Summer Needs To Slow Her Roll

  Anyone that knows me will tell you summer is my favorite season. Hands down. No contest. I love HOT sunny days by the pool, no setting an alarm and super fun days spent with my family. But most of all, I adore having my boys home with me, and I dread the first day of school. Yep, I am the mom that cries on that first day, no matter how old they get. 

So with August coming this week, I am starting to feel all the feels about my boys once again heading back to the classroom, and for the oldest, back to college. My mama heart hurts just thinking about it. 

However, this year's first day of school will look a little different four our big 2nd grader because Mommy will be joining him on the first day of school! How? Well, about two months ago I accepted the position of Admissions Director at his school, and it gives me the best of both worlds. It is part time, and the little guy can go with me when I work over the summer. Plus, it gives me time to continue my blogging and food writing, and I will continue to be a substitute aide in Kindergarten as needed as well. 

Our church and school community are truly like family, and I am so blessed to be so involved in both. The icing on the cake is when I drop him off in his classroom on that first day, I will be just down the hall in my office! Win win! 

But this excitement doesn't take away from the fact neither of us is ready for that first day yet! Summer needs to slow her roll and stay put a little while longer! 

So in that spirit, I'm sharing another recipe perfect for your next summer cookout! Let's face it, even after we're all back in school, those weekends will still be filled with fun in the sun! 

I have so many pasta salad recipe, but who doesn't enjoy a great basic macaroni salad? The hubby actually found this on YouTube one night and asked if I would make it...of course! It's got a creamy, sweet and sour dressing, some crunch from veggies and really goes well with anything you're grilling up! 

Thank you for always sticking with me on my blogging journey has life gets busier and I take on other adventures. My EMM family will always be a priority, even if new recipes have to be a little less frequent since I'm hanging out with the little guy at school! 

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! I think rotini or shells would be great. I probably wouldn't use anything bigger. 

Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?

I think they have such a different flavor profile, I wouldn't. Plus, with the addition of vinegar, it might be a little too tart. 

What other veggies could I use?

Any color bell pepper, some jalapeños for spice, diced cucumber or cherry tomatoes would be tasty!

Why don't I rinse the macaroni?

With most of my cold pasta salads, I always rinse with cold water and drain well. The creator of this recipe suggested to not rinse this one, to allow the dressing to really stick to it and it works SO well!  Be sure to read the recipe and tips to learn how!

Can I use a different vinegar?

I wouldn't recommend it. Apple Cider and others won't have the same flavor. 

How to store leftovers?

This salad will last in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

 Best Tips

Do NOT rinse macaroni. Allow to sit at room temperature until it is almost completely cool. This makes it sticky and allows the dressing to adhere.

Before serving, stir well and if salad seems a little dry, add an extra dollop of mayo. Do the same thing when serving leftovers. 

Dice all veggies the same size for a perfect bite. 

Add diced poblano pepper or jalapeño for a little kick.

If you want to use Miracle Whip- the flavor will be a little extra tart. Try cutting back on the white vinegar. I haven't tried this, so I don't know results.

 Summer Macaroni Salad

1 lb. elbow macaroni, cooked to al dente

2 red bell peppers, diced

4 ribs celery, diced

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1/2 cup matchstick carrots

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup white vinegar

1 1/2 TBS sugar

2 TBS Dijon mustard

Salt and Pepper 

After macaroni is cooked, drain well and let sit at room temperature to allow to cool almost completely. DO NOT RINSE. Combine the mayo, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper and whisk well. In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni and dressing. Stir well. Add chopped veggies. Stir well. Cover and allow to chill overnight. Stir well before serving. 

More Macaroni Salads To Try Next

Amish Macaroni Salad

https://everydaymomsmeals.blogspot.com/2019/08/tater-salad-inspired.html

Country Macaroni Salad

https://everydaymomsmeals.blogspot.com/2018/03/barbecue-season-is-coming.html

Tuna Macaroni Salad

https://everydaymomsmeals.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-cool-one-for-hot-day.html

Mom's Macaroni Salad

https://everydaymomsmeals.blogspot.com/2013/09/still-time-for-picnic.html

 

On The Blackstone Wagon

You know that moment when you see the new "it" thing and you say "What's all the hype? We don't need one." And then you find yourself jumping on the bandwagon and have to eat your own words? Yeah, that was recently us! 

We knew people who had a Blackstone. We had seen them on tv and net, but we had a grill, in fact we had two grills, so we didn't see the need. 

But then Mr E. stumbled upon the Blackstone smoker/griddle combo and the next thing we knew Lowe's was delivering it to our backyard. 

Well, a few smoked pork butts, beef brisket  and breakfasts cooked on the griddle later, we now understand all the fuss, 100%. I would even say Mr. E's a tad obsessed since his new moniker is "oooo could we smoke that?" (No, honey, we aren't putting fish sticks on the smoker....lol!)

Last weekend he was smoking another pork shoulder on a hot and steamy day. I was planning the sides and when I decided on macaroni and cheese I figured why not? So I read a few recipes online to get tips for the temperature and time and then got to cooking!

 Oh people! This mac and cheese is super ooey and gooey thanks to a homemade cheese sauce with not one, not two, but THREE cheeses! It has a rich, creamy texture with just a slight smoky flavor in the background. It comes together on the stove quickly and then the smoker takes care of the rest. 

We had a meal that could have come from our favorite barbecue joint, it was that tasty. Plus, we did it all without heating up the house! 

The next time you see the latest food trend, don't dismiss it right away because you never know when you will be joining in and wondering what took you so long! 

Can I use different cheeses?

Of course! I think a sharp white cheddar or pepperjack would be great! 

Why stir in a figure-8 pattern? 

