Christmas morning breakfast

This makes alot,so it is enough for evereyone!!

 8 slices of white bread(no crusts)
 8 eggs
 4 cups of milk
 1 pound bacon
 1 pound shredded cheddar cheese
 Salt and pepper(to taste)


 Beat together eggs,milk,salt and pepper. Place bread in bottom of 9x13 pan. Pour egg mixture over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Pre heat oven to 350. While preheating,cook bacon in a frying pan until crisp. Spread cheddar cheese over egg mixture. Crumble bacon over egg mixture and cook for 1 hour or until firm. Enjoy:)

Cookies

I am not a baker,but I found this recipe for Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookies and it looked easy,so I tried making them. Well,they are super yummy and super easy!!


  1 cup creamy peanut butter
  3/4 cup sugar
  1 large egg
  1/2 tsp baking soda
  1/4 salt
  1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  Parchment paper

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together peanut butter,sugar,egg,baking soda and salt until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Spray tablespoon with cooking spray if you have it to help the dough not stick to the spoon. Drop dough an inch apart onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake 12-14 minutes or until puffed up and browned(be careful not to burn them,I did on my first batch. Burnt peanut butter does not taste good!). Let cool and enjoy :)

Broccoli casserole

Ok,this is my favorite time of year for a bunch of reasons. One of those reasons is making broccoli casserole for the holiday dinners coming up! I make this the night before so there is one less thing to do the day of. I also make a double batch because I am a pig :)

 1 small white onion(diced)
 4 stalks of celery(diced)
 1 tsp butter
 1 10.5 oz can of reduced sodium cream of chicken soup
 1 10.5 oz can of fat free cream of celery soup
 2 cups of instant white rice
 1 14 oz bag of frozen broccoli(florets or pieces)
 2 15 oz jars of cheez whiz
 1/4 tsp salt
 1/2 tsp pepper


 Add butter,celery,onion,salt and pepper to frying pan and saute until celery is almost fork tender. While that is cooking,get a large microwavable container. Add soup and cheez whiz. Stir well until combined. Add onion and celery mixture to soup mixture. Stir well. Stir in rice and broccoli .
 Cook in microwave for 15 minute intervals,stirring each time until broccoli is tender. It should not take more than 2-3 times. Enjoy :)

Sweet potato fries

I love me some sweet potatoes!!! This recipe is easy and for everyone. My twins love them.

 2 medium sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into "steak fries",usually 8 per potato)
 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
 1/2 tsp pepper
 1/4 tsp paprika
 Sea salt(3-4 cranks)

Pre heat oven to 400 degrees. Put all ingredients into bowl and toss until the potatoes are evenly coated. Spread onto a baking sheet. Cook 30-35 minutes,or until cooked through(depends on the thickness of fries).
 *If you like them extra crispy,throw them under the broiler for the last 5 minutes. Enjoy :)

Homecoming

Ahhh,the homecoming memories!  Hair was first.

Then makeup,

Sassy pic w/ the bestie,

Aunt and uncle came out,

Fav cousins,

Finished product,beautiful :)

Tilapia w/ lime

Depending on the size of the fillets your fish counter has that day. You can always adjust the ingredients.


 4 6 oz. tilapia fillets(or if they are running small,use double the amt of fillets)

 1 large lime(you will be zesting and juicing)
 1 tbsp dill(fresh or dried)
 Pepper
 Sea salt

 Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Put tilapia fillets on a baking sheet. Take lime,zest and juice evenly over the fish. Take dill and distribute evenly over the fish. Two pinches of sea salt and pepper on each piece. Cook in oven 8-12 minutes,depending on the size of the fillets,or until cooked through. Enjoy :)

Couscous,really??

I am a fan of trying new things,but my first couple of tries with couscous were total failures. It has a very different texture and is quite bland. I have tried to spice it up in many ways and have not been happy,neither has my family. I found this recipe and tried it and it is fresh tasting. I think we have a winner!


 First the couscous-
 1 cup of dry couscous
 2 cups water
 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
 1/2 tsp salt

Bring water to a boil over med heat on stove. When ready,add olive oil,salt and couscous. Stir up a bit,put on lid,and take off heat. Let sit about 15 minutes. While that is cooking,start your other ingredients.

 1 small bunch of flat leaf parsley,rinsed,dried and chopped
 1 clove of garlic,grated
 2 lemons,zested and juiced
 2 pinches of sea salt
 Splash of extra virgin olive oil

 Mix all together in a bowl and let sit.
 When couscous is done,mix in fresh ingredients. Enjoy :)

Black bean and avocado burritos

These burritos are very yummy and filling. Healthier than using traditional refried beans also.

