Middle-Eastern Beef for a #WeekdaySupper
I’m so excited for another addition of #WeekdaySupper!! I love this series because it gives any busy Mom (or anyone for that matter) some great idea’s for quick busy weeknights! These ladies will have your menu made up in no time! I may have to take a break from #WeekdaySupper once baby Drew comes along, but we’ll see, I’d hate to not participate! This week I’m sharing a dish with you that I found in my Kitchen Aid Mixer cookbook, not sure why, I didn’t use it to make this dish LOL……but it’s come some incredible dishes. I’m excited to share this tasty concoction with you because it’s cooking Beef Tips in a Crock Pot and a lot of people turn their nose in the air to that (my husband included) he’s not a fan of his beef in the Crock, however I was destined to find one that would satisfy him, me and my daughter! Well here it is my friends!
I chose to serve mine over brown rice. I love this dish because it’s simple, it’ll smell amazing all day long, with a little left over rice or a quick 10 minutes of making the rice, your dinner is ready! I make this dish a lot during the Winter when we have a busy day!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. of Steak Tips, cut into large cubes
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (I used the kind with green chili's)
- 6 oz of fresh green beans trimmed and cut into pieces (I used half a bag of frozen green beans)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Olive Oil
- Brown rice, white rice or couscous (Optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook stirring frequently, until browned on all sides. Transfer to Crock Pot.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, fresh beans (if using frozen do not add at this time, just take them out and let them thaw in the fridge.) add onion, cinnamon, allspice, sugar and garlic powder. Cover, cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or high 3-4 hours. Stir in thawed green beans the last hour.
- Stir in salt, pepper and 2 tsp. of olive oil and let sit uncovered for 15 min to allow flavors to absorb and thicken slightly.
- Serve over your choice of rice or couscous.
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http://www.mommasmeals.org/middle-eastern-beef-for-a-weekdaysupper/This Week’s Easy Weekday Supper Recipes:
Monday - Pescetarian Journal - Easy Herb-Crusted Tilapia
Tuesday - Momma’s Meals - Middle-Eastern Spiced Beef in the Crock
Wednesday - Shockingly Delicious - Tuna Tomato Pasta Dinner for Two
Thursday - Basic N Delicious - Easy Spanish Rice
Friday - MarocMama - Moroccan Hamburgers with Harissa Mayonaise
#SundaySupper – Low & Slow Style
Happy Sunday friends!!! Another weekend come and gone………..it’s OK with me since, one, I’m dying for some warmer weather and two because I’m counting the weeks until we get to meet my baby boy!! Now this weeks theme is right up my alley! Anyone who knows me must know by now that me and my slow cooker (aka. Crock-It) have a serious love affair going on! All Winter long I put it to good use, during the summer I use it to avoid using the oven, it’s a win win for this Momma! Well this weeks #SundaySupper theme is more than just slow cooker recipes! It’s any recipe that cooked Low or Slow!! A big thank you to Susan over at The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen for hosting this fabulous event. OK so what did I decide to share with you today? Well I’ve been making this dish for a long time, it’s by go to old time favorite that I used to make in a casserole dish in my oven. Well I decided to try it in the crock pot this time and boy was I NOT disappointed! I even ventured out their and used chicken thighs instead of my usual chicken breasts. I also added some fresh cilantro (my new fav!) after it cooked and the dish! It’s simple and delish! I often serve it with plain brown rice and use the tomatoes to mix it with so it adds flavor to the rice!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. of boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes (onion and garlic)
- 1 jar of salsa or homemade
- Fresh Cilantro
Instructions
- Pour the diced tomatoes and salsa into a crock pot.
- Place chicken thighs on top, pushing the chicken into the sauce.
- Cook on low for 5-7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours)
- Place chicken on a serving dish, pour mixture on top and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
- Serve and Enjoy!
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http://www.mommasmeals.org/sundaysupper-low-slow-style/Now onto what the others have shared with us! Save them, jot them down, pin them……….whatever you need to remember your favorite new dish to make!
Low & Slow Breads & Starters:
Asiago Meatballs from Daily Dish Recipes
Slow Cooker Bread: Easy Dinner Rolls from Growing Up Gabel
Low & Slow Mains:
Apricot-Mustard Baked Ham from Healthy.Delicious.
Braniya {Lamb and Eggplant Tajine} from MarocMama
Brisket from Sustainable Dad
Brisket with Ale BBQ Sauce from Kudos Kitchen By Renee
Carnitas from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Dairyfree Chicken and Mushroom Ragout from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Dry Rubbed Smoked Back Ribs from Noshing With The Nolands
French Dip Sandwiches from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Fried Beef Ribs from The Urban Mrs
Italian Beef from Curious Cuisiniere
Italian Sunday Gravy from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Jambalaya from Gourmet Drizzles
Minestrone Soup from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Osso Buco from Webicurean
Pork and Sauerkraut Sandwiches from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Rice, Bean and Vegetable Casserole from Happy Baking Days
Salsa Chicken from Momma’s Meals
Sauerbraten from Magnolia Days
Slow Cooker Chana Masala from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Slow-Cooker Mole from girlichef
Slow Cooked Pork Sausage and Onions from Family Foodie
Sweet Pork from Table for Seven
Low & Slow Sides:
Caramelized Garlic in the Crock-Pot from Shockingly Delicious
Slow Roasted Balsamic Tomatoes from The Wimpy Vegetarian
Low & Slow Desserts:
8-hour Cheesecake with Roasted Grapes (gluten free) from Vintage Kitchen
Gluten Free Slow Cooker Glazed Cinnamon Coffee Cake from Blueberries and Blessings
Slow-Cooked Gooey Pina Colada Cake from Juanita’s Cocina
Slow Cooker Pineapple Coconut Rice Pudding from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Wine Pairing Recommendations for Low & Slow Food from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
Don’t forget to join the #SundaySupper chat on Twitter Sunday to discuss cooking low and slow! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share our delicious recipes. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.
