Thankful Thursday’s…for Father’s and Daughters

I have always had a close relationship with my dad one that I could never and would never replace. And I never really realized how a relationship between a dad and his daughter could form almost instantly but watching my hubs and Charlot I see it all the time. Pretty much from the moment they told us we had just had a little girl she had him wrapped around her finger. I just love to watch their interactions, I love when she lights up when he walks in the room or the way she wants to do so much just like him. These are a few of my favorite daddy/daughter quotes.

I sent this picture to my dad and told him this reminded me of him teaching me to drive

“Daddy you have loved me since I was born, but I have loved you my whole life”

“I never knew how much I loved your daddy until I saw how much he loved you”

“You’ll be her first kiss, Her first love, Her first friend, Forever she will be your little girl.”

So today I am taking an extra special moment to say how thankful I am for the relationship between my dad and I and my daughter and her dad also the special relationship between my daughter and my dad. I will always cherish the special moments. These pictures describe a few.

Brown Rice

I am sure this probably has a more sophisticated name but in my family we call it brown rice. And since we are all the picture of sophistication it must be correct! My momma has been making this dish since I can remember. She took it to every carry-in we went to and made it more times than she wants to remember for our birthdays. It now has become one of my go to dishes. Yes it is loaded with canned products and I have tried to make it not using them and guess what it doesn’t work! So don’t judge the processed products and give it a try!

On Sunday night my sister-in-law and I got the chance to cook supper together; she requested that we make this dish so I couldn’t deny her of that! If you want an easy side dish with super simple ingredients this bad boy is it! The only thing is the rice needs to soak for quite some time prior to making this.

This is one of the products it is sort of hard to find so I wanted you to know for sure what it was.

Momma Linda’s Brown Rice

1 cup of long grain rice

1 stick of butter

1 can of mushroom stems and pieces

1 can beef consommé

1 can mushroom steak sauce

Pour your rice into a bowl and cover with water. Soak for 8 hours, if you forget like I do a lot. You can do super-hot water for an hour or so it isn’t quite perfect but it does in a pinch.

Pre-heat your oven to 350. Drain rice and pour into a 8x8 glass baking dish that has been coated with cooking spray. Spread the rice out in the pan, pour in mushrooms (do not drain), beef consommé, and mushroom steak sauce. Top with the stick of butter. Put in the oven for 1 hour.

The magic will happen as it bakes and become a delicious side dish!

Simple Shrimp Salad

Several months ago a lovely little Mexican restaurant opened in our home town. I know we are right up town we now have more than one place to eat (kind of)! Anyway they are really really nice and the food is delicious! The hubs, Charlot and I thoroughly enjoy going there.

On their menu is this lovely simple salad that the hubs adores, orders it pretty much every time we are there. Last weekend when we were leaving the restaurant he even said you could make that at home and I would be really happy.

Well I am not one to back away from a request! So last night I threw caution to the wind and attempted to recreate their delish salad! It turned out awesome! Probably not exactly like theirs but pretty darn close. Plus it makes for a pretty simple, healthy, quick, and filling supper. Perfect for summer!

Give it a go, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Simple Shrimp Salad (makes four meal sized salads)

1 lb. of raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)

½ tsp Salt

½ tsp Black Pepper

½ tsp Paprika

½ tsp Cumin

Pinch Ground Red Pepper

2 cups Minute Brown Rice

2 cups Chicken Stock

½ of a small can of Tomato Sauce (you can use the Rotel Brand for an extra kick)

2 avocados

1 tomato (halved then sliced)

1 bag of shredded iced burg lettuce

1 Lemon

Start out by preparing your rice, according to package directions using stock instead of water. When it is done stir in your tomato sauce and leave covered on the stove top to stay warm. Toss your shrimp to coat with the salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and red pepper. In a large non-stick skillet add a bit of EVOO and a bit of butter get these really hot, then thrown in your shrimp and sauté.

Now it is time to assemble! Place a small amount of rice on the bottom of the plate; put a good handful of two of lettuce around the edge of the plate. Next layer slices of tomato and avocados top the rice with shrimp. Sprinkle kosher salt over the tomatoes and avocados. Squeeze lemon juice over the top of it all.

