Friday Night "Cheater" Minestrone Soup

No matter what, I always feel like we're in a hurry during the school year, even on a Friday night.  We get home from school/work and are starving, want to eat good, but don't want to wait forever to eat.  I know there are a ton of people in the same situation so when I find something good that even the kids love, I have to share it, even if it's NOT homemade ; ). 

 

 

 

 

 

One Friday night I thought we'd try a packaged Minstrone soup mix; Cugino's Mama's Minstrone.  I was unsure, but was pleasantly surprised.  The soup prep is pretty simple:  You only have to add water, tomato sauce, and some browned ground meat.  It cooks for about 25 mins. and while it was cooking I also added a bag of frozen mixed veggies.  I seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. 

 

 

I topped the soup with some shaved parmesan cheese and served it with grilled cheese.  And of course, another time saver, leftovers for lunch to take to work during the week! 

 

<3grilledcheeseandsoup.

 

Sausage and sticky rice with soy sauce

 

I really don't know why I LOVE this so much, but you should definitely try it!- Just amazing flavor.  I actually think my significant other created this one night when he was left to make dinner for the kiddos because I was working late!  I was pleasantly surprised with a simple, super delicious meal...

 

When I recreated his "creation," I used Hillshire Farm Smoke Sausage, sticky rice (shown in the picture below and YES it IS a 50 lb. bag of sticky rice!), and soy sauce.

 

Simply slice and cut the smoked sausage and cook in a pan.

While sausage is cooking, cook sticky rice as directed.  (any brand I'm sure will do)

Fluff rice in a bowl and top with smoked sausage.

Douse in soy sauce!

 

 

 

Another weeknight meal idea- Chicken and veggies.

 Chicken breasts cooked in pan using Land-o-Lakes Saute Express Italian Herb butter..  seasoned with black pepper and seasoned salt, minced garlic, and topped with chopped green onions.

 

 

Served with green beans and parsley potatoes:

Quarter small yellow potatoes and boil until somewhat soft, still slightly hard, but not mashable!  (If that makes sense!)  Drain water and mix in a tablespoon of butter.  Add 1/4 cup milk and season with garlic salt and parsley.

 

Garden Vegetable Spinach and Egg Brunch Sandwhich

Sandwich LOVER here!!!  So, I have been seeing some pins on Pinterest that use Laughing Cow cheese spread on different types of sandwiches... I finally decided to give it a try and definitely fell in love with it!

 

I made this sandwich for a late breakfast, early lunch.  I had been cooking a lot lately with fresh spinach and trying to incorporate it as much as I could into my meals.  This sandwich is super simple, rather healthy, and extremely delicious!  I used regular white bread, although next time I will be using ciabatta or Italian, which will only up the "tastiness factor!"

 

I started by frying an egg over easy/medium (season with salt and pepper) and then threw some fresh bagged spinach in the pan and cooked it until it was wilted and soft.  Meanwhile, I spread one Laughing Cow cheese triangle- Garden Vegetable, on each piece of bread.  I added sliced avocado to one slice of the bread and then put the egg topped with cooked spinach on the other side of the bread.  I put the sandwich together and then grilled it in the pan for a few minutes.

 

DO IT!

 

YUM.  O.  <3LML

Build your Own Kebab Night

 Love me some summer meals!; crisp and fresh veggies and fruit... layer that with some marinated red meat, even better!  Aahh.

 

My entire family lives in Pennsylvania, so my parents come to Dallas to visit us often.  During summer, they stay for two weeks and we usually fill those weeks with taking them to all of our favorite restaurants and restaurants that we have newly discovered.  Sometimes we just end up eating at home, but we like to do try and do something different than we normally do.  A fun thing that we did this past summer, was a "build your own kabob bar."  Soooo delicious! 

 

 If you are looking for something fun and different to do with your family or friends,  or are hosting a dinner party, this is something to try! 

 

THE OPTIONS:

 

Meats

thick chunks of steak marinated in Italian dressing, seasoned salt, and black pepper chunks of chicken breast with Seasoned Salt, GarlicGarlic, and OnionOnion

                                                                    (Tastefully Simple Seasonings)

shrimp

bacon slices

 

Veggies and Fruit







roughly cut red and green peppers 

red onion

pineapple chunks

 

Sides

 

grilled asparagus

white sticky rice 

 

 

 

This was a team effort!  If you are working alone, obviously begin way before your dinner party starts, and take into consideration all that you have to do...

