BBQ Cornbread Casserole

Recently I ran across the recipe for BBQ Cornbread Casserole on a blog that I follow.  It sounded really good (not to mention easy).  So I made this on Friday evening (as I just happen to have all of the ingredients in my pantry and fridge ... love it when that happens).  Here was the end results - not the most beautiful of dishes ... but, hey, we were still willing to give it a shot (it did smell good).

Well, hubby and I dug in and we weren't all that impressed.  Seemed like too much cornbread in relation to the meat (and guts).  I could really tell DH didn't care for it as he only ate one helping, very unusual for him.

This recipe goes on the "well, tried it, but will not make again list."

Cheat's French Cassoulet

I had a couple of extra hours on Friday afternoon (3ish actually), so I made the Cheats French Cassoulet.  It took a little time, chopping, browning, etc. but it was really worth it.  I did the oven method (not the crockpot).  I served it over mashed potatoes with buttered, toasted bread we will NOT talk about the amount of butter or calories - sshh.

As you know I never know how the family will react to new meals, i.e. the Garlic Chicken - so I served the hubby up his bowl and held my breath ...

His comment, "Wow, you could sell this!"

I take this as a very high compliment from my hubby!!!

My dear daughter came home a little later, with a friend, of course (we always seem to have an extra girl or two over the weekends) ... and while they didn't say much, they both sat at the table and ate it - so I'm marking that down as a success too!

I'm trying out these recipes because I'm really wanting to start having dinner parties ... I think they are a lost art.  I'm not sure if this will be on one of those menus, but this will be made in our house again!!

Chewy Double Chocolate Coconut Blondies

So, as I stated before, I'm on a cooking kick.  I decided to make some goodies to take to Bible study tonight - to celebrate a friend's birthday.  I'm always nervous about making something for the first time and then taking it somewhere for others to eat.  But, ever since I read this recipe over at Can You Stay for Dinner?, I've been dying to try them.

These Chewy Double Chocolate Coconut Blondies are so so very good - so so very chewy and gooey - dare I even say decadent!  The recipe is super easy and takes "normal" ingredients (I had everything that I needed to make these in my pantry and fridge).

I baked these this afternoon, let them cool and then cut them into bars (yes, I might have tried a small corner piece - for quality control of course).  I took them to our group tonight, along with milk (of course), and they were a big hit.  This will for sure be one of my "go-to" desert recipes.

Right out of the oven on the cooling rack.

Close-ups of the chewy goodness.

Garlic Chicken in Casserole with Israeli Couscous

I've been on this "new recipe" kick here lately.  So, as I'm doing housework (aka sitting around on the couch) one Saturday morning watching Anne Burrell's Secret of a Restaurant Chef on The Food Network, she makes what looks like an awesome chicken dish:  Garlic Chicken in Casserole with Israeli Couscous.  So of course, I must make it.

Well, of course I bought the package of chicken that was already cut up ... really?  who butchers their own chickens?  I already had most of the ingredients, but I did have to spring for the Saffron ($13!).

It seemed like I worked on this for most of the day yesterday, starting out in the morning roasting the garlic and then making the marinade.  I did the actual cooking late in the afternoon so it would be ready for the family at 6pm. 

It looked really pretty.  The chicken was browned and moist, the couscous was plump.  My mouth was watering as I put it on the table.  Everyone fills their plates ... and I wait for the reaction and comments.

My daughter, Addison:  "Is this chicken?" 
Me:  "Uh, yes."
Addison:  "What is this weird stuff on the chicken?"
Me:  "Skin.  It's a whole chicken with the skin on." (you can tell that we usually only have skinless chicken breasts)
Addison:  "Humm.  What's this white round stuff?"
Me:  "Israeli Couscous.  You like couscous."
Addison:  "I like the other kind, not this one, the texture is ... weird."  (as she separates all of the couscous to the side of her plate)

So, she ended up eating part of a piece of chicken, a lot corn (canned!) and two rolls (formerly frozen!).  I love knowing that I spent hours making the dish she didn't like, and 15 minutes making the stuff she actually liked.  Have I mentioned that she's 14?