MIZ-ZOU Grad

On Sunday the hubs baby sister graduated from college the Ole Mizzou to be exact! Not only did she graduated but her boyfriend Christopher did as well. RaRa as she is known to most the world now because of Charlot was a cute little Jr. High girl when I entered the picture with her brother. So I have had to chance to watch her through many milestones in her life. And I seriously couldn't be more proud.

 Aren't they just the cutest couple! Ha I am pretty sure this is the closest I have ever witnessed the two of them! But back to the proud part. Rachel and Christopher both have jobs, WooHoo, they both will be teaching high school agriculture at schools in northeast Missouri. A profession that is very near and dear to my heart!

Both of their families hosted a celebration at my other sister-in-law and her fiance's house. It was a really wonderful for both families to get to meet and put faces with names. As soon as I walked in with Charlot Christopher's whole family says "well this must be Charlot," I'm thinking Lord please let her behave so they don't think she is a total heathen. Because I am guessing Christopher has spoken pretty highly of her.

Here are the cakes that they most amazing cake lady near our hometown made! There are three because the hubs other sister (party host) completed her Master's degree on Sunday as well.

Aren't these cakes the cutest little things and oh goodness they were delish!

Here is Christoper with his family. Rachel commented that this was the first time she has seen him and his brothers take a picture together with no fighting. I think they are a pretty good looking group.

And now RaRa's family...Ha. We are a pretty good looking group as well!

And finally Christopher doing what he does best. Feeding Charlot sugar. These two are quite a pair, he is her favorite person around. I think the sugar has something to do with that!

Congrats to you both and best of luck educating the leaders of tomorrow.

Skinny Cake Batter Dip…

Horrible picture I know but give it a try!

You heard that right SKINNY cake batter dip. I promise I will do an update of my sister in laws graduation and all that has been going on in our crazy life since last week but I could not wait any longer to share this recipe with you.


Very quick though THANK YOU so much to everyone for all your kind words and prayers. My grandma is on the road to recovery. She should be leaving the hospital soon to go to skilled nursing unit at our local hospital for a few weeks. After those few weeks she should be able to return home with my papa. God is so so Good! Again Thank YOU!

Ok back to this dip! Wow it is some seriously yummy stuff! I may or may not have eaten it straight off the spoon way to many times this weekend! Plus it is super simple and your kiddos will love it. I served it was animal crackers but it is also delish with apples, strawberries, graham cracker, or licked off a plate (I would never do that!)

It is a great sweet treat for summer nice and sweet but not heavy!

Skinny Cake Batter Dip

1 box Funfetti Cake Mix

2 cups Vanilla Greek Yogurt (I use the non-fat kind from Dannon)

1 container of Light Cool Whip (Thawed)

Sprinkles (optional) (not so optional in my world but I love sprinkles)

Dippers (Fruit, Crackers, Wafers)

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly and allow to chill overnight. Top with the sprinkles just before serving.

Friday Fast Thoughts

First thank you so much to everyone for your kind words and prayers for my grandma and her surgery. She is still in surgery but so far so good. I will update more when I know more.


Next I have a serious bone to pick with Mother Nature the above picture was taken one week ago. That’s right my little sweetie has on shorts a t-shirt and sandals. Today she needed a parka.

On Sunday my youngest sister-in-law graduates from Mizzou and will start her new job as a high school Ag teacher in July. I still kind of see her as the eleven year old kid she was when the hubs and I started dating. So this might be a bit hard for me!

Lastly I just scored a super deal on a bike trailer for my little one! Here’s the even better part the lady selling it threw in a pretty sweet bike with it! AMAZING! I don’t often get a good deal so when I do I celebrate! Anyone else have an instep bike trailer, tips, words of wisdom anything would be awesome!

Thankful Thursday...Prayer Request

       

I am so very thankful that I have a job that allows me to take time off when I need especially when it comes to time with my family. Yesterday I took a day off to chauffeur my papa to see my grandma in the hospital. He used to say when he drove me everywhere that he was driving Ms. Daisy, I told him yesterday the roles had reversed. It really was a simple thing for me to do but I know it meant the world to him. And I seriously couldn't think of any place else I would have rather been than with him. I got to hear all his stories, and hear him tell me how much he love my grandma. And if I heard him say once I heard it twenty times that family was so important and that he was pretty lucky to have a family he was so proud of. So this Thursday I am very thankful for ease of getting time off and spending the time with my papa. 

