Lasagna Cheese Soup

Lasagna Cheese Soup

Ingredients  

1 1⁄2 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
14 oz cans chicken broth
14 oz cans diced tomatoes
15 oz tomato sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp brown sugar
1⁄2 tsp salt
1⁄4 tsp black pepper
1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 1⁄2 cup noodles lasagna, broken
4 oz Italian seasoned croutons, (optional)
2 1⁄2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

1. In large 5 quart saucepan, brown ground beef and onion. Drain.
2. Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, italian seasoning, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil and turn back to simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
3. Add broken lasagna noodles and simmer until noodles are tender for approximately 20 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese.
4. Ladle soup into bowls and top with croutons. Sprinkle with mozarella cheese and serve immediately.

101 Uses for Coconut Oil

I use coconut oil to cook with and I love it, so I had to share this link! But Lotion and coffee creamer!? Who knew it was so useful! Check out the link below for 101 uses!

http://wellnessmama.com/5734/101-uses-for-coconut-oil/

If you have tried any of these and they work! Let me know!

Healthier Taco Wrap

 First I mixed 1 1/2 Cups of  plain Greek Yogurt with a low sodium taco seasoning packet. Stored it in a container in my fridge for easy use. It tastes amazing!

1 Spinach Wrap (or wrap of choice)
1/2 Cup of Black Beans
Fresh Avocado ( I mashed up 2 and squeezed in half a lemon- to keep from browning)
Shredded Lettuce
2 % Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Taco Sauce

Easy! I mixed it all on my wrap and had a delicious meal! I put what I didn't us in the fridge for another meal.


I got the idea of this from "Dr. Oz's 7 Layer Fat-Fighting Dip" Which I also plan to make!

 4 cups shredded lettuce 

 3 medium ripe avocados mashed and mixed with 2 tbsp lemon juice 

 1 1/2 cup Greek yogurt mixed with 1 package low-sodium taco seasoning mix 

 1 can black beans 

 3 medium diced tomatoes 

 2 cans sliced olives - 8 oz 2% cheddar cheese. 

Directions: starting with the lettuce on the bottom of a bowl, add each layer on top of the next, ending with sprinkling the cheese on top. alternate one celery stick with each whole grain chip to cut your calories in half.

  

Bridal Shower Game

1) Make sure that the bride is okay with being the center of attention. Everyone will be watching her look silly, and that makes some girls uncomfortable.
2) You want it to be hilarious, but if you think she is even close to danger, stop the game.You don't want her to choke after all. That would make you a pretty horrible bridesmaid.
3) Mix in some questions she will know and let the audience know you are trying to trip her up. You don't want the bride to feel like she doesn't know the groom at all. Still, the funniest part is when she doesn't know things. If you have any doubts about whether or not the bride will enjoy this game, ask her. (If she is outgoing and has a sense of humor, she almost certainly will)

Materials needed:
- Chair for the bride-to-be
-Lots of gumballs (I went to the dollar store and bought a couple packages. You could also use mini marshmallows if you worry about gumballs)
- Ask the Groom-To-Be questions and document the answers. (See the end of post for list of questions I used)
 

Game Play:

1. Explain game to bride and guests. "The bride will be trying to answer these questions the same way that her groom-to-be answered them. For every question she gets wrong, she has to place another piece of gum in her mouth and CHEW it. Pictures are encouraged."

Some of the questions I used:

What is the first thing that you noticed about the Bride?
 Where was your first date?
 What is your favorite meal that the Bride prepares?
 What is your least favorite meal that the Bride makes?
 What is the Groom’s favorite color?
 What/where was Groom’s first job?
 What was Groom’s first car?
 Where was your first kiss?
 Who said ‘I love you’ first?
 What is your favorite thing about the Bride?
  When did the Groom know it was love and she was “the one”?
 What do you think the Groom would say is the Bride’s most annoying habit?
 What would the Bride say is the Groom’s most annoying habit?
 How and where did the Groom propose?
 Is the Groom right-handed or left-handed?
 What nickname does the Groom hate being called?
 What was the first movie that you watched together?
 What is the Groom’s favorite dessert?
 What was the Groom’s favorite toy as a kid?
What is the Groom’s favorite restaurant?
When the Groom was little, what did he want to be when he grew up?
What was the Groom’s first job?
What high school did the Groom go to?
How many kids does the Groom want?
Who was [groom's] best friend growing up?
Who was [bride's] best friend growing up?
How many kids do you guys want to have?
What does [groom] think is [bride's] best physical feature?
What does [bride] think is [groom's] best physical feature?
One word to describe [bride].
One word to describe [groom].
What is [bride's] favorite holiday?
What is [groom's] favorite holiday?
What is [groom's] favorite thing [bride] cook for him?
What is [bride's] favorite thing [groom] cooks for her?
Which one of you is better at dancing?
If [bride] could go anywhere in the world, where would she go?
If [groom] could go anywhere in the world, where would he go?
What is [groom's] dream car?
What is [bride's] favorite outfit?

