The Week Between

The next 7 days are sure to be a little foggy, kind of run together and always have us saying "What day is it?" For some reason that week between Christmas and New Year's always causes a little confusion. Kids are still out of school, many are off work, holiday guests are still hanging out- all of this is a recipe for not knowing if we are coming or going and having no clue what the date on the calendar is! 

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas filled with love, peace and joy. Our family was very blessed this year to be together, enjoy our traditions and of course have some very lovely gifts. 

If you're anything like me, you've got leftovers in the fridge, presents to put away and housework to catch up on. The weekly meal plan isn't made and heading to the grocery store is the last thing you want to do. However, if you've got family visiting through the new year, you need to come up with something to feed them!

In our house breakfast for supper is a weekly thing; and I'm always looking for ways to keep it new and fresh. I don't want to fall into an eggs or pancakes rut. "Brinner" is a great way to get a filling meal on the table that is also easy and budget friendly. Heck, the week I developed this recipe the boxes of frozen waffles were on sale for $.99! That is like finding money! 

If you've got extra mouths to feed this week, this fun and yummy meal will definitely help with the grocery bill. Or, if you're planning on a New Year's Day brunch, these are a new tradition to start! 

Frozen waffles are used as the tostada base with eggs, ham and white country gravy on top! It's like a great diner breakfast plate all in one bite! Serve them with some fresh fruit and you've got a full meal deal! 

I wish you all very happy and healthy New Year. May we all have good things in 2022; and maybe, just maybe a little extra human kindness can be included in all of our resolutions.

 

Waffle Tostadas

8 frozen waffles

8 slices cheddar cheese

8 eggs

8 slices deli brown sugar ham

3 TBS flour

3 TBS butter

2 cups milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

5 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced 

Preheat oven to 400. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour in milk, slowly, whisking constantly. Once mixture bubbles, reduce heat to low and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper. Keep warm and continue with recipe. 

Bake waffles on rimmed baking sheet for 5-8 minutes. While cooking, prepare eggs how you like. Once waffles are cooked, top each with a slice of cheese and return to oven for 1-2 minutes to melt. Once melted, top each with a slice of ham and egg. Pour gravy over top. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and diced tomatoes. Garnish with chives if desired.

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Dippy Eggs The Easy Way

What does your family call over easy eggs? I bet many of you just uttered "dippy" under your breath. Yep, our too. In fact, I grew up thinking it was just our family who referred to fried eggs with a runny yolk like that. It wasn't until I was a teenager, working at Bob Evans, that I learned just how many people know what dippy eggs are. In fact, I had lots of customers relieved when they would order and I knew exactly what they were talking about. 

Cooking the perfect dippy eggs in a skillet can sometimes be tricky. While I've almost mastered it over the years, I'm always up for an easier hack. Or in our case, a way for me to actually eat with the boys instead of cooking in batches, and being the last one to sit down. 

While I've made baked omelets and egg bites for a while, these were definitely a game changer! An entire dozen eggs, all cooked at the same time without grabbing the spatula! 

You want to start checking these about 10 minutes in. The whites need to be set, but the yolk still runny. Mine were perfectly cooked about 12 minutes in. The closer you get to 20 minutes, the more like hard boiled they will be. You can absolutely cook them longer if you prefer a yolk that is cooked through. 

I love baking up a batch of yummy muffins, but I also love that my muffin tin can do so much more! Now it can let us all have those dippy eggs we love with no flip needed!

 Baked Muffin Tin Eggs

1 dozen eggs

Canola Cooking Spray

Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Spray muffin tin liberally with nonstick spray. Crack eggs into a separate bowl and transfer to muffin tin. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10-15 minutes and check. You want the whites set, but the yolks still runny. Around 20 minutes they will be more like hard boiled. Use a butter knife around each egg to remove from tin. 

 

 

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The Teenager Had A Brainstorm

 

 Have you seen the tortilla boats they have now? I realize I am probably late to the party, but they are a recent discovery in our house and they have been life changing! Seriously. Whoever came up with the idea deserves a big high five!

If you're like me and have been living under a rock, let me explain. Right there in the aisle next to the hard taco shells there are now these soft tortilla "boats" or bowls. They come in regular size (used in this recipe) and mini ones too. They also come in different flavors- corn, flour, or a mix of both. 

I don't know about you but tacos, hard or soft, are my little guy's nemesis. He loves them, but gets so frustrated when all the yummy insides fall out onto the plate, or mommy's favorite, his lap. These solve that problem completely. The meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato all stay put while his little hands hold it. 

So, you're probably wondering where this story is going if you've looked at the picture and saw breakfast foods. It's actually brilliant. I had made tacos one night, and had mini boats leftover the next day. (For regular beef tacos, I like the mini size. For these breakfast boats I used the bigger ones.) Big brother was home doing school remotely, so I took the mini boats, filled them with scrambled eggs and cheese and he was thrilled. And that's when it happened. "Hey, mom! I bet these would be good if you made them into a breakfast burrito boat. Eggs, potatoes, gravy, cheese, bacon. Do you think you could do that?"