Now it isn't real often that I ask for anything on my blog, that isn't really why I started it. I normally want to share recipes and our stories, but today I do have a request. If you have an extra minute tonight I would ask that you say a small prayer for my grandma. As tomorrow she is having heart surgery, a pretty routine one but still heart surgery. 

My grandma is one of the classiest, kindest, most creative women I know. And of I had the patience that she has in her little finger I would have more than I could ever need. She is a source of calm and strength in my life and I can only hope to be half the woman she is. Again I ask that you say a little pray for my grandma Kathryn. Thank you. 

Healthy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

I am just cranking out the recipes this week! Don't expect it every week! Ha! I found this delish recipe yesterday and just had to give it a try! Let's just say it will stay in the rotation for this piggy family! The original recipe directions were confusing to me so I am not certain I made it the way the original writer intended but my family loved it. You heard that right family, the picky toddler cleaned her plate!!! Hooray! 

I really like the fact that this casserole has no cream of something soup in it. Plus it is very veggie full and warm and comforting! Give this a try for your family!!!  Not my best photography today but some seriously yummy food!

2 cups Chicken broth

2 cups instant brown rice

1 lb broccoli florets (cut into bite size pieces)

3 tbsp EVOO

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite size pieces) 

2 cups milk (divided)

3 tbsp flour

3 tbsp Dijon Mustard

1/3 cup Greek yogurt

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Bring broth to a boil in a medium sauce pot. Add rice and broccoli, continue to boil covered for 5 minutes then remove for. Heat and leave covered for at least 5 more minutes. In an oven safe larger skillet or Dutch oven heat the oil. Add the chicken chunks, season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook until no longer pink. Remove chicken from pan set aside. In a measuring cup wisk flour and 1/4 cup of milk. Pour into heated pan you cooked the chicken in. Stir for a few minutes to thicken add the remaining milk. Allow mixture to come to a boil and thicken, whisk in the mustard, yogurt, and 1 3/4 cup of cheese. Continue whisking until nice and bubbly and thick, season with salt pepper, and garlic powder. Mix in the rice, broccoli, and chicken, stir to combine. Top with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes. Once done allow casserole to sit for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Ham and Cheese Stromboli

Hello I am a working mom, with a picky toddler, a busy life and getting a decent supper on the table is a struggle! That makes me unique right???...I hear crickets… Hello is anyone listening? Hello… oh that’s right every mom struggles with that. If you don’t please don’t tell me I will start to feel inadequate and I really can’t handle that in addition to everything else. HA!


Seriously some of my most dreadful moments of the day are when I am trying to figure out what in the world I am going to prepare for supper that both the hubs and I will enjoy and my toddler will at least try. I know if I were cooler and better at being prepared I would have my menu planned and all my meals ready to go on Sunday night by 6 p.m. Well frankly that doesn’t happen real often for me. I do a few things each weekend that help throughout the week but I can’t seem to get it all together and fill freezer with ready to go meals all the time. Please tell me there are others like me!

Anyway back to this tasty little sandwich type thing. Sorry I am not certain what to call it! Supper was made and on the table in less than thirty minutes and a bonus with it is that it could easily be edited to suit your family’s taste buds. The crust is simply crescent roll dough, then stuffed with ham and cheddar. But as I was making these I thought of all kinds of stuffers to go inside. Like sliced roast beef, with mushrooms, peppers, onions, and provolone cheese, or turkey, broccoli, and Swiss and my co-worker suggested chicken, spinach and parmesan. Oh man we may have these another night this week!

If you are looking for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love give these a go! I served mine with pretzels, celery and carrots plus ranch for dipping.

Ham and Cheese Stromboli (makes 2 Stromboli)

2 cans of crescent rolls (I used Pillsbury crescent roll sheets)

20 slices of ham

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

EVOO spray

Kosher salt

Garlic powder

Pre-heat oven to 350. On a greased cookie sheet roll out your dough, if you are using regular crescent roll dough pinch your seams together. Towards the middle lay out five slices of ham, that are folded in half. Leave room along the edges for closing. Top with ½ cup of cheese. Repeat with more ham, followed by remaining cheese. Then fold the dough over the top pinching the edges closed. Spray some EVOO spray on top and sprinkle on some salt and garlic powder. Score the top lightly. Repeat with the other can of dough. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing into triangles.

