tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38940152058180308692024-03-19T02:45:23.261-07:00Tam's Kitchen CreationsThat Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-55793810681484053542011-03-08T15:49:00.000-08:002011-03-08T15:49:07.219-08:00Helpful Tips<div style="text-align: justify;">I am SO lame!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know it's been forever since I've updated this thing...I apologize to those of you who expect more from me!! I've been meaning to post this tip for a cool minute - mostly because I've been using this time saver for a few weeks and I've come to rely on it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before heading out to the market, I always ask my kids what they want for dinner during the week. If any of my long-time readers remember, my kids got boring and kept requesting the SAME THINGS every week. It made my weekly menu planning pointless because I wasn't posting anything new <i>(or exciting)</i>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now I make my grocery list without considering what they want. Hey...if they don't mention it first, I don't ask! With that being said, I work on the menu first...it's easier to go shopping WITH a list than without - because invariably you'll forget something <i>(ok maybe that only happens to ME)</i>! I also like to take into consideration my work week...because let's face it...nobody WANTS to actually rush across town from work to slave <i>(some more)</i> over the stove.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I keep it simple...bake something, saute something, boil something or toss it in the crock pot. Lately I've been feeding my need for BEEF at least once a week...otherwise I'll be trolling around the local burger stand and gain an extra 20lbs with the FRIES that HAVE TO go with that shake! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oddly I've gotten my kids to LIKE eating salads and steamed veggies by preparing them in a new way that gives them extra flavor <i>(tips on that later)</i>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>TIP 1:</b> Plan your menu as you make your grocery list <i>(you'd be surprised at how many people don't actually do this).</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>TIP 2:</b> Marinate your meats as soon as you bring them home. If the dish includes fresh, chopped veggies...add them to the marinade and slide it all into a Freezer Ziploc bag and toss it in the freezer until you need it. This is a HUGE time saver.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>TIP 3:</b> If you don't own a rice cooker, GET ONE! You can find a decent one at Target or Walmart (but please don't buy it from the grocery store - those are a waste of $$).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>TIP 4:</b> Don't be afraid to try new seasonings...salad dressings work WONDERS!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>TIP 5:</b> You have too much cooked meat left over? Chop it up and toss it into a salad! Turn the rest of that roast into hash...you can make a completely NEW meal with what's left over!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>TIP 6:</b> Wash dishes <i>WHILE</i> you cook. If you clean along the way, cleaning up AFTER dinner won't be such a task!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>TIP 7:</b> If you have <i>"little people"</i>, make them help as long as it's productive!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>TIP 8:</b> Incorporate a buddy system. This is helpful for single parents...If you have a friend that lives near by, trade off on dinner days. I've been doing this with a friend of mine for the past few months and it works FABULOUSLY!! We consult each other before going shopping...we plan the menu together. I cook Mondays and Wednesday. She cooks Tuesday and Thursday. On Friday we have Ladies Night and we split the chore. It's nice to come home and NOT worry about what's for dinner.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I promise...I'm going to post more frequently. Lameness stops today! :P</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-1846318254433475332010-10-21T13:49:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:49:22.357-07:00Seafood Italian Dinner for under $15.00Budget friendly dinners have become a priority in my house lately. With all the people I have to feed, it's important to not only offer variety, but also something that EVERYONE will eat that TASTES GOOD.<br />
<br />
Here's how I fed my family for under $15!<br />
<br />
<b>Crab Broccoli Alfredo</b><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
1 box bowtie pasta @ $1.18<br />
2 jars Alfredo sauce @ $1.43 each<br />
1 bag frozen broccoli florets @ $0.99<br />
1 package imitation crab meat (hey...it's fish that still counts) @ $2.50<br />
1 package of bread sticks @ $2.99<br />
1 bag of mixed greens salad @ $0.98<br />
1 jar salad dressing @ $3.48<br />
<br />
TOTAL = $14.98<br />
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<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
If I have to tell you how to make this, maybe you're on the wrong site! HAHAHA!! Cook the pasta. Empty the sauce in a large pot. Add about 3/4 cup of water to thin the sauce a bit. Cut or shred the crab meat. Throw in the broccoli and simmer on low heat until the vegetables are tender. Drain the pasta and toss in the Alfredo sauce. Season to taste. <br />
<br />
CHEAP DINNER!! Enjoy!That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-44547961303272999342010-10-21T13:27:00.000-07:002010-10-21T13:27:52.857-07:00Easy Chili VerdeI'm mad...I should have taken pictures but I wasn't thinking about it!<br />
<br />
My mom used to make this all the time when I was a kid. Last night I was going to make Pork Adobo and realized late in the game that I didn't have anymore bay leaves...so out went THAT idea!! Instead, I decided to make Chili Verde. This goes VERY well with some cheese, rice and beans wrapped up in a large, warm tortilla!! And oddly, my CHILDREN loved it!<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
4lbs. PORK stew meat (can also use chicken or beef)<br />
2 small cans mild diced green chiles<br />
1 tablespoon minced garlic<br />
1 medium-large sliced onion<br />
8 cups chicken broth (or water and chicken bullion) <br />
4 tablespoons cornstarch<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
Normally this is something I would toss into the crock pot, but since my has been acting a little possessed lately, I did it in my stock pot. Cut the meat down to 1 inch chunks. Here's the part you're gonna LOVE...put the liquid, the meat, the onions, and garlic in the pot and bring to a rolling boil. Turn down and simmer on low/medium for about 90 minutes (because we want to make sure the pork is COOKED). <br />
<br />
Remove about 2 1/2 cups of the liquid and stir in the cornstarch until it's dissolved completely. Pour it back into the pot and mix well. The entire thing will thicken. You can season to taste, but it's usually pretty tasty without having to add anything else to it.<br />
<br />
If you choose to do this in the crock pot, reduce the amount of liquid to 4 cups.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-87352934607308909402010-01-03T12:20:00.000-08:002010-01-03T12:44:33.684-08:00New developments...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirukUnkwo1Y_sGLG3y6Z9KMeKelVkHd8mHnjHohmH5TgflF27SzXn0wzNEwewmjFfPohx9NoDbGqxKSYV2JzjKP1tlUmdAZwzSbbtyfg4m0CoZmOGmJmnBHmhor82qT6foLtVFCO8viRFe/s1600-h/foodblog+090.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422612774334289090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirukUnkwo1Y_sGLG3y6Z9KMeKelVkHd8mHnjHohmH5TgflF27SzXn0wzNEwewmjFfPohx9NoDbGqxKSYV2JzjKP1tlUmdAZwzSbbtyfg4m0CoZmOGmJmnBHmhor82qT6foLtVFCO8viRFe/s400/foodblog+090.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes]</span><br /><br />Happy New Year!! I can tell that 2010 is going to an exciting year with GRAND things ahead! I've turned my love of baking into a profitable little business. For the holidays alone I baked up over 50 orders for desserts...cakes, cupcakes and mini-cheesecakes. Oddly most of my business was generated from my interactions on Facebook. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?<br /><br />I'm working on a new (and EASY) recipe for chicken florentine, but today I'm simply going to post pictures of some of the most recent orders I've filled. Don't blame me if you gain 20lbs just from LOOKING!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGr9nduN7gEXqjaP2mdcq4jDM2KRq5zmmJucFMC0cXxF6uvYCnU7LGtc3j-T2A2mv2vgSXDJoRASuDNMHqKEAHgDfVkRwftqUa_iWbi9p4nQMvvHg1tEx22QXLiz4dYUjxsJGOGEAel4Nc/s1600-h/foodblog+137.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422613779407952098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGr9nduN7gEXqjaP2mdcq4jDM2KRq5zmmJucFMC0cXxF6uvYCnU7LGtc3j-T2A2mv2vgSXDJoRASuDNMHqKEAHgDfVkRwftqUa_iWbi9p4nQMvvHg1tEx22QXLiz4dYUjxsJGOGEAel4Nc/s400/foodblog+137.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting sprinkled with nutmeg]</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSrAsqAnTtmzX-D_cLgrWWGaPAyuz5ERoxeDdmR52bARCEs3-OZTl6if74H6BRSIqKB8R-DKpw9WmqX3OfKTicaxrBZ2zN8JFrfw1NOO5Hjy2u5mrQ4Av1gp_4v94THldlv9XPBH3z7iU/s1600-h/foodblog+150.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422613770486465602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSrAsqAnTtmzX-D_cLgrWWGaPAyuz5ERoxeDdmR52bARCEs3-OZTl6if74H6BRSIqKB8R-DKpw9WmqX3OfKTicaxrBZ2zN8JFrfw1NOO5Hjy2u5mrQ4Av1gp_4v94THldlv9XPBH3z7iU/s400/foodblog+150.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[Sensational 7Up Cake with Lemon Glaze - Can you tell I've been working on my glazing style?]</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzXYcdYYFHsKZawG3aF3kmcZOx-xnLgyXtQgNV0sPCxjab4smNM87DPVnQIbsTHfVYZQwHB2fPsnFS-BgspwizKr0Im1IVNXc6CMed8tZi8dW0FJSqkNnwQV1HhxV4agp4qymEME5GKTC/s1600-h/foodblog+145.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422613765095632898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzXYcdYYFHsKZawG3aF3kmcZOx-xnLgyXtQgNV0sPCxjab4smNM87DPVnQIbsTHfVYZQwHB2fPsnFS-BgspwizKr0Im1IVNXc6CMed8tZi8dW0FJSqkNnwQV1HhxV4agp4qymEME5GKTC/s400/foodblog+145.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[Lemon Bavarian Creme filled Lemon Cupcakes]</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RH0SpIpioR_7O8uhyqu0BIb9CsrkLGOmU6B_ARC6hgJYjhhPlql_Uu9vWgOritEE6IyDq_9EG2E5i-oGRtg4SlIqZTsjsLTL0Jasx54wugJhyphenhyphenAEGYLvcJExdV1LyINv9TVqZ7F1P0CXf/s1600-h/foodblog+138.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422613219850345314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RH0SpIpioR_7O8uhyqu0BIb9CsrkLGOmU6B_ARC6hgJYjhhPlql_Uu9vWgOritEE6IyDq_9EG2E5i-oGRtg4SlIqZTsjsLTL0Jasx54wugJhyphenhyphenAEGYLvcJExdV1LyINv9TVqZ7F1P0CXf/s400/foodblog+138.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake drizzled with white chocolate]</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggaM-dSzLpXh-Lhykj2gKfAca1-5Ln2EyQEJD6xDzJnst25w6DC_y8lh34QO7OUP9ipfvV9GUhsomdIIktug5dc8vtYnJgQQpogH_Ud7ymcdof47JJiLS5uICqv3bbcVfVC0wzDNY-N8S/s1600-h/foodblog+131.