Mrs. L's Super Not Secret Delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread.

Mrs. L's Super Not Secret Delicious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Mrs. L, aka the best babysitter ever, made me some fantastic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread.   She's letting me share it, so it's not a family secret and it was DELICIOUS - hence the name.  We ate half of it the first day and someone in my house ate some more just before bed.  So this is all that was left:

And, she shared the recipe with me:

I will definitely make some, though I think it tastes better when someone else does...hint hint :)

Peanut-ty Steak w/ Sesame Noodles

Peanut-ty Steak w/ Sesame Noodles

For the Steak:

1 lb Boneless Steak

2 tbsp Crunchy Peanut Butter

2 tbsp Rice Vinegar

1 tbsp Soy Sauce

1 tbsp Sesame Oil

Preheat your skillet on medium heat with 1 tbsp of EVOO.  Add your Steak when it's hot and allow to cook through - about 3 minutes on each side.  Remove Steak from pan and set aside.  Using the same pan, add your Peanut Butter, Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil.  Allow this to simmer together on low heat for a minute or so; then put your Steak back in the pan and spoon sauce over top of it.

For the Sesame Noodles:

1 package Spaghetti/Linguine Noodles

6 tbsp Soy Sauce

4 tbsp Rice Vinegar

6 tbsp Sugar

1 tbsp Red Pepper

This is a super basic recipe that EVERYONE should have in his/her back pocket because it's super easy and super flavorful.  Boil the pasta until al dente; drain.  Add remaining ingredients in sauce pan and toss with pasta.

Partake :)

Cherry Pork Chops.

The best part about this is that it requires 2 ingredients to make the sauce.

Cherry Pork Chops

- 1.5 lbs Boneless Pork Chops

- 1.5 cups Cherry Preserves (1 cup per lb of Pork)

- 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

-S&P to taste

Preheat a skillet on Medium heat for a few minutes.  Meanwhile, S&P your Pork Chops on both sides.  Add to the pan and cook each side for about 3-4 minutes (depending on thickness of Chop).  Remove your Chops from the pan, reduce heat to low, and add your Cherry Preserves and Balsamic Vinegar.  When it starts to bubble, add your Pork back into the pan and allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes.

I served mine over not homemade polenta (you can find my homemade version here).

Happy Eats!

Our Pumpkin Day + Oreo Truffles!

I was very festive in my orange top (Forever 21) and skull scarf (from my black hair days).

And Stevie was the most adorable little pirate EVER.  I dare you to say differently...

Big Steven worked all night Sunday night, got home early evening on Halloween and took Little Steven Trick-or-Treating in his dirty ol' work clothes.  He farts, burps, and leaves his nasty socks all over the place, but he is one heck of a dad and boyfriend.

We got back home pretty late after making the rounds to see family and we were BEAT.  Poor Daddy had to go back to work, but I took advantage of the snuggle fest by capturing a post-Halloween picture.

Wanna know the best, most versitile treat?

OREO TRUFFLES!

- 1 package Oreos (or generic brand)

- 1 8oz package of Cream Cheese

- White Chocolate for piping

- Festive Sprinkles

Use a food processor to crush up your Oreos.  Add the Cream Cheese and mix it all together (use your hands, it's more fun).  Pipe some White Chocolate over the Truffles and add some super fun Sprinkles.  Easiest.  Treat.  Ever.

Plus, I got the best hug ever from Mrs. L's (sitter) son for making them.  That's my favorite part.

Pork Chops w/ Apple Cider Gravy and Home Fries!

Pork Chops w/ Apple Cider Gravy and Home Fries

- 1 lb Pork Chops

- 3 packets Swanson Chicken Flavor Boost

- 1 cup Apple Cider

- 3 tbsp Flour

- 3 tbsp Butter

- 1/2 - 1 cup Vegetable Oil

- 5-8 Small Potatoes

**you can sub 1 cup of Chicken Broth for the Flavor Boost and use only 1/2 cup Cider

Pan fry your Pork Chops in a little EVOO and remove from pan.  In the same pan, melt Butter.  When Butter is melted, add your Flour and wisk constantly until just browned.  Stir in your Flavor Boost and Cider and wisk until desired thickness is reached.  Remove from heat, serve over Pork Chops.