Featured Friday – Foxes Love Lemons
Happy Friday Folks! Another one upon us! Which to me means another week closer to delivering my son! Six more weeks and counting! When do I get to start counting days?? Well since it’s another Friday that means I have another Co-Host to introduce you all to!!!!!!!!! My favorite time of the week! I found this lovely lady over at my #SundaySupper group, the name of her blog stood out to me because it’s super cute and we all know how I feel about blog names……I love to know where they came from, mine got stuck with a boring name because I didn’t think too much about it, but the more I think about it the more I like it because I’m Momma in this house so it fits well for me. Well Lori over at Foxes Love Lemons has a simple story behind her blog name. Her maiden name plus the girl loves lemons, who doesn’t! Wala!
Like me, Lori grew up in a home where they sat as a family 6 nights a week and had dinner. Though it wasn’t gourmet it was dinner and it was together and Kraft Mac & Cheese was her favorite!! It’s still my favorite Lori!! 
While earning her college degree in Communications Lori cooked meals with her roommates using something called “The College Cookbook” given to one of them as a gag gift. Hey it worked for her!
After working in advertising for five years she decided to leave the career after she realized that the best part of her day was leaving work to go home and cook something interesting for her and her now-husband. It was actually his idea for her to go back to school and earn a degree in the Culinary Arts. What a great guy huh. So after waiting a year and a half for admissions off Lori went to learn how to make eclairs, sushi, baguettes and sausages galore! Now since earning her second degree (you go girl!) she has worked a restaurant reviewer, a private cooking instructor, food writer, a recipe developer and tester. This girl has got some pretty beautiful pics of her food! She doesn’t mess around!
Let’s talk about some of her favorite recipes I’ve picked out. I almost made her Chicken and Green Chili Taquito’s the only reason why I didn’t was because I wanted a bit more of an easier recipe that night and I didn’t have corn tortilla’s I only had flour ones on hand….so I’d like to try this one some time!! Another one I gave a lot of thought to was her Spring Vegetable and Chicken Primavera dish. I’m a huge huge lover of spring vegetables so when the farm stands open soon enough I’ll be trying this one! Then there was Lori’s Kimchi Fried Rice, I went to buy all of the ingredients and couldn’t find the Kimchi!! AHHH!!!!! I love making home made fried rice!! I must find this special addition Lori! I also almost made the Parmesan-Lemon Roasted Broccoli because well we love Broccoli in this house and I’ve never made it with a seasoning besides butter and cheese before, but I had no parmesan cheese left so this one is an easy side to throw together for my baby girl who loves “Brocci”
Let’s get to what I made!!! I’ve come to realize that I get sick of the same side dishes over and over again, when I asked my husband what he likes for sides besides mashed or baked potatoes he answered “Potato Chips” or “French Fries”. Well that’s not an option, well at least not every night it’s not. So I’m constantly trying to find other side dishes to serve to my family. I love rice, my husband, well not so much unless it comes with a side bottle of soy sauce. I’m constantly trying new things! I decided to make Lori’s Guacamole Rice!
Since I really wanted to try her Kimchi Fried Rice but could’t find the main ingredient I decided this one looked good too! Besides I’m 6 weeks away from delivering my baby boy and after he comes along, back to healthy eating and this dish is IT!! The only thing I did differently with this dish was leave out the Jalapeno Pepper, not because I wanted to, believe it or not my daughter likes a kick, but because I didn’t have one and it was the only thing I was missing from the recipe. I also added some fresh cracked pepper on top!
Lori talks about serving it cold, I served it hot the night I made it for my family, my husband isn’t a fan of cold salads, it was awesome hot if you haven’t it tried it that way yet Lori!!! I also had it the next day cold with my sandwich and it was just as awesome so your right……….it’s just as good cold!
I think I have a new addiction to trying homemade rice pilaf’s because this is like the third one I’ve tried in the past few weeks. I love the boxed kind don’t get me wrong, however they are always so high in sodium and making your own is so simple and fresh!! It’s actually fun!
Don’t worry the fun isn’t over yet……I tried something else of Lori’s!!! Not so much a recipe but a spice blend. Anyone out their like Dunkin’ Donuts? Ha funny question right, who doesn’t, well I also know that their are plenty of other bagel companies out their that have a flavor called “Everything” bagels. I love them, I always have, when I splurge on a bagel it’s often the one I choose to have. Well Lori thought of a way to cut the calories and fat but still enjoy the taste!!!!! AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! How awesome is that??!!!
She likes to call it the “Everything English Muffin.” It cuts the calories by more than half and if you go check out the spice blend you’ll see some of her other suggestions on what to try this blend on! I love the idea of putting it on top of fresh rolls Lori! Next time I make fresh bread sticks or buns I’m using it!! I had no idea that it would be that easy to make, my husband tried it the other night when we decided to have breakfast for dinner and he thought it tasted just like an Everything Bagel too!! I’m so glad I came across this because now I won’t feel so bad splurging!!
Well it’s time to say good-bye to our Co-Host this week, thank you so much Lori for allowing me to Feature you and Foxes Love Lemons!! It’s been fun and I enjoyed both of your recipes!! Make sure you go and visit Lori and tell her that this Momma sent you!!
Happy Mother’s Day 2013
Mother’s Day. A day that I can be proud. A day that I can truly appreciate my own Mother. A day that I can sit back and reflect on the past 4 years that I’ve been a mother. Though I feel as if all Mother’s everywhere should be appreciated and recognized everyday of the year, it’s nice to know their is one day set aside to remind ourselves just how special our Mom’s should be. A day to put the busy days behind us, a day to give a simple kiss, a simple note to say “I love you Mom.” I’m one of the lucky ones. I had a very caring, nerchuring, giving mother all of my life. I still do. That makes me lucky. The only thing I can hope and pray for is that some day my children can feel the same way about me as I do about my own Mother.
