Let's talk bread!

Yum! Bread... see pictures and then find out how to make them!

Jessica's rolls that we made together!

So, last night I was invited by an old school friend to join in a bread making class. I had no idea what to expect but it turned out to be a great time and I made bread for my first time and it wasn't a total fail!

The class was taught by Frieda who has a delicious blog and here are the rolls we made with our bread dough: http://friedalovesbread.blogspot.com/2008/10/dinner-rolls.html

We even made fun shapes! She taught us all about the different ingredients, how long they last in the fridge/freezer, what the dough should look like when it is done mixing, etc.

I learned last night too that I have the "cadillac of mixers" and yes it was! It worked fabulous and I wouldn't have it if it wasn't for my fabulous aunt's wedding present! Thank you Alta!

Ok, go try the bread!

Fresh Tomato Basil Pizza

Yum! I just made this again last night and it is heavenly with fresh basil and all the cheese!

I didn't copy down the recipe, but I will put down how I made it last night and it was perfect!

1 premade pizza crust. If you want to make your own that works and follow those instructions for the dough first.
1/3 cup Alfredo sauce
Mozzarela, provolone and parmesan cheese (all shredded)
1 large fresh tomato
Fresh basil

Use alfredo first for the "pizza sauce" then cover in the three cheeses. Use how ever much you want!
Then put thinkly sliced cut up tomato on the cheese and place 15-20 pieces of basil (break them in a few pieces) and place on top!

Bake at 425 for about 15 minutes.

(My oven is weird so I only have to bake it at 400 for 10)

ENJOY!!!

Speedy Chicken Stir-Fry

I love this one and cook it about once a month. Corey prefers it without the crushed red pepper since it still has so much flavor with everything else.

8 oz angel hair pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in thin strips
½ cup Asian toasted season dressing (from Kraft)
2 tbsp soy sauce
¼ tsp each of:
Ground ginger, garlic powder, crushed red pepper
1/3 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts (optional)
1. Cook pasta according to package; add broccoli to the boiling water for the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking time
2. Meanwhile, spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray, heat on medium-high. Add chicken until cooked through.
3. Drain pasta mixture, place in large bowl. Add chicken mixture, mix lightly. Serve with peanuts on top

Substitute or add other veggies:
Snow peas
Sliced bell peppers
Sliced carrots
Chopped red onions

Serves 4

Chunky Potato Soup

This is a slow cooker recipe, but since you have to make the mashed potatoes and cut up all the veggies I prefer to make this on the weekend. It goes fabulous with Rhodes rolls that you rise and bake!

5 ½ cups cubed peeled potatoes, divided
2 ¾ cups water
1/3 cup butter, cubed
1 1/3 cups cubed fully cooked ham
2 celery ribs, chopped
2/3 cup chopped onion
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon pepper
½ lb process Velveeta cheese, cubed
2/3 cup sour cream
Milk, optional

Place 4 ½ cups of the potatoes in a saucepan; add water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minute or until tender. Removed from heat (do not drain). Mash potatoes; stir in butter.

In 3 qt slow cooker; combine the ham, celery, onion, garlic powder, paprika, pepper and remaining cubed potatoes. Stir in the mashed potatoes; top with Velveeta cheese.

Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until potatoes and other vegetables are tender. Stir in the sour cream until blended. Thin with milk if desired.

Yield: 6 servings.

Prep time: 30 min. Cook time: 5 hours (slow cooker)

Asian Beef & Noodles

This has to be the easiest recipe and is from the easy recipe book, but for those of us that work like crazy this is a perfect meal that includes protein and veggies!

1 ¼ lb ground beef
2 packages oriental flavor instant ramen
2 cups frozen vegetable mixture
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons green onion, thinly sliced
In large skillet, brown ground beef breaking in crumbles; drain.
Season beef with 1 packet from noodles; set aside.
In same skillet combine 2 cups water, noodles (broke in pieces), vegetables, ginger and remaining seasoning packet. Bring to a boil; reduce heat.
Cover, simmer 3 minutes or until noodles are tender; stirring occasionally.
Return beef to skillet; heat through. Stir in green onion before serving.
This serves 3-4

I LOVE FOOD!

Well, I think we can all admit that we love food, but I am to the point where I actually enjoy cooking all of my food too! Corey and I rarely eat out and have been that way since we moved in together about four months ago. The only time we eat out is for a date night. Otherwise, I make every dinner and try to mix it up here and there and find new meals. I also like to make desserts but those are really basic, like cookies or brownies. I try to stay away from making spaghetti all the time and other basics that you can easily get sick of. I decided to create this blog to share some of the yummy foods that we enjoy to make and eat! ENJOY!