Chunky Chicken Salad

This is a recipe that I "created" a few years ago.  My husband and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this chicken salad!  It is seriously yummy!!!  (And everyone I've made it for has gobbled it up!)  But its not a "sandwich chicken salad."  Its way to yummy and chunky for that!  This recipe is best served with your favorite cracker!  :)

No Fail, Easy Pork Chops

I am constantly on the lookout for yummy easy make ahead meals.  I made this 1 up and you can alter to suit your tastes but here is my version.  Remember, I feed 6 pigs people so adjust accordingly.

2.5 pounds bone-in pork chops
garlic powder
salt
pepper
brown sugar
broth

Wash the pork chops(I don't know why but I saw it on the food channel so I do it).  Place them in a baking pan(needs to be deep).  Rub them with garlic powder, S&P, and brown sugar on both sides.  Pour broth over chops in pan to make about 1/4 inch in the bottom.  Cover tightly and bake on 300 for about 3 hours.  They will be so tender that you will have a hard time getting them out of the pan in 1 piece.  I serve them over rice or potatoes.  Easy and yummy!

Terrific Tortellini Bake

A few months ago, I bought a package of  Buitoni refrigerated Herb Chicken Tortellini while I was shopping at Publix.  It was just calling my name.  (And I think it may have been on sale, which probably had a lot to do with it.)  ;)  I threw it in the freezer and then began to debate what to do with it.  I looked at all sorts of recipes, but couldn't find one that suited my family's tastes.  So, I decided to just wing it! 

Again, as I've mentioned MANY TIMES before, there are 2 things I love:(1) a recipe that's easily adaptable, like my Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad, and (2) a recipe that can be prepped ahead of time (during my little one's naptime) and then just be tossed in the oven.  This recipe fits both of those categories PERFECTLY!!!  In the morning, I baked the chicken breast & let it cool.  Then, while my little one slept, I boiled the pasta, shredded the chicken, mixed it all together, and poured it in my baking dish.  Then I just covered it in foil and put it in the fridge. About half an hour before it was time to bake it, I took it out of the fridge (to take some of the chill off). Voila! This is PERFECT because I'm often exhausted by the end of the day - having a toddler will do that to you - so just being able to throw something in the oven is HEAVENLY!

As far as being adaptable, this recipe is TOTALLY adaptable!  I used an Herb Chicken Tortellini, but you could use cheese tortellini, or even your favorite refrigerated ravioli!  You could also use ground beef in this recipe instead of shredded chicken - or even Italian sausage!  Use whatever type of pasta sauce you like too!  (I used a chunky mushroom pasta sauce because, well, we love mushrooms!)  You could even use a cream-based sauce (like an alfredo sauce) if you like.  Throw in some veggies too! - Maybe some green peas!  Make this dish your own!  :)

Chicken Tamale Pie

As I've mentioned SO many times before, I love a meal that I can prep ahead!  My little one takes a nap in the early afternoon, so I love to be able to do meal prep while she's asleep.  It makes my life easier.  Plus, it gives me more time to play with my angel!  :)  Another thing I LOVE is cornbread!!!  My pantry is ALWAYS stocked with Jiffy!  :)  Seriously, I don't know what the deal is with me and cornbread, but its deep and its real!  I previously posted a recipe for Chicken Cornbread Dressing - which is one of my FAVORITES!  So when I found this recipe for Chicken Tamale Pie, I KNEW I had to try it!  It was something I could prep ahead (bake the chicken and make the cornbread during naptime) and its made with cornbread!  Holla! 

I changed the original recipe - quite a bit - to fit my family's taste.  And boy was it tasty!!!  :)  Just to explain HOW GOOD this was, let me tell you about my hubby.  He's a thinker.  He likes to really think about it before he gives me his opinion on a new recipe.  That drives me crazy!  I'm extremely impatient, so I hand him a plate and a fork, and as soon as he takes the first bite, I say, "What do you think???????"  He always says, "I don't know.  Let me finish my plate first and I'll tell you."  (I'm not making fun of him.  In fact, I love that he's that way.  I really know if he likes what I make because he takes time to make up his mind.)  But, anyway, back to this recipe...  Tonight, he took ONE bite and said, "This is good!"  That is SO UNUSUAL for him!  I knew I had a winner!!!  And my little one - who has been going through that "picky toddler stage" - just DEVOURED this!  I love it when a new recipe goes over this well!!!  :)

"Egg-cellent" Egg Salad



My hubby LOVES egg salad - which is a good thing, because we have it several times a month!  Egg salad and chicken salad are staples in this house - especially on evenings when a quick meal is in order.  But I'm always looking for a way to make even the most basic of recipes "zazzy." - You know what I mean - just a little bit of pizzaz!  Well, this egg salad is "zazzy!"  ;)

I originally came up with the idea to try and "zazz" up my egg salad after reading this recipe.  It seemed so yummy - and on toasted bread!  OH MY!  The problem was, that my hubby is more of a purist.  The idea of diced celery adding "crunch" to his egg salad wasn't appealing.  I guess, in his mind, egg salad shouldn't "crunch."  I can understand that.  So, I changed the recipe up a little bit to fit our tastes.  It was a HUGE hit!!!

