Twist on Meatloaf & Potato

Last Tuesday due to the snow our Tuesday night dinner friends didn’t make it but I still made up our dinner that was planned.  It was actually good it was just us due to the boys liked this meal so much they ate it all! Cole told me I was the best cook and I need to be on one of the cooking shows I watch … ahh!  Than Caden told me I was a “Cool as Grave Digger” we recently went to Monster Jam …. LOL.  Thank you again to Pinterest you make my meal planning easy!!  When growing up Meatloaf & twiced baked potatoes where something my mom would make all the time.  I love to bring things from my childhood but with out all the calories.  Here are some great twist of family favorites that won’t bust your pants.

I made the meatloaf with ground turkey due to that was on sale the other day and I stocked up!  I found this Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf and I think I may have to make it again soon!

“This is my entry to the Hotpoint family baking competition”

And of of course a side, I loved this one the boys were so so on it.  These Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes were easy to make (I did them first in the microwave).  The recipe called for baco bites but I did up some turkey bacon!

What is on your menu tonight?  Thank you Pinterest we have Kalyn's Stuffed Cabbage Casserole on our menu for the night.

Our Turkey Day Part I

Well my all weight watcher meal turned out very yummy and no complaints!  Sadly my dad was sick and my cousin didn’t stop by this year so it was a very small gather with LOT’s of food left over.  Now I must say I didn’t make the end photos all dressed up like I usually do.  My guest showed up an hour later then I planned so it was a little rush at the end to just get everything out before it was too cold.

Let me start with the items I made the night or prepped the night before to make the next morning run so smooth!

First off I started with Brined Turkey that was so easy and turned out VERY most.  I have never done a brine before and was very surprised how it turned out.

Next on the list to make was the Cranberry Pear Sauce that was so yummy.  I’m not a big cranberry fan (ok except the jelly in a can I know STOP judging me). The pears in here cut the bite and made it so delish!

Next on my list was a favorite of Rick’s done on the light side. These Skinny Scalloped Potato Gratin were very yummy.  While did get a little crispy on top due to guest late and they had to go back in the oven to warm up, but STILL very yummy!

And my last prep of the night was the Chicken Sausage and Herb Stuffing. I MUST tell you this was the BEST stuffing I have had in a long time and it was nice not to feel guilty eating it.

So there you have it my night before prep work made the day of so much easier.  And thankfully everything turned out wonderful!

How did your Thanksgiving go?  Did your meals turn out?  Did you try anything new? Or did you do like me and do everything new?

Feeling Like the Holidays … Making Meals that give me that feeling

Hi Gang well I’m starting to feel better but this cold really did kick my butt.  I haven’t felt this down an out in years.  I’m now at the stage where my body feels like it needs more sleep.

Getting close to the holidays I love to bring the flavors we love on the special occasions to our regular night meals.  Now I did use the crockpot again to make these.  NOW I know some of you think any form of crockpot cooking is not real cooking.  Now I could make these meals in the oven but sometimes busy schedule + sick mom = lot’s of crockpot meals.  Plus even when I’m not sick the crockpot does help make sure if I start a meal in the morning that by the time I finish my work we have something to eat.  Sometimes work doesn’t always mean I’ll be off early and have time to cook a good meal so there you have it crockpot haters … lol.

First on our list is Ham & Potatoes au Gratin.  I was fortunate enough to have my dad stop by and drop off some meats he smoked.  He brought over some ham which was fabulous and perfect for this recipe.

Next on the list is something with stuffing, no usually during the holidays I make my own stuffing but this was a fun twist on a classic.  Here is Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing.

And we end with one of my favorite flavors Pumpkin!  I used my favorite brownie mix from Winco, because the bulk section is my friend .  So we do the best thing and mix the two for this Pumpkin Swirl Brownies!

Happy Thursday, sorry all the food post are 2 days late.  I’m getting my groove back … lol.  Do you have something special planned tonight?  Are you doing holiday themed meals lately?

