Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Videos from January

Hallee Cooing



Devynee takes us on our tour (real - living with real life messes!)



Brynlee and Hallee



Ice Skating



Kendree playing basketball


Easton playing basketball



Hallee talks to her mobile

Random Pictures: January 2017

Brynlee prefers to sleep on her belly with something underneath her middle.  I know she won't do this forever, so I had to document it.


A few shots of Kendree playing basketball.




Ice skating!





Easton and Devynee at the Cub Scout turnout.

Hallee hanging out with Grandpa.



 Easton playing basketball.





Sleeping beauty!

Instagram: January 2017

Hallee turned 3 months old this week! (On the 28th). She continues to be a joy. Traveling these last few days made me realize that I rely on the car seat or the swing to put her to sleep as she isn't great at doing that on her own. However, she is a great little sleeper when she gets there. Still sleeping thru the night and napping great. Hallee found her voice this month and enjoys shrieking. She will give big grins but doesn't laugh easily. She loves attention and watching what is going on.

Flight landed at 12:50am. 7 Lopez people departed. Gathered 16 bags, 2 car seats, a stroller and made our way to our shuttle. We were a sight to behold so I documented it. Now, Home Sweet (cold) Home.

This (baby sleeping on my lap) won't last much longer. Trying to be better about being a "yes" mom (like Sister Hinckley described in the history of President Hinckley). Today, it was acrylic painting for the older girls, a bazillion books for Brynlee and a lap nap for Hallee.

Someone wasn't sure what baby powder does...

It's blurry, and you'll have to turn your sound up, but these are some of the cutest baby coos you've ever heard.

Sister shenanigans.

Who hates to meal plan? (me, raising my hand). Who hates not having a meal plan even more? (me jumping up and down and raising my hand). One of my resolutions this year is to meal plan every week. My nights and weeks go so much better when I have a plan, so I'm committed to do it. A while ago I set out to create a rotation of 8-8 weeks of meals with no repeats so I could hypothetically just continue to rotate through it and never actually have to plan again. Here's the first 6 weeks. I grew in lots of things my kids eat as well as things that I love that they will need to learn to love. Now I'm committed to do 2-4 more weeks and I'll seriously be set.

Devynee got invited to an ice skating birthday party and the older kids got to tag along. It sounds like they all had a lot of fun, but will be nursing some sore bottoms and bruises for a few days.

Kendree is playing basketball for the first time this year and is improving by leaps and bounds.

Easton is playing basketball for the second year. This year they start shooting foul shots and calling double dribbles, traveling, etc. Easton is quick on the court and improving his game.

Brynlee's babies (there are 2 or more) are always using the baby equipment that Hallee isn't in.

Since this is pretty much my laundry mantra, this sign obviously had to come home with me from Hobby Lobby.

It's been a while since Instagram got a look at this cutie.

Monday, January 30, 2017

Jill's Hot Ham Sandwiches

12 rolls
deli ham
cheese of choice (I use cheddar)
1/2 c. melted butter
1 tsp. mustard
20 shakes worchestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
poppy seeds
Make sandwiches with rolls, ham, and cheese. Place in 9x13 pan. Mix butter, mustard, worchestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Pour over sandwiches and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Uncover and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Red and White Pasta

1 recipe alfredo (or jar)
1 jar spaghetti sauce (20ish ounces)
1 lb ground sausage (we like spicy)
1 box penne (cooked according to package directions)
Grated mozzarella cheese

Pour drained pasta into greased 9x13. Spread alfredo over pasta. Cook sausage according to package directions and add spaghetti sauce.  Spread over alfredo layer.  Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.  Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Enjoy!

My favorite alfredo:
1/2 c. butter
2 cloves garlic
8 oz. cream cheese
2 c. cream
3/4 c. grated parmesan cheese (grated, not from the green can)
1/2 tsp. salt
sprinkle of nutmeg

Melt butter.  Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds.  Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.  Add cream, parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg.  Stir and simmer for 20-30 minutes until thickened.

