Smokey Minestrone Tortellini Soup

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Getting together with friends tonight and I wanted to make something special.  Well, for one, it's my baby's birthday.  She's officially 3 today.  We did celebrate in Vegas a few weeks back, but I couldn't let her actual birthday go by without a little flare.  And of course, when asked what she wanted for dinner....Noodles.  
I didn't just want to make a pot of spaghetti (well, I just didn't have the time to do it the way I wanted)  So, I fished around my bookmarked recipes and found one for a smokey minestrone that included tortellini's.  I've already made a killer tortellini soup, so I decided to merge the two recipes together to create this one.  
I absolutely love a soup that is full of veggies, mainly because my girls will eat just about anything in a bowl with broth.  It's a fairly simple dish to make and you can save time by buying pre-chopped veggies.  I like to use my mandolin to slice...makes it go quickly! 
Looking forward to a night with my friends, my mom, and my girls.  The only major thing missing is my hubby.  (who, at this moment, is tucked away in bed...in Saudi)  :(  

Figgin' Out

Pin It Now! I'm so lucky to have this huge fig tree in my backyard...and this season again I'm finding myself overloaded with the wonderful fruit.  Until I moved to this house, I don't think I'd ever eaten fresh figs.  Last summer, I didn't do much with them.  This year, I'd really like to try some recipes.
  
I'm looking for your help.  Do you have a fave fig recipe?  I've had some tell me to make preserves, but I'm concerned it might be a bit difficult (and time consuming, of which I'm very short of lately)
So, lemme have 'em!  I want to know what you would do if you had an abundance of fab figs.  :)

Tuesday: Smokey Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pin It Now! So, I should start off by apologizing for being so spastic with the posts.  The world is spinning so fast, I'm having trouble hanging on.  My hubby moved to Saudi and I'm trying to get everything done on my end.  NOT fun.  Since we rent our home, almost everything has to be packed up for storage.  (minus the small amount we get to ship to Saudi)  
But, I'm very lucky.  My mom arrives today.  I'm so happy to have someone help me!!  And, of course, mom will be brutal about what should stay and what should go.  Another bonus is that I get to cook for her!  :)  For her first night, I'm going to treat her to this delicious soup.  I started off making it pretty much the way I found it on AllRecipes, but I've turned it into something of my own.  
I love this soup.  Love the flavors.  Love that I'm making it for my mom.  :)


Smokey Chicken Tortilla Soup

Wednesday: Spaghetti Squash Tacos

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Yep, you read that right.  :)  If you've been following my blog, you know that I'm a big fan of spaghetti squash.  It's just a great veggie that my girls will totally devour and not know they aren't eating pasta.  (well maybe they do, but they eat it anyway!)
I stumbled on this recipe by accident.  Wasn't really looking for squash recipes.  But, the reviews were great, so I figured, why not?  I'm tweaking it a bit to give it some more...oomph.  This is a simple, easy, budget friendly, healthy dish. (okay aside from the high salt in the seasoning, but you could always make your own)  All around good.  :)

Thursday: Baked Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Honey Slaw

Pin It Now! I just can't seem to get enough of the sauce that comes with this dish.  Yes, it's high in sugar, but I really don't care.  It's just that good.  I made this for some of my family while I was in Ohio and they raved about it.  My mom hasn't had the chance to try it yet so I figured I would cook some up for her.  (it didn't hurt that the thighs were on sale for $.99/lb)  Nice.
The slaw that I make with this is also really wonderful and nowhere near as sweet as you would think.  Last time I made it, we spiked it with some siracha for a killer kick.  I wanted to buy fresh pineapple to go with it again, but it was just too expensive.
Sticky, sweet, can't stop eating goodness....


Baked Teriyaki Chicken
Hawaiian Pineapple Honey Slaw

Friday: Roasted Cauliflower Pasta

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I was lazily sitting on the couch playing with my iPad (greatest invention on Earth as far as I'm concerned) and  using my Cooking Light app.  I found this recipe and it sounded really tasty.  One, my girls like cauliflower...two, my girls love pasta....three, I just love trying something new.  Check, check, check.  Recipe on the menu this week.
I wanted to make it a bit more substantial, so I'm going to brown up some sweet chicken Italian sausage to go with it.  Takes away from the vegetarian aspect, but hey, I already had one veggie only dish this week.  :)  Not to mention, roasted cauliflower is just downright delish.
After weeks of not really having a menu to go by, I'm happy to be up and cooking again this week.  Even better that mom will be here to cook with me.  Happy cooking!

