Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

 2 Cups Shaved Brussel Sprouts

1 Cup Pomegranate Arils

1 Cup Shaved Parmesan

1 Cup Candied Pecans

1 Cup Craisins

DRESSING:

Juice of 1/2 Lemon

2 Tbsp Apple Cider Cinegar

1 Tbsp Honey

2 tsp Dijon Mustard

3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Recipe Source: Tried and True Moms

Cranberry Fluff

We were ready to head out of town the day after Christmas and I had a package of cranberries that needed to be used up.  I just happened across this recipe while browsing some of my "usual" blogs.  I had seen many other versions of this recipe and decided to finally give it a try since I happened to have all the ingredients on hand.  Sadly, I am the only one that tried it.  My husband has never been a fan of anything that reminds him of a jello-y type salad and my boys must have gotten his genes when it comes to that.  I thought it was so so good!  I ate it alongside my Christmas dinner and it was perfect.

This would be a great Thanksgiving side as well, so stash it away for future use :)

Cranberry Fluff


12-ounce package fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
8-ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained
2 cups mini marshmallows
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups heavy whipping cream

In a food processor (you can use a blender or by hand, also), pulse until the cranberries are coarsely chopped. I don't like really large pieces so I chop them until they are somewhat finely chopped without turning to complete mush.

Add the sugar and pineapple, pulse once or twice, and pour into a container - cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors blend.

Stir in the marshmallows.

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Pour in the cream and whip until stiff peaks form. Fold the creamy mixture into the salad.

Cover and refrigerate for four hours or up to overnight. It tastes best, in my opinion, if it has at least 8 hours to hang out before serving.

Recipe Source:  Mels Kitchen Cafe

Sausage Stuffing

I love this pic for a couple reasons. 1) It encompasses how our winters are here...frosty.  We never get a lot of snow (at least the 3 winters we have lived here).  It is a lot of gray skies, fog, and frost with a few ice storms mixed in.  2) This stuffing turned out awesome for Thanksgiving.  It reminded me a lot of the one my Grandma makes...minus the sausage.

The flavors were spot-on if you ask me, and after putting a small drizzle of turkey gravy on top...forget about it!  This is definitely a keeper and will be made for years to come!  And yes, I know the appropriate term for this is dressing...but where I come from it's stuffing no matter what.  That is all :)

Sausage Stuffing


Serves 10-12

1 1/2 loaves of sliced white sandwich bread (about 35-40 slices) 
48 oz chicken stock
2 cups diced celery (I like to use the inside stalks first, leaves and all)
1 1/2 TBSP poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp salt  
1 lb breakfast sausage 
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 cup butter

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Break bread slices up into bite size pieces.  Place onto two cookie sheets and toast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes.  Check and turn bread every 10 minutes.  You only want it slightly brown, but dry through out.  Cool completely and transfer to a extra large bowl. 

In a large pot add chicken stock, diced celery, poultry seasoning and salt.  Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. 

Meanwhile, in a large pan break up sausage and brown over medium high heat.  Drain onto a paper towel and add to bread.  Using the same pan, melt butter over medium high heat and add in diced onions.  Saute until translucent and slightly browned.  Pour onions and butter over bread and toss together. 

Slowly ladle in seasoned chicken stock and celery over the bread mixture and stir to combine.  Don't add in all the stock at once because you might not need it all.  Just add enough till the bread is completely moist, but not drenched. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place stuffing into a 9x13 pan and bake for 40 minutes. 

You can make this ahead.  Once you've placed it in a 9x13, cover well with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator.  When you are ready to bake it, let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes and bake it for 40-50 minutes at 350 degrees.  



