Monday, December 26, 2016

Rustic Herb Roasted Green Beans - Simple Side

This was good.  I find I like the different ways of fixing green beans as that is one of our favorite vegetables.  Variety is the spice of life . . . 



Ingredients:


1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
2 Tbsp Olive oil 
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp Rustic Herb Seasoning

As you can tell from the photo, I used Tastefully Simple's Avocado Oil and Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.

Instructions:

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2.  Combine all ingredients on baking sheet; toss to coat.

3.  Bake 10-12 minutes or until desired doneness.

Makes 6 servings.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bon Bons - Holiday Cookie Workshop 2016

These were fun to make . . . I made two varieties as my husband does not care for peanut butter cookies.  I used dark chocolate covered almond candies for his and the Reese's peanut butter cups for mine.  Trick learned is to make the dough into a ball, then flatten it by pushing the candy into it.  I've baked his but not mine.

Ingredients:

Classy Chocolate Pound Cake Mix
1 stick of butter, softened
1 egg
24 mini peanut butter cups
1/2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:  Combine first 3 ingredients in a large mixing bowl until dough forms.  Wrap 1 tablespoon of dough around one mini peanut butter cup; form into ball.  Seal 6 cookies at a time in sealing wrap.  Place cookies in labeled 1 gallon freezer bag.

Baking Instructions:  Thaw frozen balls.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place cookies 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet.  Bake 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool completely.  Microwave chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl 30 seconds; stir.  Repeat 10-second heat and stir intervals, if needed, until chocolate chips are smooth and shiny (overheated chocolate will become dry and chunky).  Spread melted chocolate 
 chips on tops of cooled cookies.

Makes approx 2 doz.

Monday, December 19, 2016

Absolutely Almond Snowballs - Holiday Cookie Workshop 2016

The fun times of the holidays . . . the aroma of freshly baked cookies . . . the joy of receiving homemade goodies.  What fun it is to make them too!  Oh, they didn't last long and I forgot to take the before & during pictures.  I made this using a prior season Gluten-free product.  If you like any of our gluten-free products, make sure you stock up on those that are limited.
this was from 2014. 

For these you need:

Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix
1 stick butter, softened (1/2 c)
2 oz pkg chopped pecans
1 egg
powdered sugar (for use when baking)

Combine the first 4 ingredients in a large mixing bowl until dough forms.  Roll into 1-inch balls.  Seal 6 cookies at a time in sealing wrap.  Place cookies in labeled 1 gallon freezer bag.

Baking Instructions:  Thaw frozen balls.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place cookies 2 inches apart on greased baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.  While cookies are still warm, roll in powdered sugar until well coated.  Cool completely.

Makes approx. 2 dozen.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Smothered Onion Burgers - Fix it Fast Meal Solution #3 (Fall/Winter)

I am really enjoying this collection - great meals and this is another one.  burgers are never the same!  I love the variety that Tastefully Simple is providing.  Just imagine, you can change up your meats as well.  I used ground turkey instead of beef.  I did a mixture of half&half and almond milk.  and I used egg substitute.


Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 c plain panko bread crumbs
1 large egg, beaten
1 1/2 tbsp Onion Onion Seasoning
1 1/2 c half&half or whole milk
1 pkt Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Warm Dip Mix
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, cubed


Instructions:

1.  In medium bowl, combine fist 5 ingredients.  Salt and pepper as desired.  Form into 6 patties.

2.  Heat large skillet over medium heat.  Add patties to skillet.  Pan-fry until browned on both sides and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read food thermometer, about 10-12 minutes.  Remove from pan; keep warm.

3.  Add remaining ingredients to skillet; whisk together until cheese is melted and sauce begins to simmer.  Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.  Salt and pepper as desired.

4.  Serve burgers smothered with sauce.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with Rustic Herb Roasted Green Beans.

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Prepare through step 1.  Place patties between layers of wax paper in a gallon freezer bag.  Place bag and unopened Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Warm Dip Mix in a gallon freezer bag.  Seal well, label and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Continue with Step 2.




Sunday, December 11, 2016

Chicken Carbonara - Fix it Fast Meal Solution #2 (Fall Collection)

This dish reminded me of the Tuna Casserole dish I make.  However, instead of tuna this has chicken.  I can imagine using tuna or any other meat.  This was a big hit!  Oh, by the way I used Tastefully Simple's Avocado Oil in place of the olive oil.

