Whatcha Cooking Mom?

Menu Plan Monday

2010-06-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

We seem to be doing a lot of the same stuff nowadays. Grilled Burgers, Grilled Chicken, Grilled London Broil...lol. We sure do love to grill!

Our Menu this week is....
Slow Cooker Chili Verde / Jazzed up Black Beans
Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Marinade Grilled Chicken / Salad / Pasta Salad
Grilled Tenderloin / Roasted Potato / Brussels Sprouts
Frozen Pizza / Salad

for more great menu idea check out www.orgjunkie.com

PS I have TONS of recipes I'm working on posting. If only the day had a couple more hours in it.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-05-31T08:16:00.000-07:00

Lots 'O Grilling!

Josh LOVES to grill so I take FULL advantage of this in grilling weather. It's so nice to get a break from having to slave over the stove.

So, here is our menu this week...with lots 'O grilling!

Grilled Mushroom Swiss burgers / Grilled Potato Wedges / Salad
Slow cooker Chicken Tacos / Spanish Rice
Grilled Dill Salmon / Garlic&Butter Rice / Salad
Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken / Baked Potato / Edamame
Hamburger Gravy over rice / Corn

Menu Plan Monday

2010-05-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

I've been away and boy have I paid for it. I've been lazy and haven't meal planned for the last two weeks and ya know what happened, there were a LOT of days I never got dinner on the table, lol. It was a reminder as to why I do plan out our meals. If I don't, we end up living on sandwiches. I also noticed my grocery bills were a lot higher because I was wandering around the store just picking up stuff here and there (and I was hungry...BIG MISTAKE).

Ha,Ha,Ha!

So, I'm back to planning.

Here is what is on our agenda this week.

Pasta with Tuna and Red Pepper / Italian Garlic Bread
Grilled Burgers / Roasted Potatoes / Vegi
Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken / Garlic&Butter Biscuit / Rice
Slow Cooker Pork Chops (Not sure how I'm going to do these yet) / Mashed Potato / Salad

For more Menu ideas check out www.orgjunkie.com

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

Another Monday, another Meal Plan :o)

Here is what is on the Cooley Menu this week.

Grilled Hamburgers / Fruit / French Fries
Hamburger Gravy over rice / Edamame
Italian Smothered Steak / Salad
Grilled Chicken / Roasted Potato / Salad

...and a predicament I was having. I haven't posted any new recipes because I have been doing such simple meals. I thought, "I don't need to post that spaghetti recipe, it's a total no-brainer to make.".. however, Josh informed me that even if they are simple recipes I should still include them in the, what will eventually be "family cookbook", because the boys won't know exactly how to make that super simple grilled chicken we do. So, I'll be back to posting recipes...even if they are super simple, non original, and to me a total no-brainer.

For more great menu ideas check out www.orgjunkie.com

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

Another week, another meal plan :o)
This week seems to be full of meals I never got around to making.
Whats on the agenda this week...

Shrimp Stir Fry / Rice (Didn't get to this last week)
Teriyaki Salmon Fillets / Roasted Potatoes / Vegi
Spaghetti and Meatballs / Salad
My night for family dinner night...Pulled Pork Sandwiches / Chips / Coleslaw / Fruit Salad
White Chicken Chili / Garlic Bread

Wish me luck, hopefully I get all these made :o)

For more great menu ideas visit...www.orgjunkie.com

Bacon Chili Crock Pot Roast

2010-04-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

I looooove to do roasts in the crock pot so I have a lot of different variations on the same method. This one is sooooo sooooo good. It's probably one of my families favorites. It's got a little kick because of the green chilis and the bacon gives it a smoky flavor. So Yummy!!!

(I had helpers in the kitchen on this day, so I missed a lot of pictures, oops.)

Whatcha Need...
Bacon, 4 slices crumbled
Beef Roast
Handful of baby carrots (Not pictured)
1 can green chilis
1/4 cup water (Not Pictured)
1/4 cup chili sauce
1 tbsp flour. (Not Pictured)

Whatcha do with it...
Place Roast in crock pot and season with...McCormick Hamburger Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper.

In a small bowl mix the can of chilis, water, chili sauce, and flour. Poor mixture over roast. Top with the cooked bacon and some carrots.

Cook for 8-10 hours on low

Viola, ya got dinner. PS. This makes an AWESOME gravy to put on top. So flavorful.

We served with a quick bag salad and some apple slices.

Tri-Tip Sandwiches

2010-04-10T16:58:00.000-07:00

Yummy tri-tip as a sandwich. This was a super easy dinner. All I had to do was roast the tri-tip in the oven and pull out a bag of chips and carrots. Viola, nothing could be easier.

Whatcha Need...
Tri-Tip
Sandwich Buns
Seasoning for Tri-Tip was...McCormick Hamburger Seasoning, Little Olive oil rubbed on it, salt, pepper and garlic powder
(No pic, sorry)

Whatcha do with it...
Pre-Heat Oven to 425
Season Tri-Tip and place on a roasting pan.
Roast for one hour.

When it comes out of the oven, it looks like this...

Slice and put on sandwich buns. Top with whatever sandwich fixins you like.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Another week, another meal plan. Quick meals are on my to do list this week and with the weather supposed to be nice also some BBQ :o)

Shrimp Stir Fry / Rice
Crock Pot Roast / Salad / Mashed Potato
French Dip Sandwiches w/left over roast / Chips / Strawberries
Grilled Chicken / Tortellini Salad / Edamame

I have a couple of recipes to post and I'm making it a goal to get it posted by the end of the week.

For other meal plans check out...www.orgjunkie.com

Sloppy Joe Casserole over Biscuit

2010-04-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

This is a really good Sloppy Joe recipe. It takes no time to throw together and it's got a little tang from the mustard and so much better than the canned sloppy joe sauce.

Whatcha Need...
1 lb 93% ground beef
Onion, chopped (I use half)
Can of Condensed Chicken Gumbo Soup
Can of Condensed Tomato Soup
Mustard
Celery Seed
Worcestershire Sauce

Whatcha do with it..
Brown Hamburger and onion

Once Hamburger is browned add the Chicken Gumbo and Tomato Soup, about 1 Tbsp of Mustard and Worcestershire Sauce, and 1 tsp of celery seed. Bring to Boil and then drop temperature down to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes.

I really like to put it on biscuits, but anything works.
(I tried really hard to make this look pretty, but it's just not possible. So, don't let looks deceive you....it sure is good.)

Menu Plan Monday (A little Late)

2010-03-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

LOL, I can't believe it's already Wednesday. I have been meaning to post my meal plan, but I just never got around to it. It must have something to do with having three kiddos under four. HA, HA, HA!

So...here is the plan :o)

Smoked Pork Chops / Rice / Vegi
Chicken Cesar Roll-Up / Chips
Teriyaki Salmon Fillets / Salad / Vegi (I'll post recipe)
Super Easy Nachos
Easter Dinner is at my Mom's house and I'm bringing an ice cream cake from Cold Stone.

For more menu plan ideas check out...www.orgjunkie.com!

I'm baaaaaack! Meal Plan Monday

2010-03-22T17:35:00.000-07:00

After taking some time off from menu planning because of the addition of this handsome little fellow...

http://joshvaljtjax.blogspot.com

I'm back to meal planning and continuing this journey of completing a family cook book!