It’s a Lean Meat & Blueberry thing :)

It was a crazy week last week, well I should say it’s been like that since School has started.  I feel a little like I’ve lost my hold on things lately.  I’m hoping that I’ll get back in the swing of things.  I did good on our meals at least and that is what I’m holding on to that small achievement, we won’t speak about the exercise and/or the candy … ugh!

First off I found this Baked Rigatoni with Beef that was so easy to make and was absolutely filling and yummy!

Next off I’ve made a version of these before but Skinnytaste.com posted a new recipe and I had to make them for our Tuesday Night Dinner guest.  These Skinny Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting, she posted her’s in a aluminum cupcake holder.  I used these thin paper ones that didn’t hold up well so it wasn’t as pretty but they were amazing going down.

And for the dessert a yummy Blueberry Oatmeal Cookie!  These were Cole’s favorite , he requested them every day in his lunch.  They weren’t the prettiest but very tasty!

Happy Tuesday everyone, we’re getting closer to the weekend right? lol So what is on your menu for the night?

Pork & Potatoes on the lighter side.

Rick told me no more chicken this week, lol.  So I found a pork recipe and then he’s been asking (whining, just joking) for Au Gratin Potatoes.  I went on the hunt for weight watcher versions.  I love Google.

I found this Potato Au Gratin recipe that turned out so yummy full of flavor you wouldn’t know it was low calorie.

Next on the list was pork that was easy to marinate and then on my grill in the house (well I tried to bake first but it didn’t work so well).  This Garlic Lime Marinate for pork chops was easy and yummy.

Happy Tuesday everyone!  What are your dinner plans for tonight?

It’s a salad Kind of Day …

Last Tuesday when our guest came over we did a BBQ themed dinner.  I wanted to make some salads but trying to get back on eating on the lighter side I found two weight watcher recipes that were a hit.

First off when I was young my mom always made Broccoli Salad.  I wanted to make the lighter version and found this recipe that was so tasty!

Next on the list was a potato salad but again in the lighter side.  This recipe was another delish one, even Rick ate it (and didn’t grumble too much … lol).

Happy Monday everyone!  So what is on the menu for tonight?

More Comfort food that does not lead to muffin top!

Rick has been asking for beef as you can see in yesterdays post.  One of his favorite meals is cubed steak, I came across this Country Fried Steak and Gravy on Laa Loosh is another great site for weight watcher recipes.

And for a yummy side of Cheddar, Bacon Mashed Potatoes from another great weight watcher site Friends for Weight Loss. This was a pretty simple one to make.  Now it called for FF Greek Yogurt, my grocery store of course only had flavored Greek Yogurt so I had to improvise and use light sour cream I had on hand.  I also used turkey bacon.

Happy Tuesday everyone!  I yet am still battling this cold but I can at least talk a bit better.  Need more rest, you get that when you die right?  hehe just joking!

It’s a Weekend Wrap (BBQ, Birthday, 4th & lot’s of friends)

We had such a fun packed weekend with little sleep or down time but so much fun!

We had time to hang at my Tuesday Dinner Friend April’s house.  The boys were able to run, slip & slide, roast hot dogs & even some s’mores.

I even had a chance to put my feet up.  It’s the tour of the feet … lol.  In the grass, roasting hotdogs and even making S’mores.  Fun times and smelling like a bonfire the next day is the best .

4th of July started out with lot’s of fun .  We went to Mud Mountain Damn which we never have gone to.  It was fun they have a wading pool and a play center for the kids.  My friend picked the perfect spot to have her daughter’s 2nd birthday.  Even being in the booney’s it is a great place to visit in the PNW.

Then we hit a 4th of July party at my friend from high school.  We had a mini high school reunion you see 5 of us together. A few of them I have seen in 15 years how fun!  The kids had so much fun, they were able to go swimming, play whiffle ball (Which Cole rocked at) and even got to light a few fireworks .

Then we ended our 4th of July at my parents house waterfront to enjoy the fireworks.  Just my style let everyone else spend thousands of dollars and I’ll sit back and watch .  We had a BBQ and mom brought down some hot cocoa for the boys and coffee for me … YUM!

