RockCrock Tuna Noodle Casserole

I am trying out my RockCrock and LOVING IT!!!  Tonight I made a Tuna Noodle Casserole b

INGREDIENTS:

1- TBS Butter or Olive Oil

2- Cloves of Garlic

2- Cups Spinach

1- Container of Mushrooms

1- Large Can of Mushroom Soup (28 oz)

1- Cup Plain Greek Yogurt

4- Small Cans of Tuna (I prefer Albacore)

3- Cups Twisted Noodles (cooked but with a bite)

2- Sleeves Ritz Crackers or a cup of Butter

1-TBS Butter

Salt & Pepper

Boil your pasta in the RockCrock. Cook your pasta just to a bite, about 7 mins depending on pasta. 

Drain pasta & rinse in COLD water!  Leave in strainer. 

Heat oven to 400*

Return RC to the stove top.  Melt your 1st TBS of butter.  Using a bamboo spoon mix around.  Add the garlic with the Garlic Press. Sauté for 1 min. Add the mushrooms and toss for 2 minutes. Add the spinach and toss around. Sprinkle some salt and toss again, cover for 4 minutes.  Stir up. 

Add the soup, Greek Yogurt and tuna. Chop the tuna up with the Mix 'N Chop, making sure the tuna is broken up. 

Stir well. Add the pasta and toss again. 

Bake in preheated oven for 30 mins. 

While that cooks, put the ritz crackers into the MFP and turn them into bread crumbs. In the 8" skillet, melt the butter on med-low. Add the crackers and toss for 3-4 minutes. 

After the casserole is done, remove and top with crackers. Bake for 5 more mins. 

Remove from oven and let cool 5 mins. 

Scoop and enjoy!

Most Scrumdiddleyumptious Crepe Recipe

I am in LOVE with Crepes lately!  I finagled a recipe and am lovin' them!  Too bad I can't eat them everyday...all.day.LONG!

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup water

2 TBSP butter (melted)

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 C. flour

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all of the above together, except the flour.  After it's all mixed, add the flour in a little at a time until it's all mixed.

In a 8" pan, put a little butter or olive oil.   Add 1/4 C. of the batter to the pan and swirl the batter around.  Let it cook on one side for about 30-45 sec then flip over an cook 30-45 sec longer.

Remove from pan and place on a plate.

For the filling, I like to make a homemade whip cream and top with fresh fruit.

Here's my homemade whip cream recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

1 C heavy whipping cream

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 oz vanilla

2 TBS powder sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Put the whipping cream into a (preferably metal) bowl and freeze for about 3 minutes.  In another bowl, whip up your cream cheese and add the vanilla.  Take the whipping cream and beat it until soft peaks form, add the powder sugar.  Then mix in the cream cheese mixture.

Hope you enjoy!

Chipotle Chili Cornbread Bake

The Pampered Chef ® Chipotle Chili Cornbread Bake Recipe

1 medium green bell pepper 6 green onions with tops, divided 1 lb (450 g) 90% lean ground beef 1 can (16 oz or 398 mL) chili beans in sauce, undrained 1 cup (250 mL) chunky salsa 2 tbsp (30 mL) Chipotle Rub 1 pkg (8.5 oz) corn muffin mix (see Cook’s Tip) 1 container (8 oz or 250 mL) sour cream 1 egg 1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded cheddar cheese (optional) 1 plum tomato, seeded and diced (optional)

Coarsely chop bell pepper using Food Chopper. Thinly slice green onions using Color Coated Chef's Knife, separating white and light green bottoms from tops. Reserve 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the onion tops for garnish. Place remaining tops into Classic Batter Bowl. In Deep Covered Baker, combine bell pepper, onion bottoms and beef; mix well. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 7-9 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking into crumbles halfway through using Mix ‘N Chop. Remove baker from microwave using Oven Mitts; carefully pour off juices. Add beans, salsa and rub to beef mixture; mix well. Cover; microwave on HIGH 5 minutes or until hot. Meanwhile, combine muffin mix, sour cream and egg in batter bowl; mix well. Scoop muffin mixture evenly over chili using Medium Scoop; spread evenly to edges of baker using Small Spreader. Microwave, covered, on HIGH 7-9 minutes or until center of cornbread springs back when lightly pressed. Sprinkle cheese over cornbread, if desired; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Garnish with reserved onion tops and tomato, if desired.

