Friday, June 29, 2012

Dinner Friends MUST have Dessert Right?

I have made a few yummy desserts for our dinner friends!  One is on the healthy side and one NOT healthy but very yummy!

First off was Fruit Smiles I saw yes on Pinterest from Kraft Recipes.  Their's was very cute they used cubed fruit which really made the look.  I just used some mixed berries the kids liked.  I suggest doing this one early in the morning, I did it a few hours before and it didn't set up the whole way.



Take 3/4 cup boiling water and 1/2 cup cold water and mix & fruit
Example:
melon optionsJell-O Brand Gelatinchoicesfruit possibilities

cantaloupeCherryraspberries

honeydewLimecanned fruit cocktail, drained

casabaOrangestrawberries

CrenshawStrawberryblueberries

CUT melon (about 3-1/2 lb.) in half lengthwise; remove and discard seeds. Scoop out melon, leaving each half with a 1-inch-thick shell. Chop removed melon; drain well. Cut thin slice off bottom of each melon shell to allow it to stand upright.
STIR 3/4 cup boiling water into 1 pkg. (4-serving size) Jell-O Brand Gelatin in large bowl at least 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved chopped melon and 1/2 cup fruit to each melon shell.
POUR gelatin evenly into melon shells. Pour any remaining gelatin into small bowl to enjoy later. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Cut each half melon into four wedges to serve.















Next week was a yummy fudge that was so good but I so never should have had a piece because it was the good I just wanted to keep eating it.  I make a orange creamsicle cookie that I love this is the Orange Creamsicle Fudge version (again yes found it on Pinterest)!


Ingredients

  • 6 -ounces (1.5 sticks) butter
  • 2- cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4- cup heavy cream
  • 1- package (12 oz) white chocolate chips
  • 1- jar (7 oz) marshmallow cream (or fluff)
  • 1- tablespoon orange extract
  • orange (or a combination of red and yellow) food coloring

  • Prepare a 13x9 pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray.  In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cream, and butter over medium heat.  Continually stir the mixture until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.  Brush down the sides with a wet pastry brush. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it starts boiling, stir continuously for four minutes.  After four minutes of boiling, remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the marshmallow cream and white chocolate chips.  Stir until the white chocolate has melted and the fudge is completely smooth.  Working quickly, pour about a third of the white fudge into a bowl and set aside.  To the remaining fudge, add the orange extract and orange food coloring, stirring until it is a smooth, even color. It is important to perform these steps quickly, because the fudge will start to set if you take too long, and the end result will not be smooth. Pour the orange fudge into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Drop the white fudge over the top by the spoonful, then drag a table knife or toothpick through the fudge to create orange-white swirls. You can spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray and gently press them into the top to smooth out the swirls, if desired.
  • Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for 2 hours, or in the refrigerator for 1 hour.  To cut, pull the fudge out of the pan using the foil as handles.  Use a large sharp knife to cut the fudge into small 1-inch squares. Store Orange Creamsicle Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, and bring it to room temperature to serve.
  • ** I used evaporated milk, since that is what I had on hand and not heavy cream **




So my love of food and Pinterest is brought to you again!  Have a wonderful weekend mine is going to be busy have a Women's event at Church tonight and then Birthday Party tomorrow.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Detox Apple Cinnamon Water ... Pinned it, Tried it and LOVED it

As always Pinterest has lead me to something new and I'm loving it I'm on day 2 of it!  Ok to be honest I'm not a FAN at all of plain water, YES I know I should be but being honest here.  So I usually do crystal light.  BUT a friend of mine has told me about the artificial sugar in it leading to headaches.  So I gave a whirl the Mio Energy (liquid water enhancer).  It was great but then I saw this detox drink on Pinterest and it was SO easy to do.  And guess what I'm LOVING it.  I actually drank 3 of my 32 oz cups yesterday of it, MOST days I have a hard time getting one down!  And this morning I had a few sips of my coffee and went onto a cup of this instead!  And I must say the next day was even better I think from now on I'll make it and let it sit over night to make it more flavorful.  I think this is a great drink for all!