 

wash and cut veggies

peel, core, and cut fresh pineapple

peel shrimp

cut, season, and marinate meat

 

 

 Asparagus:

 

Wash asparagus and snap off at ends.  Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with crushed black pepper and seasoned salt.

Wrap in foil and cook on grill, checking to see when it is steamed, but not too soft!

 

 

 

After all the fixin's were set out, the fun began! 

Each person "built their own" kabob (even the kids!).  They LOVED it! 

They chose from the meat and fish, veggies, and fruit and added seasonings if they wanted.  We wrapped the bacon around the kabob for a final touch.

 

 

While the kabobs and asparagus were grillin' outside, we were cooking the sticky rice inside!

 

 

We were left with a perfectly satisfying, "personalized" summer dish... that was made with love and fun!

 

 

from my family to yours<3LML 

 

Everything salad

One thing that I loved to do with my garden box this summer, was pick the fresh veggies, chop them up and mix them together with whatever else I had in the kitchen that would seem to fit!

 

So clean and healthy, and a great snack.  From the garden for this one I used:  hot banana peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.  I added chopped cucumber and red onion, then drizzled olive oil and squeezed some fresh lime juice over it.

 

Aahhh, the days of summer...  

 

 

 

 

 

Baked tomatoes with mozzarella.

 

 

Easiest and most delicious side dish ever- and definitely something different!  I saw the idea on Pinterest and decided to give it a try, even thought I'm not crazy about toms.  Man, did I love it!  I served it with pork chops and rolls on a weeknight of course.  Another component of a 30 minute meal...

 

Baked tomatoes with mozzarella.

Olive oil

Large tomato, sliced

Cracked black pepper

Oregano

Shredded mozzarella cheese

 

 

 

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Drizzle glass pie pan with olive oil and add sliced tomatoes to the dish.  Top with cracked black pepper and oregano then add shredded mozzarella cheese on top of seasonings.  Add more seasonings if you like on top of cheese. 

Bake in the oven for 5-8 minutes or until cheese is melted.

 

Seriously- that simple and that good.

 

 

 

<3tomsLML 

30 minute Linguine with Vodka Sauce

Many times I look for 30 minute meals to make during the school week, 'cause seriously, I only got 30!  When I find a "30 min." recipe and attempt it, rarely, does it actually take 30 mins. to prep and cook.  I am exhausted by the time I get home and have to get the little man fed, bathed, and to bed by 7 p.m. for his early wake up call at 6a.m.!  I also have a little "martial artist" to get fed usually after, but sometimes before, her 6 p.m. taekwondo class.  Needless to say, time is of the essence... 

Anyways, at least once a week I'll turn to pasta.  I have been trying to go a little healthier with the meals also, so this meal is great in many ways:  It literally took 30 mins., there were very few ingredients (of course), BUT it STILL tasted like a restaurant quality dish- no joke!  I am a looooooover of pasta, so I am hard to please...

So, if you don't know where to turn for your weeknight meals, try this! 

You can't mess it up- this one is a serious winner!

 

 

30 minute Linguine with Vodka Sauce

 

 

 Whole Wheat Linguine
Vodka Sauce (I use Classico)
Chicken breasts (I used 2)
Olive oil
Seasoned Salt (Tastefully Simple)
Frozen spinach, half a bag
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh ground pepper
Shaved parmesan cheese (comes in a container in the cheese section- I just discovered this!!)

Artichokes, capers optional toppers.

 

 

 

 

Boil water and add pasta. 

 

Drizzle pan with olive oil and start cooking chicken in pan and season both sides with seasoned salt.

 

When pasta is nearly done, add half a bag of frozen spinach to the boiling water and pasta.  When spinach has defrosted and is hot, drain water from spinach and pasta mixture.

 

When chicken is mostly cooked, remove from pan and cut into pieces.  Return to pan and finish cooking thoroughly add more olive oil/seasoning as needed.