Slimmed down Chicken Pot Pie

A week or so ago we had a bit of a cold snap here, thankfully we have enjoyed a few days of really nice weather. But this week we are forecasted to only have day time highs in the low 60’s. This meal is great for those types of days. Not super heavy but warm and comforting all at the same time.

This bad boy also is perfect because it makes two pies at once, so you have one to share or freeze. We shared our extra one. Charlot and I delivered it to a family in town that momma is on bed rest trying to keep her baby girl in just a bit longer. As I was making the meal I kept thinking how hard it would be to be on bed rest have a little one and try to get supper on the table. Light bulb! Deliver them the extra pie!

On my mission to lead a healthier lifestyle I refuse to give up some of my favorite dishes. Chicken Pot Pie happens to be one of them! So to make this a bit more figure friendly I have first and foremost gotten rid of the bottom crust, it really isn’t that necessary. I also replaced most of the cream that you would use in a normal preparation with veggie stock and just did a splash of cream at the end. Lastly I made four chicken breast stretch between two pies and bumped up the veggies!

If you are looking for a warm comforting meal that will satisfy your need for rich hearty food without all the guilt check this puppy out!

Slimmed Down Chicken Pot Pie

1 basic pie crust recipe link Here (or you can use the store bought kind in the refrigerator section)

1 large onion (diced)

5 stalks of celery (diced)

5 Carrots (diced)

2 cups frozen corn

1 cup frozen peas

1 ½ tbsp. flour

2-2 ½ cups of vegetable stock

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (poached and diced)

Salt and pepper to taste

Splash of Cream

Pre heat oven to 350. In a large skillet heat some evoo add in the onion, celery, carrots cook until softened usually takes about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies, continue stirring to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually add the stock, stirring and adding until you have reached your desired consistency. Add in your chicken, corn, and peas. Stir to coat. You may need to add more broth at this point. Finish with just a splash of heavy cream. Split the mixture evenly between two pie pans. Top each pan with one crust. Cut a slit in the curst, and brush some extra cream on the top and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown!

Quick and Easy Calzones

I love a meal that I can come home from work and have ready to go in less tha 45 minutes...it makes this girl happy happy happy! These bad boys are perfect for a family on the go! You can bake them and freeze them for future meals, you can customize them according to each persons preferences, and you can make them from scratch or use some helpers from the store!

A calzone is a huge hit at our house because Charlot and the hubs are huge fans of pepperoni while I am not so much! And Charlot doesn't really like sauce so she can dip as much as she does or doesn't want too! Have these and a nice fresh salad and you have a complete meal! Or if you are like me stick some spinach inside and you have your whole meal all wrapped up and ready to go! 

Since I currently have an abundance of ground pork in my freezer the night I made these I decided it was a good use for it! Oh and I didn't have any pepperoni in the house! But seriously use this basic recipe to change and adapt. Also on a challenge from a friend I made my own crust for these, but feel free to use the can stuff! I am happy to say I made it though making my own pizza dough. I used The Pioneer Woman's recipe check it out if you want! Here's the link!

 Easy Calzones makes 4-6

1 ball pizza dough 

1 lb of ground pork

1 onion diced

1 tsp salt 

1 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp red pepper flake

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning 

1 ball fresh Monzzarella Cheese (sliced)

1 jar pizza sauce (I made the crust that night I figured that was enough homemade) 

Brown the pork with the onion and seasons and drain. Allow it to cool for a bit while you cut out your dough circles. Cut out or roll out circles of dough that are around 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Add some meat mixture in center in a line, top with some cheese. Fold the dough over and crimp the edges. Place on a tray, drizzle with some evoo and sprinkle with a bit of kosher salt. Bake at 375 for 15 to 20 minutes.  Warm the sauce while the calzones are baking and serve for dipping!!! 

Enjoy!

My first 5K…

Just after I crossed the finish line!

