Cheesecake Rice Pudding

 from Mel's Kitchen Cafe

We had some friends over this weekend and they're gluten intolerant, so I wanted to make a yummy dessert that they could eat. I love rice pudding, so I was excited when I came across it, knowing that it was also gluten free! It was sooooo yummy! Everyone loved it!

Cheesecake Rice Pudding
from Mel's Kitchen Cafe 

Pudding:
• 4 cups half-and-half
• 2 cups cooked medium grain rice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten and brought to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Variation:
• 6 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes and softened to room temperature
• 2 tablesoons powdered sugar 

1. Pour 3 1/2 cups of the half-and-half, cooked rice, sugar, and salt into a large 3 to 4 quart pot. Stir constantly over medium heat with a wooden spoon or flat silicone spatula until the mixture thickens, 25-35 minutes. Remove from the heat.
2. Place the beaten egg in a medium bowl. Slowly add a spoonful of the hot pudding to the egg, whisking vigorously and constantly. Continue to temper the egg with 3-4 more spoonfuls of the hot pudding, whisking constantly. Add the tempered pudding and egg mixture into the pot of hot rice pudding, stirring quickly to incorporate. Return the pot to medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture boils.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the last 1/2 cup of half-and-half and the vanilla extract.
4. Stir the softened cubes of cream cheese into the hot pudding. Add the powdered sugar and stir well until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Transfer the pudding to a large bowl. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to avoid a skin forming and refrigerate until ready to serve. The pudding can be served warm, room temperature or cold and will keep well covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Panzanella Salad with Spinach

I made this salad recently and it was so delicious.  Its fancy and maybe a little time-consuming, so its great for a fancy dinner or when you're asked to bring a salad to a get-together.

source

Panzanella Salad with Spinach

From Jenny Evans Gatherings

For the bread:

1 crusty loaf of multigrain bread (I used Kroger's PS brand multigrain bread)

2 Tbs. olive oil

Salt and Pepper to season bread

For the Vinaigrette:

1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbs. red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp. dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. salt

pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

2 Roma tomatoes, cut into 1/2-in cubes

1 red bell pepper, chopped small

1/2 red onion, chopped small

3 large garlic cloves, minced

15 large basil leaves, chopped or julienned

8 oz. container of small, fresh mozzarella balls each cut in half

4 cups baby spinach leaves, cut into 1/3 inch slices

salt and pepper to taste

For the bread, heat oven to 350 degrees.  Cut the loaf into 1-in cubes and toss with olive oil.  Lay single layer on a baking sheet  and sprinkle with with salt and pepper.  Roast for 15 minutes and let cool. 

For the vinaigrette, put all ingredients into a blender and puree.  For the salad, in a large serving bowl, combine all of the ingredients and pour the vinaigrette over everything.  Salt and pepper and toss well- allow to sit for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Spinach Mushroom Creamy Soup

This soup is mm mm good and a long over due request from Becky to post on here. It's been a large group/showers/book group staple for my mom for as long as I can remember but I like to make it just for me (since my husband wont eat mushrooms) too.

(Serves 4-6)
5 tbsp butter
1/4 lb fresh mushrooms sliced
1 scallion
5 tbsp flour
2 c chicken broth
2 c milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 lb cream cheese softened
1 c fresh grated swiss cheese
3/4 lb fresh baby spinach trimmed, cooked in microwave and drained of water

(for large groups triple milk and spinach. quadruple everything else)

Melt butter in large sauce pan. Slowly saute mushroom and scallion till tender. Add flour stir till just cooked- a few minutes. Whisk in first chicken broth and then milk, stirring until thickened. Add spices, cream cheese, swiss cheese. When mixed in then add precooked and drained spinach. Heat through while gently stirring. Serve hot.

Parmesan Basil Orzo

 This is the most delicious, simple side dish. I had to add it because I've made it several times. This was given to me by a friend, Jessica Klemetson.

PARMESAN BASIL ORZO

INGREDIENTS:

3 Tablespoons Butter 1-½ cup Orzo 3 cups Chicken Or Vegetable Stock 6 Tablespoons Fresh Chopped Basil 1 cup Parmesan Cheese ½ teaspoons Salt ¼ teaspoons Pepper

Instructions:

Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the orzo and saute for a few minutes, until the orzo starts to get golden brown. Add the broth and cover and simmer for 20 minutes, until all the broth has been absorbed. Remove from the heat, add the basil and Parmesan and salt and pepper to taste.