Recipe Source:  My Name Is Snickerdoodle

Apple Pecan Spinach Salad

I love finding me a good salad recipe!  Thought I'd throw this one in amidst my seriously indulgent December food posts :)  I would not recommend leaving any ingredients out.  They balance each other very well AND the dressing is seriously super yummy!  So if you need a new potluck dish or a side for a Christmas dinner, this one is easy to put together and is tasty.  Enjoy :)

Apple Pecan Spinach Salad

Yield: About 7 - 8 servings

10 oz baby spinach
3 small gala apples or 2 medium, cored and thinly sliced
1 cup pecans, toasted
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled 
1/2 cup dried cranberries
12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
1/2 small red onion, sliced into thin strips (optional)

Maple-Cider Vinaigrette
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
2 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

If using red onion, place slices in a colander and run under warm water for about 10 seconds, tossing once, to remove harsh bite. Drain well.
In a large salad bowl toss together spinach, apples, pecans, feta, cranberries and optional bacon and red onion. Drizzle desired amount of dressing over salad and toss to evenly coat. Serve immediately after adding dressing.

For the dressing:
Add all ingredients to a medium mason jar. Cover with lid and shake to blend well (or alternately just blend well in a bowl with a whisk).

Recipe Source:  Cooking Classy

Berry Cheesecake Salad

Sometimes in the summer we like to have or invited to last minute get-togethers.  Then comes the dilemma of what to take to these last minute get-togethers.  As long as you have these ingredients together, this delectable salad comes together in 10 minutes...TOPS.  

It was seriously so good, so addictive!  I may make this every week this summer :)  I have another similar recipe...(click here) that is super yummy as well.  Try both and tell me which one you prefer.  Enjoy!

Berry Cheesecake Salad

1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
½ cup sugar
8 oz cool whip, thawed
6 cups berries, I used:
3 cups strawberries, sliced
1 cup blackberries
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries

In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold in the thawed cool whip.

Add strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Fold carefully into the cream cheese mixture. Serve immediately.

Recipe Source:  The Recipe Critic

Marshmallow Fruit Dip

 In my chruch, I am in charge of a group of 8-year olds, doing bi-weekly activities to help them progress towards finishing goals.  It is AWESOME!  I only get boy stuff at my house, so this is my time to let my girlie girl come out.  This last week we talked about personal hygiene, painted nails, and had some yummy "girlie" snacks.  This fruit dip is super simple, and makes plain 'ole fruit a little more exciting for the kiddos (who am I kidding, I LOVE it too :)

Marshmallow Fruit Dip

1 Jar Marshmallow Cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together with hand mixer, chill until ready to serve.

Asparagus, Egg, and Bacon Salad

 Well, it is my husband's birthday weekend and we have been trying to make the most of it!  Date night on Friday, out to dinner with the fam last night, cooking some steak for Sunday dinner, and doing the cake thing as well as gifts :)  He wanted steak and crawfish for dinner, and left the side dish up to me.  I saw this recipe this week and really wanted to give it a try!  So easy, so good, so very Springtime.  This would be great next to your easter ham or leg of lamb (or whatever your family likes).  Enjoy!

Asparagus, Egg, and Bacon Salad

1 large hard boiled egg, peeled and sliced

1 2/3 cups chopped asparagus

2 slices cooked and crumbled center cut bacon

1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

pinch salt and pepper, to taste

Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the asparagus and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until tender yet firm. Drain and run under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Set aside.

In a small bowl mix the Dijon, oil, vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Arrange the asparagus on a plate, top with egg and bacon and drizzle with the vinaigrette. Enjoy!

Recipe Source:  Skinny Taste

Brussel Sprouts with Garlic Aoili

 Brussel sprouts have only recently come into my kitchen.  I'm not sure why...don't know if I was subconsciously intimated by them, who knows!  Anyhow, my searching for new recipes brought me across this recipe.  I had turkey burgers on the menu one week and thought this might be a fun change from sweet potato fries.  I thought these were great, and I may have eaten a couple too many! Enjoy :)

Brussel Sprouts with Garlic Aoili


For Brussel Sprouts:

20 Brussel Sprouts cut into wedges
Canola Oil
Salt & Pepper

For Aioli:

6 tbs mayonnaise
1/4 tsp garlic minced fine
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbs flat leaf parsley chopped fine

For Brussel Sprouts:

Place brussel sprouts on a baking sheet and drizzle with canola oil. Crack some fresh salt & pepper to taste. Mix around brussel sprouts on pan to ensure they all get nicely coated in the oil. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown on at least one side.

For Aioli:

Mix together mayonnaise, garlic, parsley and lemon juice. Serve in a ramekin.