Me:  "So, do you like it?"
My husband, Mitchell:  "Yes, it's ok, it's good." (yes, this was the extent of his comments)

So, he ended up eating two helpings of the chicken and couscous (he is the opposite of Addison and doesn't like the other kind of couscous), along with the "quick" stuff.

All in all - it was a good dish, but not great.  I don't think it was worth all of the prep time that it took.  Probably will not make this again ... but at least now I know.

And what's for dinner tonight?  Well, I had lunch out - so I'm not eating; therefore, the rest of the bunch is having ravioli - spinach and cheese (from a bag purchased at Costco today - so it's "fresh").

The BEST Chicken Tortilla Soup EVER

The BEST Chicken Tortilla Soup EVER

I cannot take credit for this recipe, it is from my dear cousin Jana.  We had it at her house one weekend and fell in love with it, especially my daughter, I thought she was going to make herself sick eating it!  So of course I had to get the recipe.

What a perfect occasion to use my new Sur La Table cast enamel pot (7 qt maroon) - GORGEOUS!  And it cooked like a dream - heavy!  but totally cool.

Here are all of my canned ingredients lined up, ready to go into the pot.

 I "cheated" and used store bought roasted chickens (two of them since we like a lot of chicken in the soup).

This was the chicken after it had been defiled.  It's a messy job, but well worth it. 

Here is the finished product cooking on the stove.  YUMM. 

And, as you can see, it was a hit with the family.  Every drop of the left overs were eaten!

Here's the recipe ... try it out this week, I guarantee that you will love it!

2 Roasted Chickens, remove skin and shred chicken by hand

2 Lrg Cartons Chicken Stock or Broth

2 cans Green Enchilada Sauce
2 cans diced Green Chillis
1 can of Rotel
1 can sliced carrots
1/2 can diced tomatoes
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream style corn
1/2 can of whole kernal corn

Combine all canned ingredients and broth in a large stock pot on the stove, then whisk in the soups.  When it has heated up, add the cooked chicken.  Continue to cook until everything is mixed well and very warm.

Serve warm, with crushed tortilla chips on top along with cheese and sour cream if you so desire.

ENJOY!

Cornbread Casserole

I have been really trying to make an effort to make new meals ... I get so tired of having the same things over and over.  I follow quite a few Food Blogs to get inspired and to steal recipes of course!

Recently I made a Cornbread Casserole thanks to the recipe I found on Hon, what's for dinner?  I read through the recipe on the blog and knew I HAD to make it.  I'm so glad I did - it was SO YUMMY.

Recipe notes/deviations:

* I used hamburger meat (you could use turkey);

* I didn't have a can of green chilis - so I used part of a can of Rotel;

* I didn't quite have enough cornbread mix to cover the entire top of the casserole (as you can see above), I just used what I had left after coating the bottom of the dish.  Next time I will make up 2 boxes of cornbread mix (I always use Jiffy).

And there WILL be a next time ... this dish was great the first night I made it and still great heated up for left overs.  Thanks Sienna!

Raspberry Chipotle Chicken & Bacon Sandwich

Excuse the ketchip smear on the plate ... the hubby had already polished off the first sandwich by the time I thought of taking a pic (I'm taking that as a sign that he really liked it).