TIPS: I've had several comments so I thought it would be easy to put some tips we've learned along the way.
* Cinnamon - I can't find the article but I hear is good for your health.
* Some don't like Cinnamon - Suggestions Ginger, Orange, Vanilla Bean or whatever you like but you won't get the total benefit of this recipe if you switch.
* Some have tried powder cinnamon (using items like cheese cloth or coffee Filters).  I don't think EXTRACT would be good.
* Some have tried boiling water with the apples and cinnamon and have gotten more flavor, then adding in the ice water etc and putting in the fridge.  Some have put outside like ice tea to release flavors.
* I use a 1 Gallon Jug (I actually double my recipe since I like a lot of flavor)
* I drink about 1 jug a day
* I'm doing a low fat/calorie diet and lot's of exercise with this.  I have been loosing weight but it's a combo.





BOOST Your METABOLISM Naturally with this ZERO CALORIE Detox Drink: Day Spa Apple Cinnamon Water 0 Calories. Put down the diet sodas and crystal light and try this out for a week. You will drop weight and have TONS ON ENERGY! sounds yummy!


Makes one big pitcher, re-fill water 3-4 times before replacing apples and cinnamon-


1 Apple thinly slice (Whatever your favorite is)
1 Cinnamon Stick

Drop apple slices in the bottom of the pitcher (save a few to drop in your glass later) and then the cinnamon stick, cover with ice about 1/2 way through then with water. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving.



(My Notes - I found that with my pitcher I add 2 apples and 2 cinnamon sticks.   I really like the cinnamon taste so I keep a stick in my large cup and just keep refilling and leave it in there.  I have had some suggestions to boil the cinnamon and/or apple to help release some of the juices.  I haven't tried this yet but I plan to and will comment here when I can.  I have tried different apples and my found that Fuji which was recommended is my favorite.  We had some Granny Smith in the house and it didn't give the same taste I like. I don't eat the apples just keep refilling 3 or 4 times to get the taste.  I drink this all day long instead of my coffee that I use to drink or flavored waters.  I'm still eating a healthy diet and exercising.  I'm just using this as a boost and to help me with my weight loss goal).

Nutritional Info:
Calories: 0
Fat: 0
Fiber: 0
Protein: 0
Carbs: 0






(for the person who left a comment about me not linking back to the original post I'm sorry I usually do.  I saw it on Pinterest THEN went back to find it couldn't and saw a FRIEND post it on her Facebook page!  Now I didn't want to put up her personal page so I just took what she posted and added my pictures and notes.  I'm sorry that I didn't have the link I have NOW found it and added it.  IF you follow this blog you would SEE that I 90% of the time will link up when I have it.  So I'm sorry to the person.  But please remember before leaving a not so nice comment you may want to send a note to the person to find out why!)

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Time to Tie Your OWN Shoes!!!

Pin It Ok NO judgement or comments .. but Cole will be going into the 3rd grade and still hasn't mastered the tie of the shoe thing!  There are only so many velcro shoes you can find in size 2!  And of course the DC shoes he wants of course are tie.  NOW it's not a lack of trying to teach him, but let's just say it isn't one of my finer mom moments when I try to show him how to do it. NOTE to self you will not be the one teaching driving, Lord only knows what will happen.  I can't throw a the car like a shoe ... oh WHAT you know you had those moments!

Of course on pinterest I found a great idea to make a Shoe Tie Practice Board, I know GENIUS!!  The cute site I found it on is Salsa Pie.  It is simple to make and easy to pick everything up, heck you may have it laying around the house!





Materials Needed:
cardboard
shoelaces
box cutter (or heavy duty scissors)
screw driver
sharpie



So I hit up the man cave to see what I could find.  You know where you will find cardboard laying around for the "some day I'm going to use it" pile and you'll even find a box cutter and if your lucky a screw driver.  I use my scissors, since I have a BAD habit of forgetting to put the screw drivers back I thought I would avoid that argument and use my scissor to make the holes!  I picked up some Skull shoe laces to make it fun for Cole and I was off like a herd of turtles (anyone else think that is the craziest saying but we always say it).






Step 1
Cut out a square of cardboard and lay down your shoes. Trace the first shoe loosely (be careful not to get marker on the shoe)

Step 2
Trace the 2nd shoe
Step 3
Make a straight line for the toe design at the top of each shoe. Draw ten dots on each shoe for the lace holes
Step 4

Lay cardboard on top of thick carpeting and puncture holes with the screwdriver. Spin the screwdriver around to form the holes (or in my case the scissors). 
Step 5
Thread laces through the holes and then let your child learn to tie.

Yup she did an amazing job of laying it all out and it was so simple to follow, you most stop over to her site (click the link above) and thank her for this amazing idea!  

