Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #148

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Mexican Chorizo, Rice and Bean Skillet

This dish is full of flavor and just the right amount of spice for our family.  If you are an adventurous one you can add cayenne, chilies in adobo sauce and/or sprinkle jalapenos on top to kick it up.  This skillet meal can be made in less than 30 mins so it is on the table quickly and it only uses one pan so there is a smaller mess to clean when the meal is done.   I had plenty for the family to eat and some for leftovers for lunches so I packed them up and tossed them in the freezer.

Mexican Chorizo, Rice and Bean Skillet                                      Printable Recipe

7 ounce tube Mexican Chorizo

14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

3/4 cup uncooked instant brown rice

1 cup water (more or less as needed*)

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 cups sweet corn

15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup Mexi blend cheese, Chihuahua or even mozzarella would work

Small handful of chopped cilantro

Sour cream

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #147

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Caramelizing Onions and Peppers (without a ton of oil or sugar)

I love caramelizing onions and peppers. It brings out a flavor that just doesn't compare to their regular sauteed versions. They are fantastic on pizzas and of course our favorite, chicken fajitas. As you will see, with a few tips and tricks, you'll have nice soft caramelized veggies in no time and without a ton of oil or added sugar.

Caramelizing Onions and Peppers (without a ton of oil or sugar)   Printable Recipe

1 large onion

1 red pepper (or yellow or orange)

1 green pepper

oil

salt

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #146

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50+ Fiesta of Flavors for Cinco de Mayo!

Mexican cuisine is definitely one of my most-like cuisines and Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to whip up some tasty recipes.  Check out a few of my favs and then scroll on down to find even more recipes from myself and my blogging friends!

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #145

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Crock Pot Ham and Beans

Every time I make a Glazed Ham on the Grill there is a hunk of it I just can't get sliced nice off the bone.  I put it in a zip shut bag. I have a plan for it's use but won't want a ton of ham for a while so in the freezer it goes.

This "recipe" is simple.  So simple there is only one step by step photo and only two ingredients if you don't count the water!  You can certainly cook this on the stove.  That is how I grew up eating it at home.  Throwing it all in the crock pot is even simpler than that!

Crock Pot Ham and Beans

Leftover ham chunk
1 pound bag dried Great Northern beans
6 cups water

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #144

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Herb-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

One pan and one bowl, that is all this recipe needs so clean up is minimal.  It is also quick.  You can have this meal on the table in just a little over 30 minutes.  Using chicken thighs means your meat will stay tender.  You can change your chicken pieces or use bone-in but you may need to up your baking time so make sure you cook your chicken through.

Variations can also be made by using different seasonings that suit your taste.  This is a very versatile dish and you can make it your own!

Herb-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables                                              Printable Recipe

3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 medium onion, chunked
1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (I used Just Bare)
1 pound Roma tomatoes

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #143

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Grilled Chicken Tenders with Cherry Citrus Glaze

Change up that plain ol' chicken dinner with this sweet fruit glaze.  A little goes a long way so be sure not to drown your chicken.  This main dish is ready in less than 30 minutes so you can have your meal in no time!

Grilled Chicken Tenders with Cherry Citrus Glaze                     Printable Page

1/4 cup cherry all fruit spread (I used Polaner)
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1-1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
2-3 teaspoons bourbon
olive oil
1 pound chicken tenders
salt and pepper (if desired)

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #142

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Brownie Waffles

Who loves waffles?  Raise your hand.  You can't see me but I've got both raised!! I love waffles. They are moist on the inside with a little crunch on the outside.  I like a traditional style waffle like my Buttermilk Waffles slathered with some peanut butter and drizzled with syrup or sprinkled with chocolate chips.  In the fall we break out the pumpkin and spices and have some Pumpkin Buttermilk Waffles with walnuts or hickory nuts and syrup.

 Recently I decided to give chocolate waffles a try. These brownie waffles are a little slice of heaven!  I tried some plain, some sprinkled with powdered sugar (just like my mom used to make our brownies) and with a peanut butter syrup drizzle.  They were all good and I couldn't really pick a favorite.  You could even serve these as a dessert with a slice of ice cream on top and some chocolate syrup drizzle on.

Brownie Waffles (makes 6 round flip style waffles)                        Printable Recipe

1/2 cup butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup all purpose flour (or 1-1/3 cup Jovial Einkorn flour)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/3 cup semi sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate or Andes Mints baking chips if you prefer)
Toppings ideas: powdered sugar, fruit, peanut butter, chocolate syrup, maple syrup.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #141

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Lime Cottage Cheese Salad

That's the more technical name I suppose but our family always called it "Cottage cheese Jell-O" and everyone knew what it was.  My great grandma Pearl made this recipe and most times when it was made it was for a holiday meal.  I still enjoy this dish when my mom makes it for Easter or Thanksgiving.

There are many other lime cottage cheese salad recipes floating around that have pineapple, whipped topping, and/or mayonnaise as added ingredients.  In fact I came upon a wild spin off of it on a vintage ad site.  It called for vinegar and grated onion as added ingredients and was set into a round mold.  After the gelatin set, the center was filled with seafood salad. Thanks great grandma for not making it that way!  If you'd like to see the ad with the recipe, scroll on down to the bottom!

Lime Cottage Cheese Salad

3/4 cup boiling water
3 ounce packet of Jell-O gelatin
1 cup ice cubes
24 ounce container of cottage cheese, 2% or whole

Dissolve gelatin with boiling water.

Add one cup of ice cubes and stir just until cool.

There will be some big chunks of ice left.  Fish those out and toss them.

Stir in one container of cottage cheese.

Dump into 9 x 9" baking dish.  Put in fridge to set up.

Lime cheese salad, 1954. Photo by: Via nesbitsvintage.com

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #140

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Simple Carrot Soup

I've never been successful at growing carrots so I always purchase them.  We bought a huge bag of organic carrots a while ago.  Some of them we use in our smoothies, some in our dishes and then my husband asked me for a soup made with the carrots. This soup is creamy and easy to make.  The ingredients are easy to find. 

It makes a great side dish, adding a grilled cheese sandwich to round it out or serve it with some grilled chicken. 

A fancy blender will give you a smoother soup but you can still fine with an immersion blender, food processor or regular style blender.  Check out my tips at the bottom for your type of appliance.

Simple Carrot Soup                                                                                   Printable Recipe

olive oil

1 small onion, grated

4 large carrots, grated

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup water

2 Tablespoons orange juice

4 dashes cayenne pepper (more or less to your taste)

2 Tablespoons honey (more or less to your taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

"Brielle and Me" BOOK GIVEAWAY

It's 
National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
and today is
National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day

Some of you have met my family through my Facebook page or perhaps you read my About Me page. My beautiful daughter has cerebral palsy due to a battle with meningitis when when she was just 4-1/2 months old.  She is 18 years old now. Yes, always smiling and always happy!

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #139

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