healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette

while the original fiesta wraps are fab, this version is healthier and has even more hearty, filling flavor. (it is actually completely different and i love them both.) this wrap is my version of my favorite wrap from a health food cafe that is now a 15 hour drive from me.
my hub loves this dish and always begs me to make it more often!

healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette
an original recipe by rachelle

wheat tortillas, preferably homemade
black beans, cooked
brown rice, cooked
yellow corn
diced tomato
diced onion
diced avocado
diced jicama
shredded cheese
raw sunflower seeds
tomato vinaigrette

layer rice and beans and veggies in the middle of a whole wheat tortilla. top with cheese, raw sunflower seeds and a drizzle of tomato vinaigrette. roll into a large open ended burrito and serve on a plate to be eaten with a knife and fork.

this is how i make this:

• first i whirl together the tomato vinaigrette in my mini food processor and stick it in the fridge to chill.
• i start a pot of black beans in my pressure cooker- 45 minutes on high, quick release. (no soaking necessary.)
  
• then i start the brown rice in my rice cooker, it takes about the same amount of time as the beans.
  
• while the rice and beans are cooking, i pull out a bowlful of frozen corn and thaw it in water to cover.
  
• then i make homemade whole wheat tortillas and while the dough rests (30 mins)
• i chop the tomato, onion, jicama and avocado.
  
• i start cooking the tortillas and while the rice and beans cook.
• when the tortillas and rice and beans are ready, everything else is prepared and ready for assembly.

** this dish is made super easy by using leftover brown rice, leftover black beans or canned black beans, warmed on the stove with a couple of shakes of minced onion and garlic powder. i often plan to make this for lunch the next day after i serve brown rice with dinner.

tomato vinaigrette
an original recipe by rachelle

heaping 1/2 cup tomatoes (3-4 whole canned tomatoes)
2 1/2 Tablespoons vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon basil

combine in blender or food processor. chill until ready to serve. drizzle over healthy fiesta wraps or serve over green salad.

homemade tortillas

this recipe is it! the perfect homemade tortillas. easy and quick and cheap and after a couple run-throughs, you will be a perfect tortilla maker.
these are equally yummy with either white (classic, flavorful) and whole wheat (hearty, filling) flours.
our favorite with beans, burritos, healthy fiesta wraps (wheat,) and fiesta wraps (white).

homemade tortillas

2 cups flour (white or wheat)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup oil
2/3 cup HOT water

combine flour, salt and baking powder in the bowl of a bosch or kitchenaid. (my preference is to use a mixer, but usually tortillas are mixed by hand.)
mix to combine. add oil and hot water (i heat water in a tea kettle until almost boiling.) mix to combine. if your dough comes together in a ball, you're all set. if your dough is still stiff and not coming together, add water by the Tablespoonful until it does.

get a dishtowel soaking wet and wring it out. place dough in a ball under the wet towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

after 30 minutes, divide dough into 8-10 balls and flatten like little discs. leave them under the dishtowel while you are rolling out the tortillas.

heat a cast-iron or stainless skillet on high while you roll the tortillas. after you get going, you may need to lower the heat a bit. you can also use a griddle (electric pancake griddle,) but crank it to the max temperature setting.

lightly dust your rolling surface with flour. roll tortillas* into circles, starting from the center every time and rolling outwards, turning between rolls to get even circles. dust more flour underneath or on tortillas as needed. roll tortillas as thinly as you can, preferably as thin as paper. my first tortillas were more like pancakes, but with practice you get better at it!

cook tortillas on both sides, watching carefully. you should get little brown spots if your pan is hot enough.
immediately put the tortillas in a ziplock with the zipper part wide open, or in a tortilla warmer. this will keep them soft!

* i think it is easiest to roll thin tortillas using a pastry rolling pin.
** whole wheat tortillas always have a little shaggier edges. i will snap a pic of my next white flour batch!

sweet buttermilk cornbread & honey butter

i have been making this for so long now that i almost forgot what a jiffy cornbread mix tasted like. last week i made a box of my old favorite jiffy (i was in a jiffy, what can i say) and i couldn't even eat it, yuck.
this is the real deal. if you like a sweet cornbread, if you love jiffy cornbread, you will love this recipe. it doesn't crumble, it is moist, it doubles easily, it freezes, you can use wheat flour, it is a perfect perfect recipe that i thank my lucky stars i found!
i make it so often i keep the recipe taped to the inside of my cupboard (don't even try to get me to eat win-the-cookoff chili or cream of green chile soup without it,) and really really it doesn't take much longer than the box mix anyhoo!

sweet buttermilk cornbread
recipe from allrecipes

1 stick butter
2/3 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch square pan.