I am so fortunate that for the first month and a half I had help from my wonderful family and they would come over and make meals, which we would all enjoy together. Paired with a lot of "fend for yourself" nights, a couple of dinners that we brought home, and some quick throw together meals we made it through the first two months.

However, you can only get that kind of wonderful help for so long and I'm back to meal planning and cooking. Good thing is with Spring in full force here in Sacramento it's BBQ season (woop, woop!). We also decided since we all enjoyed those family dinners so much we are going to make Thursday nights a family night and we'll all go to my moms house for dinner. Thanks MOM!!! That's one more night that I don't have to cook!

Here is what is on our Menu this week.

Grilled Hamburgers / Baked Potato / Vegi
Italian Smothered Steak / Salad
Grilled London Broil / Cheddar Cheese Potatoes / Vegi or Salad
White Chicken Chili

For more menu plan ideas check out...www.orgjunkie.com!

Meal Plan Monday

2010-01-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Still no baby...Hmph. I know I can't really be too upset, it's not like I'm overdue or anything. My official due date isn't even until 1/26, but I just really really had a feeling that this little boy was going to meet us before 1/11.

Oh well!

This is what I have planned for our family this week...

I usually plan on making four meals a week. Two nights a week we usually fend for ourselves and I always have a stock of frozen burritos, ramen, canned soup, sandwich fixins, frozen pizza, mac-n-cheese, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, or salad for us to choose from, and then one night a week is usually a left over night or if Josh and I are lucky we get out together.

I'm very happy to report that groceries this week totaled $80. This is $20 under my weekly budget. Lol, not great...I know I can beat that, I'll try harder next week!!!

Sloppy Joe Casserole over Biscuit / Vegi
Slow Cooker Pork Roast / Mashed Potato / Vegi
Tri-Tip Sandwiches / Chips
Chicken Soup / Some kind of Bread

Check back in the week for recipes and for more menu planning ideas check out www.orgjunkie.com

Slow Cooker Onion Pork Chops

2010-01-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

This is a super duper easy meal and it's done in the crock pot so it takes NO time to prepare. The pork chops turn fork tender slow cooking all day and the juice makes a really nice gravy to put over chops.

Whatcha Need...
Thick cut pork chops (I used three)
Lipton Onion Soup Packet
1/3 cup of water
Salt and Pepper

Whatcha do with it...
Season Pork Chops with Salt and Pepper and place in slow cooker
Mix the Lipton Onion soup packet and 1/3 cup water together and poor over pork chops.
That's it!!!!

Cook on low for 7-8 hours and viola ya have dinner!

(We served with good ole Stove Top stuffing and Corn)

Eat from the Pantry Challenge

2010-01-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

I'm jumping on board with some bloggers who are doing a pantry clean out.(Link Here... Eat from the Pantry Challenge.) It would be a good idea for me get our pantry and freezer down to nothing and restock. This will also help me save $$$ while I'm out with Jacob. The official pantry challenge is to spend 100$ for the entire month. I know I won't be able to do that (and I honestly don't know how others do it!) so I'm doing my own version of a pantry clean out which means using and planning with what I have on hand.

I actually think I have enough meat in the freezer to last about two months, woo-hoo! My plan to stock the freezer while out with baby worked...and well, let's be honest as soon as JJ comes, cooking won't be top priority so the meat in the freezer may last even longer. I am really hoping to put the crock-pot in good use though so we aren't living on sandwiches for the next two months.

When I go shopping on Sunday this week I'll report back how I did. If I report back, even if I'm the only one who will ever know, maybe I'll feel more accountable to actual do what I plan on doing.

Here are a couple of photos of the pantry and freezers. I'll post pictures again after the challenge to see if I did good or bad.

*Pantry Cupboard*

*Indoor freezer, I usually stock this one with the quick go-to meals*

*Outdoor Freezer, stocked with meat and poultry*

Meal Plan Monday

2010-01-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, here it goes. I had to do some of my favorite spicy dishes this week, in case Baby Jacob decides to make his appearance. I usually try to eat pretty bland the first two weeks while I have a newborn in case they have a sensitive tummy and have gas. I don't want to add to their pain since I nurse my babies.

The day we brought Justin home from the hospital our family ordered Round Table Pizza and I ate some pepperoni pizza and some garlic twists. My poor baby was up all night with stomach pains. I didn't know what the heck was going on since it was my first baby, but I soon realized that Justin had a sensitive stomach and I had to watch what I passing to him through my breast milk. Spicy food gave him the worst gas, as did garlic. It was a long 6 months before his stomach toughened up and I could eat spicy food again.

The day we brought Jackson home from the hospital we ordered Subway, lol. I didn't want a repeat of Justin. Although, I would soon come to find that Jackson had a tough tummy from the beginning and I was able to eat whatever without much reaction from him. If I ate really acidic food he would act up a little, but nothing like my Bean.

So, the fear of bringing home a baby with stomach issues is in the back of my head and I know that I may have to eat more bland if this little guy also has stomach sensitivities so I added some of my spicy favorites this week in case it's the last time I have them for awhile.

I usually plan on making four meals a week. Two nights a week we usually fend for ourselves and I always have a stock of frozen burritos, ramen, canned soup, sandwich fixins, frozen pizza, mac-n-cheese, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, or salad for us to choose from, and then one night a week is usually a left over night or if Josh and I are lucky we get out together.

Pork Chops / Stuffing / Vegi (Didn't get to this last week.)
Chili (Recipe Here) / Cheese Bread (Recipe Here)
Taco Dip (Recipe Here)
Complete Chicken Dinner in the Crock pot (Recipe Here)

Check back later in the week for recipes and for more ideas on meal planning visit www.orgjunkie.com

Chipped Beef

2010-01-01T14:44:00.001-08:00

This is a meal from childhood. I can almost hear my dad say, "Oh, we're having Sh** on a shingle for dinner?" when the smell of this hits my nose. I'm not sure why the military folks call this Sh** on a shingle?!?! This is a really inexpensive meal to make. I mean really inexpensive. It has to be under 3$ for the entire meal. This is a comfort meal for me...it's creamy and full of flavor...the cayenne gives it a kick you don't really expect. I usually serve it over bisbuits, although traditonal recipes call for it to be served over toast (hence the shingle, I suppose.) I always make green peas to accompany it, because it's what my mom did and sometimes you just don't mess with a good thing!

Whatcha Need...
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups warm milk
About 8 oz of beef. I usually buy the budding lunch meat.
1 pinch cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Whatcha do with it...
In a medium pan over low heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour all at once to form a roux. Whisk in milk, a little at a time, increase heat to medium-high, and cook, stirring, until thickened. Bring to a boil, stir in beef. Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper heat through and serve over biscuit.

Viola, there ya have it. Can easily be done in under 15 minutes!!!

Bruschetta Chicken

2009-12-31T10:55:00.000-08:00

This is a really healthy and yummy chicken dinner. Marinating the chicken really gives it a lot of flavor and makes it really juicy. I can usually throw together this meal with ingredients I always have on hand and it's always done in about 30 minutes. It's tangy from the marinade, juicy from the tomatoes and the mozzarella cheese rounds out all the flavors nicely. I bet some fresh basil would be awesome on top of these, but I didn't have any on hand when I made these. I think next time I put this on our menu, I'll make sure to have some fresh basil for top though.

Whatcha Need...
1 pkg of boneless, skinless, thin cut (cutlet) chicken breasts.
Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Italian seasoning (Not pictured)

Whatcha do with it...
Marinate chicken in the sun-dried tomato dressing (the longer the better).