Wash and cut cherry tomatoes in half and add tomatoes to cooked chicken pieces.  Add chicken and tomatoes to pasta and spinach in pot.

 

Add jar of sauce and evenly mix sauce throughout.

 

When serving, top with fresh cracked black pepper and shaved parmesan cheese.

 

I HIGHLY recommend adding artichokes and capers to your pasta.  : )

 

Don't, I repeat, DON'T forget the vino!

 

  

<3rastapastaLML

Warm Spicy Italian Wraps

I threw together this idea in a rush, just getting home from work and before having to be at a soccer game in 45 mins.  Super easy and quick, slightly messy...but very delicious...even for those picky eaters!  : )

Warm Spicy Italian Wraps

Burrito size tortillas

Mayonnaise

Italian dressing

Any lunch meat (I used Cajun Chicken Breast)

Pepperoni

Tomatoes

Onions

Provolone Cheese

Lettuce

Salt, Pepper, Oregano

Preheat oven to 375.

Spread mayo on tortillas and cover with lunch meat.

Add pepperoni slices.

Chop tomatoes and slice onions and add over meat.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano.

Cook in the oven for 4-5 mins.

Remove from oven and add cheese slices and drizzle with Italian dressing.

Cook for 3-4 more mins. or until cheese is melted.

Remove from oven and add lettuce.

Wrap burrito style and slice!

.LML.

Grilled Caribbean Chicken with Pineapple

"Summa, summa, summa time..." 

 

 If there is one thing I love to do during summer (and all year actually), it is cooking out on the grill!  And summer time calls for us to change up our normal routine of what we make and adopt some lighter, more flavorful meals. 

 

So what better time to switch out the ol' rice and take a stab at making Quinoa? (a lighter, healthier SUPERgrain!)  If you are tired of making rice as a side dish, I highly recommend changing it up and trying Quinoa.  I'm sure you have heard about it, as it has become very popular recently, but if you want to learn more about it and how good it is for you, click the link below!

 

The Benefits of Quinoa

 

Again, I aim to create and share recipes that are super simple, yet delicious...and I love when I find a food product that tastes great and makes my life easier at the same time!  This was the first time I made Quinoa, so I decided to go with a pre-packaged, pre-flavored Quinoa, and it was ridiculously good.  I hope to venture more into Quinoa this summer and will include those recipes in later posts.

 

 I know it's hard to think of different food combinations to serve for your family, dinner parties, etc. so I wanted to share this one, because it was a lot different from anything I've cooked before- same idea, but new flavors and the combination of flavors was perfect for a summer night meal.  The marinade is amazing, with a true Caribbean taste when combined with the pineapple... it's a must try and a definite keeper!

 

Grilled Caribbean Chicken and Pineapple with Grilled Corn on the Cob

 

 

Chicken breasts

KC Masterpiece Marinade- Caribbean Jerk

Lawry's Seasoned Salt

Black pepper

Can of Dole Pineapple Slices

Corn on the cob

Roland Quinoa- Black Bean (Walmart)

 

 

 

 

Wrap each corn cob in foil and put corn and chicken on grill. 

Season chicken breasts with Lawry's seasoned salt and black pepper while on grill.  

Flip chicken and season other side. 

Continuously turn corn as well. 

 

In the meantime, prepare Quinoa as directed on package.

 

 

 

 

When chicken is fully cooked, brush with KC Masterpiece Marinade.

Flip chicken and brush other side with marinade too. 

Add pineapple slices to the grill and lightly grill the pineapple slices on both sides. 

Top each piece of chicken with a piece of pineapple and sprinkle each with black pepper. 

 

 

Grill corn for about 30 to 40 mins. total-  peel back foil to check if it is done. 

 

 

 

Also try serving with sliced avocado: drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt!

 

 

 

 

 

<3summatimefood LML

 

 

 

Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese

Well, I am a bit obsessed with cherry tomatoes and basil to say the least... both of which I am currently growing in my garden box outside, which I assume won't last too much longer due to the Texas heat!

Anyways, as of now I have an abundance of basil and I am constantly looking for new ideas to make the tomato basil concept work.