Melt butter in large skillet. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Quickly add eggs and beat until well blended. Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir into mixture in pan. Stir in cornmeal, flour, and salt until well blended and few lumps remain. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

* sometimes i will double this recipe and grease two pans, and freeze one pan of cornbread, baked, cooled and wrapped in foil. or if i need a bigger amount, i double the recipe and cook it in a 9x13" pan.

** i usually do the old vinegar in milk trick to sub for real buttermilk, which works great. i have recently started using powdered buttermilk (baking aisle, by pwd milk,) and love that too.


whipped honey butter
rachelle's recipe

honey
butter, softened

mix almost equal parts honey and butter, adding just a bit more butter than honey. whip in a stand mixer for larger amounts. if using unsalted butter, add a dash of salt. can add a couple of drops of vanilla. taste and adjust amounts as needed.

easy fresh strawberry pie

meet my new favorite dessert.
for a long time, i thought whipping up a shortcake was the yummiest and easiest strawberry dessert, but this strawberry pie is so delish it is worth the minimal extra work!
our family loves this really cold, with heaps of fresh sweetened whipped cream.

easy fresh strawberry pie
recipe from the prepared pantry

1 baked nine-inch pie shell
2 pounds fresh strawberries
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
2 Tablespoons butter
couple drops red food coloring (optional)

1 cup whipping cream
4 tablespoons powdered sugar

hull and wash berries. mash enough berries to make about one cup of pulp.
combine the sugar, cornstarch, crushed strawberries, and water in a saucepan. cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil, stirring often. cook for two more minutes or until the sauce becomes thick and translucent. add butter and food coloring. set aside to cool.

fill the cooled pie shell with whole or halved strawberries. pour the cooled glaze over the berries. refrigerate the pie for 2 to 3 hours.

green fluff : lime jello fruit salad

this is your grandmother's jello. it's a perennial favorite at family dinners and holiday parties. it's also delish with strawberry or orange jello instead of lime!
this makes a huge bowl of fluff, so if you're not heading to a party, be sure to halve it or scale it down a bit.

green fluff (lime jello fruit salad)

1 (24 ounce) container low-fat small-curd cottage cheese
1 (12 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 (3 ounce) package lime Jell-O gelatin
4 (11 ounce) cans mandarin orange segments
1 (16 ounce) can pineapple tidbits
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped (optional)

mix cottage cheese, and lime jello together, then fold in Cool Whip until well mixed.
fold in the 1 cup of mini marshmallows.
drain fruit and fold into mixture last.
refrigerate overnight for best flavor.

italian cheese bread

this really yummy cheese bread comes together in under an hour, including time for rising. it's cheap and easy, great for potlucks. i make two pans to take to our big family sunday dinner or make one pan for pizza night and freeze half. i like to cut it like breadsticks to serve with pasta. it's great in a pinch- i can cook this while i make dinner and it's ready in time, unlike french bread that takes 2+ hours!

italian cheese bread
recipe from tammy's recipes

Bread:
2-1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 Tablespoon yeast
1 cup warm water (120*F)
1 Tablespoon oil

Topping:
1/4 cup prepared Italian salad dressing
1/2 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground oregano
1/4 tsp dried thyme
dash pepper
1-2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

In a bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Combine water and oil; add to flour mixture. Add additional flour if needed to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead for 1-2 minutes or until smooth and elastic.

Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.

Punch the dough down; place on a greased 16" pizza pan and pat into a 16" circle. Combine salad dressing and seasonings, brush evenly over dough, all the way to the edges. Sprinkle with cheeses.

For a fluffier cheese bread (our preference), at this point, allow the bread to rest for 15 minutes or so. If you're in a hurry, just skip this rise. (The bread will rise while it bakes, too.)