I had the joy of becoming a Mother on October 27, 2010. I thought I became a Mom the day I found out I was pregnant, I really had no idea what that love would consist of until I gave birth that day in October two and a half years ago. I love my family, I love my husband in a way I’ve never loved any man, but the day I met my daughter, was the day I experienced a love that I never thought was imaginable. You can’t explain it to anyone unless they’ve experienced it themselves. It was the day that Tammi was no longer just “Tammi”. It was the day that my husband and I no longer came first, it was the day that any piece of selfishness I had left within in me…… faded away. I knew my life would forever change, I just had no idea how much……in a good way of course.
When I look at my daughter and see myself in her eyes, I see that I’ve become a mother.
When I grocery shop and I’m told by 8 different strangers in one trip that my daughter is beautiful, I am a proud mother.
When my daughter cries for me in the middle of the night, I am a mother.
When my son proudly kicks through my belly, I’m already a mother of two.
When I drop into bed at 8:30 at night exhausted from a day full of sun, fun, giggles and tears, I truly feel like a mother.
What I’m saying is it doesn’t take much to become a mother, we all know “how” it happens, but what does it mean to really “be” a mother? All these questions and many more I ask myself when I think of a day like Mother’s Day. I know some people who no longer have their moms. My heart aches for them. My heart is filled with joy when I see my mother with my daughter. When my husband and I moved the first of the year, thanks to my mother we were able to buy a house big enough to include an in-law, now my daughter gets to see her “Nunny” everyday, so will my son. I’ll get to see my mother light up on a daily basis when she sees my children, it’s truly a gift to have that kind of relationship with your mother and children. I don’t know what I’d do without her. I’ve learnt a lot about life through my own life experiences, but I’ve also learnt a lot through my mother and her life experiences.
So on a day like today treasure her. Reach out to her. Love her. If you don’t have your mother, remember her, honor her and still…….Love her.
Featured Friday – Pebbles and Piggytails
Friday Friday Friday!! Yay! Another Friday upon us I don’t have a favorite Featured Friday, I love all of my Co-Hosts, they’ve all been a great addition to my website and I’ve met some wonderful friends along the way! This week I have a special Momma to introduce you to. I found her website……….mmmmmm……from……….uhm………oh yeah I remember now!! The 100 Top Mommy blogs. I went on a search for a good Mommy website because it’s been awhile since I’ve featured a Mommy site. I’ve been down a lot lately, not sure exactly why, maybe I’m finally done with pregnancy, maybe it’s the fear of bringing another baby into my family, or the disappointment I’ve experienced lately from some loved ones in my life…..for whatever reason, I find motivation from other people so off I went searching….then I found this weeks Co-Host!! She was even so sweet and made one of my recipes, so make sure you go and visit her to see what she made!! All I know is that I spent an afternoon (an afternoon I didn’t have) reading post after post from her site because she just had me hooked. She has a wonderful way of writing, she makes some pretty amazing points about not only motherhood but about life. So let me introduce you to Lisa. She is the Momma and the writer over at Pebbles and Piggytails. Lisa lives with her husband and three children out West. You can read more about her and her family here. I giggled when I read that she likes to have an organized dish waster 
I thought I was the only one! She is a Stay at Home Mom who strives for a fun balanced, value-centered home. I can relate to that!! 
Lisa blogs about being a Stay at Home Mommy, some days that are great, and some days that are just plain tough. One of the first stories I read from Lisa’s site was about an accident she was in back in 2007. She writes about it in a series and you can find it on her home page under “My Accident and Miracle”. It is stories like this that make you see the good in life. The good that comes from all the bad that happens in this world. She also writes about what it’s like to deal with a child that has experienced Post Traumatic Syndrome. You have to read her story because when Lisa was in this horrific accident her three year old witnessed it. Lisa you truly inspire me, you see the positive in everything no matter how tough your days have been.
After reading the series about her accident, I ventured through and found a post that hit pretty close to home for me too. It’s called We Need Each Other. A story about Lisa’s Park Days as a Mom when she lived down South. This post hit me because I’ve recently moved and I’ve been out of touch with a lot of my Mommy friends these days. I only moved 30 minutes, it’s no excuse, I’m not sure what my problem is, if it just took me this long to unpack my family, if it’s the stress I’m feeling over being pregnant, sick and emotional all the time, or if it’s all the work my husband has taken on lately to make our home a home for our lil family, my mom and my sister. She reminded me what friends can do for us, how a good friend can support us through hard times. Being a stay at home mom is NOT easy, you feel alone a lot, you feel isolated a lot, you are constantly thinking “what can I do today to keep my child busy”, what can I do to make my toddler the very best little person she can possibly be, how can I potty train just right, how can I make my baby girl smile when she’s upset over something so small. There are days when I just long to think of balancing a spreadsheet or talking about a deadline (I used work in Finance ) Lisa quickly reminds you of the blessings we have as a mother and how we can turn to other moms for that support on a daily basis. My problem these days you see is I haven’t really been able to rely on anyone besides my lil family. I have plenty of family and friends around me however I’m always trying to be the very best friend and feel like I don’t get the same back in return. My husband says I’m too sensitive and I take things too personally however I find ALL relationships difficult because I always expect to get what I give. So after re-reading Lisa’s post about her Park Days I’ve decided to just take every friendship I have and give what I receive, treasure those in my life and just love what I have been blessed with.
Another post that stuck out to me was The Mama and Me Book. I surly plan on using this idea when Madison gets older enough to take part. I think it’s a great idea to keep the communication open between mother and daughter and it may even help you always stay close to your Mom. I’ve always been close to my mom, but the teenage years were tough and we weren’t each others favorites! Maybe something like this can help us through those rough patches some day!
