Veggie Garden 2012

Standard

Hey!

I finally finished a scrapbook layout! Yay! It took me a long time to finally scrapbook again. After I scrapbooked this veggie garden page my husband said “This years garden is going to be even better”. He has worked really hard on the garden this year and I can’t wait to  start eating those fresh veggies!

The garden last year was awesome. This year I fear there will be more canning than last year! Last summer I canned and froze plenty of salsa…so much that we just finished the last jar! I use salsa on just about everything I eat so this year I think I am going to try and can even more. I should really start getting all my canning supplies in order so that they are ready and I am not scrambling at the last minute.

Have you ever tried canning? It’s a lot of work, but actually quite simple! And the best part is that you can seal that freshness and then have delicious things to eat all year round!

Have a great weekend!

Besos,

Flor

Supplies: Stampin’ Up!

Quick Pizza

Standard

Hola!

Happy Friday! It’s been a relatively slow week! Not too much excitement going on around here. The weather has been beautiful! I am looking forward to the weekend just so I can relax a bit! My son is home from school for the summer so all is good in my world!

Now that the warmer weather is here I know that a lot of people try to spend less time in the kitchen and more time outdoors. That means quick meals. Quick but good meals to be exact! This is a quick pizza that I am sure a lot of people already make but I just love it!

There is really no cooking involved!

Just buy some French or Italian bread, spread some pizza sauce on it, add your cheese, toppings and maybe some more cheese then pop it in the oven at 350 for about 10-15 minutes. Done!

I chose to add green pepper and some Italian sausage that I cooked up before putting it on my bread. It was quick and delicious.

Don’t pay attention to my ugly pans. There is obviously a lot I need to do while I am on vacation…like clean my pans really well!

Have a great day!

Besos,

Flor

Greek Chicken and Pita Casserole

Standard

Hola!

How has everyone’s week been so far? Did everyone have a great Mothers Day? I certainly hope so!

I spent Mothers Day with my family and we chomped on Italian Beefs and Tortas…YUM!  I received the best gift ever!! An iPhone 5! I was so excited! I just went to pick it up yesterday and I am beyond thrilled! I am definitely a lucky mama!

I will be on vacation in about 3 weeks and am super excited about that too! There are no big plans but it will be nice to just do whatever I want with my days.

I have an absolutely awesome recipe for you today. Do you like chicken? Do you like mediterranean flavors? If so then this is for you!

I could not get enough of this! The flavors were amazing!

Greek Chicken and Pita Casserole

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey
  • 3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (4 cups)
  • 1 10 3/4 - ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 medium red onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Greek seasoning
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 6 - inches pita bread rounds, cut into bite-size wedges
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 3 medium roma tomatoes, chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced

directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine chicken, zucchini, soup, onion, broth, 1 teaspoon of the Greek seasoning, and the garlic. Transfer mixture to an ungreased 3-quart rectangular baking dish.
  2. Coat pita wedges with cooking spray; sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon Greek seasoning. Sprinkle pita wedges, tomatoes, cheese, and olives on top of chicken mixture. Bake, uncovered, about 20 minutes or until heated through. Makes 4 servings.
I mean really…look at this…
Go ahead…make your day by making this delicious, easy recipe…you won’t regret it! Off to play with my new phone!
Besos,
Flor

 

 

Israeli Couscous with Mushrooms, Shallots and Asparagus

Standard

Hola!

On Wednesday my sister-in-law had her baby! I am so excited! My niece is absolutely beautiful! We went to go visit them in the hospital on Wednesday evening. I  can’t wait to go visit her again this weekend! My brother will probably have to kick me out of his house because I will want to be over all the time to hang out with the baby!

It has been a very busy week.I did make it to my Zumba classes this week so I am pretty proud of myself. I have been eating a lot less meat lately and have found myself more drawn to veggies  and other types of foods.

Like couscous,  Israeli couscous are small, round, pasta-like granules made from semolina and wheat flour. It’s so good and I really like the consistency and smoothness of it. The first time I have ever tried it has been in this recipe.

This was so good and of course I am going to assume it was healthy because of the veggies! I didn’t even share this with my husband. I made it on Monday  night after Zumba when he wasn’t home and I am glad because it was so good I was able to have it for several lunches!