Ingredients:

12 oz pkg farfalle (bowtie) pasta
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4 inch cubes, seasoned with salt and pepper
3 Tbsp Onion Onion Seasoning, divided
8 oz pkg cream cheese, cubed
1 1/4 c milk
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 c frozen peas, mixed vegetables or chopped broccoli
1/4 c grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions:

1.  Prepare pasta according to package directions to al dente.  Drain, rinse and set aside.

2.  Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add seasoned chicken and 2 tablespoons Onion Onion Seasoning.  Saute until chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

3.  Reduce heat to medium.  Stir in cream cheese, milk, pepper, remaining tablespoon Onion Onion Seasoning and frozen vegetables; simmer 4-5 minutes.


4.  Stir in pasta and Parmesan cheese; cook until heated through.  Salt and pepper as desired.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with fresh fruit.

Tip:  If reheating, add a little milk for creaminess.

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Prepare step 1; combine with 2 teaspoons oil and Parmesan cheese in a gallon freezer bag.  Combine step 2 ingredients in a quart freezer bag.  Combine step 3 ingredients except milk in a quart freezer bag.  Place all bags in a gallon freezer bag.  Seal well, label and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Continue with step 2.



Saturday, December 10, 2016

Pesto Pork Chops - Fix it Fast Meal Solution #1 (Fall Collection)

For a change of pace from chicken, this was delicious.  We don't eat pork very often but to make this was a treat.  And it didn't take long!  The Tastefully Simple products used are available year-round.  Of course, like all of our recipes, you can make  your own substitutions.  Chicken breasts with cream of chicken soup would be good.  Cubed steaks with cream of mushroom soup would be another option.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
6 boneless pork loin chops (about 1 1/2 lbs)
2-3 Tbsp olive oil (I used Avocado Oil).
1 (10 1/2 oz) can condensed cream of celery soup
1 1/2 - 1 3/4 c milk
1/4 c Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix
1 Tbsp Onion Onion Seasoning
1 (2.8 oz) container of French-fried onions.

Instructions:


1.  In shallow dish, combine first 4 ingredients.  Coat pork chops in flour mixture.

2.  In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add chops and cook 3-4 minutes per side or until lightly browned.  Remove chops.

3.  Reduce heat to low.  Add soup, milk, Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix and Onion Onion Seasoning; whisk to combine.

4.  Add chops; simmer 12-15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 150 degrees on an instant-read food thermometer, stirring occasionally.  Sprinkle with French-fried onions when serving.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with mashed potatoes and Bayou Bourbon Green Beans (recipe later).

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Prepare step 1; place chops between sheets of wax paper in a gallon freezer bag.  Combine step 3 ingredients in a quart freezer bag.  Place both bags in a gallon freezer bag.  Seal well, label and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Continue with step 2.



Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Bruschetta Chicken Sandwich - Family Faves Meal Solution #10



My husband loves chicken sandwiches.  this does take time as it requires at least 30 minutes of marinating (and the longer it marinates the better it tastes).  Oh, my, when done, the chicken was delicious!  We ate it both ways - as a sandwich and bare.  We used cheddar sliced cheese instead of mozzarella and gluten-free hamburger buns.





Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 6 pieces
2 Tbsp Roasted Garlic Infused Oil
2 Tbsp + 1 tsp Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, divided
2 tsp Garlic Garlic Seasoning, divided
1 tsp Spinach & Herb Seasoning
1/2 c mayonnaise
6 slices mozzarella cheese
6 ciabatta rolls, toasted
tomato slices, lettuce leaves, optional

Instructions:

1.  Pound chicken to 1/4-inch thick; salt and pepper as desired.  Place in a gallon freezer bag.  Add Roasted Garlic Infused Oil, 2 tablespoons Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, 1 teaspoon Garlic Garlic Seasoning and Spinach & Herb Seasoning.  Seal well; toss to coat.  Refrigerate 30 minutes or up to overnight.