Sunday church had a potato salad cook off.  I made this World’s Best Potato Salad (yes that is the name) and it was super yummy.  Sadly I did rush it the morning of so it didn’t set up correctly so I didn’t win the cook off which of course peeved me off … lol.  Next time I’ll make it the night before (and NOT be lazy … well I was).

Yeah all I can say it’s Wednesday and the feels good but my neighbors are still trying to blow up the neighborhood so I bet I won’t get much sleep this week … UGH.  For the love of Pete I work early fireworks after 11p AFTER the 4th of July is annoying.  OH Crap I’ve turned into my mother … UGH

TMTT & CPW ~ Holiday Meals and Left Over Ham Meal

Ok I'm over loaded with recipes so here we go a full packed holiday recipes, take your pick! ;)

First off I have to share our Corned Beef & Cabbage. I tried out a new recipe and LOVED it! Still using dad's beer that he left here ... lol :)

Slow Cooker Corned Beef, Cabbage and Vegetables

Slow Cooker Corned Beef, Cabbage and Vegetables

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 9 hours

3	pound corned beef brisket with spice packet
16	ounces boiling onions, peeled
6	carrots , peeled and quartered
1	pound new potatoes
2	bay leaf
8	ounces Irish Amber Beer
2	tablespoons Dijon mustard
3	tablespoons molasses
2	teaspoons garlic, minced
1/2	head cabbage, cut into 4 wedges

[1] Place onions, carrots, potatoes and bay leaves in slow cooker. Place corned beef on top of vegetables.

[2] In a medium bowl combine beer, spice packet, Dijon, molasses and garlic, whisk until molasses is combined. Pour over corned beef. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours on low. Add cabbage and cook for 1 hour longer.

[3] Remove corned beef from slow cooker, thinly slice and serve with vegetables. Drizzle with cooking juices and additional Dijon, if desired.

ALEXIS NOTE: I used regular potatoes , we didn't have molasses so I used some brown sugar and whatever beer dad left here :)

For Easter I tried out a new Scalloped Potato recipe, yummy!!!

Supreme Scalloped Potatoes

Supreme Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients

• 8 medium potatoes, peeled
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. In a Dutch oven or large kettle, cook potatoes in boiling salted water until tender. Cool completely; shred and place in a large bowl. Add 1 cup cheese and onion. Combine remaining ingredients; pour over potato mixture.
2. Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly.

ALEXIS NOTE: I of course did the easy way out and didn't boil the potatoes and shred them. I just sliced them thin with my slicer. It did take a little longer to cook but they were delish!!

This recipe you've seen, but I snuck in our healthy version of Mac and Cheese .. lol know one knew. For that recipe head to this post: Welcome to the Jungle (AKA Gym)

Then I did the famous Ham glaze, that is now requested every time I do ham. My Grandmother LOVED this, first words when she walked in "Did you make the Glaze?". For that recipe check out this post: MSM ~ Thanksgiving Day Goodies!

And then you ask what do I do with my left over ham? Well you take some of it, don't worry more left over ham recipes to come! :) My first left over ham is Ham & Cheese Ziti.

Ham and Cheese Ziti

Ham and Cheese Ziti

Macaroni-and-cheese lovers, take notice! This one has fun tube-shaped pasta, ham and cheese and is certain to be a favorite.

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 40 min
Makes: 6 servings

2 1/2	cups uncooked ziti pasta (9 ounces)
1/4	cup butter or margarine
1	garlic clove, finely chopped
1/4	cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/2	teaspoon salt
2	cups milk
1/2	teaspoon Dijon mustard
2	cups shredded Colby cheese (8 ounces)
4	ounces sliced cooked deli ham, cut into thin strips
1/3	cup grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 350ºF. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.

While pasta is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Cook garlic in butter 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Stir in flour and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in mustard and Colby cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.

Stir pasta and ham into cheese sauce. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Hope you enjoy and find one or recipes you like!