Place chicken on grill to, season with an extra little Italian seasoning, and grill over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. Flip the chicken and grill for another 10 minutes.
Drop stove temp to medium low.
Add the diced tomatoes (with juice)and mozzarella cheese over chicken and cover with a foil tent until tomatoes are warmed through and mozzarella cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.

Once everything is melted and tomatoes are warm...viola you have dinner!

We served with Italian roasted potatoes and edamame.

Slow Cooker White Bean and Ham Soup

2009-12-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

Yummy and super inexpensive. I have to admit, it's not one of my favorite soups, but it sure is easy to make. The Cooley boys all love it, so I make it once or twice a winter.

Whatcha Need...
1 lb of white beans (I always get Great Northern)
6-8 cups of water
2 ham steaks (I'll also use a ham hock)
1 onion, roughly chopped
(If I have carrots then I will put some carrots in this soup too)
Salt and pepper
Tabasco sauce
Italian Seasoning
(No pic of ingredients)

Whatcha do with it...
Ok it doesn't get easier than this.

Soak beans overnight and remove any bad beans or dirt.

Dump the beans, two cut up ham steaks, and onion into a crock pot. Cover with 6-8 cups of water. Season liberally with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Throw in a couple of dashes of Tabasco. The Tabasco really adds something to this soup. White beans and ham can be a little boring so seasoning the soup really well will make it something more than boring white beans and ham.

Cook in crock pot on low for 8-10 hours and viola...ya have dinner!

(I was able to freeze 1/2 to have in freezer when baby comes home too!!!)

Menu Plan Monday

2009-12-28T10:27:00.000-08:00

I'm officially on maternity leave from work now. I wish I could say that I'm inspired to make great meals at home and try all kinds of new dishes since I have more time, but it's the complete opposite. I'm super disinterested in the kitchen right now. I did manage to put together a menu plan, but I'm relying on our easy favorites. No looking up new recipes, I'm doing the easiest things possible.

I usually plan on making four meals a week. Two nights a week we usually fend for ourselves and I always have a stock of frozen burritos, ramen, canned soup, sandwich fixins, frozen pizza, mac-n-cheese, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, or salad for us to choose from, and then one night a week is usually a left over night or if Josh and I are lucky we get out together.

Bruschetta Chicken / Potatoes / Vegi
Chipped Beef / Biscuit / Vegi
Slow Cooker Pork Chops / Stuffing / Salad
Baked Chicken / Bow-Tie Pasta (I still haven't gotten around to making this, but I have to do it this week before my cream cheese expires.)

Check back in the week for recipes and to see more meal planning check out www.orgjunkie.com

Meal Plan Monday

2009-12-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

Yawn***...This pregnancy is kicking my caboose. All I want to do is lay around. Even though Josh is wonderful and keeps telling me to relax, with two little boys running around it's just not possible. I know this is just the beginning too, pretty soon I'll be exhausted from the sleepless nights.

I haven't been too excited to meal plan this week. Nothing sounds good to make and Jacob is at full capacity in the belly so anything I eat after about 5-6 bites I feel super full...the heartburn is outta control...I'm peeing like crazy...did I mention I just want to lay around and do nothing?!?!?!

Thankfully, it's Christmas week so I don't have to be exactly super excited to meal plan since we'll be visiting family a lot this week.

So, here is my not very exciting meal plan...
Check back later in the week for recipes...

Slow Cooker White Bean and ham soup
Baked Chicken / Cream Cheese Pasta (added from last week, it didn't happen)
Slow Cooker Roast / Potatoes / Salad

**Do you see a trend here? The 'ole crock pot is going to be getting a lot of use in the next couple of months. I am excited to try some new recipes in it :o) **

Check out other Meal Plans at www.orgjunkie.com

Steakhouse Potato

2009-12-19T15:31:00.001-08:00

This is kind of like twice baked potatoes, but it doesn't take hardly any time to do. This is a favorite of Beans and Josh's.

Whathca Need...
3 Large Baking Potatoes
Grill Seasoning
1 Cup Cheese
1/4 cup Milk

Whatcha do with it...
Pre-Heat oven to 425.
Clean and prick potatoes and put in microwave for 9 minutes
(No Picture)

Cut the Potatoes in half and scoop out the inside, put in bowl (Just leave enough room on the side so you have a stable boat)

To the bowl with all the scooped potato filling mix in 1 Cup Cheese, 1/4 cup milk, and about 2 Tbsp of grill seasoning. Mix and mash together. (I know some butter added to this would be great, but I cut out calories where I can, so we omit the butter.)
(Picture isn't great, sorry)

Fill the potato boats and place on baking sheet

Season with a little more gill seasoning and top with a little extra cheese and bake in oven for 15-20 minutes. Viola ya have a super easy, not your run of the mill baked potato.

We ate these with Beef Fillet and a spinch salad. Josh and I like to make our favorite steakhouse items at home. It's really nice to get out of the house and enjoy the atmosphere of steak houses, but for the most part we just make our house our own restaurant!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

This week marks my last full week at work before I go out on leave for the impending arrival of Jacob. This is what's on the Cooley menu this week.

Beef Fillet / Salad or Vegi / Steakhouse Potato (I didn't get to this last week. I opted for Crock Pot Creamy Potato Soup instead.)
Spaghetti / Garlic Bread / Salad
Baked Chicken / Creamy Bow-Tie Pasta
Slow Cooker Pork Chop w/Stuffing / Vegi

Check back later in the week for recipes
(Check out other menu plans at www.orgjunkie.com)

Crock Pot Creamy Potato Soup

2009-12-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

I woke up on Saturday to a California winter day. Sky was filled with gray clouds, the rain was pouring, and it was cold. I knew I was going to have a really busy day and not get home until later in the evening. The thought of coming home to a steamy bowl of soup sounded perfect. I didn't have any meat defrosted and I was running low on groceries so I decided to make a super easy potato soup in the crock pot. Oh my goodness this was so good. It wasn't heavy like a chowder, but had a really nice creamy texture to it. The potatoes were hearty and tender. The next time I make this, which I'm sure will be soon, I'm going to add diced ham or bacon to it though, that would have made it a A+, it was a A- without it.

Whatcha Need...
8 medium size baking potatoes, chopped roughly (I left the skins on for added vitamins)
1 Medium Onion, chopped roughly
2 Tbsp Butter
Chicken Stock/Broth. I used what I had on hand, it totaled to about 5 cups
2 Cups of Milk
1/2 cup flour
2 Cup Shredded Cheese (Not pictured, I added it spur of the moment.)
Seasoning...Salt, Pepper, Thyme and Nutmeg

(2nd Part to make soup)

Whatcha do with it...
In a crock pot mix the chopped Potato, Onion, 2 TBSP butter, and Chicken Broth/Stock.
Cook on low for 8 hours

About an hour before you want to eat mix the flour and milk together. (Make sure it's mixed really really good. You don't want any flour lumps. The easiest way I know to do this is to put it in a Tupperware and shake it really good.)

Add the Milk/flour mixture, 2 Cups of cheese, and seasonings (don't be shy with the seasonings...it needs it) to crock pot and turn to high. The soup will thicken up and become creamy. Viola....you have yourself dinner.

This picture just doesn't do this soup justice, it really is super super good. Because it's mainly made with chicken stock/broth it's not really bad for your either.