Yield: 8 servings

Nutrients per serving: Calories 360, Total Fat 15 g, Saturated Fat 7 g, Cholesterol 85 mg, Carbohydrate 37 g, Protein 18 g, Sodium 960 mg, Fiber 5 g

Cook's Tip: If desired, 1 tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can be substituted for the Chipotle Rub. For homemade cornbread, omit corn muffin mix. Combine 3/4 cup (175 mL) flour, 1/2 cup (125 mL) yellow cornmeal, 3 tbsp (45 mL) sugar, 2 tbsp (30 mL) vegetable oil, 2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt. for the corn muffin mix. Proceed as directed in Step 3, microwaving on HIGH 9-11 minutes.

© 2009 The Pampered Chef used under license.

Resurrection Rolls

My friend, Lisa, posted this on her Facebook. I've never heard of this and thought it was the coolest thing! I had a friend when Anthony & Adriana were little that would give me Resurrection Eggs every year to do with them, but I've not done them with Dominic.
I plan on hopefully doing these with the kids tonight.

Resurrection Rolls

1 package Crescent rolls
melted butter
large marshmallows
cinnamon
sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Give each child a triangle of crescent rolls.
The crescent roll represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in.

Give each child a marshmallow.
This represents Jesus and His purity.

Have child dip the marshmallow in melted butter.
This represents the oils of embalming.

Dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar.
This represents the spices used to anoint the body of Jesus.

Wrap the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll
(not like a typical crescent roll up, but bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside)
This represents the wrapping of Jesus' body after death.

Place in a 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
The oven represents the tomb (pretend like it was 3 days and nights!)

When the rolls have cooled slightly, the children can open their rolls (cloths) and discover that Jesus is no longer there,


HE IS RISEN!
The marshmallow melts and the crescent roll is puffed up,
but like the tomb - IT IS EMPTY!

Cranberry Buttermilk Scones

I have been looking for a good scone recipe for a LONG time! I used to eat a scone every morning when I worked at the school, until the place closed. My Aunt Vonnie and I happened to be talking about scones one day and she mentioned that she had a really good recipe. Well, I finally got it from her! I revamped it a little so that I can actually have one and not use all my points (Yes, WW points).

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 c. Whole Wheat Flour
• 1 1/2 c. White Flour
  
• 20 Splenda Packets
• 1/8 c. Sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 3/4 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 3/4 c. Cold Butter/Margarine
• 1 c. Buttermilk (I used 1TBS of Vinegar and the remaining of FF Milk)
• 1 c. Dried Cranberries
• 1 tsp Grated Orange Peel (I used more, just cause I like it)
• 1 TBS Milk
• Sweet Cinnamon Sprinkle
  

In a bowl, combine the flour, splenda & sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda; cut in butter. Stir in buttermilk just until combined. Fold in the cranberries and orange peel. Turn onto a floured surface; divide dough in half. Shape each portion into a ball and pat into a 6-in circle. Cut each circle into 8 wedges. Place on stone. Brush with milk & sprinkle with cinnamon sprinkle. Bake at 400* for 20 min.

I calculated one of these to be 3 points. I'm sure if I used a lower fat margarine, it would be even less.

Almost Panera Bread's Black Bean Soup

There are lots of recipes out there, but this is my rendition on the recipe...
I am using dried black beans, well because I have a lot and I just like fresh beans.

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 celery ribs, coursely chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 small Chicken Boullion Cubes (or 2 cups of fresh Chicken Stock)
• 1-1 1/2 cup Water
• 1 lb black beans
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1/2 lemon, juice of
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Soak black beans overnight in a bowl full of water. If you forget to soak, then add the beans to boiling water, remove from heat and let soak for 2 hours. Once soaked, drain and rinse.
Add the soaked and rinsed beans to large saucepan and cover with 2 inches of water. Add Salt & Cumin.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook for about an hour.
Take half of the beans and blend them in the blender & return them to the pot.
Add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and chicken stock in with the beans.
Combine the corn starch with 1 1/2 TBS of water, mix and add to the pot with the lemon.
Cooked until thickened.
You may top with a fresh salsa, sour cream or whatever your heart desires. I made Yeast Rolls to go with it.

Split Pea & Ham Soup

Another Melissa original that turned out FABULOUS!

Ingredients:
2 lbs Split Peas
2 lg Carrots, chopped into bite size pieces
3 Celery Stalks, chopped into bite size pieces
1 Md Onion, chopped small ( I just use my Food Chopper)
3 Ham Hocks
1 stick of Butter
2 TBS Chicken Bouillon

Boil the ham hocks in 10 cups of water, until they just start to fall off of the bone. Remove & reserve the broth.
In a large pot, melt your butter. Add all of your vegis and saute until just softened. While they are sauteing rinse your peas in a collandar. Add the peas into the vegis and add your broth from the ham hocks. You should have 8 cups of broth. Simmer your soup until it cooks down (about 30-40 mins.
Add 2 more cups of water and then 2 more cups of with 2 TBS of chicken bouillon desolved. Let it come to a boil until your peas are cooked thoroughly (about 20 mins).
Enjoy!
My family LOVED it! They are picky soup eaters, but this was devoured, even by my mom who called it "Crap Soup".

