Summer Time App Or Light Supper

 Summer is quickly approaching and I am 100% here for it. Anyone that knows me knows not only is summer my favorite season, but I like it HOT! The hotter the better. Some who know me very well find this odd because I am what my grandma called a "hotbox". Yes, I'm the girl running around in flip flops in winter and running the AC year round. So why would someone who is always on the verge of spontaneous combustion like the heat and humidity of the next few months? 

Easy. As my husband says "You don't have to shovel sunshine!" I can always find relief inside with some chilly AC, or even better in the cool waters of a pool! If I had it my way every day of summer would be sunny and 85+. 

One thing I do find myself saying a lot during the dog days of summer is "It's too hot to cook." Now, 9 times out of 10, I end up cooking anyway, or I've already looked at the forecast when meal planning (yes, that is how OCD I am....I check the weather before I plan meals for the upcoming week.) and planned on a light meal in anticipation.

Some of the things we love on those nights when the thermometer still reads 90 at supper time are pasta salads, tuna salad sandwiches,  and big salads topped with grilled chicken or shrimp. 

I also love taking dishes we usually eat as an appetizer and making them into a main dish. This Bang Bang Shrimp is a perfect example. The amount this recipe makes is great for a cookout app, but if I take the same amount, add a pasta salad and fresh summer time fruit (hello, watermelon) on the side, it's a light meal perfect for a scorcher of an evening.

Now, this quick version of the favorite appetizer does take a little help from the store with some frozen popcorn shrimp, so you will have to turn the oven on. But it's not for long, and if you happen to have an air fryer, you could always cook the shrimp in that instead! 

I can't wait for those nights when it comes time for supper and I'm hot from being outside in the sun all day. Or better yet, tired from a fun day at the pool. Summer is my time and I am ready to welcome it, and all of its tasty foods with open, tanned arms! 

 

Bang Bang Shrimp

1 (18-20 oz.) box frozen popcorn shrimp

1/4 cup sweet Thai chili sauce

2 TBS mayonnaise

1 1/2 TBS honey

1 TBS sriracha

Boston lettuce, for serving

Chopped green onions, for garnish

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Cook shrimp according to package directions. I add a few extra minutes to make sure the shrimp are nice and crispy. In a medium bowl whisk together chili sauce, mayo, honey and sriracha. When the shrimp are cooked, transfer to a large bowl. Pour dressing over and gently mix until well coated. Serve on lettuce leaves, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. 

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Summer Time Cookout Season

I know, I know, many of us across the country are still social distancing, and not planning any get togethers for a while. However, I am the type that can plan a cookout when it is just the 4 of us; and we have been seeing grandparents again, after 8 weeks. Many don't feel comfortable visiting relatives yet, and I respect that. I think we all have to do what we are most comfortable with at this point. Things are starting to open back up, and with as much caution as possible, we can start to live a little again.

With Memorial Day just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about our first backyard barbecue of the summer! Even if it's just your family, with no extra guests, you can still make it as delicious as always and ring in the season on a yummy note!

I love a great dip! I will eat it with veggies, crackers, chips..heck, just pass a spoon! Seriously, I am a dip connoisseur from way back, and at any party, you will find me filling my plate multiple times. Add in the fact that I am a dill fanatic, and this is a dream come true!

I've been making this for years, most of the time on a whim because I always have the ingredients on hand! You can easily double or even triple it for a big crowd, but I enjoy the fact I can make a small batch when I'm craving it!

The weather might not feel like summer is on it's way, but I have faith. I am counting the minutes until these chilly temps are gone, the warm sun shines and the thermometer hits 80.

Summer cookout season is one of my favorite things in the world. Grilling, eating on the deck and enjoying great company, big or small is truly one of life's simple pleasures.

Dill Veggie Dip

1 c. sour cream

1 c. mayo

2 TBS dill weed

2 TBS dried minced onion

1 TBS dried parsley, extra for garnish

1 tsp. garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium bowl combine all ingredients and mix well. Chill several hours before serving. Serve with fresh veggies, chips, crackers, etc.  

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Yes, I Know It's Fake

Have you noticed more and more people are becoming very brave online? And by that I mean they know they can sit behind their keyboards and spew out opinions and hide from the person they are saying it to. Yep, cyber bullying is a term that has invaded our culture and our homes. 

Well, me and my friends, aka food bloggers, know all too well how these comments flow freely and without much remorse from many. From the use of Minute Rice, to cake mixes, to condensed soups (the list could really go on and on) folks have opinions on all of them and they basically want to tar and feather any of us who use them. 

Now I will be honest, I haven't had near as many of the nasty comments on these said foods as many other bloggers. I don't know if it's because EMM fans are more polite, or like me, my followers are all for taking a short cut here and there to make sure dinner is tasty and still on budget. 

Today's recipe includes one of those "evil" foods a lot of people love to hate on. Imitation Crab. Oh my. Yes I said it. And before we go any further, yes I know it's fake. I know it doesn't have an ounce of real crab in it. And yes, I think it tastes good and I'm okay with it! If it isn't your thing, please move on, or heck spend the big $$$ on the real if you want. Whatever floats your boat. For us, the fake stuff works just fine, and leaves my wallet a little fatter. 