This was a tip I learned from Rachael Ray years ago and it has never failed me. She said adding cheese and stirring this way would result in the smoothest sauce and it always does!

Can I use a different pasta?

Sure! Any of the smaller shapes will work best. Shells or rotini maybe! 

What if I don't have a smoker?

Don't worry, you can still make this. Follow the recipe, but bake in a 350-degree oven for about 20-25 minutes! 

Do I have to use heavy cream?

You could try swapping it out for half-and-half, but I don't know if it will be as creamy.

Best Tips

Don't skip the step of warming the milk and cream. It will result in the smoothest sauce with no clumping. 

I used 2% milk. I don't recommend anything with a lower fat content.  

You want a blonde (light brown) roux for this, don't let it get too dark. 

Try adding in some green chilies or diced jalapenos for a Mexican flare. 

Any leftovers should be transferred to a container with a lid and refrigerated for 2-3 days.

Smoked Macaroni & Cheese

1 lb. elbow macaroni

2 cups 2% milk, warmed

2 cups heavy cream, warmed

1 stick butter

1/2 cup flour

1 TBS ground mustard

8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/3 cup reserved

8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1/3 cup reserved

8 oz. shredded Gouda cheese, 1/3 cup reserved

Salt and Pepper

Dried Parsley

Lightly grease a 9x13 foil pan. Preheat smoker to 250. Boil macaroni until al dente, Drain well. Meanwhile, in a large skillet melt butter over medium high heat. Whisk in flour and mustard until smooth. Cook 2-3 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth and combined. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a light boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add cheeses, stirring in a figure-8 pattern until smooth. Add macaroni to cheese sauce and stir well. Transfer to foil pan. Top with reserved cheese. Cook on smoker for 1 hour. Remove, sprinkle with dried parsley and allow to sit 5 minutes before serving. 

Inspired by Chiles & Smoke

Hello Summer Vacation

 I was shocked when I began to write this post and realized I haven't published a new recipe since February! It certainly wasn't my intent, but what can I say? Life is busy and some times things you love get put on the back burner. I don't like admitting I can't do it all, but with all of my other jobs and responsibilities, testing new recipes just doesn't happen like it used to. 

So thank you to all of you who have stuck around and keep following even when I seem to disappear for a while. I'm hoping to publish more new stuff this summer, so stay tuned! 

Speaking of summer, we are SO happy school is out and we are on total break mode. We've actually been out for a couple weeks now, trying to fit in as much fun as we can. Plus, Bubbie is home, and while he's working a lot, he is still finding time to hang out with us too, so my mama heart is full!

With warm weather here, cookout season in full swing and July 4th just around the corner, I thought it was a great time to share a new summer salad! This has a cabbage base, fresh veggies, Asian flavors and an extra crunch from nuts too. 

I served this with some frozen egg rolls and dumplings for a super easy weeknight supper, but it would be a great take-along to any summer gathering, plus with no mayonnaise, it is one you don't have to worry about on a hot day! 

I wish I could say these long periods with no new recipes won't happen again, but let's face it, they probably will. Life is hectic, and we all do what we can in the time we have! But you can always find me posting stuff on Facebook and Instagram too, so even if the blog itself is a little slow, I'm still around every single day! 

What kind of cabbage to use?

I used green cabbage, but napa would be delicious too. Purple would add a lovely color as well.

Why two different oils?
Olive oil is what you want to make a dressing with. Sesame oil is used sparingly in recipes as a finishing oil or for flavor. 

Where can I find sesame oil?

In the Asian food section of the grocery store, or your local Asian market. One bottle will last a while, so make the investment! 

Can I use a different nut?

Sure! Swap the almonds for roasted salted peanuts! 

Where can I find sesame seeds?

In my local Walmart they are in the baking aisle with other herbs and spices. I've also seen them on the Asian foods aisle.

 

 Best Tips

Feel free to shred your own cabbage, but the bagged stuff saves time! You can even use the tri-color coleslaw mix! 

If you use low sodium soy sauce, you might need to add a little extra salt for flavor. 

If you use a regular cucumber, be sure to peel and remove the seeds. 

My husband added hot sauce to his and said it is delicious spicy!

Sesame oil has a strong flavor. Start by adding 2 teaspoons and add more if desired. 

Serve this as a side dish with some egg rolls or steamed dumplings. Or take it to your next cookout as a summer salad!

Summer Asian Cabbage Salad

2 (10 oz.) bags shredded cabbage

1 English cucumber, diced

1 red pepper, diced

2 medium carrots, grated

2 TBS dried parsley

3/4 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup olive oil

2 TBS soy sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 TBS honey

Juice of 1 lemon

2-3 tsp. sesame oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 TBS sesame seeds

In a large bowl combine cabbage, carrots, cucumber, red pepper, parsley and almonds. In a small jar combine olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, lemon juice, sesame oil, salt and pepper. Shake well. Pour over salad. Mix well. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Chill at least 1 hour before serving. 

 

Pasta For Lent

No matter if you celebrate Lent or not, are looking for meat-free dinners or not, this pasta bake is going to end up on your menu plant ASAP. How do I know? Because I am a busy mom who loves to be able to make dishes with short ingredient lists too, and if I have everything on hand already, even better. 

First let's talk about the inspo for this recipe. Those meat-free Friday meals so many of us have to plan during Lent. Let's face it, there is only so much fish and cheese pizza you can eat.  

Pasta bakes seem like a great alternative, but guess what I realized when I went back through my archives to share some on my Facebook page. Most of them, at least mine, contain meat of some sort. Ground beef, sausage, chicken, meatballs...our favorites seem to always have meat in them. Which during most of the year is no big deal, but if there are EMM loyalists out there looking for something meatless, they aren't going to much help. 