Challenge accepted! These might look like a lot of steps, but don't worry, they are super easy. While the potatoes cook you can whip up the gravy and scrambled eggs. Then it's just assembly. I like the flat tater tots for this because they line the bottom of each boat and act like a barrier. But diced or shredded hash browns would work too. I also used real bacon bits because I also have those on hand, but crumbed crispy bacon would be delicious. Anything you love in a breakfast burrito can easily be a passenger in your tortilla boat!

 I love that my kids are such foodies they can look at one dish and brainstorm what else we could do with it and use it in whole new creative way. If you've never tried to let your kids help you plan new meals, try it! It's a fantastic way to get them to try new things and become more adventurous eaters!

 Breakfast Burrito Boats

1 (8 count) package tortilla bowls/boats

7 eggs

2 1/2 c. milk, divided use

1 lb. pork sausage

1/4 c. flour

8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 packages real bacon bits

1 (30 oz.) bag frozen tater rounds, baked per bag directions

Salt and Pepper

Dried Chives 

Begin by baking tater rounds according to package directions. To make the sausage gravy. In a large skillet brown the pork sausage. Do not drain. Sprinkle with flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add 2 cups milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes until thickened. Keep on warm burner. Whisk together eggs and 1/2 c. milk with salt and pepper. In a another skillet, sprayed with non stick spray, scramble eggs until cooked through. In each boat, layer tater rounds, top with scrambled eggs, bacon bits, sausage gravy and cheese. Garnish with chives. 

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck
 

Summer Breakfast....Well, Maybe Not

Summer break means I have the chance to make a big delicious breakfast for my boys every single morning! Ha! I can't even type that without giggling. Full transparency- that is SO not happening. See, none of us are huge breakfast eaters...at breakfast time. I love breakfast foods, but enjoy them much more for brunch, or supper. My husband and children are the same. Yes, my boys get fed every single morning, don't think I'm starving them. But it's something simple. Very simple.

Why am I posting a delicious breakfast recipe then? Uh...."brinner" of course. You know, breakfast for dinner. It's one of our favorite traditions, and I usually do it once a week. Plus, I know there are plenty of you out there who indeed do like to make this type of thing to make sure your family is full before they head out the door. And of course we can never go wrong with new ideas for a delicious. lazy weekend brunch.

This dish was inspired by a couple different things. There was something similar on the menu at Bob Evans when I was a waitress there...over 20 years ago. (Wow. That hurt to type. I am getting OLD)

The other comes from the teenager's favorite dish to order at our favorite Greek diner. It's an "everything but the kitchen sink" type of dish where all the yummy breakfast foods are in one skillet.

You can easily switch out the type of egg and protein for your favorite. Add some avocado and salsa for a Tex-Mex flare! This is simply a template for so many yummy combinations!

If you are one of those moms who are up early every day of summer making a big spread for your family to sit down to, my hat is off to you. I am many things, but that will never be one of them. Pop tarts and donut holes are my friends! But if you want a delicious brunch or breakfast for supper, I am totally your girl!

Country Biscuit Breakfast

1 (8 count) biscuits, baked according to directions

4 eggs, cooked to your likeness

8 slices bacon, cooked crisp

3 c. frozen diced potatoes, cooked according to directions

1 lb. pork sausage

1/4 c. flour

2 c. milk

Salt and Pepper

Shredded Cheese

Dried Parsley

While biscuits bake heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown sausage until no longer pink. Drain if necessary. Sprinkle flour over meat. Stir. Slowly add milk. Stir. Increase heat to high. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer about 10 minutes until thickened, stirring often. When biscuits and eggs are cooked, place 1 1/2 biscuits on a plate. Top with a few spoonfuls of gravy. Add egg, then potatoes and 2 slices bacon each. Top with more sausage gravy. Sprinkle with cheese and parsley if desired. *NOTES* I fried my potatoes earlier in the day and reheated them in the oven while the biscuits baked. We like over easy (dippy) eggs with this, but scrambled and fried work well too. You could also use homemade home fries if you like. This makes enough for 4 portions.

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Check Your Bananas

Do you have fresh bananas on the counter? Are they starting to look like a science experiment? If they are brown, even blackish, and starting to get squishy...they are PERFECT for this recipe!

How is grocery shopping for you these days? I haven't stepped foot in a grocery store in over a month. See, since Mr. E works in healthcare, he is already exposed to Covid 19 daily, so we decided it was smart for him to venture into the stores weekly.

And oh what an adventure it is! I don't just hand him a list and say see you in a couple hours. Oh no. See, when I was pregnant, both times, I was extremely sick. More so with Alex, but Max too. So for weeks he did the grocery shopping and I learned letting him loose with a list is not a good idea. Therefore, to avoid that disaster again, we virtual shop. Yep, he Facetimes me and I instruct him on what to get.

But here is the ironic part. Something happened to me when this whole quarantine started. Those first few shopping trips were a nightmare of empty shelves, revamping meal plans and substituting products. So now that stores are better stocked, I still find myself having him get things simply because they have them, and didn't at one point.

Case in point? Bananas. We already had some. But he found more. So I had him get a few. Now, my boys eat fresh fruit daily, and we go through a lot of it, but bananas go from green to black in about 35 minutes! So I found myself needed to use some up, and fast.

Banana bread came to mind instantly, but I only had 2 bananas. So muffins it was, and a small batch at that. But it was the perfect amount for us, and can easily be doubled for more.

They are perfect for a quick breakfast before your Zoom meetings, or a snack in the afternoon, since I know the kids are asking for those every 10 minutes!

