Southwest Chicken Wraps [Tried & True-ly yummy]

Recipe found on http://www.mostlyhomemademom.com/2013/01/southwest-chicken-wraps.html#_a5y_p=1141093
This was an absolutely refreshing recipe with the perfect little kick in flavor! Served ours with corn like the photo showed, and it was delicious.
Southwest Chicken Wraps adapted from It's Overflowing
2 pkgs (9oz) grilled chicken shortcuts (or 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken) 1 1/2 cups coleslaw (from the bag, not prepared coleslaw) 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (we used only about 1) 1/2 cup ranch dressing 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (we used shredded Colby & Monterey Jack cheese mix bc thats what I had) 1/2 cup grape tomatoes (we used cherry tomatoes bc I love the flavor way better) 6 tortillas (we used Tortilla Land raw tortillas--our favorite)

Roughly chop chicken and place in large mixing bowl. Quarter grape tomatoes and add to the bowl. Mix in coleslaw, chili powder, lime juice, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese until all ingredients are well incorporated. Cover tightly and refrigerate 2 hours. Serve on warmed tortillas. Makes 6 generously sized wraps.
Just made this last night and my 3-yr-old devoured it almost as 
quickly as I did! These wraps are also just as good as leftovers!
Hope this easy 
flavorful meal is a hit for your family too ;)

Free Disney Parks DVD (& free ship)

Order Your Free Disney Parks Vacation Planning DVD

Click here to submit name and address (free shipping!)

Whats neat about this is that even if you aren't planning on going to Disneyland very soon, the DVD is still fun for kids to watch, and its free (with free shipping!) 

why not order one?!

20+ Oatmeal Mix-In's

One of or combination of any of the following!

Bits or dashes of:

chocolate chips: white, milk chocolate, semi-sweet

peanut butter chips

butterscotch chips

cinnamon

FOR A GREAT COMBO/Dessert-like breakfast flavor, try the S'MORE OATMEAL!

Fresh, canned or dried fruit:

Fresh apples, Craisins, pears, peaches, nectarines, kiwi, pineapple, etc.
my favorites are: raisins, bananas, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries.

Note: Heartier, crisper fresh fruits like apple chunks or pear pieces can be added to the oats while cooking to make them softer and more tender (unless of course, you prefer them to be crunchy)

Canned fruit (my favorites are: pears, fruit cocktail, peaches)

Cooked Apple bits: dice up skinned apples. Add to pan after melting 2-4 Tbs Butter in pan (depending on how many apples you are cooking, 2 or 4). Mix in sugar to taste, and about a Tbs Lemon juice...then Saute apples for 5-10 minutes (depending on amount in pan and softness they have reached)

Syrups:
Fresh Fruit syrups (or buy) like this easy Strawberry syrup--delicious!

Honey, maple syrup, chocolate syrup

Brown Sugar (Light, Medium, or Dark)


Liquids: (if you like to flavor your oatmeal a bit more when cooking, or if you like your oatmeal more 'soupy' (like me) add a liquid!

Almond Milks: Vanilla is my favorite!

Juices: To add the sweetness without adding sugar (plus vitamins ;) (ex: add apple juice for a great apple cinnamon oatmeal!)

Butters:
Nut Butter: Any nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, nutella (hazelnut))--will add protein, along with great flavor, to your oats :)

NON nut butter: Sunflower seed butter, Biscoff cookie spread! (am dying to try this!--such a huge fan of the cookies)

Fruit Butters: Apple butter, Pumpkin Butter...

Extracts: Vanilla, Almond, etc.

What do you add to your Oats?

Strawberry Sauce [Tried & True-ly yummy]

Found on: http://ourbestbites.com/2009/05/strawberry-sauce/

Strawberry Sauce

1 pint strawberries

1/3 c. white sugar

1 tsp. almond extract (my favorite) or vanilla extract

*I did the vanilla (due to nut allergies in the home) and it was so simply good!

Instructions:

Wash strawberries and remove stems. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can roughly chop the berries, but I say you’re already feeling ambitious enough by making your own strawberry sauce. So don’t sweat it.

Combine berries, sugar, and extract in medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for five minutes, stirring/breaking strawberries up with a wooden spoon constantly.

After five minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly (if you have a glass blender jar) and a lot (if you have a plastic blender jar). When cool enough, transfer mixture to blender and pulse until desired consistency is reached.

Other Ideas for use:
cheese cake
pancakes/waffles/crepes
mix in to oatmeal
french toast
banana splits
ice cream
syrup for milk shakes
make strawberry lemonade!

Do you have any other yummy ideas for this syrup!? 