This is going to become a huge hit this summer to every party, cookout, picnic, and backyard barbecue you take it to. Everyone is going to want the recipe (sorry if when you tell them you get the crab hate too) and ask you to bring it again!

I actually served this as a main dish with some crusty bread and fresh cantaloupe on the side; and I know that is how we will enjoy many times this summer, on those hot nights when it's too hot to eat but you're starving! 

I love what I do, and I know there are downsides to every job. But maybe, if we all just take a step back and remember there is someone on the other side of the screen, and make sure we aren't typing anything we wouldn't say to some one's face this whole online world can be just a little bit happier.

Crab Pasta Salad

1 lb. salad shells

1 lb. imitation crab

2 large celery ribs, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

1 (3 oz.) can sliced black olives, drained

1 1/2 cups plain yogurt

1/4 cup mayo

1/4 cup zesty Italian salad dressing

1 TBS Chesapeake seasoning

1 tsp. celery seed

1 TBS mustard

1/2 TBS soy sauce

Salt and Pepper to taste

Dried Chives for garnish

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, place crab in a large bowl. Using two forks, tear it apart to separate it. Add celery, peppers and olives. In a medium bowl combine yogurt, mayo, salad dressing, Chesapeake seasoning, celery seed, mustard, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Stir well. When pasta is cooked, rinse with cold water and drain well. Add to bowl. Pour dressing over. Mix gently to combine. Chill for a couple hours. Garnish with dried chives. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Inspired by Wine and Glue

Barbecue Season IS Coming

When spring has sprung one day, and the next there are snowflakes are falling from the sky I keep telling myself over and over warmer weather is on the way. 

It has to be! The first official day of spring is this week, it is staying light out until 7:30 or later, and I am starting to crave all things dubbed "warm weather" food. ALL of these are signs my favorite time of year is right around the corner. 

So this past weekend when the sun was shining and the thermometer went above 50, it was time to grill! I had my Barbecue Burgers on the menu, with some roasted asparagus and wanted a summer side dish too! Obviously the first two things that came to mind were either potato or pasta salad. Well, we had just had potato salad so pasta salad it was. Macaroni to be exact; and it was time for something new. We all adore Mom's Macaroni Salad, but I wanted to try something new. 

I didn't know for sure what it would have in it, but I knew it would have LOTS of hard boiled eggs in it. A little brainstorming and taste testing later, I had complete success. In fact, Mr. E tasted it when it was still half warm and said "I don't even care it's warm. We need lots of that. Lots and lots." I knew it was a winner! 

With all those backyard barbecues and cookouts that are coming our way, one more macaroni/pasta salad recipe is sure to come in handy. Not to mention the graduation parties, bridal, baby showers and picnics, there will be so many times to eat this I can't wait! But if you don't want to wait...I think it would be super tasty with your Easter ham too!

Country Macaroni Salad

1 lb. elbow macaroni

6 hard boiled eggs, chopped

2 celery ribs, diced

1 1/2 cups mayo

2 tsp. yellow mustard

2 TBS sweet relish

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1 TBS Worcestershire sauce

1 TBS dried parsley

1/2 tsp. celery seed 

Salt and Pepper to taste

Cook macaroni, rinse and drain. Place in large bowl in fridge for 20-30 minutes to chill. In a medium bowl mix mayo, mustard, relish, onion powder, Worcestershire, parsley, celery seed, salt and pepper. When macaroni is chilled, add chopped eggs and celery. Stir combine. Pour dressing over mixture. Stir well. Chill in fridge until ready to serve. Stir before serving.*NOTE* Allowing the macaroni to chill not only cools it, but it also prevents the salad from becoming watery.

Shared at Weekend Potluck
Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Southern Inspiration

Today's recipe is going to begin with a disclaimer. I am NOT a Southern cook. I have never nor would I ever claim to be. Sure, I say ya'll and love me some greens, but alas, I am born and bread in Indiana. So, if you consider yourself one, or have been eating your granny from Mississippi's food all your life and know Southern food, and read this and think "that's not Southern"...please keep the hate mail to yourself. This is an interpretation of mine, a born and raised Yankee, just trying to make something new and yummy. 

 I don't care what the weather is doing outside, sometimes I just want foods that are not considered to be "in season." It can be 80 and sunny and I crave a certain soup, or it can be 30 and snowing and I want a big helping of potato salad, which was the inspiration for this. Well, except the weather part. It was actually unseasonably warm the day I made this. 60 in Indiana the last week of November? Yeah, that is odd, but we'll take it. 

When I sat down to plan my menu for the week, I couldn't get the words potato salad out of my head. I just wanted it. Now. And I wanted a new kind. I love the various recipes I have for it. From my Amish style to my Classic to the Loaded filled with bacon, they are all delicious. But I was just in the mood for a new kind. So I started reading, researching and of course Googling. 