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422613213294120482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggaM-dSzLpXh-Lhykj2gKfAca1-5Ln2EyQEJD6xDzJnst25w6DC_y8lh34QO7OUP9ipfvV9GUhsomdIIktug5dc8vtYnJgQQpogH_Ud7ymcdof47JJiLS5uICqv3bbcVfVC0wzDNY-N8S/s400/foodblog+131.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[Strawberry Cheesecake]</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbXc_xTEJtS7tStcuNjzI3scIfyu1HEmxk3iO-5xP44XqttSlET49-6sw_4BRRoR2w0EATQAYSkKkXV-BbfdOm1v9rzehyS6lRCLLIkqRsPrIp9c4MNE0wqYjxweRFLPgvFoQsKM4QahU/s1600-h/foodblog+122.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422613204158910290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbXc_xTEJtS7tStcuNjzI3scIfyu1HEmxk3iO-5xP44XqttSlET49-6sw_4BRRoR2w0EATQAYSkKkXV-BbfdOm1v9rzehyS6lRCLLIkqRsPrIp9c4MNE0wqYjxweRFLPgvFoQsKM4QahU/s400/foodblog+122.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Red Sugar Sprinkles]</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bBJV_uMxir6G_C38qeSveb0w5f9CJq-bpQo-0llsXI-qVbi2XR62U0qmhlb2wsBILbg6nSt-SNkXYzV0mxZhDKMWCK8Lp_C4lMrHqo2aGjSHCDRshwoZmkJRPp5sNDq9VuU36qaomS2b/s1600-h/foodblog+113.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422613199059343186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bBJV_uMxir6G_C38qeSveb0w5f9CJq-bpQo-0llsXI-qVbi2XR62U0qmhlb2wsBILbg6nSt-SNkXYzV0mxZhDKMWCK8Lp_C4lMrHqo2aGjSHCDRshwoZmkJRPp5sNDq9VuU36qaomS2b/s400/foodblog+113.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[German Chocolate Cupcakes with Coconut Pecan Frosting]</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMRYK5UVyLNC9AoxqouatPJK6AjFdxFtWUN6hTpO0MpJyPP7wwzUdKAyFbXSA0dfpzRkEYrYEm8aJ480ZOgQ0sSKWP8jk3F-U-s_TPWVbmZazB3zsm6o6PUHe_pFs-lkhbqCHgDhhnfYs/s1600-h/foodblog+105.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422613190649315490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMRYK5UVyLNC9AoxqouatPJK6AjFdxFtWUN6hTpO0MpJyPP7wwzUdKAyFbXSA0dfpzRkEYrYEm8aJ480ZOgQ0sSKWP8jk3F-U-s_TPWVbmZazB3zsm6o6PUHe_pFs-lkhbqCHgDhhnfYs/s400/foodblog+105.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[Red Velvet CHEESECAKE topped with Cream Cheese Frosting]</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVsp0MOhnQNZVGAXmjgQ72wrxGnc1fAfBG0OYihytoQbwvGC-yopeRLIm_IpoYewWykXtD8EAzsFwZmw8rVlH6w7puoStquMQKW-RkQEOCiGZvSS986NzpdAA1KtC68KMqSmHN_yzwSCj/s1600-h/foodblog+104.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422612802916446914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVsp0MOhnQNZVGAXmjgQ72wrxGnc1fAfBG0OYihytoQbwvGC-yopeRLIm_IpoYewWykXtD8EAzsFwZmw8rVlH6w7puoStquMQKW-RkQEOCiGZvSS986NzpdAA1KtC68KMqSmHN_yzwSCj/s400/foodblog+104.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[Lemon Cheesecake topped with Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream - My personal favorite]</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBPRhzkhBjBmxlC-5TDrLluzrdEfXNh-DWZH2sXt64XCUBFrAMF1CnybOLuaDAD2iOziuTgQX4EUDXXLHxyxcvb34oyt4UyvPtiB2kDI_pK9jM0f1MosdhRH9azAY3fFrY-n4G611E1v2/s1600-h/foodblog+078.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422612799344421698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBPRhzkhBjBmxlC-5TDrLluzrdEfXNh-DWZH2sXt64XCUBFrAMF1CnybOLuaDAD2iOziuTgQX4EUDXXLHxyxcvb34oyt4UyvPtiB2kDI_pK9jM0f1MosdhRH9azAY3fFrY-n4G611E1v2/s400/foodblog+078.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[Cherry Cheesecake]</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj-4WHtpspBlD2Wlud10t_ghjRZT70t4z0xVq2TFwN8crI-WlPFqY_QQ43mi2rOjYTgGhzn7eM5L11uKLbxUqzynfz5z5Lwm0QSVrf3HT5jLXJjzPs6XZ7YUp-DpIt-gb48g3aVHcgo06/s1600-h/foodblog+099.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422612789499206754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj-4WHtpspBlD2Wlud10t_ghjRZT70t4z0xVq2TFwN8crI-WlPFqY_QQ43mi2rOjYTgGhzn7eM5L11uKLbxUqzynfz5z5Lwm0QSVrf3HT5jLXJjzPs6XZ7YUp-DpIt-gb48g3aVHcgo06/s400/foodblog+099.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[Sweet Potato Cheesecake topped with Whipped Cream]</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8-_rWbLeUcK_-1vN3IgTfkFraH1dnrdzGshBmOtVXOo5Pd7gAIbOailS_eDwvdlIFS5dBFZzwuuEB4WnkirSUz91q_OxVGUXnvKur9RVdE8J7U4wKZLbCcJdvAqcDaEL0WCgS8hkpbHe/s1600-h/foodblog+092.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422612782755181218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8-_rWbLeUcK_-1vN3IgTfkFraH1dnrdzGshBmOtVXOo5Pd7gAIbOailS_eDwvdlIFS5dBFZzwuuEB4WnkirSUz91q_OxVGUXnvKur9RVdE8J7U4wKZLbCcJdvAqcDaEL0WCgS8hkpbHe/s400/foodblog+092.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;">[L-R: Cinnamon Hazelnut, Lemon Bavarian Creme & Red Velvet Mini-cupcakes]</span><br /><br />I just added Pineapple Upside Down Cake to my menu and last night I finally got to try out my new mini bundt pans! I haven't done anything with the cakes yet...I'm still toying with the various ideas I have in my head...but I WILL post pictures of that too! :PThat Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-7962773922487126372009-12-09T21:54:00.000-08:002009-12-09T22:37:41.398-08:00Martha's Tiramisu Cupcakes with Marscapone Frosting<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC00CbrteM-yckcQmsAq96tqHyTfo1TVOelLmhLavFYJe3pQPVCNbiMgnYiTLNWQ7fuVVJ4uhw-nJz0wCZVtfDe0UgHfyCOwZrf-zc8O-NeuZAtAHMD3hz-_ugM6mdVpxnKRKC051n9IhF/s1600-h/foodblog+065.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413488805039268370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC00CbrteM-yckcQmsAq96tqHyTfo1TVOelLmhLavFYJe3pQPVCNbiMgnYiTLNWQ7fuVVJ4uhw-nJz0wCZVtfDe0UgHfyCOwZrf-zc8O-NeuZAtAHMD3hz-_ugM6mdVpxnKRKC051n9IhF/s400/foodblog+065.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It's funny how I never thought about baking cupcakes for ANY reason. I always figured they were too much work, but now that I've mastered the skill of gourmet cupcakes, I will never purchase store-bought <em><strong>ever</strong></em> again.<br /><br /><em>Sorry Albertson's...</em><br /><br />While I was trolling the Information Super Highway for tasty treats to make, I stumbled upon Martha Stewart's recipe for <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/tiramisu-cupcakes?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/fancy-cupcakes#slide_2" target="blank">Tiramisu Cupcakes</a>. I won't even go into how DEEP my love affair with Tiramisu goes, but TRUST ME...it's pretty deep. The idea of a CUPCAKE version excited me so much that I ran out immediately to purchase supplies.<br /><br />Before I prepared myself mentally to dig into this recipe, I decided to check on a few reviews first. I ran across one at <a href="http://achefsdaughter.com/2009/05/marthas-tiramisu-cupcakes/" target="blank">A Chef's Daughter</a> and her review left me weary. Then I went over to <a href="http://chocolateloreandmore.blogspot.com/2009/06/tiramisu-cupcakes.html" target="blank">Mexican Chocolate Lore and More</a> and decided to make some changes of my own to the original recipe.<br /><br />The results?<br /><br /><em><strong>MAGNIFICENT!</strong></em><br /><br />I didn't have a whole vanilla bean as the recipe calls for, so I substituted with vanilla extract (which was fine). I also didn't have the Marsala wine for the coffee syrup it calls for...and I wasn't about to brew only a half cup of coffee...so I used instant and made it EXTRA strong <em>(the equivalent of 2 STRONG cups of coffee in a half cup of water)</em> and I added Kahlua. I also added Kahlua to the Marscapone Frosting mixture because you know how much I love to add alcohol to frosting if I can!<br /><br />A friend came by after work <em>(one of my official food tasters)</em> and she liked it so much I thought she was gonna have a heart attack and fall out in my dining room! She was twitching and hopping all over the place, raving about how good it was! I just LOVE to hear that sort of thing!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4veecABBt_wXCzue8aW1GvGyfmcd2UEMhhtoAP78phv4rDOtG9G5ul_E9PWnLBfKCapTA0PO7r3oTvtBhXOY0YqHzAPqEWcjlbhOWbKxAPzpPN_Xsi47x4we3oKSjS0L8lsk6UsbRTuQ/s1600-h/foodblog+057.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413488794939012114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4veecABBt_wXCzue8aW1GvGyfmcd2UEMhhtoAP78phv4rDOtG9G5ul_E9PWnLBfKCapTA0PO7r3oTvtBhXOY0YqHzAPqEWcjlbhOWbKxAPzpPN_Xsi47x4we3oKSjS0L8lsk6UsbRTuQ/s400/foodblog+057.jpg" /></a></div>I poked holes in the top of the cupcake in order to help the liquid soak in faster...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFMbFiMBMctsRGWqqyAK9r_bBgj7W5Xay3SsWYT7kqqGqkvjeq78nQns042oR7OZyhTk3QiOJFe2UPMuhyX0ePhEAl4qsEDTFMAnI1k3jkUszX8E-ArvEOXnS9x2t-I8oeC-c1fIWUcU_/s1600-h/foodblog+058.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413488786603050578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFMbFiMBMctsRGWqqyAK9r_bBgj7W5Xay3SsWYT7kqqGqkvjeq78nQns042oR7OZyhTk3QiOJFe2UPMuhyX0ePhEAl4qsEDTFMAnI1k3jkUszX8E-ArvEOXnS9x2t-I8oeC-c1fIWUcU_/s400/foodblog+058.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Can you see how BLACK that coffee is? It stained my cup! And let me just tell you, this was an exhausting process. Martha's recipe instructs you to brush the cupcakes with the liquid until the liquid is GONE.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">::blank stare::</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">That's almost 3/4 cup of liquid...so I brushed...</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYCfND0s2fMpQwAdT4k4TxqNLm5yy3LtdC5kmoS2WBLRnmxVWypeRnzcjO-niSO3SBV3QPi9caqveAG11B0JX9ydVmw-UMBmw6hEApdQoWptiokSKlhzAP14G6c_2q5LBc05UIG_twShv/s1600-h/foodblog+059.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413488779514055378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYCfND0s2fMpQwAdT4k4TxqNLm5yy3LtdC5kmoS2WBLRnmxVWypeRnzcjO-niSO3SBV3QPi9caqveAG11B0JX9ydVmw-UMBmw6hEApdQoWptiokSKlhzAP14G6c_2q5LBc05UIG_twShv/s400/foodblog+059.jpg" /></a><br />...and brushed...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgFym4NqDtccE3afhtrUX7UPT-Fiy0L5EdrM-ZeUOq6feXepjbP5OC31ne5ZAyuCrXKTIDzGlRubdTozT5yrtRy-WwmEIqixun2i9OnKzFzrC7cZ0iymUVuAP6XnXfOp2NxSF5nIZhUZv/s1600-h/foodblog+060.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413488769396325650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgFym4NqDtccE3afhtrUX7UPT-Fiy0L5EdrM-ZeUOq6feXepjbP5OC31ne5ZAyuCrXKTIDzGlRubdTozT5yrtRy-WwmEIqixun2i9OnKzFzrC7cZ0iymUVuAP6XnXfOp2NxSF5nIZhUZv/s400/foodblog+060.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify">...until I finally said, "Screw it!" and poked some more holes! I place the cookie sheet underneath the rack, whipped out a spoon and started pouring the liquid over the cupcakes. That entire process took me at LEAST 30 minutes.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhud_fTFnNc6rPMJkvmXmfsXznpS3pdRhdVma1fzdK0Dfduj4f2rnzRnD1BSIyoGbpo3Lt6usO2U5UIQZE2u8Bn3zPULMtw9QGs0iRwdnwHxMwXqg3M9MzSg-U_ZksJLXAdh1ON37VxwBBV/s1600-h/foodblog+061.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413488227981517250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhud_fTFnNc6rPMJkvmXmfsXznpS3pdRhdVma1fzdK0Dfduj4f2rnzRnD1BSIyoGbpo3Lt6usO2U5UIQZE2u8Bn3zPULMtw9QGs0iRwdnwHxMwXqg3M9MzSg-U_ZksJLXAdh1ON37VxwBBV/s400/foodblog+061.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify">Then I let them sit for about 30 minutes to allow the liquid to soak thru the bottom of the cupcakes. While I waited for that to happen, I whipped up some heavy cream, marscapone, confectioner's sugar and a dash of Kahlua...ok maybe a little more than a dash...lol.