Now, this recipe makes quite a lot, but we are having it for dinner tonight AND lunch for the rest of the week.  You could easily have the recipe if you like.

Oh, and the toasted bread is a MUST!  Just trust me.  Try it.  You won't regret it.  ;)


"Egg-cellent" Egg Salad

9 hard-cooked eggs
mayonnaise - to taste (I use 3 or 4 large tablespoonfuls)
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp pepper


1.) Dice eggs.  (This is very important.  Don't "mash" them.  Trust me on this.  It makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE when it comes to good egg salad!) 
2.) Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate.
3.)  Serve on toasted bread.  YUM!  :)

My Momma's Chicken Pot Pie

2 Frozen Deep dish pie shells
2 Frozen Regular pie shells
1 Rotisserie chicken or 2 lg. cooked chicken breasts- chunked or shredded
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 Lg. can Veg-all mixed veggies-drained
1 can cream of potato soup
1 can each of green beans and corn- drained
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
LOTS of black pepper! :)

Cafe Rio Shredded Chicken

 

I found this recipe on Pinterest.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Pinterest!!!! Apparently, Cafe Rio is a restaurant out West.  I've never been there.  I've never had their chicken, so I can't say if this is even close to their recipe.  All I can say is YUM-MEE!!  I served this chicken on flour tortillas with "Coleslaw Bobby Flay Style".  That may sound weird, but WOW!  It was so delicious together!  The hubby doesn't like coleslaw, so he just topped his with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.  He also suggested that I make it again, but the next time I should make grilled onions and mushrooms to go on it.  I think that sounds wonderful too!!!  You really can't do this wrong!
If you'd like to see the website I got this recipe from, you can click HERE.

Now, on to the recipe...

Redneck Chicken Cordon Bleu

We went on vacation and I took some chicken and poultry seasoning but forgot everything else so this is what I made:

2 lbs Chicken breast cut into pieces
1/2 stick of butter
5 slices of bacon, chopped
Poultry seasoning
Mozzarella cheese shredded

Chicken Teriyaki Casserole

First, I'd like to say that I still consider myself a new mom.  I know.  I know.  My baby is 19 months old.  But I think that, with your first child, your kinda always a "new mom."  Every new phase of development makes me feel like I'm starting all over again!  Its so much fun!  But its also a challenge.  My baby just recently went from 2 naps to 1.  She's also walking, running, climbing, and getting into everything. It can make for some interesting challenges when it comes to preparing a meal.

So, I've become the self-proclaimed Queen of Casseroles.  I LOVE a good casserole!!!!  Something that can be prepped during my daughter's naptime and then just be thrown in the oven at dinner time.  That's my favorite kind of meal!

Red Beans and Rice

This recipe comes from a lady in my church who is, in my opinion, chef extraordinaire!  I'm posting the recipe as she makes it, but I have to admit that I omitted the celery and bell pepper - as well as the white pepper.  But, it's only because I didn't have those ingredients on hand when I spontaneously decided to make it :-)  It's really easy to make, but it does take some time to cook.  So, it fits the bill for a weekend meal at our house.

1 lb. dried red beans, or dried kidney beans
1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped bell pepper
1/4 tsp marjoram
1/2 tsp salt, to taste
3 cloves minced garlic
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp each: red, white, and black pepper
1 lb. smoked sausage
1 ham bone  (I ended up using a "seasoning ham bone" I had stored in the freezer for cooking with collards)

BBQ Pork (Sanwiches or not :)) by Paula Deen

Now this says you can add your favorite sauce at the end.  But this was so yummy right out of the oven it didn't need the sauce!  But you can decide.

We ate this as a roast for dinner, then as pulled pork sandwiches for lunch the next day!  Yummy!

Ingredients

Dry rub:

• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon cayenne
• 4 pound shoulder pork roast
• 2 cup apple juice
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire
• 1/2 tablespoon liquid smoke
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 6 soft hamburger buns with seeds
• Bbq sauce
• Cole slaw

Easy Buffalo Chicken Strips

I have recently developed a love for mildly spicy things.  I came up with a recipe that my kids would eat and wouldn't be too unhealthy or expensive(wings can be costly).

