided to kick off my high heels in exchange for barefoot in the kitchen cooking. My goal is to cook multiple healthy home cooked meals every week.

Now let the challenge begin!!