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!

The Softest Most Pillowest Sugar Cookies EVER!

The pin:  http://pinterest.com/pin/58757970108435232/

I am not the biggest fan of sugar cookies.  Every food aversion has a story, right?  Well, mine  goes back to a Christmas Eve (WAYYYYY) over indulgence of them when I was either 11 or 12.  I was skinny then, so I could eat something like 15 of them and not have to worry about it.  Well, my body said otherwise and made a protest. 


My kiddos LOVE sugar cookies.  So, I hold my nose and make them year round.  I am always looking for different versions hoping to overcome my aversion.  I saw this pin and decided to try them.  I have to say that I LOVED these.  I think the sour cream really does the trick.  One thing I did add was almond flavoring.  I am addicted to wedding cake flavor and almond most resembles that.  You can definitely stick with just vanilla too, and they taste just fine.  


Didn't like the icing so much, but adored the cookie. The are soft, pillowy and just down right wrong.  


These will become a staple in your "cookie" repertoire.  

My Verdict:  WINNER!

Super Easy "Annie's Eats" Chicken Gyros on the Grill

Here's the pin:  http://pinterest.com/pin/157555686933735069/

Growing up in Louisiana, I was introduced to many different cuisines because after all, New Orleans is a "Melting Pot".  (Yet another reason that I love Louisiana so much! Haven't been yet?  Book a ticket and "geaux"....preferably during LSU Football season!)


One of my all time favorite types of food is Lebanese/Mediterranean.  So, I got on Pinterest and found this recipe.  It is AWESOME.  I have made it several times.  Once on the grill (my favorite) and the other times in the oven.  Both ways are healthy, so it really just depends on if you want a smokier flavor or if you want heat the house.  (Does that help you decide the best way to do it?)


The only thing I changed was that I used Greek yogurt.  I didn't strain it.  I honestly did not have the willpower to wait for it and besides, it was one less thing I had to do!


I also added a little more garlic than it calls for, but that is just my Sicilian coming out, by no means do you have to add anything extra to this recipe.


I serve mine with homemade hummus (topped with a sprinkle of feta and parsley) and warm wheat pita's and Calamata olives.


I seriously urge you to make it ASAP.  It will absolutely become a staple of your own personal menu.  


After you get really good making it and tweaking it to what you like, then invite friends over and surprise them with a lovely Lebanese/Mediterranean inspired night!   

My Verdict:  WINNER!