Preheat the oven to 450*F. Bake for 11 minutes or until golden brown. Slice. Serve warm.

asian chicken lettuce wraps

i promise you will love these. this is the best recipe you will find (believe me, i looked, and then i had to make my own.) the best part is that it uses ingredients you likely have in your pantry and fridge already. i worked around 'special ingredients' like plum, oyster or hoisin sauce and specialty dried mushrooms to make a from-scratch cooking and dipping sauce that tastes just like the famous asian wraps from pf changs. lettuce wraps are a favorite- a great light lunch or a quick dinner served with peanut noodles or hot rice!

asian chicken lettuce wraps
an original recipe by rachelle

3 frozen chicken breasts
1 large carrot
8 whole mushrooms
3 green onions
1 red bell pepper
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1/2 can water chestnuts, drained
2 Tablespoons oil
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil

1 head iceberg or butter lettuce, leaves washed and separated in wholes
rice noodles, fried quickly in hot oil (optional)

sauce: *(double for dipping sauce, set aside half, see notes below)

1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon sriracha (asian chile sauce***)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger

bring chicken breasts to a boil in water to cover with a pinch of salt and a clove of garlic. boil for ten minutes. remove from water and chop finely, about the size of a kernel of corn.

meanwhile, finely grate carrot. finely dice onion , water chestnuts, mushrooms and bell pepper to the same size as the chicken pieces, about the size of a kernel of corn.

*mix together sauce ingredients. whisk to combine. if you want a dip for your wraps (yes you will want a dip,) make another batch (or double) sauce, and to the dipping sauce add: a bit more sriracha, 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon fresh ginger.

heat 2 Tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil in a large pan. add onions, mushrooms and red bell pepper. cook 2 minutes to soften. add chicken, water chestnuts, and garlic. saute for 2 minutes. add sauce to pan, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes until liquid is reduced and there is almost no liquid left in pan. stir in grated carrot. serve on bed of rice noodles with a plate of whole lettuce leaves. yummy with veggie peanut noodles or hot rice!

** in the interest of simplicity, if you have no rice vinegar, substitute regular. if you have no water chestnuts or sriracha sauce, omit them. you can substitute powdered ginger with 1/2 the measure for fresh. you can use whatever veggies you have on hand: zucchini, green pepper, whatev. the only ingredient i really insist on is the sesame oil for authentic flavor. so sorry i promised no store for you, but if you don't have any, i really insist that you must use sesame oil!

***sriracha is asian chile sauce and can be found at walmart or any other grocery store in the US- located by the soy and teriyaki sauces, or at los arcos in MX.
it is in a clear bottle that looks red from the bright red sauce. it has a green twist lid.
we love it on salads, on sushi, and anyplace else that needs a kick!
***

easy taco salad (frito pie)

working my way back into cooking after a long break, i'm calling upon all my favorite easy recipes. this is a quick taco salad (frito pie if you use fritos) that is a quick, yummy and filling meal. it's a cheap and easy way to feed a crowd, and it's a kid pleaser, because it comes out of the oven with chips all over the top! they serve a version of this recipe at the lodge at sundance. my husband and dad went skiing together this winter and came home raving about the frito pie they'd had. this is as perfect for family dinner as it is after a long day on the slopes!

easy taco salad (frito pie)
recipe from hillbilly housewife

2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained OR 1 cup of dry beans, cooked tender (about 3 cups of cooked beans)
1/2 to 1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon dry onion
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/8 teaspoon pepper
15 oz can tomato sauce
2 cups corn or tortilla chips (fritos, doritos are good)
1-2 cups shredded cheese

I start the kidney beans in the morning, bringing them to a boil in a quart of water, and then letting them rest for an hour. Then I simmer them until they are tender and refrigerate them until suppertime. If you didn't want to cook your beans from scratch, you could use canned beans.

Get your hamburger and start it to frying in a big iron skillet. Break it up into small pieces as you go along. When it is done clear through drain off the fat if necessary. Put the beans, seasonings, and tomato sauce in the skillet with the meat. Stir it all up and simmer it for a few minutes to blend the flavors. If necessary you may add a little water, but remember you want it thick: sort of like sloppy joes. If you add too much water then you can simmer it on the stove until it thickens up to your liking.