Israeli Couscous with Mushrooms, Shallots, and Asparagus

  • 5 T. olive oil, divided
  • 3 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon zest
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced, divided
  • 1/2 tsp. honey
  • 1 c. Israeli couscous
  • 2 c. low sodium chicken broth
  • 3 medium to large shallots, halved and thinly sliced
  • 4 oz. button mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 2 c. slender asparagus pieces, cut to 1” lengths at a diagonal
  • 1 c. shelled fresh green peas or frozen, thawed
  • 2 T. finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 c. chopped fresh parsley
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 clove garlic, and honey in a small bowl. Set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add couscous and sauté until you see some of the couscous turning a golden brown. This should take about 5 minutes. Then add the chicken broth, increase heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until broth is absorbed and couscous is puffed and tender, about 10 minutes or so. Remove from heat.

While couscous is cooking, start cooking the vegetables. In a large skillet with tall sides, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add shallots, remaining clove of garlic, and mushrooms, and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then stir in the asparagus and sauté for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Add peas and cooked couscous to skillet and fold together. Drizzle prepared lemon dressing over the mixture and stir. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan and parsley over the mixture and fold again. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.

I didn’t sprinkle any parsley or Parmesan cheese on mine. It was so delicious! This will be a definite repeat  over the summer. It was delicious hot and cold.

What are your Mother’s Day plans? We are all getting together at my house then probably going to visit my brother and his new little family! Of course there will be food involved!

Mother’s Day is celebrated in Mexico on the 10th of May, no matter what day of the week it falls on. Felíz Día de las Madres to all the mamacitas out there and here!

Enjoy your Friday!

Besos,

Flor

Recipe source http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/

 

 

Perfect Chocolate Brownies, Leftover Carnitas and Teacher Appreciation

Standard

 

Hola!

Remember last week when I shared the Crockpot Mexican Carnitas? Have you made them yet? If you have and you have left overs how about making a Chipotle like bowl? All you have to do is layer your ingredients. I used brown rice, black beans, carnitas (all heated up of course!), shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, salsa, a bit of cheese and a little sour cream. It was delicious!

I don’t make brownies that often but a few weeks ago I wanted to practice my icing flower skills so I figured I would use brownies to practice on and to share with my co-workers. Unfortunately, my friends and I ate the first batch I made when our area was flooded and we didn’t have school. I did make a second batch to take for my co-workers the following week. Anyway, they were by far the best brownies I have ever had!

These brownies were so fudgy and delicious! I think this will be the recipe I will always use. My flowers didn’t come out so bad either!

Perfect Chocolate Brownies

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch Process cocoa powder
11 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped (I used Ghiradelli)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch chunks
optional: 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
5 eggs, at room temperature*
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

*Before you start the recipe, place eggs in a shallow bowl filled with warm tap water to bring to room temperature.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and cocoa powder and gently whisk together.

Using a double boiler (place a glass mixing bowl on top of a pot of simmering water) melt chopped chocolate, butter, and instant coffee (if using).  Stir until melted and smooth.  You could also do this step in the microwave if you’re careful and heat it gently in 30-60 second intervals, stirring after each interval.

Remove glass bowl from the double boiler and add granulated and brown sugars.  Whisk until smooth.  As you whisk, the mixture should  cool off, eventually coming close to room temp.

Add 3 eggs to the chocolate mixture and whisk until combined.  Add the remaining 2 eggs and vanilla, and continue whisking until just until everything is incorporated.  Don’t overmix at this stage.

Sprinkle flour mixture into chocolate mixture and use a rubber spatula (don’t use electric beaters, and not even a whisk) to fold and stir flour mixture just until incorporated.  You can even stop stirring when you still see just a few visible bits of flour are showing.

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth out evenly.  Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking time.  Remove from oven when a toothpick comes out of center with a few crumbs still attached.  Cool completely (the hard part!) and then cut into squares and serve.

These brownies were pure perfection!

On another quick note…This week is Teacher Appreciation week. Yay for our teachers! Working in a school office I see all the time, dedication and caring that our teachers put into their profession. They are probably the person our children spend the most time with. They are truly valuable individuals worth celebrating! I sent my daughter to school with some wrapped chocolate bars (I hope she doesn’t eat them!) and some hand-made cards in decorated bags for some of the school faculty. I am truly appreciative of all they do.

If you do anything for your child’s teacher just say “Thank you”. Let them know that you value them!

Have a fantabulous day!

Besos,

Flor

Recipe source http://www.ourbestbites.com/

Autumn Penne Pasta with Sautéed Brussel Sprouts

Standard

Whew!