Place ramekin of aioli on a plate and surround with brussel sprouts. If serving as an appetizer, put some toothpicks on the side for your guests. Enjoy!

Recipe Source:  Costa Kitchen

Stick of Butter Oven Rice

I know...the title doesn't scream healthy eating like I've been talking about.  I recently needed a side dish, and I've been curious about this one for a while.  So I went for it.  It was nice just to throw it in the oven and forget it.  The taste was delicious, and I loved getting some of it along the edge where it was a little bit crispy.  YUM!  

Stick of Butter Oven Rice


1 c. uncooked white rice (NOT instant)
1 (10 oz) can of Condensed French Onion Soup
1 (10 oz) can of Beef Broth
1/2 c. of butter, sliced

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a 9x9 inch baking dish combine rice, soup and broth.  Cut butter into slices and place on top of the mixture.  Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.  Remove cover and bake 30 minutes more.

This can be doubled or tripled to feed more. Optional: small can of drained mushrooms can be added as well.

Recipe Source: Thirty Handmade Days

Spicy Asian Cucumbers

 I have been trying so hard to eat better...until I see a fabulous dessert.  But I am trying!  Here is a yummy side dish we had with some Asian noodles recently that really hit the spot...was very refreshing, crisp, and healthy.  Definitely better than eating an egg roll on the side ;)  This is so simple, a 5 minute side dish that will go well with any of your Asian dishes.

Spicy Asian Cucumbers

Chop 1 English cucumber. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt; let sit 10 minutes. Whisk 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons each sugar and soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 sliced scallions, 1 minced garlic clove and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Drain the cucumber and toss with the dressing; season with salt. Top with chopped cilantro.  


Recipe Source:  Food Network Magazine, June 2014

Roasted Potato Salad

Let me set the stage for you....

Mother's Day 2014.  The sweet hubby wants to make me whatever my heart desires for dinner, so I tell him to smoke me something (he loves doing it and it is always delicious...a definite win-win situation).  He decides on ribs and beans, so I tell him I will make a potato salad.  After some battling (since he didn't want to make me cook on Mother's Day), he gave up.

I started making this new recipe and he turned up his nose when he saw how that I was going to roast the potatoes.  He is quite partial to his dad/grandmother's recipe and was very skeptical.  But believe me, by the time I was done and we tried it at dinner, there is now one other potato salad he will now eat.  It really did turn out delicious, and leftovers the next day were even better!  

Roasted Potato Salad

4 Eggs
4 Slices of Bacon or more if you’re a bacon lover like me
5-6 Small potatoes, or 3-4 large ones
1 tbs. Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Paprika
2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
Salt
Pepper
1 Small Red Onion
3 Stalks of Celery
2 Whole Pickles or 1/4 cup Pickle Chips
3 Scallions
Handful of Chives

Dressing:
3/4 Cup Mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon Mustard or Grainy Mustard
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
2 Dashes of Hot Sauce
Salt
Pepper
1/4 tsp Old Bay
Preparation:

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.

Bring eggs to a boil in a pot. Once the water comes up to a boil, shut off the heat, and place a lid on it. Leave alone for 10 minutes, it’ll carry over cook the eggs to perfection. After ten minutes, run cold water over the eggs and add some ice into the pot, while the water is running. This will allow the eggs to cool completely and stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel the eggs under cool running water, and set aside.

Pre-heat a small skillet over medium heat. Cut the strips of bacon into small pieces and place in the hot pan. Cook, stirring occasionally until golden brown and crispy. About 5-7 minutes. Once finished, transfer the bacon onto a paper lined plate, using a slotted spoon. Allow to cool. Set aside.

This dish can easily be made into a vegetarian dish by omitting the bacon. Or if you are religiously against it, by all means, leave it out.

Wash and dry the potatoes, or if you’d like, peel the potatoes. Cut them into a medium dice, all the same size to ensure even cooking. Drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle in the spices and thyme. Place in the pre-heated oven on the middle rack and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning over once, half way through. Once fork tender and golden brown remove from the oven and allow to cool on pan, on a cooling rack or counter top.