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUTNveNhW_Iw6v-Jg5-KGhrTf15CWUL9NFSmauo5YHL80_ilsj9W22TvWGiuMWc4hphmTUbZbfj9Jm-HM5LA8wcPnFtv2bIBmr7SDGSzpA0adlea1fUjMkxwmC_Tcf5FTIIck6NIUu7Gs/s1600-h/foodblog+062.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413488220796104882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUTNveNhW_Iw6v-Jg5-KGhrTf15CWUL9NFSmauo5YHL80_ilsj9W22TvWGiuMWc4hphmTUbZbfj9Jm-HM5LA8wcPnFtv2bIBmr7SDGSzpA0adlea1fUjMkxwmC_Tcf5FTIIck6NIUu7Gs/s400/foodblog+062.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify">And to finish it off, I shook a little cocoa powder over the top. I'm sure there's a better way to do that, but I was pressed for time seeing how brushing the coffee syrup took so doggone long that it ran into my dinner preparation time!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7RJ6-1qkov37oFU-YQzMgdGSKZDazsEyQ7iPPohGbKnd1UblcM3fJjqa134ixt0ARgKJU-C4bDAErI9X8E-Lef7RICWUEv17JgK3U8e2Z3PG5sjOUpvgTK9ST5TQburKK2f_K8w9YEf5/s1600-h/foodblog+063.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413488210176369346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7RJ6-1qkov37oFU-YQzMgdGSKZDazsEyQ7iPPohGbKnd1UblcM3fJjqa134ixt0ARgKJU-C4bDAErI9X8E-Lef7RICWUEv17JgK3U8e2Z3PG5sjOUpvgTK9ST5TQburKK2f_K8w9YEf5/s400/foodblog+063.jpg" /></a><br />The final product...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-huZNS0UmHjejYQ7LWyHdePs_FDHGmH2m7oNT4nKqDWeyzq573Rs2ng-QtDD0tlg6rOEfoS6lgIT9De7fCKz8iSmKNphFlG05-T5FMn65Q3wNCCfS7H5XSvl-66nH5foutpPGOTmAaNJ/s1600-h/foodblog+064.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413488204130259490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-huZNS0UmHjejYQ7LWyHdePs_FDHGmH2m7oNT4nKqDWeyzq573Rs2ng-QtDD0tlg6rOEfoS6lgIT9De7fCKz8iSmKNphFlG05-T5FMn65Q3wNCCfS7H5XSvl-66nH5foutpPGOTmAaNJ/s400/foodblog+064.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="justify">I personally think this is one of my BEST finds! Even with a little tweaking! And poking holes DEFINITELY did the job! And yes, it DOES taste as good as it looks!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEdbRMjYPu0-pAc2PebbBtjkzmUdhKmK3x-VQE5mseY-w3eKzb51qPzm2tETDxl5EuOPu5pqmm49PkjNieX5BGLnIHO6NRwurzhJll6n78Hv9UybodDUR_lBoTZ_1UvWLUK29jjIYJg_g/s1600-h/foodblog+066.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413488191532900306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEdbRMjYPu0-pAc2PebbBtjkzmUdhKmK3x-VQE5mseY-w3eKzb51qPzm2tETDxl5EuOPu5pqmm49PkjNieX5BGLnIHO6NRwurzhJll6n78Hv9UybodDUR_lBoTZ_1UvWLUK29jjIYJg_g/s400/foodblog+066.jpg" /></a>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-18202264462730412012009-12-09T13:30:00.000-08:002009-12-09T13:52:58.278-08:00Introducing {Sweets2Eat}...I know it seems as though I've abandoned my love of cooking and blogging about it. I can't believe that I haven't posted since OCTOBER! OMG! Where did the time go?<br /><br />Well...I was caught up in the hype of my 9 year old's football team and all that goes into being a total "football" mom. Our team was responsible for providing the concession stand during one of our final games and I was bitten by the baking bug! <br /><br />I donated 4 cakes to the cause (because the money we earned went towards the team). Cooking is one thing, baking is entirely another. I forgot just how much I loved to bake. Next thing I know, I'm hustling cakes for Thanksgiving to earn a little side money. Because let's face it...when you've got a tribe of children, and Xmas is coming, all EXTRA money is GOOD money!<br /><br />I've been having a blast baking and creating new tasty desserts for my friends and family. Although I think all of my girlfriends are probably going to hate me soon for helping them put back on any weight they were TRYING to lose! Hey...every chef should have official food tasters! <br /><br />Over the course of the Thanksgiving holiday, I baked 21 cakes in 2 days! WHEW!! <br /><br />Since I'm too lazy to post recipes, I'll post pictures of my latest and greatest creations!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19QZgBF67snuB7k7rSprC0B8BffM5ccul-l6wItsjBiodOSFhM8yD8JDb4gkrk08XEj2Qv3HbsJU6zD4mKPEDGuwLkvrEhqrAc7rmYWMkQoDhTqaNRkVz_7TLjkT9NKnRF9ObVAHSjAfE/s1600-h/foodblog+034.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19QZgBF67snuB7k7rSprC0B8BffM5ccul-l6wItsjBiodOSFhM8yD8JDb4gkrk08XEj2Qv3HbsJU6zD4mKPEDGuwLkvrEhqrAc7rmYWMkQoDhTqaNRkVz_7TLjkT9NKnRF9ObVAHSjAfE/s400/foodblog+034.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413354664527234610" /></a><br />White Chocolate Blackberry Mini-Cheesecakes<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpxd9uJWdR0td7SEpzYbwqySi-W6yEeiJS3L0BdwndDIFs_yfEehPn7jYl_PCWqqSImiwxCaF0rWIobjPPHXJ2uUp0xoDwqGiYhTD1xYkS6Mun3dseoUOYND8Jr-B8yKEUrcmVifx665u/s1600-h/foodblog+037.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpxd9uJWdR0td7SEpzYbwqySi-W6yEeiJS3L0BdwndDIFs_yfEehPn7jYl_PCWqqSImiwxCaF0rWIobjPPHXJ2uUp0xoDwqGiYhTD1xYkS6Mun3dseoUOYND8Jr-B8yKEUrcmVifx665u/s400/foodblog+037.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413354671196726802" /></a><br />And yes, it's a homemade honey graham crust...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlS5AUWRTb8GW8NvkUW0m2H_1IK-XqSIiXHal0MtWDFMRtFKjttoXck1_BI75vny1utY0jKLZF8Qt87NO_XundJ4KMH3a9bw6A5WUUs9rL8hGICiGU5ZBZ43jEaUq4N2paXHtEO4nWPuq/s1600-h/foodblog+021.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlS5AUWRTb8GW8NvkUW0m2H_1IK-XqSIiXHal0MtWDFMRtFKjttoXck1_BI75vny1utY0jKLZF8Qt87NO_XundJ4KMH3a9bw6A5WUUs9rL8hGICiGU5ZBZ43jEaUq4N2paXHtEO4nWPuq/s400/foodblog+021.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413354652709110706" /></a><br />Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03yRTz8wzikiyy0ZLHDcl5VFRRRok_2xfs_Vc3fYuUYwR_bK6sng5PHILgfhDQmEFUdcE-YFfWDnJXzbsFg1be0XkFDxVc6ht5Kurs8C9cb5-XBC0KQoPXAoP405pN2EqzHvACzZ2RmSG/s1600-h/foodblog+020.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03yRTz8wzikiyy0ZLHDcl5VFRRRok_2xfs_Vc3fYuUYwR_bK6sng5PHILgfhDQmEFUdcE-YFfWDnJXzbsFg1be0XkFDxVc6ht5Kurs8C9cb5-XBC0KQoPXAoP405pN2EqzHvACzZ2RmSG/s400/foodblog+020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413354650487415170" /></a><br />7up Cake with Lemon Glaze<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTzOaSNt7CZ99ld8COtXKiuxNEBYyFqgo0Fa97UXaGMwJ7XYq8xOyvpkZijGHgjEc2fAJSNdt1zbzitvBsjIobqXULQhcZnNhN-8SzoVcMK9WXXDPetw0HslsSqiCZVlqNxXimltcSjaW/s1600-h/foodblog+017.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTzOaSNt7CZ99ld8COtXKiuxNEBYyFqgo0Fa97UXaGMwJ7XYq8xOyvpkZijGHgjEc2fAJSNdt1zbzitvBsjIobqXULQhcZnNhN-8SzoVcMK9WXXDPetw0HslsSqiCZVlqNxXimltcSjaW/s400/foodblog+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413354639981901826" /></a><br />Sock-It-To-Me Cake (think of it as a cinnamon struesel cake with nuts)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfy1t8zwatxmQbol_05lIeOZKAetf4UcJE796UXXRu8OT530fiEAF4k9zRhVw2yilQNfY0UZ5zDe_mmkWxmJC1t4OtPnm95H56aV7VhB0P7IIHTQMV4XOPyhij1buAq_FGVAoQf_1mr19W/s1600-h/foodblog+053.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfy1t8zwatxmQbol_05lIeOZKAetf4UcJE796UXXRu8OT530fiEAF4k9zRhVw2yilQNfY0UZ5zDe_mmkWxmJC1t4OtPnm95H56aV7VhB0P7IIHTQMV4XOPyhij1buAq_FGVAoQf_1mr19W/s400/foodblog+053.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413355405200044866" /></a><br />Cinnamon Hazelnut Cupcakes with Chocolate Cinnamon Hazelnut Frosting<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2MZnx6hxwVuigFdx9-72R3U5Zf8krrM3M_g9EXxalZioc1voqnCtoV2lwAM7F4EaY4MoQsxRUEfHmUeQh98X2t-vpujmisuTgkODtoS1AcWerDSJQn8Z3lYlgQYoZIwMl4A5ZxNwJeBi/s1600-h/foodblog+056.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2MZnx6hxwVuigFdx9-72R3U5Zf8krrM3M_g9EXxalZioc1voqnCtoV2lwAM7F4EaY4MoQsxRUEfHmUeQh98X2t-vpujmisuTgkODtoS1AcWerDSJQn8Z3lYlgQYoZIwMl4A5ZxNwJeBi/s400/foodblog+056.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413355416427221394" /></a><br />And what you see inside is Nutella baked right in...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNP__xxqckSMzKDOwZWg_FB_heIhP6VgH7oy2AsvMcaglM2PN8Z4ALxpT1DFULiXZzu_yeA9W1q82Ph3U_iMOs7-xHWLxWutxmn1F6rYbKUklh32Lh8lJEc2mSPz_q3X9iWxnna_MMPD3k/s1600-h/foodblog+044.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNP__xxqckSMzKDOwZWg_FB_heIhP6VgH7oy2AsvMcaglM2PN8Z4ALxpT1DFULiXZzu_yeA9W1q82Ph3U_iMOs7-xHWLxWutxmn1F6rYbKUklh32Lh8lJEc2mSPz_q3X9iWxnna_MMPD3k/s400/foodblog+044.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413355398970010706" /></a><br />Black Forest Rum Black Bottom Cupcakes with Cherry Vanilla Rum Frosting<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNB_4MesshyiCb4V7Qd_wTcwaiRDpaQzTQ3JFRE-4CovrX9ZYf_uLRIG_FJGmMnxYGe3OuAM94m14N8fSQWsMJfYvPV-6BRTGC-B4vHw3wy_hiV7HFH-57ZwnNqtZuUsHi8Tve2wbmBAt1/s1600-h/foodblog+046.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNB_4MesshyiCb4V7Qd_wTcwaiRDpaQzTQ3JFRE-4CovrX9ZYf_uLRIG_FJGmMnxYGe3OuAM94m14N8fSQWsMJfYvPV-6BRTGC-B4vHw3wy_hiV7HFH-57ZwnNqtZuUsHi8Tve2wbmBAt1/s400/foodblog+046.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413355388744473954" /></a><br />...which is a chocolate rum cupcake with cheesecake and cherries inside...YUM!<br /><br />Today I'm going to try the Martha Stewart recipe for Tiramisu Cupcakes with Marscapone Frosting! Yum...That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-29931744661383920972009-10-13T15:52:00.000-07:002009-10-13T16:08:03.761-07:00Save money...check this out!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIB052JFL52RshzpuPmPkIGHfr7ZbntehfLZQO8vReCmCyjIydysy33nxqkH1uxs9YJvdp-bHN0XAu3at-D2xHEzVtp4nh-Q978Gl9-LegMHU5_uStc4Veh3wawYLG1St1rrqGspCtg3K/s1600-h/logo.bmp"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 69px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392222042179782482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIB052JFL52RshzpuPmPkIGHfr7ZbntehfLZQO8vReCmCyjIydysy33nxqkH1uxs9YJvdp-bHN0XAu3at-D2xHEzVtp4nh-Q978Gl9-LegMHU5_uStc4Veh3wawYLG1St1rrqGspCtg3K/s400/logo.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify">A few weeks ago my mother calls me frantically, filled with excitement over something my uncle told her about. She rambles off a <a href="http://www.thetreasurebox.org/food-menu.php" target="blank"><span style="color:#ff0000;">list</span></a> of food items and says, <em>"How much do you think all of this stuff is worth?"</em><br /><br />I give her my ballpark dollar amount <em>(because I grocery shop once a week...I should know how much everything costs by heart at this point). </em><br /><br /><em>"NOPE! It costs $30!"</em><br /><br />So she starts telling me all about this organization called <a href="http://www.thetreasurebox.org/index.php" target="blank"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Treasure Box</span></a> near my uncle's home in Anaheim. Because she's so excited about it, I hop onto the trusted laptop while she's rambling on to see if they have a website because these days EVERYONE has one, right? She's telling me how she and my aunt have already discussed placing their orders and her driving all the way to Anaheim to pick up her food. I think it's a silly idea to waste the gas to save a few bucks, but that's just me.<br /><br />I poke around their website and discover a pickup location close to my mother's home and tell her about it <em>(mostly to save her from driving to Anaheim which is at LEAST 25 miles from home).