Everyday Mom's Meals
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Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Getting Excited Again

Do you have loose your craving for something? Like you plan a meal, and when it comes time to cook it, there is absolutely nothing that sounds appetizing about it anymore? Even if it is something you've good before, for some reason, at that moment in time, you would do anything not to eat it? That is exactly what happened to me last week.

I had a "regular" dish in our house on the menu, and when supper time rolled around, the thought of stepping into the kitchen and actually preparing it didn't exactly make me want to jump out of my recliner. So, I started thinking about what I could do to make it a bit more exciting. Why not add some spice? Not too much. Ya'll know how wimpy my tongue is, but enough to get my taste buds enthusiastic!

This comes together in almost no time, and while yes, you do need a bowl and a pan to make it, it's still pretty close to a one pot wonder, for those super busy nights we all seem to have too many of.

The amount of Cajun seasoning was just enough for us, some heat, but not too much. But if you are worried about it, start out with 1-2 tablespoons, and then taste it before adding more.

If you need a simple supper that doesn't taste simple, this needs to be on your menu soon. If you have a dish you've made forever, and need to get excited about it again, brainstorm and see what you can do!

Sausage, Potato & Pepper Bake
1 lb. polish sausage, sliced on a bias
2 green bell peppers, sliced
5 medium potatoes, cubed
1 (10 oz.) jar banana pepper slices, drained
3 TBS olive oil
3 TBS Cajun seasoning
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Toss well to coat. Transfer to a large, greased baking pan. Bake for 30-45 minutes until potatoes are tender.







Shared at Weekend Potluck

Monday, September 14, 2015

Classic Cut in Half {A Post for Earth Fare}

I love meatloaf. Wait, let me start over. I love my mom's meatloaf. It is the best, and one of my favorite things on the face of the Earth. (Really only topped by her Beef n Noodles.)

For a long time, I could never make it to the level of perfection she does, but I finally mastered it, thank goodness. (But it still always tastes better when she makes it!) It is a favorite of my husband and son as well, so it shows up on our dinner table as much as possible.

Unfortunately though, it hasn't been able to make an appearance in a while. Why? Because of our crazy schedule! We are so busy there are days I don't know if I am coming or going; and days like that don't lend themselves to the time I need to give mom's perfect recipe the attention it deserves.

However, now I can take that recipe and cut the time by over half and have the flavor I adore in an even easier meal! Kids will love these, they are just their size! I think they would be fantastic at a party too, or even tailgating at the big game!

Nothing will ever take the place of mom's meatloaf in my heart. The original will always be the best, but at least this way I can enjoy it more often in today's busy world!

Meatloaf Muffins
2 lbs. ground beef
2 eggs, beaten
1 medium white onion, finely minced
1 cup. bread crumbs*
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/4 c. ketchup
Dried Parsley for garnish

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray. In a large bowl combine beef, eggs, bread crumbs, onion, salt and pepper. Using hands, combine well. Fill each well of muffin tin to top with a meat ball. Press down a little to obtain muffin shape. Place ketchup in plastic bag. Snip one edge. Pipe ketchup on top of muffins. Bake for 25 minutes. Increase heat to 400. Bake 10-15 minutes more until internal temp reaches 165. Let sit 2 minutes before removing. Garnish with parsley. *NOTE* If mixture doesn't seem to be coming together with 1 cup breadcrumbs, feel free to add more. It will depend on the moisture level of your mix. 









Shared at Weekend Potluck







Disclaimer: I received a gift card in exchange for this post. All thoughts, opinions and the recipe are all mine.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Meal Plan September 13-18

*New Recipe
Links to Recipes on Blog
^Recipes being "Re-blogged"

Sunday
Party Burgers*
Amish Potato Salad
Sliced Cucumbers

Monday
Jello Parfait
Croissants

Tuesday
Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup^
French Baguette

Wednesday
Happy Birthday, Monkey!
He has requested pizza from his favorite place!


Thursday
Ham Steaks
Stuffing
Applesauce

Friday
Tomato Soup
Grilled Cheese



Friday, September 11, 2015

Jump on the Pumpkin Bandwagon

Pumpkin Spice is everywhere....in every thing! From chapstick (yep I saw that) to coffee creamer, cupcakes and candy...tis the season! Now, I'm not complaining because I have yet to find something pumpkin flavored I didn't like, so I figured why not jump on the bandwagon?

I know many of you share my love of all things "no bake" during the hot summer months, but who says that convenience has to end at Labor Day? I say let's carry it right on through to fall, after all our schedules aren't any less busy, so why not make dessert something we can whip up in no time? Plus, there are still going to be days that are warm enough we don't really want to bake anyway.

Parfaits are a great no bake treat when you don't have much time, but want to impress. Layer anything into a nice dish or glass and it looks so fancy, nobody will care it only took you about 20 minutes!

A couple notes about this recipe. One, if you make your own granola, of course use that instead. I was going for all out help from the store. Secondly, if you can't find the pumpkin spice pudding (it's a seasonal thing) you can easily substitute vanilla, and add pumpkin spice to taste.

I'm all about welcoming fall in the most delicious way, and if that means I need to find more ways to fit pumpkin into recipes, well I'm okay with that too!

Pumpkin Spice Parfaits
12 oz. bag granola with raisins and almonds
1 small box (4 serving) pumpkin spice pudding
1 1/2 c. milk
1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Cool Whip
Ground Cinnamon

Combine pudding mix and milk in large bowl. Whisk well. Chill for 10-15 minutes to set. Open bag of granola. Add pumpkin pie spice. Shake well.  In parfait cups, place a couple TBS granola. Top with a couple TBS pudding. Continue layers.Top with Cool Whip. Sprinkle with extra granola and cinnamon.





Shared at Weekend Potluck



Thursday, September 10, 2015

Game Day Fun with Dr Pepper® and Kroger

It's here! It's here! It's here! Do I sound like a kid on Christmas morning? That's because around here we welcome the return of College Football season with almost as much gusto! 

Football season is not just a fad in our house. It's a time honored tradition. We are either watching in person, on television or listening to the radio, each week, cheering on our favorite teams. And in our house, those are different, so we are a house divided, but the rivalries only add to the fun. 

One thing I've learned is a fun football party doesn't have to include a house full of people. I can make the game into a fantastic party with just the three of us, in our living room. And now thanks to Dr Pepper® and Kroger, it's even easier! 

When I'm doing my regular weekly grocery shopping at Kroger, it is so convenient to load up on all our favorite game day treats, including Dr Pepper®. The little guy loves
to open up a can of Dr Pepper® while he snacks and yells at the refs! The bold flavor is so refreshing when your throat is dry from armchair quarter-backing!



After I've got the drinks covered, it's time to move onto snacks. The food is almost as important as the game itself! Even if it is just the three of us hanging out I want a big spread we can eat from all day/night long! There is no rule that says a terrific tailgating party can't be indoors! 



So, whether you are planning a football bash in your own living room, or packing up the cooler to head out to the huge party in the parking lot before the game, College Football is not the same without great friends, great fun, and great food/drinks! Be sure to swing by your local Kroger to pick up all the Dr Pepper® and snacks you will need!





This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Dr Pepper®. Game Day Greats brought to you by Kroger. The opinions and text are all mine.