When the mixture is good and hot, turn it into a 9" by 13" pan. Sprinkle the cheese on top, and then scatter the corn chips or tortilla chips over all. I casually jab the mixture with my fork or spoon to coax some of the chips into the meat mixture. You don't want them all in the meat because they will get soggy. But the dish tastes best with a few of the chips soaking up the pan juices. Place the pan into the oven and bake at 400° for about 20 minutes. When the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly, the dish is done.

To serve, place a handful of lettuce in a bowl. Top it with a a big scoop of the tortilla chip/meat mixture. Then add chopped tomato, onion and sour cream. Some like it with ranch dressing and a dash of red pepper flakes too.

*you can substitute a packet of taco seasoning for the spices, but i prefer the spices.

be. back. soon!

i had to keep a secret over the holidays, a secret i couldn't even blog. a secret that made me constantly nauseous and unable to cook or even look at my favorite holiday foods and treats. a secret that has now put me on bed rest. our newest addition is on it's way, and as soon as i can think of food without running for the bathroom, and the doctor takes me off bed rest, i will be back!

bacon mushroom cheeseburgers: indoor and to die for!

i promise you can make a delicious hamburger in a skillet! these cheeseburgers are layered in flavor and are a great once-in-a-great-while treat (ok, they're not lowfat. sorry.) this recipe is another that is more about technique than ingredients. perfect with old-fashioned steak fries for fake-out-take-out night!

bacon mushroom cheeseburgers
rachelle's recipe

1 pound ground beef
8 mushrooms, sliced
8 slices bacon
4 hamburger buns
4 slices cheddar cheese
lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, mayo, ketchup

plop hamburger in a bowl and add 2 Tablespoons water, a few shakes minced onion, lots of salt and pepper, worcestershire sauce, A1 or whatever else you like to season the beef (i like Magi, water, salt, pepper, minced onion and a bit of beef bouillon.) gently mix with hands and shape into four flat-ish patties. (they get fatter and shrink in when cooking.)

heat skillet and fry bacon. remove bacon from pan and add mushrooms. cook for a few minutes until done. remove the mushrooms from the skillet with a slotted spoon. add a Tbsp. butter into hot pan. if you have a 10 or 12 inch skillet, you can fry all 4 patties at once. for an 8 inch, fry two at a time. cook patties 8 minutes per side, or to 160 degrees. place the bacon, mushrooms and cheese on the hamburgers for the last 2 minutes of cooking. remove patties from skillet and preheat broiler.

rub hamburger buns in the drippings of the skillet. place hamburgers on the bottom buns, leaving the tops open. broil until cheese is melted and buns are golden brown. layer favorite toppings and smash down to eat~ it's a big bite!

banana spring rolls with coconut ice cream

my favorite restaurant dessert of all time. (and it's easy enough for a weeknight dessert, fancy enough for a party!) i think you may love me after this.

banana spring rolls over coconut ice cream
an original recipe by rachelle, inspired by pf changs

ripe bananas
egg roll wrappers
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon chinese five spice mix*
oil for frying

coconut pineapple ice cream (buy haagen dazs in the US, holanda in MX)
caramel sauce
strawberries or raspberries
mint, for garnish

preheat two inches of oil to 350 degrees in a saucepan. set two small bowls side by side, one with a scoop of brown or white sugar mixed with the five spice, one with water. separate the egg roll wrappers you are going to use, one per half banana. (you should be able to see your fingers through the dough. even when i think i only have one wrapper, if i look closely there are usually two doubled up. make sure you only have one wrapper.)
cut banana in half crosswise. coat banana in sugar and place in the wrapper. spread water all over the edges of the dough and roll it up like a burrito, sealing the ends by folding and pushing the dough together with your fingers. if a halved banana is too long, trim the edges to fit the dough. prepare all the banana pieces before frying. fry one or two at a time, carefully turning to brown evenly on all sides. remove from oil and slice rolls in half. serve warm over pineapple-coconut ice cream, with berries and a drizzle of caramel.

*chinese five spice is made of: cinnamon, anise, ginger and cloves. if you don't have it, shake into the sugar a tiny amount of those spices instead. a. tiny. amount.