It turned out to be completely hilarious! Use your own judgement when using the gumballs. If you think it's too much, DON'T do it! 

DIY Bridal Shower Gift

Not only am I planning my own wedding (04-18-2015!) I am in two of my good friends weddings this year. LOTS of fun wedding stuff!! Last year I went to a bridal shower and the bride received this DIY gift and I just adored it! I knew right away I wanted to make it for one of my friends getting married! (I also knew I wanted one for myself- hint hint for friends that may be reading this) I went to Hobby Lobby for supplies and ended up being in the store for 2 hours! If you've ever been to Hobby Lobby you get it! The idea I had in my head was easy to put together in there. I did change it a little after I found the cute wooden clothes pins. I thought adding it to the corner so I could clip a picture of the bride & groom would make it even more adorable! Use dry erase markers to write messages.

The bridesmaids also helped throw this bride a shower. The bride mentioned she would like a "wedding dress cupcake cake" I was going to make it myself... it honestly wouldn't be that hard! But I didn't have the time so I found a lady at Publix that had made one before. Oh my goodness was it gorgeous! It was the perfect touch to the shower!!

Also made a chalkboard sign for the front door. Very cute photo spot!! 

The Shower turned out adorable! And I think she loved her gift as much as I did!

Skinny Italian Sausage and Peppers

Ingredients:

• 1-1/4 pounds lean, spicy Italian turkey sausage
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tricolored bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (15 ounce) can basil, oregano and garlic diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon dried basil (original recipe called for 12 basil leaves, chopped)

 

Directions:

1. Preheat the broiler. Pierce the sausages all over with a fork, arrange them on a baking sheet and broil for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown but won't be fully cooked. Transfer the sausages to a cutting board and cut 3/4-inch pieces on the diagonal.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onion. Cook until the onion is slightly golden brown and the peppers are soft, for about 5-8 minutes. Add the garlic, rosemary, red pepper flakes and salt. Cook for 1 minute, continuing to stir. Remove the pepper mixture and place it in a large serving bowl.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, water and basil leaves. Add the sausage and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the sausage is done, for about 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine the sauce and sausage with the pepper mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Garnish with basil. 

 This was very good!!! Lots of flavor and not too spicy! Enjoy!

Coconut Cream Pie!

My favorite kind of pie! I always wondered how to make it and this recipe is EASY! I would make a couple changes. Less Sugar- maybe just a 1/2 cup and MORE whipped topping!

Ingredients Serves 8

1. 1 1/2  cup sweetened flaked coconut
2. 3 cup half-and-half
3. 2 egg, beaten
4. ³⁄₄ cup white sugar
5. ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour
6. ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
7. 1 tsp vanilla extract
8. 1 (9 inch) pie shells, baked
9. 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake it, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the half-and-half, eggs, sugar, flour and salt and mix well. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 3/4 cup of the toasted coconut and the vanilla extract. Reserve the remaining coconut to top the pie.
4. Pour the filling into the pie shell and chill until firm, about 4 hours.
5. Top with whipped topping and with the reserved coconut.

Crock Pot Cheese Tortellini Stew

Crock Pot Cheese Tortellini Stew

Ingredients

1	onion, medium, chopped
2	zucchini, medium, diced
28	oz. vegetable broth, can also use chicken broth
28	oz. crushed tomatoes -- undrained
15½	oz. great northern beans -- rinsed and drained
2	Tbsp dried Italian Seasoning
2	Tbsp Pesto
¼	tsp. salt
¼	tsp. black pepper
14	oz. uncooked  cheese-filled tortellini (I used Publix frozen)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients except tortellini in crock pot.
2. Cover. Cook on Low for 8 hours.
3. Increase heat to high. Adding tortellini and cook an extra 20-30 minutes or until tortellini is cooked.

This recipe was easy to put together -- and I have a lot of leftovers. Of course there are only two of us. I will say that I think it needed some sort of meat. Chicken or Sausage would of made this much better!

Cucumber & Avocado Sandwich

Cucumber & Avocado Sandwich

OMGoodness was this good! Healthy lunch option that is now my favorite!