Notice I said my first and I didn’t say my last! I have blogged before about how I have made the choice to start living a healthier lifestyle, a choice I desperately needed to make for me and my family. I know that some of the recipes I put on here don’t appear that way but my healthier lifestyle includes all things in moderation.

Having the proper eye wear is super important when you sleep through the entire 5K

Charlot and Grandma gearing up! Riding in the stroller is rough!

Well it has been a goal of mine for quite some time to do a 5K and when it was announced that the Biggest Loser Group I am part of was hosting one I knew this would be the one for me! I had a goal of not finishing last, major goal right! HA!

The big bro and I, he ran with me for a while but then the whole leg length thing became a problem.

My finish line cheerleader! HA!

The best thing about this is we turned it into a family affair; my parents, bro and Charlot (awesome stroller rider) all participated! The hubs well he decided this really wasn’t his thing but he was there to cheer each of us on at the finish line!



Speaking of finish lines here I am in true me style!






And my momma and Charlot...she woke up just in time for the photo finish!

My dad getting his photo finish...I have no idea where I get my wackiness

The whole thing was a great success for our entire little town. The event had over 50 participants and the proceeds went to our local youth center. Plus the fire department was kind enough to open up shop to let the kiddos see the fire trucks and the police started us off in great fanfare!

Say Cheese

Charlot and her buddy

Great participants!

All the people who are a part of this biggest loser group with me are amazing but I have to tell an extra special story. There is a young lady who is a member of the group that has several special needs and isn’t always able to do everything I know she would want to. But this girl is amazing she gives her whole heart to everything. On Saturday she walked the 5K and was determined to finish. Towards the end of the route she started to get tired and in need of some water, the water guys ran her some water and several of the “Losers” walked back to her. You could see how happy she was to have the support she did. I was so inspired by the two women who took the time to walk to whole race with her. And it felt amazing to watch all of us finish the race with this young lady. Even the fire trucks sounded off to celebrate her finish.

Now that is small town love and support! Thank you to everyone who organized this event and I can’t wait to do another!

Cinco De Mayo= Lots of Deliciousness....

Now I really don’t need an excuse to prepare Mexican food or to have a Margarita for that matter but this day just makes it feel even more festive! Today I have several recipes for you that all be wonderful for a Cinco De Mayo supper or any nights meal for that matter.


I cooked these goodies up last night at my parents for an early celebration. The feast included Tequila Lime Chicken, Spanish Rice, Roasted Fajita Veggies, Black Beans and all the fixings. The citrus theme ran through the entire meal it was delicious! I kept think the only thing that could make it better was a Margarita, but I didn’t have all the needed items to create one!

But when I got home I was still in the mood for a Margarita and I kind of wanted to make a sweet treat to take to work …thus a Margarita pie was born! Think Key Lime Pie with less lime and hint of orange! I do believe it is a keeper!

Here are the recipes if you want to recreate this spread.

Tequila Lime Chicken

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 cup Tequila

½ EVOO

1 cup Lime Juice

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Pepper

½ tsp Cumin

1 bunch Cilantro

Marinate all ingredients a zip top bag for at least 1 hour the longer the better! Grill inside or out until completely cooked through.

Spanish Rice

½ onion

1/8 cup orzo pasta

1 cup rice

2 cans Rotel Cilanto Lime Flavor

2 cups Chicken Stock

In a large skillet sauté onion, orzo, and rice until toasted. Add in Rotel and Stock. Simmer on low for 20 minutes or until most of the liquid absorbed.

Roasted Fajita Veggies

2 onions Sliced

4 Bell Peppers any color

4 TBSP EVOO

1 TBSP Garlic Salt

1 TSP Black Pepper

1 Lime

Spread all veggies on a large baking sheet and toss with oil, salt and pepper. Roast in a 400 degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes. When they come out of the oven squeeze the juice of the lime over them and serve.

Margarita Pie

1 Shortbread Crust (honestly I had a premade one at home so I used that)

1 14oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk

¼ cup fresh lime juice

¼ cup fresh orange juice

1 tsp lime zest

1 tsp orange zest

4 egg yolks

¼ tsp kosher salt

Whipped Cream (for topping)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and pour in to pre-baked pie crust. Bake at 325 for 16 minutes. Top with whipped cream.


ENJOY!!! and HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO oh and HAPPY MONDAY