One night I was sitting around craving some tomato basil and I had some left over French bread.  I decided to try a tomato basil grilled cheese, which I have seen before on Pinterest.  I am a grilled cheese lover, so I was excited to try this twist on regular grilled cheese.  

This recipe is quick and super simple if you are looking for something healthy to eat and for an alternative to your normal, every day grilled cheese!

Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese

Cherry tomatoes

Fresh chopped basil

Basil Pesto (I used Classico)

Mozzarella Pearls

French Bread

Butter

Chop cherry tomatoes and basil and put in pan with a few spoonfuls of the basil pesto.  Cook over medium heat and stir often until basil pesto becomes more of a liquid.

Add mozzarella pearls to the mixture and continue to heat and stir until cheese begins to melt.

Butter one side of each slice of the French bread and spoon warm mixture onto the side of bread that is not buttered.

Add other slice and grill the sandwiches until golden brown.

ENJOY!  

<3mygrilledcheese.LML.

Blackberry Feta Salad

Just another healthy lunch idea:

 Sweeten up your salads by adding blackberries! 

Super healthy and changes up your every day salad.

This was a salad I packed for lunch one day for work. 

Refreshing and perfect for summer...

 

Blackberry Feta Salad

 

Mixed greens

Cherry Tomatoes

Chopped Onions

Feta Cheese

Blackberries

Kraft Greek Vinaigrette

                                                                

 

 

Grilled Cheeseburger Burritos

From Pinterest- Try it!  Why didn't we think of this before??????

 

Grilled Cheeseburger Burritos

 

Burrito size tortillas

Ground Meat

Ketchup

Worcestershire Sauce

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Onions

Pickles

Tomatoes

Lettuce

Ketchup

Mustard

 

 

Brown ground meat until fully cooked and add enough ketchup to meat to make it slightly saucy (just a little less saucy than sloppy joes!).  Add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce to meat and ketchup mixture, or more to taste.  Heat thoroughly.

 

Heat up skillet and butter one side of tortilla.  On the other side, spread meat in the middle and top with whatever you love on your hamburgers!

Fold in sides and roll from top to bottom.

Press into hot skillet with seal facing down.

Grill until bottom is toasted brown and burrito seal stays put.

Flip and grill other side.

 

Super fácil!

 

 

 

Top with whatever you like!

 

 Mine, topped with blue cheese : )

 

 

 

 



Maybe one of the best things ever!



<3LML.... get creative with this one!

Stuffed Shell Tacos

Another great find on Pinterest!  I didn't really read any recipes, just saw a picture and went from there.  You HAVE to try these Stuffed Shell Tacos; everyone loved them! 

 

I did all prep on a Sunday night, so when we came home Monday from work/school, all I had to do was throw on the sauce/cheese, heat up the oven, and pop them in!  Bought me some extra time on a Monday night... 

 

Stuffed Shell Tacos

 

Jumbo Pasta Shells

Ground Meat

Taco Seasoning

1 package Cream Cheese

Green pepper

Onion

Taco Sauce

Shredded Cheese (Taco Blend)

Jalapeños

Sour Cream

Lime

Green Onions (or cilantro)

Tortilla Chips

Corn (Side)

 

(If you want to prepare ahead of time, do all steps the night before except adding taco sauce, cheese, and toppings.)

 

 

Preheat oven to 375.

Boil water and cook pasta shells.  Rinse in cold water and line them up in 13 x 9 glass pan.  While pasta is cooking, you can brown meat, strain, and add taco seasoning.  After you have added taco seasoning to meat, mix in softened cream chees.  You may want to cut the block into little squares to allow it to mix in and melt easier. 

Chop green peppers and onions.

When all this is prepared, stuff shells with a spoonful of meat and cream cheese mixture.

 

 Add green peppers and onions to each shell.

 

Cover shells in taco sauce and then cover with shredded cheese.

(I used one bottle of taco sauce, but will probably go for more next time to make it more saucy!)

 

 

Bake shells at 375 for about 20 mins. and until heated Top shells with shredded cheese and bake for about 8 more mins. or until cheese is melted.

 

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top of shells.

 

 

 

Top with crumbled tortilla chips, sour cream, jalapeños, and a squirt of lime juice.

Serve with a side of corn.

 

 

TRYSOMETHINGNEW! <3LML