Please share :)

Best Banana Bread Recipe [Tried & True-ly Yummy!]

All I have to say is...What a super easy flavor filled breakfast or dessert, or snack food. MMmm. I have transformed from a banana dislike-er to a banana LOVER since childhood. Boy am I sure glad that my tastes buds came around to banana flavor!! This recipe is sure to WOW you. Not only is this recipe easy, but its super moist and the taste of banana is not lost by the other ingredients! (as I have found is the case with other recipes) If you have had any unfortunate luck with finding a great Banana bread recipe in the past, I hope you find this one to be a huge success, Like I have :)

Best Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 3-4 very ripe bananas, peeled  (I used 4)
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup of sugar (can easily use 3/4 cup, or drop it down to 1/2 cup if you want it less sweet)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour 

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and butter a 4x8-inch loaf pan.

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.

Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. 

Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes (check at 50 minutes) at 350°F (175°C), or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove from oven and cool completely on a rack. Remove the banana bread from the pan. Slice and serve. (A bread knife helps to make slices that aren't crumbly.)

Recipe found on: http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/05/easy-peasy-banana-bread.html?m=1
original recipe from: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/banana_bread/#ixzz3QE5Paqjg

Now, the tough part is

 NOT eating the whole loaf by yourself! ;)

Honey Maple Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin [Tried & True-ly Yummy]

I have a Slightly Funny story to go with this recipe.

 I found it on Pinterest and immediately thought this could be a great 'every-couple-months' meal that the WHOLE Family could love. It was hard to think anyone could dislike something with the keywords MAPLE & HONEY, ...HA. 

Some nights I do actually make a meal that only my husband and I like (or can tolerate--if its spicy, etc.) and make the kids nuggets or something super easy...But this one was a TOTAL WINNER! And is being added to the list of meals that our family loves! Yay :D

*funny part* My husband is an absolute hater of naturally smelly foods, ex: Onion, Garlic, vinegar's, etc...(which is why i usually omit or only use part of the onion/garlic a recipe asks for and sub. with dried versions) and in this case...balsamic vinegar (which i love and enjoy the smell of, to be honest! lol) is an ingredient that he has told me numerous times he has said " just wreaks".

So...as I was cooking/prepping for this meal, sure enough, he saw me adding this and immediately had to express his concern and dislike of the taste and smell. So as usually patterned, I assured him that the meat would not taste like the Balsamic vinegar, and that it helps with the awesome flavor of the marinade and is combined with other things...not to worry.  

Sure enough...after getting his bowl and finding his chair in the Family room...he took a few good bites and then he actually SAID  "this isn't bad" all by himself! I couldn't believe my ears!!!!  ha-ha  that's rare!! Even if he likes a meal, he will eat it and go on his way, saying THE USUAL 'thanks for dinner'. 

So I am now a firm believer this is one of those any occasion meals 

that most EVERYONE WILL LOVE. Hooray!

The great thing about this meal (or any crock pot meal really) is that it can usually last a couple, sometimes even 3-4 separate meals, as left overs...so It makes the meat buying and other things less expensive being spanned out between days. Who doesn't love less time in the kitchen and saving money!!??

Well here is the recipe so you can get to plannin' for this one!

Honey Maple Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin

2 pound pork tenderloin
Salt and pepper
1 Tbsp oil (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp dry thyme

Sprinkle all sides of tenderloin with salt and pepper. If desired, brown all sides in a hot skillet with the oil. I like to brown it because it adds great flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step. Place the pork in a 6-Quart Slow Cooker.  Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk till well combined, then pour over the pork tenderloin. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-9 hours. Shred or slice to serve.

recipe found @: http://www.creationsbykara.com/2014/01/parmesan-crusted-baked-pork-chops.html/

*I served ours over rice (cut up and mixed in the meat with the rice for the kids ;) and some vegetables on the side.

**My husband did suggest, and I would agree, that maybe we could even throw in some vegetables. We could honestly eat just the meat as the recipe calls for, but I think we both thought the honey maple marinade was so dang yummy that a vegetable would taste amazing soaking in it as well ;D

 I would say maybe baby carrots and tossing them in the last hour or so... Let me know if  you toss in any extra vegetables too and how that goes!

ENJOY

Turkey Black Bean Chili [Tried & True-ly Yummy]

Recipe found on:http://ldsliving.com/story/71389-400-calorie-meals-that-actually-taste-good?page=3

This Turkey Black Bean chili definitely holds a lot of different complementary foods in one pot, but also seemed LITE, refreshing and filling. Not sure about you, but I am not always so fond of eating a huge delicious meal...to then feel like I cannot move off of the couch comfortably! HA... So this dish will sure to please you and the family, but keep you on your feet :) Whats nice about this recipe is that it can be cooked on your stove top or in your crock pot!

