Summer Pear Slad

Nom ~ Nom ~ Nom

So today I tried this bit of deliciousness! For the carb lover who wants a neat snack or appetizer, here it is. In the style of a blooming onion, this bread is sliced and filled with all kinds of delicious, not~so~low~fat goodness. Baked to perfection to add a little crunch. That is why I say Nom~Nom~Nom!

Bacon Filled Pancakes

Apparently I have bacon on my mind! I saw a picture of bacon filled pancakes and knew I had to make them for the family. They were a hit.

BLT Bowls

What could be more delicious for a bacon lover like me, than a bowl made of bacon ~ and the lettuce and tomato inside. Delightful!

~ Filet Mignon Salad ~

Salad Prepped ~





Steaks seasoned and ready for the grill ~





Cooked Filet Mignon ~ Mmmmm!



Homemade Poppyseed Dressing

Chicken Chili

My sweet friend told me about this recipe she had made for dinner, and that her family loved it. I needed something quick last night, so gave it a whirl. I believe she called it Chicken Chili. I had no measurements, so not sure if I did it as she does. It is a recipe that can be very versatile. My family LOVED it. Hope you enjoy it as well! And the best part ~ it's a really healthy meal too.





(I forgot to put the packet of chili seasoning in the picture.)





Ingredients:

2-3 rotisserie chickens
1 can or box of chicken broth
1 bag frozen corn
1-2 cans black beans
1 large jar salsa
1 package chili or taco seasoning


Cut the cooked chicken off of the bones. Mix all ingredients together. It's really as simple as that!!

I had a busy late afternoon, so put all the ingredients together in a crock pot at about 2:30 and set it for high. We ate at 6:00 and it was great. You could also mix it all in a soup pot and simmer till hot and flavors mix together nicely, which is how my friend did it.

I served it with tortilla chips and shredded taco cheese.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Made these a couple of nights ago, and everyone seemed to like them. They were very quick and easy! I pretty much added as I went, without specific measurements, but if anyone is interest, let me know and I will try to give somewhat of a recipe description!

Sausage, Peppers and Onions

This is a favorite of hubby and the boys. We have often eaten it as an appetizer, or in rolls. This time hubby requested it over pasta. It's a pretty easy recipe, that you can let simmer in the crock pot all day long. The longer, the better!

And We Have A Winner!

I wrote down the names of all the people who were involved in the syrup contest and had my kids pick one! Don't worry, if you didn't win this time, there will be more contests in the future . . . keep trying! And thanks for participating!







Congratulations! I will be in touch with you soon!

"Calzones"

The kids requested calzones last night for dinner. When I asked them what they would like in them, I realized they are not traditionalists when it comes to calzones. Maybe these are more like a stromboli in a way. Either way, they came out delicious and everyone was pleased.

Herb filled crust with chicken, barbeque sauce, peppers, onions and mozzarella.






Pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, onions and peppers fill these ones.

I will be giving away a glass "Maple" bottle of our homemade syrup! To win, you must be an official follower of one of my blogs. All you have to do then, is leave a comment, and a person will be randomly chosen on Saturday, February 26th, 2011.

Broccoli Soup

If you are looking for a hot soup on these cool winter nights, you must try this recipe. It is a delicious creamy soup ~ minus the cheese that most broccoli soups contain. (The most popular soup at my restaurant was actually Broccoli Cheddar).
I have been making this soup for many years, and it is a favorite in our house.

Wash and chop your veggies.




Boil your veggies together for 2-3 minutes.



Saute the onions in the butter.




Add your flour to the onion and butter to form a paste.



Lots of stirring and whisking . . . but well worth it!



The finished product . . . . not the best photo, but you get the idea:) One of my favorite all time soups.




Broccoli Soup

2 cups water
4 cups fresh broccoli
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2-1 cup finely chopped onion
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
6 tablespoons flour
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon onion salt
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon Thyme

In large soup pot, bring water to boil. Add broccoli, carrots and celery. Boil for 2-3 minutes. (I chop my broccoli very finely, so there are not large pieces in the soup). Drain. Set veggies aside. In the same kettle, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in flour to form a smooth paste. Gradually add the broth and milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and stir for one minute. Add veggies. Stir in parsley, onion salt, garlic powder, salt and thyme. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the veggies are tender and flavors combined. (careful to stir frequently so it doesn't stick to pot and burn)
Makes 6-8 servings.

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Saute the olive oil, onions, celery and carrots.


















Add in your finely chopped garlic (I used minced) and continue to cook


















A delicious hearty soup.

















Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1-3/4 cups onion, finely chopped
1-1/2 cups peeled and diced or chopped carrots
1-1/2 cups diced celery
sea salt
2 tablespoons finely chopped or minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary
6-1/4 cups low sodium chicken stock
2 cups great northern white beans or cannellini beans
Grated Parmesan cheese


In large pot, heat olive oil over medium medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of sea salt. Saute until golden. Add carrots, celery and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Saute three minutes, add garlic, thyme, sage, oregano and rosemary. Saute two minutes. Add 1/4 cup chicken stock. Allow liquid to evaporate. Add six cups more stock and beans (drained and rinsed). Simmer twenty minutes ~ add more stock if necessary. You may need a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt for taste.
Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serves six.

I think some chicken would make a nice addition to this soup as well.