Meanwhile cut the remaining vegetables, red onion, celery, scallions, pickles, into uniform small pieces and put in a large mixing bowl. Dice the hard boiled eggs from earlier and put them in the bowl as well. Toss the ingredients to combine well.

Pour the warm potatoes into the mixing bowl along with the cut veggies. Toss.

In a small bowl place all of the dressing ingredients and whisk to combine. Pour dressing over potato veggie mixture and toss well, to coat all of the dressing into the potato salad.

Sprinkle in the bacon from earlier and stir once again, reserving some for the garnish. Taste to make sure seasoning is spot on. Adjust accordingly.

Place in a serving dish and garnish with reserved bacon and chives. Serve as a side dish for any number of summer recipes. Eat immediately or wrap with plastic wrap. Can easily be made days in advance, stored in the fridge. Actually gets better the next day, cold. Yum. Enjoy.

Recipe Source:  The Candid Appetite

Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing and Dip

I LOVE Superbowl food!  My hubby's team is still in the running to make it to the Superbowl, and every week I find myself making football munchies to snack on during the game as he cheers them on.  Don't get me wrong, I love me a good buffalo wing or any other deep-fried delicacy, but I feel like I need to get some crunchy veggies on my plate as well to make me feel a bit better about the other things on my plate.  Not to mention this is the time of year when I'm sure you are all trying to lighten things up a bit.  

So here's a recipe you can take to your next football-watching party and not feel the least bit bad about it...and it is delicious!  Try it with veggies, chicken tenders (if you are in the mood for deep-fried deliciousness), or even on top of a salad for a change from the usual old ranch ;) And lets face it, homemade is ALWAYS better than the bottled variety!

Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing and Dip


2/3 C mayonnaise (I used Light)
3 T Dijon mustard
3 T honey
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 T lemon juice (out of a bottle is fine)
1 T white vinegar
3 T milk
1 T canola oil

Place 2/3 cup mayonnaise in your blender.  Add 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard and 3 tablespoons honey. Add 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon  lemon juice, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 3 tablespoons milk and 1 tablespoon canola oil.  Blend it for 30 seconds or so, or until all the ingredients are well combined. 

Refrigerate leftovers. It should keep well for you in fridge for up to a week...longer if you dare. 

Recipe Source:  Jamie Cooks It Up

Cheddar Green Bean Casserole

Sometimes I just don't have time to post a recipe.  I don't have time because it gets gobbled up before a picture can be taken!  That was the case a few years back with this recipe.  My hubby remembered how much he liked this casserole and asked me if I knew where I put the recipe.  At least I remembered that much!  So we made it for our very first Thanksgiving that we hosted at our house.  

Don't get me wrong...I like the recipe that uses cream of (insert your favorite) soup and canned green beans.  This one just has a little more love behind it and tastes phenomenal.  Enjoy!

Cheddar Green Bean Casserole

Topping:
4 slices sandwich bread, each torn into quarters
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
1/4 tsp. table salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
3 cups canned fried onions (6 oz, about one can)  If the store sells cheddar fried onions then go for it!
1 cup cheddar cheese

Beans and Sauce:
Table salt
2 pounds green beans, ends trimmed, and halved
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
3 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed
Ground black pepper
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1.5 cups low-sodium chicken (or vegetable) broth
1.5 cups heavy cream
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups canned fried onions

For the topping: Pulse bread, butter, salt & pepper in a food processor until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer to large bowl and toss with onions and cheddar; set aside.

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees.

If you are using fresh green beans, fill large bowl with ice water. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large Dutch oven. Add 2 Tbsp. of table salt, and the beans. Cook beans until bright green and crisp-tender, about 6 minutes. Drain beans in colander and plunge immediately into ice water to stop cooking. Spread beans on paper-towel-lined baking sheet to drain.  If you are using frozen green beans, just let them thaw and then pat them dry with paper towels.