</em> Not only is there one close to HER home, there's a pickup location close to mine as well.<br /><br />The thing you don't know about my mother is that her excitement is contagious...<br /><br />Next thing I know, I'm whipping out my phonebook and checking all of the zip codes for all of my friends and family. Once I verified that EVERYONE in my phonebook has a pickup center close to them, I send everyone a link to Treasure Box...because saving money is a GOOD THING.<br /><br />I'm not sure if it's outside of California or not, but it's certainly worth looking into.<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /></div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-18482835696973069212009-10-13T14:52:00.000-07:002009-10-13T15:48:33.286-07:00Fall Comfort Food - Tuna Casserole<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiGN-skqlwhWfXY5PNpcHBHfd4H5Sz8mJyTJ21c8fJ0pzuFYIOOsdNAV525LdmCDRGCngKxWwTEhBZ6NsBx1yDZb9wMKSUwMYn4fzDfCU07ztafSXaKwQqAGpVmhWAY-4wXXrd2Pl4dUs/s1600-h/foodblog+108.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392216855227250962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiGN-skqlwhWfXY5PNpcHBHfd4H5Sz8mJyTJ21c8fJ0pzuFYIOOsdNAV525LdmCDRGCngKxWwTEhBZ6NsBx1yDZb9wMKSUwMYn4fzDfCU07ztafSXaKwQqAGpVmhWAY-4wXXrd2Pl4dUs/s400/foodblog+108.jpg" /></a><br /><br />My mother made Tuna Casserole for me when I was a child. The combination of tuna, a cheesy sauce and pasta still makes my tummy rumble when I think about it! Over the years I've made it and taken it to pot-lucks and it always turns out to be a huge hit...I never know why because it's so simple to make that I end up sharing the recipe ALL THE TIME!<br /><br />Today is a cold, rainy day in Southern California...so I decided to make some comfort food to greet my children with when they come home from school. I certainly hope you like this as much as I do!<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br /><br />1 - 12oz can of Albacore Tuna (or chunk light...I prefer Albacore because it doesn't taste as fishy)<br />1 - 10.5oz can cream of celery condensed soup (any brand will do)<br />1 - 10.5oz can cream of mushroom condensed soup (any brand will do)<br />1 - 14oz can of baby sweet peas (drained)<br />2 3/4 cups milk<br />3 cups cheddar cheese (divided)<br />1 - 16oz bag extra wide egg noodles<br />garlic salt and pepper to taste<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMUAx6XFmCMH3iugcEapCD4gAOziest7QKe_vxNal9yoCcA2pEJXRy5F0sN-Oe1e4q9ETbtB569tFx63trb-6RQlcaRHcEVo2I7mh-FXwrKi_79-CA-Do0YNGOZ3m6DFjXRVZxnCOP18y/s1600-h/foodblog+097.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392211785992200226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMUAx6XFmCMH3iugcEapCD4gAOziest7QKe_vxNal9yoCcA2pEJXRy5F0sN-Oe1e4q9ETbtB569tFx63trb-6RQlcaRHcEVo2I7mh-FXwrKi_79-CA-Do0YNGOZ3m6DFjXRVZxnCOP18y/s400/foodblog+097.jpg" /></a><br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><strong>Directions:</strong><br /><br />Preheat oven to 375 degrees.<br /><br />Boil entire bag of egg noodles until tender (set aside). In a separate large pot, combine both cans of soup, tuna and milk. Warm on medium high heat until the soup becomes smooth. Add 1 cup of cheese once the soup is heated (for easier melting). Season to taste then add entire can of drained peas. Mix everything well.<br /><br />In a large oven-safe bowl pour in half of the cooked noodles. Pour half of the cheesy soup mixture over the pasta.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXEUlMQlH1i5HpXCG42vdN7umUTd-3bgcCuE4O6I9uXXPQiR69WmVu4h9moH-t8Yudqz9jyJigVg7FfYu5fyPmC2SOvMhluUrJN2FIqK53si2TP4dDqOYWkJgeqxoY7BF2MuNq-ghZEOy/s1600-h/foodblog+098.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392211796770133218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXEUlMQlH1i5HpXCG42vdN7umUTd-3bgcCuE4O6I9uXXPQiR69WmVu4h9moH-t8Yudqz9jyJigVg7FfYu5fyPmC2SOvMhluUrJN2FIqK53si2TP4dDqOYWkJgeqxoY7BF2MuNq-ghZEOy/s400/foodblog+098.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Combine the sauce and pasta. Sprinkle one cup of cheese over it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBHDH4D50HnUOlxivJAnbgYwnsfB8ptAcd1OLB4EwkLdBuU65qmrca5_2qUMJj91wqDXUjuo2VsQQZJsPttSw7BbE9aEZI_0qzDOjUBTFRWCatA6l-cgoivbYWGqI-2GpN4ShijtUmBIO/s1600-h/foodblog+099.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392211810027228530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBHDH4D50HnUOlxivJAnbgYwnsfB8ptAcd1OLB4EwkLdBuU65qmrca5_2qUMJj91wqDXUjuo2VsQQZJsPttSw7BbE9aEZI_0qzDOjUBTFRWCatA6l-cgoivbYWGqI-2GpN4ShijtUmBIO/s400/foodblog+099.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReLgBGHbJ-3PEfn8fTirkS6s7w7fCt7Xji107lnGnokMtjcpc2cYwnuyX_49jTQ3tK_2IF82kBs2hxU7fggvtCmcD4pEaGQdX-1WlzkFR1UjerUwW2wmxEmzteuAj0HeG3zTKmZRL7o6T/s1600-h/foodblog+100.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392211819664923906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReLgBGHbJ-3PEfn8fTirkS6s7w7fCt7Xji107lnGnokMtjcpc2cYwnuyX_49jTQ3tK_2IF82kBs2hxU7fggvtCmcD4pEaGQdX-1WlzkFR1UjerUwW2wmxEmzteuAj0HeG3zTKmZRL7o6T/s400/foodblog+100.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Pour the remaining pasta over the cheese and pour in the remaining cheesy tuna sauce.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0OrKloFeU1QiS7CV9FFZMUKW0Qzrvrktg8AqJRdrX91PTZvh9URGs7adItCUKnLDNcxYcSVyelqTOf9ajVk0XTtOMq-XpPhsVXWqQ71rc8j2ayyNvVSyD_Pz6bPq83wE74FEGxyVI-T4/s1600-h/foodblog+102.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392211832108428306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0OrKloFeU1QiS7CV9FFZMUKW0Qzrvrktg8AqJRdrX91PTZvh9URGs7adItCUKnLDNcxYcSVyelqTOf9ajVk0XTtOMq-XpPhsVXWqQ71rc8j2ayyNvVSyD_Pz6bPq83wE74FEGxyVI-T4/s400/foodblog+102.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcC3mfbagLE5HluC_xdKYe6grrX2HVGyuYto4uRyPgm3maeDpgXhU7WuHItGcPeur6jSACbTPT0CPPVLh72kggxab-ib1ATIKPRgQoaA8Joepm4-JwRgs6t9BR0_PxrIHBEf3A1vrVN1W/s1600-h/foodblog+103.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392216824970624898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcC3mfbagLE5HluC_xdKYe6grrX2HVGyuYto4uRyPgm3maeDpgXhU7WuHItGcPeur6jSACbTPT0CPPVLh72kggxab-ib1ATIKPRgQoaA8Joepm4-JwRgs6t9BR0_PxrIHBEf3A1vrVN1W/s400/foodblog+103.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAptN5AIqe1D588R4tZUijG-AYXgMKpkoOrJdQXauMEoAwnktrNBeByHdHwnimKsnFQo3wqfRR8pnwffZJtlE0osw0l4KXm-kxtwiBTuch3yE9gG_OTqU7If7nfaTrlSDwDkTOIPPibi7x/s1600-h/foodblog+105.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392216833466291282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAptN5AIqe1D588R4tZUijG-AYXgMKpkoOrJdQXauMEoAwnktrNBeByHdHwnimKsnFQo3wqfRR8pnwffZJtlE0osw0l4KXm-kxtwiBTuch3yE9gG_OTqU7If7nfaTrlSDwDkTOIPPibi7x/s400/foodblog+105.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Place the bowl in the oven and bake at 375 for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTrI_7HohC-KZoC3At2VCGhLrV_JBGZl-LEgQmZYBWUa4Efw5xTYQSg2zKyWdNvB9z0nao5o89E3DeuSluwoRSFYT-05HoIyqexR7H-Uokxe-b2SufKWyLe8TRr_k83-ZkudKDCzvjZOc/s1600-h/foodblog+106.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392216847262173282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTrI_7HohC-KZoC3At2VCGhLrV_JBGZl-LEgQmZYBWUa4Efw5xTYQSg2zKyWdNvB9z0nao5o89E3DeuSluwoRSFYT-05HoIyqexR7H-Uokxe-b2SufKWyLe8TRr_k83-ZkudKDCzvjZOc/s400/foodblog+106.jpg" /></a><br /><br />To make an entire meal out of this dish, add a salad and some garlic bread!<br /><br />Enjoy!</div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-63950545998882295522009-10-04T20:32:00.000-07:002009-10-04T21:13:18.593-07:00Chicken, Chinese Kale and Mushrooms in Black Bean Sauce<div align="justify">My cousin got married last weekend. Afterwards they had a FULL ON Chinese Wedding Banquet - complete with an EIGHT COURSE MEAL!! I won't go into detail because it'll only make you hungry and jealous of me! HAHAHAH!! But one of the dishes was Rock Cod in Black Bean Sauce.<br /><br />Now, I'm not much of a fish eater, but it was BEST fish I've EVER had! I've only prepared fish for my family once - and fish sticks for the kids doesn't count! I went on a hunt for rock cod - not knowing that it was EXPENSIVE as hell in the local Chinese market...so I decided on Chicken <em>(read: cheap fish substitute).</em><br /><br />I was always under the belief that Gai Lan<em> (Chinese Kale)</em> was Chinese BROCCOLI, but you gotta love the Internet with its abundance of information and pictures! I've only found it in my local Chinese market, but in the event you can't find it feel free to use whatever vegetable that you want.<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br /><br />2 - 3lbs. boneless, skinless chicken leg meat (or thigh meat)<br />1 container of fresh sliced mushrooms<br />1/2 onion, sliced<br />3 - 4 bunches (think handfuls) gai lin, broccoli or bok choy<br />1-1/2 tablespoon black bean garlic sauce (found in most Asian sections of your local store)<br />14 ounces chicken broth<br />3-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)<br />4 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)<br /><br /><strong>Marinade:</strong><br /><br />1/2 teaspoon sugar<br />2 teaspoons rice wine <em>(NOT TO BE MISTAKEN WITH RICE WINE VINEGAR)</em>, dry white wine or sherry<br />2 teaspoons soy sauce<br />1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch<br />1 teaspoon cooking oil<br /><br /><em>**NOTE: This can EASILY be prepared as a vegetarian dish by substituting the chicken for FIRM tofu and ANY vegetable would go well with this sauce.</em><br />-----------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><strong>Directions:</strong><br /><br />Using cooking shears, cut chicken into small strips and place in a bowl. Combine marinade ingredients and pour over the chicken. Mix well and set aside in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhkx63jamydg8NoyqGEsjFTbVTALphkq1ysfItGE0tfigVJZNjTMeqxQb0VWrPtYbNCmZHa1yfipnBw0FWoNSAJYKY7L3-7WpgsSLpyOpkMrEqqn0oSKxzJmupiOykCV-KPiiISTKQhKN/s1600-h/foodblog+008.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388958919172024530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhkx63jamydg8NoyqGEsjFTbVTALphkq1ysfItGE0tfigVJZNjTMeqxQb0VWrPtYbNCmZHa1yfipnBw0FWoNSAJYKY7L3-7WpgsSLpyOpkMrEqqn0oSKxzJmupiOykCV-KPiiISTKQhKN/s400/foodblog+008.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Prepare vegetables. Rinse gai lin WELL and cut into 2 inch pieces diagonally.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYm25YwBiIXfSlfm0Gk36R0UigOd-Z8C9Mel6ijdrAe5zsT2aBtrXWcxreloOt-tYxnF8U7Qvv4jtZFqg8lqhkZ6Ef6DtgG0JNC3puaziVc5aTw8TCQejY9wEpHXeB7jXqf61Lz19wney/s1600-h/foodblog+009.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388959847893348210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYm25YwBiIXfSlfm0Gk36R0UigOd-Z8C9Mel6ijdrAe5zsT2aBtrXWcxreloOt-tYxnF8U7Qvv4jtZFqg8lqhkZ6Ef6DtgG0JNC3puaziVc5aTw8TCQejY9wEpHXeB7jXqf61Lz19wney/s400/foodblog+009.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQcPwRJaaQlRlDE86ohzUFJxoUuBEkEinJQc6aMDAPKBOvaD6Ag9Ncumn6oTf1MobhxbQnSgZmvZv2sHWFLqGOUTGZDH0Y1W8IfRL8JYreoMKrSJGNCdynYr9KxzUpRdNDhcoG23kb09W/s1600-h/foodblog+010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388959859157466258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQcPwRJaaQlRlDE86ohzUFJxoUuBEkEinJQc6aMDAPKBOvaD6Ag9Ncumn6oTf1MobhxbQnSgZmvZv2sHWFLqGOUTGZDH0Y1W8IfRL8JYreoMKrSJGNCdynYr9KxzUpRdNDhcoG23kb09W/s400/foodblog+010.