Tri Tip Marinade

I searched the internet for a way to make my Tri Tip. Last time I made it, it was dry & didn't have much flavor. So after searching, I came up with my own recipe...

I took 1/2 an onion, 4 garlic cloves, olive oil, apple cider viniger, soy sauce & rosemary. Blended it all in the blender and marinated it. Then put it on the bbq, low & slow. It turned out Delish!!! Served it up with baked yams, PERFECT!

Chicken with Hashbrowns

An original Melissa Herrera recipe...Yes, I was confused about what to make for dinner. So I made up...

Chicken with Hashbrowns
6 Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless & frozen)
2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup, 1 Can of Milk
1 bag Frozen Hashbrowns (the shredded kind, not the O'Briens)

Place the Chicken, soup & milk into a baking dish. Season with Salt, pepper & garlic salt.
Bake at 350* for 1hour. Add the frozen hashbrowns to the top & bake for another 30-45 min.

I was worried about the kids eating this, because they're not big COM soup eaters nor do they like gravy (YES, my kids are strange!) But everyone really enjoyed it! I made some vegis on the side and voila, it was Dinner!
*Please remember the measurements are for my family of 7 1/2...so adjust for your family!*

Now wasn't that easy!?!? Why can't you bring your family back to the table?

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Ok, in all honesty...I want to be part of Hungry Girl! I seriously LOVE what Lisa does with the foods, I love revamping & trying to make things "healthy" or just not so bad for you. I love the experimenting with things & just the whole flipping the switch.
With that being said, I have a recipe I want to share. There are quite a few recipes out there for Strawberry Pretzel Salad, but not one is "health-i-fied" (I know it's not a word, but whatev.).
I am meeting up with my Roof family tomorrow & my Grandpa is a diabetic. Not to mention, I am trying once again to keep my life style change on the "good side". So I've taken this salad, originally made by Paula Deen (probably not "The Original", but she has featured it) and I've revamped it to a healthier version.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Snyders Butter Snaps Pretzels
3/4 Cup Melted Butter
25 Packets of Splenda
1 (8 oz) pkg of Neutfella Cream Cheese
1 TBS of Vanilla
1 (8 oz) container of FF/SF Whip Topping
2 (3 oz) pkg of Sugar Free Strawberry Gelatin
2 cups Boiling Water
2 (10 oz) pkg of Strawberries (frozen)
1 (8oz) can Crushed Pineapple
Extra FF/SF Whip Topping

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

For the crust, lay the pretzels in a single layer of a 9x13" pan, add butter & 5 packets of splenda (mixed together). Bake for 7 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and the other 20 packets of splenda & vanilla. Fold in the whipped topping, and spread over the cooled crust. Refrigerate until well chilled.

In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water (personally, I take the juice from the pineapple, then add water to make the 2 cups), and allow to cool slightly. Add the strawberries and pineapple, and pour over the cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate until serving time.

*Using the Butter Snap Pretzels helps you cut down on the amount of pretzels you are using. Replacing the Splenda for the sugar, cuts your sugar. FF/SF whip topping cuts fat & sugar. SF gelatin cuts more sugar. Because I'm not a scientific person & don't have time to figure out the calories, fat, etc. I can't give you the nutritional facts, but I can tell you, off hand, I'm cutting ALOT out & still enjoying an AWESOME desert!*

ENJOY

Grilled Chicken Penne al Fresco

Grilled Chicken Penne al Fresco
Preparing a tomato-garlic sauce from scratch in the microwave will fill your kitchen with the aromas of an elegant Italian restaurant.