Skillet Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

This is an easy last minute meal if you are feeling like comfort food or an easy "gourmet" side

From Mel's Kitchen Cafe

• 3 1/2 cups water, plus extra if needed
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 12 ounces (about 3 cups) elbow macaroni
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
• 6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
• 6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small chunks
• Ground black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring 3 1/2 cups water, 1 cup of the evaporated milk, the macaroni, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat. Cook at a vigorous simmer, stirring often, until the macaroni is tender and the liquid has thickened, 9 to 12 minutes.
2. Whisk the remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk, the cornstarch, mustard and hot sauce together in a small bowl, then stir into the skillet. Continue to simmer slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
3. Off the heat, stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack, one handful at a time, adding water as needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce (I didn’t need any additional water when I made it). Stir in the butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

NOTES

Ham and Pea Variation: Follow the recipe, adding 4 ounces deli-style baked ham, diced medium, and 1/2 cup frozen peas to the skillet with the cornstarch mixture in step 2.

Pecan Pie

Jason's favorite dessert is pecan pie. I've been on a mission to find the perfect pecan pie recipe to rival that of the famous Elizabeth who brought him pies in Hampton weekly. Don't worry, I'm not too intimidated by her-- She's 80 years old! After two different recipes from allrecipes.com, I think I found our favorite. I guess I'm getting old because I've never even liked pecan pie and always considered it "old people food". I like it now! And I was pleased with how easy it is!

Pecan Pie

INGREDIENTS:
1 3/4 c white sugar
1/4 dark karo (I used regular) corn syrup
1/4 c butter
1 T cold water
2 t corn starch
3 eggs
1/4 t salt
1 t vanilla extract
1 1/4 c whole pecans
1 pie shell (I like Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. In medium sauce pan heat first five ingredients. Bring to boil and remove from heat. In large bowl beat eggs until frothy. Gradually pour in hot mixture and combine with eggs using beaters. Stir in salt and vanilla. Pour into pie shell and bake for 45-50 minutes. Let sit for about an hour.

Fairbanks Rolls

My friend Robyn is famous around Augusta for these rolls. They are amazing. To me, the flavor is unparalleled. She also uses this same recipe for cinnamon rolls. Its worth ordering the dough enhancer! This will be your new favorite recipe. I also love that it only makes two dozen. Its the perfect amount for a Sunday dinner! She uses a bread maker but I used my bosch.

INGREDIENTS:
1 heaping T of yeast
3 cups of bread flour
1/4 c sugar
1/3 c powdered milk
1 t salt
1/4 c melted butter
1 1/2 egg
1 c warm water
1 heaping T dough enhancer

Put in mixer and mix for ten minutes. Let it raise in mixer until it doubles (about 1-2 hrs).  Turn dough out onto floured surface. Cut into 24 squares and pinch four corners together underneath. Dip top in butter and place on buttered cookie sheet. Raise 2-3 hours. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes. Makes two dozen.
*I didnt have dough enhancer the first time so I used vital wheat gluten and they were still delicious!

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

via

I learned how to make these by a retired wedding cupcake maker a few years ago and have made them every Christmas since. They are easy, amazing and a must try.

Cupcakes:

1 Duncan Hines Devils Food cake mix

1 Large package of instant chocolate pudding

1 Package of Trader Joe's Peppermint Jo jo's (or peppermint oreos)

• Make the cake mix according to directions (oil, water, egg etc) and add the pudding powder at the end before baking.
• Line muffin tin with cupcake papers
• Place a spoonful of batter in the bottom of paper placing a cookie on top and covering with another spoonful of batter (make sure the cup isn't too full of batter adjust accordingly)
• Bake according to package directions

Frosting:

2 Cubes of unsalted butter at room temp (those details are a must for yummy frosting- don't skip)

1/2 tsp of salt

3 and 3/4 Cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 tablespoons milk

• Combine all ingredients except for the milk thoroughly and add milk at the end.
• Wait till cupcakes are completely cooled to frost

Frosting tip:

you can either spread on think with a knife or place a large frosting tip in the corner of sandwich bag. Cut off small tip of sandwich bag and push frosting tip out so exposed. fill bag with frosting, twist the top shut and frost cupcakes.

Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe

Loved this recipe.  It was even better the second day and each day after.  Honestly, I kind of feel like the chicken was an afterthought so wouldn't feel totally compelled to use it.  I did have to add some extra water in the end but it was so hearty and flavorful.  Plus...a slow cooker...hello!

Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili Recipe

Recipe from queenbeecoupons.com

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of quinoa, rinsed

One (1) 28 oz can of diced tomatoes (you could use crushed)

One (1) 14 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)

Two (2) 16 oz cans of black beans, rinsed, drained

One (1) 15 oz can of corn, drained

3 Cups chicken stock

2 large chicken breasts, frozen or thawed (cook longer if frozen)

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp crushed red pepper

2 tsp chili powder

This has a nice little kick to it, but I didn’t think it was too spicy. If you’re nervous about spice, reduce the red pepper and the chili powder by half.

HOW TO PREPARE

1.) Toss everything into slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours on low or 4-7 hours on high. I added frozen chicken breasts to mine and cooked on high for about six hours. As long as the chicken is cooked – it’s done!

2.) Remove chicken and shred it with two forks. Return to slow cooker.

3.) Top with cheese, sour cream, avocados – whatever sounds good to you! I’m thinking the next day it would probably thicken up enough to eat in a whole wheat tortilla.

Meatballs for Spaghetti

I thought these were pretty tasty and easy! I like meatballs and I like the idea of being able to pick how much meat you want with your spaghetti! 

Meatballs Adapted from Rachel Ray

1 1/4 pounds ground sirloin
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, eyeball it
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs, a couple of handfuls
1/4 cup grated Parmesan, Parmigiano-Reggiano or Romano cheese
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper


Preheat over to 425
Mix beef and Worcestershire, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, garlic, salt and pepper. Roll meat into 1 1/2 inch medium-sized meatballs and place on nonstick cookie sheet or a cookie sheet greased with extra-virgin olive oil. Bake balls 10 to 12 minutes, until no longer pink.

Browned Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies

I know what you're thinking..."we really need another chocolate chip cookie recipe on Peachtree Cooking".  Right?  This one is different from your regular cookie because of the browned butter- it gives the cookie a rich, caramel flavor that is beyond delicious.  David White's cute wife, Bonnie, brought these over when we had them to dinner, and the plate was cleaned before any of us had enough.  Seriously amazing.

actual picture

Browned Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bonnie White

2.5 c flour

1.5 tsp baking soda

1.5 tsp sea salt

2 sticks unsalted butter

1.5 c packed brown sugar

1 egg and 1 egg yolk

2 tsp vanilla

1 Tbs. Greek yogurt

1/2 c semi sweet choco chips

1/2 c milk chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350.  Brown your butter in a skillet on your stovetop until it turns a golden brown, but before it burns (don't leave it).  Pour into mixer and blend with sugar until well blended.  Add remaining wet ingredients.  Mix in dry ingredients until combined.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Chill in freezer for 30 minutes.  Scoop onto baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt (optional).  Bake 8-10 minutes.

Fig Prosciutto Pizza

Fig Prosciutto Pizza

There is a famous restaurant here in Boston called Figs that has amazing pizza. Probably their most famous is their fig prosciutto pizza and it is so amazingly good I have dreams about it. For pizza night the other night I decided to try and replicate it and came across this recipe that the Pioneer Woman posted. It is super easy and def a different flavor then the usual marinara pizza. The crust recipe she lists is good for 2 pizzas FYI.

- Also a plus- you can find all of these ingredients including pre-made yummy pizza dough at Trader Joe's if you live by one which makes the prep that much easier.

•  Pizza Crust
• 1 teaspoon Active Dry Yeast
• 4 cups All-purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/3 cup Olive Oil
•  FOR THE PIZZA:
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4 Tablespoons Fig Spread Or Jam
•  Kosher Salt To Taste
• 12 ounces, weight Fresh Mozzarella, Sliced Thin
• 6 ounces, weight Thinly Sliced Prosciutto- I cook it on the pizza rather than add it after baking.
• 1 bunch Washed And Rinsed Arugula
•  Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup Shaved Parmesan

Preparation Instructions

NOTE: PIZZA INGREDIENTS IN THIS RECIPE ARE FOR 1/3 OF THE PIZZA DOUGH RECIPE. USE LEFTOVER DOUGH TO MAKE OTHER KINDS OF PIZZA!

Sprinkle yeast over 1 1/2 cups warm (not lukewarm) water.
In a mixer, combine flour and salt. With the mixer running on low speed (with paddle attachment), drizzle in olive oil until combined with flour. Next, pour in yeast/water mixture and mix until just combined.

Coat a separate mixing bowl with a light drizzle of olive oil, and form the dough into a ball. Toss to coat dough in olive oil, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise for at least an hour. Use right away or store in the fridge until you need it. ***It’s best to make the dough at least 24 hours in advance, and 3 or 4 days is even better.