We all can be super mom's ... with a little super glue and maybe some duct tape but heck it can happen!

Have a FAB day!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Another Theme and it's Tron!!

Pin It One of the mom's at Cole's school asked me if I would make cupcake for her son's upcoming birthday party.  I said no problem I would love to, then came the theme.  Most theme's don't stump me but when Tron came back I did do the Scooby Doo .. Rut Ro.  I hit up Pinterest and sadly it was very limited.  Thankfully he liked a simple theme of just the circle logo.  


Sunday I made the cupcakes, I found a really yummy Yellow Cake on Can You Stay for Dinner (another amazing site for recipes).  It is a very simple recipe to follow and the cake turned out super moist and yummy!  Click the link above for her yummy recipe.




Now to the Tron Design:





Next on my list was to make the tron cupcakes.  I saw a few different versions on Pinterest but I'm not a fan of black frosting.  So I though I'll frost the cupcakes then I'll make black round disk (using my silicone cupcake pan) and then melt aqua melty to do the circle inside.




What you need:


2 Bags Black Candy Melts (Wilton)
1 Bag Blue Candy Melts (Wilton)
Cupcakes Made
Frosting (You can use can or make Buttercream)


For the Black disc I melted the melts in the microwave for 1 minute and then put a spoonful into my silicone cupcake mold. NOW when it is all set take a knife around to loosen and then carefully pop out.  Believe me my first batch broke because I didn't do that!

For the Blue I melted the melts in the microwave for 1 minute and then put into a pipping bag with a small tip to make my circles.  I put back into fridge to harden up and then I frosted my cupcakes and added the disk on top. That way people could take them off if they didn't want to eat and they didn't get a mouth of black frosting which I think taste gross.


Have a wonderful day hope you try to make these, they were fun!

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Come Won Ton With me! (Ok it sounded funnier in my head)

Pin It Last week I told the PTF president that I would make something yummy for the meeting.  I found a great recipe of course on Pinterest a while back and have been dying to try.  It is I must say on the spicy side so most of the ladies only had one and I then was left with a crazy amount left over thankfully the principal loaded up and took most of them home with him.  Now these look harder then they really are, just a little time and you'll have a perfect party food!  



I made this Skinny Spanakopita from one of my favorite weight watcher sites Slender Kitchen.  I of course didn't have anything here so I had to send Rick on a run, which he did with big smiles and no groans .. hehe.

Weight Watchers Skinny Spanakopita 
Points: 2 Weight Watchers PointsPlus
Servings: 8
Serving Size: 3 Skinny Spanakopitas
Nutritional Info: 86.1 calories, 1.1 g of fat, 15.7 g of carbohydrates, 1.3 of fiber, 3.5 g of protein
Ingredients
24 wonton wrappers
10 oz of spinach (I used frozen but fresh would work)
1/2 cup reduced fat feta cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 onion, chopped
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg white, for egg wash
1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
1.Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes.  Once it becomes fragrant, add the spinach.   Saute until just tender.
3. Place the spinach mixture in a bowl and mix in the feta cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4.  Lay out the 24 wonton wrappers on two large cookie sheets sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper. Fill a small cup with warm water and place it near the cookie sheets.
5. Begin assembling the spanakopita by placing a spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture in the center of the wonton wrapper. Wet the edges of the wonton wrapper with the warm water and fold over and press down to close. Once you have stuffed and sealed all the wonton wrappers, brush lightly with the egg wash or spray with cooking spray.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Serve on their own or with marinara sauce for dipping.



Since I had half a pack of wonton wrappers left over I found another great recipe for our dinner weekly guest.  I had all the fixing for this one so no sending Rick to the store.  I did learn a great lesson using an old cupcake pan vs a new non stick pan REALLY makes the difference with you're out of kitchen oil spray. 



Next on the list is one I tweaked to be kid friendly off Emily's Bites (another amazing weight watcher blog) for these Mini Taco Cupcakes

Ingredients:
1 ½ t chili oil (found near the Asian ingredients)
½ lb 95% lean ground beef
1 T taco seasoning
¾ c canned black beans, drained and rinsed
16 wonton wrappers (found in the produce section)
5 T + 1 t of queso dip or salsa con queso (I used Wholly Guacamole Queso Blanco)
1 c chunky salsa (I used Wholly Guacamole Medium Salsa)
1 c reduced fat shredded Mexican cheese (I used Weight Watchers brand)