Before we talk about food and what this Momma cooked up from Lisa (yes this amazing woman cooks too!!!!) their is one more experiment I tried!! She recently wrote a post called 25 Words or Less. Well she challenged anyone and everyone to write a letter to their family in 25 words or less to explain their love for them. If today was your last day what 25 words would you say to your loved ones?? I decided to do this in sentence form. It was the easiest way to have my random thoughts in as few words as possible.
Always give what you get (5 words) – This is one sentence I want to instill in my children. It’s a sure way that they will NOT grow up and be selfish. I think having a selfish personality is having a bad trait, it’s just the way I feel. I want my children (and husband) to always know how it feels to give to others, think of others, people’s feelings matter and I feel very strongly about that.
Never Settle (2 words) – I just hope that if my family were to settle it would be to settle in something small. I want them to know that they can accomplish anything they set their minds and hearts to, that they can be anything. It’s not that I’ve ever settled, I just didn’t believe in myself enough to accomplish some of the things I wanted to at some points in my life. I’m a firm believer of what’s meant to be will be so I just want to teach my children that they do anything in this world.
Love is worth chances and heartache (6 words) - These words are probably easily understood just as they are. I think a lot of people will agree with me that the end result of true love is always worth the waves we ride to get to it. I’ve experienced plenty of heartache but every single ache and pain was worth where I sit today.
Remember Me with smiles not tears (6 words) – I know it’s easy to say this to anyone. My husband and I have had numerous conversations that if anything were to go forbid happen to either one of us no matter what our ages are we’d want each other to move on and find happiness. I mean it when I say I only want anyone I love to be happy. I’m not going to say I’ve never shed a tear when I lost someone I deeply loved when I was 21 or my dad when I was 22. I just know that remembering them with smiles was something that took time and I no longer remember anyone I’ve lost with tears……concentrating on what they would want really helped. My dad would want me to smile not cry when I thought of him, remembering that through the grieving process helped. I’d want the same from the people I love.
I’ll Always be Proud of You (6 words) – I know what your thinking, of course my children (and husband) would know that, yes your right. However, hearing it………….seeing it………..means the world. I knew how proud of me my dad was, but knowing that was something he would want me to know in 25 words or less, would be something that would always stick with me. Knowing that your parents are proud of you is something every child longs for. I still do at 34. This one goes out to my husband too, we’ve only been married for four years however everything this man does makes me proud. So those are my words………what would yours be?
Thanks for the challenge Lisa. Now onto food!! I decided to make something from Lisa that she attempted not so long ago, she made them look really good and I knew it was something my family would dive into! I made her Scrumptious Alfredo Roll Ups. Doesn’t that sound yummy in just the name!
Soooooo I made the shredded chicken the way I always do, if you know me, you know that when any recipe calls for cooked shredded chicken or chopped cooked chicken I make it in my crockpot. Usually I plan my week so I make a bunch of shredded chicken for a few different recipes. This week I used a marinated chicken I bought at the meat market down the street, it was flavored Sun-dried Tomato. I just put the chicken in my crock and cooked it on low for 4-6 hours with a little bit of chicken broth to keep it moist. Since Lisa said to season the chicken whatever way I wanted, I did! It was perfect!! I used half of it for this recipe and half for another recipe you’ll just have to wait for!!
This was such a simple dish to make because the crockpot does the work with the chicken and the assembly of these are pretty easy. While I was mixing the filling, I boiled the noodles. I was able to prepare these an hour before I went and picked up my daughter at daycare, came home, popped them in the oven and wala, dinner was ready!
I can’t even believe my picky daughter ate them! I don’t even think I can call her picky anymore because she’s trying almost everything I make these days. I served them with Carrots seasoned with butter and dill which is our favorite!! I even froze the rest of them so we can have a nice dinner some night after baby Drew is born, when this Momma will NOT feel like cooking!
Lisa, it’s been a real pleasure getting to know you, your family and your blog. Keep up the great work and never stop writing!! No go visit Lisa ASAP and let her inspire you like she’s inspired me!!
Summer Orzo Salad
This was a trial salad that turned into quite the delight. I made it with our last minute steak tips one night when it turned out to be 75 degrees! Then it turned into lunch 3 days the next week I used what I had on hand and I was quite proud of the results!! It’s perfect with any grilled meal, ideal for a simple dish to bring to a BBQ, or have it as a side dish with your favorite sandwich! I know the goat cheese will make you wrinkle your forehead, usually I’d use chunks of mozzarella, I had this on hand and went with it, though the goat cheese crumbles and melts a bit, it gives the salad a cheesy taste that melts in your mouth!! Sounds crazy but trust me! I love cold Salads and my husband really doesn’t so it gave me lunch on three different days!
Ingredients
- Half a pound of orzo
- Pint of cherry tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 2 oz of goat cheese
- 1 cup of light Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup of light balsamic dressing
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Orzo according to directions. Let sit in cold water, drain and refrigerate until cool. While this was cooking, I prepared the rest and popped it in the fridge!
- Peel and cut cucumbers in circles, then cut each circle into fours.
- Cut each tomato in half.
- Crumble goat cheese as small as possible.
- Toss with cooled orzo, add dressings, stirring to combine, season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the dressings settle.
Notes
A large serving to me is eating it as is with nothing else which I did. Twice! Side servings would be serving it with a grilled dish or sandwich.
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Cinco De Mayo for #SundaySupper!!!
Not only is it #SundaySupper time but it’s also a theme that I personally love!! Who doesn’t LOVE Mexican food? Well this Momma does and so does her family so this week you are going to love these dishes!! This even is being hosted by a personal fav of mine! Jen from Junita’s Cocina!!! Thanks for hosting such a mouth watering event Jen! When I was trying to decide what to make I thought back to some of the dishes that I’ve made in the past, I was tempted to make one of them again, but wanted to try something different. I used this event and this day as an excuse to make a few Mexican dishes! I’ve always wanted to try my own homemade Salsa before, I’ve also wanted to make a Mexican salad all on my own (meaning not from someone else’s recipe) and I also wanted to try Tacquito’s too soooooooo………I decided to make the Salsa using that primarily as my dressing for the Salad and then I made Tacquito’s for my family Saturday night for dinner, so stay tuned for that recipe!!