Preheat oven to 500 degrees.

Roll out 1/3 of the pizza dough as thinly as possible. Place on a large baking sheet.

Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with kosher salt. Spread fig spread (or jam) all over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

Lay sliced of mozzarella all over the surface. Sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Remove from oven and immediately lay prosciutto over hot pizza. Just before serving, sprinkle on arugula and Parmesan shavings.

Cut into wedges or squares and serve immediately!

Amy's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Rachel gave me this recipe years and years ago and I cannot believe we've never posted it here before! I get requests for this recipe ALL THE TIME when I make them. They are sooo yummy. They are definitely my go-to chocolate chip cookies recipe and that's saying a lot since I make cookies at least weekly.

Amy's Chocolate Chip Cookies

from Amy Shumway

3 sticks butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 c. brown sugar
1 Tbs. vanilla
2 eggs
4 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1-2 pkg. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Place slightly softened butter in mixer and add sugars. Mix until butter and sugar is totally incorporated and the consistency is light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl 1 or 2 times. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well, scraping down sides of bowl. Consistency should be light and fluffy. Add flour, baking soda, and salt in the mixing bowl and mix just until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Don’t overmix! Add chocolate chips and mix just until distributed. Don’t overmix! Using a cookie scoop, place cookies on sheet. Bake 9-11 minutes or until the bottom of the cookie is golden brown around the edge.

 

White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie

Ummm...YUM! Can't believe Im just now posting this recipe! Its amazing! I love white chocolate and the oatmeal gives it a good texture and flavor! This is my new favorite cookie recipe!

White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies  from AllRecipes.com
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 cups white chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Add in eggs and vanilla and mix well. Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt until completely incorporated. Fold in the oats and white chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheets and bake for 9-12 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets and let cool.

Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

My favorite Veggies

So, I know this may be lame, but I thought I'd post my favorite way of preparing veggies.  We eat a TON of veggies and I've found this to be the easiest and yummiest way to get them to the table...and have your kids enjoy them.

My Favorite Veggies
From Rachel

Vegetables (I like a carrot, cauliflower and broccoli combo)
Olive Oil
Salt (try the Pink Himalayan salt at Costco- its much more nutritious than table salt)
Cajun Seasoning

You'll need a steamer of some sort on hand (I have a metal basket that fits on top of my regular stovetop skillet- got it at Williams-Sonoma for about $8).  Put water in the bottom of the skillet, but careful not to do too little or the veggies burn, or too much, or the veggies boil- you don't want the water to overflow onto your steamer basket.  Chop veggies to similar sizes to allow for even cooking. Place them in the basket and steam with lid covering until desired tenderness (I like mine with a little crunch).  Empty the water from your skillet and return skillet to hot stovetop.  Pour olive oil to coat bottom and heat slightly. Return veggies to skillet and season with salt and cajun seasoning.  Stir to coat and remove from heat- you don't want to cook your veggies any longer.  Enjoy.  I love serving these veggies tossed with these Simple Sesame Noodles.

Fresh Homemade Salsa

My friend gave me this salsa recipe a couple months ago and I have made it numerous times since then and I realized that I hadn't posted it yet! It's so yummy and so easy! You just throw everything in the blender and voila! It keeps for up to a week in your fridge in any storage container.


Fresh Homemade Salsa
from Melanie Stephens

4 cups diced tomatoes (can be fresh or canned or both!)
1 large green pepper
1 large yellow onion
1-2 jalapenos (depending on your spice level- take the seeds out for less spice)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon salt
4 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Throw everything in the food processor and blend! Enjoy!

Mozzarella Stuffed Bruschetta Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Glaze

Mozzarella Stuffed Bruschetta Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Glaze

I know, it's been a while since I posted.  I am on a health kick right now so am trying new recipes.  We had this one tonight and it was so, so good....and easy!  I am not usually a ground turkey kind of girl but these were very flavorful.  We used some bruschetta that I bought at Sam's Club but I am sure this homemade bruschetta is also amazing.

Mozzarella Stuffed Bruschetta Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Glaze
From Iowa Girl Eats Blog

Ingredients (makes 4 burgers)

For the burgers:

• 1 lb 99% lean ground turkey breast
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, divided

For the Bruschetta:

• 5 Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the balsamic glaze:

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar

Instructions

For the burgers:

• In a large bowl combine turkey, salt, pepper, basil and parmesan cheese. Divide mixture into 8 portions.
• Line a peanut butter jar lid with foil, then plastic wrap and press 1 portion of the turkey mixture into the lid. Heap 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese into the middle, then top with another portion of turkey. Press down to seal, then invert the patty onto a plate. Continue until you have 4 burger patties.
• Grill burgers for 3 to 3 1/2 minutes per side over medium heat.