After about a thousand recipes I came across a few I wanted to combine into my own creation, with this being the result; and to me it is Southern.

I know a lot of people are gearing up for that big holiday ham, and many serve potato salad with it. See, it's just not for summer! Lots of families are going to sit down next to the twinkling Christmas tree with some sliced ham and big ol' pile of tater salad next to it. If you're one of them, this would be a great version to include!

Southern Potato Salad

32 oz. bag frozen diced potatoes

3 hard boiled eggs, chopped

1 c. mayo

2/3 c. minced sweet pickles*

1/3 c. pickle juice

1 tsp. onion powder

1 1/2 tsp. yellow mustard

1 TBS dried parsley

Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large pot cover frozen potatoes with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 7-10 minutes. While potatoes cook whisk together mayo, pickle juice, onion powder, parsley, salt and pepper. Set aside. Once potatoes are cooked, drain well and add to a large bowl. DO NOT RINSE Mash slightly with a potato masher, leaving some chunks. Mix in pickles and eggs. Add dressing and mix well. Chill several hours before serving. *NOTE* The BEST way to get the pickles minced is to chop and then add to a food processor and pulse a couple times. You want them fine. Also, the potatoes will be warm when you mix everything, so when you add the dressing, it might look too wet and "soupy". That's okay. It will set up in the fridge. You want the potatoes warm because it absorbs the dressing.

Inspired by Southern Plate

Cool Suppers for Hot Days

Oh summer, how I love thee. Even when the thermometer reads 90 before noon, the Indiana humidity is at 110%, and my 8 month pregnant body has sweat coming out of places I never knew existed. Yes, even with all of that, I am still summer's #1 fan. See, we have a saying in our family, "You don't have to shovel sunshine."

Did you catch that? 8 months pregnant. So many people are telling me "Wow this is flying by, but I'm sure it's not for you." Well, I have to be honest, IT IS! I can't believe our baby boy will be here in such a short amount of time. But, with so much left to do to get his nursery ready, he needs to keep baking a while longer!

Being pregnant in the summer isn't something many women would be okay with, but I am. Alex's birthday is in September, so apparently I'm just destined to enjoy the dog days of the season carrying a few extra pounds; and it's a blessing I am so thankful for.

But that doesn't mean I can't find my own ways to beat the heat. We are regulars at our local splash pads and pool. And I can always get inside with AC and put my feet up. Plus, when it comes to dinner time, I can make sure meals are light, cool and refreshing.

Such is the case with this terrific salad. Sure, it would be great at a picnic or at your July 4th cookout, but it also makes a tasty meal on a hot evening. I served it with some fresh fruit on the side and we were all satisfied without feeling stuffed.

These hot days are what I long for during those bitter cold winter months, so I for one will not complain. I will just find ways to make it a little easier on myself and this little bundle of joy of ours!

Shrimp Pasta Salad

1 lb. medium shell pasta

1 (12 oz.) bag frozen cooked shrimp, deveined, shell off, tail on, thawed

1 red bell pepper, diced

3 ribs celery, diced

1/4 c. mayo

1/4 c. zesty Italian dressing

2 tsp. Chesapeake Bay Style seasoning, plus extra for garnish

Salt and Pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, remove tails from shrimp and cut each shrimp in half. In a large bowl combine shrimp, pepper, and celery. In a small bowl whisk together mayo, dressing and seasoning. When pasta is cooked, drain, rinse with cold water and drain well. Add to shrimp mixture. Pour dressing over. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Chill 2 hours. Before serving, sprinkle with extra seasoning. *NOTE* You might ask why buy tail on shrimp if you're going to take them off? I find with frozen shrimp, they keep their shape better if they are frozen with the tails on, and then removed later.

Summertime Picnics

Tis the season! No! Not that one. We've got another 6 months before that. I'm talking about outdoor eating season! All those occasions we find all summer long to enjoy our favorite summer time foods in the warm sun! From cookouts and barbecues, to one of our families favorites, picnics, this time of year we find ourselves eating outside more and more!

Does your family still enjoy a good old fashion picnic? If you haven't went on one in a while, I say seize the day! They are literally one of the summer time activities we look forward to the most! Plus, they can be a ton of fun on cheap! Pack up the trusty picnic basket (I have a couple!) with yummy food, find a local park and you've got yourself a days worth of fun.

Now when it's picnic time in our house, we all of our assigned jobs. Little E usually gets to have input into which of his favorite spots we are going to visit. Mr. E loads up the car and drives. And me? Well, I'm in charge of food of course! We have the standbys we like to have every time, but I also like to come up with new things to make each picnic a culinary adventure.

So when my new friends at Smithfield offered to send me some of their delicious boneless sliced hams to play around with, I knew it was time to take my every day ham salad recipe and kick it up a notch. A friend had recently shared with me her version, and I thought combining the two would be a perfect match.

You can serve this on bread, toast, rolls, or what I used, some buttery croissants. In fact, I love using those on picnics because I can pack them separately from the salad itself and easily assemble them on site. That way our sandwiches aren't mushy by the time we are ready to eat. If you love deviled eggs, this tasty twist will be right up your alley!

