Some Favorites for Now.....

I am about to be knee deep in laundry and packing, cooking and cleaning, and attempting to not get in a huge fight with Levi as such stressors as holidays can induce.  

I don't do well under the holiday pressure but I'm trying to find a happy place.

I thought I'd leave you with some recipes that we have enjoyed lately.

Toasted & Breaded Ravioli    This was  hit with the girls.  They ate them like chicken nuggets dipping them in marinara sauce (Prego).  I used cheap powdered parm., Italian seasoning, and salt in the bread crumbs.  I followed the baking instructions exactly, though.  Levi and I thought they went well with the Spinach Basil Pesto...

Spinach Basil Pesto  The last time I reviewed this something went awry.  I am almost certain it was unripe green garlic that was the culprit.  This time I used the minced garlic in a jar and it was perfect.  The girls ate it up.

Now, pick yourself up off the floor. I know, we were shocked they ate it too.  More shocking events follow....

Black Beans w/ Cilantro (and Avocado)  This is a link I got from the crock pot lady.  I cut the recipe in half b/c I am now in the know that beans explode.  Ask me how I know?  So, I used one small bag of beans and we had beans for years.  If there is one or two of you perhaps you should cut it down even more.  I did soak them over night.  I don't ever soak my pinto beans but I have never cooked dry black beans and didn't want to chance a failed meal.  You must...must...must cook these for the complete time.  Beans are stubborn.  Be careful towards the end of cooking...watch the liquid and add more water if it gets low.  We ate ours over cornbread and topped with fresh cilantro and sliced avocado.  I loved them.  You can use the left overs in a fresh home-made tortilla from Central market with some provolone, cilantro, salsa, and avocado...yum.  Oh, and the girls loved them too.

Now, pick yourself up off the floor again...I told you more shocking events were to come.  It doesn't end here....

Catherine's Spicy Chicken Soup  This is one of the very first recipes I cooked from allrecipes.com.  You MUST change the servings from 8 to 4.  The 4 serving recipe is actually enough for 8-12.  Not kidding.  Ask me how many the 8 serving recipes will actually serve.  Glad you asked.  Um, like 50.  Ask me how I know.   This soup is my favorite right now.  It is a southwest style soup.  I use boneless skinless chicken thighs.  I was skeptical when it called for salsa and sour cream but it is delicious.  I top each bowl I eat with an additional glop of sour cream and stir it in.  I do not use crunched up tortilla chips b/c I can't do soggy things.  I also don't top with cheese b/c I don't like globs of melted cheese in my soup...makes me gag.  I know.  I'm no fun at all.  I do however use a whole can of corn even though the reduced serving portions calls for half.  Both the girls liked this soup with crackers.  And I add in the chicken broth until it is the consistency that we like, which is soupy.  If you like thick and chunky...lay off the broth a bit. The girls happily ate this with crackers but left the chunks of tomatoes and corn behind....little terds.

But hey, judging by their track record this is outstanding.  I am so happy they have enjoyed my cooking lately.

Apple Dumplings I have posted these on my blog twice before.  This recipe is just about perfect.  I have copied and pasted what I wrote in the past about it....

     If you attempt to make this I did change just two things. First of all, I doubled the crust and doubled the sauce....this really is a MUST. Then I used small apples but I cut them in half and wrapped them in dough instead of using them hole, still dumping sugar all over them before bringing the dough up around the top to seal. And don't EVEN worry about cutting the dough in perfect squares and pinching the corners together and all that jazz....just cut a hunk of rolled dough out and smash it around the apple until it's all covered. Mine look just as pretty to me. Oh, and one more thing...lay light on the nutmeg on the apples...I just sprinkled a pinch over the sugar before wrapping up the dough and it was plenty.


 I am about to make a triple batch of these babies tonight...let the thanksgiving baking commence!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone....hope you eat well, laugh lots, and try not to kill any family members!