I hope you're staying healthy and safe. Sheltering in place with as much ease as possible. We can all get through this quicker if we do what is asked. No doubt, some yummy muffins will make it a bit easier too!

Banana Bread Muffins

2 over ripe bananas, divided

1/2 c. white sugar

1 c. flour

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

6 TBS butter, melted and cooled

1 egg

Preheat oven to 350. Grease muffin tin, or use papers. In a large bowl mash one banana with a fork. Add sugar. Whisk until well incorporated. Add butter, vanilla and egg. Whisk well. Add flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Using a spatula, fold together until just mixed. Mash remaining banana and fold into batter. Fill wells 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Makes 6-9 muffins. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Grocery Shopping Today

Quarantine...Day....I don't even know. I've stopped counting. One day runs into the next. Every morning when I wake up, for just a second I find myself asking "what day is it and what do I have to do"...and then I remember. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not doing anything. Well, nothing of excitement that is. There is always stuff around the house to do.

Have you ventured out to the grocery store since this all began? We are weekly shoppers in this house. We don't have the space to have tons of stuff on hand. Yes, we have 2 chest freezers with our beef supply, which I'm so thankful for, but not a lot of cupboard space, and no pantry at all. So, I have always done a weekly store run.

Thus, we are those people who have to go out for essentials. Well, I say we, it's not. Adam goes. See, he works in healthcare, so he is already exposed daily, so we decided it was smartest for him to do the shopping as well. But we have a good system. I help him over the phone. I keep the list at home, and I guide him. Or we even Facetime so I can shop with him. It cuts down on him getting the wrong thing and/or adding things to the card he finds "necessary" that are in fact, not.  LOL

I planned on posting this recipe this week, because while I used deli ham for these tasty biscuit sandwiches, they would be super tasty with that leftover ham many of us will have in the fridge after Easter. But when I sat down to type this out, I almost decided not to because I know many of you are struggling to find things at the grocery, or aren't shopping at all.

After going back and forth for a while, I decided to still post. See, I need some normal in my life; and I assume most of you do as well. So I figure, even if some of you can't make these right now due to these crazy circumstances, you can always save the recipe for post quarantine as something to look forward to.

We are actually still having our big Easter dinner. Well, kind big. After we had to cancel our trip to Pennsylvania to visit my grandma and aunt, we were planning an Easter dinner here with my parents. But since Adam works where he does, we all decided that wasn't safe either, plus our governor extended our shelter in place order, so it will just be the 4 of us.

I'm making a spiral cut ham, mashed potatoes, noodles, hearts of palm salad, deviled eggs and a new lemon dessert. I'm looking forward to it, and I know my boys are too.

These are a terrific breakfast or brunch while you're working from home, or heck, maybe add these to your Easter menu. A simple brunch might be the holiday pick up you need! And if you don't have all the ingredients, use the recipe as a template and create something with what you do have!

However you're coping with these uncertain, sometimes scary, sometimes boring times, I hope you're staying safe and healthy. We wish you a very Happy Easter from our family to yours!

Everything Ham & Cheese Biscuits

8 count jumbo flaky biscuits

16 thin slices honey ham

8 slices Provolone cheese, cut into quarters

1 stick butter, melted

1 1/2 TBS Dijon mustard

1 TBS everything bagel seasoning

Preheat oven to 350. Bake biscuits for 10 minutes. Carefully split. Grease 9x13 baking dish. Place biscuit bottoms in dish.  Top each with 2 pieces ham, folded if necessary, 4 quarter pieces of cheese and top biscuit. In a medium bowl whisk together butter, mustard and seasoning. Pour over biscuits. Bake for 15 minutes until golden on top. *NOTE* Each biscuit is getting 1 piece of cheese, but cut into 4 smaller pieces to fit better. The bottoms of the biscuits are going to be extra brown and crispy, if you don't like them that way, reduce cooking time by a few minutes. 

Breakfast, Brunch or Supper

Many of you are planning those Easter brunch menus. Others might be wanting an idea for breakfast for supper this week. Or maybe you like to make a big family breakfast every weekend. If you fall into any of these categories, today's recipe is going to the top of your grocery list!

Imagine tater tots mixed with all the things we love about tasty loaded baked potato, baked together in one simple casserole Are you drooling yet?

Perfect with eggs and bacon, or as a side dish for your next burger night, this is as versatile as it is yummy. Plus, it's pretty wallet friendly too, so if you've got a big Easter guest list, this will help you stay on budget.

 Come home from sunrise Easter service, pop this in the oven and it can be done by the time the kids find all the eggs! Whip up some scrambled eggs, a fresh fruit salad and toast...and you've got a holiday brunch that is easy on you and delicious for your guests.

Loaded Tater Tot Casserole is the potato dish the kids will gobble up and the adults will want the recipe for.