Now for a Salsa, I wanted something simple, I wanted to make it in my new hand blender I just bought from Pampered Chef and I wanted to make it at the mouth watering temperature that was right for my family!! I also like my Salsa a little chunky as well. I was highly impressed with myself, either that or Salsa is really that easy to make on your own and I’ve just been missing out on the goodness of homemade! I’m not sure I’ll ever go back to store bought again, it has a certain “freshness” to it that jarred Salsa does not have.
Ingredients
- 1 Can of Diced Tomatoes w/green chilies
- 1 Fresh tomato
- 1 Small onion
- 1/2 Cup of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 jalapeno peppers (I chose to not seed them, if you want to cut the heat, de-seed them!)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop up the tomato, onion and jalapeno's (don't worry about the size they are gong in the blender!) Pour can of diced tomatoes in a processor followed by the remaining ingredients.
- Add the cilantro, salt and pepper at the end so you can taste as you go. Puree to your desired thickness. I had a manual processor and it worked great. I just kept tasting and adding cilantro until I got to the taste I wanted.
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http://www.mommasmeals.org/cinco-de-mayo-for-sundaysupper/Now for the salad I decided to just cook some chicken breasts in a Fajita seasoning. I bought a Fajita seasoning mix packet, cut my chicken into thin strips and sauteed them on top of my stove! How easy is that for a little kick in the salad. As far as what I put in the salad, well I used what I liked, you can use whatever you’d like but here are some idea’s.
Ingredients
- Romaine Mix Lettuce
- 2 Chicken Breasts, sliced
- 1 pkg. of Fajita seasoning mix
- 1 Avocado
- 1 Tomato, chopped
- 1/4 Cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 Cup of light sour cream
- Other additions: Tomatoes, Corn, black beans, green chilis
Instructions
- Saute chicken strips with a little bit of olive oil and fajita seasoning, turning them until they are cooked through.
- Lay them on top of the lettuce and top with your favorite Mexican additions!
- Use sour cream and homemade salsa above for dressing.
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Now onto what everyone else from this fabulous group has brought to the family table!!
Cinco de Mayo Appetizers & Sides {Aperitivos}:
- Chipotle Roasted Chickpeas from Home Cooking Memories
- Cinco de Mayo Tuna Pepper Poppers from Shockingly Delicious
- Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn) from Magnolia Days
- Esquites or Mexican Corn Salad from Kimchi Mom
- Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime-Cayenne Butter from Healthy. Delicious.
- Guacamole Rice from Foxes Love Lemons
- Healthy Mexican Ceviche from Mama’s Blissful Bites
- Loaded Cheesy Nachos from Gotta Get Baked
- Lobster Guacamole from I Run For Wine
- Roasted Garlic and Bacon Guacamole from Ruffles & Truffles
- Slow Cooker Chicken Con Queso from Daily Dish Recipes
Cinco de Mayo Main Dishes {Platos Principales}:
- Barbacoa Beef from The Urban Mrs.
- Chicken Enchiladas with Avocado Cream Sauce from Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Chicken Fajita Feta-ccine from Chocolate Moosey
- Chicken Fajita Salad w/Home made Easy Salsa from Momma’s Meals
- Chicken Mole Potato Skins from Noshing with the Nolands
- Corona Beer-Battered Fish Tacos from Pescetarian Journal
- Duck Carnitas from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Enchiladas with Red Chili Sauce from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Fish Tacos with Lime Salsa from Curious Cuisiniere
- Japanese Mexican Tacos from Ninja Baking
- Lightened Up Taco Salad from Kudos Kitchen
- Mexican Pizza with Chipotle Orange Sauce from Family Foodie
- Oven Baked Beef, Bean, and Cheese Chimichangas from In The Kitchen With KP
- Pork Carnitas from From the Bookshelf
- Red Chile Jam + Tequila Chicken Quesadillas from Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Roasted Poblano and Corn Lasagna from Juanita’s Cocina
- Shrimp Soft Tacos with Lime Dressing and Crunchy Vegetables from Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Slow Cooked Carne Asadas from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Soft Shell Tacos from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Spicy Shredded Beef Chimichangas from Supper for a Steal
- Spicy Steak Fajitas from Cravings of a Lunatic
- Stuffed Poblano Peppers from Country Girl in the Village
- Tequila Lime Chicken from No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Tex-Mex Chopped Chicken Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing from The Weekend Gourmet
- Tofu Tacos from Hip Foodie Mom
- Yucatan Pollo Pibil and Corn Tortillas from MarocMama
Cinco de Mayo Desserts {Postres}:
- Dairy-free Flan from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Dark and Spicy Chocolate Pots de Creme from Happy Baking Days
- Fried Ice Cream for a Crowd from Growing Up Gabel
- Luxuriously Healthy Chocolate Frosting from What Smells So Good?
- Mexican Brownies from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Paletas de Tamarindo (Tamarind Popsicles) from La Cocina de Leslie
- Peanut Mazapanes from Pies and Plots
Cinco de Mayo Drinks {Bebidas}:
- Fresh & Fruity Sangria from Webicurean
- Fruity Aguas Frescas from The Foodie Patootie
- Mango Aqua Fresca With Chia Seeds from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Margarona from The Messy Baker
- Tamarindo Drink (Agua de Tamarindo) from Basic N Delicious
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter today to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and food photos.