2.  Prepare grill to medium heat.  In small bowl, combine mayonnaise, remaining 1 teaspoon Garlic Garlic Seasoning and remaining 1 teaspoon Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena; salt and pepper as desired.  Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

3.  Remove chicken from marinade; discard bag with marinade.  Place chicken on grill.  Grill, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees f on an instant-read food thermometer, about 10-12 minutes.  Top with cheese.

4.  Place chicken on toasted rolls with balsamic mayonnaise, tomato slices and lettuce, if desired.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with carrot and celery sticks.

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Prepare step 1.  Seal well, label and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Continue with step 2.


 

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Mango Curry Chicken Salad - Fix it Fast Meal Solution #10

We love eating salads for lunch and we like to have chicken as a protein.  This was fantastic.  I used a Baby Spring Mix instead of spinach leaves.  I left out the raisins, mainly because I didn't have any on hand.  I had taken this to a potluck and it was received well.


Ingredients:

1/4 c Mango Lime Sauce
1/4 c plain Greek Yogurt
2 tsp Onion Onion Seasoning
1 tsp curry powder
1 deli rotisserie chicken, skinned, deboned and torn up (3-4 c)
4 c roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves
1 large apple, chopped
1/2 c raisins, optional
1/3 c cashew halves & pieces

Instructions:

1.  In large bowl, combine Mango Lime Sauce, yogurt, Onion Onion Seasoning, and curry powder.

2.  Add remaining ingredients; toss to combine.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with crusty dinner rolls.

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Prepare through Step 1, adding chicken and raisins.  Transfer to a gallon resealable freezer bag.  Seal well, label and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Stir in spinach, apple and cashews.


Saturday, November 26, 2016

Creamy Shrimp & Crab Risotto - Dinner Mixer #2

If you love seafood, this is the dish for you.  I enjoyed it.  My husband isn't fond of shrimp, but he did eat it.  I still have the leftovers to do the remix recipe - I froze the leftovers.  


Ingredients:

3 1/2 c reduced sodium chicken broth, warmed
1 1/2 c Arborio rice
1 pkt (1 1/2 Tbsp) Garlic Garlic Seasoning
1 lb (51-60 count) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (8 oz) pkg flaked imitation crab, broken apart
1 c half & half
1 pkt Creamy Crab Cheese Ball Mix
1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  In a greased 13x9 inch baking dish, combine first 5 ingredients.

2.  Bake, covered, 50-60 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.  Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk together half & half and Creamy Crab Cheese Ball Mix.

3.  Remove risotto from oven.  Stir in creamy crab sauce and cheese; stir until creamy.  Salt and pepper as desired.

Makes 6 servings.

Serve with Green salad.  


Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days.

Friday, November 25, 2016

Balsamic Roasted Carrots - Side Dish

I love cooked carrots and this was a great dish.  If you like glazed carrots, this is perfect.  If you like roasted vegetables, this is perfect.  Omigoodness, it is full of deliciousness!



Ingredients:

1 lb baby carrots
2 Tbsp Roasted Garlic Infused Oil
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar Honey Mustard
1 Tbsp Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
1 Tbsp Garlic Garlic Seasoning

Instructions:

1.  Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Line large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2.  In medium bowl, toss all ingredients together; salt and pepper as desired.

3.  Transfer carrots to baking sheet.  Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown and tender.

Makes 6 servings.

Make Ahead:  Combine all ingredients in a gallon freezer bag.  Seal well.  Refrigerate up to overnight.  Continue with step 1.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Creamy Spinach & Herb Chicken - Family Faves Meal Solution #9


Another delicious meal from our Meals & More Collections.  I love the different ways of seasoning chicken and the different side dishes to serve with it.  Instead of spaghetti, I used a gluten-free spiral noodle pasta and I used chicken breasts instead of thighs (we don't care for dark meat).  You can make whatever substitutions you desire to meet your family's tastebuds.

Ingredients:

1 10 1/2 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 c reduced sodium chicken broth
2 Tbsp Spinach & Herb Seasoning
1 Tbsp Garlic Garlic Seasoning
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 8oz pkg cream cheese, softened and cubed
12 ozs spaghetti, cooked

Instructions:

In a greased 3-quart or larger slow-cooker, combine first 4 ingredients; salt and pepper as desired.

Salt and pepper chicken thighs as desired; place in slow cooker and cover with sauce.  Cook on low 4-5 hours.