Sunday, January 29, 2017

KaLee's Dinner Schedule

KaLee’s Dinner Schedule

Week 1
Spaghetti
Lemon Pepper Chicken (grill chicken with Lemon Pepper seasoning/spice from spice aisle)
Pancakes

Week 2
Stir fry/Fried Rice
Baked Artichoke with Penne (this was good, but for the sake of my kids I'm leaving out the artichoke next time)

Week 3

Week 4
BBQ Chicken

Week 5
Homemade Pizza (Dough Recipe)
Roast/Potatoes

Week 6
Ham/Potatoes

Week 7
Hamburgers/Hotdogs
Pork Roast

Week 8

Week 9
Tacos
30 minute Chicken Noodle Soup
Jill's Hot Ham Sandwiches
Red and White Pasta
Sweet and Sour Catalina Chicken

Week 10
Apple Butter Pork Chops needs Carmelized Onions as well
Orange Chicken - Similar recipe here but I use the one in the first Our Best Bites Cookbook and omit the snow peas
Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes - Similar recipe here but I use the one in the first Our Best Bites Cookbook and add chicken
Waffles
Sloppy Joes
Mary Ann's Hawaiian Chicken

Week 11
The Buy Guide Sausage Skillet
Mini Meatloaves
German Pancakes
Grilled Cheese and Soup
Chicken Pot Pie
Elk Steaks

Week 12




Monday, January 23, 2017

Balsamic Chicken

1/2 c. balsamic vinegar
1/2 c. chicken broth
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
3 cloves garlic
4-5 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 t. dried basil
1/2 t. dried oregano
1/4 t. dried thyme
1/4 t. dried rosemary
1/4 t. crushed red pepper flakes
Ksoher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 T. chopped fresh parsley leaves

1. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar and garlic; set aside
2. Season chicken breasts with basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper
3. Place chicken breasts into a 6 qt. slow cooker. Stir in balsamic vinegar mixture. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley

Navajo Tacos

Rhodes Rolls (frozen dinner rolls)
1 lb. ground beef
Taco seasoning (if desired)
Chili
Lettuce
Shredded Cheese
Tomatoes, diced
Salsa
Sour cream

Thaw Rhodes Roll dough balls for 1.5 hour until pliable.  I like to thaw covered with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray so the dough doesn't dry out.

Flatten and fry up in oil to make scones.  Top with toppings of your choice.

Harvest Soup


1 lb. ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
2 (10.5 oz.) cans beef consommé
2 cups water
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can corn
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tsp. taco seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Brown ground beef and onion. In a large saucepan combine all ingredients except cheese. Cook uncovered until vegetables are tender. Add grated cheese to individual servings. 

Cheryl's Lasagna

Meat Sauce:
1 large onion
1 clove garlic
3 cans petite diced tomatoes
1 can tomato paste (8 oz)
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 lb. ground beef

White Sauce:
1 small onion
4 T. butter
4 T. flour
2 cups milk
3/4 c. parmesan cheese

For meat sauce:
Chop onion, garlic and cook with beef. Add tomatoes, tomato paste and tomato sauce and salt and pepper and cover and cook over low heat for 45 minutes.

For white sauce:
Finely chop onion and cook in butter for a few minutes. Mix in flour. Add cheese. Stir in milk. Cook until thick. Cook 1/2 lb. lasagna noodles according to directions. Layer noodles, meat sauce, white sauce, 3 times. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

First, I buy the appetizer sizemeatballs at Sam's.  One step less.  I'll include the instructions for making your own, but I have never done it.

Meatballs
1 lb. ground beef
2 T. dehydrated onion
1/4 t. pepper
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c. bread crumbs

Sauce
3/4 c. brown sugar
3 T. flour
1 1/2 c. water or pineapple juice
1/4 c. white vinegar
3 T. soy sauce

1. In medium bowl, combine meatball ingredients.  Shape into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lines with aluminum foil and sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Place under the broiler in your oven for 5-7 minutes or until the meatballs begin to brown.

2. In a large saucepan, whisk together the sauce ingredients and bring to a boil.  Add the meatballs and reduce heat, cover, andsimmer for 20 minutes, stirring often.

Serve over rice.

My notes: I buy the Langer's pineapple juice at wal-mart, which makes 5 batches (you may have to add a 1/4 c. of water at the end).  I boil the sauce, then separate it into 5 containers.  I freeze those sauces and then just throw the meatballs and then the frozen sauce into the crockpot on days when I want an even easier meal.