Do you have your ticket to the Food and Wine Conference yet? If not, there will be a $100 discount available on the full conference pass today if you participate in the #SundaySupper twitter chat from 7 to 8pm Eastern Time, and purchase your ticket during the chat. The discount code is: SundaySupper. *Note the code is only valid during the chat time frame.
Featured Friday – Alida’s Kitchen
Happy Friday!!!! Let’s do the Friday dance!!!!! I love this Friday because I have ANOTHER date night scheduled with my hubby tonight! Yay us!! I also love this Friday because I’m going to introduce you to a Co-Host that you are going to adore! Her name is Alida (pronounced with a LONG I) and she blogs over at Alida’s Kitchen.
Let’s give her a warm welcome!! I met Alida through the #SundaySupper group, she has some amazing recipes, cooks on the healthier side and her photographs………well they will make your mouth water so you’ll just have to go and check them out! Alida loves everything peanut butter, pumpkin and muffins! Girl after my own heart, I can’t believe I didn’t choose a muffin to make with how much my daughter loves muffins, but she’s been so picky lately that I’ve been baking them and then eating them all because she’s not liking them, so I’ve put my muffin baking on hold these days. However I did “bake” something from Alida’s Kitchen!!! First let’s talk about some of her recipes that I loved and hope to make at some point, these are the ones I make note of so when I’m looking to try something new, I have plenty to choose from! Alida cooks mostly Vegetarian and some chicken though you will see the occasional beef dish. Like me, she doesn’t cook seafood either! When I say she bakes PLENTY……..she bakes PLENTY O’ GOODIES!
Alida’s Vegetable Quichetata with Roasted Garlic Hummus and Goat Cheese would satisfy my muffin tin obsession don’t you think!! Speaking of muffins, I almost made her Banana Graham Muffins, assuming Madison will love these I have to give these a shot! However I’d have a hard time choosing any of her Muffin recipes because she’s got some good ones that I think are fabulous creations! I have to get Madison back on a Muffin kick because one it’s cheaper than buying Nutrigrain bars and two with recipes like Alida’s you’ll never run out of trying new ones! A main dish of hers that has me and my husband written all over it is her Lighter Cajun Chicken!! I can’t wait to try this, I’m pinning this for my after baby recipes since I’ll be keeping it on the lighter side after I have my son. Speaking of lighter sides……how about her Balsamic Blueberry Salad!!I love Balsamic in general but love it in my Salads and I also love Blueberries so it’s a win win for me!!
Oh you want to talk about what I did end up making??!! Well I crave sweets these days as you know, and since you’ve probably already gone over to Alida’s Kitchen to check out what she has in her “Sweet Department” I got to use my good ol’ Kitchen Aid Mixer for this baby too!! Not only that but I was more than happy when Madison saw me pulling out the ingredients and immediately wanted to help me. She wanted to get up on the counter and help Momma “Mix”. I’m just starting to realize that she loves being with me in the kitchen when I’m baking. Not cooking. Just baking. That’s OK though, I still love it. I love when she wants to “help”.
I chose Alida’s Peanut Butter Cup Blondies. I can’t tell you how good these were! Just click on any picture to get the recipe. They were just the perfect amount of sweet for me, if your not into desserts that are super duper sweet this one is for you!! The bonus is if your on Weight Watchers it’s only 5 points per Brownie!!! I had a friend calculate this for me and even she said that’s a great point value for a good sized piece of dessert. (Just don’t have 3 pieces like I did!!!! Well Drew “needed” it!!) The only difference between the one I made and the one Alida made was she made her brownies in a 9×9 pan it served 16. I only had an 8×8 pan and I cut mine into 12 different pieces.
Another thing I have to say about this recipe………it’s super duper easy!! The Kitchen Aid Mixer made it that much more easy, but I surly would have made them even if I didn’t have one! I also have to confess that I used my fingers to actually even it out into the pan because I found it pretty thick. Dessert for a few nights all in minutes, or in my case one day and one night, I almost made them again the next day they were that good! AH!!
Now we have to show Miss Madison taste testing them. Lately I haven’t been giving this girl much sugar because she bounces off the wall as it is! However how could I not let her try something she helped make!!! Here we are enjoying a few after dinner on a beautiful 70 degree night
Thank you again Alida for Co-Hosting with me. It was fun and I love love love your blog!! I will continue to follow you and try some more recipes! Now go visit her and tell her this Momma sent you!! Happy Friday folks!
Top 10 Pinterest Cinco De Mayo Recipes
Cinco De Mayo used to mean Corona’s all around when I was in my twenties!! I remember one year it was actually the day I moved into the very first home I had ever bought. That day/night consisted of A LOT of corona’s! Well I’m not going to lie and say that Cinco De Mayo usually consists of a few flavorful margarita’s for this Momma on a normal basis since those days of my twenties, before I found love in the kitchen that is. Then when I found that love, I just had those margarita’s while making a new dish for me and my husband after our daughter would go to bed. It made for a nice night. An excuse to make something different. I love Mexican, my husband loves Mexican……it worked. However, this is my second pregnancy and yes the second Cindo De Mayo that I had to cut out the good ol’ Margarita’s! Boooooooooooo!!! Yes let’s have a moment of silence for that Margarita I can’t have yet again this year. 
and it’s on a Saturday of all days!! Oh well, 8 more weeks to go and I can have as many Margarita’s as I’d like! However I’m still going to make a Mexican dish! Yes o’ yes I am!! I’m also going to have a VIRGIN Margarita
So let’s talk about some great Mexican dishes!! Let’s start with the one I’ll be making for my family……well I can’t decide between two. One I’ve already made in the past, and a new one I’ve never made but am dying to try. Here is the one I made last year! It was awesome and worth making again, when I was looking at recipes I totally forgot about this one!!
Source: mommasmeals.org via Tammi on Pinterest
Then I found this one that I think sounds super easy and super yummy, I order these while eating out sometimes!! Something super cute about Taquito’s, I don’t even know the Mexican lingo and what means what all I know is that they are cute and they look good!! Longhorn’s and Ruby Tuesday’s have some pretty spicy ones!!