To make the Fries, cut your Potatoes into really small slices.  Add about 1/2 - 1 cup Vegetable Oil to pan on Low/Medium heat.  Allow Oil to get hot before adding Potatoes, but be careful because it will splash a bit.  It takes about 5-10 minutes for the Potatoes to brown and soften, depending on how many you put in the pan.  Transfer to a dish with paper towels (to soak up the oil) and sprinkle salt.  Yummmmmy.

Easy Peasy Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookies!

Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookies

1 pkg Chocolate Chip Mix

1 Egg

1/2 cup Butter

1/2 pkg Oreos

2 tbsp Milk

Literally mix all this stuff up in a mixer and bake for 10-12 minutes (depending on the size cookie you make).

Easy peasy and lb packing delicious!

Chicken Primavera

Chicken Primavera

adapted from McCormick Recipe Inspirations

1 lb Grilled Chicken (I used prepackaged Chicken)

1 cup Heavy Cream

3/4 cup Chicken Broth

1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

2 tbsp Butter

1/2 tsp Salt

1 1/2 tsp Dill Weed

1 tsp Minced Garlic

1 tsp Minced Onion

1/2 tsp Black Pepper

1/4 tsp Thyme

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and allow to simmer before serving.  I served this over my Homemade Mash and it was delicious.  Such a heavy Fall meal.

Spicy Shrimp w/ Lemon Risotto

Spicy Shrimp w/ Lemon Risotto

For the Shrimp:

2 lbs Shrimp, peeled & deveined

1 clove Garlic

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper

1 tsp Paprika

1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

2 tbsp EVOO

1 tbsp Butter

Preheat your pan on Medium heat and melt Butter.  Add remaining ingredients and allow flavors to come together for about 20 minutes.

For the Lemon Risotto:

5 cups Chicken Broth

2 tbsp Butter

1 1/2 cups uncooked Arborio Rice

1/4 cup White Wine

1/2 tsp Thyme

3 tbsp Lemon Juice

2 tbsp Mascarpone Cheese

S&P to taste

Heat Broth in a saucepan and keep warm.

In a large skilley, add Butter, Thyme, Rice, and S&P.  Cook and stir for 3 minutes or so.  Stir in Wine and Lemon Juice and cook until all liquid is absorbed.  Stir in your heated Broth slowly and stirring constantly.  Generally, it's best to stir in 1/2-1 cup at a time and allow it to absorb before adding more Broth.  Add your Mascarpone and S&P!  I also added some Chopped Broccoli to mine.

Enjoy!

Vanilla Cupcakes.

Please note the fantastic manipulation of photography expertise here.  I do believe, with the help of Photoshop, you guys will be loving all future pics.

Vanilla Cupcakes

recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com

1 cup Butter, softened

1 2/3 cups Sugar

2 Eggs

1 package Vanilla Pudding mix

2 tsp Vanilla Extract

3 cups Flour

2 1/4 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Salt

1 1/3 cups Milk

Preheat oven to 350.  In a large bowl, cream together Butter and Sugar.  Add Eggs one at a time then add your Vanilla Pudding (secret ingredient!). Lastly, add your Vanilla.

In a separate bowl, mix together Flour, Baking Powder, and Salt.  Beat the Flour alternately with Milk into your batter.  Pour batter into cupcake liners and bake for about 20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Shells.

This dish was a real hit with Little Steven, so it'll go back into rotation for us!

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Shells

1 package Jumbo Shells

Cook Shells until al dente; set aside to cool so they're not too hot to handle.

For the Chicken Mixture:

(this should be done ahead of time - crock pot style)

1 lb Frozen Chicken

1 cup Chicken Stock

2 tbsp Italian Seasoning (or 1 tsp each of Basil, Oregano, and Rosemary)

2 cups Ricotta Cheese

Put Chicken, Chicken Stock, and Seasoning  in a crock pot on high for 3.5-4 hours.  When the Chicken is cooked through, add your Ricotta Cheese and allow to mix.

For the Alfredo Sauce:

1/2 cup Butter

1 tbsp Garlic Salt

1/2 cup Flour

2 cups Chicken Broth

1 1/2 cups Milk

4 cups Mozarella Cheese

Melt Butter in a saucepan on Medium heat.  Stir in your Garlic Salt and Flour; simmer until it bubbles.  Mix in Broth and Milk and boil for 1 minute (stirring constantly so Flour doesn't get chunky).  Stir in Mozarella Cheese until melted.  Remove from heat and set aside.

