Spanish Chicken with Potatoes and Chorizo : LOSER!

I was actually REALLY excited about this one because I really like Nigella Lawson, but it was a total and complete let down.  It was so oily and heavy.  It is no kidding sitting in about 5 inches of oil in my fridge.  Middle C eats everything that I cook and HE was vocally repulsed. You know it is bad when he hates it!

I could not find link chorizo, so I used ground, same effect, just with out the skins.

Save your money and your time, this one isn't worth it.

Original pin:  Spanish Chicken with Potatoes and Chorizo

WINNER!!!!!! Garlic Parmesan Cheese Beer Dip

The main man in my life approves this message!  I actually made this to accompany the buffalo chicken chili that I posted about yesterday and it was a great choice.

I served this with the bagel chips and oh my, my, my; it was awesome.  I am not the biggest beer enthusiast out there.  I would much prefer a pinot noir any day, but I would no kidding drink this dip if I could!

It is a little garlicky so I wouldn't eat it if I were on a date, per se, thinking that I may actually get close to my date.  In fact, I wouldn't get within 500 feet after eating this, but who cares?  I'm married and if we are both eating it, it doesn't matter! :)  (That is what 11+ years of marriage will do to a person.)

Here is the original pin:  Garlic Parmesan Cheese Beer Dip

It gave you a choice to use a smoked cheese and I chose gouda.  I would do it the same next time!

This is a hands down awesome dip to have for a sports party or a tailgate!

Also, sidenot: it warms up even better the next day!

WINNER! Buffalo Chicken Chili

Original pin: Buffalo Chicken Chili

Buffalo Chicken Enthusiasts, unite!  Are you about to host game day at your house?  If so, then this recipe is PERFECTO!

It is really good and hearty.  It may be a little too spicy for the kiddos, but the adults will love it.

Things I did different:  I did 1/2 cup of beer and 1/2 cup of chicken broth instead of 1 cup of the other.

Super yummy, super easy and a definite to add to your dinner menu

Pumpkin Alert : Pumpkin Mac & Cheese

When I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it.  I love all things pumpkin: smells, taste, and color!  I was a little concerned about this one because you either love pumpkin sweet or you like it savory.  Rarely, do people like it both ways.  I think it was a little too sweet, but other than that, it was actually really good.  The kids didn't really like it, but the hubs and I did!  The recipe on the Rachel Ray site actually called for a beer, so I added the pumpkin beer instead of chicken broth.


Here is the original pin:  Pumpkin Mac & Cheese
Here is the original Rachel Ray post:  Pumpkin Mac & Cheese-Rachel Ray's Site

Would I make this again: Yes, but I would change a few things......

Next time I make this, I am going to saute' an onion and about 2 cloves of garlic, then add the flour and so on.  I also would not use the honey, I think it made it too sweet.  If you use the onion, that should add enough sweetness and you won't need the honey.

I am also going to do just one cup, beer and one cup chicken broth.  Sounds like a happy medium, right?

All in all, this one is a winner!

WINNER: Zuppa Toscano

ZUPPA TOSCANO

Ok, so I am back, AGAIN.  But, this time, I am making it a nightly ritual to sit down and do a blog post or 2 a day!  The kids are back in school, and the littlest one is in a 3 day pre-school.   I have time! 

If you know anything about South Texas, it is a place that has two seasons:  hot and uber hot with a few days of sprinkled coolness, but those are far and VERY few between.

Back on track, Nicole, back on track......Zuppa Toscano.  I am of the sound mind that your attitude can completely change by what you eat.  For instance, if you get the summer blues (like I do all of the time) then cook something "wintery".  Insert Zuppa Toscano here.  While everyone else is about to dust of their jeans and boots (and find $20 in the coat jacket pockets), I am just starting to carry around a short sleeve sweater just in case the restaurant or store is a little too chilly.   So, just because you are living in Hades doesn't mean you can't imagine you are in the snowy North Pole by diving into a good bowl of soup!

Here is the original pin:  Zuppa Toscano.   It is YUMMY!  The boys loved it and so did Miss C.  In fact, there were no left overs.  I served it with grilled mozzarella sandwiches.  

My advice:  go get the ingredients and cook away, it is a winner!  

No Bake Cake Mix Cake Balls

I'm Back!

Original pin:  http://pinterest.com/pin/157555686934563603/

OK, so maybe I did something wrong, (which could very well be) but I was NOT impressed at ALL with these.  


I used lemon cake mix instead because the kids like lemon so much and to be honest, it is so hot outside, I am trying anything to cool us down!  Cake mix is cake mix.  Shouldn't be an issue what you use. 


They did not mold correctly and I used an ENTIRE can of condensed milk!  They were too sweet and too firm.  It literally broke down into powder in your mouth.  YUCK!!!!

I *might* try them at a later time but for now:  

VERDICT : LOSER!

Stomach Bugs, Storms and Flooded Cars, Oh my!

I'll be back!