So why create a new dish and not just omit the meat from another? Well, for one, that's my job lol and two, because sometimes if you omit meat from a pasta bake, it isn't going to set up right because the liquid to protein ratio will be off. Nobody wants a soggy pasta supper. 

This is basically a grown up version of a dish my husband has been making for a quick weekend for our entire almost 21 year marriage; and also makes for our boys, whom love it. He literally boils a box of elbow macaroni, mixes it with a jar of pasta sauce (usually the cheapest kind he can find) and done. That's it. Maybe sprinkle with a little Parmesan at the table. 

I took that concept, made it a little more bougie with a nice flavored pasta sauce, penne pasta and added a ton of cheese. Why so much cheese? Because your kids will gobble this down when they see how ooey gooey it is. Oh, and talking about kids- if you have picky eaters who don't groove on the meat so much, how happy are they going to be to find out this is just noodles, sauce and cheese? 

Cheesy Baked Penne is super easy, super affordable and 100% delicious. It also happens to be one of those pastas that tastes great (almost better) the next day for lunch. 

If you are celebrating Lent, I hope this is helpful for you, but if you aren't, still give it a try on a night when you just can't handle complicated!

Can I use a different kind of pasta? 

Sure! Whatever you have on hand will work: elbows, rotini, ziti, shells, etc. 

Can I use a different kind of pasta sauce? 

Yep! I like the flavor of tomato & basil, but traditional or marinara would also work. Obviously if you're trying to go meat free, a meat flavored one not so much.

  Why 3-4 cups of cheese?

 I wanted to use all 4 cups I had, but decided 2 cups was a little too much for the top. But you can use whatever amount your family will like.

Best Tips

Look for a jarred sauce that says "thick" so it bakes up nicely. 

You could add veggies this as well: mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, spinach. Be sure to precook them and drain off any extra liquid. 

An Italian blend cheese would work too. 

Add some dried red pepper flakes for a little spice. 

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Cover to reheat in microwave. 

Cheesy Baked Penne

2 (16 oz.) boxes penne

2 (24 oz.) jars tomato basil pasta sauce

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. Italian seasoning, extra for top

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

3-4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a deep 9x13 baking dish. Boil pasta until al dente. In a large bowl combine pasta sauce and seasonings. When pasta is cooked, drain well. Add to sauce. Mix well. Add half pasta to bottom of baking dish. Sprinkle with 2 cups cheese. Add rest of pasta. Top with remaining cheese, either 1-2 cups. Sprinkle with extra Italian seasoning. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 

More Pasta Bake Recipes To Try 

Baked Goulash

Lasagna Casserole

Cheesy Baked Tortellini 

Easy Baked Ziti  

Copycat Pizza Hut Cavatini 

Baked Spaghetti

Some Might Call Me Obsessed

 Over the past year, nothing has been posted more to EMM than frozen meatball recipes. I make no apologies for it, and I hope you guys are enjoying them as much as I am creating them. 

I blog what we eat. Sure, there are times when I try to keep up with food trends like when I made Marry Me Chicken, Whipped Hot Chocolate and Cafeteria Noodles to name a few. And while we enjoyed those recipes very much, for the most part what you see on the blog are dishes I have made with the intention to simply just get supper on the table.

Hence why so many meatball recipes have made their way to your feed thanks to my page. I have become a little obsessed with finding new ways to utilize one of my favorite frozen foods. 

So how did this latest one come to be? I was planning a Mexican night at home, but wasn't feeling tacos, burritos or nachos. Time to see if I could combine my meatball friends with Mexican flavors we love. The answer? YES! 

Crock Pot Enchilada Meatballs can be served as a tasty appetizer for a crowd or for an easy weeknight supper like I did, alongside some cheesy rice. You could also pile them into a hoagie roll, top with cheese, lettuce and tomato for a tasty twist on a meatball sub! 

If you saw yet another meatball recipe and groaned, I'm sorry you're disappointed. But I promise you might change your mind at the first bite!

What kind of meatballs do I use?

You want to look for the frozen meatballs called "homestyle" or sometimes original. Italian ones won't taste the same.

 Can I cook on high instead of low?

If time is an issue, yes you can cook these on high for 2 hours.

 Can I substitute something for the enchilada sauce?

While I haven't tried anything else, you could! Maybe a green verde sauce or even a salsa instead. If you do, let me know how it goes!

What do I serve with Crock Pot Enchilada Meatballs?

Some ideas: Cilantro rice, refried beans, chips and salsa, fiesta corn, black beans

 What is your favorite brand of frozen meatballs?

My two favorite frozen meatballs to use are the Great Value brand at Walmart and Bremer's at Aldi. Yep, both are just as tasty as name brand and much. more budget-friendly!

 Best Tips

 

Be sure to stir the meatballs well before serving to coat them well in the sauce.

 

If you can find a packet of enchilada seasoning instead of taco, that would be perfect!

 

Like things spicy? Use Pepper Jack cheese, spicy Rotel and/or diced jalapeños.

 

A can of diced green chilies would be delicious too.

 

Crock Pot Enchilada Meatballs

1 (28 oz.) bag frozen homestyle meatballs

1 (10 oz.) cans red enchilada sauce

1 (10 oz.) can Rotel 

1 packet taco seasoning

Shredded Mexican style cheese 

Cilantro, for garnish

In the bottom of Crock Pot, whisk together enchilada sauce, Rotel and taco seasoning. Add meatballs. Stir to combine. Cook on LOW 4 hours. Keep on warm until serving. Stir before serving. Sprinkle with cheese and cilantro. 