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Heat wok and add sesame oil. Stir fry gai lin, mushrooms and onions over high heat for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are 80% cooked. Set aside.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEYEzg8iXHMq83WE7LPPN9Da82F7ldaGlYmIWQmJR8Kk_fuzNO9lkPox7h8IuZyG8fmbu-yQ-0zCI55I3Qxnks5EXn4KZDEaJVYnTN0wIX4D9vXE5_Q51gLGlL_gwehap9HPt1m0jYQVW/s1600-h/foodblog+011.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388960899894021698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEYEzg8iXHMq83WE7LPPN9Da82F7ldaGlYmIWQmJR8Kk_fuzNO9lkPox7h8IuZyG8fmbu-yQ-0zCI55I3Qxnks5EXn4KZDEaJVYnTN0wIX4D9vXE5_Q51gLGlL_gwehap9HPt1m0jYQVW/s400/foodblog+011.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_77dA6YIEkzSoNYpIJImXfZBypL_F1EeV4I55rJ8QJL7JGsuDHNs-ldi1zHecYE8w6aWChc3q7l2flVyRAVT1uMNJX7GeHAhWMkKTMlOEIjebzBMs1pZ6eQt7wCYLSTwVBM8PYKsUC4A/s1600-h/foodblog+013.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388960891463095298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_77dA6YIEkzSoNYpIJImXfZBypL_F1EeV4I55rJ8QJL7JGsuDHNs-ldi1zHecYE8w6aWChc3q7l2flVyRAVT1uMNJX7GeHAhWMkKTMlOEIjebzBMs1pZ6eQt7wCYLSTwVBM8PYKsUC4A/s400/foodblog+013.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Add remaining sesame oil to the wok. Add chicken and stir fry until the meat is completely cooked. Add black bean garlic sauce and mix well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA6WdOmkcHYPLHL6xSIWsj5Di6l4wlQTu-3yx3Rj90JfpUrpz1xPRlvmkoiOFDQDJZd57v5KhoAlzbKlOCLSOIQ0Tfa1zZvva9gia-9zswpLzJv4ZdKpP4rNHl4jjx72WmA2mNf5Ti8WU/s1600-h/foodblog+014.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388961483889008514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA6WdOmkcHYPLHL6xSIWsj5Di6l4wlQTu-3yx3Rj90JfpUrpz1xPRlvmkoiOFDQDJZd57v5KhoAlzbKlOCLSOIQ0Tfa1zZvva9gia-9zswpLzJv4ZdKpP4rNHl4jjx72WmA2mNf5Ti8WU/s400/foodblog+014.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Add vegetables and continue to cook for another minute. Slowly pour in 1/2 of the chicken broth. Mix remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into the last 1/2 of chicken broth until completely dissolved. Pour into the wok and mix well. The sauce will thicken as it continues to cook.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB07J4Ikfi8YuY78PFH4OiV1qXRUCWsxXgEnHSNXzQb_pSo7CndgZc2AVxrdvTwX0X2aA1LpjsNGVaWqaE_WztXePC8IeuQ-Y151-WcMhktUqxekcFDY-lmsef5uZi5qgmwk9B6n3vwZY/s1600-h/foodblog+015.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388962604162916962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB07J4Ikfi8YuY78PFH4OiV1qXRUCWsxXgEnHSNXzQb_pSo7CndgZc2AVxrdvTwX0X2aA1LpjsNGVaWqaE_WztXePC8IeuQ-Y151-WcMhktUqxekcFDY-lmsef5uZi5qgmwk9B6n3vwZY/s400/foodblog+015.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Serve with rice and enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiMN8Fw7zG-plQyx9Umrg-_D6XSmP8y5_fAu4IAo66C5F8ZD9HSdC94i2f81Sr4rx47v_wW_Eu2vtSTaoKsbLDkewpwKZnF6rkf13LWt-ppizR8yJhXEO9HKREUBiCTUZXA9qwRywjw1j/s1600-h/foodblog+016.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388962593878174242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiMN8Fw7zG-plQyx9Umrg-_D6XSmP8y5_fAu4IAo66C5F8ZD9HSdC94i2f81Sr4rx47v_wW_Eu2vtSTaoKsbLDkewpwKZnF6rkf13LWt-ppizR8yJhXEO9HKREUBiCTUZXA9qwRywjw1j/s400/foodblog+016.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-52026557388114002962009-09-30T18:15:00.000-07:002009-09-30T18:44:59.446-07:00Fix It and Forget It - Green Chile Chicken (Crockpot meal)<div align="justify">I know, I know...I've been neglecting my duties here for a few months...but moving can do that to you! It also took me a while to get used to my new kitchen (that I absolutely HATE). It's smaller than our last kitchen, the pantry is far from my kitchen area and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">stove top</span> damn near comes up to my chest...but hey, at least I got a house out of the deal, right?<br /><br />So this was an experimental dinner that turned out quite well. I think this would also work well with pork stew meat or boneless pork loins.<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br /><br />3-4 lbs. chicken drumsticks (or which ever part of the chicken you prefer)<br />2 cans of condensed cream of chicken soup<br />1 small can of diced mild green <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">chiles</span><br />1/3 cup diced onions<br />1/8 teaspoon creole seasoning<br />1/8 teaspoon garlic salt<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-3w28OayxEvdkt2sXqxBvBphQYtKEPzrtrZNC7Fk5_2f0vDZ_9Kv6yL9lIqDd7JFDyzu3HNIxAGtNBxMPi0ccHKVV06uZC-_FNHI6GcSjkx101bPYg18tHTP52CkC6FRAS4T_YLb2Ra6/s1600-h/foodblog+004.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-3w28OayxEvdkt2sXqxBvBphQYtKEPzrtrZNC7Fk5_2f0vDZ_9Kv6yL9lIqDd7JFDyzu3HNIxAGtNBxMPi0ccHKVV06uZC-_FNHI6GcSjkx101bPYg18tHTP52CkC6FRAS4T_YLb2Ra6/s400/foodblog+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387440462417301442" /></a><br /><br />------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><strong>Directions:</strong><br /><br />Rinse chicken and pat dry. Mix soup, green <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">chiles</span>, onions and seasoning in a bowl. It's going to be a little thick, but don't worry about it. DO NOT ADD any other fluid!! Adding more fluid will make the sauce watery after the cooking process. Place half of the chicken on the bottom of the crock pot and spoon a generous amount of the soup mixture on top.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQa89H_yWL7XCIp38oMDP0-TKMpR6FJnZi20Ipf1aKPcvqqD4kRlPrznXtu-Bkom-vss2AumEKyqzy1ckTKwy5QfbRjJOSzkQlSGD3gEdgiAKufirfOp36SyLINdqJaeWw4zT9Pgsa2nIf/s1600-h/foodblog+001.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQa89H_yWL7XCIp38oMDP0-TKMpR6FJnZi20Ipf1aKPcvqqD4kRlPrznXtu-Bkom-vss2AumEKyqzy1ckTKwy5QfbRjJOSzkQlSGD3gEdgiAKufirfOp36SyLINdqJaeWw4zT9Pgsa2nIf/s400/foodblog+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387440442453297378" /></a><br /><br />Add the second half of chicken and repeat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEu_ZIGXl70TXvCEHethJDUqCGPVrbXgybdNVWVLxkvXWhBzVyhNTCMKr7istekVV8Kz6IP0ABvcII-l-QZmVGvKfpkQ1sWnMZd-F57I4P074y0-xGCv-qqvJryC86YiXa8PYijC86oLw/s1600-h/foodblog+003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEu_ZIGXl70TXvCEHethJDUqCGPVrbXgybdNVWVLxkvXWhBzVyhNTCMKr7istekVV8Kz6IP0ABvcII-l-QZmVGvKfpkQ1sWnMZd-F57I4P074y0-xGCv-qqvJryC86YiXa8PYijC86oLw/s400/foodblog+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387440450140052370" /></a><br /><br />Cook on medium for 6 or low for 8 hours...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ94RVIRcp6dIFWVq4JaIkpx6vjRpH9jMJ4KacvPpk9e-e9oTXp9VpMk_myZiZLMXgkJaCS-kkV5dQCXR-iQluYHhSxtspDhSkSN2exL66x3RqhKlm2n7K7ZhyphenhyphenekWy0kWDZbOS9buBpuBY/s1600-h/foodblog+005.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ94RVIRcp6dIFWVq4JaIkpx6vjRpH9jMJ4KacvPpk9e-e9oTXp9VpMk_myZiZLMXgkJaCS-kkV5dQCXR-iQluYHhSxtspDhSkSN2exL66x3RqhKlm2n7K7ZhyphenhyphenekWy0kWDZbOS9buBpuBY/s400/foodblog+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387440474095334738" /></a><br /><br />Add sides and call it dinner! I served this with rice pilaf and honey glazed carrots. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">MmmMmmm</span>!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyQgOCnM6GaZetvr5jNmR2eLZfQqD6VJo3WjtIjhssVkJNc9cdV8SeRWf9DQj_nietqRcrDZuKd355kYUr3yAZDQK1fRY2k3bsICN9FFzGj87f3mBNWYLMY6zsoWnTJL-xKckTum0iGxL/s1600-h/foodblog+006.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyQgOCnM6GaZetvr5jNmR2eLZfQqD6VJo3WjtIjhssVkJNc9cdV8SeRWf9DQj_nietqRcrDZuKd355kYUr3yAZDQK1fRY2k3bsICN9FFzGj87f3mBNWYLMY6zsoWnTJL-xKckTum0iGxL/s400/foodblog+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387440483899792242" /></a><br /><br />Fix it and forget it!!<br /><br />Enjoy!</div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-74379237600846613792009-06-30T10:38:00.001-07:002009-06-30T10:45:27.875-07:00Something Random...<div align="justify">In case you're wondering...I have purposely disabled the comment section. Please don't be offended because I DO love your comments and reviews of the dishes I've made, but I've noticed a few HTML glitches with the last two templates that I used for this site and for WHATEVER REASON, comments will not post.<br /><br />So...if you DO have a question or comments about anything you see here, feel free to send me an email! Believe me, some people have gone out of their way to locate my email address rather than leaving comments when they COULD HAVE!<br /><br />I've been slacking. I have recipes and pictures to post, but I've been incredibly busy lately. No worries...I haven't forgotten about you!</div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-2227649499705080852009-06-03T18:52:00.000-07:002009-06-03T19:11:58.548-07:00SUPER Easy Chicken Tacos<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGftkCTXZfqkQQ-yedCb0ujyWT_eYaN0Dd7_M3UlNkq8PkZo_UXwCs9qsaDhB9bjs4yERcU0nzd3AOq0X-BR0NC6Yt6Fx732lsoi84Cv7ftWZDjEVyAgViCZDLsfGNjZZ9fD4TqY91a33a/s1600-h/tacos"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343288134132474578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGftkCTXZfqkQQ-yedCb0ujyWT_eYaN0Dd7_M3UlNkq8PkZo_UXwCs9qsaDhB9bjs4yERcU0nzd3AOq0X-BR0NC6Yt6Fx732lsoi84Cv7ftWZDjEVyAgViCZDLsfGNjZZ9fD4TqY91a33a/s400/tacos" /></a><br /><br />This really is a super easy recipe. I have to give the credit to my mother. One night I planned on baking some chicken breasts and having rice and veggies on the side, but my husband requested TACOS (because he's REALLY BIG on Mexican food - he could eat it everyday and he isn't Mexican)!<br /><br />I didn't have any ground meat to prepare tacos the way I <a target="blank" href="http://tamskitchencreations.blogspot.com/2008/10/new-spin-on-taco-meat.html"><i>normally</i></a> would, and I wasn't quite sure how to season the chicken properly (and easily seeing how this was the last meal of the week and I needed to grocery shop). I had to use items that I already had on hand.<br /><br />Let's just say that this is a new family favorite and the chicken has now been used for tacos, burritos, tostadas and taco salads!<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br /><br />4 or 5 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves<br />2 cups of Pace Chunky Picante Sauce <em>(I'm guessing on the amount, I just pour from the bottle til it looks about right!)</em><br />2 dozen corn tortillas<br />Any of your favorite taco condiments<br /><br /><br /><strong>Directions:</strong><br /><br />Saute chicken until juices run clear.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eHiX05-ix1GcuHbP8WXvJUfaWydnS7jRPCgOjaL_ossG-gDTNu2JdNE3L5itDUmrJnL0ShSwYYD-CQ0HLfOpVtEcMSU_WPw6VwH1w9ODxw522yG9suXW4ogRPOGGsdzgCn4zeuWkANiL/s1600-h/foodblog+091.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343288020604446466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-eHiX05-ix1GcuHbP8WXvJUfaWydnS7jRPCgOjaL_ossG-gDTNu2JdNE3L5itDUmrJnL0ShSwYYD-CQ0HLfOpVtEcMSU_WPw6VwH1w9ODxw522yG9suXW4ogRPOGGsdzgCn4zeuWkANiL/s400/foodblog+091.