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

 

Thanksgiving with Diestel Turkey Ranch

 

 I know. I know. October just arrived and you read that title thinking "Stop. Let's enjoy every season." 

I agree. But I am also a planner. I am also the girl who can buy fall decor, Halloween candy and Christmas ornaments all in the same shopping trip. (True story. Happened yesterday!) Our family celebrates each holiday as they come, but I am always looking forward and thinking about what's coming. 

So at the end of summer when my friends at Diestel Turkey Ranch gave me a chance to try one of their organic, all-natural, heirloom turkeys I jumped at the chance. 

Since 1949 the Diestel Family Ranch has been a real family of farmers on a real working farm. They have never compromised their values to bring their customers the most delicious birds money can buy. 

These aren't your run of the mill turkeys either. From their Organic American Heirloom to The Original that started it all to even a Petite variety, and more, there is a bird for everyone and every occasion.

So with all those options, which one did I decide on? I'm all about convenience and since we would be trying ours right during the back to school rush, I opted for the Oven Roasted Whole Turkey. Yep! A delicious, precooked bird arrived on our doorstep! 

All I had to do was heat and eat! And boy did we eat! This bird came out of the oven perfectly browned, moist, juicy and oh so delicious! It was like Thanksgiving on a random Tuesday night! 

 

If you are hosting this holiday season, wow your guests with the best turkey they have ever tasted! Save yourself time with one that's already cooked, or try something with Pecan Smoked, Lemon-Herb or Mediterranean Brined variety! Having a smaller gathering? The Petite Whole Turkey would be perfect for only a few people! 

Want to learn more? You can find them:

Website

Facebook 

Twitter 

Instagram

You Tube 

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.

 

 

Busy School Night? Smokey Bones Can Help With Dinner

 Yes, as a food blogger and recipe developer I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Cooking. Cleaning. Rinse. Repeat. And as much as I love this career I've built for myself, going out to eat is still such a treat for me and something our family truly enjoys. (Sure I love the food, but not having to clean up? Win win!)

I love when a restaurant we already enjoy gives us another reason to want to go and then tell everyone we know! Our friends at Smokey Bones never disappoint when it comes to delicious barbecue, fantastic service and a fun atmosphere; and now through September 30th, they have put the icing on the cake, per say...Kids 10 and younger eat FREE with the purchase of an adult entree! 

 

Your eyes didn't deceive you. I said FREE! Smokey Bones wants to help parents ease into the school new year, with its hectic evenings and crazy schedules, by taking some stress out of dinner time! From chicken to ribs to cheeseburgers, and some of the best mac and cheese around, Smokey Bones has a kids' menu to please all the little foodies in your life.

My little guy couldn't wait to dig into his Chicken Bites and Mac and Cheese. Look at that crispy breading, just waiting to be dunked into some tangy honey mustard. Every spoonful of the pasta was ooey gooey goodness! 

What about us adults? My hubby and I both opted for the pulled pork platter, but with different sides. For me potato wedges and fire roasted corn. A big pile of tender, flavorful pulled pork, crispy but butter potatoes and that corn? Oh my gosh! So much flavor and I loved the fact it was cut off the cob. Oh, and you can't forget two slices of Texas toast too!

Mr. E upgraded one of his sides to a "premium" for only $1 because he wanted some macaroni and cheese himself. Normally up charges annoy me, but this was a very fair price for a generous portion! 

One of the things I have always appreciated about Smokey Bones is the variety of sauces available on the table. The pulled pork comes cooked perfectly and seasoned well, but then I can add the flavor and amount of sauce I want as I eat. On our table we had a sweet and smoky barbecue, chipotle pepper barbecue sauce, mustard barbecue and a Carolina sauce too.  I could taste test each one, and decide or even try a couple different ones. For me? The sweet and smoky, what I would call traditional bbq sauce. For the hubby? He loved the Carolina sauce and could add more and more with each bite. 

 If you are rushing around with after school activities, sports, meetings, etc, and find yourself wanting great food, at a great price, find your nearest Smokey Bones location and take a break from cooking! 

Our family has been big fans of Smokey Bones for a while now, and they always find reasons to keep us coming back for more!

Smokey Bones is available for dine-in and online orders for pick-up, as well as delivery
on their site. To make a reservation at your nearest location, visit the link here.

Disclaimer: I received a gift card in exchange for this feature. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.