Super Easy Nachos

2009-12-12T08:47:00.001-08:00

My favorite kind of food is Mexican. I've noticed we usually have something that is Mexican every other week. It probably has a lot to do with the spiciness, I love spicy food.

Nachos bring me back to when Josh and I were first married, it's probably one of the only things we made that we considered "Cooking" way back when. Now I consider Nachos a quick dinner to throw together when I'm tired or need something done in under 20 minutes. I'm sure 9 years ago it probably took Josh and I over 40 minutes to make nachos with our broken oven that never really got to the temperature that we set it too, overcooking ground beef, and just not being as organized in the kitchen. Those were some fun days...

Whatcha Need...
(Sorry no pic of ingredients)
3/4 lb of 98% lean ground hamburger
1 can of pinto beans, drained
1 really small can of sliced olives, drained
1/2 diced red onion
1 2cp bag of Mexican shredded cheese
Taco Seasoning
Nacho Toppings of Choice...
Jalapeno, Sour Cream, Salsa

Whatcha Do with it...
(Again, sorry no pics, I was in a hurry to get dinner done.)
Pre-Heat oven to 450 degrees
While oven is heating brown hamburger with Taco Seasoning, add 2 tbsp of water to meat to get the seasoning incorrporated.

Spread chips on a baking sheet lined with foil, sprinkle one half bag of cheese over Nacho chips.

Spread cooked ground meat and drained pinto beans over Chips and top with remaining cheese.

Sprinkle diced onion and olives on top of cheese

Pop into oven for about 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and...
Viola top with your favorite toppings and you have a super easy and quick dinner ready in no time.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

2009-12-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who loves BBQ chicken Pizza and I always wanted to try it, but never had the guts to order it. I have a weird thing, which I totally blame on my mom, but I don't eat chicken I haven't cooked. This fear of chicken cooked outside my home comes from my mom...it would take a long time to explain, I probably need therapy over it, and it really deserves a post of it's own. To make a really long story short, I would never order BBQ chicken pizza in a restaurant.

But I did try it once!!!! A friend ordered it and I took a slice and LOVED the taste, but couldn't eat a lot of it because of the fear of chicken cooked outside my home.

Am I rambling? So...this is why I tried this recipe. I already knew I liked the taste and flavor of BBQ chicken pizza, but knew it was never going to make it's way to my dinner table unless I made it myself. I came across this super easy and quick version and it has since become a family favorite. Having two small toddlers, pizza is always a good thing. It's tangy, meaty, has a little heat from the onion and just oozes with goodness. It's super easy, super cheap (of course!), and healthful.

Whatcha Need...
1 small package of chicken breast cutlets (you want them really thin...I think a lot of recipes call for Chicken Tenders, but those are also part of my chicken fear so I don't buy them.)
1 pillsburry Pizza dough
BBQ sauce
2 cup bag of mozzarella cheese
1/2 red onion, diced really small
Couple of slices of crumbled Bacon (I will either use the already cooked bacon you pop into the microwave or bacon bits...tonight it was bacon bits that we had on hand.)
Salt, Pepper and McCormick Steak seasoning

Whatcha do with it...
I make the pizza dough according to "crispy" directions which means you preheat oven to 400 for a nonstick pan, place pizza dough on cookie sheet with NO toppings, and cook for 8 minutes...this is a great time to cook the chicken.

Cook chicken on grill top, season with salt pepper and steak seasoning. Cook about 5 min on each side. Pull off grill top. Slice two or three chicken breasts and save the rest.

(Left over chicken is great for fend for yourself night. I a lot of times will put it in a salad.)

Pizza dough should be done, so pull it out of oven and top with...
BBQ sauce...use as much as you like. I usually use about 1/2 cup.
Sliced Chicken
Mozzarella Cheese, however much you like.
Diced red onion
Bacon Bits, just sprinkled over top.

Put pizza back into oven for 8-10 minutes and pull out...
Viola ya got dinner...we serve with a green salad.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-12-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm on a roll...for the second week in a row I'm posting a menu plan.

Here it goes...

BBQ Chicken Pizza/Green Salad
Nachos
Beef Fillet / Salad / Steakhouse potatoes

(Only cooking about three times this week since we'll be out of town for a couple of days.)

Check back in the week for recipes!!!!
(Also check out more menu plans at orgjunkie.com)

Italian Smothered Steak

2009-12-04T07:02:00.000-08:00

This dinner is a slow cooker favorite around here. It's our Italian Smothered Steak. I grew up on the traditional Swiss steak with Tomato Sauce, Onion, and green pepper over rice so when I saw this recipe I knew I would like it. All the boys devour it. It's really inexpensive to make and of course under 500 cal a serving, so it's healthful. It's sooooo yummy. I love coming home from work knowing this has been in the slow cooker all day :o)

Whatcha Need...
2 pounds round steak (I use London Broil and stock up/freeze when on sale)
1 medium onion, sliced
1 jar (26 ounces) tomato pasta sauce, my favorite sauce in the whole world is the Newman's Own Sockarooni.

1 package (9 ounces) tortellini (I've made this with cheese tortellini and sausage filled tortellini...the sausage wins hands down for our family.)
2 small zucchini, chopped.
Salt, Pepper, and McCormick Steak Seasoning. (Not Pictured)

Whatcha Do with it...

Season London Broil with salt, pepper, and McCormick Seasoning and place in a slow cooker.
Pour jar of pasta sauce over meat and top with sliced onion.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

20 minutes before you want to eat throw tortellini and zucchini in slow cooker and crank it to high for 20 minutes...
Viola...ya got dinner.

(We rounded out this meal with a salad.)

**You may notice in the picture that the zucchini is missing. This is because right when I went to cut up the zucchini I noticed it had gone south. It was still really good without it and nice to know that this is easily a "pantry/freezer" meal if I don't want to use Zucchini. I can have all the ingredients in the pantry and freezer for those days when we need something easy and quick to make, NICE!!! ;o)

Red Potato Caper Salad

2009-12-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure about Capers the first time I tried them, but they have since grown on me. This is a super easy and healthy Red Potato Hot salad to make.

Whatcha Need...
1 lb of red potatoes halved or quartered depending on size
1/4 tsp of oregano (I just used Italian seasoning I had on hand.)
1/4 tsp of thyme
3-4 Tbsp of Vinaigrette. I always just use whatever I have in the fridge. On this night I had Sun dried tomato and it was really good with it.
2 Tbsp drained Capers (can easily be omitted if you don't like them.)

Whatcha do with it...
Boil Potatoes in big pot of water for about 15-20 minutes...until fork tender, drain potatoes.

In a bottom of a bowl mix the Vinaigrette, Caper, and seasonings.

Toss the hot potatoes with the Vinaigrette and Viola, ya have a yummy, tangy and healthy potato dish.
(Not the best picture of the potatoes, but ya get the idea!)

Meatloaf Muffins

2009-12-02T20:22:00.000-08:00

I sure do like Meatloaf, but never felt like I had the time to make it on week nights because it takes an hour to cook in a loaf pan. I saw Rachael Ray do Meatloaf in muffin tins to speed up the process one time and quickly jumped on that bandwagon. I am so happy that I now have the time to make meatloaf on week nights. I have to admit that Justin isn't a huge fan of meatloaf, but he will at least eat a couple of pieces. This is a super easy way to make meatloaf and it'll be crunchy on the outside and moist in the middle.