Remove chicken; set aside.  Stir in cream cheese until smooth.  Stir in cooked pasta and cook until heated through.  Serve chicken over pasta.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with Balsamic Roasted Carrots (recipe later).

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Combine step 1 in a gallon freezer bag; add step 2.  Toss cooked spaghetti with 1 tablespoon oil and place in a quart freezer bag.  Place both bags in a gallon freezer bag.  Seal well, label and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Continue with step 1.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Creamy Pesto Pasta & Turkey - Dinner Mixers Remix #1

As the recipe card indicates, remix your leftover Pesto Turkey Burgers into this delicious recipe.  We enjoyed this dish but actually liked the burgers as they were.



Ingredients:

1 pkt (10g = approx 2 tsp) Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto mix
2 Tbsp water
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 c half & half
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
1 pkt (14g = approx 3 tsp) Onion Onion Seasoning
2 c cooked pasta (such as penne, rotini, bowtie)
2 leftover Pesto Turkey Burgers

Instructions:

In large microwave-safe bowl, combine first 3 ingredients.  Microwave on High 30 seconds.  Whisk in half & half, cheese and Onion Onion Seasoning.  Continue microwaving 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

Stir in pasta.  Microwave on High 30 seconds.  Remove; set aside.  Place burgers on a microwave-safe plate.  Microwave 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Serve burgers over pasta.

Makes 2 servings.

Work Lunch Suggestion:  Prepare through step 1.  Stir in pasta.  Divide between 2 microwave-safe storage containers.  Refrigerate up to 2 days.  Continue with step 2, microwaving pasta an additional 1-2 minutes.


Saturday, November 12, 2016

Italian Fries - Side Dish

These were fantastic!  It's not your same ole french fries.  Addictive!  Couldn't get enough!



Ingredients:

1 pkg (26 oz) frozen extra-crispy fast food fries
3 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp Rustic Herb Seasoning 
3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Prepare fries according to package directions, baking until very crisp.

Meanwhile, combine butter and Rustic Herb Seasoning in a microwave safe dish; microwave 30-60 seconds or until melted.

In large mixing bowl, toss hot fries with rustic herb butter and Parmesan cheese; salt and pepper to taste.

Makes 6 servings.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Pesto Turkey Burgers - Dinner Mixers #1

Something new from Tastefully Simple - the kit contains just enough spices for you to use for the recipes supplied.  In the ingredients, it will be listed as identified in the recipe.  However, I will give you an estimated amount if you want to make it using your "leftover" spices.  In this recipe, we didn't fix it as a sandwich but as a patty.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix
2 Tbsp water
2 1/2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 c mayonnaise
1 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey
1/2 c plain panko bread crumbs
1 large egg, beaten
6 slices mozzarella cheese
4 ciabatta rolls or hamburger buns, toasted
lettuce leaves, tomato slices, optional

Instructions:

In large microwave-safe bowl, combine first 2 ingredients with 1 1/2 tablespoons oil.  Microwave on high 30 seconds.  Let cool.  Stir in Parmesan cheese.  Place half the pesto in small bowl and mix with mayonnaise.  Salt and pepper as desired.  Set aside.

Add turkey, bread crumbs and egg to the remaining pesto in the large bowl.  Salt and pepper as desired.  Form into 6 patties.


In large skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium high heat.  Add patties.  Pan-fry, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read food thermometer, about 8-10 minutes.  Top with cheese slices.

Place on toasted rolls.  Top with pesto mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomatoes, if desired.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with Italian Fries (recipe later).



Sunday, October 30, 2016

Grilled Salmon

Okay . . . it was a short break from the meal solution kits.  But look what you can do with your extra seasonings!  We enjoy eating fresh salmon.  There are so many different ways of seasoning it before grilling or broiling.

I used the following Tastefully Simple seasonings:

Garlic Garlic Seasoning
Garlic Pepper Seasoning
Dried Tomato Garlic Pesto

I sprinkled them on the salmon fillets (about 1/2 Tbsp to 1 Tbsp each spice on each half).  Grill or broil the salmon fillets until done.