Summer was made for getting outside and enjoying every last sunny minute. And what makes it even more fun? When you can take some delicious food with you and only add to the enjoyment!

Deviled Ham Salad

2 c. finely chopped ham

2 ribs celery, diced

4 hard boiled eggs, chopped

2/3 c. mayo

1/2 tsp. yellow mustard

1/2 tsp. Cajun seasoning

1 TBS dried parsley, plus extra for garnish

Black Pepper to taste

In a large bowl combine ham, eggs and celery. In a medium bowl whisk together mayo, mustard, Cajun seasoning, pepper and parsley. Pour over ham mixture. Chill for at least an hour before serving. Serve on buns, toast, with croissants or crackers. 

Disclaimer: Smithfield provided me with some samples to use in recipes. The thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Mother's Day Cookout

Yes, if you haven't been paying attention to the calendar, we are now only 6 days away from Mother's Day. (For you guys out there, I know what you're thinking..."Oh good, I've still got 5 more days to shop!") But some of us are already planning how we will treat mom to a special day; and for many of us, that will include a meal!

If we are lucky here in Indiana, and the weather cooperates, we will actually be having a cookout with my parents to celebrate the day. With this being the first Mother's Day my mom is without hers (Grandma passed away back in March) we wanted to make sure mom has an extra happy day with all of us around.

What type of meal are you planning for Sunday? If it includes any type of grilling out, or barbecuing, have I got a treat for you. Mom love tater salad? Well then, have I got a treat for her!

This was actually a recipe I came up with for my little guy. He LOVES loaded mashed potatoes, and had been asking me to make them for weeks. But to be honest, I'm in total "summer time" foods mode. All I can think about are dishes that show up more when it's warm out. I don't care if the weather hasn't been cooperating, it is what my taste buds are craving.

So, simple solution. Take all the same flavors and put them into a backyard barbecue, picnic in the park, cookout take along, friendly potato salad. After all, potatoes, cheese, onions and bacon are going to be mouth watering delicious any way you serve them!

Rather you're looking for some side dishes for mom's special day, or planning ahead for those graduation parties and family reunions this summer, this will definitely be one you want to keep in mind!

Loaded Potato Salad

7 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 lb. bacon, cooked crispy and chopped, reserve a little for garnish

3 large green onions, chopped

1 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese, reserve a little for garnish

3/4 c. sour cream

6 TBS mayo

Salt and Pepper to taste

Dried Chives, for garnish

In a large pot, cover potatoes with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until just fork tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set in fridge until completely cool. Mix potatoes, bacon, green onions and cheese in a large bowl. In a medium bowl stir together sour cream, mayo, salt and pepper.  Pour over potato mixture and mix well. Garnish with extra cheese, bacon and chives. Chill at least 2 hours before serving. 

All in Moderation

One of the worst things you can do while pregnant is to "Google" anything. Seriously, if you are a fellow expectant mother, please heed my advice. Just don't do it. Now, I will admit, I come from a medical background. I have a degree in the medical field and so when I let my stupid side get the best of me, and decide to "just look something up" I can usually weed out the nonsense. But still, it's just not a good idea. You will find the worst case scenarios, the scariest of things, and drive yourself crazy.

And one of the biggest debates on the net is what moms to be should avoid as far as food wise. Some day "Oh My God, don't eat ___". While others will take that same food and say "Sure, it's okay." It can be maddening. I tend to go by the list my OB gave me and forget the rest.

Canned tuna is one such conundrum. Same experts say a little is absolutely okay, while others say avoid it completely. I tend to fall in the middle. I am not going to eat it every day, but a little here and there is okay with me. (Notice I say "with me." If you disagree, that's completely okay, please just leave the hate mail to yourself.)

The only time this is an issue is when little man starts to ask for one of his favorite meals, Tuna Macaroni Salad. We eat the stuff year round, but especially when temps start to rise. It's a terrific light supper when he has Taekwondo, giving him lots of protein for the workout, while not being too heavy. He could eat it every single week if I let him, but right now I have to keep things in moderation.

So I figured why not take the same idea, but make it with chicken instead? Genius, I know. I'm telling you what. This stuff is the bomb. Make a batch for lunches all week long, take it to your next cookout, or like us, add some bread and fruit on the side, and a light summer time meal is done.

Pregnancy is such an exciting time...but also uber stressful. We all need to do ourselves a favor and listen to our docs and not our trusty friend Wed MD....

Chicken Macaroni Salad

1 (12 oz. ) can chunk chicken breast, drained and flaked

1 lb. elbow macaroni

3 ribs celery, diced

5 hard boiled eggs, chopped

1/2 c. mayo

1/4 c. sweet relish

1 TBS lemon juice

1 1/2 TBS dried parsley

Salt and Pepper to taste

Cook macaroni, rinse with cold water, drain well. In a large bowl combine chicken, macaroni, eggs and celery. Mix well. In a medium bowl combine mayo, relish, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper. Whisk well. Pour over macaroni mixture. Chill 1-2 hours before serving.