Jill's Best Breadsticks


1 1/2 c. very warm tap water
1 Tbsp. yeast
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
3-4 c. flour

Combine water, yeast, and sugar.  Let stand 5 minutes.  Add salt and flour to make a soft dough that pulls together.  Roll into rectangle shape.  Melt 6 Tbsp. butter and brush half of butter around jelly roll pan.  Place dough in pan and brush with remaining butter.  Sprinkle with Lowry's course garlic salt (with parsley) and parmesan cheese.  Cut into sticks with pizza cutter.  Let stand 10 minutes (sometimes I do longer, it just depends on how much time I have and how warm my kitchen is) and bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes or until golden.  Enjoy!

Cheesy Potato Soup

Boil:
1 qt. water
3 chicken boullion cubes 

Add:
16 oz. pkg California Blend frozen vegetables
1 can diced potatoes

In separate sauce pan:
Melt 1/2 c. butter
Add 1/2 c. flour
8 oz. Velveeta cheese - cubed

Once combined, add cheese mixture to water and vegetables and let combine.

Serve with crusty rolls or in a bread bowl.

Frisco Burgers

Sourdough bread
Margarine or Butter
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Hamburger Patties

Cook hamburger patties as desired, combine butter and cheese into a spread.  Spread on one side of sourdough bread slice and grill. A fun, different take on burgers.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Tinfoil Dinner

Sliced Potatoes
Chicken Breasts or Hamburger Patties
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
Sliced Carrots
Diced Onions
Salt & Pepper
 
Spray Tin Foil with Pam.  Layer Potatoes, then meat, then sprinkle carrots and onions over.  Add ½ can of cream of chicken soup for each dinner on top.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Close tin foil and double wrap.
 
Bake at 350 degrees for an hour.

Taco Soup

Brown:
1/2 - 1 lb. hamburger and 1 onion, chopped

Add:
1/2 pkg. taco seasoning    
1 can petite diced tomatoes*
1 can whole kernel corn*
1 can kidney beans*

*Do NOT drain juice from corn, beans or tomatoes - pour in entire contents of can

Mix and heat all ingredients.

Top with corn chips, sour cream and shredded cheese.

Hawaiian Haystacks

2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
chow mein noodles
rice, cooked
cream of chicken soup (mixed with milk and warmed to make a gravy)
shredded coconut
crushed pineapple, drained
mandarin oranges, drained
celery, chopped
tomatoes, chopped
sliced almonds
sunflower seeds
shredded cheese

Build a "haystack" out of your favorite ingredients - enjoy!

Ritz Chicken

1/2 c. margarine or butter, melted
1 column Ritz crackers, crushed
8-10 chicken tenders

Dip chicken into butter, then crushed Ritz and lay on cook sheet. Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes.

Swiss Chicken and Stuffing

4 boneless chicken breasts
4 slices swiss cheese( broken to cover chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
¼ cup milk
1 cup dry chicken stuffing
¼ cup margarine or butter melted
 
Layer in 9x13 pan, chicken, then cheese, then soup and milk mixed.  Sprinkle stuffing over the top and drizzle butter.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes.

Tunnel Spaghetti (or Crock Pot Spaghetti)

2 (14.5 oz.) cans petite tomatoes1-2 cans spaghetti sauce (I buy the Hunt's brand, but whatever you like)2 cups cooked hamburgerCook 1 lb. of pasta (recipe calls for Bow Tie, I use Penne), then Drain1+ cup grated mozzarella cheese1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Add tomatoes, spaghetti
 sauce, hamburger and pasta to crock pot.  Cook on low for 1-2 hours. Add mozzarella cheese for last 30 minutes of time. Before serving, add parmesan cheese.

Asian Chicken Salad

1 head of lettuce, chopped
1-2 cans mandarin oranges
½ red onion, chopped
3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 can pineapple tidbits (drained)
Chow mien noodles (to liking)
Cashews and almonds (if desired)
Kraft Asian Toasted Sesame Salad Dressing
 
Combine all ingredients.  It works best to add the chow mein noodles and dressing RIGHT before serving.

Poppy Seed Chicken

2 cans cream of chicken soup
½ pint sour cream
4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
 
Combine above and place in greased casserole dish.  Top with 1 column Ritz crackers (crushed), 4 tablespoons melted butter and 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (mixed into a crust).
 
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Serve over rice.