**variation: layer chocolate chips or shredded coconut underneath banana before rolling.

for a party, i would plate this dessert like the restaurant:

quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes

you're going to have to trust me that these fish tacos are dinner worthy. i love to make all-from-scratch beer battered fish tacos with fresh cod, but these quick fish tacos are almost as good and just perfect for a last minute weeknight dinner. when faced with a dinner deadline and no options, turn to these quick fish tacos. the yummy homemade tartar sauce brightens and really flavors these fish tacos, and it can be made with a handful of ingredients and the help of the nearest 4 year old. this recipe is made quick and easy by using frozen fish sticks from the freezer. this meal comes together in the 13 minutes it takes the fish sticks to bake! frozen breaded shrimp also make yummy tacos this way.

quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce
an original recipe by rachelle

12 fish sticks
12 corn tortillas
1 recipe homemade tartar sauce
shredded cabbage or lettuce
limes

preheat oven and start chopping cabbage or lettuce and halving limes. warm tortillas in a plug-in veggie steamer, with a wet paper towel wrapped around them in the microwave, or in hot oil. (go here for details on making harder taco shells with oil, but these are best with a steamed tortilla.)
put fish sticks in the oven and mix up the tartar sauce. serve tacos in shells with a layer of shredded cabbage or lettuce, a piece of fish, a big drizzle of sauce and a squeeze of lime.

homemade tartar sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet relish
2 Tablespoons ketchup (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

mix well.
any leftovers make a great spread for sandwiches.

*use a high quality fish stick for the best tacos. costco carries some made from whole alaskan pollock fillets that i like to use.

cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust

this simple soup is an easy fix for a quick dinner or lunch. it is creamy and flavorful and full of tender broccoli. this recipe can be used to make a cream soup with other veggies too: asparagus, corn, potato, celery, mushroom, spinach. it's cheap and comforting; filling and delish. the easy cheese crust is a fun presentation and melts into the soup with each dip of the spoon. this recipe feeds 4 adults but easily doubles. also yummy in a bread bowl- just watch the edges closely while broiling.

cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust
rachelle's recipe

1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 Tablespoons butter
7 cups water, divided
1 head fresh broccoli and stem, chopped
1 1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 Tablespoons chicken bouillon powder
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup cream
1/2 cup milk
shredded cheddar cheese

add butter to a large saucepan or stockpot. saute onion and broccoli stems for 4 minutes to soften. add garlic, broccoli, 6 cups water, and chicken bouillon. bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. whisk cornstarch in 1 cup water and add into pot. boil together for 5 more minutes. add cream and milk and season to taste. bring barely to a boil and turn off heat. preheat broiler. ladle soup into oven-safe serving bowls on a cookie sheet covered with foil. top each bowl with a small packed handful of cheese. broil about 3 minutes, until cheese melts and bubbles golden brown.

*i broil sliced buttered pieces of french bread, hit with a dash of garlic salt, alongside the bowls on the cookie sheet. everything broils in almost equal time.

this recipe is very adaptable:
*can sub chicken broth for bouillon and water.
*can sub frozen broccoli pieces.
*can sub half and half for cream and milk.
*can add more or less butter.
*can sub flour for cornstarch, double the flour (3 Tbsp.)
*use as little or much cheese as desired for topping.

fashionably foodie recipe index

beautiful breads

puffy pita pockets
country french toast shapes
quick plain muffins (and variations)
foolproof whole wheat bread
foolproof whole wheat hamburger buns
rosemary foccacia
perfect plain pancakes
cinnamon sugar breadsticks with vanilla frosting dip
lazy whole wheat pizza dough
raspberry white chocolate muffins
the ultimate homemade fabulous pizza dough
pumpkin dinner rolls
italian cheese bread
sweet buttermilk cornbread & whipped honey butter
homemade tortillas

beautiful breakfasts
quick and dirty green chile scrambled eggs
german peach pancakes with warm peach butter sauce
apple pie oatmeal
coconut cookie oatmeal
country french toast shapes
quick plain muffins (and variations)
raspberry white chocolate muffins
tricia's apple pancakes with warm apple syrup
yummo granola
crepes and cream with berries
breakfast burritos
fresh peach pancake topping
warm peach butter sauce
pineapple papaya smoothie
whole wheat food storage pancakes
jamcakes

canning chic
how to bottle peaches: the easy way!
how to bottle tomatoes
homemade jalepenos
quick tip: flash freezing
presidential apricot jam
classic cherry pie filling