*** I left out the chili oil, Black Beans and Salsa's - Due to not wanting to send Rick to the store again ... lol.  I did chop up some black olives since the boys love them ***

Directions:
1.    Pre-heat the oven to 375. Lightly mist 8 cups in a muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.
2.    Heat chili oil in a sauté pan or large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and taco seasoning and brown beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Add black beans and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes until warm.
3.    Push a wonton wrapper into the bottom of each of the eight sprayed cups in the muffin tin. Spoon a teaspoon of queso dip into each wonton wrapper and spread across the bottom. Follow by spooning some of the meat/beans mixture into each cup (using about half the total mixture) and then splitting ½ cup of the salsa evenly into each cup. Sprinkle about half the shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the top of each cup. Press another wonton wrapper on top and repeat the layering steps with the remaining ingredients.
4.    Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before removing from muffin tin.


And this is what happens!
Either mush cupcakes or Nice cupcakes :)

Have a great week everyone!  I just know it's going to be a busy one here again!

Friday, June 22, 2012

It's a Drive By Hi and By ....

Pin It OMGosh it is Friday, which is usually a good thing but I swear my world is going crazy.  Work has been very busy and after work I've been doing so good at going walking.  Then I come home and I'm pooped out!  So a very quick hi to all!  I am excited we found a new park / walking area yesterday.  The only bad part is the walking part is smaller so it takes almost 4 1/2 times around to make a mile instead of the 3 times around for our other place.  So there you have it a place for the kids to play and a nice trail for my friend to and I to walk along with her dog.

Hope you all have a great weekend, I hope to finally clean my house!  Also a little prayer for me on weight in day tomorrow! UGH I've worked so hard this week but I haven't been having big numbers.  Back to the water I go!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

For my SANITY can I budget Summer Camp?

You know when I was young I always wanted to go to camp to have that fun summer experience but I never did get to go.  This year I found out that our church Life Center is offer a Kidworks summer camp called Lifted for Grades 3 to 6.  It would be a FULL week over night and all!  I’m so excited, I mean Cole should be so excited to have a big boy experience.  It’s not too far from the house and they have a full packet week of activities for the kids.  I think it would be such a learning and great experience to last a life time.  Now to figure out how to pay for it! I mean you think of it $250 for a whole week is really not that bad BUT with only me working a full time job can I swing it.

THEN I think of the peace and quiet I would get and that they may not have to lock me in a padded room by the end of this summer.  Payment is due here next week, I think I’ll have to work around some things maybe pay a few things in the grace period but oh I think I so have to do it.

Did any of you do summer camp?  What was your experience?

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Hello 36, bringing it in with fun!

I had the most amazing weekend full of amazing friends and so much love!  Friday my Tuesday dinner friend was so sweet and planned a dinner for me.  She made a great dinner and a HOMEMADE cheesecake!  For those who know me know that is my favorite dessert, just a little bite for me but it was DEVINE!  And a big surprise she invited my best friend from when I was 9.  It was a great surprise and we had  a great time laughing and enjoying a wonderful night.

Blogger Pics2

Saturday was a great day too!  I got up and worked my shift.  Then off we went running, we had Sylvan for Cole.  While he was studying Caden and I hit Target to make a diaper cake for babyshower.  One of my dearest friends from grade school was having another baby 2 boys and a now a girl!!  It was so amazing to see all the friends from school.  It was so much fun laughing and enjoying each other!  I sadly had to run and couldn’t stay long my dad was watching the boys and I was given 1 1/2 hr window.

Blogger Pics

I ran to pick up the boys and spend a little time with my parents before I headed home.  My amazing bosses called and surprised me with a gift card for dinner!  Since I had no luck on finding a babysitter for the night we took the boys with us to our favorite fancy usually date night no kid restaurant.  We splurged and had a wonderful bill and when the bill came and I opened it up to see over $100 I almost fell off the booth, thank God the GC more then covered it.  I have never had a bill over $60 … lol.

I even started with a bloody Mary, I never order a drink when we go out for the cost (unless with my parents and dad is paying … lol).  We even got a appetizer of clam strips.  The boys and Rick have never had them and were surprised they liked them.  Rick of course got clam chowder.

Blogger Pics3

Then for dinner Rick had Steak, Caden had pasta, Cole had grilled cheese and I splurged and got a smoke salmon fettuccini (that was to die for). 

Blogger Pics4

When even had DESSERT, that is a NO NO when ever we go out.  All 3 boys had hot fudge sundaes and I had a burnt cream.