In a baking dish, pour half of your Alfredo Sauce to coat the bottom.  Begin to stuff your Shells with the Chicken Mixture and add open face up to dish.  When all Shells are stuffed, pour the remaining Alfredo Sauce over top and top with additional cheese (if desired).  Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Tator Tot Casserole.

...Or you can call it Obesity on a Plate.  Either/or suits this recipe just fine.  It's quite delicious, but I don't recommend daily consumption.


{I promise that's not a hair in the food, but a scratch in my 100 year old bowl.}

Tator Tot Casserole

1/2 bag Frozen Tator Tots

1lb Ground Beef
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup

2 cans Cream of Cheddar Soup

2 tbsp BBQ Seasoning

Preheat oven according to Tator Tot directions.  In a large skillet, brown your Ground Beef; drain and season with BBQ.  Combine the cooked Ground Beef, Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Cheddar Soup, and Frozen Tator Tots in a baking dish.  Bake about 20-25 minutes.

I heard if you eat a salad in between bites of the Tator Tot Casserole, the calories cancel out.

Then I heard that's a lie and you'll have to do some cardio for about an hour to burn off the calories.

Mushroom Marsala Smothered Steak & Polenta.

Mushroom Marsala Smothered Steak & Polenta

For the Steak:

1.5 lb Flank Steak (2-3)

2 tsp Garlic Powder

2 tsp Minced Onion

1 tbsp EVOO

S&P to taste

Season your uncooked Steak with Garlic Powder, Minced Onion, and S&P.  Add Olive Oil and heat on Medium-High heat.  After your pan is hot, add your Steak and cook about 5 minutes per side or to desired 'doneness.'  I'm all about super well done, which makes me a rarity in the cooking world.

For the Polenta:

recipe by: Giada De Laurentis

6 cups Cold Water

2 tbsp Salt

1 3/4 cups Yellow Cornmeal

3 tbsp Unsalted Butter

My Polenta got a little bit chunky using this exact recipe.  What I would do is bring 5 cups of Cold Water to a boil and use the remaining cup to mix with the Yellow Cornmeal before slowly pouring it into the boiling water.  This will prevent chunking. 

For the Mushroom Marsala Sauce:

2 cups Cremini Mushrooms (or your fav kind)

1 cup Marsala Wine

1 tsp Thyme

1 tbsp EVOO

Heat your EVOO in a pan and add Mushrooms.  Cook until soft, then add your Thyme and allow to cook for about 1 minute.  Add your Marsala and simmer until the sauce reduces.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...

...COOKIE SEASON!  What did you think I was gonna say?

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Source: Deep South Dish

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening (like Crisco)
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 3 cups of oatmeal
• 1-3/4 cup of all purpose flour
• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips (Deep South does 3/4 cup)
  
  Have everything at room temperature before starting. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using a mixer, cream the butter and shortening together until fluffy; add both sugars and blend together. Add the eggs, one a time, until blended in, then add the extract. Remove the mixing bowl from the mixer. Add the salt, oatmeal, and flour and using a wooden spoon mix together. Add the chocolate chips and nuts; gently stir them in.
  
  Use a small cookie scoop, or drop by large, rounded tablespoonfuls unto a baking sheet sprayed with Baker's Joy or covered in parchment paper or a Silpat. Bake one sheet at a time, on the center rack of the oven at 350 degrees F, for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies are lightly golden brown just around the edges. They will appear underdone, but if you go too long they will be overcooked. Cool 2 to 3 minutes on the baking sheet, then remove with a spatula to a wire rack to fully cool. Once cooled, store in an airtight container. 

On a totally unrelated note, 91 days and 17 hours until Christmas!

Chocolate Banana Muffins.

I don't have any Fall themed cupcake liners yet, but these are cute, no?

The only change I will make the next time around is adding some Chocolate Chips.  I knew something was missing!

Chocolate Banana Muffins

1 cup Mashed Ripe Bananas

1 cup Sugar

2 Eggs

1/2 cup Butter

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/4 cup Milk

2 cups Flour

1/4 cup Cocoa

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Salt

Mix together your Butter and Sugar until totally blended.  Add Eggs, Bananas, Milk, and Vanilla.  My friend, Sarah, gave me the hint that Bananas are easier to mush when they're frozen first, so you might try that.  In another bowl, combine your dry ingredients - Flour, Cocoa, Baking Soda, and Salt.  Mix the Banana mixture with your dry ingredients well.  Fill each cupcake liner about half way and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes (until toothpick comes out clean).