2 slices hearty whole grain bread (Toasted if desired)
1-2 wedges Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread
1/2 of a avocado - mashed
8 thin slices cucumber (more or less depending on what you like)
salt and pepper, to taste

Spread each slice of bread with the Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread on one side of bread. Top the cheese on one side with mashed avocado. Then, layer the cucumber slices on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper (if desired).

Pork Fried Rice

Pork Fried Rice 

Recipe courtesy of my Momma

I will say, when I cook I eyeball everything unless I have an exact recipe. With this recipe, my mom told me how and I just put it all together. It was really good! 

 

3+ pork chops (I used what I had in freezer from a large pork loin I bought cut into different pieces)
Cooked rice ( I used 2 bags of the Boil-in-Bag whole grain brown rice)
1 onion- chopped
1/2 bag of frozen peas and carrots
Minced Garlic (I used 1-2 tbsp- I love garlic)
Olive oil
Creole Seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Cut pork into small strips. Heat oil in your pan.
Add Pork and sprinkle/coat with creole seasoning. Cook for few minutes and add garlic and onions. Cook together until meat is done. Put in bowl and set aside.

Add a little more oil to your same pan, make sure it is really hot before you add your rice.
I went ahead and added my peas and carrots too. I cooked rice, then flipped portions over to try and fry "both sides". I added a little more creole and a little bit of soy sauce. Once I felt the rice and peas had fried long enough, I added the pork cooked it all together.

The rice was really moist from adding the pork and it's juices. We loved it that way! Feel free to make it your own. It was pretty easy and I can't wait to eat the leftovers for lunch! Enjoy!

 

 

I received a Paula Deen candle for Christmas this year, and it had this recipe on the tag.  Really easy to make and my Fiance loved them!

Pineapple Upside Down Biscuits

 Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen

Ingredients

1 (10-ounce) can crushed pineapple
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick butter), at room temperature
10 maraschino cherries
1 (12-ounce) package refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (10 count)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Grease 10 cups of a muffin tin. Strain the can of crushed pineapple, save juice for later.

Combine the pineapple, sugar, and butter, and mix well. Divide the pineapple mixture among the muffin cups. Place a cherry in the center of each muffin cup, making sure cherry hits bottom of cup. Place 1 biscuit in each cup on top of sugar and pineapple mixture. Spoon 1 teaspoon reserved pineapple juice over each biscuit. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden. Cool for 2 minutes. Invert the pan onto a plate to release the biscuits. Serve warm.

Enjoy!

Chicken Noodle Casserole

 

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 1 package {16oz.}  frozen peas, carrots, beans and corn
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Pepper
• 1/2 cup Chopped onion
• 2 TBSP. Melted Butter
• 1/2 tsp. Garlic Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Italian Seasoning

Instructions

Cook noodles according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.
Drain noodles; add to chicken mixture.
Transfer to greased 9x13 inch casserole dish
Cover and bake remaining casserole at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes longer until heated through.

Enjoy! 

And I mean  EASY! This is my go-to recipe if I have company over and want to show off my cooking skills. LOL but really, this recipe is hard to mess up, and everyone is impressed.

 Easy Shrimp-n-Grits

Recipe adapted from: http://www.realfoodgirlunmodified.com/real-easy-shrimp-n-grits/

Serves: 4

Time: 30 minutes

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 qt. chicken stock ( It really does make a difference cooking the grits in stock! So good! You can also use water if you do not like the taste)
• 1 cup white or yellow grits. 
•   1TB. butter
• Kosher salt  TT (to taste)
• Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined and de-tailed
• 5 slices thick cut bacon, or 7 regular slices
• 1/2 a lemon
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 1-2 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup water or chicken stock
• 1/3 cup half and half or heavy cream

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a medium saute pan over medium-high heat cook bacon slices until just before they start to crisp.  Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on some paper towels.  Reserve 1-2 TB of the bacon grease. ( I use all of what is in the pan)
2. Put the prepared shrimp in a bowl and sprinkle with about 1-2 tsp, of the Cajun seasoning. Stir to ensure each piece is coated with seasoning. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, bring the stock, 1 TB butter and the grits to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer the grits for 7-10 minutes until they get thick and tender.  Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese.  Cover and set aside.
4. Working quickly, return the pan in which you cooked the bacon to medium-high heat.  Season the shrimp with a little salt, and add to the skillet.  Cook until the shrimp turn pink.  About 60-90 seconds per side.
5. Lower the heat to medium-low.  Add the bacon, green onions, garlic and a squeeze of lemon.
6. Add 1/4 cup water/stock to the pan and stir to create a “sauce”.  Pour in the cream, taste, adjust seasonings if necessary. Cook for 1-2 minutes longer and then serve over the grits.

It really is that easy.  I could eat this meal all the time! Enjoy!