Been Sick so Been Crockpoting it!

This cold has really kicked my butt, 3 weeks of coughing and feeling like dirt it enough!  Then add on stress of having to have Rick’s car in the shop and rent a car on top of it … and oh yeah come up with $750 dollars you know can really help one feel better .. lol.

I’m hoping to be back up and running soon, in the meantime I thought I’d share some crockpot recipes.

First off we have a Beef & Broccoli that was yummy and easy to make.  I Made some brown rice and used the steamer on top of my rice cooker for the broccoli.  I hate mushy broccoli!

Then to I made Crockpot Chicken Fajitas, the boys love anything Mexican.  I used corn tortilla’s.

And last on our list is the Crockpot Pork Chops & Potatoes.  An easy all in one meal!

Happy Wednesday everyone.  Ok sadly I did start this post on Tuesday … lol.  Hope you enjoy the recipes and find something you may like.  What is on your menu?

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!

Manic Monday Meals ~ Where’s the Beef? Well here of course silly!

As many of you may have guessed while I’ve been trying to cut down on calories and watching what I serve the family.  So beef has not been on the menu for sometime.  The lean beef is always so spendy so I buy turkey instead.  After SEVERAL comments from Rick that he wanted beef I did some searching and found these.  Very yummy and not to bad on your push on the muffin top either!

Rick LOVES meatloaf so I made this HG's Big Beef 'n Bacon Meatloaf.  I just love her site!  And for you pig lovers (Amy) I used turkey bacon!

And these Healthy slow cooker fajita were a perfect meal that was easy to put together.  You can serve as a stew or on some corn tortillas.  I had FF sour cream but I skipped it and it was just as yummy .

Happy Monday everyone , I’m still sick but starting to feel better!  Hopefully soon my head and nose will go back to normal!  Hope you find something you like!

And my BFF Poser Amy had her baby boy Tyler John early this weekend.  Stop by and say congrats to her and why not wish her a early happy Birthday also!

Manic Monday Meals ~ Crock Pot Season

It's getting cold and I'm trying to save money at home so guess what you get crock pot time! And don't forget the crock pot liners, those things ROCK!!! I'm telling you no having to soak your pot over night, you can take the bag out and tada it's ready to get the meal in there for the next night :).

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My First recipe is thanks to my google search I had pork & apple and up popped up this recipe.

Crockpot Maple Apple Pork Roast

Found on Finding Joy in My Kitchen Blog

Crockpot Maple Apple Pork Roast - Finding Joy in My Kitchen 1 large pork roast {ours was about 4 lbs} 6 medium apples, peeled and cut into quarters 2 C baby carrots 1/2 C sprite/gingerale {or, apple juice} 4 T maple syrup 1/2 tsp. ginger 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 tsp. salt 1/2 C cooked, crumbled bacon

Peel and slice the apples. In the bottom of the crockpot, place the sliced apples and carrots. Top with the roast. Mix together the soda {or apple juice} and pour over the roast. Then, sprinkle with the seasonings. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 6ish hours until the internal temperature reads done for pork. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon before serving. Allow the roast to sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

ALEXIS NOTES: So I of course didn't have any apple juice or Sprite so I used POM (use it's called being resourceful). And believe it or not I didn't have any bacon so I skipped that part. I served with a baked potato with some yummy cheese on top :) and corn for Caden!

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My second recipe is a super yummy one that I loved, the boys just thought it was ok. It was easy and kept me warm so it's a winner for me :).

Beefy Crockpot Tortellini

found on About.com

Ingredients:

1 lb Ground Beef

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

15oz Marinara sauce

8 oz sliced mushrooms

14 oz can tomatoes with seasonings, undrained

15 oz can tomato sauce

1/8 tsp pepper

9 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini

1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Brown ground beef together with onions in nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until beef is browned. Drain thoroughly. Mix all ingredients except tortellini and cheese in 4-5 quart crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Add tortellini, stir to combine, then sprinkle with cheese. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 15-20 minutes until tortellini is tender and cheese is melted.

ALEXIS NOTES: I didn't have any marinara sauce so I used a jar of spaghetti sauce I had on hand. I used a dry tortellini I buy in the bulk section and keep on hand in my tupperware. Makes for easy meals :). Since it was dry I put it in there about an hour before dinner for it to have time to cook.

Happy Monday everyone, hope you enjoy :).

Manic Monday Meals ~ Chili Topped Cornbread Bites

Well Good Monday morning everyone :). It has been one heck of a weekend I don't think we even had a moment to breath. We got home late from tricker treating so it's a quick meal for my Monday post. Comments have been down so hopefully I'm not boring you with my recipes and family stuff. Let me know if you would like to see something changed.