Chicken Shepherd's Pie w/ Homemade Mash + Harris Teeter Trip.

Shredding chicken in the crock pot is the easiest, yummiest way to make virtually any type of chicken dish.   I really wanted Homemade Mashed Potatoes, so I decided on a pseudo Shepherd's Pie.

You Will Need:

1-1.5 lbs Frozen Chicken

1 cup Chicken Stock

2 cups Frozen Corn

2 tbsp Garlic Powder (if you love it like I do)

2 tbsp Parsley

S&P to taste

8 Small Potatoes

3 tbsp Butter

1.5 cups Milk

1/2 cup Parmesan Shredded Cheese

2 cups Shredded Cheddar

S&P to taste

For the Chicken Part:

Add your Frozen Chicken, Chicken Stock, Garlic Powder, Parsley, and S&P to the crock pot and cook on high for 4-5 hours.  Stir in Frozen Corn in the last 30 minutes or so.

For the Mashed Potatoes:

Peel and dice Potatoes and add to a big pot of water; allow to boil until soft.  After draining your soft Potatoes, add them to a large bowl with your Milk and Butter.  I use a cheap-o hand mixer to get the job done faster and then add the Parmesan and S&P at the end.

Preheat your oven to 350.  Using a large spoon with holes to transfer 1/3 of my Chicken to a baking dish - you don't want it runny, but a little moisture is delish.  Layer 1/3 of the Mashed Potatoes on top of the Chicken and top with 1/3 of the Shredded Cheddar.  Continue until done and pop that baby in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

And then, you nom.

And then you go shopping at Harris Teeter for Triples and get some solid items that'll last a whiiiile.  Like so:

{click on the picture to make it larger - I mean, if you wanna see all the goods better.}

 What You May/May Not See:
3 Cambell's Chicken Chicken Noodle Soup
2 Whole Wheat Penne Noodles
2 Whole Wheat Spaghettie Noodles
2 Rigatoni Noodles
2 Domino Powdered Sugar
4 Campbells Chunky Soup
3 Spaghettio's w/ Franks
3 Cambells 'Great for Cooking' Soups
2 HT Brand Orzo
4 Smart Ones Meals
3 Totinos Pizzas
1 Gallon Vitamin D Milk
1/2 Gallon Almond Breeze Almond Milk
3 Chicken Helper
2 20pk Frozen Burgers (for the games!)
3 Green Giant Frozen Veggies
3 Yoplait Frozen Smoothie
1 4pk Yoplait YoCrunch
6 Yoplait Greek Yogurt
2 6pk Yoplait Kids
2 Pillsbury Grands Biscuits
2 Pillsbury Pizza Crust
2 Pillsbury Crescent Rounds
1 Pillsbury Orange Cinnamon Rolls
1.5 lb Round Steak
4 1-1.5 b Ground Beef
1.5 lb Pork Chops - Country Ribs
1.5 lb Pork Butterfly Chops
2.74 lb Bananas
2.79lb Grapes

Total OOP: $112.26
Total Saved: $92.30 + $58.40 VIC Savings
Over 50% Savings!  WAHOO!

Lovely Things + Menu.

Well, last week was less than pleasant for a couple of reasons, but mostly my attitude was in the dumps.  

Things that have really turned things my 'tude around include:

- getting a B+ on my Psych. exam; though it wasn't the A I'd hoped for, I am now only 3 pts. from an A in the course, which is my goal - obvi.
- 3 day weekend.  this needs no explaination because we all love a 3 day weekend.
- looking forward to having some beautiful souls over this weekend for a nice gathering.
- REDSKINS FOOTBALL!!!
- logging on and noticing a HUGE jump in pageviews and finding out I was featured on Make Ahead Meals

The weather is crappy and I'm away from my boy, but today is a good one.

My menu looks something like this:

Chicken w/ Portobellos
Chicken Parmesan w/ Creamy Pasta Bake
Shrimp Pasta w/ Feta Cheese
Country Fried Steak w/ Homemade Mashed Potatoes

The plan for the party includes:

BBQ Sliders
Fried Ravioli w/ Marinara Sauce
Cheddar & Shrimp Crostini
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Some Delicious Cocktail
Smores?  Necessary.

GAME DAY requests:
Buffalo Chicken Bites w/ Blue Cheese Dressing
Oreo Balls, Redskins styled

I have a loooot of cooking to do this week!  I hope yours started as awesome as mine.