2 cans of black beans,rinsed and drained

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 small cloves of garlic,grated or finely chopped

2 avocados,peeled and diced

2 cups Monterey jack cheese,shredded

4 burrito sized tortillas

Salt and pepper to taste

In a pot,heat olive oil on med heat. Add garlic,cook for 1-2 minutes,while stirring. Add beans and salt and pepper to taste. Mash beans w/ masher or fork until creamy with a few lumps and warm through. Heat tortillas on stove burner or microwave for 1 minute. Dive the beans,avocado and cheese onto 4 tortillas and roll up. Ole!
 *For some spice,throw some sliced jalapeno peppers in the burrito mixture also!

Dillweed!

Hey,looking for a satisfiying anytime snack? Try sprinkling some fresh dill on some lowfat cottage cheese. It is filling and oh so fresh and yummy :)

Happy Grandparent's Day

Happy Grandparent's Day to all!! You know,as we get older,I think we all get a little busier. Always remember to spend as much time as you can with your loved ones. My father has been a great father my whole life. He now is in a home and suffers from many ailments,including dementia. It is a very sad disease and is so hard to watch his mind deteriorate. But we had a fantastic visit with him today. He loves all three of his grandchildren so much,and I see that on every visit. It must be so disappointing and frustrating to him also to be going through this. I love you dad,and Anthony,Bailey,and Emily love their "Papa"!! Happy grandparents day :)

Citrus ginger chicken

I know,I need to remember to take pics when I post these recipes,but I cook,then it's so good,I forget about taking the picture!! I'll remember next time!

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Juice and zest of 1 orange
Juice and zest of 1 lime
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 cloves of garlic(grated)
1 1/2 tbp fresh ginger(grated)

Mix all ingredients in a large plastic ziploc bag or tupperware bowl with lid. Be sure to mix everything with your hands so all of the chicken is covered evenly. Put in fridge and let sit atleast 1 hour to marinate. I like to cook this on a grillpan or grill,but you can also cook in a fry pan. Just cook on med-medhigh heat for 7-8 minutes on each side(depending on thickness of chicken) or until cooked through. Enjoy :)

Sticky chicken

Ooooh this chicken is fantastically yummy!!
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tbsp canola oil
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1 tbsp fresh ginger(grated)
1 tbsp fresh garlic(grated)
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp red hot chili sauce(sriacha)

Whisk hoisin,1 tbsp canola oil,ginger,honey,soy sauce,red hot chili sauce,and garlic in a large bowl. Add chicken to bowl and toss. Let sit 10 minutes. Heat leftover oil in a large fry pan on med heat. Add chicken. Cook 6 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Enjoy :)

Chicken burgers

Are you ready for the best chicken burger that you will ever eat?? Then please proceed:)
1 lb. ground chicken
1 medium zucchini,shredded
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 tbsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
3 tbsp Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
2 cups shredded lettuce
2 plum tomatoes,diced
Olive oil cooking spray
4 buns(I use onion rolls)


In a bowl mix chicken,oregano,zucchini,parm cheese,1/2 of the salt and pepper. Form into patties. You can get 5 nice size patties or 4 large. Sprinkle 1 1/2 tbsp of breadcrumbs over the tops of the burgers. Spray a large fry pan w/ olive oil spray and set on med-med high heat. Place burgers in breadcrumb side down. Cook 6-7 minutes or until first sides are golden brown. Sprinkle remaining breadcrumbs on top of burgers and spray lightly with olive oil spray. Flip burgers. Cook another 6-7 minutes,or until cooked through. While burgers are finishing cooking,get a bowl out and add lettuce,tomatoes,oil,vinegar,salt and pepper. Toss gently. Put burgers on buns and top with lettuce and tomato. Enjoy:)

Poor me:(

This is going to be a crazy,bitchy,whoa-is-me kinda post. Just warning you!! You know,I don't really consider myself a lazy person. But lately,I have had my work cut out for me. I have a horrible back and neck problem-you know,degenerative disc disease,herniated and bulging discs,arthritis,just to drop a couple of things. I absolutely hate that a have indeed become a couch potato. I know this is not fair to my hubby,my 3 kids,or myself,but there's not really much you can do when you wake up in pain,I'm talking pain,almost every single day. I know life is what you make it,but damn if I don't wanna do a damn thing lately. I get epidural steroid injections that usually work,atleast for a few months at a time. But not this time! Nope! I had one yesterday and I had to end up in the frickin ER for 6 hours. I was in pain,headache,nausea,dizziness,fever. Had to get a MRI,nothing wrong there. Had to get a frickin lumbar puncture to rule out menengitis. That came back clear. With my white blood cells super high,they knew something was wrong,so 2 bags of saline,a bag of Rocephin,2 different nausea meds,and 2 shots of Morphine later,I got to go home. Now,still feeling like crapola,I would love to know---when the hell can I have my life back???? This sucks the big one! So,poor me today. I had some venting to do. I do not like to be the person I have been the last month or two,but unless a miracle happens overnight,boring Kelly it is. I cannot wait for the day I can play in the pool out back with my kids for the afternoon,or goto the beach for the day and be able to run around,or take the kids to Busch Gardens or Dino World and actually have fun,instead of checking the time so I can go home and take some meds to feel better!! So,that's it. I will talk to my doctor and see what my other options are,but I do the best I can,and that's good enough for me:)