Today I went to a Food Network Fav Sandra Lee for a quick recipe. As you all know my love of chili and then you add in corn bread I'm all over it!!

Ingredients

For Chili:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Corn Muffins:

• Cooking spray
• 2 1/2 cups Baking Mix, recipe follows
• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 3 eggs
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt

ALEXIS NOTES: I used white corn meal since it's what I had on hand (this of course made Rick say that's not corn bread), OK don't fall off your chair I no LONGER by bisquick :) so I made up my own (flour, baking powder, salt, butter) and I used sugar substitute.

Have a wonderful day my friends, I want to thank you all for your time and stopping by it means the world to me! Much love =D.

Crockpot Adventures - 1 Hit & 1 Ok

It's been one heck of week already, I have come to the conclusion Monday's are bad and no time for anything. I've fallen back in love with my crockpot, makes for easy meals even though I work from home after picking up the boys, getting a walk in and homework not much time for anything else! Hope you Enjoy!

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First off a SUPER yummy one!

Crock Pot Chicken Parmigiana

4 chicken breast halves, skinless, boneless
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup dry bread crumbs, Italian seasoned if possible
1/2 cup butter
10 oz spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce
4 slices Mozarella cheese
Parmesan cheese

How to Make It:
In a bowl beat the egg and add the salt and pepper.
Pour the bread crumbs into another bowl.
Dip chicken breat halves into the egg, then coat with crumbs.
In large skillet saute chicken in butter to brown then remove and drain well.
Arrange chicken in the bottom of a 6 qt. crock pot.
Pour sauce over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours.
Put a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast half and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes to melt the cheese.

ALEXIS NOTES: I used 3 breast (what I had on hand), used whole wheat noodles and shredded mozzarella.

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Next was a beef and broccoli I thought it was ok, all the boys said no way. I thought a good one for a quick fix ;).

Crock Pot Broccoli and Beef Pasta
2 cups broccoli florets or 1 package frozen broccoli, thawed
1 onion, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 (14-1/2 ounce) can Italian style diced tomatoes, undrained
3/4 cup beef broth
1 pound lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups rotini pasta, cooked
3 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese or grated Parmesan

Layer broccoli, onion, basil oregano, thyme, tomatoes and broth in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 2-1/2 hours. Combine beef and garlic in a large nonstick skillet. Cook over high heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, breaking meat apart with a wooden spoon. Pour off drippings. Add beef mixture to the crockpot. Cover and cook 2 hours. Stir in tomato paste. Add pasta and cheese. Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until cheese melts and the mixture is heated through.

ALEXIS NOTES: I used fresh broccoli, used whole wheat shells and medium cheddar cheese.

I'm linking up to Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays and Crockpot Wednesday.

Ground Beef Tried & True by Heidi Style :)

One of my favorite blogs is Tried and True Cooking by Heidi she always has a recipe to help me out in a pinch. Yes you have seen I've done several of her recipes, she is my girl in a pinch. Check out her blog I promise you'll never be sorry. If you like Taco's this is one of the best places to go :).

Beef Taco Skillet found on Tried and True Cooking by Heidi

1 pound ground beef
1 can Condensed Tomato Soup
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup water
6 (6 inch) flour tortillas, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped onion


Cook beef in skillet until well browned, stirring to break up meat. Pour off fat.
Stir in soup, salsa, water, tortillas. Heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes Stir. Top with cheese.

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Tangy Meatballs by Tried & True Cooking by Heidi

2 eggs
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
1 cup chopped onion
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3 lb. lean ground beef

Sauce
2 cups ketchup
1-2 tsp liquid smoke
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp garlic powder

In large bowl; beat eggs, add oatmeal, milk, onions, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add ground beef mixing well. Shape into 1 1/2 inch balls. Place into 2 9x13 inch pans. Bake uncovered at 375 for 30 minutes. Remove and drain. Place all meatballs in one pan. In saucepan, bring all sauce ingredients to a boil. Pour oer meatballs. Return to oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen meatballs.

ALEXIS NOTES: I added in a little extra oats to make it a little thicker & FF evaporated milk.

I'm linking up to Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays and Tasty Tuesdays.

Pizza Monday!!! (2 Recipes)

Most of you know Fridays is movie night and pizza! I love trying out new recipes for the dough, sadly I have been too adventurous on toppings do the boys. The dough is fair game!!! Here are 2 new ones I've tried out and loved!