Blogger Pics5

It was a full packed day and I think we finally got home around 11pm!  Then Sunday was back to the busy go go!  Off to the 9am Church Service.  And quick to home to do a few things and then we headed up to my parents house to wish my dad Happy Father’s Day.  The boys helped me put together a BBQ basket for Rick.  Sadly he had to work the whole weekend but it was nice we were able to carve out a little time together. 

Blogger Pics1

Thank you for all the amazing friends!  The cards and gifts were so thoughtful and just made my day.  I am truly blessed to have such great people in my life!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Sometimes it takes a Photo

Sometimes it’s hard to see the difference’s in ourselves but that is why we have camera’s.  It’s been a hard few month’s but I’ve been trying to be very good watching what I eat and exercising at least 4 times a week. As many of you know I’m down about 24 lbs and was getting a little discouraged that I haven’t had a larger loss.  You know sometimes you just want to throw in the towel.  You’ve done it before and can it be done again?  You want to feel good for other’s and their loss but then you get yourself in a funk.  No more funks or tears it will be a slow process but it’s all worth it, I may not be swimsuit ready this summer but next year it will be and I know I’ve done it the right way for me and the way I know it will be off for a lifetime and not just a small window like past.  This time history will NOT repeat itself.

I was going threw pictures this weekend to print for my dad for Father’s Day and I found the Disney pictures.  LOL wearing the same shirt I was wearing this weekend and took a look at the pictures.  Of course it isn’t in the same pose so it’s not exact but it did give me the boost I needed.  Even if I don’t get the atta girl from my biggest critics I can see the difference and will keep at it!

March 2012

June 2012

IMG_7219

Back to grind and feeling good about myself!  I’ll have my birthday and father’s day post up tomorrow!  Have a wonderful Monday everyone!

Friday, June 15, 2012

A New Do for Another Year Older

Well I’m back to blonde look!  Sorry about the crappy picture for some reason my iPhone doesn’t take the best close up pictures (yes I’m sure it’s the operator but let’s go with it).  I did have a nice time talking with my cousin.  It’s always nice to talk to someone who knows you and the members who play the roles in your world.

Thank you for my amazing friends who took the time to send me birthday cards.  You all are too sweet, I’m horrible with cards so forgive me that it takes everything I got to make sure to get Christmas Cards out.  Tonight my Tuesday dinner friend is so sweet and is having dinner for me.  It meant so much to me that she wanted to make sure I had a special day.  You got to love friends who do the little things that mean the world!

Yes it is true I will be 36 years old tomorrow!  This has been a crazy year for me personally.  I have thankfully been very blessed with a job that keeps me very busy and takes very good care of me!  Rick sadly lost his job but has been helping with the kids. I have been on a weight loss journey and of last week’s weight in down 23.8 lbs.  It has been a slow go but I can feel the difference in my clothes.  I try to go walking at least 4 or 5 times a week.  I wish I could say I’m dropping like 5 lbs a week but it’s a slow go of usually 1 to 2 lbs.  I may not be skinny girl by the end of summer but maybe next year … lol.  I have to keep it in my mind I’m doing this right and not to let the green little monster in me get jealous if I hear a story on FB of someone loosing 20 lbs a month … ugh.  Ok back down green monster … lol.  So there you have it a year of craziness but some clarity and needing to better me.  Here’s to another year ups and downs I’ll take them all as long as my weight is the down one … hehe!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Bring the Summer Color on!

Sorry everyone I was absent yesterday, I have been not feeling the best this week!  I think I may be a little on the stressed side of life these days.  I need to kick up my heels and feel perky again. I think I need a refresh and I have the BEST idea!  I’m going to see my cousin to get my hair done!  NOW there is no salon for this girl, BUT I do get to go to her house where my kids can play with hers!  She’s so sweet and worries about putting my head in the sink but it’s like memories of when my mom would give me home perms.  ONLY this time I don’t come out looking like fuzzy pumpkin!  So tonight I’m going to get my summer highlights on!  Yes I’m that person who changes their highlights for the season!  This time it is to go back to my roots (ok the roots I had when I was young these days they aren’t so light).  Thanks to Pinterest who is NOT only my food go to it is now my style guide.  Not as fashionable as some the ladies that pin cute clothes but I do pin cute cuts and colors!  Drum roll please …

The Inspiration …

Short blonde cut

So today after work I head up to get refreshed and lighted up!  Hopefully that will help kick me back into my old self! Wish me luck!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Ooey Gooey Center

Well I’ve always been told I’m over emotional so maybe I’m the one with an Ooey Gooey Center … Oh Wait I was talking about a cookie.  Sorry got a little side tracked!  I found this very yummy cookie recipe of COURSE on Pinterest and have been dying to make it.  We had a gravesite memorial for the family for my grandmother on Sunday.  After church I ran home and wanted to make up something real quick to bring to the luncheon afterwards.  I’m glad to say these were a HUGE hit!  I made Caramel Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies that I found on Scrambled Henfruit’s blog.