More Meatball Recipes To Try Next

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs 

Crock Pot Italian Meatballs 

Crock Pot Korean Meatballs

Crock Pot Meatball Subs

Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs 

Meatball Pasta Bake

 Crock Pot Teriyaki Meatballs 

Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs

A New Normal

 Have you been wondering where your friendly everyday mom has been? I posted back before Christmas and then kind of disappeared. It wasn't intentional, believe me. 

The holiday hustle and bustle had me going like crazy those last two weeks before school go out. Then we we were enjoying having big brother home for almost a month, with lots of Christmas and New Year celebrations. Then before we knew it, or wanted, it was time to take the college kid back to Purdue and for Max to begin his 3rd quarter of first grade. 

What some of you might not know is I am a substitute kindergarten aide at our school too. I began last year in Max's class, and now this year I have continued in the same class. I can't express how much I love being in the school, surrounded by my friends, our church/school family and the kids. Plus, I get to see Max throughout the day too! He loves the days when he "gets to take mommy to school." 

Plus, I am also the vice president of our PTL (think PTA) as well. So I spend many of my days at school in the classroom or working on projects. But I would not have it any other way. God certainly knew exactly what I would need when my first baby spread his college wings. 

The only downside to all of this, and it is a very small one, is that my time in the kitchen cooking and testing recipes isn't as abundant as it used to be. No fear though! I am finding balance with our new normal, and this weekend I told myself I was making something new to share, no matter what! 

With the frigid, arctic temps we've been having, I figured a new, tasty soup would be much appreciated. Add in the fact it cooks in about 20 minutes, but still has rich flavor, and will thaw you out in no time! 

Quick Cooking Wonton Soup tastes like you called in an order to your favorite Chinese restaurant, but can be on the table in less time than it takes to find the takeout menu in the junk drawer! Frozen wontons are the secret, and I bet your favorite grocery store has them, even if you don't realize it.

Please don't think your everyday food blogger has abandoned you. I am still here, and will continue to cook up yummy things you have to try!

What kind of wontons do I use?

I used pork and vegetable mini wontons. The same brand came in chicken and veggie too. I liked the fact they were mini size to fit on the spoon too! 

Where can I find frozen wontons?

Look for the wontons in the freezer section next to the egg rolls, pot stickers, etc. 

Why so many carrots?

You might see the amount of carrots in your bowl and wonder why. Easy. Any time I can slip extra veggies into a dish, I will. They don't affect the color, taste or texture, so why not?

Do I have to use sesame oil?

Nobody will know if you don't, but it truly finishes off the flavor to closely match a restaurant soup. You can find it next to the soy sauce, and since it is a finishing oil, a bottle will last a long time.

What is chili crisp?

I served this on the side for my husband who loves all things spicy. Chili Crisp is a spicy, crunchy Asian condiment. Chilies, garlic, scallions and other ingredients are fried and then added to oil. You can find it on the Asian foods aisle or any Asian market.  

Best Tips:

The wontons will soak up the broth very quickly. Serve immediately. If you have leftovers, you will want to add extra for reheating. 

When stirring the soup, be very gentle. And be sure to simmer, not boil the entire time. Both of these will cause the dumplings to fall apart. 

You could use vegetable broth instead. I would not recommend beef.  

Regular size wontons will be great, you might have to cut them for little ones. 

Serve the chili crisp on the side for anyone who likes it spicy, but use sparingly! 

Chow Mein noodles would make a great topping too!

Quick Wonton Soup

2 (32 oz.) boxes chicken broth

1 (10 oz.) bag matchstick carrots

5 green onions, chopped, extra for garnish

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1 1/2 TBS soy sauce

1/2 tsp. sesame oil

1 (24 oz.) bag frozen pork and vegetable min wontons

In a Dutch oven, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic and ginger. Stir well. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Add carrots, green onions and wontons. Bring back to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook 8-10 minutes until wontons are cooked. Add sesame oil and stir well. Serve with green onions, oyster crackers and spicy chili crisp on the side. 

Inspired By Let's Dish

Holiday Help

 This time of year your friendly food bloggers are filling your feeds with beautiful holiday desserts, festive cookies and candies, and delicious ideas to make your Christmas dinner the best one yet. Thank goodness for them! But since they have all of us covered on that front, I tend to take another approach. 

I don't have a new cookie technique to share or a secret to making that glazed ham even tastier on Christmas day but what I have to share might just take some stress out of the season. 

I always try to give you a recipe that can be used a couple different ways. Maybe you need a quick weeknight supper before you rush off to the next school holiday concert. Or perhaps you are planning on a houseful of guests this Christmas and you need inspiration on how to keep them fed beyond the main holiday meal. 

This year I have a super easy pasta bake that is a great hack when you are craving lasagna but not all the work that comes with it! Lasagna casserole hits all the same flavor notes, but can be on the table in less than an hour. 

I know how hectic and stressful the holiday season can be. Please remember it doesn't have to be! This time of year is supposed to be filled with joy, love, peace and those people who mean the most in the world to you. 

If you start to feel like you might pull your hair out, take a breath and take solace in the true reason for the season. The promise of a baby who came into this world to save us all. A king who was born in a stable. Love came down at Christmas and may it fill our hearts this year now more than ever. 

 

What kind of egg noodles should I use?

I like the wide ones for this casserole since they are boiled and then baked too. Anything smaller sometimes turns to mush in the oven. 

Can I make lasagna casserole ahead? 

While I haven't tried it, I think you could! Prepare recipe as stated and then chill in fridge, covered overnight. When ready to bake, remove from fridge and let come to room temp for about 20 minutes. Bake at 350 but for about 10-15 extra minutes. 

Can I use another meat? 