cheap eats
tostadas
carrot jalepeno soup
tortilla soup-er easy
slushies and diet slushies
apple pie oatmeal
how-to-beans.
refried beans and bean burritos
quick plain muffins and variations
old-fashioned steak fries
yummo granola
single skillet baked ziti
fiesta wraps
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette
cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
easy taco salad (frito pie)
italian cheese bread

crock pot dumps
creamy chicken italiana
green chile gravy beef burritos
perfect sunday roast
barbecue beef sammies
cafe-rio-ish sweet pork or shredded chicken salads
chicken taquitos and crock pot taquito chicken
tortilla soup-er easy
how-to-beans.

fab food storage
whole wheat food storage pancakes
fresh peach pancake topping
warm peach butter sauce
tricia's apple pancakes with warm apple syrup
puffy pita pockets
quick plain muffins (and variations)
foolproof whole wheat bread
foolproof whole wheat hamburger buns
rosemary foccacia
perfect plain pancakes
lazy whole wheat pizza dough
the ultimate homemade fabulous pizza dough
yummo granola
tortilla soup-er easy
how-to-beans.
refried beans and bean burritos
fiesta wraps
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette
easy taco salad (frito pie)
homemade tortillas

fab main dishes: beans
how-to-beans.
refried beans and bean burritos
fiesta wraps
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette
easy taco salad (frito pie)

fab main dishes: beef
green chile gravy beef burritos
perfect sunday roast
barbecue beef sammies
taco tacos with seasoned taco beef and homemade taco shells
fabulous fideo with marinated steak
meatballs and marinara meatballs for spaghetti
quick tip steak: butter me up!
easy taco salad (frito pie)

fab main dishes: chicken
cafe-rio-ish shredded chicken salad
chicken taquitos and crock pot taquito chicken
grilled chicken panini with sundried tomato sauce
creamy chicken italiana
blackened chicken
pecan crusted chicken salad with honey mustard dressing
gourmet barbecue chicken pizza with caramelized onions and bacon
blackened chicken pasta
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
asian chicken lettuce wraps

fab main dishes: fish
blackened salmon
calypso salmon salad: grilled salmon salad with tropical fruit salsa, pineapple mango vinaigrette and cinnamon sugar croutons
how-to tuna sandwich
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes

fab main dishes: meatless
fresh tomato marinara
tortilla soup-er easy
fiesta wraps: black bean and rice wraps
lazy whole wheat pizza dough
martha's tomato soup
how-to refried beans and bean burritos
how-to homemade beans
single skillet baked ziti
cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette

fab main dishes: mexican love
tostadas
carrot jalepeno soup
tortilla soup-er easy
cafe-rio-ish sweet pork or shredded chicken salads
chicken taquitos and crock pot taquito chicken
green chile gravy beef burritos
how-to-beans.
refried beans and bean burritos
fiesta wraps
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette
taco tacos with seasoned taco beef and homemade taco shells
fabulous fideo with marinated steak
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
easy taco salad (frito pie)

fab main dishes: pastas
fresh homemade pasta
single skillet baked ziti
creamy chicken italiana
blackened chicken pasta
meatballs
fresh tomato marinara sauce

fab main dishes: pork
cafe-rio-ish sweet pork salads
dinner in a pumpkin: creamy sausage stroganoff with broccoli, carrot and apple
meatballs

fab main dishes: salads
cafe-rio-ish sweet pork or shredded chicken salads
pecan crusted chicken salad with honey mustard dressing
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
calypso salmon salad: grilled salmon salad with tropical fruit salsa, pineapple mango vinaigrette and cinnamon sugar croutons
easy taco salad (frito pie)

fab main dishes: soups
carrot jalepeno soup
tortilla soup-er easy
martha's tomato soup
win-the-cookoff chili
cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust

fab sides: other
caramelized sweet grilled pineapple
refried beans

fab sides: salads
sundance salad with candied pecans and vinaigrette
green fluff: lime jello fruit salad

fab sides: veggies
batter-jacketed sweet potatoes with cinnamon butter
old-fashioned steak fries