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Finally, 70+

After this uber cold spring we've been having, I really thought the warm and sunny days were never coming. After all, it was only 8 days ago we had snow showers and a high of 37 with 40+ mph winds making it feel like 25!!

But come they did! That's right, Mother Nature had pity on us, and exactly one week after that loveliness, we had blue skies, the sun was shining and the thermometer read 75...76...77...78...basically, heaven on earth! 

I am a sucker for warm weather. I loathe winter. I can't help it. Like my husband says "You don't have to shovel sunshine." No joke, the minute the weather began to change, I could feel my entire mood improve with it. I was ready to bust out the capri pants, flip flops and get outside. (Okay, I can't like, being naturally hot blooded, plus pregnant, I would have been wearing both of those back in February had I not had to worry about frostbite, since I am heating from the inside out!)

Plus, I felt like cooking again. After all the weeks of nausea, and just being so dog gone tired, I have to admit my time in the kitchen working on new recipes for you guys has been sparse. I just find myself leaning on those tried and true ones that I can make with my eyes closed, making it easier on myself. 

It was time to come up with something new. Something to celebrate the weather. Something that says backyard eating or cooking out. Well, what says that better than a coleslaw? But this isn't your old stand by slaw recipe. This uses one of my favorite veggies out there...Brussels sprouts! If you've never had them raw, you might think I'm crazy, but they are just baby cabbages, so think of it as coleslaw, miniature size! 

This comes together in almost no time. Seriously, the most time consuming part will be slicing the sprouts, I promise. Plus, it has to sit in the fridge for a bit anyway, so you can easily make it ahead and have it waiting on you when you're ready to eat.

If the warm, sunny spring days haven't found your neck of the woods yet, have faith. They will. If they can come to Indiana, they can come anywhere! And now, we can start focusing on all those summer time barbecues, picnics, parties and all the yummy food, like this, that is to come!

Brussels Sprouts Slaw

1 lb. Brussels Sprouts, thinly sliced or shaved

1/2 c. dried cranberries

1/3 c. chopped pecans

1/2 c. mayo

1/2 tsp. celery seed

1 TBS Dijon mustard

2 tsp. lemon juice

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large bowl combine sprouts, cranberries and pecans. Toss well. In a small bowl whisk together mayo, mustard, celery seed, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pour over sprout mixture. Stir well. Chill 2 hours before serving. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Christmas at Grandma's {A Gooseberry Patch Review & Giveaway}

Oh, Christmas time at grandma's. My childhood is filled with so many memories of such special times in the snowy hills of Pennsylvania at both of my grandmas' houses I can't even begin to tell you how much they mean to me. Waking up on Christmas morning while it was still dark to see what Santa had left under the tree, going to Christmas Eve church, all the smells of my favorite treats, family gathered around...seriously, I tear up just thinking about it. To me, those holidays of years gone by will always be some of my favorite ones.

And now, my good friends at Gooseberry Patch have made an entire book out of the idea of Christmas at Grandma's. For many of us, there are some Christmas time dishes that nobody will ever make as good as grandma. No matter how many times we try, or how close we come, we will never be able to recreate exactly how they taste when grandma made them.

This book is a fantastic collection of all sorts of delicious things to enjoy this holiday season. From main dishes, to sides, to of course the sweets, each page is more delectable than the last.

When I first saw this recipe it reminded me of my Grammy's broccoli salad, which was always on our Christmas Eve menu, so I immediately got a warm fuzzy feeling thinking about it. I love the addition of cauliflower to this one, not to mention it is so pretty on a plate, filled with holiday colors.

Whatever you are planning to serve this holiday, this would be a fantastic side dish alongside it. Plus, if you have to make something and travel with it, this would hold up very nicely. With the dressing not being very "wet", the veggies stay nice and crisp even after sitting for some time.


If you have wonderful memories of Christmases gone by at your grandma's house like me, I hope you feel as blessed as I do. Or maybe now you are the grandma, and you want to make sure you are making those memories for the little ones to hold on to for years to come!

Oh, and you can win a copy of Christmas at Grandma's too! Just scroll down to see how to enter!

Festive Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad

 1 medium head cauliflower, finely chopped

2 medium broccoli crowns, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 (3.5 oz.) bag dried cranberries

1 (2.5 oz.) bag real bacon bits

1/2 c. plus 1 TBS mayo

1/2 c. white sugar

1 TBS ranch dressing mix

Salt and Pepper to taste 

In a large bowl combine broccoli, cauliflower, red pepper, cranberries and bacon bits. Toss to combine. In a separate bowl whisk together mayo, sugar and ranch dressing mix. Add to vegetables. Stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Chill 1-2 hours before serving. Stir before serving.

*** GIVEAWAY ***

To Enter: Leave me a comment telling me your favorite Christmas time dish that Grandma made best! Be sure to leave an email address so I can find you!