Made it through last week and the weekend…crazy and bumpy! The week was super busy. Saturday was very nice. Did some regular shopping with my girls and of course grocery shopping. Then in the evening we went to my cousins son’s First Communion. The kids looked so adorable in their white dresses and suits. Made my feel good to be in church celebrating with my family for such a great little boy! Sunday was crazy during the day as I tried to catch up on laundry and a few other things. Has anyone else been watching “Call the Midwife” or “Mr. Selfridge”? I love these two mini series. If you haven’t had a chance to watch them you should try them. They come on Sunday night on Channel 11 in our local area. I was at my parents but had to leave to make it home on time to watch these two mini series! I hope that doesn’t make me selfish!

Here we are with a new week! I was so exhausted this weekend that I thought maybe I was crazy for starting Zumba since I have to go every Monday but I can’t think like that! I am going to Zumba, I am going to Zumba, I am going to Zumba!

I didn’t have too much time to cook this past week. Last week we had chicken from Costco, quesadillas and cereal. Just quick and easy stuff! but I should be back on a kind of schedule now and should be able to cook again. I made this pasta a while back but just hadn’t posted it.


Autumn Penne Pasta with Sautéed Brussel Sprouts

Ingredients

  • 1 sweet or hot pork sausage link, casing removed, crumbled
  • 3/4 lb 93% lean ground turkey
  • 4 tsp olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced thin
  • 10 oz brussels sprouts, weight after outer leaves and stems removed
  • 1 small onion, diced small
  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced small
  • 1 celery stalk, diced small
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • pinch crushed red pepper
  • kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
  • 1 lb high fiber, low carb or whole wheat pasta (I used regular pasta)

Directions:

In a large, wide skillet, add sausage and turkey over medium-high heat, breaking up the sausage and turkey as it cooks into small pieces. When completely cooked through; set aside in a bowl.

With a sharp knife, cut the brussels sprouts into thin shreds.

To the skillet, add 2 tsp of oil over medium heat. When hot, add the garlic and cook until golden (be careful not to burn!). Add shredded brussels sprouts, salt and pepper and sauté until tender crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes; set aside in another bowl.

To the same skillet, add remaining 2 tsp of oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot and celery, stirring well to coat with oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables turn golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. 

Add crushed tomatoes, sausage and turkey, bay leaf, crushed red pepper, salt and fresh pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer about 30 – 40 minutes, or until sauce thickens.

Meanwhile, while sauce is simmering, put a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Add the pasta to the water 10 minutes before the sauce is done and cook pasta al dente.  

Drain and add the pasta to the skillet and toss with the sauce.

Add cooked brussel sprouts, toss and place in a large pasta bowl and enjoy!

I used regular pasta so that my kids would eat it. they don’t really like the wheat pasta or any other kind of healthy pasta.

Each 1 3/4 cup serving is 6 old points or 8 points plus for WW. Of course make sure you add the extra points if you use regular pasta. This was really good and made a lot of food! I love recipes that make a lot because that means left overs!

Have a great Monday!

Besos,

Flor

Recipe source http://www.skinnytaste.com/

 

 

 

Chocolate Mint Cookie Bars

Standard

Yes! The weekend is here! This has been the longest and busiest week I’ve had in a long time! I have had something to do every evening after work. Zumba kicked my but Monday. Tuesday there were errands to run. Wednesday I worked in the evening after a visit to a university with my daughter. Yesterday I had another Zumba class and today errands and house cleaning. Whew!

My feet are really hurting after Zumba when I wear my gym shoes  but I am going to continue to go until I really can’t take it anymore. I am hoping to get some orthotics for my gym shoes…maybe that will do the trick!

I should not be eating anything white. No white breads, no pasta, no white rice, etc…It is so hard! I have kind of failed at it. the only thing I have had success changing has been the white flour I usually use to bake with. I am substituting white wheat flour for regular white flour. It seems to work well for the desserts I have been making.

I used the white wheat flour in these Chocolate Mint Cookie Bars. Nobody in my house is a big fan of mint except for me.

You know what a big fan I am of clearance items. Unfortunately with all the chemicals and preservatives in foods they pretty much last forever! After Christmas  when all the sales were on I bought several different bags of candies and chocolates including Andes mints and what better thing to make with them than these delicious cookie bars?

Chocolate Mint Cookie Bars

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
5 Tbsp melted butter
2 Tbsp milk
1 cup Andes mint chips (I used chopped Andes mints)
1 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 350.  Spray a 9×13-inch pan with cookie spray.  Set aside.

Mix together all ingredients and spread in prepared pan.  Bake for 22-25 minutes, until lightly golden.  Allow to cool completely and cut into bars.

Is this not the easiest recipe you have ever seen? The taste of mint was so sublime! I just love it!

Besos,

Flor

Recipe source http://www.plainchicken.com/