Cafe Rio Burritos/Salad Recipes

Sweet Pork (Café Rio)
 
1 pork loin (or less.  I cook a whole one and then break it up into bags and freeze it for sweet pork, bbq pork sandwiches or nachos, etc.)
2 c. 7-Up (not diet)
Liberal shake of Lowry's Course Garlic Salt with Parsley

Put loin in crock pot (I buy at Sam's, I don't trim, just cut it so it fits in the crock pot).  Sprinkle with garlic salt and pour in soda.  Cook on low about 10 hours or until falling apart when you put a fork in it.  (I do this overnight the night before I want to serve it, so it cooks all night)

Remove from crock pot, shredding as you go.  Remove liquid, and put pork back in.  Top with a mixture of 2 parts salsa (i.e. 2 cups) and one part brown sugar (i.e. 1 cup), enough to moisten meat.  Let warm about 1 hour until hot and bubbly until ready to serve.

Sweet Rice
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups White Rice
3 cups Chicken Broth
1 TBSP Vegetable Oil 
1/2 White Onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup Sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 bunch Fresh Cilantro chopped (remove stems)

Directions: 
Heat up the oil in a medium sized pot. Saute onions until almost see-through. Add in the cilantro and cook for 1 minute.  Add in rice, sugar, salt, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.  When the pot is boiling, turn down to low or medium low and cover. Cook 20-25 minutes until the rice is fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid.

Cilantro Ranch

1 jar La Victoria Green Salsa (16 oz.)
1 pkt. ranch dressing mix
juice of 1 lime
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 c. mayo
1 c. fresh cilantro, stems removed
2 cloves fresh garlic

Pour everything into the blender.  Blend until well mixed and cilantro is finely chopped.  Good right away, but better if it stands for a day.

Mango salsa

2 mangos
¼ c. red bell pepper, finely diced
¼ c. onion, finely diced
1 small handful cilantro, chopped
½ jalapeño pepper, diced with seeds and membrane removed
Juice of one lime
Sprinkle of salt

Mix well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Pace Picante Salsa (small glass jar)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 soup can milk
Mix these three together for sauce

3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
Corn tortillas (cut in ½ inch strips)
Shredded cheese

Layer in 9x13 pan: Sauce, chicken, cheese, tortillas in that order til reach top of pan.  Last layer should be tortillas. Cook at 350 for 20 minutes.


Crescent Chicken Pockets

Filling:
1 8oz. package of cream cheese (softened)
1/4 c. butter (melted)
1/2 t. pepper
1 handful of diced green onions
 

2 packages crescent rolls
1 package chicken stuffing (crushed)
3 T. butter (melted)

Stuff crescent rolls, pinch closed.  Roll in butter and crushed stuffing.  

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Gravy:
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can cream of chicken
milk to make it a gravy consistency

Golden Chicken

4 frozen chicken breasts
1/4 c. real butter
1 pkg dry italian dressing
1 can Golden Mushroom soup
1/2 c. water
1/2 tub Chive and Onion cream cheese

Spray crock pot with Pam, put chicken in. Mix other ingredients in sauce pan on stove until combined, pour over chicken.  Cook on high for 3-4 hours.  Serve over Angel Hair pasta or rice (we prefer rice).

No substitutions of ingredients. I promise you won't be sad you made this.

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Mix:
2 cups diced celery
4 cups diced cooked chicken
2-3 green onions
½ cup chopped cashews

Dressing:
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 cup sour cream
1 cup real mayonnaise
1 tsp. salt
Fresh pepper to taste

Fold dressing into chicken mixture and let chill several hours or overnight.

Add cashews just before serving.

Makes about 6 cups.  Use approx. ¼ to 1/3 cup for each small croissant.

Serves 20-24

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Porcupine Meatballs


This recipe comes from Ronnie's family.  It is one of my kids favorite comfort foods and a quick meal on busy nights.

Porcupine Meatballs
1 box Beef Rice-a-Roni
1 egg
1 lb. ground beef
 
Mix egg, meat and rice (without seasoning) in bowl.  Make meat balls.  Brown outsides in large skillet and add season and 2 ½ cups hot water.  Simmer with lid on until browned thoroughly. (20-30 minutes).

Italian Chicken

Italian Chicken

Quite possibly the easiest recipe to ever exist.

Marinate Chicken in liquid Italian salad dressing overnight or for at least 12 hours.

Grill Chicken.

Eat and enjoy (seriously the best flavor, I love this chicken).