What's Cookin' - July 2009

It was back to work for me this month, so I did not cook as many meals as I have been. We did have lots of bbq chicken and some Taco Bell. I'm still trying to find my groove. Here are the new recipes we did try:

Deep Dish Taco Pizza - This took me less than 25 minutes from start to finish, and everyone who ate it said it was delicious. Not company-worthy, but an easy fixer-upper.

Penne A La Betsy - Have I mentioned Pioneer Woman? She is amazing, and so is everything she makes! This was no exception. Go make it. Now. (I substituted some stuff to scrape off some fat, and it was still delicious!)

Easy Pesto Pinwheels - I made these for a shindig on the Fourth and they were a hit. I used sun dried tomato instead of the peppers, and that worked out well! Thanks, for the recipe, Jenn, and thank you Pillsbury for making things so simple!

Ben & Jerry's Vanilla Ice Cream - Emily and I made this, and what fun it was! Tasty too!

Cranberry Orange Cookies - These were just perfect for summer time! Good thing I happened to have a bag of pistachio nuts laying around.

Oven Barbecue Beer-Can Chicken - This was good, but I prefer the 'real' thing (BBQ). It didn't seem to have the intense BBQ flavor, but it was good enough to eat it till it was gone!

What's Cookin' - June 2009

Citrus-Cream Cheese Pull-Apart Rolls - Very good and similiar to Monkey Bread, but less calories and with a citrus kick.

Szechuan Green Beans with Pork - Solid recipe that can be made in 20 minutes, because that's how long the rice takes. It's a little spicy for the babes, so I would set some aside before adding the sauce, or maybe scale back on the crushed red pepper.

Creamy Chicken with Broccoli Shells - Probably not the best for your heart, but yummmm. This recipe made so much...we had dinner, Ryan took leftovers, and I even froze a small dish to bake later.

Filet Mignon from Costco - These tasty slabs of prime red meat were cooked to perfection by Hubby, and we paired them with some rice pilaf and green beans. Fewer things make me happier than a good chuck of beef.

Campbell's Beef Taco Bake - Solid recipe that makes for fantastic leftovers. Perhaps it was all in the salsa from Sal's? This is definately something I'll be able to make on weeknights when I go back to work. Ryan ate this for lunch and dinner the next day.

Cheesy Chicken - This was good. I mean, we ate it, and all the leftovers, but it wasn't anything I would make for company. I might stuff it with some provolone and scale back on something else next time.

Frozen Lemon Mousse with Blackberry-Raspberry Sauce - Upon recommendation from Lindsey, of course, I finally made this one. It was wonderful and perfect for the summer. The sauce is very sweet, and I just used a tad, and will probably use the rest for pancakes or something. I wouldn't change anything next time, except I might have all the ingredients on hand when I make it so I don't have to drop what I'm doing to run to the store.

Iced Coffee - Although I am not a coffe-drinker, sometimes a nice cup sounds so good. I found this recipe while browsing around, and it really worked well! I used decaf, and added some nonfat milk, Splenda, and a tad of sugar-free vanilla Coffeemate. Delicious!

Frozen Grapes - I have been reunited with an old love! Just pop a bowl full into the freezer and a few hours later, they are a perfect summer snack.

Herbed Chicken Parmesan - Okay, who is for a recipe that can be made in under 25 minutes, and only uses 2 dishes? I'm in! It was very tasty served with orzo and caesar salad.

Biscuits and Gravy - Ryan's only request for Father's Day was some homemade biscuits and gravy. Well I am not particularly keen on this type of dish, it was good for a special treat. And, by the way...have you checked out The Pioneer Woman? That lady knows how to cook (and host, and photograph, and be so stinking funny! She just launched a recipe website (Tasy Kitchen) that is just for the average woman. Check them out.

What's Cookin' - May 2009

Here are a few things we've made this past month. I'll only post the ones I recommend, so eat up!

Grilled Fusion Chicken - A simple chicken dish perfect for the summer...cool flavors cooked on the grill.

Raspberry-Cream Cheese Muffins - This batter is so sweet, these bad boys tasted like cupcakes to me! This is the perfect time to pick up some berries for very cheap.

Classic Banana Bread - Can't go wrong with this tried and true. I always add something...this time it was Craisins, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Pulled Pork - Pork tri-tip from Costco cooking all day in the crock pot, then doused with BBQ sauce? Simple and tasty, served with toasted whole wheat buns!

Chicken Tamale Casserole - Finally, a mexican chicken recipe the deviates from the traditional enchilada form. The cornbread is perfect!

Chicken Enchilada Casserole - It is what it is. Tasty, easy, and something I will definitely make again.

Basil Shrimp with Feta and Orzo - The BEST side dish I've found to be served with salmon. I go easy on the shrimp (and use the baby ones).

Glazed Pork - Simple and quick, served with creamed corn (below) and Ryan thought he was in heaven.

Creamed Corn with Bacon and Leeks - We don't eat much corn at our house (starchy vegetables don't pass the "mom" test), but this one I'd make again. Didn't have leeks, so I used some onion instead. And bacon for dinner...ummm...yes please.

Frozen Yogurt Pops from Deceptively Delicious - I've blogged about this book before (Lemon-Blueberry Muffins) because I think it's great for kids and vegetable-intolerant husbands. To make these simple summer treats, use 2 cups plain lowfat yogurt (I used vanilla), 2 cups frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or cherries) thawed in the microwave for 1 minute, and 1/2 to 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar. Combine the yogurt, fruit, and sugar in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze.