Black Bean, Chicken and Pineapple Enchiladas

I love Full House.  Remember that awesome family show?  Remember a time when family shows could be enjoyed by the entire family without the worry of having to encounter violence or sex (man, I just love the questions about that stuff my kids can come up with!)?  Whatever happened to the good old days of Full House, Cosby Show or Growing Pains????  My kids enjoy these shows as much or more than the new shows.  My favorite full house character was DJ.  Candace Cameron was always a beauty, but being a wife and mother (of 3!) has done her well!  She's absolutely gorgeous and has a great Christian weigh loss book called Reshaping It All!  That's were I found this amazing recipe.  I felt almost famous as I whipped this together :) The pineapple, chicken, black bean combo was delish.  The pineapple gives the dish a sweetness that POPS!  While I really liked this recipe, my husband LOVED it.  Enjoy :)

BLACK BEAN, CHICKEN AND PINEAPPLE ENCHILADAS
1 Rotisserie chicken- pulled from the bone or shredded (I used 1 1/2 pounds of grilled chicken)
1 diced red bell pepper
1 TBSP olive oil
1 medium chopped onion
1 can crushed pineapple (20 oz)
1 can black beans (15 oz.)- rinsed and drained
1 large can enchilada sauce
shredded cheese (opt)
sour cream (opt)
flour tortillas (around 10)

Saute onion and bell pepper in olive oil until tender.  Add chicken, pineapple and black beans; heat through.  Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and spread 1/4 cup enchilada sauce in bottom.  Fill tortillas with chicken, black bean, pineapple mixture (you can add some shredded cheese if you want!) and roll up.  Place seem side down in baking dish.  Cover with remainder of enchilada sauce and sprinkle with more cheese (if you so desire.... and I did!).  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and it's hot and bubbly. It's yummy served with a little sour cream!

Carrot Cake

O Carrot Cake! O Carrot Cake! How lovely is your icing.  O Carrot Cake!  O Carrot Cake!  I would really like to bite you!
Enough with the singing already... you're very lucky you can't hear me!  This cake is so yummy, you will be singing too :)  My son is a fan of The Pioneer Woman Cooks (he's 6 and I think he just likes to see her dog!) and begged me to bake this cake after seeing it on an episode.  It was a hit with everyone, even though my 9 year old told my husband I used a cake mix and so he didn't believe it was from scratch!!!  Enjoy :)

CARROT CAKE
Cake:
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 whole eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups grated carrots
Butter, for greasing

Icing:
1 stick butter, softened
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 pound powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, chopped finely

Directions
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix together the granulated sugar, oil and eggs in a large bowl. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and combine. Then add the carrots and mix well. Pour the batter into a greased and floured Bundt pan and bake until done, about 50 minutes. Leave to cool completely.

Meanwhile, for the icing: In a larger bowl, cream the butter and cream cheese together. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and blend. Then mix in the pecans. Spread the icing on the cooled carrot cake.

Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas with Pico De Gallo

Here's a super delish recipe for the crock pot my entire family enjoyed!  I've come to use my crock pot more and more this past year and this fajita filling has ranked a spot among our favorites.  Topped with homemade pico de gallo....hold on to your undies, because man it good!  Enjoy :)

CROCK POT CHICKEN FAJITA FILLING
1 yellow onion, sliced
1 - 3 sliced sweet peppers (I used 1/2 of a red, yellow and orange)
1 1/2 lb. chicken breast or thighs
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
2 TBSP cumin
1 1/2 TBSP chili powder
juice from 1/4 lime
tortilla shells
fajita fixings (lettuce, cheese, sour cream, olives, salsa, guacamole)

Place onion and peppers in bottom of a lightly greased (with cooking spray) crock pot.  Place chicken on top and pour broth in.  Sprinkle with salt, cumin, chili powder and lime juice.  Cover and cook on LOW for 4-8 hours (mine cooked 6) or HIGH 4 hours.  You know it is done when it shreds easily.  When meat is done shred with 2 forks and place back in juice. You may need to season with more salt and some pepper. Serve with slotted spoons onto tortillas and top with fixings.

PICO DE GALLO
Mix equal amounts of:
red onion, diced
tomato, diced
cilantro, chopped
Add:
1-2 jalapenos, diced (I removed the seeds because I have a wimpy family)
lime juice (enough to wet mixture)
Mix.  Season with sea salt and pepper.  Taste.  Enjoy :) 

*I like to mix my items in the crock pot  and make my pico de gallo the night before.  If you want some yummy guacamole, mash 2 avocados with a few tablespoons of pico and enjoy!

Nutella Fudge Candy

Happy Valentine's Day!!!  I'm sharing a recipe with my most favorite-est treat... NUTELLA!  I do believe I love that chocolate, hazelnut-y stuff!  It's like heaven in a jar.  If you're a nutella lover, you must try this delish and impressive recipe.  YUM!!!! Enjoy :)

NUTELLA FUDGE CANDY
1 small jar nutella
1 container chocolate fudge frosting
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 package almond bark
1/2 bag chocolate chips

Put everything in a mixer and mix until well blended (don't be alarmed if your mixer hops up and down because it's so thick).  It will look like chocolate play dough!  Roll out between wax paper to about 1/4 inch thickness.   Use cookie cutter to cut in cute shapes (I used hearts because I love nutella... and it's Valentine's Day!).  Melt almond bark and chocolate chips.  Using a fork, dip hearts and let harden on wax paper. 

Six Sisters' Pulled Pork Sandwich

Anyone else in love with Pinterest???  I know I am!  Where else can you find out how to:  turn an old t-shirt into and evening gown, do make-up tricks just like the professionals, find out the best exercises to make anyone look just like a Victoria Secret model.... all while finding the very best recipes (with a picture before you even click!)???  What's not to love?  That, my friends, is where I found this absolutely tasty pulled pork recipe and a great recipe website called Six Sister's Stuff.  Awesome!  I love super-simple recipes you throw in a crock pot and end up with something delicious without much effort.  This is a must try!  Enjoy :)

SIX SISTERS' PULLED PORK SANDWICH

3-4 pound pork shoulder butt roast (can have bone-in)

3 Tablespoons paprika
1 1/2 Tablespoons salt
1 1/2 Tablespoons pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dry mustard
1/3 cup liquid smoke
1 (16-20 oz) bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
Buns

Spray the inside of slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray (or use a slow cooker liner). Combine paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard and liquid smoke in a small bowl. Rub all over the roast, covering all sides. (Optional: poke your roast with a large fork a couple of times to let the flavors really soak in). Place lid on slow cooker and bake on low for 8-10 hours (or high 5-6 hours). Shred meat when finished and add bottle of BBQ sauce. Serve on buns and enjoy!

Simple, Perfect Chili

Hello everyone!  My name is Heidi.  Remember me???  I didn't forget you!   My crazy children spilled water on my laptop a few months ago and I've had to use a sad, old desktop that wouldn't let me access my blog :(  

Here's a super, delish chili recipe from Pioneer Woman.  I thought I made pretty good chili, but after hearing how much my husband liked this chili, I guess I didn't!  I think the secret is the masa.  You must try it for yourself!  Enjoy :)

SIMPLE, PERFECT CHILI

2 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon ground oregano
1 tablespoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 pounds ground beef
One 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup masa
Optional:
1 can pinto beans, drained
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
1 can diced tomatoes and chilies


Begin by measuring the spices: chopped garlic, oregano, cumin, cayenne, and chili powder.
Brown ground beef with garlic and drain well. Pour in the tomato sauce. Followed by the spices and the salt.
Stir together well, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes overly dry, add in ½ cup water at a time as needed (I added the water)
After an hour, place the masa in a small bowl. Add ½ cup water and stir together with a fork. Dump the masa mixture into the chili. Stir together well. Taste, adjust the seasonings. Add the beans, jalapeno, and tomatoes if desired. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Yummy served with shredded cheddar, chopped onion,sour cream and Frito's!

Diet Coke Brownies

 

 

Here's a delicious and easy brownie recipe that will make you feel guilty for no reason!  Why did I not know about this recipe before.  Thank you pinterest for opening my eyes to some great recipe ideas!  These brownies are soft, fudgy and completely irresistible for a chocolate lover like me :)  These also work great for people with food allergies.  They contain no eggs or milk (read the label on the type of brownie mix you use to be sure they are egg/milk free... some are and some aren't). 

Turn that oven to 350 and get baking!  What are you waiting for???  Enjoy :)

 

DIET COKE BROWNIES

1 can diet coke (or any soda)

1 box brownie mix

 



Preheat oven to 350 and line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper. Empty the contents of the brownie mix in a mixing bowl, then pour in the whole can of soda. It will fizz and bubble alot, but it's okay! Stir well until there are no more lumps. The batter will be REALLY, really liquid, but don't panic! It's supposed to be like that. Pour batter into prepared pan, and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Check on them when you start to smell them, you definitely don't want these to burn! They will not form a crispy "skin" like regular brownies because of the carbonation, so they will look a little funny. They taste delicious though!

Kit Kat Cake

Need an impossibly easy and utterly adorable cake decorating idea?  You're in the right place.  I've never received more compliments for something so simple! Enjoy :)

KIT KAT CAKE
One cake of choice, prepared in two 9 " round cake pans
Three 4.5-ounce Giant Kit Kat Bars (you'll need 36 Kit Kat sticks total)
One 12.6-ounce bag M&M's
One can frosting of choice

Bake cake.  When the cake is cool, you're ready to assemble. Place one layer on a serving plate, and tuck strips of waxed paper underneath the sides of the cake.
 Frost the 1st cake layer. Set the 2nd layer on top of the first. Frost the 2nd layer and along the sides of the cake . Stick Kit Kat's to the sides of the cake, leaving a very small space in between each Kit Kat (1/4-inch). Wrap a bow around the cake, securing the Kit Kat's. Fill the top of the cake with M&M's. Pull out the strips of waxed paper and discard.

Zucchini Lasagna

Zucchini, zucchini, everywhere I look I see zucchini (I was typing that to the tune of "Little Girls" from Annie... so you have to listen in that tune!)!  If you're like me and have a whole slew of zucchini lining your counter top, this recipe is for you.  It's something different and delish.  There's no cheese in this recipe, but cheese would be divine and more kid friendly (if you have normal, cheese loving kids unlike me).  Enjoy :)

ZUCCHINI LASAGNA

1 lb ground beef

1 lb mild sausage

1 diced onion

2 cloves crushed garlic

2 TBSP oregano

2 TBSP basil

1/2 tsp salt

1 28 oz can diced tomatoes

1 can tomato paste

1 can black olives

2-4 zucchini sliced thin on mandolin

Preheat oven to 350.

In skillet  cook ground beef, sausage, onion and garlic until meat if cooked through.  Drain excess fat and add all seasonings, tomatoes and tomato sauce.  Stir until well combined

In a baking dish, ladle a thick layer of the meat mixture and top with the sliced black olives. Top meat and olive layer with a layer of sliced zucchini. Repeat one or two more times, depending on how deep your dish is, ending with a final layer of the remaining meat mixture. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Quiltless Chocolate Cupcakes

Dear Delightful Chocolate Cupcake,

While you might be guiltless (unless you eat the entire batch, which I would know NOTHING about), I am quite guilty.  My guilt has nothing to do with devouring obscene amounts of your chocolaty-ness, it is guilt purely from my horrific photography skills.  It seems I don't do well with the color brown :(  You deserve a much better representation.  While I snapped at least 20 photographs of your lovely self after Sophie's birthday party, I did not review them until the next day after all your cupcake friends had been devoured. 

Your slightly enamoured, but shameful friend,

Heidi :)

Do not let my photograph keep you from making these awesome flour-less cupcakes.  They are by far the best, most moist and cake-like flour-less cupcake I have made.  These actually taste like yummy cupcakes instead of dry chocolate hockey pucks AND they're said to only have 58 calories each!   YAY!  Enjoy :)

GUILTLESS CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

Put in blender or food processor:

1 3/4 cups oats

3 egg whites

3/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1 1/2 TBSP vinegar

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup hot water

1 cup splenda

You will also need:

1/2 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (I chopped up a dark chocolate bar)

Blend until everything is smooth and creamy.

Stir in chocolate chips. 

Pour into muffin cups.

Bake 10-12 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

I always store these in a container while they are still slightly warm and it keeps them very moist.