1 pkg chicken breast strips
1/2 bottle Texas Pete Buffalo Sauce
Bread crumbs
Chip(crushed) plain
Cooking spray
Ranch dressing mix in envelope.

Southwest Chicken

Well, its been a little while since I posted a recipe.  Sorry.  We've been out of town twice, and between those visits sickness has been running rampant in our house.  But I'm back!  Unfortunately, we are all sick - again.  UGH!  Thank goodness for super easy recipes!  And this just happens to be one of them!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe!  Seriously!  Its probably the easiest recipe I make, yet its SOOOO yummy!!!  And because of its antioxident properties and immune-boosting properties, its the PERFECT meal for my sick family.

Vietnamese Fried Rice

This is one of the first things I learned to cook.  It was a staple in our house.  My mama made it a lot because it was one of my dad's favorites.   I love how "customizable" it is!  Add whatever floats your boat!  My mama even changed up the meat in it.  Sometimes she used chicken, occasionally strips of steak, and even ground hamburger.  We weren't big seafood eaters in our house, but I bet if you love shrimp, that would be yummy too.  Today I added about 1/2 a cup of frozen peas, which is something I'd never done before.  You could also add carrots, scallions, water chestnuts, baby corn, etc.  Get creative people!  :)

Cheesy Chicken Ranch Lasagna

 I made this for the first time last night. I forgot that it takes a little longer to prepare lasagna, but it was well worth it. I'm not a big red sauce fan so this was perfect for me! My husband on the other hand I think would eat red sauce every meal if given the chance...so when we sat down he tasted it, liked it, and then went and grabbed some leftover tomato sauce to add to his. He said he would eat it again so that's always good with a new recipe!!

Cheesy Chicken Ranch Lasagna

2 (12 oz) cans evaporated milk
1 (1 oz) pkg. Ranch Mix (not the dip blend)
3 C. cubed, cooked, chicken
1/8 tsp pepper
1 (16oz) lasagna noodles, cooked
1 1/2 to 2 C cheddar cheese, grated (I used 1 cup per layer...made two layers total)
1 1/2 to 2 C mozzarella cheese, grated (again I used 1 cup per layer)

Italian Mac and Cheese

I made this last night for Italian night at church.  It was absolutely fantastic!   We are eating the leftovers today for lunch!  This is the ulitmate in comfort food!!! 

          Butter, for greasing dish

• 16 ounces wide egg noodles
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups (packed) grated Fontina
• 3/4 cup (packed) finely grated Parmesan
• 3/4 cup (packed) grated mozzarella
• 4 ounces cooked ham, diced, optional
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves (I used dried)

Chicken Tetrazzini

I was never much for Chicken Tetrazini but I think it's because it was a recipe I didn't grow up having.  My mom never cooked it for some reason or another, but it is such an easy meal to throw together and put in the oven that I quickly got the recipe from my Mother in law.  I know it is not my husbands favorite either but sometimes its the easy go to recipe.  Plus I can freeze half of it for another dinner because we only need an 8x8 of it at a time.

Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad

We just got back from out of town last night.  I realized this morning that I didn't have anything planned for lunch for me and the munchkin, so I decided to go with an old standby - and personal favorite - this pasta salad.  I call it "Kitchen Sink Pasta Salad" because its totally customizable and extremely "pantry friendly."  You can just see what's in your pantry or fridge and invent a new pasta salad!  Just throw in everything but the kitchen sink!  ;)

Crockpot Chicken Casserole

No doubt about it I love using my crockpot for sure!  This is a super easy and flexible recipe as well.  I thought I found it on pinterest but I couldn't seem to find the pin so I am guessing that I got it from Crockin Girls on Facebook.  This is super easy!

I didn't take this picture I found it online but had to put a picture with it!!

Ingredients:

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts (On a side note....I always salt, pepper, and garlic powder my meat!)

4 slices Swiss cheese (if you aren't a Swiss fan, put your fav cheese on there)

1 can cream of mushroom soup (or can substitute cream of chicken if you don't like mushrooms)

1/4 cup milk

2 cups stuffing mix (flavored stuffing makes it awesome)

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted 

Sarita's Carbonara

I had a limited amount of time and energy so this is what I came up with.

1 lb of pasta
2 boiled chicken breasts shredded or cubed(done earlier for another meal)
4 slices bacon chopped
1/4 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped
3 tbsp oil
1 pat butter
Parmesan cheese