Source: sixsistersstuff.com via Tammi on Pinterest
Here is the virgin Margarita’s I’m going to try and make…….nothing like sipping on this while sitting on the back deck!! Maybe if my hubby is good I’ll slip some tequila in his!!
Source: tasteofhome.com via Tammi on Pinterest
I’ve also made this dish before too!! I love Skinnytaste and I love this dish!! Can’t go wrong with it and it’s “healthified” in my book!
Source: keyingredient.com via Tammi on Pinterest
Serve it with a nice frosty beverage! Say maybe a Mexican Sunrise! I’ve never had one before but boy they look good!!
Source: natlizmac.wordpress.com via Tammi on Pinterest
Or if your in the mood for some beef in your dish…..here is one I found that looks delish!!
Source: huffingtonpost.com via Tammi on Pinterest
There is always a casserole too!! Can’t go wrong with something simple but yummy!
Source: quick-dish.tablespoon.com via Tammi on Pinterest
Speaking of simple, how about my crock dish! Make the filling and get 3 dishes out of it!!!!! Make it on Friday and have Cinco De Mayo all weekend long at your house!!!
Source: mommasmeals.org via Tammi on Pinterest
I think I’m going to try this side dish with what I’m making this weekend. It looks like it’s full of veggies, spice and everything nice!!
Source: glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com via Tammi on Pinterest
I almost forgot!! The Chicken Con queso I made one week for #SundaySupper! You can’t go wrong with this dish, if your looking for more of a creamy dish, this one is for you.
Source: mommasmeals.org via Tammi on Pinterest
Then good ol’ McCormick came up with this simple dish you could throw together in literally minutes!! Do it!!
Source: mccormick.com via Tammi on Pinterest
Then I think you should all end your evening with a nice refreshing beverage like this one. Make it dessert in a cup!
Source: tasteofhome.com via Tammi on Pinterest
Shower & Party Ideas
Have you ever hosted a baby shower, bridal shower or any themed party? I’ve never hosted an actual shower before, only small gatherings with my friends for small holidays like St. Patrick’s Day. I’d like to host a pretty big BBQ this summer for the birth of my son. We bought a new house this winter and we have many friends having either their first or second child! We have a beautiful new deck to break in so I’m looking forward to my first bash that consists of this Momma NOT being pregnant!
In the mean time I thought I’d share some party tips and ideas with you. I’ve gotten these ideas over the years from others or my own experiences. Let me share with you a great idea I had when I got when I got engaged. I knew I wanted a Co-Ed bridal shower, I guess you could call it a Jack N Jill however I wanted to register for gifts. We didn’t have much as a couple so I knew we needed to register however the men in my life are so special to me. I have uncles, cousins and male friends that I’m very close to, I wanted to celebrate with them. So we changed it up. We had a Co-Ed Bridal Shower. I know your rolling your eyes because what man wants to sit through a couple opening a bunch of gifts. Well I have an easy solution for that. Alcohol. Period. My family through me the best Shower ever. It involved everyone and anyone that we were close to, we had a full stocked bar, a DJ for dancing, dinner that was mostly catered and when we opened gifts, our grandparents pulled their chairs closer and the men went to the bar. Perfect in my eyes. So perfect that my best friend even brought me a pair of slippers so when my feet were sore from dancing in heals…………I had something comfy for my feet. Yes I did end up leaving my shoes their. One too many drinks I think.
Another special touch my family made were Memory boards. My family made one of me and my husbands family made one of him and it consisted of pictures of us when we were babies, when we were younger, when we first met, they even included our three fur babies that we gave a home over the years of being together. It was a such a personal touch, I lost my dad when I was 22 so seeing pictures of me and my dad just made my night, it also made for a great conversation piece and it brought many laughs and giggles to a lot of people that night. Oh and another bonus of this Co-Ed Shower I speak of…………….plenty of men to pack up the cars with gifts!!! (Oh gosh yes that’s me the blondie with the pigtails!)
I had a rehearsal dinner two nights before my wedding. That’s the night where you get to thank your bridal party for all of their hard work of putting together these fabulous parties throughout your engagement. You buy nice gifts and give your thanks in any and every mushy way possible. Well yet again my family outdid themselves. Before the rehearsal dinner they had asked family members from both sides of our families to share a happy or funny memory of me or my husband. Now it’s time to get your craft on and buy a frame where you can write all around a picture that’s centered in the middle. They put a picture of my husband and I from our Shower in the center, added some cute scrapbooking touches and put in quotes the memories that our family had shared. I loved this gift. I have it hanging in my new master bedroom. It’s a great reminder, like how I just read every single one again when I had to go and take a picture to share with you!!
Picture courtesy of Courtney at NeighborFood
Well let’s move onto babies……….who doesn’t love a good baby shower, well I do because I love all the cute things, plus now that I’m a mother it’s a beautiful thing to see your friends or family members glow as their worlds become complete with all of these new items for baby. I had a few baby showers for my daughter, it was easier for my mom to throw one for my side and his mom to throw one for his side. Both were beautiful days. We really couldn’t have asked for more on our special day. My godmother started a tradition with me when I became pregnant she told the family she wanted to contribute something special to her nieces/nephews for their first bundle of joys. The rocking chair. I was so thrilled with that idea, I didn’t even pick it out. My aunt has fabulous taste and I knew I would love it no matter what, she asked me the colors of my daughters nursery and she went with that. If it’s one thing I recommend asking the mother-to-be it’s, what colors are the nursery, or a theme you may be planning, it gives whoever is planning the shower a feel for what your tastes are, maybe it can give some great idea’s besides just the standard pink or blue. If your looking to buy a large gift or go in on a large gift with someone, use the rocker as the place for the Momma-to-be to sit and open her gifts. Buy a cozy blanket, stuffed animal for baby, a card and a bow and it makes a great presentation. Also if it’s one of those rockers that has the glider attachment for the feet…….bonus because it’s hard being 8 months prego bending over to unwrap gifts, prop them right up on the glider!