Open to US Residents 18 and over

Contest Ends: December 10, 2015 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Classic Doesn't Mean Boring

Last week when we got back from our 2 week Florida vacation, I had a craving. Sure, there was the one to immediately go back because it was sunny and HOT there, not rainy and cool like here in Indiana. And there was the one to turn the car around because I knew the beach and amazing pool would still be waiting on me. But neither of those are what I'm talking about today. The one I'm referring to was much more topic appropriate. See, I came home with such a hankering for potato salad, it simply could not be ignored.

I have absolutely no idea where it came from. There is no logical explanation for it. It literally came out of nowhere and would not be silenced. As soon as I began to plan that first week's meals, I knew one of them had to include it...for my emotional well being.

I have a hundred different recipes for tater salad; and I'm always up for trying new versions. It is definitely one of the summer time foods I look forward to the most. But this craving was screaming for something simple. Something classic. Nothing fancy. I just wanted a good ol' fashioned eggy potato salad. I didn't really need anything else in it. No onion. No celery. No carrot. Just potato, eggs and dressing. At least the nagging craving wasn't demanding something elaborate!

So this is what I came up with. Classic. But definitely not boring. It's simple, but still scrumptious. It's easy enough for any weeknight meal, but tasty enough you can definitely serve it to guests, or take it along to a cookout or potluck.

Classic doesn't mean boring. It means something you can come back to and love at first bite, all over again. And who knows, the most simple dish might be the one everyone can't get enough of!

Classic Potato Salad

6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

6 hard boiled eggs, chopped

3/4 c. mayo

2 TBS mustard

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. celery seed

Salt and Pepper to taste

Paprika

In a large pot, cover potatoes with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until just fork tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and cool. In a medium bowl whisk together mayo, mustard, celery seed, salt and pepper. Combine eggs and potatoes in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and mix well. Sprinkle with paprika. Chill until ready to serve. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

What I Won't Do For Him

When I was a kid, one of my favorite meals was my mom's salmon patties. I used to ask her to make them all the time. Then when Mr. E and I started dating, they became one of his favorites for her to make also. So, it shouldn't be a big deal for me to make them for him now, right??!! I should jump at the chance, right??!! Wrong. Very wrong.

See, some years back, we went to a local seafood restaurant, which shall remain nameless, and I ordered something I knew I would love. Salmon. A nice piece, with a sweet glaze and grilled. Mmmm....yummy. Right? Wrong again. Because by that night, I realized food poisoning wasn't my friend and I was so, so sick.

Now I don't know about you, but once something makes me sick, it takes a very long time for me to allow it back into my mouth again. And sometimes it is simply never welcome back. That was the case with salmon. I was so sick and have such vivid memories of it, even the smell of it can make my tummy not happy, so I've avoided it for years.

But then a couple weeks ago, while making out my meal plan, I asked my hubby what he was hungry for. "Your mom's salmon patties." Really? Seriously? Did you just say that. Well evidently I was feeling generous that day, or maybe he had done something nice for me, I can't remember, because I actually agreed to this.

Thankfully, since it was a different texture, a different flavor and something that actually brought back happy memories of eating it, I did just find. Whew...I'm so happy! I've missed not eating one of mom's best recipes!

These are super simple and come together much quicker than you might think. I like to serve them with a fresh creamy dill dipping sauce and some rice, for a supper filled with good protein!

I am so happy I made it through this meal and now know I can enjoy these once again, just as much as I did when I was a kid. Well, almost...they are never as good as when mom made them!

P.S. Today just happens to be my parents wedding anniversary too. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! We are so blessed to have you as parents and wish you many more blessed years to come!

Mom's Salmon Patties

2 (14.75 oz.) cans salmon, drained and bones removed

1 egg, beaten

1 c. bread crumbs*

1/2 c. finely chopped onion

1 TBS dried parsley

Salt and Pepper to taste

Vegetable Oil for frying

Lemon slices for garnish

Dill Sauce

1/3 c. mayo

1/3 c. sour cream

1 tsp. dried parsley

1 1/2 tsp. dill weed

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. horseradish

1 TBS minced onion

1/4 tsp. garlic salt

Pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients for dill sauce in a medium bowl. Stir until well mixed. Chill until ready to serve. Place drained salmon in a large bowl. With hands, break up and recheck for bone pieces. Add egg and onion. Add bread crumbs, a little at a time until mixture starts to bind. Add salt, pepper and parsley. Mix well using hands. Using hand, make patties about 1/2" thick. Heat oil until 350 degrees, or medium-high. Fry on both sides until browned. Serve with sauce and lemon on the side. *NOTE* I used about a cup of bread crumbs. You will need to eyeball it to see how much you will need, depending on how wet your salmon is. We like them extra crispy on the outside, because mom always made them that way. If you don't want them quite as brown, fry at 325 and watch very closely.
 

Shared on The Country Cook 

Too Hot To Cook { A Post For Earth Fare}

So lately I've become a little obsessed with eating things I can serve in lettuce. Call them boats, call them cups, call them wraps...however you describe them, I've been on a total kick lately.

It's the weather, I know it is. Sure, I love the healthier aspect of it, like swapping out shells for Romain leaves in my Taco Boats, but deep down I know the soaring temps are what is leading me back to this idea again and again. Light, flavorful meals we can eat later in the evening and not feel like we are going to bed with a brick in our stomachs.

Take that idea and combine it with another warm weather classic, chicken salad, and you have a party on a plate! For this one I wanted more of a mustard flavor than mayo to give it extra tang. The added grapes are like a little burst of freshness in every bite.

I served these with some crusty bread and fresh fruit on the side for a simple supper; but they would be perfect for a poolside or lake party too. Simply put out a big bowl of the chicken salad, and a platter with the lettuce leaves separated, so your guests can fill their own!

Summer time means lighter meals for us. Salads, fresh fruit, veggies, sandwiches...and apparently anything and everything I can find to stick inside a lettuce leaf!

Dijon Chicken Salad Cups

2 lbs. boneless chicken tenders

3 ribs celery, diced

1 c. seedless red grapes, halved

1/4 c. mayo

1/4 c. Dijon mustard

1 TBS lemon juice

1 TBS dried parsley

1/3 c. sliced almonds, reserve a few for garnish

1 head bibb lettuce

Garlic Powder, to taste

Salt and Pepper to taste 

Olive Oil

Preheat oven to 375. Drizzle chicken liberally with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Roast for 30-40 minutes until cooked. Allow to cool for a few minutes and then shred. Allow to finish cooling. In a small bowl combine mayo, mustard, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix to combine. In a large bowl combine cooled, shredded chicken, grapes, celery and almonds. Toss to combine. Add dressing. Stir well. Chill for at least an hour. When ready, fill leaves of lettuce with chicken salad. Sprinkle with extra almonds. *NOTE* In my store, the bibb lettuce is also marked "living lettuce" and has the roots still attached. Any lettuce will work, I just like the shapes of these leaves the best.

A Cool One For A Hot Day

I don't know about you, but when it is 90 degrees with 100% humidity, the last thing I want to do is cook, and honestly, eat. As much as we love food, when the weather is stifling, we just can't bring ourselves to enjoy a good meal. But we have to eat, so I have to become creative.

So this time of year, supper is many times pushed to around 7:30 or even 8 pm, to allow it to cool down a little; and I try to find light things that fill us up, satisfy those starving bellies, but don't leave us feeling like we have bricks in our stomachs when bedtime rolls around.

When I came up with this recipe, it was one of those "why haven't I ever thought of this before?" moments. I mean, we love mac salad. We love tuna salad. We love tuna and noodle casserole. So why not take elements of all of those, and turn them into a cool, creamy dish perfect for a hot day? I simply added some croissants and fresh fruit on the side for a whole meal. I think this would be a killer dish at any cookout or potluck this time of year too. I'm betting it would be that one thing people devour and wonder why they didn't think to make it. Plus, if you make a big batch like me, you've got lunch covered for the whole week; and it just keeps getting better as the days go on.

Even if you're hanging out in the AC at the end of a long hot day, your body needs time to cool down and recover. Standing over a hot stove, or having the oven heat up the house isn't really going to help matters. That's when you need to remember dishes like this and feed your family something that will make them say "mmmm" and "ahhhh" at the same time.

Tuna Macaroni Salad

1 lb. elbow macaroni

3 small cans tuna, drained well

3/4 c. sweet relish, divided

4 hard boiled eggs, chopped

1 small white onion, chopped

1/2 c. mayo

1 TBS lemon juice

1 TBS celery seed

1 1/2 TBS dried parsley

Salt and Pepper, to taste

Cook macaroni until just al dente. You want it to have a little "bite" left to it, not mushy. Rinse with cold water, and drain very well. In a large bowl mix together macaroni, tuna, 1/2 c. relish, eggs and onion. Mix well. In a small bowl whisk together mayo, 1/4 c. relish, lemon juice, celery seed, parsley, salt and pepper. Pour over macaroni mixture. Stir well to combine. Chill for at least an hour before serving.

Lettuce Eat Spinach

Do you like spinach? We love the stuff. Can't get enough. It's delicious. Aren't convinced yet? I'm here to change that.

First off, let me explain, while we enjoy spinach cooked into dishes, our absolute favorite way to eat it is raw. In salads and as a substitute for lettuce on sandwiches, both are equally yummy. We are the people at Subway that don't want the shredded iceberg, but instead spinach...and extra please! Oh, and let me add, when I say "we" that includes the 10 years old. He loves his dark leafy greens, and as a mom, that makes me so happy.

So when I decided I wanted to develop a pasta salad recipe based on our favorite sandwich in the whole world, but didn't want to use regular lettuce, I immediately knew exactly what I could use instead. Our trusty friend, spinach. It's a crisp, green and has leaves...sounds like lettuce qualities to me!

Guys, I'm not kidding when I say I LOVE this stuff! Seriously, it's going to be this summer's must make dish. I can easily see myself making this over and over the next few months. For picnics, cookouts, barbecues, or just a side dish for supper. And if you think it's going to make too big of a batch for you, make it anyway! The leftovers make fantastic lunches all week long!