IMG_7178

Ingredients

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 box (7.4 oz) Alpine Spiced Apple Cider Instant Original Drink mix -not sugar free- all 10 packets
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 bag Kraft Caramels (14 oz) – I used Target’s brand found in Candy Isle

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350° F. Line cookie sheets with parchment.
  • In a small bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon.
  • With your mixer (or an energetic spoon) cream together butter, sugar, salt and all 10 packages of apple cider drink mix powder, until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and mix well.
  • Gradually add flour mixture to butter/egg mixture. Mix until just combined.
  • Refrigerate for about an hour. (I skipped that)
  • When you are ready to bake, unwrap your caramels. 
  • Scoop out cookie dough ball about the size of a walnut.
  • Flatten the ball of dough slightly in the palm of your hand. Press the unwrapped caramel into the center of your dough and seal the dough around it, covering it completely. Place on parchment covered cookie sheets 2 inches apart.
  • Bake 12-14 minutes, or until very lightly browned around the edges. Please don't over-bake! Once the cookies are done, slide the parchment off of the baking sheet right out onto the counter. Allow cookies to partially cool on the parchment. When cookies are cool enough to be firm but still slightly warm, carefully twist off of parchment and allow to finish cooling upside down (either on the parchment or on a rack.) If you forget about them and they cool too much and stick to your parchment, put them into the freezer for a few minutes and they'll pop right off.

Follow her instructions they were really easy to make and I couldn’t believe how fast they went.  Enjoy!

Recipes

IMG_7182

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Tuesday’s Friends–Chicken Parm Subs with handmade bun

The other week I made a really good sandwich for our friends.  Of course I came across our meal idea on Pinterest.  This Chicken Parmesan Sub was found on one of my favorite sites Eating Well.  I search Pinterest for their recipes all the time since they are low fat and family pleasing.

IMG_6773

The recipe called for whole wheat sandwich rolls, but you know me I rather make my own when I can.  So I found this bread machine roll recipe on all recipes which is another good source.

IMG_6767

Ingredients
  • 3 cups bread flour (I used whole wheat)
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup dry milk powder
  • 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 tablespoons water
Directions
  1. Place the bread flour, sugar, salt, milk powder, water, butter, and yeast in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Set on Dough cycle; press Start.
  2. Remove risen dough from the machine, deflate, and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into twelve equal pieces, and form into rounds. Place the rounds on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the egg white and 2 tablespoons water; brush lightly onto the rolls. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.

Recipes

Then on to the chicken and making of the subs.  This was pretty easy and man they sure would yummy!

Chicken Parmesan Sub

IMG_6772

INGREDIENTS
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large breasts cut into 4 portions or 4 small breasts), (2 large breasts cut into 4 portions or 4 small breasts)
  • 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 6-ounce bags baby spinach
  • 1 cup marinara sauce, preferably low-sodium (see Tip)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 4 soft whole-wheat sandwich rolls, toasted
PREPARATION
  1. Position oven rack in top position; preheat broiler.
  2. Combine flour, salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Place chicken between 2 large pieces of plastic wrap. Pound with the smooth side of a meat mallet or a heavy saucepan until the chicken is an even 1/4-inch thickness. Dip the chicken in the flour mixture and turn to coat.
  3. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add spinach and cook, stirring often, until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.
  4. Add 1 teaspoon oil to the pan. Add half the chicken and cook until golden, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a large baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and chicken; transfer to the baking sheet.
  5. Top each piece of chicken with the wilted spinach, marinara sauce and Parmesan. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Broil until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Serve on rolls.

(I just baked my chicken then added the spinach and cheese in the oven, I’m about the easy version.  So I skipped the putting the chicken in the pan on the stove top).

Recipes1

So there you have it an easy meal and something new then just the regular chicken dinner!  Happy Monday have a great day!