Sure! Italian sausage, mild or hot, and ground turkey or chicken would all work.

What if I don't like cottage cheese? 

The cottage cheese makes this extra creamy. If you don't want to use it, I would add another cup of ricotta or 1 cup of sour cream. 

Can I freeze lasagna casserole?

I never recommend freezing pasta bakes due to the noodles, but if it is something you do, then go for it!

 Best Tips:

If the chunks in the cottage cheese bother your family, mash it up with a fork or potato masher first.

I prefer whole milk ricotta over skim for a richer, creamier texture. 

An Italian blend shredded cheese would be a great swap for mozzarella. 

Sprinkle Parmesan on each layer for even more cheese. 

If using an Italian sausage, be sure to drain the grease very well. 

Do not over cook the noodles so they don't get mushy. 

 

Lasagna Casserole

8 oz. wide egg noodles

1 lb. ground beef

2 cups marinara sauce

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1 cup whole milk ricotta

1 cup small curd cottage cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 TBS fresh parsley, chopped, divided use

Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Cook noodles until al dente. Drain well. In a large skillet brown beef. Drain if necessary. Add sauce and seasonings. In a large bowl combine cooked noodles, ricotta and cottage cheese. Mix well. Grease 9x13 baking dish. Add half noodle mixture. Top with half sauce. Sprinkle with half shredded cheese. Repeat layers. Top with rest of shredded cheese. Bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through and browned. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. 

Thanksgiving Wishes

 With only TEN days until Thanksgiving, I hope your menus are starting to come together. Mine is planned, the turkey has been purchased and is waiting in the freezer, as are the fresh cranberries. Next Sunday the bird will make its way into the fridge to begin thawing, and before you know it, the parade will be on and Santa will be making his way down 34th Street! 

Twelve years ago the EMM Thanksgiving recipe was for Pumpkin Dump Cake, and when I was trying to decide what this year's would be, I decided it was time for an update, beginning with the name. 

Don't get me wrong, I am not hating on anyone's "dump cake" game. The entire concept is you can dump all the ingredients together and bake. Super easy and the name completely makes sense. I just have this aversion to the word dump. It's one of those that makes me cringe every time I hear it. We all have those words, right? We will get to the new name in a bit.

The next step in this recipe upgrade was decided when I was wandering the baking aisle looking for the yellow cake mix that was on sale that week. That is when I found a spice cake mix and it was like the angels were singing right there in Walmart. 

Pumpkin and spice are a match made in heaven, after all they are the stars of an entire flavor craze every fall. So why not add another layer of flavor to this dessert, knowing it would be perfect for Thanksgiving dessert. 

Now, for the name. I still hadn't decided what I was going to name this 2023 version, until I took it out of the oven. The little guy was walking past and said "Mommy, your cobbler smells so good!" Ta-da! Sure, it's not a traditional cobber, but if it looks close enough for a 7 year old, that's good enough for this food blogger. 

If you have never made this style of "dump" (ugh!) dessert before, the most important things to remember are to use the cake mix dry, you will not need the oil and water on the back of the box, and yes, you truly do need both sticks of butter. This isn't the time to start counting calories! 

I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with bountiful blessings, people you love and memories to last a life time. And if you still need one more dessert, this Pumpkin Cobbler would be a tasty choice. 

What kind of pumpkin do I use?

For this recipe you want a can of pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix. 

What kind of cake mix can I use instead of spice?

You could also use yellow cake mix or even white. I would love to try a gingerbread cake mix too.  

Do I have to use pecans?

You could swap them for chopped walnuts, or omit them completely.

What is Ceylon cinnamon?

Ceylon cinnamon has a lighter, brighter and spicier flavor than the cassia variety, which is what most of us use. I like using Ceylon when baking, but traditional ground cinnamon would work too.

Does this have to be refrigerated? 

Yes! Keep any leftovers in the fridge, covered for 2-3 days. I actually really like how this tastes chilled

 

Best Tips 

Make sure your 9x13 baking dish is deep enough to prevent spilling over.

The mixture is very wet. Don't be alarmed when it looks like soup before baking.

Be sure to pour the melted butter evenly over the top. This is how the cake mix turns into a crispy topping.

 If you use ground cinnamon instead of Ceylon, you might only want 1 teaspoon.

Ground nutmeg can be swapped for allspice.

Pumpkin Cobbler

1 (15 oz.) can pure pumpkin

1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk

3 eggs

2 tsp. Ceylon cinnamon

1/2 tsp. allspice

1/2 tsp. salt

1 (13.25 oz.) spice cake mix

2 sticks butter, melted

1/3 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x13 baking dish. In a large bowl combine pumpkin, milk, eggs, cinnamon and salt. Stir well. Transfer to baking dish. Sprinkle with DRY cake mix. Sprinkle with pecans. Pour butter over top. Do NOT mix. Bake for 50-60 minutes until browned and a toothpick inserted into middle comes out mostly clean. If it is still loose in the middle, don't worry. It will continue to set as it cools down. Serve with whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon. 

More Thanksgiving Recipes To Try:

Easy Corn Casserole

Cranberry Fluff

Praline Roasted Acorn Squash

Autumn Apple Fruit Salad

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole 

Orange Cranberry Sauce

Slow Cooker Acorn Squash

Autumn Brussels Sprouts Salad 

Skillet Candied Sweet Potatoes 

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

Leftovers Are Coming

For several years now I have felt like once Halloween hits, it is a downward coast until the first of the year. Seriously. It seems that as soon as the ghosts and goblins ring that doorbell, the next minute the turkey is coming out of the oven, Santa arrives and then it is time for New Year's Eve fun. 