**I would also suggest adding some sweet whole kernel corn to this too! I think that would add a nice salty sweet element. Going to add that next time.

Here is what you will need...

Turkey Black Bean Chili

Serves 4–6

This colorful chili works great in the crock pot or stove top. Be creative and add a variety of veggies—I usually clean out the produce bin when I make this recipe. Freeze leftovers for a fast weeknight meal.

· 1 pound lean ground turkey

· 1 teaspoon olive oil

· 1–2 cups sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped bell pepper (optional)--[I added orange bell pepper, our families fav. colored pepper]

· 1 large onion, diced --[used dried onion flakes, a couple Tbsp worth]

· 4–5 garlic cloves, chopped

· 1–2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and sliced (optional)--[I didn't add]

· 1–2 tablespoons each to taste: chili powder, cumin, basil, oregano --[I only used half-1 Tbsp of the cumin and basil]

· 1–2 teaspoons each to taste: kosher salt, coarse ground black pepper

· 2 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes

· 1–2 cans low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed 

· 1–2 whole bay leaves

· 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar [Don't leave this out!...really brings all the flavors together!]

AND**I would also suggest adding some sweet whole kernel corn to this too!

Directions:

1. Brown turkey in a nonstick skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots or vegetables if desired. When meat is almost done and vegetables are soft, add onion, garlic, and jalapeños, stirring occasionally until onions are tender. Transfer meat mixture to slow cooker or continue on the stovetop in a larger pot.

2. Add spices, salt and pepper, tomatoes, and beans. Stir to combine ingredients. Drop in bay leaves. Heat through, stirring occasionally. If using a slow cooker, allow chili to warm through on low setting for 1–2 hours. If using stove top, simmer chili for 20–30 minutes. Add vinegar just before serving and remove bay leaves.

3. Garnish with fat-free sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, Monterey jack cheese, cilantro, or chopped avocado. Serve with toasted corn tortilla and cheese quesadillas, if desired.

Enjoy the cold weather a little longer with this 

hearty cold-weather meal :)

Which Glue Should I use? (Super Handy!)

found this chart on: http://lifehacker.com/5875781/this-glue-chart-guides-you-through-which-glue-to-use-where

Ever had this question, and had no idea if the glue you had around the house would do the right job...?? Well here ya go!

 I just loved this when I saw it.

This chart will finally point you in the right direction, phew! How nice is it to have it all in one place, right?

Glue is such a life-saver!!

Happy fixing :)

Baked Parmesan Pork Chops [Tried & True-ly Yummy]

This recipe is not only delicious, but its simple and satisfying for all pork chop fans! Hope you enjoy it. 

Here is what you will need to make your family some yummy Parmesan Baked Pork Chops...!

Parmesan Crusted Baked Pork Chops

4 boneless pork chops
1 egg
1 Tbsp water
1/3 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (I used freshly grated Parmesan)
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp olive oil

Directions:
Whisk together egg and water in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, mix together bread crumbs, cheese, pepper, paprika, parsley, and garlic powder. Heat a skillet to medium hot. Dip pork chops in egg mixture, then in crumb mixture. Brown each side in olive oil in the hot skillet. (It takes 3-5 minutes per side.) Place in a 9×13″ baking dish. Bake at 350° for about 30 minutes, or until pork chops are done.

found this recipe on:http://www.creationsbykara.com/2014/01/parmesan-crusted-baked-pork-chops.html/

Would love to hear about your meal time after Cooking these up!

Apple Popovers [Tried & True-ly Yummy]

Apple Popovers!

found this recipe @ http://www.theboldabode.com/2013/12/apple-popovers-party-mouth.html


This 'anytime-really' food has such a simple batter (reminds me of crepes) and then bursting with flavor, apple bits...Yummm!




Apple Popovers: 

A Party in Your Mouth!