Loaded Tater Tot Casserole

2 lb. frozen tater tots

16 oz. sour cream

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 envelope ranch dressing mix

2 (2.5 oz.) pouches real bacon bits

2 c. shredded mild shredded cheese

1/2 c. shredded fiesta blend cheese

1 TBS chopped green onions (green only)

1 tsp. dried parsley

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x13 baking dish. In a large bowl combine soup, sour cream, bacon bits, 2 cups mild cheddar, and ranch mix. Stir to combine. Add frozen tater tots. Stir gently, to coat evenly. Transfer to baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup fiesta cheese and parsley. Bake for 45 minutes until bubbly and heated through. Garnish with green onions. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck
Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Another One From Amish Country

When I posted my Amish Casserole back at the beginning of the year, it was a huge hit. Both here, and on the Parade site, people couldn't get enough of it. With such success, my editor suggested I try my hand at a breakfast version as well. Challenge accepted!

If you tried the dinner variety and loved how simple it is, with on-hand ingredients, you will feel the same about the morning time one too! Nothing fancy here, just a hearty all in one meal perfect morning, noon or night!

I love having my eggs, sausage, and potatoes all in one bite! Add in some cheese and it's a bite made in heaven! Plus, this recipe is a great stepping off point. Maybe you have frozen shredded potatoes instead. Great. Feel like bacon instead of sausage? I think that would be delicious! Family doesn't groove on cottage cheese? Swap it out for some mozzarella, Swiss for even white cheddar! Got extra veggies in the fridge that need used? Throw those in too! See...the possibilities are endless!

With Easter coming next month, brunch is going to be a hot button topic! This would be fantastic to come home to after church, as the kids dig into their baskets! I would serve it with a fresh fruit salad, toast and call it a meal!

Oh, and those of you who love "brinner" like we do? (You know, breakfast for supper!) That's exactly when I made this, and the boys loved it! A great comfort casserole after a long day!

If you're looking for simple ideas for any breakfast, brunch or dinner, Easter or any other day, this definitely needs to go to the top of your list!

Amish Breakfast Casserole

6 large eggs, beaten

1 medium white onion, diced

4 c. frozen diced potatoes, thawed

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/4 c. monterey jack cheese

1 1/2 c. large curd cottage cheese

1 lb. pork sausage

2 tsp. dried parsley

Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9x13 baking dish. In a skillet on medium high heat, brown sausage and onion until no longer pink, breaking meat up into small pieces. Drain well. In a large bowl whisk eggs. Add potatoes, 3 cheeses, sausage mixture, salt and pepper. Mix well. Transfer to baking dish. Sprinkle with parsley. Bake for 40-50 minutes until toothpick in center comes out clean. Let sit 10 minutes before cutting.  

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Full Holiday House

Last week I gave you a recipe to help you get supper on the table for those holiday house guests that are about to descend! This week? I've got a delicious breakfast or brunch dish to do the same thing!

This is one of those side dishes I make morning, noon or night! It's great for a big holiday breakfast or brunch, but just as delicious for dinner too. We love it with everything from eggs to ham! In fact, I started making it after going to my husband's aunt's holiday party every year...where a huge ham and this were the main attractions!

Sure the big holiday meals are what everyone looks forward to, but you've got to eat other times too! Your full house will love waking up to this, or even coming home to it after that 4am shopping run on Black Friday.

And if you happen to be a planner, this would be amazing on Christmas morning too!

One of the best things about the holidays is having a house full of those people we love most in the world; but it can be one of the most stressful too. It's okay. It doesn't mean we love them any less, it just means we have to be creative when it comes to meal times...and make sure we've got some yummy, simple dishes in our back pocket, just like this!

Hashbrown Casserole

32 oz. bag frozen diced potatoes

2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 c. sour cream

1 tsp. onion salt

Salt and Pepper

Dried Chives

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x13 baking dish. In a large bowl mix frozen potatoes, soup, sour cream, 1 cup cheese, onion salt, salt and pepper. Transfer to baking dish. Bake 40 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and dried chives. Bake 5-7 minutes more until cheese is melted. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. *NOTE* No need to thaw the potatoes. Just break up any large chunks before mixing. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Welcome September

Yes, it's hard to believe, but September is upon us. My son looked at me Saturday night and said "Mom, can you believe the 4th of July was almost two months ago?"

Seriously, when you think of it like that the time flies bye even faster than normal. Let's face it, summer lasts about 38 days and the cold months drag on for 904 days, if we are lucky!

I've said it before, but let me reiterate it once more. I actually don't mind autumn. I enjoy the colors, the fun activities, the decor (yes, my pumpkins and scarecrows are already displayed!) and of course, the flavors. And I don't even shun the weather. Here in Indiana, we will still have some truly warm and sunny days through October. But it's what comes after fall I dread. The cold. The snow. The ice. The gray. The blah. But hey, it's not here yet, so let's not dwell on it.

I figured with the beginning of September, and a new season, we would celebrate with a classic fall flavor. Cinnamon. Sure, we can't get enough of apple and pumpkin too, but if you think about it, what is paired with both of those in many, many dishes? Yep, cinnamon.

These are my way of bringing a little of summer with me to fall. See, they are inspired by a summertime country fair staple. The elephant ear. Fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar is something so popular the lines will wind around any junk food alley.

So who says we can't have some of that yumminess as the leaves begin to turn? These are great for a quick breakfast, lunchbox treat or sweet treat after a favorite fall meal. Super easy, moist and oh so good!

I might not be able to stop summer from eventually fading away, but I can make sure to enjoy all the warm days we have left and dream of them once they are gone with some delicious muffins!