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In a large bowl, shred the chicken.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREVeWNo04IfXcCi5DCQ0ynE7rU2ydwji0ExukNoOCvMzMhfvrJ0RXshRg8nZhtPDfj3YkwdRL2bK7rfoPDhZ4vS5SsVnR90ktc1eP63Sfdrh2UoNLCtqdb-HCbd0h1bLH04WAIV1f7TKo/s1600-h/foodblog+092.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343288024710680674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREVeWNo04IfXcCi5DCQ0ynE7rU2ydwji0ExukNoOCvMzMhfvrJ0RXshRg8nZhtPDfj3YkwdRL2bK7rfoPDhZ4vS5SsVnR90ktc1eP63Sfdrh2UoNLCtqdb-HCbd0h1bLH04WAIV1f7TKo/s400/foodblog+092.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGAXG8AUrvjy1pxbQwJfwKF3MoNLgYT9XMMC2akp3PzW5Y0K0k-ODtjEAEy7Ep-qywDinTmL8nO5J1Mc4k5OnySYWyVVwV90FN6eVXTvnWhpmP1NUxvO9c6SoHzQADgTLRa8t2p-i5_kd/s1600-h/foodblog+093.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343288032446380690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGAXG8AUrvjy1pxbQwJfwKF3MoNLgYT9XMMC2akp3PzW5Y0K0k-ODtjEAEy7Ep-qywDinTmL8nO5J1Mc4k5OnySYWyVVwV90FN6eVXTvnWhpmP1NUxvO9c6SoHzQADgTLRa8t2p-i5_kd/s400/foodblog+093.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Add the sauce and mix well!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3nMgIRFTv1FR4aI2ULUddRSSMErGND5uk64MuUBw71GTPKBe_viPcKUsFgiSRipWUoRIMPoj3jqHJMNtxIjNJ49Dxu_cfTO_5px4ls1FQdBJyVjeDAjnE887ZEVHDYba2OotHSwdNYBq/s1600-h/foodblog+094.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343288035237159506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3nMgIRFTv1FR4aI2ULUddRSSMErGND5uk64MuUBw71GTPKBe_viPcKUsFgiSRipWUoRIMPoj3jqHJMNtxIjNJ49Dxu_cfTO_5px4ls1FQdBJyVjeDAjnE887ZEVHDYba2OotHSwdNYBq/s400/foodblog+094.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQVCuysyDkcTBILWzR2rfglsyL3Dp3rbLx1ejmW0szZYoeydCQtqCuoku4uSKzv9Tfhv1k2JOcJvs3f-yX4YAlMIEWc5UabWHb5_f0lZuyktKjtbLOgT_8mDqIIv3_iHeyABDXZcy_Wxf/s1600-h/foodblog+095.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343288041632219986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQVCuysyDkcTBILWzR2rfglsyL3Dp3rbLx1ejmW0szZYoeydCQtqCuoku4uSKzv9Tfhv1k2JOcJvs3f-yX4YAlMIEWc5UabWHb5_f0lZuyktKjtbLOgT_8mDqIIv3_iHeyABDXZcy_Wxf/s400/foodblog+095.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It's JUST that easy! Picante sauce has the perfect blend of seasoning, onions, cilantro and chiles. If you need it to have more of a kick, simply add your favorite hot sauce!<br /><br />Enjoy!</div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-19154974423955363602009-06-01T13:52:00.000-07:002009-06-01T14:15:11.457-07:00Chicken Chili Stew<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZc2ZxNP-lvYFVG54SjHxmaml-PBsADG8E98sk5dKAnKEw0w3ZSF2vhWweBWgPRT7mUQK98YXDwbs24cwz4hEdIBm6sw2CBnjCCscevkTvJgknx2tshQ34lWrBAJM5T5vFC9Tk2sQUlz7f/s1600-h/foodblog+087.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342467705242167378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZc2ZxNP-lvYFVG54SjHxmaml-PBsADG8E98sk5dKAnKEw0w3ZSF2vhWweBWgPRT7mUQK98YXDwbs24cwz4hEdIBm6sw2CBnjCCscevkTvJgknx2tshQ34lWrBAJM5T5vFC9Tk2sQUlz7f/s400/foodblog+087.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I cannot take credit for this recipe, but I WILL say it was well received. My husband decided to try this so-called <a target="blank" href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2243463_follow-slow-carb-diet.html">Slow Carb Diet</a>. He had me trolling all over the Internet looking for recipes and such. Ironically, he was the one who found this recipe and suggested that I give it a try.<br /><br />I personally think it's odd to have chunk chicken in chili, but that's just me. My husband and oldest son RAVED about it after I finished and said it was better than my usual version. So I thought I'd share!<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br /><br />3 Whole cubed skinless, boneless chicken breast halves<em> (I used 4 LARGE cans of chunk chicken I was saving to make chicken salad with)<br /></em>1 medium onion chopped<br />1 green bell pepper chopped <em>(I also added a red bell pepper too)</em><br />2 cloves minced garlic <em>(I used 2 tablespoons of jarred minced garlic)<br /></em>2 tablespoons olive oil <em>(or whatever you have on hand)<br /></em>2 - 15oz canned stewed tomatoes <em>(I used 1 LARGE can and 1 regular can of diced tomatoes because I HAD them on hand)<br /></em>1 - 15oz canned pinto beans<em> (I used 2 cans)</em><br />3/4 cup picante sauce <em>(I used a little over 1 cup)</em><br />1 1/2 teaspoon cumin<br />1 teaspoon chili powder<br /><br /><em><strong>**NOTE:</strong> This recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but I omitted it because chili powder already has salt in it. I like to keep our sodium as low as possible without sacrificing taste. But it's up to you...</em><br /><br /><strong>Directions:</strong><br /><br />Saute chicken, onions, bell peppers and garlic in a large sauce pan until chicken is fully cooked (in my case, this step didn't take so long since the chicken was already cooked). Add everything else to the pot and simmer for 20 minutes.<br /><br />EASIEST DISH EVER!! Add some cornbread and a salad and you've got a good meal!<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /></div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-42922165072030743362009-06-01T13:43:00.000-07:002009-06-01T13:51:19.764-07:00Tres Leches Cake for PARTIES!<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFmBQGoHv2ZVbXcEelGwSV4mxDJxNBa0OCW6QP22-cilDIfht74Mdj98dANQqfI9JZJIZxCdupN0vJNI9OSGOntO-vMjwgCiS3beEdr-nLtR2JCo2zNiLAAO5HrMuQWcHVI22n1SMcJoq/s1600-h/foodblog+089.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342462997081831218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFmBQGoHv2ZVbXcEelGwSV4mxDJxNBa0OCW6QP22-cilDIfht74Mdj98dANQqfI9JZJIZxCdupN0vJNI9OSGOntO-vMjwgCiS3beEdr-nLtR2JCo2zNiLAAO5HrMuQWcHVI22n1SMcJoq/s400/foodblog+089.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I meant to post this picture a few weeks ago when I actually hosted the party! I baked two <a target="blank" href="http://tamskitchencreations.blogspot.com/2009/03/pastel-de-tres-leches-three-milk-cake.html">Tres Leches Cakes</a> for my son's birthday party <i>(at his explicit request)</i>. I wasn't sure how a non-alcoholic version would turn out considering I've only prepared this using rum in the mixture.<br /><br />I made one cake with alcohol and the other without. Then I cut them into cubed slices and put them in cocktail tumblers. I topped each with a heaping tablespoon of whipped cream and topped the NON-alcoholic cake with fresh strawberries and the GOOD stuff with mandarin oranges.<br /><br />It was also much easier to serve. For those who didn't want to eat it on the spot, we stuck forks in the cup and wrapped the top with plastic wrap for an easy dessert to go!</div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-53343809227522371182009-03-25T01:33:00.000-07:002009-03-25T01:54:16.608-07:00Chicken-Spinach-Asiago Quiche<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVk6Yx8I8665geqHBSm2StQdc7nrN-yhI4IzC-_iQ5AxtD5a2ksgeCdi02w-EBono1FJC0SGGhiiB4Z3fYHneZI6txn75q3u7CRmxs3lPUuWiUAJbtP6WBfdHZsN0CJ0XFa3nA7kbEFv8o/s1600-h/foodblog+074.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317041482659137026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVk6Yx8I8665geqHBSm2StQdc7nrN-yhI4IzC-_iQ5AxtD5a2ksgeCdi02w-EBono1FJC0SGGhiiB4Z3fYHneZI6txn75q3u7CRmxs3lPUuWiUAJbtP6WBfdHZsN0CJ0XFa3nA7kbEFv8o/s400/foodblog+074.jpg" /></a><br />I'm mad at myself for not taking pictures of "the process", but I had company and I was so busy whipping this up and running my mouth that I totally forgot. Anyhoo...I DO have a picture of the final product...and let me say, this was DAMN GOOD!!<br /><br /><em>I NAILED THIS RECIPE!</em><br /><br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong><br /><br />1 Frozen DEEP DISH Pie Crust <em>(these usually come in a 2-pack)</em><br />1/2 cup diced onion <em>(I used green onions because that's all I had)</em><br />1 boneless chicken breast <em>(cooked and diced - season however you like)</em><br />1 - 8oz container of fat free sour cream<br />1 - 9oz package frozen CHOPPED spinach <em>(thawed and drained WELL)</em><br />1/4 teaspoon garlic SALT <em>(not powder - seriously, don't substitute)</em><br />1/8 teaspoon black pepper<br />2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese<br />1 1/2 cup grated asiago cheese<br />3 eggs <em>(or 3/4 cup of Egg Beaters - which is what I used)</em><br />1/2 cup heavy whipping cream<br /><br /><br /><em><b>**NOTE:</b> I made a couple of substitutions from the original recipe. It normally calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled, cooked bacon...but I forgot to pick some up, so I skipped it and I'm glad that I did. Instead I added a small can of diced mild green chile - because let's face it...green chile in a quiche is ALWAYS good!!!</em><br /><br />------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><strong>Directions:</strong><br /><br />Preheat oven to 375. Allow pie crust to thaw for about 20 minutes. Afterwards place the crust in the oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.<br /><br />In a large bowl combine all ingredients. MAKE SURE THAT YOU REMOVE ALL WATER FROM THE SPINACH - otherwise you'll end up with a wet quiche and it won't set. Also, drain the little bit of fluid from the chiles too <em>(should you decide to use them).</em><br /><br />Pour everything in the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and line the edges with foil (so the crust doesn't burn). Put back in the oven and back for another 40-45 minutes...or until the top is slightly golden. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Allow quiche to sit for at LEAST 20 minutes before you cut into it.<br /><br /><em><b>**NOTE:</b> It might be a good idea to bake this on a cookie sheet. It'll make it easier to put in the oven and take out. Also, it'll catch anything that may ooze over the edges (although mine didn't ooze even though it looked like it wanted to).</em><br /><br />ENJOY!! I know I did!!</div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-34519035857703395172009-03-24T12:40:00.000-07:002009-03-24T12:43:11.211-07:00Now back to our regularly scheduled program...<div align="justify">So sorry for the inconvenience of going M.I.A.! Wow...I had no idea just how many people stopped by here regularly...I started getting hate mail and death threats!! HAHAHA!!<br /><br />Hope you like the new format - believe me it was a MESS to put together!! But I think my HTML skills are ON POINT now!! Back in a few with a new meal...</div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-61973723390940495012009-03-21T15:55:00.000-07:002009-03-21T15:59:30.089-07:00I know, I know...I was supposed to post the recipe for Beef & Potato empanadas...but what had happened was...lol...the meat ended up becoming taco and burrito filling. I didn't care for dough recipe, so I'm going to have to go back to the drawing board.<br /><br />I'm not posting recipes that I haven't personally tried. But I WILL tell you, the filling was FANTASTIC!!!