Beef and Snow Peas

Any Pioneer Woman fans??? I am!  I am!  I've enjoyed her blog for years, her first cookbook has been well used in my kitchen (I'm also a fan of her love story book too!)  and I LOVE that I can now watcher her on TV.  Yay for Ree!  I found this recipe on her blog and it was yum-o-licious.  The fresh ginger makes it irresistible.  This ones a keeper.  Enjoy :)  

BEEF AND SNOW PEAS

1-1/2 pound Flank Steak (Trim fat and slice thin against the grain)
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce (it will be very, very salty if you use regular)
3 TBSP sherry or cooking sherry
2 TBSP brown sugar
2 TBSP cornstarch
1 TBSP fresh minced ginger (please use fresh!)
8 ounces snow peas with the ends trimmed off
5 whole scallions cut in 1/2 in pieces at a diagonal
3 TBSP olive oil
Crushed Red Pepper to sprinkle on top
Hot cooked rice (I use jasmine)

In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, cornstarch, and ginger. Add sliced meat to bowl and toss and set aside.
Heat oil in a heavy skillet (iron is best) or wok over high heat. Add snow peas and stir for 45 seconds. Remove to a separate plate. Set aside.
Allow pan to get very hot again. With tongs, add half the meat mixture, leaving most of the marinade still in the bowl. Add half the scallions. Spread out meat as you add it to pan, but do not stir for a good minute. (You want the meat to get as brown as possible in as short amount a time as possible.) Turn meat to the other side and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove to a clean plate.
Repeat with other half of meat, allowing pan to get very hot again first. After turning it, add the first plateful of meat, the rest of the marinade, and the snow peas. Stir over high heat for 30 seconds, then turn off heat. Check seasonings and add salt only if it needs it. Mixture will thicken as it sits.
Serve immediately over rice. Sprinkle crushed red pepper over the top to give it some spice.

Recipe Ideas Please!!!

I'm in need of some simple dinner ideas.  Makayla had to have a kidney stone removed this morning and after a long night on the hard hospital couch and all the worrying, I am drained!   Easy recipes would be greatly appreciated!  THANKS :)

Tie-Dye Fruity Cupcakes



This is not news, but in case you didn't realize I will let you in on a little secret.  I am a dork.  Yep.  A really big one too.  BUT guess what???  I'm not just any dork.  I'm a dork with a really cool new mixer!!!  A really cool new Kitchen Aid mixer :)  After getting over the shocking price, I think I may be in love.  Yep.  Now I'm a really big dork who loves an appliance.... an appliance who made these deliciously fruity cupcakes possible.  They take a little more time than a typical cupcake (dispensing them into the cupcake liners is a bit of a pain in the tushy), but your family will love you for them.  These cupcakes make you look very impressive!  I topped part of them with Cool Whip and when it was gone I threw together a vanilla butter cream frosting.  Both were delish!  Enjoy :)

The dork in question... and her new mixer :)

TIE-DYE FRUITY CUPCAKES

1 pkg white cake mix (I used yellow)

2 1/2 TBSP lime JELL-O Gelatin (1/2 of a 3 oz. pkg.)

2 1/2 TBSP strawberry JELL-O Gelatin (1/2 of a 3 oz. pkg.)

2 1/2 TBSP orange JELL-O Gelatin (1/2 of a 3 oz. pkg.)

Frosting of choice

Prepare cake batter and pre-heat oven as directed on package; divide evenly into 3 bowls.  Stir different flavor dry gelatin mix into batter in each bowl.  Alternately spoon batter into paper-lined muffin cups until full (you will get 18-24 cupcakes- depending on size).  Bake as directed on package of cupcakes (mine took 18 minutes at 350).  Cool Completely and frost.

Mexican Grilled Flank Steak

One word says it all.... YUMMY!  My first attempt at flank steak was marvelous!  I think A.1. Steak Sauce is the secret weapon.  I found this delish recipe in an old Beef Industry Council cookbook and I have many more recipes marked to try (I have my eye on a grilled peppered flank steak next).  Slice it super thin and ENJOY :)

MEXICAN FLANK STEAK

1/3 cup A.1. Steak Sauce

1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

2 TBSP lime juice (you can substitute with lemon)

1 (1 1/2 lb) beef flank flank, slightly scored (I stabbed it a ba-zillion times with a fork)

In blender or food processor (I used magic bullet), blend all ingredients except steak until smooth.  In nonmetal dish, pour marinade over steak.  Cover; chill 1 hour, turning occasionally.

Remove steak from marinade.  Grill (or broil) 4 inches from heat source for 6 minutes on each side or until desired doneness, brushing with marinade often.  Thinly slice and serve.