A Proverbs 31 Kind of Day

"Over rated." That was my thought about quinoa. I had tried it once, in a recipe, and I didn't like it. I had no need to try it again. Despite the fact that I had a decent supply of uncooked quinoa in my pantry. "Understated." "Under estimated." That's my new thoughts about quinoa. My boy cherub really likes quinoa. The other day, I was making a dinner the girl cherub had asked for and I thought, "I'll make pasta for those who want it and quinoa for my boy cherub." But when I told everyone of the plan, they all wanted quinoa. Except me. But I wasn't willing to mess up to pots just to make me pasta. So I made the quinoa and had every intention of just "dealing with it." I placed all the ingredients on the counter for everyone to make their own quinoa bowl. I was excited. Not. Quinoa. Roasted tomatoes. Roasted peppers and zucchini. Smoked chicken. Caramelized onions. Wilted...

By the blog posts, one might think it is a dry spell of cooking around our house. That isn't really the case. However, it is the case of "new" recipes. Sometimes, those "tried and true" recipes, where you don't even have to really think about it, and no one at the table asks, "so, what is this?" are sometimes just easier when everything is feeling like it's spinning 100 miles an hour! Oh, we've been trying new things. And I have the pictures to prove post about it . . . but the "new" recipes are just a little less frequent these days! Unless it was this dinner where I put together 2 new recipes for us to try! Everything was a hit, especially these roasted potatoes. As you know, we adore roasted veggies. In my opinion, they're easier to cook and tastes simply delicious! I paired these potatoes with roasted Brussel  Sprouts and a Greek lemon chicken. It was a winner! I used Yukon gold pot...

Yes!  The picture is sideways!  I can NOT get it right!   Waaaay back in 2015, we were moving from Dallas, Texas. Some sweet friends of mine made a "going away" basket for me. It was filled with darling things, that I still enjoy . . . including the cute basket! One of the things in the moving basking was a very yummy and versatile spice mix. One of the girls made it. I've used it on so many things and I'm continually impressed with how it tastes. Of course, I couldn't go without the recipe! So when I asked, she willingly gave! Which means I am willingly sharing with you too! I don't know the name of the mix and I do know she found the recipe somewhere. I've never seen a recipe just like this one . . . and I really dig this one! I didn't know the name, so I named it after my friend. I'm creative that way. This mix does take several ingredients, but would be so good to share with friends. You could give it a Chri...

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...