Whatcha Need...
1 lb of ground beef (I only buy the 93% or 98% lean ground beef so it's not too bad for you.)
1 egg
1/2 small onion, diced really small or grated.
1/2 cup of Break Crumbs or 1/2 cup of crushed crackers
About 2 to 3 Tablespoons Ketchup
couple dashes of Garlic Powder
2 to 3 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce

Whatcha do with it...
Pre-Heat Oven to 350
It was so easy I didn't take any pictures...mix the above ingredients into a big bowl and then fill 6 to 8 muffin tins with mixture...throw into the oven and cook Meatloaf muffins for 30-35 minutes...and Viola...ya got dinner! (I top with a dollop of BBQ sauce or Ketchup)

(We served with Red potato Caper salad and corn.)

Buffalo Chicken Wrap

2009-12-01T19:39:00.000-08:00

This is a version of the Caesar Chicken Wrap that we do, but this one is a Buffalo Chicken version. It's pretty spicy, but oh so good. It's healthful because you are just cooking chicken breast, no breading like a lot of Buffalo chicken wrap recipes call for.

Whatcha Need...
1 lb of Chicken cut into bite size pieces
3 tablespoons hot sauce, I used Texas Pete's
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon of celery seed
Blue Cheese Dressing
4 8-inch tortillas
1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
1 large tomato, chopped
Seasoning...Salt, Pepper, McCormick Steak Seasoning.

Whatcha do with it...

Cook chicken about 10 minutes, seasoned with salt, pepper and McCormick Steak seasoning.

Stir hot pepper sauce, vinegar, cayenne pepper, and celery seed in a medium size bowl. (This is a good time to warm up Tortilla's)

Toss chicken into hot sauce mixture

Now all you do is assemble the wrap...
Spread Tortilla with about one Tablespoon Blue Cheese Dressing
Top with Chicken, Lettuce, and Tomato.
Drizzle some more hot sauce on top and...
Viola...ya got dinner!

(We served with Coleslaw)

PS....For the boys I set some chicken aside before tossing it into the hot sauce mixture and used ranch dressing instead of blue cheese

Meal Plan Monday

2009-11-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

My first Meal Plan Post.

This is my first time actually posting a Meal Plan. I follow a lot of bloggers who do something called Meal Plan Monday. I’m not new to meal planning; I do it every week before I go grocery shopping, but I thought it may be fun to post my meal plan.

I usually plan on making four meals a week. Two nights a week we usually fend for ourselves and I always have a stock of frozen burritos, ramen, canned soup, sandwich fixins, frozen pizza, mac-n-cheese, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, or salad for us to choose from, and then one night a week is usually a left over night or if Josh and I are lucky we get out together.

I'm not sure how great I'll be at posting meal plans every Monday, but I thought I would give it a shot. Here it goes. Check back later on in the week and I'll post some of the recipes.

Buffalo Chicken Wraps / Coleslaw

Meatloaf / Baked Potatoes / Broccoli

Italian Smothered Steak (Crock Pot Meal)

Chicken Caesar Salad / Garlic Bread

(Substitute for if I'm just not feeling a planned meal one night)
Tuna Caper Pasta

(Check out other Menu Plans at www.orgjunkie.com)

Funny Story...

2009-11-29T09:45:00.000-08:00

Funny Story…

My mom thought I would never learn to cook. She was actually concerned when I was pregnant with Justin because she wasn’t sure how he would be fed. I would often have a big hunk of cheese for dinner and Josh survived on Frozen dinner meals and Top Ramen in our early married years. I remember my mom telling me, “You know that baby is going to need more than a hunk of cheese for dinner.” I think that got my attention, what was I going to feed this baby? I didn’t want him growing up on fast food, processed meals or never knowing what a home cooked meal tasted like.

While pregnant with Justin something funny happened, I began to cook. I started making really simple easy recipes that I got from my mom. As time went on something even funnier happened, I began to really enjoy cooking for my family. As little Justin was learning how to eat table foods his mom was also learning and getting better in the kitchen (and his dad was learning and getting better outside on the BBQ).

Fast forward four years and I not only enjoy cooking, but I’m one of those weird people who enjoy meal planning and grocery shopping. Who would have ever thought that? Definitely not me…or my mom!

**Mom and I in the kithchen**

Spicy Chicken Wings

2009-11-23T08:22:00.000-08:00

I am lucky I married someone who likes spicy food as much as I do. These are our very spicy Chicken Wings. We often eat these on Monday night to go hand in hand with Monday Night Football. We also bake them instead of frying so they are pretty healthful too. Have a drink close to you though, they are spicy and will clear any stuffy nose right up!!!

Whatcha Need...
1 pkg of chicken wings (I like the party pack)
Flour for dreading

Seasoning
Original Chicken Seasoning
Mrs. Dash Extra spicy Seasoning
Black Pepper
Salt
Tabasco or any hot sauce you have in the fridge.

Whatcha do with it...
(The night I made these, I was in a hurry to get them in the oven so I missed some pictures.)
Pre-Heat oven to 425

Place about one cup of flour in a big zip lock back and put all the wings in the bag and shake until all pieces are coated. Lay the chicken on an lined baking sheet (Make sure to either put a little oil or spray baking sheet with Pam or the wings will stick)

Next season the wings. No measurements here just sprinkle the Salt, Pepper, Mrs. Dash spicy seasoning, Chicken Seasoning, and Tabasco. (I leave about 6 wings unseasoned with spicy stuff for the boys.)

Put wings in oven and bake for 20 minutes. Pull pan out and flip wings. Repeat seasoning on other side of wings.

Put back into oven for 20 minutes to finish baking.
Viola, there is dinner. I served with roasted garlic potatoes and a salad.

White Chicken Chili

2009-11-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

In keeping with the comfort food of the fall and winter here is our White Chicken Chili recipe. This is a pretty spicy chili and sooooo good. It will warm you from the inside out. This is another one of Josh's favorites and is on his top 5 list of favorite foods. Economical??? Why yes it is!!! Healthful??? Why yes it is!!!

Whatcha Need...
1 lb of chicken cut up into 1/2 inch pieces. (I've made this with with both Chicken Breast and Chicken Thighs, both are good. If you're looking to make it super economical use the thighs in this recipe.)
1 can of Chicken Broth
2 cans of Great Northern (white) beans, undrained.
1/2 can of green chili's (I had some in my freezer I used up.)
Poultry seasoning
McCormick White Chicken Chili packet (I've tried to make this chili without this packet and it just doesn't taste the same, I highly recommend getting the packet)
and my usual...Salt, Pepper and McCormick Hamburger Seasoning.

Whatcha do with it...
I didn't really take a lot of pictures because it's so easy to do and I was in a rush to get dinner done.

Cook cut up chicken for about 10 minutes. Seasoned with Poultry Seasoning, Salt, Pepper and McCormick Hamburger Seasoning.

After the chicken has cooked for 10 minutes you just add the White Chicken Chili seasoning packet, Green Chili's, Can of Chicken Stock, and two cans of beans undrained. Bring to a boil and then drop down to simmer for 10 minutes.

Viola, there you have it. Easy dinner usually done in under 30 minutes.