In no way does that mean we can't enjoy each holiday as it comes, we just have to be ready for how quickly they will arrive. Plus, in the food world, we always have to be thinking ahead to make sure our posts are relevant to what you guys need from us. 

So back in August I took one for the team and roasted a whole turkey. Why? So I could have leftovers to test this recipe and offer up something for when the day after Thanksgiving arrives and everyone is Googling ways to use up all that extra bird sitting in the fridge. 

Enter an easy pot pie recipe that involves NO making a crust, cooks in about 30 minutes and is pure comfort food. It is perfect a simple weeknight supper, or post holiday meal. 

Plus, post Thanksgiving you might be able to use up other leftovers too. Got pie dough? Swap the biscuit mix for it! (Just adjust cooking time!) You can also use up veggies for the filling, and it would be so tasty served with some mashed potatoes and rolls on the side. There is so much you can do with this one easy recipe. 

Planners like me are already thinking ahead for the holidays. Halloween right through the new year are on our radar so we aren't leaving anything to chance!

Can I use a different meat?

Definitely! Cooked chicken would be just as delicious!  

Do I have to use condensed soup?

I know many prefer not to use canned soup, but for me, they are great for my quick recipes. If I was going to use something different it would be a quick pan gravy using chicken stock.  

What kind of biscuit mix do I use?

Of course Bisquick is everyone's go-to but I used a store brand from Walmart and it worked just fine. 

Do I have to thaw the vegetables first?

Yes! They have to thawed and drained so they don't add extra moisture to the pie.

Best Tips:

Use any all-purpose baking mix you have on hand. A cheddar bay boxed mix would make this extra delicious!

Cooked chicken or turkey both work equally well. 

If your pie plate is very full, place on a baking sheet before cooking to prevent a mess. 

Be sure to let the pie sit about 5 minutes before serving. 

Serve with mashed potatoes, a green salad, fresh fruit, rolls, etc.

 

Shortcut Turkey Pot Pie

1 1/2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced

1 (12 oz.) bag frozen mixed veggies thawed and drained well

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup biscuit baking mix

1/2 cup milk

1 egg, beaten

1/4 tsp. dried thyme 

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Salt and pepper

Dried Parsley

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl combine turkey, soup, veggies, thyme, salt and pepper. Pour into a lightly greased 9-inch pie plate. In a separate mixing bowl combine baking mix, milk and egg. Pour on top of turkey mixture. Do not stir. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting. Garnish with parsley for serving.

More Thanksgiving Recipes To Try

Easy Corn Casserole 

Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries 

Cranberry Fluff 

Autumn Brussels Sprouts Salad

Cranberry Turkey Bites

Praline Roasted Acorn Squash

 

Cabbage Lovers

I think cabbage gets a bad wrap sometimes. It seems to be one of those love it or hate it vegetables. Even people who will eat coleslaw will hate on cabbage. Um...okay.

Our family can't get enough cabbage and I am always looking for new recipes to utilize it. Now the little guy isn't as big of fan as the rest of us; but he loves Brussels sprouts ( I know, makes no sense) so I don't push the subject. My kids are so NOT picky that when they find something they truly don't enjoy, as long as they express that without whining or complaining, I won't make them eat it. 

My latest cabbage craving came when I was meal planning, in need of side dishes, and I wanted a casserole. I started reading different recipes, but couldn't quite find exactly what I was after, until I stumbled upon this one. 

Amish Cabbage Noodle Casserole has easy ingredients, is perfect with any protein and has similar flavors to my Fried Cabbage & Noodles, our favorite cabbage recipe of all time!

If you are looking for new ways to get more cabbage into your meal plan, this casserole is just what you need. And I won't lie, I think it would be a great recipe to keep in the back of your mind for the holidays too! Something different to add to your table alongside all those traditional dishes we are looking forward to! 

What Kind Of Noodles To Use? 

My pick was medium egg noodles, but any size would work. You really want egg noodles and not a macaroni or dried pasta though.

What Kind Of Cabbage To Use?

Don't get fancy here. Good ol' green cabbage is all you need. As much as I enjoy other varieties I have no idea if/how they would work.

What Kind Of Cheese To Use?

Monterey Jack was my pick because I wanted the marbled coloring and flavor of white and yellow cheese. Mozzarella or Swiss would be great too. 

Do I Have To Use Cream Of Potato Soup?

I know many people don't like using condensed cream soups. However, I use them a lot in cooking, so I can't really provide a good substitution, other than saying cream of celery would be delicious too. 

Best Tips:

If your cream of potato soup has chunks of potato in it, simply use a slotted spoon to remove them. 

Cream of celery or mushroom soup could also be used.

Egg-less egg noodles would work too. 

If you cut recipe in half, still bake in a 9x13 dish.

Store leftovers in a covered dish in the fridge for 2-3 days. 

I have no idea if this would work in a Crock Pot. If you try it, let me know!

 

Amish Cabbage Noodle Casserole

2 TBS olive oil

1 medium head green cabbage, thinly sliced

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

3 TBS fresh parsley, chopped

16 oz. medium egg noodles

2 cans cream of potato soup, potato chunks removed

2 cups milk

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 

Salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large skillet heat oil over medium high heat. Sauté cabbage, onion and garlic until slightly brown and tender. Season with salt, pepper and two tablespoons parsley. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain well. In a medium bowl whisk together soup and milk until smooth. Combine noodles, cabbage mixture and soup mixture and stir well. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Top with cheese and extra black pepper. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Garnish with remaining parsley before serving. 

Inspired By All Free Casserole Recipes

 

Long Lost Food Blogger

 Did you think your friendly neighborhood everyday mom abandoned you? I promise I haven't. Life is just crazy busy right now, and while I'm still in the kitchen cooking, most days I am relying on go-to recipes, quick stuff, and not even considering developing anything new for you. 

