I love how chicken is like a blank slate or empty canvas...and that you can give it so many different wonderful flavors with different sauces and marinades. This particular marinade is super simple and is perfect for chicken that you plan to freeze, say...when you buy extra from a great sale or deal at your grocery store?! The chicken is frozen with the marinade, then when … [Read more...]
Apple Chicken Lettuce Wraps
We're making a homemade sauce with some ground chicken and the end result... THIS. Perfectly flavored chicken with some crunchy apples and green onions...all pulled together into a large piece of lettuce. This would be great in some Bibb lettuce, Romaine or iceberg...whichever you prefer! Enjoy! :) Apple Chicken Lettuce Wraps Perfectly seasoned chicken … [Read more...]
Orange Dreamsicle Smoothie
Ok. I'm in a fight with myself over this recipe title. Orange Creamsicle? Orange Dreamsicle? Or maybe I should just call it the Orange Julius Smoothie? (Because it tastes like that...and it tastes like the popsicle.) The popsicles are the creamsicles, but for whatever reason I think they are called dreamsicles. I have no idea where that's coming from. I almost … [Read more...]
Chili-Rubbed Salmon with Avocado Salsa (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Baked)
Errrrrr body at your house is gonna go crazy of this one. If your dinner table is anything like mine was when we had this recently, you're all gonna be licking your plates clean. Seriously, my boys went all bananas over this one. It is not at all spicy, despite having a little chili powder. There's a little bit of brown sugar in this simple, homemade rub and that helps … [Read more...]
Peppered Pork Chops
My oldest son hasn't met a pork chop that he didn't like. But when he tried these, he declared them #1 and they are now at the top of his list. I'll be honest...I was a bit worried that the black peppered look to the pork chops would scare him (and the other boys) away...not really scare them away, but maybe make them not want to try them. I did assure them that the pepper … [Read more...]
Mediterranean Salmon
This salmon is just delightful. DELIGHTFUL. These fabulous Mediterranean flavors in each bite of salmon.....seriously, I wanted to eat 3 fillets. Plus, it's light and healthy and clean. Before you start hitting up my inbox with "there's no way salmon is a $5 dinner!"....yes, salmon is more expensive. Yes, it's like $7-$10/lb. when it's on sale...or $10-$13/lb. when … [Read more...]
Instant Pot Salmon with Lemon & Dill
Restaurant Quality Salmon - Because it's Steamed in the Instant Pot! Lemon and dill are by far my favorite ingredients to use when making salmon. I'll bake, slow cook, grill, and saute salmon with lemon and dill. I'll use lemon slices, or lemon juice, or even lemon essential oil with olive oil. Now, I'm adding pressure cook to the list of possible ways to cook salmon … [Read more...]
Barely Seasoned Rice
Rice - it's one of our favorite side dishes. Because it's easy. It's cheap. It's filling (hello, 4 growing boys!!!). And it's super 'customizable.' As a kid, we grew up eating simple rice as a side dish. I think it was minute rice, cooked in water. I liked to add butter and garlic salt to mine. Just a smidge. My brother would drown his in salad dressing/vinaigrette - … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Root Vegetables
Healthy, seasonal, 'fix and forget' kind of side dish...or main dish?!? These root vegetables are so delicious and so filling...so much so that I might consider eating them as a meal by themselves. Or maybe with a side salad?! Either way you partake in them, they are delicious. Before we get to the recipe, I've got some tips for you: Place the sweet potatoes on … [Read more...]
Glazed Sweet Potato Rounds
Holiday Feast Side Dish Alert... I love sweet potato casserole...I really do. Especially when there is a crunchy, nutty topping or layer in the dish. But what I don't always love is the prep-work. If you're hosting the holiday feast, it's a flurry of madness getting everything ready and sometimes you just want simple and easy. THIS. Is simple and easy. Slice the … [Read more...]