Cinnamon Sugar Muffins

1 c. flour
1/2 c. + 1 TBS sugar, divided use
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 TBS + 1 tsp. cinnamon, divided use
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 egg

Preheat oven to 375. Line 8 muffin tin wells with papers or grease well. In a large bowl combine flour, 1/2 c. sugar, baking powder, 1/2 TBS cinnamon, and salt. In a medium bowl whisk together milk, oil, and egg. Add to dry ingredients and stir, just until combined. Divide mixture evenly in muffin tin wells. In a small bowl combine 1 TBS sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon. Sprinkle over top of batter. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Store covered.

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Thank God for Pop Tarts

Yep, I said it. I am NOT the mom making a big breakfast before school every morning. Nope. Never have been. Some of it can be attributed to the fact that while all of us love breakfast food, we don't really want to eat it until 10am, or better, at supper time. 

But also, the teenage boy just doesn't want to eat that much that early in the morning, which I can't say I blame him at all. His dad and I are neither one early morning eaters. We just can't eat as soon as we get out of bed. So, I'm satisfied if I can get a little something in him before he heads out the door. 

Oh and just so there isn't any confusion, the 2 year old? He has a nice breakfast every morning of usually oatmeal or cereal! 

I know so many of you do make breakfast every morning though, and you're always looking for quick, easy, yummy options. That's where today's recipe comes in. 

You can simply swap out ingredients to make these a hundred different ways, as long as you keep the base of eggs and milk the same. Plus you could make a big batch on the weekend, and keep them in the fridge to be reheated on busy mornings. I would guess they would last 3-4 days in an airtight container! Perfect for on the go too when the alarm doesn't go off on time!

We of course had these for supper one night, and the boys raved! Some hash browns, toast and fruit on the side and it was a full meal deal! So no matter what time of day you decide to serve them I bet your family loves them just as much!

Bacon Cheddar Egg Muffins

12 eggs

1/2 c. milk

1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese, extra for top

1/2 c. real bacon bits, extra for top

1/2 tsp. onion powder

Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray. In a large bowl combine eggs, milk, onion powder, cheese, bacon, salt and pepper. Whisk well. Pour into muffin tin, filling each well about 2/3 full. Sprinkle with extra cheese and bacon. Bake for 25-30 minutes until eggs are set in the middle, checking with toothpick.

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Po-Tay-Toe

When Alex was little, he was a fantastic eater, just like now. About the only thing I can even remember him not being a huge fan of was potatoes. Gasp! I know. It was a little confusing for him spud loving parents. Well, and let me be clear, he might not have been thrilled with them, but he ate them anyway. Why? Because that's how we roll. 

But I can distinctly remember his dad trying to get him to eat mashed potatoes and him crying! Seriously...who was that kid? Then all of a sudden, he began eating them more and more, and found his love for them, and has never looked back. In fact, we can always tell when he is ready for a growth spurt because he craves them. Wants as much as he get. 

We don't have this problem with Max. He has been a potato lover since he could chew. And he will tell you.. "Po-tay-toe" yummy!"

 It's so funny because as much as they look alike, and many times act alike too, there are definitely differences too. 

Since Max is such a fan of all things potato, it keeps me on my toes even more to make sure he gets a variety. Sweet potatoes were one of his favorite baby foods, and now he loves them mashed, baked, and roasted too. 

I make breakfast for dinner so much, it would be easy to fall into a rut, so when I thought of these, I was pretty proud of myself. Time for home fries. Put the russets down and grab the sweeties instead. 

They are perfect with eggs and toast, but would be just as tasty as a side to any protein too! I can see these on our table a lot this fall and winter; and maybe next to a holiday ham as well! 

Sweet Potato Home Fries

6 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 1/2 TBS vegetable oil

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. dried parsley, extra for garnish

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Salt and Pepper 

In a large bowl combine potatoes, oil, and seasonings. Stir well to combine. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 400. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Place potatoes on it, spreading evenly into one layer. Cook for 30 minutes, turning the tray (bring the back to the front) half way thorough, or until fork tender. Sprinkle with extra parsley before serving. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

They Will Grow

For years we attempted to grow a garden in our backyard. And by we, I mean Adam, and then Alex too. We always got a few things that were edible and usable, but never anything like we hoped. Finally after so much time, money, and water wasted, we gave up.

But the one thing that they can get to grow? Blackberries! Adam planted bushes back when Alex was just a baby, and each year they've gotten a little bigger, and produced a little more. Well, this year, they have gone crazy! They are picking from them every single day...and trying to make sure they get to them before the birds do. Our little feathered friends enjoy them as much as my boys do.

Oh, and this summer Max has gotten in on the fun. You know, picking them and eating straight from the bush? Yeah, he's an expert. "Back-berr-ies Mommy!" He will even sneak them from the bowl in the fridge. (His face always gives him away though!)

So last week when they were out picking in the evening, there were too many to just keep to snack on, so I ended up making muffins at 8:30 at night. Something simple, but oh so yummy to treat my little berry growers.

They loved these. Couldn't get enough. They ate them right out of the oven, for breakfast the next morning, snacks and dessert after supper. Needless to say, they didn't last long.

You can easily swap out the blackberries for raspberries or even black raspberries, (Adam's favorites... and yes there is a difference....he will tell you!) if you happen to have those on hand.

