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2/28/12

Chili Lime Shrimp

HI MY NAME IS NIKKI AND I AM ADDICTED TO CHILI'S SHRIMP :)

I can't get enough of it! So I found this recipe and while it isnt exactly the same it definetely satisfies my cravings!!!




(food.com)
2 tablespoons butter

1 clove garlic , pressed

24 fresh large shrimp , peeled (about 1 pound)

1 lime

Seasoning:

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

1/8 teaspoon onion powder

Directions:

Make the seasoning blend by combining all the spices in a small bowl.

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add butter to the pan.

When the butter is melted, stir in the pressed garlic.

Immediately, add the shrimp to the pan.


Sprinkle the entire seasoning blend over the shrimp, and give it all a good stir.

Saute the shrimp for 5 to 8 minutes or until they begin to brown.

Cut the lime in half and squeeze each half into the pan over the shrimp.

Be sure to cook both sides of all the shrimp.

This can be down and served in tacos with some cabbage or just eat plain! YUMMY!!!

2/24/12

Chocolate banana white chocolate chip muffin

For the love of cooking.com



There isnt many foods that are better after they are bad. Sometimes I kick myself for letting things go bad! HOWEVER bananas sometimes are better when they are black :) well for baking they are anyways. I didnt know if I would like this recipe because I am not a huge fan of white chocolate but I really like this one especially when I am having a chocolate craving and dont have any chocolate. This is a pretty simple recipe so I can throw it together anytime night or day.

1/2 cup of butter, softened
3/4 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
3 very ripe bananas, mashed up
2 cups of flour
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup of white chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees then coat a muffin pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, bananas, and vanilla then continue beating until well combined.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt together, mix well. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and stir until just combined. Add the 3/4 cup of white chocolate chips then gently mix them into the batter.

Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin tin. Add the last 1/4 cup of the remaining white chocolate chips equally to each muffin, pushing them in gently.

Place into the oven and bake 22-25 minutes or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the muffins cool on a rack. Slather with butter, if desired, and enjoy!

2/21/12

Tortellini Soup

A soup that is low in calories and yet filling HECK YA!!!
(Allrecipe.com)

1 pound Italian sausage
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups beef broth
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup dry red wine (opt)
8 ounces fresh tortellini pasta 1 cup sliced carrots
2 cups stewed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
8 ounces tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups sliced zucchini
2 green bell peppers, seeded and cubed
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Remove casings from sausage. Brown sausage and cook until crumbly. Remove meat from pot. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings. 2. Cook onion and garlic in the drippings until tender. Add broth, water, wine, carrots, tomatoes, basil, oregano, tomato sauce, and the cooked sausage. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered 30 minutes. 3. Add zucchini, green peppers, parsley, and tortellini. Simmer another 25 minutes, covered, for fresh tortellini, or 45 minutes, covered, for frozen tortellini. Serve with fresh parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top.

240 calories

2/16/12

Cinnamon Swirl Bread French Toast

I have told you how obsessed my family is with cinnamon bread soooo why not make french toast out of it right???

When we make french toast we dont ever make regular french toast we make flavored french toast using coffee creamers its pretty much just flavored cream.




So you need to make the cinnamon bread recipe the day before or buy one depending what you feel like doing then slice it as thick as you want for french toast.

4 eggs
1 cup milk or flavored creamer (we used a caramel one)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
* now if you just use regular milk you need to add a few more things:
4 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbsp. sugar

mix all together, dip bread in the mixture and cook on a skillet. Easy huh!!! It is also sooo good with peanut butter on it ;) a little extra protein.

2/14/12

Oatmeal Smoothie (Martha Stewart)

I have been up most of the night and early mornings with a new baby so i have needed a quick breakfast. I have grown to despise cereal in a real hurry so when i found this recipe i was excited. I happened to have everything on hand except the coconut water so i substituted it for the cup of fruit juice instead. This was a real quick fix and my family and i enjoyed it very much! Bonus, it's 100% guilt free!
  • YieldServes 2-4
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup ice
  • 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
  • 1/2 cup plain low fat yogurt
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 cup coconut water (or other liquid, such as juice)

Directions

  1. Place ice and raspberries in the bottom of blender, and all other ingredients on top. Whirl until completely smooth. Serve.

2/10/12

Frosted Banana Bars from melskitchencafe.com

I have never had these before but I am so glad I found this recipe! It is soo yummy and I love using black bananas so I dont feel like they are going to waste.


½ cup butter, softened
1 ½ cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (I used three ripe bananas)

Frosting (use store-bought cream cheese frosting or make your own from the version below)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10 x 15 inch jellyroll pan or one 9X13 pan and an additional 8X8 pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; stir into the batter. Finally, mix in the mashed banana. Spread evenly into the prepared pan(s). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting.

Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup white sugar (you can use either granulated sugar or confectioners’ sugar – the confectioners’ sugar tends to dissolve better and not be as grainy but either one works fine)
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Set aside. In another medium bowl, beat whipped cream until stiff peaks form (it helps to use a chilled bowl and chilled beaters). Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Frost to your heart’s delight!


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2/8/12

Lasagna Soup (a farmgirl's dabbles)

I am a sucker for soups! I can sit down to a homemade bowl of soup no matter the season. When i came across this one i didn't know how much i would actually like it because it has sausage and that's not something i particularly care for, but we loved it! Although hamburger would work fine we needed something different. It is so good and the cheesy yum adds just the right touch of cream. I would rather have this than a side of lasagna now any day! I served it with a side of crusty garlic bread made by La Brea, it's located in the deli area. Ladies (Gents) if you haven't tried this bread and you like garlic, you won't be disappointed! It's the perfect side dish for this fantastic soup.