What's Your Fave....

Pin It Now! recipe to cook with Noodles?  I've got to start cooking up all the pantry stuff I've got stocked.  I'd love if you'd share your fave noodle recipe (any cuisine)!  

Baked Mac & Cheese

Pin It Now! We recently celebrated my daughters 3rd birthday.  (it's not offical till the end of August, but we were with family)  When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday dinner, she didn't hesitate "mac & cheese!"  Okay, see, here's the funny thing...I hardly ever make mac & cheese.  It's really once in a blue moon type of thing.  She is on a TOTAL "noodle" kick right now.  She'll eat anything if there are noodles in it.  She wanted noodles for breakfast three days in a row.  (not that she got them)  
But, of course I would indulge her for her birthday.  I decided to make a nice homemade baked mac & cheese.  Got the recipe from Alton Brown on Food Network.  I wanted something that wasn't insanely unhealthy and coated in heavy cream.  His recipe fit the bill.  Since my birthday girl and her big sis were going to be the only kids there, I also made a separate dish of mac & cheese with bacon and mushrooms added in.  Wicked good.  
I had a happy kid and happy family.  It was a wonderful little party.  Best of all, my little one got her noodles.  :)

Slovak Perogi's (Grandma's Recipe)

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While I was in Ohio, my aunt said we could make a small batch of perogi's.  YAY!!!!!!  This is another traditional Christmas Eve dish that we've made for years and years in our family.  We make a few different variations.  There are the potato ones, cheese, and sometimes we do sauerkraut filled perogi's.  (though, those aren't as popular as the other two)  

My aunt and I decided to make cheese perogi's because neither one of us wanted to take the time to bake the potatoes and mash them up.  (though, the potato ones are my fave)

The key to this dish is the dough.  For years my family made it a certain way, and had a hell of a time getting the dough to turn out properly.  Then, a family friend suggested the addition of the sour cream.  (picture angels singing)  The dough was perfect!  

The next important part of this dish is the browned butter.  Make sure you don't burn the butter...if it gets too dark, just dump and start over.  :)  

Happy cooking!  (and enjoy my families fave recipes!)

melt in your mouth deliciousness... 

Slovak Christmas Mushroom Soup

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I know you are wondering why I am posting a recipe that is dedicated to Christmas.  Well, while I was visiting my family in Ohio I asked (ok, I begged) my aunt and grandma to make some of my all time fave recipes.  We only make this soup on Christmas Eve, but I argued, I'll be in Saudi by Christmas and I just HAD to learn how to make this!!!  Of course, my fabulous family agreed.  :)  It also helped that my aunt had a few extra cans of sauerkraut juice stoked away. 

See, that's the problem with this soup.  You need ALOT of sauerkraut juice...not just the stuff you strain off from the cans of kraut.  I'm talking cans of just the juice.  I've NEVER seen it in my grocery stores here on the west coast.  So, that makes this soup even more special because the only time I've really got to eat it was at grandma's house in Ohio.  (one year we did get to make it in Vegas when our family in Ohio shipped some juice to us)  Therefore, if you have trouble finding the juice, I won't be surprised.  But, if you do, oh man, are you in for a treat!  :)
Yes, this is a sauerkraut and mushroom soup.  And yes, it is TART!  But, of course, that's why we all love it so much.  If you have sensitive stomach, take some Tums or something in advance.  ;)  This is such a simple soup to make (if you can find all the ingredients)  It is also supposed to bring you good luck for the upcoming new year.  (I figured, we could use some luck for our upcoming move to Saudi...therefore, extra bonus for making the soup)  :)


This is a true family recipe and I've been allowed to share this with all of you.  (and we've had many requests for it over the years!)  Happy cooking!  

I'm on vacation!

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Okay my fellow cooks...I'm off on vacation.  We have already arrived in Vegas and hanging out with my step-dad.  Tomorrow we head to Ohio for a fantastic family reunion.

