A Proverbs 31 Kind of Day

How many times have you read that my family loves Mexican food? Honestly, I am not underestimating the power of the love! It is our go-to, quick-fix meal at home. When we go out to eat, we usually choose something with a Mexican flair. And when we say we're craving something, it usually involves chips and salsa. What I have noticed at these newer, "fusion" taco restaurants, and the like, are the simple toppings. Where we are eating, at least, there is less about smothered cheese and gooey sauces. There's more focus on "less is more." Simple flavors. Simple ingredients. Big impact of deliciousness! Which then inspires me to duplicate it at home so that we don't have to digest the high price tag, too! For a school field trip, my boy cherub had to eat at a local restaurant. Not real sure what that had to do with learning Spanish, as everything is in English. But whatever! We did it. After all, it was apart of his grade. ...

We're going old school! Your mom might have called these magic cookie bars, or seven layer bars, or hello dolly bars. Regardless of what they were called, who doesn't remember these treats from your childhood? Honestly!  This was one thing my mom could . . .and would . . . whip up in a hurry! These treats are easy to make and even easier to eat! Originally, these were called magic cookie bars and the recipe was rolled out by the Eagle Brand Milk Company. Today, though, there are so many variations and possibilities, that it's crazy. But the basic of the recipe is still the starting point. And that's exactly where I started! But!  I didn't end up there, because I add a little treat of my own! While I was in the kitchen making this little dessert for dinner tonight, my girl cherub was doing school and she asked what I was making. I told her. "Have you ever made those before?" she asked. Yeah . . .but not in a long time. Like...

It's January and the beginning of the month brings a new menu! If you have a renewed effort this year to have less drive-through, carry-out, or fast-food dinners as a family, Meal Thyme Meals can help you be successful with your effort. All you have to do is order the meal kit, add the amount of meat, and freeze. When you are ready to cook, just thaw the meal kit and place in your crock pot.  You'll come home to a quick and ready meal that is cheaper, tastier, and easier than anything you can drive through and pick up! I even provide you with suggestions for veggies or a starch to put with your kit to make sure you have a complete meal!  If you live in the OKC area, and you wish to order, please place a comment and I'll get you on the list. January's Menu: The 5 meal kits are $30.00.  If you would like to add on the 3 dessert kits, that is an additional $20.00. All of the kits are gluten free! 

A long time ago, there was a tomato basil soup mix that I loved. I made it a lot during the winter months and we would swoon over it. I've not been able to find a mix similar, but we still love a creamy tomato basil soup. I've looked for recipes that would seem to mimic that soup. While this one doesn't remind me of that mix, I sure do like this one! Since it's gotten cold, I had the Mr. grab the ingredients when he ran into town the other day. We were wrapping presents and I whipped this up and kept it warm until we were ready to have dinner. This is what the Mr. likes to do: wait until the very end and wrap all the presents at once. When Christmas day is practically here. This is what it does to me: causes me undo stress and tears. 22 years of this and I've said no more. As we both grabbed our own set of paper, scissors, and tape, I divided the gifts between us. While he was still finishing up the boy ch...

It doesn't seem like it's the holiday season until someone brings these gems to the party! I'm not really big on this appetizer. I've never really been impressed with small cocktail sized smokies in a bbq sauce. Now!  There are other ways I like these done, like wrapped in bacon, or phyllo dough, or even a crescent roll. But not swimming in a sauce that I usually don't like. So when the Mr. suggested we do a small snack break at the office, and thought these would be good, I went to searching for something different to do! Do I mix them with grape jelly, or cranberry sauce, or pineapple preserves? The options were great, but I finally decided on this recipe! Holiday Cocktail Little Smokies 28-32 oz package of little smokies 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup ketchup 1/4 cup honey Dijon mustard Place the little smokies in a crock pot. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, ketchup, and honey Dijon mustard together and pour over the littl...

I'm so excited to announce my new adventure! This is for all of you who live in the OKC/surrounding area! Here's the scoop! I think meal time is one of the most important times of the day with your family; regardless of how big or small your family is! When at the table, with the TV off and phones down, you have some of the best conversations. But meal times are difficult! Schedules are full. Meal planning takes time. Whether it's coming in after a long day at work or after a packed schedule of practices; That's why I have "Meal Thyme." Each month, I'll have different meal kits, along with an optional dessert kit, that you can order. All you have to do is buy the meat, put it in the bag of seasoning, and throw it in the freezer. Then, when you're ready to cook, just thaw your meal and put it in the crock pot! Come home to a hot meal ready to eat! If you really want to "get fancy," you can add a veggie or side...

Recently, we were a host home for our girls' retreat at church. Let me translate what that means: I clean like a mad-woman for several days before, as if high school girls are even going to care about what the house looks like!  I spent days thinking through the "snack" menu and what to do for breakfast for them on Saturday, and through it all, the Mr. and my boy cherub leave the nest and are gone the entire time! So by "we," I mean me! But it was a GREAT time and I'd do it again!  The girls that were at my house were amazing! They commented on how good the house smelled . . .which I really have no idea what they were smelling! And they loved the pancake bar we did on Friday night and the were so appreciative of breakfast! They also drank a lot of coffee! Who knew!  I clearly didn't plan well in that area, but that's ok! Another mom was my co-host.  She was a trooper! On Friday night, she came over and helped me cook pancake...