My mom and my mother-in-law took into consideration the colors my husband and I were planning for the nursery and they both know that I love love love butterflies so the fact that my mother-in-law incorporated that into my shower meant a lot to me. I’m not a fan of the games at baby showers, I’ll take part if I feel like it but for the most part I enjoy just sitting their with other adults and getting away from my own crazy life for a few hours. However, if you do have games, have a few prizes for your guests. It gives them a reason to partake, it makes it fun, and it’s a nice gesture. Gift Cards, Bath & Body products or Candy are great idea’s!
How about a basket with a book collection for new baby. I thought this was such an awesome idea. Madison’s library was started before she was even born. I got a pretty basket out of it and she got a boatload of books! Not only that but each one was personalized from all the guests which I thought was a sweet gesture. I also had a plate signed by all of my guests that I displayed in Madison’s room for the first year of her life, then at her baptism party I used the plate to display cupcakes.
At my daughters first birthday I had these centerpieces made by my local florist. Her birthday is in October and I love the Fall so I thought it was the cutest idea for the kids that were coming. They could grab candy and go! I would try making these myself next time around!!
I also scattered pictures around the room of my daughters first year, from baby to one! It made for great entertainment because who doesn’t like to look at pictures!
Another idea I saw at a friends baby shower and ended up making for my cousin’s baby shower this past weekend, were pieces of card stock with questions on them to answer about the baby to be. It’s something that any mother or father can treasure forever from each guest at their baby shower. Or how about centerpieces for each table that Mom-to-be can actually take home and use!! These fabulous flower arrangements were made into onesies! And of course the favors. A little something the guests can take home to remember your special day! Since my cousin was having a baby girl we decided that the guests should be able to take home a little something that is “Girly”. A bottle of nail polish in a bag with candy in it! OK well this picture shoes the favor once I got home and no I did NOT eat the candy, my 2.5 year old ate plenty for both of us!!! We made these cute favors that were a hit!
I know it sounds crazy to serve alcohol at a baby shower however any party I hold I always offer it because why not???!!! I like to enjoy a glass of wine, punch or even a beer on a hot day when given the chance so why not let your guests. You don’t have to offer everything, I usually always offer wine and beer and maybe have a specialty drink like a punch or Sangria. So yes at my baby shower I said thumbs up to the alcohol!
Now let’s talk food………..good food is the key to any party. I’m a nut and I love a theme. For St. Patty’s Day I had to go green green green! For Easter I planned springy foods, for a birthday party or shower, picky foods are great if your not serving an actual meal. Remember last #SundaySupper, our theme was April showers…..food for all Showers!! So here is a list of what the crew cooked up. I made an Easy Baked Ziti that can made for any occasion. It’s simple and quick. I made it for all the new Momma’s in my life!!
Starters, Appetizers & Snacks
Pesto Tortilla Pinwheels from Home Cooking Memories
Honey Pecan Baked Brie from Supper for a Steal
Pinenut stuffed Dates from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Glazed Pecans from Mama’s Blissful Bites
Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail from A Stack of Dishes
Mini Curry Chicken Salad Phyllo Cups from The Weekend Gourmet
Mushroom and Feta Bites from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Antipasti Bites from Blueberries And Blessings
Spinach Dip in a Pumpernickel Bowl from The Foodie Patootie
Parmesan and Mushroom Focaccia from Basic N Delicious
Soups, Salads & Sandwiches
London Ritz’s Tea Sandwiches from My Cute Bride
Mini Shrimp & Egg Salad Sandwiches from The ROXX Box
Broccoli Bacon Salad from Country Girl In The Village
Chicken Salad on Endive from Magnolia Days
Creamy Asparagus Soup Shooters with Shrimp from Gourmet Drizzles
Alphabet Soup from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Main Dishes
Savory Cheesy Kale Tart with Chiles from Shockingly Delicious
Penne Ala Vodka from I Run For Wine
Easy Baked Ziti from Momma’s Meals
French Country Flat Pie from Webicurean
Crustless Spinach Quiche from Family Foodie
Cakes
Vanilla Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Strawberry Shortcake Push Pops from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Mini Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting from Damn Delicious
Coconut Rum Cake from The Foodie Army Wife
No Bake Lemon Cheesecakes Shots {Two Ways} from Cravings of a Lunatic
Japanese Wedding Cupcakes from NinjaBaking.com
Baby Blue Cake Pops from Neighborfood
Strawberry Buttermilk Scones from Vintage Kitchen
Cookies, Brownies & Dessert Bars
Lemon Sandwich Cookies with Pink Lemon Curd from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Chocolate Covered Mcaroons from Gotta Get Baked
Pastel Pizzelles from Growing Up Gabel
Chocolate-Balsamic Macaroons from Foxes Love Lemons
Raspberry Lemonade Thumbprint Cookies from In The Kitchen With KP
Baklava Crisps from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
Healthy Chocolate Bars with Fruit, Nuts & Coconut from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Fudgy Carob Brownies from Pies and Plots
Pistachio Biscotti from Curious Cuisiniere
Sweet Treats
Shortbread Maple Cream Freezer Tart from A Beautiful Bite
Espresso Panna Cotta from Crazy Foodie Stunts
Bite-Size Pecan Tarts from Juanita’s Cocina
Brigadeiros from Food Lust People Love
Rosewater Raspberry Meringues from girlichef
Drink Recipes
Slushy Mango Mojito from The Urban Mrs.
Pretty in Pink Punch from Noshing With The Nolands
Pink Lemonade from Peanut Butter and Peppers
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