(We served with croissants)

Butternut Squash

2009-11-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

Sadly, this will probably be the only time you see Butternut Squash on here for awhile. Although it's in season, so you can get it for rock bottom prices, it seems as though I have a house full of men who aren't crazy about butternut squash. Me, I love it and could probably eat an entire squash myself. I'll keep trying it with the boys and hope they grow to like it. They both loved squash as babies so I'm keeping my fingers crossed their dislike is just a phase. Josh on the other hand didn't like it at all and the poor guy had to force down the three bites he tried. I was able to freeze a really good portion of the squash so I think I'll make a soup with the leftovers that weren't eaten.

Whatcha Need...
Butternut Squash
Salt, Pepper and Butter

Whatcha do with it...
Cut ends off of squash and then cut it in half. Cut those half in half and take out the seeds. Then cut those halves in half. Are you confused yet? Here are some pics.

Season with Salt, Pepper and then a little dollop of Butter.

Fill the pan with water. About 1/4 inch of water in the pan. (Don't put too much water in the pan though, the squash will release a lot of water and you don't want to loose all the nutrients or have the pan overflow.) Cover with foil and roast in an oven at 350 degrees for about 45-55 minutes.

Whatcha Get...
a yummy, sweet and buttery squash.

Easy Baked Chicken

2009-11-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to make is baked chicken. It's so easy and I don't have to worry about watching it once it's in the oven. This is one of our favorites. It's kinda tangy with the mustard and just a little crunchy with the breaded outside.

Whatcha Need...
1 pkg chicken breast fillets. (I usually get the fillets for baking so they stay moist inside.)
2 eggs for dipping
and I don't have exact measurements for the rest. I'll try to do an estimate
2 cups Breadcrumbs for dreading
2 Tbsp Mustard (whatever you have in the fridge)
2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Whatcha do with it...
Pre-heat oven to 375

Season Chicken Breast with Salt and Pepper

In a bowl beat the 2 eggs and mix in 2 Tbsp Mustard and 2 Tbsp Worcestershire

My hands were to goopy to take pics of the next part, but just dip chicken into egg mixture shake off excess and then dip into a plate of bread crumbs and place on an oven sheet. Sprinkle with a little more Salt and Pepper.

This is what I do. I cook the chicken at 375 for 15 minutes then I drop down the temperature to 350 and cook an additional 30 min.

Whatcha Get...
A slightly crispy chicken breast that has a little kick from the mustard and Worcestershire sauce.

We ate this with ButterNut Squash and mac n cheese.

Hashbrown Potato Casserole

2009-11-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

This is my version of Tator-Tot Casserole. I used to make the traditional Tator-Tot casserole until I saw this version and tried it. Now I'm a convert, I like this version a lot more and won't ever go back to the tator-tots. It's a family favorite and the kids love it.

Whatcha Need
1 lb of ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 can of Cream of Mushroom soup
1/3 cup of milk
2 cups of cheese (whatever you have on hand)
1/2 of a 32oz bag of country style hash browns
Seasonings...Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder (Not Pictured)

Whatcha do with it...
Pre-Heat Over to 400 degrees.

Brown ground beef and onion. Season with Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder. About 8-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, line a baking dish with the frozen hash browns.

To the ground beef mixture add one can of cream of mushroom soup and 1/3 cup of milk and mix it all together. Let cook together for about 5 minutes. Just until everything is warmed through.

Poor Beef mixture over the frozen hash browns

Top with a layer of cheese

Bake at 400 for 20 minutes

Whatcha get...
A yummy stick to your ribs dinner. (Not a very photogenic dinner, but trust me it sure is yummy.)

(On this night we paired with corn.)

Salmon Fillets

2009-11-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

This meal makes me laugh. Bean LOVES this meal, it's one of his favorites...well actually Bean and Jax LOVE salmon. Josh and I laugh because only Bean would love Salmon and frown at Chicken Nuggets. We usually have Salmon once a month. I buy the big bag of Atlantic fillets at Sam's Club and it usually lasts us two months. I decided to attempt making salmon because whenever Josh and I would go out to eat at a steak house I would always get the Salmon, I love it. Our days of eating at steak houses once or twice a month have been saved for special occasions once all the kiddos came along and dining at expensive restaurants became something that was "pre-kids".

Thankfully, Josh and I have learned how to make a lot of those meals we use to eat at steak houses right in the comfort of our home. We make Salmon a lot of different ways, but this is my easy go-to salmon meal.

Whatcha Need
3-4 Salmon Fillets (rinsed and dried)
Dill Weed
Lemon Juice
Garlic
Salt and Pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Not pictured)

Whatcha do with it
Pre-Heat oven to 350
Mix about 2 Tbsp of lemon juice and 2 Tbsp of Garlic into bowl. (LOL, don't laugh at my bottled lemon juice, it works for me!!!)

Place Salmon Fillets on foil lined (Oiled) baking sheet.
Rub salmon with a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Season with Salt, Pepper, and Dill Weed (I use dried Dill so I kinda have to put a lot on to get the flavor)
Spoon Lemon and garlic mixture over salmon.

You can cook salmon in the oven two ways. I either bake them at 350 for 30 minutes or you can broil about 4 inches from heat for around 10 minutes. This night I cooked them for 30 minutes because I needed time to do a salad and rice....
Viola, here is dinner!!

(Lol, and isn't the salad pretty??)

Hamburger Gravy

2009-11-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

This is by far the most requested recipe in the Cooley household right now. I always oblige when it's requested because it's about the simplest dinner to throw together, not to mention one of the cheapest.

Hamburger Gravy

Whatcha Need
1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 small jar of mushrooms (if ya have them on hand. I chop them up really fine so the picky eaters don't know they are there.)
1 can milk (from cream of mushroom soup) (Didn't make it into the picture)
Brown gravy mix
Sour Cream
+
2 cups cooked rice

That's it!!!

Whatcha do with it...
1.) Cook Hamburger, chopped onion, and mushrooms (season meat with the usual...salt, pepper and my favorite spice of all McCormick Hamburger Seasoning, I use this in everything.) About 8-10min

2.) Throw in Can of Mushroom Soup, can of milk, and about 1/4 cup of sour cream. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about five minutes

3.) Add some gravy seasoning and let simmer another five minutes.

4.) Throw Ham gravy over some rice (biscuit, mashed potatoes, toast, or noodles)
We usually go with a green vegi with this dinner and Viola ya got a quick and super easy dinner.

Tuna Noodle

2009-11-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

This dish is comfort food at it's best. I found this Tuna Noodle recipe a couple years ago and really liked it so it's became my staple recipe. In the fall and winter I am usually making this once a month. In the spring/summer it seems to go off our meal rotation.

I gotta tell you though once the house is filled with the smell of Tuna Noodle I swear it takes me back to when I was a kid. My mom made this all the time growing up. This recipe is a little different than hers, but I've kept some of her signature staples on this recipe.

Whatcha Need...
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can Cream of Celery Soup (If you like a dryer Tuna Noodle then omit one can of either soup)
1/2 cup Milk (Not pictured)
2 1/2 cups of Uncooked Elbow Noodles
1 12 oz can of Tuna
1 small bag of Mozzarella Cheese
Sour Cream and Onion potato chips (Not Pictured)

Whatcha do with it...
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Cook 2 1/2 cups of Noodles and drain
While Noodles are cooking mix soup(s), milk, 1/2 bag of Mozzarella cheese, and tuna in baking dish. Season with Salt, Pepper and Italian Seasoning.

Stir in Drained Cooked Noodles and mix together...top with remaining Cheese...