<br /><br />I'll try it again this week and see what happens! Stay tuned!That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-31132040330263854492009-03-16T10:48:00.000-07:002009-03-16T10:56:04.151-07:00Menu Plan Monday - Week of March 16<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkb_9MWP_eH8o0Ht32TTXaje0Kub7guZnlLEtIGG3yOc1Vh2pO1nohgIPrgSn49ZTdMaFcQurIM4KtxJgvhudgbae1VAxEcun0zFZJSc-aL585lJ87y1Cu8oUyb3Dnv1Da7wngXcHKWDX/s1600-h/mpm.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 315px; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313844262213355330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkb_9MWP_eH8o0Ht32TTXaje0Kub7guZnlLEtIGG3yOc1Vh2pO1nohgIPrgSn49ZTdMaFcQurIM4KtxJgvhudgbae1VAxEcun0zFZJSc-aL585lJ87y1Cu8oUyb3Dnv1Da7wngXcHKWDX/s400/mpm.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I know it's been a minute since I posted my MPMs. I stopped because the menus were getting boring and my silly children seem to enjoy the same meals OVER and OVER and OVER again. I decided to mix things up and start trying some new dishes on them!<br /><br />Here goes...<br /><br />Beef & Potato Empanadas with Spanish Rice<br />Baked Lemon Dill Tilapia Fillets with Rice Pilaf<br /><a target="blank" href="http://tamskitchencreations.blogspot.com/2009/03/carribean-cuisine-feed-your-family-and.html">Jerk Chicken</a> (using breast fillets) with Red Beans & Rice<br /><a target="blank" href="http://tamskitchencreations.blogspot.com/2009/02/asian-flair-feed-your-family-for-under.html">Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry</a> with Steamed Coconut Rice<br />Chili (with either fries or Fritos)<br />Green Salad with every meal<br /><br />**NOTE: Recipe for the empanadas will be posted as soon as I finish taking pictures of the process!<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /></div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-39638814349369358152009-03-11T06:54:00.000-07:002009-03-17T13:12:32.138-07:00Pastel de Tres Leches (Three milk cake)<div align="justify"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5d3pkqmn23vjsFg34SO_l-osXowPHY9YDdCOtNUcpdaSsfHbpUqY3uHkp9BriX_uejk_F7viFExWcy-W0nCve_8yGJCy-46qkLgvp1_Dts1O96FEooNVYCtBTlDKF7zkBwWVMogZGGMu/s1600-h/foodblog+072.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311931999330691042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5d3pkqmn23vjsFg34SO_l-osXowPHY9YDdCOtNUcpdaSsfHbpUqY3uHkp9BriX_uejk_F7viFExWcy-W0nCve_8yGJCy-46qkLgvp1_Dts1O96FEooNVYCtBTlDKF7zkBwWVMogZGGMu/s400/foodblog+072.jpg" /></a><br />I have a wicked sweet tooth...but most of the time I can keep it under control. I've been dying to make a <a target="blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tres_leches_cake">Tres Leches</a> cake for quite some time.<br /><br />Over the years they've become popular enough to be found in larger supermarket chains and bakeries that have a Hispanic population near by. Usually, they can be a little on the pricey side - especially if you're just trying to get your hands on a good slice of cake!<br /><br />You know I like to keep things simple...so I hunted down a recipe that looked extremely easy <em>(read: not time consuming)</em> and one that I could play with as far as the recipe was concerned...because yall KNOW how much I like to add my own flair! A friend of mine came by and had a slice yesterday and paid me a <strong>HUGE</strong> compliment<em>..."This tastes better than a Mexican's cake! My mom would hate you!!" </em><br /><br />That only means that my mission was accomplished!! I made an <em>authentic</em> Mexican dessert <em>(minus all the ridiculous mixing and egg separating that's normally called for)</em>!! Hey...not bad for a Black and Chinese girl, eh?<br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVWZ9jIKhXmpEiTqY2FdfM52haXtkLlcZTrYQt3Z2n1-CMm00QI9bGLtzkyTVyNSggdUTLQ5OT3k6Ticxcc_S5PYVKd5tNpddH6-Jkdl_LoCU4X4xQM4HzCR6U3u4yF0ynHfMIC17RUS4/s1600-h/foodblog+064.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311936678752652354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVWZ9jIKhXmpEiTqY2FdfM52haXtkLlcZTrYQt3Z2n1-CMm00QI9bGLtzkyTVyNSggdUTLQ5OT3k6Ticxcc_S5PYVKd5tNpddH6-Jkdl_LoCU4X4xQM4HzCR6U3u4yF0ynHfMIC17RUS4/s400/foodblog+064.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>CAKE</strong><br />1 box of Duncan Hines butter or yellow cake mix<br />1/3 cup vegetable oil<br />3 eggs<br />2 teaspoons vanilla<br />1 cup water<br /><br /><strong>MILK SAUCE</strong> <em>(with a kick)</em><br />1 can condensed milk<br />1 cup of half & half<br />2/3 cup of fat free evaporated milk<br />1/4 cup Malibu Rum <em>(any flavor - I used Tropical Banana)</em><br /><br /><strong>FROSTING</strong> <em>(with a LITTLE kick)</em><br />1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream<br />3 tablespoons sugar<br />1/2 teaspoon vanilla<br />1 capful of Rum <em>*big grin*</em><br /><br />---------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Directions:<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray and flour lightly. Mix together the cake mix, water, oil, eggs and vanilla. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 35 minutes. While the cake is baking, prepare the milk sauce.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEezoP-_7DJOBL9qGWgY2uh9zxT9QpR4UXhU0o0pMO7DQWbPdVnZ6IE5GI-q0xPzaUptVfrMfOznswcqToYq0I6DDx4hClIAruCyzgHs7VLIk6WIwYmuzJIY308rPJmme_OBB6Lu2rQ1Mv/s1600-h/foodblog+063.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311936681289429266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEezoP-_7DJOBL9qGWgY2uh9zxT9QpR4UXhU0o0pMO7DQWbPdVnZ6IE5GI-q0xPzaUptVfrMfOznswcqToYq0I6DDx4hClIAruCyzgHs7VLIk6WIwYmuzJIY308rPJmme_OBB6Lu2rQ1Mv/s400/foodblog+063.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In a large bowl, mix condensed milk, evaporated milk, half & half and the Rum with a wire whisk. If you've never purchased condensed milk before, you'll need a spoon to scrape it all out of the can. It's extremely thick.<br /><br />Once the cake is finished, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.<br /><br />With a long tined fork, poke holes in the cake about 1/2 inch apart.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFeOlgHJmyNHJ4XdihgTonB5vJuZEI-q_F7SHBxM4siIX2W2Bk0uWJjuukhrxXJQIi6Cmezv0iOCN6gEZxIjN0gdme5FTnvRVQ9HhaXt-ZPdNobMAwjFnognPJY_PAhMHQI5MXvnefXPt/s1600-h/foodblog+065.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311936683615870066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHFeOlgHJmyNHJ4XdihgTonB5vJuZEI-q_F7SHBxM4siIX2W2Bk0uWJjuukhrxXJQIi6Cmezv0iOCN6gEZxIjN0gdme5FTnvRVQ9HhaXt-ZPdNobMAwjFnognPJY_PAhMHQI5MXvnefXPt/s400/foodblog+065.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZg28e-mobV0NI7WVs3pnRSXYn8GrsjRiP5nNctsphZXbpTbxenKO44H8p9QxyjIuEjK_IsvoQqHx3YSj2L8ea3B3WWXYKgBsx4xyEnF5d19_xHufdzxH98bF8-WxXZh8y_u-j7KVhcETI/s1600-h/foodblog+066.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311936691937067058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZg28e-mobV0NI7WVs3pnRSXYn8GrsjRiP5nNctsphZXbpTbxenKO44H8p9QxyjIuEjK_IsvoQqHx3YSj2L8ea3B3WWXYKgBsx4xyEnF5d19_xHufdzxH98bF8-WxXZh8y_u-j7KVhcETI/s400/foodblog+066.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Pour the milk sauce over the entire cake.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOJPFxj55MncGxEOa4SLvOjLWnEB_LfTNSULgw84e_9tkUhLe_fDSNnqDs5OZpAcNgsgFZSFyMhle8fhRX_cxsbXUkBQCejbTmqSWPp_JJy42i6AjhfwiFGb6VavjsKFERTPBidOpwgAR/s1600-h/foodblog+067.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311936695072393986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOJPFxj55MncGxEOa4SLvOjLWnEB_LfTNSULgw84e_9tkUhLe_fDSNnqDs5OZpAcNgsgFZSFyMhle8fhRX_cxsbXUkBQCejbTmqSWPp_JJy42i6AjhfwiFGb6VavjsKFERTPBidOpwgAR/s400/foodblog+067.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAY6lMQ3j5hQRvFIRAyUBSHk3Fr2UhoBWLw2s3_XDN9yYog5t0d6Ldv7uYGPTReyx7oVqwm7bWa01iYg77O9Q5h33L5UAKyy-XS9qxEYOQqpIvD8atkzb8E3-GYbm_-y-PwyBNBlmIi49/s1600-h/foodblog+068.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311940349839557410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAY6lMQ3j5hQRvFIRAyUBSHk3Fr2UhoBWLw2s3_XDN9yYog5t0d6Ldv7uYGPTReyx7oVqwm7bWa01iYg77O9Q5h33L5UAKyy-XS9qxEYOQqpIvD8atkzb8E3-GYbm_-y-PwyBNBlmIi49/s400/foodblog+068.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>(Thanks Bri for taking pictures while I poured!!)</em><br /></span><br />The liquid will absorb quickly, so don't freak out if it disappears within seconds.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKNu6dG7Shvn9QG5gmQHh_wtsboBMDAcnSjlosykEraS3zHMdsgbGF4rZsRGcep0fH6SEnhtrIl2-2vuCgUwchJwSkkamd2__FGXaadFK0mlEiU1RWxtQ5mGwjr_JMS5ECzMnLyTHuVkr/s1600-h/foodblog+069.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311940360812313698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKNu6dG7Shvn9QG5gmQHh_wtsboBMDAcnSjlosykEraS3zHMdsgbGF4rZsRGcep0fH6SEnhtrIl2-2vuCgUwchJwSkkamd2__FGXaadFK0mlEiU1RWxtQ5mGwjr_JMS5ECzMnLyTHuVkr/s400/foodblog+069.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at LEAST an hour. I baked my cake at night <em>(which is usually when I'm in the mood for baking)</em> and refrigerated the cake overnight. It might be a good idea to do this when you're in no real rush to eat it...just a thought.<br /><br />When you're ready to frost the cake, combine the whipping cream, sugar, vanilla and Rum with an electric mixer <em>(on low)</em> until the cream begins to peak...don't worry about it...if you've never made whipped cream before, you'll KNOW when it's starts to peak. Don't over mix <em>(like I did because I was distracted by my children) </em>, it won't look as fluffy and pretty!!<br /><br />Carefully frost the cake and add your choice of fruit topping (or not). I used jarred Mango halves and added about 2 teaspoons of the juice in with the whipped topping.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskx9y4LjMJZ_YUlPrVnUhL-N7ei98bdVxadZ_tYFds-o4oJw4Zkn9G7ykxCgqPGZlbrsLa0bcGn8USIDpzRPPPJtoR81DFiPUZpEPODWd1IJdrQ67vxOazm4Wg3vSpOTa7Y5-khyphenhyphenjxuE9/s1600-h/foodblog+070.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311940366051396786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskx9y4LjMJZ_YUlPrVnUhL-N7ei98bdVxadZ_tYFds-o4oJw4Zkn9G7ykxCgqPGZlbrsLa0bcGn8USIDpzRPPPJtoR81DFiPUZpEPODWd1IJdrQ67vxOazm4Wg3vSpOTa7Y5-khyphenhyphenjxuE9/s400/foodblog+070.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sttxvGQfgnVuO6ITLPPkMWvp-YpuUtgoP4XwKWMrF6a-9JuvGUQZOSN9SRnJYBC5d__K96Pyecjeundf5Z93G5SlZv49NKDZev64_ZyAqEppcNdP0zA8J1-gLCryu8K7NMohCwMqK4-z/s1600-h/foodblog+071.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311940371320475298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sttxvGQfgnVuO6ITLPPkMWvp-YpuUtgoP4XwKWMrF6a-9JuvGUQZOSN9SRnJYBC5d__K96Pyecjeundf5Z93G5SlZv49NKDZev64_ZyAqEppcNdP0zA8J1-gLCryu8K7NMohCwMqK4-z/s400/foodblog+071.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Cut yourself a slice and ENJOY!! Please keep in mind that this cake IS perishable...keep it refrigerated!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Pz5MI_tIfWnASWAu3ES7bGdCxznALbiqRMui0Baa2kuvvkkS1eZr39aVma3cWSf9XJ_SnryyU4GkKOqOwQnbZR_JYaLWlp5kNvFi4NcHr6bzJ8Tm-qrbk5X6ZKJ2QdRmkiFQeMYh29B/s1600-h/foodblog+073.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311940373939144002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7Pz5MI_tIfWnASWAu3ES7bGdCxznALbiqRMui0Baa2kuvvkkS1eZr39aVma3cWSf9XJ_SnryyU4GkKOqOwQnbZR_JYaLWlp5kNvFi4NcHr6bzJ8Tm-qrbk5X6ZKJ2QdRmkiFQeMYh29B/s400/foodblog+073.jpg" /></a><br /><br />OMG...it's to DIE for!! Really...it is!