Cabbage People

We love cabbage. There I said it. We are some cabbage lovin' people. We can't get enough of the stuff. In fact, we love it so much I was able to do an entire collection of cabbage recipes for my friends over at Community Table. (You can find that awesome round up here.)

I do so many things with it, and I'm still always on the lookout for more. It's one of the cheapest veggies in the produce section, and a little goes a long way, so that's nice for our budge too.

This came about because in February, in the Midwest, soup is a must. Well, normally, but we're experiencing some crazy warm, spring-like temps lately. Seriously, it was 70 last week. I was in flip flops. IN FEBRUARY! But, Mother Nature didn't let us forget about winter, because the following day? Yeah, it was 25 with howling wind and snow. Welcome to Indiana. Where you can experience all 4 seasons in 24 hours!

Even with the warmer weather, my brain is still in soup mode though. This one is a great "set it and forget it" meal. You can literally put it on before you leave in the morning, and come home to supper. Add some crusty bread and you're done. Plus, it has a little kick to it that will wake up your tired taste buds.

With Lent beginning this week, this would be a great meat-free option as well. Just swap out the beef broth for veggie and you're good to go.

If you love cabbage as much as we do, this will definitely become a favorite in your house. If you're looking for a new soup recipe, this works for that too. Whatever reason you've got for trying it, you, and your tummy, will be glad you did! 

Slow Cooker Fiesta Cabbage Soup

1 medium head cabbage, chopped

1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (10 oz.) can Rotel 

1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cheddar cheese soup, undiluted

1 (32 oz.) box beef broth

1 (15 oz.) can northern beans, rinsed and drained

Salt and Pepper to taste

Dried Parsley, for garnish

Combine all ingredients, except parsley in slow cooker. Cook on LOW 7-8 hours. Garnish with parsley.

Recipe Adapted from Southern Lady Cooks

An All New Brunch with Sam Adams {A Feature}

I love brunch. I love all the foods that come with it. I love the time of day it is. It's one of my favorite meals. And if that brunch can come with a tasty cocktail? Even better! 

Now, we all think of Bloody Marys or Mimosas when we think of brunch, but what about beer? I know, I know. Not the first thing that comes to mind, but that is all about to change.

Sam Adams has just released a mango-infused IPA, Rebel Juiced, with tropical juicy flavors mix so well in a brunch time cocktail! Doesn't that sound amazing? Not convinced yet? Just take a look at some of these yummy recipes!

Rebel Rumba
Ingredients:
1/4oz orgeat
3/4oz lime juice
1/2oz Dry Curaçao
1/2oz dark rum
1/2oz white rum
3oz Sam Adam's Rebel Juiced IPA
Method: Combine all ingredients into a shaker and shake. Strain into wine glass, add ice and garnish with fresh mango or pineapple and mint.

Juicy Fruit

Ingredients:
3oz Sam Adam's Rebel Juiced IPA
2oz Aperol
1oz Grapefruit juice

Method: Build in wine glass, add ice, garnish with half Grapefruit wheel.

Gin & Juiced

Ingredients:
3oz Sam Adams Rebel Juiced IPA
1oz Bulldog gin
3/4oz lemon juice
1/2oz honey syrup (2:1)
Method: Add ingredients, except beer, to cocktail shaker. Shake with ice, strain into Collins glass and top with beer. Add ice, garnish with lemon wheel.

Don't those look amazing? Talk about a way to step up your brunch game! Your guests will be so impressed! 

Be sure to check your local stores for Sam Adams Rebel Juiced today! 



Disclaimer: I received free samples in exchange for this feature & sharing these recipes on EMM. 

Lunch Break Recreation

Most days of the work week I am at home with Max, all day. Well, besides having to pick Alex up from school. And that is exactly how I like it. It's what I signed up for. In fact, during these cold and dreary months, I LOVE not having to go anywhere. Comfy clothes, no make up, and me and my baby boy hanging out all day. I was the same way when Alex was a baby too. My favorite days were when we had no where to be and could just enjoy the day.

However, some days there is one thing that becomes a tad difficult; and I'm sure other stay at home parents would agree with me. Lunch. First off, most of the time I have to plan when I eat around when Max sleeps, so I'm usually eating lunch around 10:30 or 11:00 am. And that's fine. I'm up so early I'm starving by then. But then you have the days when it just doesn't happen because he doesn't nap, or he is fussy, or he wants to play or be rocked. And pretty soon it's 3pm and I'm sucking peanut butter off spoon! 

But even when I am able to eat, it's nothing exciting, believe me. We're talking either leftovers or a sandwich and chips. Simple. Fast. Again, that's fine...but here is where Mr. E comes in.

See, he works in the real world; and thank God for that. Better yet, he works in the medical field; and as I or anyone else who has ever worked in that field can tell you, depending on the job, there is usually some pretty yummy food around. Drug reps and companies are always having meals catered in, and he comes home telling us about what he had. All. The. Time. Sure, I'm happy he is so well fed, but when he's going on about his sushi lunch, or how one of my favorite restaurants brought in huge pans of pasta, and the highlight of my day was my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, well, let's just say it doesn't always go over well. Ha! 

Plus, even on days when there isn't any food brought it, which are few and far between, they have an excellent cafeteria where he can also go for some delicious lunch. And that is what inspired this recipe. He came home a few times raving about a chicken and rice soup, which sounded so good to me too, so I had to try to recreate it. 

This isn't your typical chicken and rice soup. This one is creamy, and thick. It's a stick to your ribs, come home to after a long cold day and thaw out kinda soup.

I love being a mommy, and all the perks that come with it. Even when I'm starving or having to eat fruit snacks and call it a meal; but if anyone out there wants to bring me a catered lunch, feel free to ask for my address!

Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup

2 TBS vegetable oil

4 boneless chicken breasts

2/3 c. long grain white rice

2 (32 oz. ) boxes chicken broth

1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk

2 medium carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

6 white button mushrooms, diced

1 medium white onion, diced

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 1/2 tsp. dried basil

6 TBS flour

Salt and Pepper to taste

Cooking Spray

Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place chicken on it. Spray with cooking spray and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30-45 minutes until juices run clear. Allow to cool enough to handle, then shred. Set aside. In a large stock pot  heat oil over medium heat. Add carrots, onions, celery and mushrooms. Saute until tender, about 10 minutes. Add garlic, basil, salt, pepper, rice and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook about 15 minutes until rice is tender. In a small bowl, whisk together evaporated milk and flour until smooth. Add to soup. Bring back to a boil and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Add in chicken, stir and heat until warmed through.