4 garlic cloves, peeled
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes
3 cups uncooked mezze penne pasta
3 cups chicken broth
¾ cup dry white wine such as Chardonnay
½ tsp each salt and coarsely ground black pepper
1¼ cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves, divided
1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated (about ¼ cup packed)
2 cups diced grilled chicken breasts
Additional grated fresh Parmesan cheese
and coarsely ground black pepper (optional)
1. Spray Deep Covered Baker with olive oil using Kitchen Spritzer. Slice
garlic into baker using Garlic Slicer. Add tomatoes. Cover; microwave
on HIGH 4-5 minutes or until tomatoes begin to burst, stirring after
2 minutes. Crush tomatoes using Mix ‘N Chop. Add pasta, broth,
wine, salt and black pepper.
2. Return baker to microwave; cover and microwave on HIGH 16-18
minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring after 10 minutes. Meanwhile,
coarsely chop basil with Chef’s Knife. Reserve 2 tbsp for garnish. Grate
cheese using Rotary Grater (Doing this will make you feel like your the waiter/ress at Olive Garden).
3. Carefully remove baker from microwave and remove lid, lifting away
from you. Add remaining basil, cheese and chicken to baker; mix well.
Garnish with reserved 2 tbsp basil, additional Parmesan cheese and
black pepper, if desired.
©2009 The Pampered Chef used under license.


Make budget-friendly meals every day!
Our Deep Covered Baker has you covered, all for around $2 per serving.*

OK, so if you haven't figured it out yet...I am signing back up to do Pampered Chef!
I am SO excited!!! I easily gave up Avon, but just had a constant bug in the back of my head with PC. I asked God to remove it if it wasn't something that I wasn't supposed to pursue. Well within 1 month I had 4 people asking me to order them Stones. I had to turn them down, but then went back to them and told them to give me some time.
I talked to my hospitality director aka my mentor. She did some research & found out that I can sign up with only paying $65, compared to $155 and I had to send in a letter asking to go under her, not my old director that I never knew.
I am SO excited!!!!
So, Now I need some shows booked. Get ahold of me and lets get you on my calendar!!!

If you book a show in the month of October, I will give you a Bar Board for FREE! Just leave me a comment either here, on Facebook or email me!*
Sales MUST reach $150!

Snickers Salad

I have been DYING to make this salad. I had it first at MOTS & LOVED it. But, it's one of those salads you have to take to a potluck gathering or your introuble!

Snickers Salad
12 oz. tub Cool Whip, thawed
1 c. milk
1 large package french vanilla pudding mix, instant
6 Snicker Bars
3 apples, Granny Smith
Pretzels

Chop the snickers into small chunks.


In a mixing bowl, beat the milk and pudding mix for a few minutes, until mixed. Fold in the cool whip. Core & chop up the apples into bite-sized pieces ( toss with a dash of lemon juice to keep from turning brown). Add the candy bars and apples to the cool whip mixture & fold them in:


Refrigerate for a couple of hours, or overnight before serving. Add chopped pretzels to the top.

Tri Tip & Corn Salad

Tri Tip
~1 Tri Tip (to your liking) *mine was just over 2lbs
~Rosemary
~Salt
~Pepper
Grill on gas bbq at medium heat for 20mins each side. You don't want to over cook your tri tip. It is a great piece of meat, but can easily be ruined by over cooking it. So if you don't like rare meat, don't bother!



Corn Salad
What better way to keep things cool & nutritios, but still have some starch in your meal.

~1 bag frozen sweet corn, thawed
~1 can whole tomatoes, cut up
~ 1/4 of a red onion, cut up
~1/4 C butter
~Salt & Pepper

Take the butter & melt into a pan. Add your onions to get them cooking, add the corn, tomatoes and salt & pepper for flavor (you can even encorporate the rosemary into this dish, if you'd like). Saute till the flavors marry & the onion is tender.
Place in refridgerator to chill (or you can eat warm. whatever your preference)

Spin with Ortega Chiles

Chicken & Ortega Chiles
~Chicken Breasts (how ever many your family will eat)
~1 Can Ortega (or whatever brand you can get) Whole Chiles
Seasonings; salt, pepper, chipotle rub (contact me to buy)

Season the chicken & place on the grill. Grill on both sides, about 15 mins each. Open up the chiles & place on top while grilling. When you flip, place another chile on top again.


Jasmine Rice w/ Black Beans & Chiles
~Jasmine Rice (amount you need for your family), cooked according to directions
~1- 2 Cans of Black Beans, drained & rinsed
~3 Ortega Chiles
~Salt & Pepper

Once you make your Jasmine Rice, add in the beans & chiles, salt & pepper. Mix in a big bowl so air can flow through & the rice doesn't become sticky and turn into masa.


I placed the chicken on top and served together. It was a hit!

It's Dip!

Mmmmm, I LOVE dips!!!!! Their fun, versatile and yummy!
Last week I went to LIFT, a Women's Retreat with some friends from church. Monica brought some bagel chips & a cream/feta cheese & cucumber dip from Sam's Club.
So Monday, I went out & went to Costco, on a hunt for the dip...NO LUCK =(
So, I bought my own ingredients & made my own!