Saturday, October 29, 2016

Honey Mustard Chicken & Rice - Family Faves Meal Solution #8

I am so enjoying this collection.  Easy to make and very delicious recipes.  I left out the red pepper flakes and substituted chicken breasts instead of thighs.  I did cut the breasts up into "thigh" size pieces and I did not season them with salt & pepper.

Ingredients:


3 Tbsp Roasted Garlic Infused Oil
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, seasoned with salt & pepper
1 c reduced sodium chicken broth
3 Tbsp Brown Sugar Honey Mustard
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
1 Tbsp Garlic Garlic Seasoning
1/4 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
3 c cooked brown or white rice

Instructions:

1.  In large skillet, heat Roasted Garlic Infused Oil over medium heat.  Add seasoned chicken.  Cook, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read food thermometer, about 10-12 minutes.


2.  In small bowl, combine next 6 ingredients; salt and pepper as desired.  Pour over chicken.  Cook until sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

3.  Serve chicken and sauce over cooked rice.  Salt and pepper as desired.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with steamed or sauteed green beans.

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Place seasoned chicken in a quart freezer bag.  Combine step 2 ingredients in a quart freezer bag.  Place both bags in a gallon freezer bag.  Seal well, label and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Continue with step 1.


Friday, October 28, 2016

Beef, Cheese & Spinach Penne - Family Faves Meal Solution #7

This was a great change in pasta.  We usually have a tomato based sauce.  Not this time!  Because of our dietary needs, I made some changes - used ground turkey instead of beef, reduced sodium tomatoes, gluten free pasta, almond milk, and the lower amount of the Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix.  We also didn't add the extra salt & pepper.  You can also make changes to meet your family needs as well.  Here are the original ingredients:

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 Tbsp Garlic Garlic Seasoning
1 15oz can crushed tomatoes
1-2 Tbsp Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix
2 1/2 cups 2% milk, warmed
1 1/2 cups hot water
10 oz penne pasta
2 Tbsp Spinach & Herb Seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1.  In large skillet with cover over medium-high heat, cook and crumble ground beef and Garlic Garlic Seasoning until no longer pink; salt and pepper as desired.  Drain.

2. Stir in tomatoes and Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix.  Stir in milk, water, pasta and Spinach & Herb Seasoning.  Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 12-15 minutes or until desired doneness of pasta, stirring occasionally.  Salt and pepper as desired.

3.  Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted and smooth.  Serve immediately.  Sauce will continue to thicken upon standing.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with Green Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing.

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Combine first 2 ingredients in a quart freezer bag.  Combine next 2 ingredients in a quart freezer bag.  Place both bags in a gallon freezer bag.  Seal well, label and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Continue with step 1.



Saturday, October 22, 2016

Asian Chicken Salad - Fix it Fast Meal Solution #9

This was a perfect change for lunch.  I usually do just a plain green salad.  Only thing was, I didn't have the mandarin oranges on hand.  I love oriental salads.



Ingredients:


2 Tbsp butter
1 (3 oz) pkg ramen noodles, any flavor
1/2 c silvered blanched almonds
1/4 c Honey Teriyaki Sauce
2 Tbsp Mango Lime Sauce
1 Tbsp creamy peanut butter, melted
1 deli rotisserie chicken, skinned, deboned and torn up (3-4 c)
2 (11 oz) pkgs veggie lovers salad mix
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, well drained
1/2 c Vidalia Onion Dressing
1/2 c sliced green onions

Instructions:

1.  In medium skillet, heat butter over medium heat.  Crush and add ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet) and almonds to skillet; saute until browned.  Set aside.

2.  In medium bowl, combine Honey Teriyaki Sauce, Mango Lime Sauce and melted peanut butter; whisk together.  Add torn up chicken; toss to coat. 

3.  In large bowl, toss lettuce, oranges and Vidalia Onion Dressing together.  Divide among 6 dinner plates; top with chicken.  Sprinkle with ramen mixture and green onions.

Makes 6 servings.  Serve with crusty dinner rolls.

Make Ahead & Freeze:  Combine crushed ramen noodles and almonds in a quart size resealable freezer bag.  Prepare Step 2; transfer to a quart resealable freezer bag.  Place both bags in a gallon resealable freezer bag.  Seal well, label and freeze.  Thaw completely.  Prepare as directed above.