So last night I wasn't that hungry (I had a yummy protein shake for dinner), but of course I still had to feed the hubster.  So here is what I whipped up:  Raspberry Chipotle Chicken & Bacon Sandwich

Ingredients:

  Olive Oil

  Salt / Pepper, to taste

  Chicken Breast(s)

  Bacon

  Romano Cheese, freshly grated [I used Kirkland brand]

  Raspberry Chipotle Sauce [I used Fisher & Wieser brand]

  Bread [I used Orawheat Original Oatnut]

Preparation:

Pour olive oil into a deep skillet and heat.  Place chicken breast in pan (mine were giant, so I cut them in two halves).  Salt and pepper both sides, to taste.  Cook until half-way done (this will depend on thickness of breast), then flip over to finish cooking.  Several minutes prior to the chicken being done, put the bacon slices in the skillet.  I used (2) slices per sandwich.  When chicken and bacon are done, remove from pan onto a paper towel lined plate.  Pour off grease.  Pour some Raspberry Chipotle Sauce into the pan, place chicken back into the pan and pour additional sauce on top.  Stir chicken around in the sauce until covered and the sauce is warm.

Spoon some of the sauce on one slice of bread, then add (2) bacon slices and chicken breast.  Spoon more sauce over the chicken and top with the cheese.  Other bread slice goes on top (duh, huh?) ... and there you have it.  I served this with french fries.  Pretty quick and pretty tasty.

I must say that I ripped off was inspired to make this based on one of my favorite sandwiches from Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery.

Do you have a fav recipe to share? Or do you just want to get some new ideas?  Then head on over to Hon, what's for dinner.

Just One of Those Days

I just had one of those days today.  I just felt, nothing.  Ever have those days?  I got out of bed a little after 10am (yes, I slept late and didn't feel a bit guilty) and was just blah.  I didn't really want to go anywhere or do anything.  I stayed home the entire day ... I mean literally, I only walked out into the backyard twice.  I felt unsettled.  Wandered room to room.  Chatted with my mom on the phone for a while.  Then talked to Mindy on the phone for a while.  Still felt ... ???

I wasn't a complete bum, I did shower, dress and get my face on; however, the hair was a different story.  My latest Saturday hair style has been, the hat:

I was planning on meeting a friend at Starbucks this afternoon; however, due to the hubby scheduling an oil change for my car at the same time (can he not read my mind and know that I have plans?) that didn't quite work out.  Sidenote:  You may be asking, so why didn't I take his car?  Well, I must confess that I can't drive his car, it's a standard.  I have never really understood the whole driving a standard thing, must be a guy thing.  I mean really how am I suppose to drive, drink my coffee, talk on the phone and write notes while shifting gears?  Silly boys.

But, back to the story.  My friend, Chris, ended up just coming over to my house and we still had a good visit, just sans the caffeine.  :(  Humm, it just dawned on me that I could have made coffee while she was here, but I am out of hazelnut creamer and what is coffee without creamer?

My original plan (as of yesterday) was to get up and craft all day.  Well, it's after 9pm and I have yet to even pick up anything even remotely crafty.  Oh well.  Tomorrow is another day.

To add to all of this blahness, I plan to start a healthier eating regimen early next week and so I'm basically just wanting to eat all of my comfort food I want this weekend.  Tonight I made Pasta Alfredo for Addison and her friend (ok, you got me, it was pasta roni, but they like it).  And for me and the hubby ... grilled cheese sandwiches and fries.  Not just any grilled cheese ... the best grilled cheese.

This was made in the skillet with super buttered texas toast and three types of cheeses:  sharp cheddar, provolone and gruyere.  Served with thin, "fast food" fries.  I know it was bad ... but it was also SO good.

Stay tuned for what's for dinner tomorrow ... my evil plan is to have hubby take me to Texas de Brazil after church tomorrow as we received a BOGO free dinner there for our upcoming anniversary.  We'll see how that goes.

Mindy's Birthday Dinner

Friday night my core group of buddies (Jennifer, Donna, Renon and of course Mindy) gathered at my house to celebrate Mindy's birthday.  We have really gotten away from going out these days to celebrate.  I think it's much more relaxing, special and cozy to get together in someone's home.