We might not have fresh tomatoes, cucumbers or corn in our backyard, but luckily we have friends who share and terrific farm stands. But we do have berries....so we will make the most of those!

Blackberry Muffins

2 c. all purpose flour

1/2 c. white sugar

3 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 egg, beaten

1/4 c. butter, melted

2 tsp. vanilla

1 c. milk

1 c. fresh blackberries

Decorating Sugar (I used gold)

Preheat oven to 375. Line muffin tin with papers or grease well. In a large bowl mix together flour, white sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Add egg, milk, melted butter and vanilla. Stir well. Gently fold in blackberries. Fill each well about 2/3 full. Sprinkle with decorating sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to wire rack to cool.
Makes 1 dozen.

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Holiday House Guests...Not For Just a Day

Are you hosting a holiday this year? Rather it be Thanksgiving or Christmas, are you going to have house guests for a little while? If so, I'm going to be your new BFF. 

I will be honest, we have never had overnight house guests. Now, before you think I'm super weird, you have to understand a couple things. First off, we have a 3 bedroom house. You can do the math. And even before Max came, his room was an office/junk room. Secondly, we live 20 minutes from both of our parents. So when family comes into town, they always stay with them. See, it isn't as strange as you thought. 

But some of my best memories as a kid were big holiday at m grandparent's house with everyone home. Adults in the beds, kids on the floor. An entire house full...for a few days! Oh, the fun we had! God bless Grammy for feeding all of us for that long!

Anytime I think about holiday house guests the image of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation enters my mind. If you've seen the movie, you know where I'm going with this. Both sets of parents, cousins, aunts, uncles...and then of course Cousin Eddie shows up. The house is over flowing, everyone is stressed out, and then Eddie makes the comment they will be staying right on through to the New Year. 

My point is that if you've got people staying, the big holiday meals isn't the only time you have to feed them. No, you have to plan for 3 meals a day, for as long as they are there! You need some great, easy recipes up your sleeve! 

These would be perfect for a simple breakfast, or dessert. Seriously, you can serve them for either and they will disappear. I made them for a post dinner treat, and then the leftovers were heated up for breakfast the next day. 

If you love the original version, this mini, simple, quick version will knock your socks off! 

Holiday house guests are coming. Quicker than some of you might be ready for. But take a deep breath and relax. That's what the holidays are all about. Being surrounded by the people you love most in the world, making memories to last a lifetime. 

Mini Monkey Bread

2 (7.5 oz) cans refrigerated cans biscuits

1/2 c. butter, melted

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 c. white sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 12 count muffin tin. Separate biscuits. Cut each into 6 pieces. (You need 120 pieces total) In a large plastic bag, combine white sugar and cinnamon. In a medium bowl whisk together brown sugar and butter. Spoon 1 TBS butter mixture into each well of muffin tin. Place biscuit pieces in bag and shake well to coat. (This might take a few batches to avoid sticking) Place 10 biscuit pieces in each well. Press gently to adhere. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and set. Cool for 1 minute. Either turn upside down, or carefully slide out with a spatula. 

Recipe Inspired by Pillsbury

Autumn Inspired Challenge

So, ya'll know I can almost never pass up a chance at a recipe contest. Almost being the operative word here. Because you know there hasn't been any time around here for contests of any since a certain little Max came into the world. And that's now been over 13 months ago, so I've missed a few. But that's okay, he is 100% worth it! 

But when I was offered the chance to enter one using products from my new friends at Steviva, I thought NOW is the time! Why? Well, their products are low-carb, diabetic friendly and easy to use with already existing recipes. If I can simply swap out one ingredient for something I can feel better about, I'm all for it! 

When I received my samples, it was super easy to decide which one I wanted to try first. The Fructevia had "Excellent for Cooking and Baking" right on the front. Sold! Plus, it had the conversion right there too. Simple...use 1/2 has much as sugar. Sold again! 

Now it was time to decide what to make. Well, that was even easier. I wanted something fall inspired that could highlight two of the flavors we all love this time of year...Apple and Pumpkin! 

Muffins are kinda my go-to sweet treat. They are perfect morning, noon and night. And with Fructevia, they are a little more guilt free! (That means I can eat 2, right?) 

So, wish me luck! First prize is CASH!!! And diapers aren't cheap! 

To learn more about all the great Steviva products, be sure to keep up with them on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter! 

Pumpkin Spice Apple Muffins

2 1/2 c. flour

1 c. Fructevia

1 TBS pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 eggs, beaten

1 c. canned pumpkin

1/2 c. vegetable oil

3 medium gala apples, peeled and finely chopped

 Topping:

2 TBS flour

2 TBS Fructevia

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 TBS butter

Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin tin with papers. In a small bowl combine the first 3 ingredients for topping. Cut in butter until crumbs form. Set aside. In a medium bowl combine eggs, pumpkin, and oil. In a large bowl stir together flour, Fructevia, pumpkin pie spice. baking soda and salt. Add wet ingredients to dry, mixing until moist. Fold in apples. Fill muffin tin wells 3/4 full each. Top each with 1 tsp. topping. Bake for 35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Makes about 18 muffins. 

 

Middle of the Night Hunger

We've all heard the saying "It's a stick to your ribs kinda meal." Most of the time it is usually in reference to a big meal at supper time, or when talking about sending the kids off to school, a hearty breakfast that will keep them going. But what happens when those worlds collide? This is what happens.