If you think spinach is "yucky" or that you don't enjoy it, I encourage you to try it again. Keep trying until you find that one thing you love it in. It's so good for you after all. Maybe this can be your "a-ha" spinach moment!

BLT Pasta Salad

1 lb. elbow macaroni, cooked

6 strips bacon, cooked crisp and chopped

3/4 c. cherry tomatoes, quartered

3 cups spinach, chopped

3 green onions, chopped

1/2 c. mayo

3 TBS chili sauce

1 tsp. sugar

2 TBS lemon juice

Salt and Pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions. In a small bowl whisk together mayo, chili sauce, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper. When pasta is cooked, rinse with cold water and drain well. In a large bowl combine pasta, tomatoes, bacon, onions and spinach. Toss to combine. Pour dressing over. Gently stir to combine. Chill at least one hour before serving.

Shared at Weekend Potluck

America's Better Sandwich with Brownberry ® Bread {A Review and Giveaway}

I love a good sandwich. Like really love. Like kind of obsessed! Especially in the summer months. There are so many evenings when it's supper time, and still scorching outside, too hot too cook, that a sandwich piled high with our favorite meats, cheeses and veggies really hits the spot; and makes for a filling, yet still light supper. Great sandwiches are made better with Brownberry® Bread, and now they have a contest to prove it! 

Brownberry® Bread is some of the best you can find in your grocery store. It's soft, delicious and everything you want in a good quality bread, while being something you can feel good about giving your family. Just look at some of these facts:

All of Brownberry® Whole Grain Sliced Breads and Brownberry® Sandwich Thins® Rolls contain/are:

3 to 4 grams of fiber per slice or thin

Zero grams of Trans Fat

No High Fructose Corn Syrup

Cholesterol free

Health authorities recommend munching on 25-38 grams of fiber and 48 grams of whole grains per day, much of which may come from whole grain products like Brownberry® Whole Grain Sliced Breads or Brownberry® Sandwich Thins® Rolls varieties.

If you’re not sure of how  many grams of whole grains you are getting, look for the Whole Grain Stamp found on all of Brownberry® Whole Grain Sliced Breads and Brownberry® Sandwich Thins® Rolls.

And now, the folks at Brownberry® want to see your best sandwich! In their  “America’s Better Sandwich” Contest, the sandwich artist whose filling best matches the goodness of Brownberry® bread  will win the grand prize of $25,000!!

Here are more details about the contest:

Before entering a better sandwich in the Contest, the entrant should make sure it includes any of the Brownberry®Whole Grain Sliced Breads or Brownberry® Sandwich Thins® Rolls varieties.

There are four (4) sandwich categories in the Brownberry^®  “America’s Better Sandwich” Contest including: “Creative Classic” (a healthful twist on a sandwich that has been around for more than two generations, such as a Reuben, BLT or club sandwich), “Stealthily Simple” (maximum of five (5) ingredients), “Fueling Good” (ingredients that help boost your energy such as healthful fats, protein, fiber and iron), and “Meatless Marvel” (no animal products including land and sea animals may be included in the recipe).

The recipe in each sandwich category with the highest score will receive a $5,000 category prize.

Entries will be accepted July 23^rd - August 22^nd, online consumer voting will take place September 22^nd - October 17^th, and the winners will be announced on National Sandwich Day- November 3^rd.

To submit a recipe, receive tips on creating a better sandwich or learn more about the Official Rules visit:www.americasbettersandwich.com.

For more info and fun, be sure to check them out on Facebook too!

Now, it's time to see what I did with my Brownberry® Bread. That's easy. I let the summer time garden inspire me. Some tasty bread filled with loads of fresh veggies and a flavored mayo that takes it to the next level! This sandwich is one of my favorites and I'm so excited to share it with you! 

Plus, the great folks at Brownberry® want you to try their fantastic bread in your kitchen. They are giving (1) lucky EMM reader coupons for free bread  and a $25 Visa gift card! Just scroll down past the recipe to enter! 

Garden Delight Sandwich with Herb Mayo

Brownberry® Oat Nut Bread

Spinach, washed and dried

Tomatoes, sliced thin

Cucumbers, peeled and sliced thin

Provolone Cheese

Banana Peppers, well drained

1 c. mayo

1 tsp. dried parsley

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. freeze dried chives

Salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl whisk together mayo, herbs and salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve. To build sandwich, spread both slices of bread with mayo. Start with cheese on bottom, then spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers and finish with banana peppers. 

Shared on The Country Cook Aug. 15, 2014

To Enter: Leave a comment telling me what sandwich you would love to try with Brownberry® Bread. 

(1) Winner will receive coupons for free product and a $25 Visa Gift Card

Contest Ends Aug. 15, 2014

Sandwiches at Very Good Recipes

Disclaimer: The coupons for product redemption, information, and gift card have been provided by Brownberry® Bread so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about Brownberry®. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of Brownberry® Bread.