Add butter to now-empty Dutch oven and melt over medium-high heat until foaming subsides. Add garlic, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper.  Add flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in broth and bring to simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium, add cream, cheddar, and fried onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add green beans to sauce and stir until evenly coated. Arrange in even layer in 3-quart (or 13×9-inch) baking dish. Sprinkle with topping and bake until top is golden brown and sauce is bubbling around edges, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Recipe Source:  Life and Kitchen

Cornbread Sausage Stuffing

I was thinking about Thanksgiving the other day and realized I had never made my own stuffing (dressing to those of you that are purists ;)  So I thought it was time to do it...and I did.  Verdict...I can do this, it is easy!  It turned out moist and wonderful, and I will not be afraid to tackle this simple side dish again and again, and not only at Thanksgiving time.  

I loved the combination of sausage and apples, the stuffing we usually eat for the big day is void of any meat (which I love...don't get me wrong!), but this was super yummy for a change.  Enjoy!

Cornbread Sausage Stuffing

1 pound mild pork breakfast sausage
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup Granny Smith apple, diced (optional)
3/4 cup onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 cups cornbread cubes (be sure to use a savory cornbread)
1 cup chicken or veggie broth
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 375°.

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage until cooked through and crumbly. Remove from pan using a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate covered in paper towels to drain. Leave remaining grease in skillet.

Melt butter in skillet.  Add celery, onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
Add in sausage, sage, thyme, salt and pepper.  Cook for 2-3 more minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine sausage mixture and cornbread cubes until well-mixed.

In a small bowl, whisk together the broth and eggs.  Pour the broth/egg mixture over the sausage/cornbread mixture and stir until cornbread has absorbed most of the liquid.  Pour into a greased baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until top is browned and crunchy.

Recipe Source:  Back To Her Roots

Creamy Jalapeno Gratin Potatoes

*Note to self:  Do not plant as many jalapeno plants next year unless you want to pickle some!

I am STILL trying to find ways to use up our bountiful crop of jalapenos we go this year.  It has been fun trying some new recipes with these spicy little babies, but it comes to a point that you just don't want to look at them anymore...or is it just me?!  I definitely got that way with my zucchini and the jalapenos are getting there.  

These potatoes were a nice way to mix things up...it's not another hispanic dish or a salsa, but still works really well.  These potatoes turned out creamy and was a perfect side dish to some ham for a Sunday dinner.  Enjoy!

Creamy Jalapeno Gratin Potatoes


2 pound potatoes
2 Tbs diced jalapeno
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 o.z. cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
additional 4 o.z. cheddar cheese
1/4 cup coarse bread crumbs (I used Panko)

Peel the potatoes if desired; dice into small cubes and cover with cool water.  Bring to boil and simmer for 8 minutes.  Drain and mix with remaining ingredients except for additional cheddar and bread crumbs. Pour into greased casserole.  Top with additional cheddar and bread crumbs.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 – 40 minutes; if desired bump heat up to 375 for the last few minutes while bread crumbs toast.

Recipe Source:  Charles and Kimberly's Recipes

Sweet Pumpkin Cornbread

I am LOVING the fall weather!  There has been so many fun things to look forward to this month and going into the next...pumpkin picking, apple cider pressing, hot air balloon rallies, picking out Halloween costumes, getting ready for baby #3, the smell of the grapes in the vineyards, walks along the river, college football, warmer clothes, etc...

And along with all that, it is happening.  I am going crazy over all my pumpkin recipes!!  I hope you are ready for an overload of pumpkin goodness!  I made my first soup of the season last night, my super easy Taco Soup and decided to whip up a batch of this pumpkin cornbread to go along with it.  It turned out super yummy, and I LOVED it with a little drizzle of honey.  I also like the fact that it made a smaller batch...I feel like when I make a whole 9x13 pan for my family so much goes to waste!  

Serve this up alongside your favorite chili or soup this fall...you'll be glad you did!

Sweet Pumpkin Cornbread


¼ cup butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp. honey
1 egg
¼ tsp. baking soda
¼ cup buttermilk
¼ cup pumpkin puree
¼ tsp. salt
½ cup yellow cornmeal
½ cups flour

Preheat oven to 350º. In a bowl, combine butter, sugar, and honey. Whisk in egg, baking soda, buttermilk, then pumpkin. Stir in remaining ingredients, making sure to mix minimally as to not create a tough cornbread. Grease an 8x8 baking pan and bake for 25 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean. Top with honey and serve.

Recipe Source:  Examiner. com