See, we are big breakfast for supper fans. I plan it at least a few times a month. And the meals vary. Eggs, potatoes, meat, pancakes, waffles, quiche, toast, biscuits n gravy...I come up with all sorts of combos to indulge our preference for morning food at night.

But the one thing I find myself having an issue with is ending up hungry later in the night. Now, I know it's not the meal itself because I've got two "boys" with big appetites eating the same thing, and they don't end up with grumbling tummies, so it must just be me. Many times when we have these types of meal, I find myself waking up in the middle of the night starving. Or at least I think I'm starving.

When I saw this recipe, my first thought was "Wow. What a stick to your ribs kinda breakfast." What? Wait a minute...that means if I made it for supper, it would have the same effect and maybe I wouldn't wake up chewing on my pillow!

I was right! This will stay with you! It's perfect for a hearty breakfast to get your day started right, or a weekend brunch. Maybe even Easter Sunday after sunrise service. It makes a pretty good dinner too. I served it with some sausage links on the side, and we were all full and satisfied. And I stayed that way all night long!

This tastes just like a warm oatmeal cookie straight from the oven. And I can tell you, neither me or Alex are huge oatmeal fans, and we gobbled this down. This was the perfect amount for the 3 of us, so if you're making it for a bigger crowd, be sure to double the recipe. (See note below)

Waking up in the middle of the night feeling like you haven't eaten in hours is no fun. Laying awake counting cows instead of sheep, just so you can think about steak isn't normal. But now I've found a way to enjoy our little tradition and keep those pangs of starvation away!

Amish Baked Oatmeal

3 c. quick cooking oats

1 c. brown sugar, slightly packed

2 eggs

1 c. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

2 tsp. baking powder

1 large apple, peeled and chopped

1 stick butter, melted

1 1/2 tsp. salt

Extra Milk

Toppings: Fresh berries, nuts, dried fruit, etc

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 8x8 baking dish. In a large bowl combine first 10 ingredients. Stir well until mixed. Pour out into baking dish. Bake for 30-45 minutes until edges are brown and middle is set. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with milk and toppings. *NOTE* If you double this recipe, switch to a 9x13 pan, and increase cooking time a little, but start checking at the 30 minute mark.

Disclaimer: Recipe adapted from Taste of Home. As a field editor, and not a paid employee, I share this with no compensation.

Holiday Blogger Challenge with Cape Cod Select

You know I can't resist a great recipe contest! And when that also includes one of my very favorite holiday flavors, well, that is just icing on the cake, so to speak.

So when my new friends at Cape Cod Select Premium Frozen Cranberries asked me to come up with something festive using their yummy cranberries, I jumped at the chance! 

Cape Cod Select Frozen Cranberries are all natural, farm fresh, contain NO additives or preservatives, and best of all, are recipe READY! They allow you to have fresh cranberries year round, not just when they show up in your produce section! To find out if they are sold in your neck of the woods, check out their store locator. Plus, you can find out more about them, and keep up on all things cranberry by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.


Now when it was time for me to think about what I wanted to make with these festive little berries, that was easy. I was going to bake. And to take it a step further, I had Christmas morning on the brain. I wanted something super easy I could make ahead, and then enjoy while we are opening gifts in those wee hours of the morning. I decided I would combine the classic holiday flavors of cranberry, orange, and add in some nuts too. Well, I think I nailed it. I got exactly what I was looking for; and I know these will be perfect on December 25th.

Thanks to the great folks at Cape Cod Select, now my family will have something delicious to eat, bursting with fresh cranberry flavor! I think your family will love them too!

Cranberry Pecan Muffins 
with 
Orange Glaze 
1 1/2 c. Cape Cod Select Premium Frozen Cranberries
1 1/4 c. white sugar, divided
 3 c. flour
4 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 stick butter, room temperature
2 eggs
1 c. milk
1 c. chopped pecans
1 1/2 tsp. grated orange peel, divided
1 c. powdered sugar
1-2 TBS fresh orange juice

Preheat oven to 400. Place frozen cranberries in food processor. Pulse until coarsely chopped. Place in bowl, add 1/4 c. white sugar. Mix together. Set aside. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 cup white sugar. In a small bowl lightly whisk together eggs and milk. Add to flour mixture and combine until just moistened. Fold in pecans, 1 tsp. orange peel and cranberries. Line muffin tin with papers and fill each well 2/3 way full with batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. While baking, combine powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp. orange peel and orange juice, gradually until smooth glaze forms. When muffins done, transfer to wire racks to cool. When completely cooled, spread orange glaze on top with a spatula and allow to sit for 1 hour to set.

Christmas Baking

So what do you do when you aren't much of a baker, and the biggest baking season of the year rolls around? Well, you suck it up, find some simple recipes you know even you can't screw up and get into the ho-ho-ho, fa-la-la-la spirit! 

Yes, that's right, even after over 5 years of doing this blog (Hard to believe!) I still do not consider myself much of a baker. Sure, I can do it, but it just isn't "my thing". There are just things I enjoy more in the kitchen. But if you've been following me for a while now, you know the one thing I do enjoy baking, and have become kind of an expert at, are muffins! 

