Quick Bake Loaded Potato Slices

As proof that my home life/work life combination has become more than super busy, I have not published a post in about a month and a half! 

At work, I volunteered to take part in a Samsung Galaxy Tablet pilot program, and my involvement and commitment to work has increased greatly... extra meetings, more planning time to integrate technology to ensure that my kids get the best education and get the most out of this opportunity. 
I was given the privilege of traveling to Austin, TX for 3 days for a technology convention to fill my brain with ideas, and since then, I have been a little lax on the food blog mission. 

But lately, because I have been so busy, I was forced to create some quick dinner ideas on the fly...   this was a Wednesday night, I was super tired when we got home, I had to take care of my son and dog, cook dinner, and get ready for a live webinar all at the same time.  I fried some steaks with onions on the stove and while that was cooking I made up this quick side to go with the steaks. 

We always think of steak and baked potatoes... and these are nearly the same, but sooo much quicker and easier! Soooo good!

Loaded Potatoe Slices 

Two potatoes
Seasoned Salt (Tastefully Simple)
Fresh ground black pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Bacon bits
Sour cream, chives, etc.


Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Peel, wash, and thinly slice potatoes.  Spray cookie sheet with Pam or olive oil (I didn't do this, but wish I would have...).  Spread potato slices evenly in one layer over cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with seasoned salt and black pepper. 

 

Bake for 10 mins.  Take potatoes out of oven and spread shredded cheese over all potatoes.  Sprinkle with bacon bits.  Bake for about 10-15 more mins. until cheese is melted and/or until potatoes are fully cooked.  Serve hot with sour cream and chives or any other baked potato toppings.

Howdoyoubakeyourpotato?? LML<3

Italian Herb Chicken Pasta with Veggies

Another purpose of my blog is to share cooking products that I have tried that made my life easier and will make your life easier too! 

Again, another quick weeknight meal-  I usually make a pasta dish Monday nights for some reason and in the quest to change up the dish each week, I ended up trying KRAFT Phildahelphia Cooking Crème.  DELISH!  I am always on the lookout for quick, quality tasting ingredients to use in my meals and to make my life easier!  This is one that I will definitely go back to time and time again. 

 

 

I used the Italian Herb flavor crème, but there are also two other flavors to try.  AND...Everyone LOVED this meal!

Italian Herb Chicken Pasta 

2, 10 oz. KRAFT Philadelphia Cooking Crème Italian Herb
Rigatoni or other type of pasta
2 Chicken Breasts
Half  a pack of frozen chopped broccoli
Half a bag of mixed vegetables
Olive oil
Lawry's seasoned salt
Black pepper
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Boil water and let pasta cook while cooking chicken/veggies.
Begin cooking chicken breasts and drizzle with olive oil.  Season with Lawry's and black pepper.  When chicken is mostly cooked, take out of pan and slice into small pieces.  Put back into pan and cook until fully cooked.  Add frozen broccoli and frozen veggies.  Mix, cover, and let chicken and veggie mixture cook until veggies are crisp.  Then, add one tub of Kraft Cooking Crème.  Mix into chicken and veggies.  Add the other tub of crème and mix.  When pasta is cooked, drain water and add to chicken, veggie, crème mixture.  Mix until pasta is completely coated with mixture.  You can add milk if it is not creamy enough. 
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and serve hot.  Amaazing with a glass of red!

 

Pasta junkie4life  LML<3

Tomato Basil Breakfast Burrito

One thing I do love about living in Texas besides my job, is that the majority of the days when I wake up, it is absolutely beautiful outside with the sun shining brightly!  On the weekends, I love waking up, cleaning, and making breakfast.  And when it's beautiful outside (65 degrees in January!) I am inspired to turn to fresh ingredients in my breakfast, as well as my favorite herb: basil.  

I still don't have a ton of time on the weekends, so again, this is a simple, quick, and refreshing breakfast burrito... ENJOY!

Tomato Basil Breakfast Burrito

1 egg
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil
Feta cheese
Tortilla
Fresh ground black pepper

Scramble one egg and (some) milk in a bowl.  Pour into pan to cook.  When the egg is cooked and scrambled, add sliced cherry tomatoes and basil and cook until tomatoes are wrinkled. 

 

Sprinkle with fresh ground pepper (I put pepper on everything!).  Add feta cheese and mix until feta cheese starts to melt.  Put in a tortilla, wrap it up, and enjoy your FRESH breakfast!

FETAmakeseverythingBETA!  <3LML

Cranberry and Feta Turkey Bagel

Laaaaazy day:  Saturday brunch/lunch when I don't feel like cooking.... This is quick, refreshing, and healthy... a different idea instead of the usual sandwich.  Also makes a great lunch for the work week!

Cranberry and Feta Turkey Bagel

Sliced turkey breast
Dried Cranberries
Cucumber slices
Feta cheese
Fresh ground black pepper
Thomas Bagel Thins 100% Whole Wheat