Ingredients

• ⅔ Cup Flour, Gluten free over here!
• ½ cup Stevia in the Raw {or ⅓ cup light brown Sugar and 5 table spoons of granulated sugar} 2TBS of Stevia in the Raw or Brown Sugar to coat the apples
• 2 Granny Smith Apples, peeled and cubed
• 3 Eggs
• 1TBS Lemon Juice
• ¾ Cup Milk {Almond over here}
• 2TBS Melted Butter
• 2 TBS Unsalted Butter {cold}
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease muffin tin with melted butter.
3. Coat with granulated sugar {if desired, I don't. I just use some PAM}
4. Peel, core and cube the apples.
5. Toss in 2TBS of Stevia in the Raw {or Brown Sugar if preferred}, cinnamon and lemon juice.
6. Melt the butter in a skillet and sauté apples until tender, about 10 minutes.
7. Divide the apples among the muffin cups.
8. Combine flour, Stevia in the Raw {or granulated sugar}, melted butter, eggs and milk in a blender or food processor.
9. Blend for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
10. Pour the batter over the apples.
11. Bake for 15 minutes.
12. Dust with Confectioners Sugar or Pancake Syrup if desired.
13. Serve immediately.

WHAT DO YOU THINK!?

French Dip Sandwiches (Crock Pot) [Tried & True-ly Yummy]

French Dip Sandwiches

This recipe my husband and I first tried at his sisters place. We Really liked it and now we make it now at least once a month or two!  We Personally like the provolone or mozzarella cheese the best. And as for myself...I don't care to dip the french dip...funny, I know! I like to just pour a bit of the juices over the meat once its one the roll ;) 

Give that a try...and see what ya think!...unless you like the sogginess of the bread, of course!  Here is what you'll need...

French Dip Sandwiches

Ingredients:

(2.5-3) lb. beef roast (you can use a frozen roast if you want)

Tbsp. olive oil

salt and pepper

(2) 1-ounce packages dry onion soup mix

2 c. water

2 cans beef broth

6-8 large buns (or more…6 would be VERY generous servings!)

Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced.

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and rub roast with salt and pepper

click here for great photos and the cooking directions: http://ourbestbites.com/2008/03/french-dip-sandwiches/

Would love to hear how you all like this one!

Baptism Book (free download) in 4 color options!

These images fit in a photo book for a 4 x 6 photo, you can just upload them to your local photo shop And then put them in a photo book.

Click here to go and download your own! (4x6)

To see the larger booklets CLICK HERE

There are 26 pages to choose from, and I have done each back in 3 different colors (pink, green and blue),  just in case you want to make a girl one or a boy one.

I  just loved this, made it as a gift for my first Nephew ;) and My sister is just in love with them as well!! :D

I got a plastic (flimsy kind) photo album at the dollar tree and it works great! 

Then I added some scrap book/cardstock papers at the back (since you will still have extra sleeves after all your pages are printed and put inside the sleeves. These papers I made work as a personal reflection of the child's baptism day. So, for example: one page was... 

• a spot for 'a picture of me on my baptism day' 
• and/or 'a picture of my family' 
• 'picture(s) of family and friends who came'
• and a page for 'how I felt after I was baptized' 
• a page for 'family & friends notes & encouragement'
• (a note from us) "Dear Carter,... Congrats!", etc.

Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing & Bread sticks [Tried & True-ly Yummy]

Love the bottomless salad and bread sticks at olive Garden Like my family and I do?...then give these two recipes a shot!

Copycat Olive Garden Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup White Vinegar
• 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Sugar
• 1/4 tsp Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 packet Good Seasons Italian Salad Dressing
• 1 tsp grated Parmesan
• 1/8 tsp Lemon Juice
• 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum (optional)
• 4 tbsp Water

Directions

1. Combine ingredients and blend until well mixed.
2. Chill until ready to serve.

This recipe is from http://www.frugalcouponliving.com

this recipe is found on http://www.itsalwaysautumn.com

I love this site!!

Click the link above for great cooking Directions & great PHOTOS (of the processes)

Don't you think they taste pretty right on target!!?

White Chicken Chili...Easy 5-Ingredient [Tried & True-ly Yummy]

So we just had this again last night...and will again tonight as left overs. My family really likes this meal, and I do too. Not just because of the wonderful flavor and the satisfaction of a full tummy, but because its super easy!!

Ingredients:

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (*or see slow cooker method below, which uses uncooked chicken breasts)
• 2 (15-oz) cans Great Northern beans, drained
• 2 cups salsa verde (store-bought or homemade http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/tomatillo-salsa-verde/)
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, crumbled tortilla chips

Directions:

Stovetop Method: Add chicken broth, shredded chicken, beans, salsa and cumin to a medium saucepan, and stir to combine.  Heat over medium-high heat until boiling, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 5 minutes.

Serve warm with desired toppings.

Slow Cooker Method: Add chicken broth, 2 (uncooked) *boneless skinless chicken breasts, beans, salsa and cumin to a slow cooker, and stir to combine.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.  Shred the chicken.

Serve warm with desired toppings.

This recipe was found on gimmesomeoven.com    

THANKS! Its DEE-licious :)

Let me know how your family likes it...!