This time of year I have some favorite flavors and favorite smells. For flavor, I can't get enough peppermint. It just makes my tongue feel Christmas-y. And for smells? Ginger, cinnamon...basically gingerbread. Oh, the house just smells like a holiday when you've got some gingerbread baking in the oven. So when a friend, who knows my love of all things "spicy" this time of year, passed these on, I couldn't wait to make them!

They are so much more simple than old fashion gingerbread, are ready in almost no time, and still give you all those same festive flavors. Oh, and they just happen to be the perfect dessert, breakfast, snack, or even teacher/neighbor gift!

What are your favorite things to bake this time of year? Do you go the easy route or maybe you have some tried and true recipes that are a little more labor intensive? Either way, make sure you are doing things you love, with those whom you love the most, for it truly is the most wonderful time of year.


Gingerbread Muffins
2 c. all purpose flour
1/2 c. molasses
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. milk
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. allspice
Decorating Sugar Crystals, I like gold

 Preheat oven to 400. Line a muffin tin with papers, or grease bottoms only. In a large bowl using a wooden spoon, beat together molasses, brown sugar, egg, milk and oil until well combined. Add flour, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and allspice. Stir until mixture is combined, but do NOT over stir. Divide mixture among 12 wells evenly. (I used a cookie scoop and it was 2 scoops each.) Sprinkle with sugar crystals. Bake for 18-20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack. Makes 1 dozen.

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Recipe from Betty Crocker

Busy School Days { A Post For Earth Fare}

Well, summer is over. Okay, not really, but this was our first week back to school; and let me tell you, I am stinkin' exhausted! Oh my gosh. Who knew starting 35 minutes earlier every day could mean mommy needs coffee...lots of coffee. Stat. From an IV drip!

When school is back in session, it seems like our already super busy lives get busier and busier by the day. So many things to do, running here and there, homework, after school activities, sports...you name it, our plates are F.U.L.L.

So when the craziness sets in, that's when I really start to rely on recipes that can be used for more than one thing, more than one meal. And one of my favorite things that fall into the category are muffins!

I love having something for little man to nibble on when he comes home starving. (They all do, right??) But I don't want it to be junk. Something he can enjoy and I can feel good about. Plus, if I can then use it the next morning for breakfast, or pack it in his lunch, or even have as an after supper sweet treat, even better! One recipe, and already I've found 4 times I can serve them. That's what I'm talking about.

A friend gave me this recipe and I was so thrilled to see the reduction of sugar and addition of applesauce. I've baked with it before, and it keeps things moist while adding to the sweetness too!

If you need something quick and easy for the school day rush, look no further. Heck, the kids could even eat these in the car if you're running late! Not that any of us ever do that....right??!!

Applesauce Mini Muffins
1 stick butter, room temp
1/2 c. sugar
1 3/4 c. flour
2 eggs
3/4 c. applesauce
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Topping:
4 TBS butter, melted
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 TBS. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl cream together sugar and butter until smooth. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Stir. Add eggs, applesauce and vanilla to butter mixture. Mix well. Slowly add flour mixture in batches, stirring in between each. When batter is combine, scoop into paper lined mini muffin tray. Bake for 15 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Remove to wire rack to cool. Allow to cool 10-15 minutes. Mix sugar and cinnamon together for topping. Brush tops of muffins with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Kick Up Weekend Brunch

Brunch is one of my favorite things. See, I love breakfast foods, but I don't like breakfast. Or, shall I say I don't like breakfast at breakfast time. I've always been that way. Eating early in the morning just doesn't jive with my system. But give me some eggs, bacon and toast at about 10 am, or even noon, or for supper at 6 pm, and I'm a happy girl! 

So you can see why the idea of brunch appeals to me. Some of my favorite dishes, later in the morning when I'm ready for them. And one of my favorite things to order when we go out for brunch is an omelet. There is a diner here in Fort Wayne that serves them 100 different ways, and each one is as big as your head! 

But at home, omelets are a different story. I can't make them in a skillet to save my life. Seriously. I've tried. A lot. That is until I figured out I could easily let my oven do all the work while I take all the glory. Yep, bake 'em! Why not? It's just like a quiche with no crust. You get all the same flavors, but with no hassle of that dreaded skillet flip! 

This one will put a little kick into your brunch this weekend. Amazing Mexican ingredients take your ordinary eggs to the next level. Don't worry about the heat level though. Ya'll know I'm a wimp, so if I can eat it, anyone can. Add some toast and fresh fruit on the side and watch the family flock to the table. Truthfully though, this makes an amazing simple supper too! Who doesn't love breakfast for supper? 

If you love brunch as much as I do, but the menu has gotten a little stale, it's time to kick it up a notch with a little Southwestern flare!

Baked Southwestern Omelet

Originally Published on Indiana Dairy

8 eggs
1 c. milk
¾ c. Mexican blend cheese, plus extra for top
1 TBS dried minced onion
1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained well
½ green pepper, diced
1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained well
Salt and Pepper to taste
Chopped Chives
Salsa
Sour Cream

 Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 8 x 8 baking dish. In a large bowl whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Add mushrooms, green pepper, cheese and diced tomatoes.Stir to combine. Pour into prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-60 minutes until set and toothpick comes out clean. Garnish with extra cheese, salsa, sour cream and chives. Allow to sit 5 minutes before cutting to serve.

Shared at Weekend Potluck