Bake in 400 degree oven for 20 minutes...top with crushed up Sour Cream in Onion potato chips and return to oven until browned

Viola...ya got dinner. We serve with a side of peas instead of traditional recipes that call for you to add the peas to the casserole. The only reason I don't add peas to the casserole is because there are a couple of Cooleys that frown at peas.

This is the super duper easy version of Tuna Noodle. I also make another Tuna Noodle that's a little more dressed up. It is super good. I'll post that recipe too, but this is definetly the casserole that comes up on the meal rotation a lot. :o)

Pesto Burgers

2009-11-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

This is a super simple easy meal that tastes ohhhh so yummy. If you like pesto, you'll like this burger.

Whatcha Need
1 lb ground beef
1 pesto seasoning packet
Mozzarella Cheese

Whatcha Do with it...
This is super easy. It's so easy I didn't even take a picture of what to do. You simply throw ground beef and seasoning packet into bowl, mix it up, and shape into hamburger patties.
Cook 7-9 minutes on each side and top with some mozzarella cheese. I then drizzle a little sun dried tomato vinaigrette on it.
Viola, easy yummy dinner. I know it looks like a regular burger, but let me tell ya the pesto packet takes this burger to a whole new level.

(We served with Italian Seasoned Roasted Potatoes and Edamame.)

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

2009-11-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

My favorite pork chops to buy is the big 'ole thick cut pork chops from Sams Club. I am able to get at least three meals from one package.

This is a really simple slow cooker pork chop meal. I found this recipe one day when I was looking for a slow cooker pork chop recipe that didn't utilize creamed soup. I'm as big a fan as the next person when it comes to that good 'ole creamed soup, but there comes a point when it's the last thing I want to grab in my pantry.

I threw this all together one day before work so I wasn't able to take pictures, but to be honest...no pictures are needed, it's so simple.

Whatcha Need...
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp minced garlic
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
2 teaspoon italian seasoning
3-4 thick cut boneless pork chops
salt and pepper

Whatcha do with it all...
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chicken broth, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, poultry seasoning and italian seasoning. Pour into the slow cooker. Place Pork chops in slow cooker and season chops lightly with salt and pepper. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Whatcha Get...

All I had to do when I got home from work was make some mashed potatoes and green beans seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Poor some brown gravy over it (made from a gravy mix, not the crock pot juice...it was a little too oily to use as a gravy) and Viola!! The meat on the chop will be SO tender it will cut easily with a fork.

Cheese Bread

2009-11-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

I got this recipe from Josh's family. It is Oh so yummy. It goes with a lot of stuff. We eat it in the Summer/Spring with BBQ and salads. The Fall/Winter with Stews and roasts. (Cowboy Stew and this go great together).

Whatcha Need
Round Loaf of Sourdough Bread. (If you're making for a big group buy a big round, this is just a little round for our family.)
Butter / Margarine
Mustard
Poppy Seeds
Monterrey Jack Cheese

Whatcha do with it
Cut Sourdough loaf horizontally and vertically, but don't cut all the way through, so the loaf is intact on the bottom.

Melt 2 Tbsp butter, 2 Tbsp mustard, and 2 Tbsp Poppy seed in microwave until melted.

Cut the Monterrey Jack block of cheese into strips

Place strips of Monterrey Jack into Sourdough Loaf

Spoon Mustard, Poppy Seed and Butter mixture over the Loaf and Cheese strips..microwave until everything is melted. Enjoy :o)

Mushroom Swiss Burger

2009-11-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Another Easy, Cheap meal. LOL, do you see a trend here. Can you tell I'm always looking for an economical, easy, healthful dinner to throw together.

Here is our Mushroom Swiss Burger.
(We eat pretty much all our burgers without the bun. It's something I learned to do long ago when I was on a mission to loose weight. So any burger recipe you'll see of mine will be bun less.)

Whatcha Need.
1 lb of ground hamburger (All recipes say this will make 4 burgers. I can only get three good size burgers out of 1 lb of hamburger) seasoned and shaped into hamburger patties
1 Small jar of sliced mushrooms (Drained)
1/2 Onion, sliced
Swiss Cheese for top
Seasoning...Salt, Pepper, McCormick Hamburger Seasoning.

Whatcha do with it.
Cook Hamburger Patties in Skillet. I usually do about 7-8 min per side. I like well done burgers. Once done remove and set to the side.

Saute Sliced Onion and mushrooms in skillet until they are tender.

Return Hamburger Patties to skillet and top with cheese until melted and warmed through. Once cheese is melted, plate it up with the sauteed onions and mushrooms on top. Viola, serve with salad and you've got yourself a winner.

Oh and here are the boys. Not a fan of sauteed onion and mushrooms so they split a hamburger. They also get a side of salad and cheese.

Crock Pot...Pot Roast

2009-10-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

This one is for the boys. They all LOVE it. This is probably the first thing I ever made in my crock pot. Since then, the crock pot has become almost as important in my kitchen as our stove. I use it ALL the time and I have a feeling as the boys get older I'll use it even more when trying to juggle schedules.

So here is the Crock Pot, Pot Roast.

Whatcha Need
2 lb roast. (I buy on sale and freeze them. I always have one or two in the freezer.)
2 handful of carrots
4 potatoes cut up into quarters
1 onion cut up (for some reason on this day I forgot the onion.)
1 onion soup Lipton packet sprinkled over roast
3/4 cup Beef stock or water poured over roast
Seasonings...Salt, Pepper and whatever ya like.
(Sorry no pic of ingredients.)

Whatcha do with it
Throw it in the crock pot. It doesn't get easier than that.
Here is what mine looks like before it's cooked.

Set the crock pot on low for 8 hours and viola....ya got dinner.
(Don't go over 8 hours for a two pound roast)

Canadian Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo

2009-10-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

EASY, EASY, EASY and CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP and FAST, FAST, FAST!!!!!

I don't make this a whole lot. It's super easy and cheap to make...and it's a favorite in our house, but I know it's not good for us. I try not to serve it with bread and usually do a green vegetable instead. It makes me feel a little better knowing we are eating a vegetable with this super bad for us meal.

This is a great meal to have on hand at all times. I always have the Fettuccine Noodles and Alfredo Sauce in the pantry and Canadian Bacon in the freezer. It's great to have for the nights when I get home too late to make what I originally wanted or if we need to throw together something quick.

Whatcha Need
1 lb Fettuccine Noodles
1 Jar of your favorite Alfredo sauce. I usually stick with whatever is on sale.
1 Package of Canadian Bacon
2 Tbsp Butter
2 Tbsp Flour
Milk to make a rue. (Not Pictured)

Whatcha do with it

Cook pasta...while the pasta is in the water cut Canadian Bacon into bite size pieces and warm it up in skillet.

Pull Canadian Bacon out and set aside. Let's make a rue.
2 Tbsp Butter Melted + 2 Tbsp Flour + Milk to make a cream sauce...ya know the universal rue :o) It coats the back of the spoon (seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning)

Add the One jar of Alfredo sauce and Canadian bacon back into the skillet.
**My sister asked why I make a rue and also use a jar of alfredo. I use both because a jar of alfredo doesn't seem to go far enough for an entire package of Fettuccini and the rue makes it a lot richer and creamier sauce for the dish. **

Add the cooked pasta to the cream/Alfredo mixture

Season with Italian Seasoning, lots of pepper, and nutmeg ...Stir together

YUMMMMMMMM...we served with good ole Green Trees (or broccoli for those who don't have toddlers.)