For bruschetta mixture:

• combine all ingredients, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly.

For the balsamic glaze:

• Heat balsamic vinegar in a sauce pan over medium heat. Let simmer, and stir frequently, until the vinegar has reached the consistency of thin maple syrup.
• Top grilled burgers with Bruschetta mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie

Our family makes chocolate chip cookies almost every Sunday.  I love to try new recipes (I think I've tried every one on this blog), while my husband sticks with good ol' Nestle Toll House.  His argument..."Why try to improve on perfection?"  Well, yesterday, improve we did.  Only, in my humble opinion, this improvement is about 100 times better than Nestle Toll House.  It really is the perfect chocolate chip cookie.  I have to give credit where credit is due, though.  My 13-year-old daughter made these cookies by herself while I was gone, and I only helped her shape them on the pan when I returned.  I assume she followed the recipe exactly as it is (with a few extra chocolate chips, a mix of milk chocolate and semi-sweet).  I did give her one tip before I left the house:  always use a wooden spoon rather than a beater to stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

picture courtesy of Annie's Eats

The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie
adapted from a friend's recipe

1 cup butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 Tbs. pure vanilla extract
2 3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats (or you can use a plain old jelly roll pan)

Beat butter with electric mixer until creamy.  Add the brown sugar and beat for 5 minutes on high speed until light and fluffy.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating for another minute after each addition. Add the vanilla and mix well.

Whisk together the dry ingredients.  Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture in two or three additions, mixing on low speed just until the flour is incorporated.  Stir in the chocolate chips using a silicone spatula or the mixer on low speed.

Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a few inches of room between them.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.  Let cookies cool on baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

*my daughter used a rather large ice cream scoop and made bigger cookies, pressing the dough down so they were evenly spread.

Perfect Potato Soup

 Pic courtesy of Pioneer Woman Cooks

This soup really is perfect. It's a lot healthier than my old potato soup recipe. It actually has lots of veggies in it! It's a little more intense than my old recipe, but it really is worth it.

Perfect Potato Soup
from Pioneer Woman Cooks 

• 6 slices Thin Bacon, Cut Into 1-inch Pieces
• 1 whole Medium Onion, Diced
• 3 whole Carrots, Scrubbed Clean And Diced
• 3 stalks Celery, Diced
• 6 whole Small Russet Potatoes, Peeled And Diced
• 8 cups Low Sodium Chicken Or Vegetable Broth
• 3 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
• 1 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt, More To Taste
• Black Pepper To Taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun Spice Mix
• 1 teaspoon Minced Fresh Parsley
• 1 cup Grated Cheese Of Your Choice

Preparation Instructions

Add bacon pieces to a soup pot over medium heat and cook bacon until crisp and fat is rendered. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Pour off most of the grease, but do not clean the pot.
Return the hot to medium-high heat and add the onions, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 2 minutes or so, then add the diced potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Cajun spice.
Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are starting to get tender. Whisk together the flour and the milk, then pour into the soup and allow the soup to cook for another 5 minutes.
Remove half to 2/3 the soup and blend in a blender/food process until completely smooth (I added all of the soup so my kids would eat it.). Pour it back into the soup pot and stir to combine. Let it heat back up as you taste for seasonings, adding more of what it needs. Stir in cream, then stir in parsley, reserving a little for garnish.
Serve in bowls garnished with parsley, grated cheese and crisp bacon pieces.

 

Chicken Burrito Bowls (Copycat Chipotle)

I'm making this for the second time tonight, its that good! And may I add healthy! It's another Pinterest find! Enjoy!

Chicken Burrito Bowls

babycenter blog

1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Dash of cayenne pepper
Pinch of garlic powder
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Olive oil
1 red onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup frozen corn, thawed, or fresh corn cut off the cob
1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups cooked brown rice
Avocado, cilantro, and lime juice for garnish (optional)

In a small bowl combine chili powder, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over chicken pieces.

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook through. Remove the from the pan and set aside.

If necessary, add another drizzle of olive oil to the pan and add the onion, pepper, and corn. Cook over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp tender, about 7 minutes. Add the black beans and heat through.

Layer rice, bean mixture, and chicken in a bowl and top with avocado, cilantro, and lime juice if desired.