Let's see, the oldest graduated in May, summer came, we vacationed for 2 weeks on the beach, by the time we got home we had a month left before we had to move him to college. There was dorm shopping, school supply shopping, uniform shopping for the little guy, more dorm room shopping, and of course trips to the zoo, pool and library thrown in for fun. Oh, and a big 7 birthday in there too with three weekends of parties!

Then August came and it was time to pack up the car, set up the college freshman's dorm room and then drive away! Leave my baby! I won't lie, walking out of that room was the hardest thing I've ever done. Part of my heart is now two hours away. For almost 19 years, every moment of every day has been planned around him (and of course his baby brother too). My entire existence has been wrapped up in being his mom. It's a weird feeling to be bursting withe pride, and so excited for him all at the same time as feeling lost and a little heart broken. But you know what helps? His smile in every picture. His voice in every call. He is settling in and we can't wait to see what this year holds for him.

Here at home, we are learning to be a threesome. It still feels weird, and yes there are days when I cry because I miss him, but God knew what He was doing spreading my kids 12 years apart, because I am blessed to have a little boy who depends on and needs me. I have thrown myself into his world...I am  room mom for his 1st grade class, I just took on a Vice President role in PTL at his school, and I will be substituting aide in Kindergarten this year again. 

I am staying as busy as I can so I don't have to focus on missing my boy. I have taken on multiple projects for school and our annual fundraiser auction. Plus, I am busy with my work over on Parade.com as well. 

But guess what? Even with all of this I found time to come up with a little something new to share with all of you and I think you're going to love it!

Easy Orange Chicken only has a short ingredient list, starts with a bag of frozen chicken and is ready in almost no time! It is perfect or a busy weeknight and can easily be doubled for a bigger crowd! 

I am truly sorry I have been so absent lately; and I wish I could tell you things will get back to normal around here soon, but I think we are in a new normal, and I have to figure out exactly what that means. But I promise to keep coming up with yummy stuff to share, even if it comes a little more sporadically than before!

 

What kind of chicken to use?

This recipe is great because it uses a bag of frozen boneless chicken wings. It would be delicious with chicken nuggets or tenders too! 

Do I have to use sesame oil?

I understand not wanting to buy an ingredient you might not use a lot, but if you love cooking Asian food at home, I highly recommend investing in a bottle. It adds so much flavor to so many dishes! 

Can I use orange juice instead of orange marmalade?

No. The marmalade is thick and helps to coat the chicken. Juice will make the sauce way too thin. 

Can I air fry the chicken?

Sure! Check the directions on the bag and any way they recommend to prepare it, go for it!

What kind of barbecue sauce should I use? 

Use whatever you have on hand or is your favorite. I always have a "normal" flavor to use in recipes that I can add other flavors too. With the sweetness of the marmalade something smoky/savory is perfect. 

Can I make this spicy?

You sure can! Add some red pepper flakes or chili crisp for extra heat!

Best Tips:

Cook your chicken for a few extra minutes for extra crispy bites.

Frozen chicken tenders could be baked, cut up and then sauced. 

Be sure to whisk sauce while cooking to avoid scorching.

Serve this with white rice, fried rice, steamed broccoli, edamame, stir-fry veggies, mandarin oranges. 

If you have leftovers, keep in a covered dish in the fridge for 2 days. 

Easy Orange Chicken

1 (24 oz.) bag frozen boneless chicken wings

1/2 cup barbecue sauce

1 1/4 cups orange marmalade

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. sesame oil 

Cook chicken according to package directions, adding a few extra minutes. In a medium sauce pan combine barbecue sauce, marmalade, garlic powder and sesame oil. Whisk well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until thick and smooth, whisking often.  When chicken is cooked, transfer to a large bowl. Pour sauce over and toss to coat. Serve immediately with rice, veggies, etc.

 

 

Summer Time Comfort Food

 Hello! Did you think I disappeared? Fell off the face of the earth? It's been over a month since my last new recipe, so I wouldn't blame you!

When I posted the last time I mentioned how crazy things were because of the oldest graduating high school. It had been a while since I shared a recipe then too. After the end of school I thought maybe we could get back to our regularly scheduled programming; but guess what? Life just got busier!

However, this hiatus was for a fantastic reason. For the first time in four years, we were able to get away for two weeks to the beach and have tons of family time in the sun, sand and surf. This trip was our graduation gift to Alex and we sucked every last drop of fun out of the 14 days we could. We were blessed with amazing weather, had some fun adventures, including holding a live baby alligator, and we even discovered the wonder that is Buc-ee's travel plazas. (You can read all about our experience here in the article I wrote for Parade.com!)

We've been home for a week now and I am still trying to get back into the swing of things, all while being crazy busy. There is less than a month until Alex heads off to college, we have VBS, Max's birthday and his first day of 1st grade....so much to plan and keep straight. But in all the chaos, I do have a new recipe for all of you.

Chicken Noodle Casserole is pure comfort food for those nights when you need to sink your teeth into something that will feed your soul. It is a great use for leftover chicken and uses my favorite store-bought noodles, Reames brand found in the frozen aisle. (That isn't a paid advertisement. I just love their noodles, and they are the closest thing to homemade I've ever tasted.)

If you are watching summer zoom by like us, wishing you could stop time in its tracks, take a little breather with a delicious casserole supper this week!

What kind of chicken should I use? 

This recipe is perfect with leftover, shredded chicken, a deli rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken. 

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! I think frozen corn, green beans or even broccoli would be delicious in this as well.

Can I use chicken broth instead of stock?