30 Day Shred VLOG tonight!!!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Fake Out.

I'd planned to make this recipe, but forgot a key ingredient and didn't want it to take as long, so I basically eliminated the Ricotta and Egg.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Fake Out

1.5 lbs Chicken, cut into cubes

1/2 cup Flour

8 slices Ham

2 cups Shredded Colby Jack

1 jar Alfredo Sauce

1 cup Shredded Cheese (for topping)

1 cup Milk

2 cups Chopped Brocolli (I used frozen)

12 Lasagna Noodles

S & P to taste

Ready for the speedy version?  Okie dokie.

Boil your noodles until al dente - set aside.

Dredge your chopped up and SEASONED Chicken in Flour.  Season more, if desired; I always desire.  Add to a HOT pan drizzled with some EVOO on Medium Heat.

Meanwhile, mix your Cheese, Alfredo Sauce, Milk, Brocolli, & Ham into a GIANT BOWL :)

When the Chicken is all browned and cooked through, add it to your GIANT BOWL.

Now, begin layering, starting with a little of the mixture on the bottom of your baking dish.  Layer 3 noodles on top, some more mixture, 3 more noodles, etc.  Top that stuff with your additional Shredded Cheese and bake at 350 for about 15 minutes!

Toddler Aproved:

cheesin' the whoooole time!

Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops w/ Buttered Shells.

I will be loading you guys with two recipes today.  You. Are. Welcome.

The Buttered Shells part are just how they sound, but with a touch of Garlic Salt added.  Garlic makes many things taste yummier.

Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops

Bone-out Pork Chops

1 Slice of Bacon per Chop

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

2 tbsp Butter - softened

S&P to taste

Salt and Pepper your Pork Chops first, then wrap your Bacon around each Pork Chop - securing with a toothpick. Place Chops in a HOT pan drizzled with EVOO on Medium heat for about 8 minutes per side.

To make the garnish, mix together your Dijon and Butter.  Drop a bit on top of a steaming hot Chop and devour promptly.  I trust you will have no problem.

I Love a New Week!

I was a little late for work this morning, but I am feeling like a million bucks today.  I don't know why, but it's a nice change for a Monday.  The huge window in my office allows for a lot of natural light and today is GORGEOUS outside, so maybe that's playing a part in my mood this morning.

HELLO, delicious outdoors.

Today is Day 7 of The 30 Day Shred, so I've managed to get a full consecutive week in, which is unexpected, but nice.  More detes on that when I hit Day 10!  In other surprising fitness news, I am actually looking forward to getting a nice jog in today after work.  Taking a week off for my muscles to deal with one thing at a time has me itching to see what kind of changes have been made in my endurance.

Last week was an away game for the Skins, so I was wrong when I made my menu, but this week will make up for it.  I am undecided on whether to make Meatballs or Chicken Wings, but I'll consult the Season Ticket Crew and ask what they'd prefer.

As for the rest of the week:

Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna
Pork Cacciatori
Country Fried Steak w/ Rice Pilaf
Cheat Day: Chicken Tortillas and Refried Beans - made with Tortilla Stuffers
Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops w/ Buttered Shells
Game Day: Meatballs or Chicken Wings

Hopefully Big Steven and I get to spend some time together this weekend because my mom is planning to watch Little Steven Friday night.  We reallllly need some alone time.

Yummy PIzza Cups.

I take these pictures on Friday mornings when I'm busy putting off work:

{I believe this showcases my most attractive qualities}

But for realz, these Pizza Cups were bomb.

Last week, I was going to make Pizza Biscuits, but decided to do a combo of those and Easy Peasy Cheesy Beefy Biscuit Cups, thus the Pizza Cup was born.

{I have many friends who are fantastic photographers.  Maybe one day they'll teach me the ways.}

You Will Need:

10 ct Refrigerated Biscuits
6 Large Pepperonis (or 12 small) - cut up into small pieces
6 slices Bacon - cooked and cut up into small pieces
Pizza Sauce ( I used Boboli - or you could make your own)
1 cup Mozarella Cheese

This is super easy, folks.  Grease a muffin pan and smooosh a Biscuit into each cup, covering all sides of the cup.  Pile Sauce, Pepperoni, and Bacon in each cup and top with some Mozarella!

Bake those bad boys according to your Biscuit package and be done with it.