Ingredients:
1 block Neutsafella Cream Cheese, you know, the lowfat one
1 cup Feta Cheese
2 cloves garlic pressed
2 TBS olive oil

Blend it all together & enjoy with Pita Chips!
It is THE BOMB!!!!! My new dip,,,Yeay!

Cream Cheese Danish

INGREDIENTS:

1. 2 (8-ounce) cans crescent rolls
2. 1 1/2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3. 1 cup sugar, divided
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla
5. 1 egg, separated

DIRECTIONS:

Press 1 can of unrolled crescent rools in a 9×13 pan. Beat cream cheese until fluffy; add 3/4 cup sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk; beat until creamy. Spread over crescent rools. Press out second can of crescent rolls and place over cream cheese mixture. Brush with frothed egg white (you don’t need all of it), and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Bak in 375′ oven for 18-20 minutes. Serves 8

HINT: I actually rolled the rolls into the shape of a rectangle and then patted that down into the pan. I also sprinkled the top with a bit of cinnamon, well, ’cause I like it!

ENJOY!!!!

P.S. The pictures aren’t very good today. The lighting was horrible and my time was extremely limited so I was rushing things. I promise to be better next time!

Ingredients~

Patted in the pan~

Mixing the cream cheese with vanilla, egg, & sugar~

Spread over crescent rolls~

Sugar sprinkled on top with a touch of cinnamon~I like to use this

Done after 20 minutes~

On my plate right before hitting my tummy:)

Pasta & Shrimp

I didn't know what to make, once again...
I had taken out Shrimp, but didn't know what to do with it ( I REALLY get tired of the same 'ol stuff!). Well, this is what I came up with...

Spinach & Shrimp Pasta
1 lb~ Shrimp, de-veined, shelled & cut up
2 lbs~ Frozen Spinach, defrosted
1 lb~ Egg Noodles
1 stick real butter (I know now you can definitely use less!)
2 TBS Oil
Garlic

Directions
Make the Egg Noodles according to package directions.
Place oil into pan, add butter & melt. Crush garlic into pan & saute. Add Shrimp and cook just until turning pink (you don't want too cook too much). Add the spinach and continue to cook until the shrimp is completely pink.
Toss in with the noodles & enjoy!

Breakfast for dinner

So this is what I made (I will post pics later, I am running like a chicken with my head cut off, but I couldn't wait to post this!):
Baked Blueberry French Toast

12 slices day-old bread, cut into 1 inch cubes (I used just a loaf of bread)
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 cup fresh blueberries (I used frozen, because fresh is a) too expensive & b) go bad too fast)
12 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup maple syrup (I cheated & used Aunt Jemimah)

Topping
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon butter

DIRECTIONS

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange half the bread cubes in the dish, and top with cream cheese cubes. Sprinkle 1 cup blueberries over the cream cheese, and top with remaining bread cubes.
In a large bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and syrup. Pour over the bread cubes. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.
Remove the bread cube mixture from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Cover, and bake 30 minutes. Uncover, and continue baking 25 to 30 minutes, until center is firm and surface is lightly browned.
Topping
In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring to a boil. Stirring constantly, cook 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in the remaining 1 cup blueberries. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, until the blueberries burst. Stir in the butter, and pour over the baked French toast.


Bacon Wrapped Weiners

1 lb. bacon
1 pkg. Lil Smokies
Brown sugar

Directions

Slice your bacon slices in half.
Take a Lil Smokie and wrap with a piece of cut bacon
Place all smokies in a pan and then cover completely with brown sugar. Bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes

Ahhhhh

The joys of freezer meals!
Yesterday was a very tired lazy day! You can read about it on my other blog.
So, I pulled out a pan of enchiladas that I made & froze before i had Delayna.
Made a pan of good 'ol spanish rice & some beans.
YUMMMMMM
That's it folks!

Fish for dinner

Normally at this time of the year, I try to encorporate Jose's tradition of Lent into our family, but we're not doing it this year. I did buy some Red Snapper though to make one Friday & ended up making it last night, just because we are running low on food.
So here's what we had...
Red Snapper, individually wrapped. It's nicer this way, because you only make what you need rather than defrosting a bunch of fish & having lots of left overs.
I bbq'd these on the grill with salt & All Purpose Dill Mix. We really liked the taste the Dill Mix gave the fish!

Then my mom made us her 'famous' Jasmine Rice. Just plain with butter & salt.

A salad that our friend Karen made for the babyshower. She basically had cole slaw mix in a bowl with mayo. Well, I added some apples, plain yogurt & some splenda & mixed it all up. It came out fabulous!!!! I will definitely be making that one again!!!!!!!

Very easy & yummy!!!