Harvest Salad

This salad recipe is very Earthy and yummy! And it is very versatile.
1 bag of spring salad mix
1 13 oz. box of whole wheat penne pasta(I only use half the box,and it seems to be plenty of pasta.)
1 small red onion,sliced thin
2 cups plum tomatoes,diced
2 cups strawberries,quartered
1/4 cup pine nuts,toasted
White balsamic vinegar(start w/ 1/3 cup)
Olive oil(start w/ 1/3 cup)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese,grated
Salt and pepper

Cook penne according to directions until aldente,drain
Put salad in bowl.
Add penne,onions,tomatoes,strawberries,and pine nuts
Season w/ salt and pepper to taste
In separate bowl,whisk together oil and vinegar(you just want to lightly dress this salad,but if you like alot of dressing,use more than 1/3 cup each)
Add oil and vinegar dressing,toss,top w/ parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. Enjoy

Popeye pasta

This is a very yummy,fresh,healthy,quick,and easy recipe.
1 16 oz box of rotini pasta
10-12 oz bag of baby spinach
12 cherry tomatoes(halved)
2 cloves of garlic(minced)
4 tbsps olive oil
1/4 cup parmesan cheese(grated)
1/4 cup asiago cheese(grated)


Heat olive oil in large skillet on med-high heat. Start a large pot of water,bring to boil,add a pinch of salt to season pasta. Add pasta and cook just shy of aldente(10-12 minutes). Drain,saving 1/2 cup of pasta water. While pasta is boiling,add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes. Add spinach cook 4-5 minutes or until wilted. Add tomatoes and cook another 2 minutes. Add pasta to skillet,stirring in the pasta water. Add asiago and parmesan cheeses. Cook together for a few minutes so everything can blend together and get nice and creamy. Salt and pepper to taste. ENJOY!!!

Tang Soo!!

My hubby has been doing martial arts now for quite a few years now. He has now come upon the opportunity to open his own school and he is more than thrilled! Opening night was just this past Tuesday. He had so much support from friends,family,and the whole martial arts society. So,here are a few pictures from his big night of opening the Plant City Tang Soo Do Academy.

I know,it's been a while :)

I have not had a moment of peace in awhile,so this was the last thing on my list to do. We returned from our family vacation in Chicago,and a week and a half later,a dear friend called and wanted to know if we could get away again. Not with her you see,but a friend of her's had a last minute change of plans and could not go enjoy her condo timeshare. She gave me the dates and the place and we were more than glad to take that off of her hands! 7 glorious days on the beach in Cocoa Beach. These are a few of my favorite moments.

Berrylicious!!

I have a new obsession,and it is smoothies for breakfast. Here is the first of many that I plan on making.
1/2 cup frozen berries(I use blackberries,raspberries,strawberries,and blueberries)
1/2 cup skim milk
3/4 cup low-fat strawberry yogurt
2-3 ice cubes
Put all ingredients into blender and blend or pulse to desired consistency. Enjoy!

Chicago is my kinda town...

These are some of my pics from our annual trip back to Chicago. We go back to visit family and friends,visit favorite sights,and of course eat the best food in the world! We love taking this trip every year. It was a bit more trying this year w/ the twins in their terrible two's,but still managed to have a fantastic time.

Cool your tastebuds

It's H-O-T outside!! Cool your tastebuds with this simple summer pasta salad!
1 16 oz box of rotini pasta
1 cucumber,chopped
2 plum tomatoes,chopped
1 small can sliced olives(2-3oz)
1 cup cheddar cheese,cubed
1 8 oz bottle of Italian dressing
Pepper to taste
In pot,cook pasta according to package directions,drain

Combine all ingredients into bowl and gently toss. Chill before serving

Yummy!!