Lasagna Soup (print recipe)

for the soup: 2 tsp. olive oil 1-1/2 lbs. Italian sausage 3 c. chopped onions 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 2 T. tomato paste 1 28-oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes 2 bay leaves 6 c. chicken stock 8 oz. mafalda or fusilli pasta 1/2 c. finely chopped fresh basil leaves salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

for the cheesy yum: 8 oz. ricotta 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 tsp. salt pinch of freshly ground pepper

2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking up into bite sized pieces, and brown for about 5 minutes. Add onions and cook until softened, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir well to incorporate. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the tomato paste turns a rusty brown color.

Add diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add uncooked pasta and cook until al dente. Do not over cook or let soup simmer for a long period of time at this point, as the pasta will get mushy and absorb all the soup broth. You may even want to consider cooking the noodles separately, and then adding some to individual bowls before ladling the soup over them. This would be an especially smart move if you are anticipating any leftovers. Right before serving, stir in the basil and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheesy yum. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

To serve, place a dollop of the cheesy yum in each soup bowl, sprinkle some of the mozzarella on top and ladle the hot soup over the cheese.

Servings: 8

2/3/12

Antipasto Kabobs (The Hungry Housewife)

I put mozzarella pearls on which i found at wal-mart that i marinated with the tortellini's but you could also use string cheese and just cut it into slices

ANTIPASTO KABOBS

1 9 oz package of Three Cheese Tortellini, cooked to package directions

1 can Medium or Large pitted Black Olives

1 5.75 oz jar Green Olives

2 12 oz containers of marinated mozzarella balls(usually found near the speciality cheeses)

30 slices of Salami, cut in half

60 pieces of pepperoni

1 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

60 Skewers

Place the cooked tortellini in a bowl or large gallon freeze bag. Pour the salad dressing over the top and marinade in the fridge for a few hours. Drain the pasta. Place one of each item onto the skewer using the pointy side. Can be made a few hours in advance. Just cover tightly and place in the refrigerator.

Lemon Chex Buddies (chex.com)

Here is a football snack the kiddos can enjoy eating as much as they might enjoy helping mom or dad in the kitchen making it. It's quick and easy! The girls scouts use to make a cookie that was my absolute favorite, The Lemon Cooler, the year they discontinued them my palate wept. I needed a replacement and thus the Lemon Chex Buddies.
Ingredients
9cups Rice Chex® cereal
1 1/4cups white vanilla baking chips
1/4cup butter or margarine
4teaspoons grated lemon peel
2tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2cups powdered sugar
Preparation Directions
1.Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2.In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chips, butter, lemon peel and juice uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3.Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; gently shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in airtight container.

2/2/12

Non-alcoholic Lava Flow

Need something at the Superbowl party besides your usual soda? This drink is yummy goodness for the whole team! Add a little flare to your straws with the Giants or Patriots helmet, or go simple with a fresh pineapple wedge.
Ingredients:
1 C half and half
2 TBS coconut cream (Coco Lopez)
3/4 C pineapple juice
2 C Ice
1 C blended frozen strawberries
Directions:
1.)Blend strawberries and pour it evenly in the bottom of four clear glasses.
2.)In a blender put ice, half and half, coconut cream, and pineapple juice and blend until smooth.
3.) Quickly pour white blended mixture into the middle of glasses, the strawberries should come up the side of the cup and create the lava look.

2/1/12

Rolo Pretzel Turtles "Hostess with the Mostess"

Who doesn't love a turtle? These easy bite size snacks are a quick fix for your Superbowl get together. Us woman want to enjoy the game to! Do you have the willpower to eat just one?
Rolo chocolate candies
Mini pretzels
Nuts - toasted pecans/almonds/hazelnuts/walnuts
Preheat your oven to 350
Unwrap your Rolos. Place pretzels on baking sheet. Top with a Rolo.

Bake in oven for 3-5 minutes, until the chocolate just begins to melt. The Rolo should be soft but not completely melted.

Remove from oven, place on cooling rack and immediately squish the chocolate with a nut. Watch the caramel ooze out. YUM!

Hawaiian Sweet Roll Sammies

SUPERBOWL GOODIES!!!

I altered these mini sandwiches to our liking so if you want the original recipe you will need to go to Beyer Beware blog. After trying it both ways my family and i decided we like this best so i hope you will to
Ingredients: 1 pkg of 12 Hawaiian Sweet Rolls 1 onion, minced 1 stick of butter 3 TBS plus 2 tsp teriyaki Sauce 3 tsp toasted sesame seeds 1 lb shaved ham 8 slices hard salami cut into pieces 8 slices pepper jack cheese Directions: 1.) Melt butter in small skillet and add onions. After onions are softened add teriyaki sauce and toasted sesame seeds. Simmer for several minutes 2.) Slice rolls as a group length wise and place bottoms in an aluminum foil lined 13"x9" pan 3.) Spread 3/4 of onion mixture on rolls bottoms, followed by the ham, salami, and cheese slices. 4.) Top with the roll tops. Spread the remaining onion mixture over the top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake covered for 20 minutes @ 350* than switch to broil and let tops caramelize until golden. Original recipe says you can cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. I have not done this yet. As you can see in the pictures i only prepared 9 for my family and i used Swiss on about 3 of them for the kids. I Did not cut the salami but would recommend doing so because it makes cutting the sandwiches apart much simpler.