Taco Dip

2009-10-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

OK, I can't say enough about this casserole. It's been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. I've modified my moms version just a little. I've attempted to make it a little more healthful, but I don't know how well I've succeeded at that. I defend it's nutrition in that a little goes a long way and you get full pretty quick.

This is often a meal we have on Monday nights in the fall cause this goes great with a Beer and Football!!!!

Taco Dip

Whatcha Need...
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans (I get the kind with jalapenos added)
1 can re fried beans (this can easily be omitted)
Taco Seasoning
1 can of condensed Cheddar cheese soup (OK, I know this is probably terrible for you, but I've tried to make it without it and it's just not the same)
1 Cup shredded Mexican cheese
Tortilla Chips

Whatcha do with it
Brown ground beef and onion until done.
Add one packet of Taco seasoning (Omit the water it calls for on the back of the package)
Add Black beans and pinto beans to ground beef mixture.

Poor Beef/Bean mixture into casserole dish that has a very thin layer of crushed up tortilla chips
(Sorry no Pic)

Add layer of re fried beans to casserole
Add layer of canned cheese soup to casserole

Looks something like this before putting it in oven.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 min.

Top with extra shredded cheese and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Serve with Tortilla Chips, sour cream and salsa.

Cheesy Chicken Skillet

2009-10-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

Here is another super easy meal to throw together. Really economical too, we always have left overs that Josh usually takes to lunch with him. I'm doing lots of economical meals right now since I'm trying to stock up our outdoor freezer and save money for when I'm off work with Jacob.

Whatcha Need...
1 lb chicken (cut into bite sized pieces)
2 cups of pasta
1 1/4 cups salsa
1 cup corn (I would add a bell pepper too, but Josh and Justin dislike them.)
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese (didn't make it in the picture)

Whatcha do with it all...
Cook the 2 cups pasta

While the pasta is cooking cook chicken in big skillet, season with salt, pepper and McCormick Hamburger seasoning. Cook about 10 minutes or until chicken is done.

Add the 1 1/4 cup mild salsa and 1 cup of corn to the cooked chicken

Drain cooked pasta and add to chicken, salsa, corn mixture.

Stir in one cup of shredded cheese

This is whatcha get...
A yummy, quick, and filling dinner. Pretty healthful, not one of the best though. I know it's under 500 calories a serving though, because I rarely make anything that's over 500 cal a serving.

My Chili Recipe

2009-10-20T16:04:00.001-07:00

Josh was actually hesitant when he saw me taking pics of the food to post the chili recipe. He is a little protective of the recipe. I told him, if I die tomorrow don't you want to know how to make my chili? LOL!!!! So anyways here is my chili recipe, it's nothing special, but ohhhhh so yummy!

Whatcha Need...
1 lb ground hamburger
1/2 onion
Garlic
2 cans of Kidney beans (don't drain the juice)
2 cans of pinto beans with jalapenos (don't drain the juice)
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 big ole can of tomato juice

Seasonings, I'll be honest with you. I normally buy a McCormick "hot" seasoning packet then add additional spices. Most people frown on the seasoning packets, but I don't. So a "hot" McCormick Chili packet, chili powder, cumin, McCormick hamburger seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Whatcha do with it all...

In a big ole pot brown hamburger, onion, garlic...season with salt, pepper, and hamburger seasoning (I love that stuff.)

Add stewed tomatoes (you can't see them in this pic, but they are there) and all the beans with the juices.

Add in big ole can of tomato juice and stir

Season with the "hot" chili packet and then I add some add'l chili powder and cumin. Just a little, not a lot.

Stir in all the seasonings...the chili should now be a really dark red. Bring to boil then drop down to a simmer for at least 30 minutes.

Serve it up with some shredded cheese and some good 'ole corn bread.

I make chili a LOT during the fall and winter, I'm always able to get two meals out of it by freezing half so it's super economical. We are some chili loving folks in the Cooley household.

Cowboy Stew

2009-10-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

Since it's Fall I've been pulling out my trusty 'ole slow cooker a lot more. I made one of Josh's Favorite dishes, Cowboy Stew recently. This has got to be one of the easiest things to make. Really inexpensive too, I'm always able to freeze half of it.

Whatcha Need...
1 lb stew meat (I always stock up on London broil when it's on sale and cut it into big chunks.)
1 28oz can baked Beans plus a 16oz of BBQ baked beans
1 Onion
4 Medium size potatoes cut into big pieces
(For some reason I don't have a picture of all the ingredients???)

Whatcha do with it...
Cut onion and Meat into big chunks

Add potatoes...then season...salt, pepper, McCormick hamburger seasoning.

Mix it all together...

Add baked beans on top of Meat, Potato, and onion mixture.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours and ya get this.

And I promise you; if you have a meat and potatoes kind of guy you can get anything you want with the temptation of this dish. I often use this dish in attempts to get stuff out of Josh. Our conversations usually go something like this...

Me: "Hey Josh, want to go shopping this weekend."
Josh: "Ehhhh, can't your sister or mom go with you."
Me: "I'll make cowboy stew for when we get home."
Josh: "What time do you want to leave?"

Yep, it's that good.

Chicken Cesar Roll-Up

2009-10-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

Winner, winner, Chicken Dinner.

This is one of my favorite meals. It's super easy, fast and everyone loves it...even the Bean!!

Chicken Cesar Roll-Up
Whatcha need for this dinner
Romaine Lettuce
Flour Tortilla
Chicken
Caesar dressing (not pictured)
Parmesan cheese (not pictured)
I had an avocado that needed to be used up, so it was added.

Whatcha do with it all...
1.) Cut up the chicken into bite size pieces and I dredge it in flour because it gives it a pretty crust. Season the dredged chicken with Salt, Pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2.) Cook chicken for about 10 minutes, or until done.

3.) While chicken is cooking, cut up a head of romaine lettuce and an avocado into bite size pieces. It's a good idea to throw the tortillas into the microwave to warm up right now too.

4.) Once chicken is done it's time to assemble (I know how easy is this!!!) What I do is layer Cesar dressing (I omit the dressing for the boys, they aren't exactly keen on Cesar dressing), lettuce, avocado, Parmesan cheese, chicken, and then just roll it up.

5.) That's it...you're done.
(We usually pair with some type of rice...tonight I had a package of the chicken flavored rice.)

Val's Spicy Baked Potato

2009-10-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

Val's Yummy Spicy baked potato.
It's a microwaved baked potato. Once the microwave beeps, pull the potato out and open it all up, throw on some shredded cheese and jalapenos and put back in the microwave until cheese is melted. Pull the now cheesy potato out the microwave and add some bacon bits, ranch dressing, couple of dashes of Tabasco sauce and lots of salt and pepper.

Viola you have a Val spicy baked potato.

(If you want to make it with a little bit of healthfulness, add some broccoli.)

Our Recipe Blog

2009-10-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

This is a collection of my recipes, meal planning and how I feed our family of four (soon to be five) with one man, two boys (soon to be three), and me.

I try to cook healthful, but inexpensive meals. I’ll post my favorites here and then I’ll eventually turn it into a Blog Book full of our family recipes. I will one day give it to my boys so they can cook for themselves and eventually their wives and kids.

I have One semi-picky eater, Josh my husband. One very picky eater, Justin my oldest boy (3), and then there is Jackson (1) and me...we will pretty much eat anything.