Also had a thought that I should start a Monday Recipe Meme. What do you think? Would anyone like to link up? I love the Make Something Monday but I think I may be the only one still doing it and I love new recipes so thought it might be fun to start a new Monday link up :). Let me know what you think, maybe I can come up with a cool name and a button. Any Names you think of let me know :).

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First Pizza is from the Food Network.

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

Recipe Courtesy of Curtis Aikens

Ingredients

• 1 package dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Proof yeast in a measuring cup with lukewarm water.

In a food processor add whole wheat and all purpose flours, proofed yeast, oil mixed with honey and salt. Pulse processor to combine all ingredients. Then process until the dough forms a ball on the blade. Remove dough to a large oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until dough has doubled in bulk.

Punch down dough and transfer to a floured board and knead briefly. Divide dough into 4 equal portions and roll each piece into a ball. Place the balls of dough, covered, in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Bring the dough to room temperature before proceeding.

On a floured board roll and stretch each piece of dough into a 7 to 8-inch circle. Place each circle on a wooden pizza peel or pizza pan and top as desired.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. and bake 7 to 8 minutes per pizza.

ALEXIS NOTES: I used our favorite Turkey Pepperoni, I also used it as one pizza instead of two. It was a nice thick crust and I made a little lip like the a real pizza store :).

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Our second pizza was a twist on a bisquick pizza. I'm not sure I really like the twist that was made. From the sound of the recipe the toppings would kind of sink into the dough. When I did the recipe the dough wasn't really sticky like you would think. I may have to play with it again.

Crazy Crust Pizza found on About. com

Ingredients:

1-1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1-1/2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning blend

1/8 tsp. white pepper

2/3 cup milk

2 eggs, beaten

4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded Colby cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups pizza sauce

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cook ground beef and onion in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender, stirring to break up meat. Drain well and set aside. Lightly grease 14" round pizza pan and dust with flour. Set aside. In medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, seasoning blend and pepper and mix well. Add milk and eggs and stir just until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan, tilting pan as necessary so batter covers bottom of pan. Sprinkle cooked ground beef, onions, and drained mushrooms over batter.

Bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes until pizza is golden brown. Remove pizza from oven, drizzle with pizza sauce and sprinkle with shredded cheeses. Return to oven for 12-18 minutes until crust is deep golden brown and cheese is melted.

ALEXIS NOTES: It felt like it needed a little extra liquid in the crust. I used whole wheat flour and skipped the mushrooms since everyone here is not big fans. I think it needs a little tweaking to make it just right.

TMTT ~ Cheeseburger Quiche & Broccoli Salad

Happy Tuesday everyone! I picked up a thing of turkey bacon when it was on sale and wanted to use it up. Then I went to Costco and found a bag of broccoli for so cheap that I had to make so yummy dishes! Then I had an idea to do a cheeseburger and bacon of course quiche! Google it and here we are!

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First off I start with this cheesburger quiche that I added the turkey bacon too. Hey I had one package and figured I could get 2 recipes out of it.

Cheeseburger Quiche from taste of home/allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped green pepper
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 (9 inch) unbaked pastry shell

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook beef, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the flour, seasonings, milk, eggs and cheese. Transfer to pastry shell. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

ALEXIS NOTES: I added Turkey Bacon and used the whole can of fat free evaporated milk.

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Next on my list was a Broccoli Salad, my mom always makes this and it's my favorite. I called mom while shopping to find out what was in it but she wasn't home so it was a fly by the seat of her pants recipe. When I got home Paula Deen came to the rescue even though I was missing a few things.

Broccoli Salad from Paula Deen on the Food Network Website

Ingredients

• 1 head broccoli
• 6 to 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup raisins, optional
• 8 ounces sharp Cheddar, cut into very small chunks
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Trim off the large leaves from the broccoli stem. Remove the tough stalk at the end and wash broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into flowerets and the stem into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add the crumbled bacon, onion, raisins if using, and cheese. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Add to broccoli mixture and toss gently.

ALEXIS NOTES: I used the other half of my turkey bacon for this recipe. I didn't have the red onions that should have been added. I used shredded cheese instead of cubing up some cheese. Usually I have low fat mayo on hand but Rick picked this one up and I've been trying to use it up. To make the dressing I added those ingredients to the jar since it had about the right amount in there and just shook it up. Mom does this all the time and hey why mess with perfection. And I'm not a tomato fan so I skipped that!

So there it is dinner that was very yummy and had a summer feel to it. I'm linking up to Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays and Tasty Tuesdays.