So, of course, I won't be posting a weekly menu this week...or the following week.  :(  But, we are going to be making some fun dishes at the reunion, so I'll be sure to post those recipes with photos.

Speaking of photos, very excited about the new lens I scored off craigslist.  Managed to get a 28-135mm for only $250.  (retails for $450!)  Not that I'll use that lens for my food photos (I use a 50mm) for that, BUT...it is going to be my all purpose lens for my many upcoming travels.

Also this week, I'm hoping to hear from my friend in Italy who is graciously going to check out the apartment I want to rent there.  If all is good, I'll get that booked and be able to check one more thing off my mega list.  (so much to do...so very very little time)  I still don't think it's sunk in all the way that I'm actually moving out of the country.  The hubby leaves for Saudi so soon!  Hopefully we'll be able to get the family visa after just a couple months..but who knows.

Okay, so, looks like I've caught you up on all the craziness that is my life.  If you need some ideas for recipes this week, feel free to email me or just type in a keyword and search my recipes.  :)  Don't forget, you can email me your fave recipes (with photo) and I'll happily post them on the blog!  Happy cooking!  :)

Fresh Summer Veggies - Sauteed

Pin It Now! The garden gods have blessed us this year.  Well, at least in the zucchini department.  My ONE zucchini plant is about 3 feet in diameter.  And the veggies just kept on comin'!  I already made zucchini bread and since I still have over half a dozen left, I had to do something else.  I surfed around and found a really nice base for a saute from Simply Recipes.  Then I added a bunch of other veggies along with the zucchini.  
Now, I'm going to list fresh veggies for just about everything, but to be honest I just used frozen veggies I had sitting around in the freezer.  Though, I am going to make this again with fresh (at least corn) because I think the taste will be amazing.
Quick, simple dish with tons of flavor.  For my girls, I served it over white sticky rice.  You could also toss in some chicken and take it from side dish to main dish!  Happy cooking!

Oma's Egg Rolls

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My mother-in-law is in town and the first thing my husband had to say was..."will you make me egg rolls??"  20 plus years ago she took an oriental cooking class and made the rolls for the family.  She received rave reviews.  Shortly after, my husband decided that he wanted those egg rolls every year on his birthday and it became a tradition.  (however, his two other brothers were never so lucky...Matt's the baby of the family) 

As I'm typing this post...the meat for the rolls is cooking in the background.  My goodness, my house smells amazing!!!  The process is a bit time consuming (chopping up all the veggies and what not), but so worth it.  Another part to note is that the meat freezes well, so you can make the amount listed and if you find you have extra meat...pop it in the freezer till next time!  :)

Lazy Leftover Monday

Pin It Now! Okay, I swore I would never post that we were eating leftovers for dinner.  (and we hardly ever do) But, with my in-laws in town over the weekend and the mass cooking we did, I just couldn't reason spending money to make another dinner for tonight...not with a fridge chock full of delicious food.  
So, we're going to raid the fridge tonight and indulge on all the goodies we made over the weekend. 
However, I'm not going to leave you empty handed, just in case you need a last minute idea for dinner tonight.  This is still one of my fave quick and easy dishes to make.  I don't care for boxed beef and mac, and I was leery about this the first time I made it.  However, the flavors just meld so well together for a whole different taste to beef and mac.  Super easy to make and can be ready in no time!  


Tex-Mex Beef and Mac

Tuesday: Chicken and Egg Soup with Pastina

Pin It Now! I'm starting to feel the pressure of the move and upcoming craziness.  I want to make my hubby dishes that I know he won't make for himself while we are apart.  However, I also just want to make some nice, simple dishes too.  So, this is one of the later.  Simple, easy, delicious.  It's very similar to an Asian egg drop soup, but obviously with more sustenance.
Tuesday's are such busy days for me with 2 hours spent at gymnastics for the girls (boy, I'm sure going to miss taking them to gym...no gymnastics in Saudi) and then swim lessons right after.  Quick and easy is definitely what is on the menu for tonight.  Don't skip out on any of the ingredients, especially the dill...really gives a fab flavor!  Happy (quick) cooking!  :) 