Before dinner we got into a conversation about the book, The 5 Love Languages (as a side note, if  you haven't read this book, you really should).  The way I show love is by "acts of service."  I love to do special (well, what I consider special) things for my friends ... cooking, hand-made items, etc.  So for Mindy's birthday I wanted to host a little 'girls only" dinner party.  I think we should have dinner parties more often, it seems like such a lost art.

I set the big table for dinner that night, complete with the good china (again, my idea of good china), nice glasses and candles.

I set the small table with the goodies for the night.  The vino, glasses (complete with Mindy's special glass), Reese's peanut butter cups (Mindy's favorite), the cake and of course the gifts (not shown here).  Later the table was complete with beautiful flowers compliments of Jenn.

Here is a close-up of the cake.  I finally used my Giant Cupcake baking pan.  It was so cute when I took it out of the pan ... it really looked like a cupcake!

Foodwise we had:  Salad:  italian salad complete with italian dressing, pecans, dried cranberries and feta cheese.  Main Dish:  Boneless Pork Loin with Red Wine Cranberry Glaze (thanks to Guy Fieri).  This turned out pretty well, next time I would add more salt to the brine, add the sage leaf and the juniper berries which I left out (as a small container of the berries were $8) and cut the loin into cutlets before pan searing.  The cranberry glaze was a bit time consuming, but well worth it and really pretty.  Side Dish:  Mac and Cheese.  This was not just any old Mac and Cheese.  This was Ina Garten's baked Mac and Cheese.  This was pretty fabulous, even if I do say so myself.  Just a note, this is not anywhere near a "healthy, low fat recipe."  It contains a quart of milk, 8oz of sharp cheddar, 12oz of gruyere, bread and of course butter!  This was the first time that I have purchased gruyere cheese.  It took about $15 worth of just this cheese.  But, again, I say it was worth it!  As a side note, we all agreed that we would love to be friends with Ina Garten and be invited to her ultra cool house in the Hamptons.  You know her friends eat really well!

After dinner we chilled out in the living room with our vino and talked "boys," recipes, politics and the evilness of Oprah (well, that was mostly me) while Mindy opened her gifts.  Then we dug into the cake ... a perfect ending to a great evening with people that I adore!

Of course, there was an aftermath ... I tend to be a messy cook.

There would have been a time when I would have stayed up and cleaned the kitchen before going to bed.  Humm, not these days.  I'm still in the boot and by the end of the evening, my foot was not feeling so great.  I ran one load of dishes and called it a night.  Saturday morning I did another load of dishes and cleaned up the kitchen.  After left overs Saturday night, I was exhausted and left all of those dishes.  Thank goodness my hubby did another load of dishes this morning before I even got out of bed (yea for Mother's Day!) ... and there is still one more load to do.

Oh well, life goes on and it is the season finale of The Amazing Race tonight ... priorties!

Little Tidbits from Today

Just a couple of random things...

* I just polished off a box of Caramel Crunch'N Munch (I guess that's what I get for just eating cereal for dinner).  But, I had lunch at Campisi's (the real one) with the hubby today, so I wasn't really that hungry tonight.  I have not had C 'N M in forever.  Addison spotted it in the Dollar Spot at Target yesterday and 2 boxes had to come home with us. 

I just read the side of the box, Total Calories: 560 (oops). I guess I should have read that BEFORE downing the box. Well, let me not lie, that wouldn't have detered me.  I mean just look at this ... yumm.  Is there a better midnight snack?

* Market Street has Cupcake Chardonnay on sale this week for $8.99 which is a great price (and of course you get 10% off when you buy six bottles).  Why would you NOT buy 6 bottles?  I don't remember the last time I just purchased a single bottle of wine.

ooh, tasty! I think a shopping trip is in my future tomorrow (well, actually later today).

* I can take (2) percocet for my foot and still not go to sleep.  Hence me blogging at midnight.

Now I think I will search my recipes and come up with a dinner plan for Friday night ... time to celebrate Mindy's birthday and spend some time with my awesome girlfriends.