Southwest chicken wraps

My kids love these. It's a great way to get a veggie and fiber into their diet!!
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts,diced
1 15 oz can of black beans,drained
1 15 oz can of corn,drained
1 cup of chunky salsa
Flour tortillas
Olive oil cooking spray
Garnish
Sour cream
Shredded cheese
Tomatoes,chopped

Spray non stick skillet w/ cooking spray. Add diced chicken and cook over med-med high heat for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through. Add beans,corn,and salsa. Cook 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Heat tortillas on stove top burners or heat up in microwave. Scoop mixture on to tortillas and garnish. Fold in both ends and fold into burritos. Enjoy :)

I''ll take it,thank you very much!

Don't you just love when unexpected things happen for the good? I have not worked at my old job since my twins,who are 2,were born. I had worked there for almost 5 years. I was cleaning out some files and papers the other day and realized that I never closed out my 401K acct. Well,I called my old boss and got the paperwork filled out and she took care of it for me. I received it today and boy,I am happy I found those papers!! You just never know when great things are around the corner! Stay positive everyone!

Dumplins,anyone??

I told you there were going to be alot of recipes on here. This recipe is so filling,you might want to have a very light lunch before preparing this for dinner. Here we go--
Spanish chicken and dumplings

1 quart chicken stock
2 pinches of Saffron
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3-4 links of chorizo(casings off,chopped)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts(diced)
15-20 large white mushrooms(cut in fours)
1 large white onion(diced)
3 large cloves of garlic(diced)
1 bay leaf
Salt
Pepper
2 tbsp fresh Thyme,chopped(or half the amt of dried)
3 tbsp flour
1/2 cup sherry
1 sm box of biscuit mix(enough for 8 biscuits)
1/4 cup fresh parsley(chopped)
1 tsp paprika(I like spanish paprika)






In a small sauce pan,bring stock and saffron to a boil.Reduce heat and simmer.
In a large,deep skillet or dutch oven,heat olive oil over med heat,add chorizo and cook for 2-3 minutes.Add chicken and lightly brown. Stir in mushrooms,onions,garlic,bayleaf,salt and pepper(to taste),and thyme.Put the lid on,increase heat to high for about 5 minutes.Stir in flour,then add sherry and stir. Add saffron infused broth. Put biscuit mix in bowl,stir in parsley and paprika. Add the liquid to package directions for the biscuits. Drop 8 balls of biscuits into top of cooking mixture. Put lid on and cook for 6-8 minutes(or until biscuits are cooked through).

Happy Father's Day

Today is Father's Day and I just wanted to say I love you to 2 important men in my life,my father and my husband. I love you dad,I am so lucky to have you in my life. You have so many health issues right now,but always want to know how myself and your grandkids are doing. You have been the best father that anyone could ever ask for!!
And to Tony,you are the best daddy! You work so hard everyday,and yet still have the time and patience to do anything for your kids.
I love you both beyond any words!!

Get them to the Greek--chicken that is!

I told you that I love to cook,so here is a yummy Greek chicken recipe that I cooked for dinner tonight.
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
-Marinade-
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1 Tsp pepper
1/2 Tsp salt
1 Tbsp dried Rosemary(or substitute fresh)
1/2 Tbsp dried Thyme(or substitute fresh)
1/2 Tsp dried Oregano(or substitute fresh)
2 cloves of garlic(grate,add salt,use spatula to press into a paste)

Mix all components of marinade together,put chicken in and coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Cook on Med/Med-high on a grill pan for 8 minutes each side,or until cooked through. Cook time depends on the weight and thickness of chicken. Right before you take off the heat,squeeze a bit of lemon juice on chicken.

Feeling spicy!!

I think I will start things off with my recipe for salsa.
5 large tomatoes
1 small clove of garlic
1 large onion
1 bunch of cilantro
2 jalapeno peppers
1 habanero pepper
sea salt

Mince or grate garlic. Chop (in large pieces) tomatoes,onions,jalapenos,and habaneros(If you want it spicy,add seeds. I do,it's yummy). De-stem cilantro. Add everything to a food proessor or blender. Add salt to taste(I usually do about 5 cranks out of my sea salt grinder). Pulse until you reach your desired consistancy. For a different taste,you can also add a couple squeezes of lime juice. Serve with pita or tortilla chips.

This is the freshest tasting salsa that I have ever had. We generally make a fresh batch every weekend. Please leave me a comment and let me know if this is something that sounds appealing!!

First Post!! :)

I am super-new to this bloggy world! Please bear with me! I am not too sure how this is going to go. I love to cook,so there may be alot of recipes on here. I am also mommy to a 14 yr old and 2 yr old twins,so there may be alot of venting going on. Whatever it is,I'm sure we will all be entertained!