Wednesday: Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Pin It Now! When I asked my husband what he wanted for dinner this week, my darling carnivore of course said "steak."  Luckily there were some nice top sirloins on sale at the grocery store.  One of his all time fave ways to eat steak is with a chimichurri sauce on top.  Chimichurri sauce is a salsa-like condiment which originated in Argentina and is used on beef. There are many different variations of this sauce, but he wanted to stick to the original (or as close as I could get)  He specified that it HAD to have cilantro in it.  I googled around and found this recipe and he gave the thumbs up.
For the steak, you just want to keep things simple and let the sauce take center stage.  You can use any kind of meat with this, so just go with what you have or what's on sale.  Happy cooking!  :)   

Grandma's Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (aka Pigs In the Blanket)

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A few weeks ago, I made a stuffed cabbage recipe.  It was really good, but I kept thinking...my grandma's is SO much better!  LOL  (of course the other recipe was way different than grandma's)  My hubby loves cabbage, so I figured why not give grandma's recipe a go!
My mom called her up on the phone to get the recipe to relay it to me.  (yes, I could have called too, but my mom wanted to chat with her anyway)  :)  Here's the thing, this is one of those good ol' family recipes that was never really written down.  It was just taught.  My grandmother is 87 years old and still lives in her own house.  She has so many wonderful recipes that we are trying to get written down so we can keep cooking them for years to come!
We did our best to come up with an ingredient list and good directions for you.  This is not a hard dish to make by any means, but it is time consuming.  It could seem daunting as you read through the directions, but keep in mind, we're adding extra info to help you make the dish easier.
Can't wait for my house to be filled with the smell of memories in my grandma's kitchen.  So lucky to still have her around to share her recipes with us!

Friday: Italian Beef Stew

Pin It Now! Okay, so while my in-laws were in town, my hubby fired up the smoker.  He was rummaging through the freezer to see if there was anything else he could toss on the grill.  We found that I still have an obscene amount of chuck roast left in there!  With the move getting closer and closer, I know I need to start using up what we've got on hand.
Surfing around some apps on my iPad, I found this recipe from Cooking Light.  I have most of the ingredients already, so it was a perfect choice to cook.  I left if for Friday so we would have leftovers for lunch over the weekend.  I know it's not exactly a summer weather dish, but I love it just the same!  :)

Simply wonderful.

Update on My Life

Pin It Now! Hello cooking friends!  Well, my life is about to get REALLY interesting!  A few days ago we officially announced our move to Saudi Arabia.  To my pleasant surprise, we've had an amazing amount of support from our friends.  This was not an easy decision, but my hubby and I truly believe...you get one life...make the most of it.  We spent an obscene amount of time researching, getting on expat forums, emailing people already living there...and now, we feel as though we have friends eagerly awaiting our arrival. 
My husband was offered a job and it was just too good to pass up.  We'll be there for 2 years and do a lot of traveling too!  

Around the beginning of September, I'll be moving to Florence, Italy for two months while I wait for my husband to get paperwork ready for us to join him in Saudi.  Then back to the states to get the family visa processed.  You can be sure I'll be posting some fun dishes from both countries!  

Safe to say, my blog will vary depending on where I'm living at the time.  I may not be able to keep up a weekly menu, but I promise to post recipes!  :)  

You can also follow along with our adventures at the new blog I started and get more info about Saudi and what life is like there.  :)

Takin' A Magic Carpet Ride

Looking forward to sharing our magic carpet ride with all of you!  Hang on...it's going to be a wild ride!  :)

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Pin It Now! We were so excited to plant a garden this year.  My husband and his friend got the ground all ready with great soil and then we headed to the nursery to pick out veggies to grow.  Top on my list were tomatoes and I've gotten a few so far...think we planted them a little late.  We also planted cucumber, zucchini, artichoke and my hubby has half a dozen hot pepper plants.  LOL  We got a few cucumber and we have three little artichokes growing right now.  The zucchini; however, has taken over!!!!  I've already picked close to a dozen and there are at least half a dozen more with flowers still blossoming!  I never knew that little plant would get so big.  
So, with zucchini coming at me from all sides, I needed to do something with them!  I have never made zucchini bread (I've never made any bread for that matter).  But, I thought, why not give it a try.  (knowing my luck with baking I'll screw it up somehow)  Took me an hour to find my loaf pans.  LOL  
This is a Paula Dean recipe, so I have to believe its going to be good.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!  :)