Sure! I happened to have stock on hand but broth will work just fine.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

This homemade cream sauce really needs the richness of the cream. Half-and-half might work, but I haven't tried it. 

Why the cracker topping?

The buttery crackers give the casserole an extra layer of flavor and texture. If you don't have Ritz on hand, Club crackers would be a great swap.  

 Best Tips:

Save some time and prepare the chicken ahead of time. I roasted some fresh tenders in the oven, shredded the meat, and had it in the fridge waiting on me. 

Reames noodles can be found in the frozen food aisle, usually near the other frozen pastas or breads.

If you need to double the recipe, be sure to use two different baking dishes. This casserole filled my deep dish 9x13. 

Serve with a side salad, fresh fruit or crusty bread.

I haven't tried to freeze this casserole, but I think if you prepared it, without the cracker topping, cooled it completely, then froze it, you could add the crackers and bake off when ready.

Chicken Noodle Casserole 

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

1 (12 oz.) bag frozen egg noodles, such as Reames

1 (12 oz.) bag frozen peas and carrots

2 cups chicken stock

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup + 1 TBS butter

1/4 cup flour

15 butter crackers, like Ritz, crushed

 2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 tsp onion powder

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Salt and Pepper 

Preheat oven to 350. Cook noodles according to package directions. In a large skillet with high sides or Dutch oven, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium high heat. Cook garlic for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes. Slowly pour in stock and cream, whisking constantly. Add Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Add cooked chicken and frozen vegetables. Stir well. Cook until warmed through. When noodles are cooked, drain well. Add to skillet and stir to combine. Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.

Melt 1 TBS butter and mix with crushed crackers. Sprinkle over top of casserole. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown on top. 

Inspired by The Recipe Rebel

Celebrations Galore

So...did you think I fell off the face of the earth? That EMM was on hiatus? I can't say I blame you. I haven't posted a new recipe in a month, which in the 12 years since I've been blogging has only happened one other time. When Max was born. Pretty good reason I would say. And while this break didn't come with a new baby, the reason is still pretty darn great- our oldest Alex graduated from high school with academic honors! We couldn't be more proud of him and it definitely made May and the beginning of June a whirlwind of events and celebrations. 

Along with all the things that come with graduation, it was also the end of Max's first year of Kindergarten which comes with its own set of calendar filling occasions. Yes, that's right, this mommy had both a High School and Kindergarten Graduate. Not many parents get to say that! It has been a very special time and I just had to take a break from work.

But you can rest easy because the streak has been broken. We are now full swing into summer vacation, and while our busy schedule hasn't really slowed down any, I managed to carve out a day when I could cook something new, that we ended up LOVING, and now I can share with all of you. 

You know how much I love making meatballs in the Crock Pot and this version has probably moved to the top of our favorite list. Yes, probably because it is new but the amazing flavor didn't hurt either! 

Crock Pot Korean Meatballs cook in just a few hours and can be a main dish like this or a great appetizer for your next summer party! Just set the slow cooker to warm after they are cooked, put out a bowl of toothpicks and let everyone serve themselves.

I put these alongside some white rice (my boys' favorite) and steamed broccoli. A simple meal for a hectic evening that looks like you put way more effort into that you actually did. 

Our house is still riding on cloud nine from all the celebrations we've had over the past month. Our sons make us proud every single day, but to see your oldest, whom you've spent 18 years dedicating your life to,  cross that stage, receive his diploma and know "I DID THAT" is a feeling I can't even begin to put into words. 

I thank you for your patience as things here have been slow and your support as we move onto this next chapter of parenting...

Why use frozen meatballs?

Anyone who has been reading my posts lately know I have been raving about the quality of frozen meatballs. Coming in different varieties such as Italian, turkey, homestyle and flame broiled, they have great flavor at great prices. Store brands that we've tried taste just as good as the more expensive name brands too.

What is hoisin sauce?

Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant Asian sauce used mostly to glaze meats. It has a dark color and a very salty, slightly sweet, flavor. It has been described as "Asian barbecue sauce". It can be found in the Asian foods aisle next to the soy sauce.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, of course. But let me say this: When I'm using soy sauce in a recipe, I always use the regular. I want that extra salty flavor. Then I put low-sodium on the table for serving.

How long do to cook frozen meatballs in the Crock Pot?

A good rule of thumb for frozen meatballs in the slow cooker is 2-4 hours on low and 1-2 on high. Hence why they make such a great last minute meal idea or party food.

 Best Tips 

Be sure to stir the meatballs a few times while cooking to redistribute the sauce.

Homestyle meatballs have a great neutral flavor. You don't want Italian for this recipe. Turkey meatballs could definitely be substituted. 

These would be delicious served with fried rice as well. Here is my recipe

If you like things spicy, add some crushed red pepper or sriracha to the sauce. 

If serving these as a party food, reduce heat to warm after they have cooked, and set out a bowl of toothpicks and/or a slotted spoon. Let guests serve themselves!

Crock Pot Korean Meatballs 

1 (28 oz.) bag frozen homestyle meatballs

1 TBS brown sugar

2 TBS honey

2 TBS soy sauce

1/2 cup hoisin sauce

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 TBS rice wine vinegar

3-4 green onions, chopped

Sesame seeds

Place meatballs in Crock Pot. In a medium bowl stir together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, brown sugar and garlic powder.  Pour over meatballs. Cook on LOW 2-4 hours, stirring a few times during cooking to coat meatballs in sauce. Stir well before serving and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Inspired by Tornadough Alli

More Meatball Recipes To Try Next

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Crock Pot Teriyaki Meatballs 

Crock Pot Italian Meatballs 

Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs 

Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Slow Cooker Meatball Subs 

Meatball Pasta Bake