fake-out take-out
blackened salmon
win-the-cookoff chili
batter-jacketed sweet potatoes with cinnamon butter
old-fashioned steak fries
cafe-rio-ish sweet pork or shredded chicken salads
pecan crusted chicken salad with honey mustard dressing
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
calypso salmon salad: grilled salmon salad with tropical fruit salsa, pineapple mango vinaigrette and cinnamon sugar croutons
carrot jalapeno soup
fabulous fideo with marinated steak
rosemary foccacia
cinnamon sugar breadsticks with vanilla frosting dip
crepes and cream with berries
raspberry white chocolate muffins
tricia's apple pancakes with warm apple syrup
yummo granola
gourmet barbecue chicken pizza with caramelized onions and bacon
blackened chicken pasta
grilled chicken panini with sundried tomato sauce
caramelized sweet grilled pineapple
fresh tomato marinara
quick tip steak: butter me up!
sundance salad with candied pecans and vinaigrette
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
banana spring rolls with coconut ice cream
asian chicken lettuce wraps
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette

fashionably foodie originals
pineapple sorbet and macademia nut brittle blackened chicken-blackened salmon
pecan crusted chicken salad with honey mustard dressing
gourmet barbecue chicken pizza with caramelized onions and bacon
blackened chicken pasta
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
pumpkin dinner rolls
pumpkin pie shakes
batter-jacketed sweet potatoes with cinnamon butter
dinner in a pumpkin: creamy sausage stroganoff with broccoli, carrot and apple
cinnamon ice cream
tostadas
carrot jalepeno soup
apple pie oatmeal
meatballs
how-to refried beans and bean burritos
fresh tomato marinara sauce
taco tacos with homemade taco shells and seasoned taco beef
homemade cookie dough ice cream
how-to beans
country french toast shapes
chicken taquitos and taquito crock pot chicken
fabulous fideo with marinated steak
the ultimate homemade fabulous pizza dough and 20 bring-home-the-pizzeria tips
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
banana spring rolls with coconut ice cream
asian chicken lettuce wraps
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette

fashionably holiday
pumpkin pie shakes
batter-jacketed sweet potatoes with cinnamon butter
pumpkin dinner rolls
dinner in a pumpkin: creamy sausage stroganoff with broccoli, carrot and apple
cinnamon ice cream
green fluff: lime jello fruit salad

party food
green fluff: lime jello fruit salad

primo apps
blender guacamole
avocado shrimp cocktail

quick tips
flash freezing
quick tip steak: butter me up!
quick and gentle defrosting

snacky snacks
yummo granola
slushies and diet slushies
yogo berry pops
pudding pops
cinnamon sugar breadsticks with vanilla cream frosting dip
pineapple papaya smoothies
pink love popsicles
italian cheese bread

so easy
tortilla soup-er easy
quick and dirty green chile scrambled eggs
german peach pancakes with warm peach butter sauce
apple pie oatmeal
perfect peach cobbler
martha's tomato soup
cafe-rio-ish sweet pork or shredded chicken salads
taco tacos with seasoned taco beef and homemade taco shells
fabulous fideo with marinated steak
perfect sunday roast
quick plain muffins (and variations)
barbecue beef sammies
old-fashioned steak fries
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
single skillet baked ziti
scotcheroos
breakfast burritos
grilled chicken panini with sundried tomato sauce
fiesta black bean and rice wraps
perfect plain pancakes
hot potato: dinner in 5
cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
easy taco salad (frito pie)
green fluff: lime jello fruit salad
sweet buttermilk cornbread & whipped honey butter

so quick
pecan crusted chicken salad with honey mustard dressing
tortilla soup-er easy
single skillet baked ziti
apple pie oatmeal
coconut cookie oatmeal
breakfast burritos
country french toast shapes
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
grilled chicken panini with sundried tomato sauce
fiesta black bean and rice wraps
perfect plain pancakes
hot potato: dinner in 5
calypso salmon salad: grilled salmon salad with tropical fruit salsa, pineapple mango vinagrette and cinnamon sugar croutons
how to tuna sandwich
martha's tomato soup
cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes

super sauces
spicy steak marinade
blender guacamole
cocktail sauce
pineapple mango vinagrette
sundried tomato sandwich sauce
homemade honey mustard dressing
tropical fruit salsa
warm peach butter sauce
warm apple syrup
fresh peach pancake topping
creamy tomatillo ranch dressing
pico de gallo
fresh tomato marinara sauce
vanilla frosting dip
berry coulis and strawberry shortcake tips
honey mustard dressing
cinnamon butter
alfredo sauce
homemade tartar sauce
whipped honey butter
tomato vinaigrette

what's for lunch?
tostadas
carrot jalepeno soup
tortilla soup-er easy
puffy pita pockets
bean burritos
fiesta wraps
healthy fiesta wraps with tomato vinaigrette
how-to-beans.
barbecue beef sammies
blender guacamole
fabulous fideo with marinated steak
how to tuna sandwich
mcsalad: my ten minute salad for dinner
martha's tomato soup
grilled chicken panini with sundried tomato sauce
old-fashioned steak fries
chile cucumber crab sesame salad
green chile gravy beef burritos
hot potato: dinner in 5
cream of broccoli soup with cheddar cheese crust
quick fish tacos and homemade tartar sauce~ in fifteen minutes
asian chicken lettuce wraps

yum desserts: all

gooey butter cakes
scotcheroos
granny lanny's famous ginger crinkles
holiday sugar cookies and frosting
key lime pie
coconut cream pie. easy.
berry coulis and strawberry shortcake tips
perfect peach cobbler
homemade blueberry cheesecake ice cream
mint chocolate chip ice cream
homemade cookie dough ice cream
cinnamon ice cream
homemade cherry garcia ice cream
pineapple sorbet with macadamia nut brittle
pink love popsicles (kool aid popsicles)
slushies and diet slushies
yogo berry pops
pudding pops
cinnamon sugar breadsticks with vanilla cream frosting dip
berry coulis and strawberry shortcake tips
key lime pie
coconut cream pie. easy.
perfect peach cobbler
apple crisp. the one you've been searching for.
pumpkin pie shakes
banana spring rolls with coconut ice cream
easy fresh strawberry pie

yum desserts: cookies and bars
gooey butter cakes
scotcheroos
granny lanny's famous ginger crinkles
holiday sugar cookies and frosting

yum desserts: easy
key lime pie
coconut cream pie. easy.
berry coulis and strawberry shortcake tips
perfect peach cobbler
banana spring rolls with coconut ice cream
easy fresh strawberry pie


yum desserts: ice creams and frozen treats
homemade blueberry cheesecake ice cream
mint chocolate chip ice cream
homemade cookie dough ice cream
cinnamon ice cream
homemade cherry garcia ice cream
pineapple sorbet with macadamia nut brittle
pink love popsicles (kool aid popsicles)
slushies and diet slushies
yogo berry pops
pudding pops
pumpkin pie shakes
banana spring rolls with coconut ice cream


yum desserts: other
cinnamon sugar breadsticks with vanilla cream frosting dip
berry coulis and strawberry shortcake tips
banana spring rolls with coconut ice cream


yum desserts: pies and cobblers
key lime pie
coconut cream pie. easy.
perfect peach cobbler
apple crisp. the one you've been searching for.
easy fresh strawberry pie

blackened chicken pasta

talk about restaurant fab at home. this pasta is dangerously delish. it is a basic creamy alfredo, kicked up with some spice and some garlic, and sliced spicy blackened chicken served over the top. make it extra special with homemade pasta, and be sure to serve it with a crisp veggie salad and breadsticks or garlic knots.

blackened chicken pasta
an original recipe by rachelle

blackened chicken, cooked, sliced
1 lb. fresh or dry fettucine
creamy garlic alfredo sauce
fresh or dry parsley, for garnish
fresh parmesan, grated, for garnish

drop pasta in boiling water and cook until tender (fresh, 3 mins, dry 10 ish.) toss drained pasta with alfredo sauce. place sliced blackened chicken over the top, sprinkle with fresh parsley and parmesan.

creamy garlic alfredo sauce

1/4 cup butter
1 Tablespoon flour
1 cup milk
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups fresh parmesan, grated
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. use a whisk and stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds. add milk and garlic. bring to a boil (barely, just at the edges of the pan,) and stir in parmesan. whisk until melted. sauce will thicken as it cools. reheat to improve the texture, adding a couple Tablespooons of milk as needed to thin sauce.