</div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-16975981890608491492009-03-03T11:48:00.000-08:002009-03-03T14:08:00.710-08:00Honey Corn Dogs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLM2noY0N8Ej_6TneqPYVVtNKdt877aiEdBortMXFLeQgbBen1yiWLmmMIUoKgHSvfG4I88U4IW-rA6Da9cPOzbDZGjqVK-8m6OvFR4SBB_3kMHnLSkzi0NaAEN6OTj33c1lritGcNUxFi/s1600-h/corndogs-th.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLM2noY0N8Ej_6TneqPYVVtNKdt877aiEdBortMXFLeQgbBen1yiWLmmMIUoKgHSvfG4I88U4IW-rA6Da9cPOzbDZGjqVK-8m6OvFR4SBB_3kMHnLSkzi0NaAEN6OTj33c1lritGcNUxFi/s400/corndogs-th.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309085796825286498" /></a><br /><br />My 4 year old LOVES corn dogs. One can usually find them frozen in my house ALL THE TIME because 4 out of 5 days a week he asks for them. When I'm feeling a bit adventurous, I whip out this recipe and let the kids help with pour and mixing. Kids love to help in the kitchen!<br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />1 lb. chicken or turkey hot dogs<br />4 cups vegetable oil<br />1/2 cup flour<br />1/2 cup cornmeal<br />1 tsp. baking powder<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />1 Tbsp. vegetable shortening<br />1/3 cup milk<br />1 egg<br />3 tablespoons of honey<br />8−10 wooden skewers<br /><div align="justify"><br /><br />Directions:<br /><br />Bring 3 cups of water to boiling in a large saucepan. Add hot dogs and bring back to boiling. Remove from heat; cover 20 minutes. Pour enough oil to a 2−inch depth in a skillet and heat to 350 degrees. Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt in a medium−size bowl and blend with fork. </div><div align="justify"><br />Add shortening and cut in with fork until the size of small peas. Combine milk, honey and egg in a 1 cup measure. Stir into flour− cornmeal mixture. Pour mixture into a tall glass. Remove hot dogs from water and dry with paper towels. Insert skewer into the hot dog, and be sure to leave about 1 inch for handle. Dip hot dog into batter; let excess batter drip into glass. Drop into hot oil and fry 2 minutes, or until golden brown.</div><br /><br />Enjoy!That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-91952899967655839252009-03-01T17:46:00.000-08:002009-03-01T19:38:00.924-08:00Caribbean cuisine! Feed your family (and maybe a guest or two) for under $20!<div align="justify"><br />One of my favorite restaurants is <a href="http://www.theoriginalchachacha.com/">Cha Cha Cha</a> located in Silverlake, California. The food is a divine mix of Caribbean and South American cuisine. The jerk pork is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! My mouth waters as I type this...cuz there's no telling when I'll get to go back. It's on the other sie of town and I've YET to drag my husband there.<br /><br />I've been itching for <a href="http://www.grabemsnacks.com/what-is-a-plantain.html">plantains</a>, but I had to come up with a meal to wrap around it. I decided on jerk chicken and coconut rice (over red beans and rice - which was a definite runner-up).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOUPnl9sWQ95NAHo11fLikkY3NCE5RRLHm8DRyvOiBno5_BUlxIGcwcH36uGWniB8VQPemcXC_q_fsQgzxA87HrUmkL2wtzhiUd1tKB2qUENXJuPVl-JezNtaZ0xdYxFLl_HQPFNSUQLO/s1600-h/foodblog+053.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308412199603404722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOUPnl9sWQ95NAHo11fLikkY3NCE5RRLHm8DRyvOiBno5_BUlxIGcwcH36uGWniB8VQPemcXC_q_fsQgzxA87HrUmkL2wtzhiUd1tKB2qUENXJuPVl-JezNtaZ0xdYxFLl_HQPFNSUQLO/s400/foodblog+053.jpg" /></a><br /><br />5.75lbs of chicken legs @ $6.54 (exactly 20 pieces of chicken)<br />1 bottle of Italian salad dressing @ $1.54 (you'd be amazed at what you can marinate with this stuff)<br />1 box of light brown sugar @ $1.58<br />1 jar of Thyme @ $2.88<br />7 plantains @ $1.78 (I found these puppies at one of the local Hispanic markets)<br />1 can of coconut milk @ $.50<br />1 - 2lb bag of calrose rice @ $1.65<br />1 jar of crushed red pepper @ $1.98<br />1 jar of cinnamon sugar @ $1.48<br /><br />Add that up...it's <strong>$19.93!</strong> Two key ingredients that weren't on my shopping list are GROUND ALL-SPICE <em>(I generally keep it on hand, but it costs no more than $2.00)</em> and SOY SAUCE <em>(and even though I rarely use it, one simply can't be HALF Chinese and NOT have this in the house!).</em><br /><br />With 20 pieces of chicken and nearly 7 cups or more of coconut rice...you can feed quite a few people...or have a gang of left overs. I chose to use chicken legs because it's more cost effective. Maybe next time I'll use an inexpensive cut of pork roast and make shredded jerk pork!<br /><br /><strong>Jerk Chicken Marinade:</strong><br /><br />1/4 cup Italian dressing (I use this because it contains the various spices and oil required to give it the right flavor)<br />1/4 cup soy sauce<br />1/4 cup brown sugar<br />1 tablespoon thyme<br />1 teaspoon all-spice<br />1 teaspoon crushed red pepper<br /><br />Mix all of these ingredients in a bowl and pour into a large ziplock freezer bag. Put all of your chicken into the bag and toss the chicken until well coated. I let my chicken marinate for about 6 hours, but you can do it longer if you'd like the flavor to really stick! Stick it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it. <em>(I only mentioned this part because sometimes good sense ain't so common if you catch my drift!)</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSq8PaHEj99jBzqsq0Onx_aIQJlDswcGAOIdIwofkJIN_Oyf7lFF77bPDCdwzcbnyW-m607O2dogl_OU9vYULMv-P7-FeDr03ktW0gbkXJZlEqiezPvChu1K-sFAz_rVR80M5DuQ2uxf5/s1600-h/foodblog+052.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308412194917694226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSq8PaHEj99jBzqsq0Onx_aIQJlDswcGAOIdIwofkJIN_Oyf7lFF77bPDCdwzcbnyW-m607O2dogl_OU9vYULMv-P7-FeDr03ktW0gbkXJZlEqiezPvChu1K-sFAz_rVR80M5DuQ2uxf5/s400/foodblog+052.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Traditionally you would grill the meat, but for the purpose of this little exercise, we'll bake it! Place chicken in a 2 - 13x9 baking dishes and bake uncovered for about 50 minutes at 350 degrees. When it's done, cover loosely with foil and let it sit for about 15 minutes.<br /><br />[BEFORE]<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS55uBaaGKP9mMF2gnqgqSWWAWDCktmCpKUA0v7YFCoFflId4NoPvrTCqVKgTNU66KiomJoSu9r6YooJm0JY6WR-HRwUTvc-a89V_6RRXYQksFiDG6FVyd9y6aviAwoAruD9W_ef7QOwtC/s1600-h/foodblog+054.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308412207970971970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS55uBaaGKP9mMF2gnqgqSWWAWDCktmCpKUA0v7YFCoFflId4NoPvrTCqVKgTNU66KiomJoSu9r6YooJm0JY6WR-HRwUTvc-a89V_6RRXYQksFiDG6FVyd9y6aviAwoAruD9W_ef7QOwtC/s400/foodblog+054.jpg" /></a><br />[AFTER]<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexJ38Oat9zLxv1Mb2I8xGwyWNdPF3g3TjzBKB1LteplqkuTsmOC32RKk-Q_HNtngz2ovChIqkvks-ckPno9nVeQEt5-ZfK2DEGdfzkBWwJvHV0AR8ftYpKiPOfhl2_m5tRplEqoPcRISx/s1600-h/foodblog+057.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308413414884683026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexJ38Oat9zLxv1Mb2I8xGwyWNdPF3g3TjzBKB1LteplqkuTsmOC32RKk-Q_HNtngz2ovChIqkvks-ckPno9nVeQEt5-ZfK2DEGdfzkBWwJvHV0AR8ftYpKiPOfhl2_m5tRplEqoPcRISx/s400/foodblog+057.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Coconut Rice:</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdsOFfKKj7j0tKf0nJicUPq5bNnbbY4eBYS6rug0CSfct4IH2ukANMcIs0UVFxESocOEyaL7fBIc-z6NAlq-vnGjJFjbDLRgpjY3DOpvNMSAg9H5P5nAYW6JYdbxzXHA6GDzMGUZD_XLy/s1600-h/foodblog+055.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308412213708978786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdsOFfKKj7j0tKf0nJicUPq5bNnbbY4eBYS6rug0CSfct4IH2ukANMcIs0UVFxESocOEyaL7fBIc-z6NAlq-vnGjJFjbDLRgpjY3DOpvNMSAg9H5P5nAYW6JYdbxzXHA6GDzMGUZD_XLy/s400/foodblog+055.jpg" /></a><br /><br />3 cups of uncooked Calrose rice washed and drained<br />3 cups of water<br />1 cup unsweetened coconut milk<br />1 teaspoon of kosher salt<br /><br />After washing the rice, pour in water, coconut milk and salt. Bring to a rolling boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 18 minutes. Fluff with a fork.<br /><br /><strong>Fried Plantains:</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VfIdoS6iThs-YcNKEbIepqcuMQ5Z96oN28SptjrWDplmsd0krjFIzfkcGfEJzxPhnFbE5C79tCRXkbIvNUJzW52UyOWrlhzu7Dg6b3SZunz1OzvqPsn7vhiZ10x_0ds5QHBC6ixL8Jwf/s1600-h/foodblog+058.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308427607262824098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VfIdoS6iThs-YcNKEbIepqcuMQ5Z96oN28SptjrWDplmsd0krjFIzfkcGfEJzxPhnFbE5C79tCRXkbIvNUJzW52UyOWrlhzu7Dg6b3SZunz1OzvqPsn7vhiZ10x_0ds5QHBC6ixL8Jwf/s400/foodblog+058.jpg" /></a><br /><br />4-5 medium plantains<br />1/4 cup butter<br />cinnamon sugar<br /><br />In a medium skillet, melt butter and saute plantains for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they're nicely browned. Drain on a paper towel and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.<br /><br />Dinner is served!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrY_66pfR7jEgpqzP-EIVpDNCxG3nABkfWTPQGyoFRKyX59afxrCWpUyux2g-ObCKlnVVhII32eWboWlmiCUXOF2hLQNwwoTgp-afzoxbhDJDemnYdFi93JqqRqRu31WS-uQXXCpTQHMZq/s1600-h/foodblog+060.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308427616215310914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrY_66pfR7jEgpqzP-EIVpDNCxG3nABkfWTPQGyoFRKyX59afxrCWpUyux2g-ObCKlnVVhII32eWboWlmiCUXOF2hLQNwwoTgp-afzoxbhDJDemnYdFi93JqqRqRu31WS-uQXXCpTQHMZq/s400/foodblog+060.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Enjoy!</div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-50704251935633292052009-03-01T15:50:00.000-08:002009-03-01T16:11:22.745-08:00Another Chicken Dish! Feed your family for under $16!<div align="justify">When I was growing up, my mother did just about EVERYTHING one <em>COULD</em> do to a chicken...fried, baked, broiled, boiled...you name it, she's tried it. I even went on a SERIOUS chicken strike during high school. I refused to eat <em>ANY</em> kind of chicken and you couldn't PAY me to eat an egg. I was OVER IT!!<br /><br />I went <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">thru</span> something similar after having my first son...but that was entirely different. I couldn't stand the sight or feel of raw chicken. That took <strong>YEARS </strong>to get over. I didn't start serving chicken to my family again until maybe 5 years ago. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yall</span> think I'm <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">playin</span>! Ask my husband!<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anyhoo</span>...here's another meal that's easy to make, easy on the pocketbook in our tough economic times and even your KIDS will eat it!<br /><br />Chicken, Mushrooms and Artichokes in a white cream sauce served with rice pilaf and a salad. The recipe can be found <a href="http://tamskitchencreations.blogspot.com/2008/11/chicken-mushrooms-artichokes-in-white.html">HERE</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1glwJTS-xedNC4qd0KwVVnvB3Qdrhml-9WiLJJqkPHMFhNb4a1hruR-UAQzqPS4MrajxVTYCoV0gGFo7MJ_v3k17ix2VRMZ6xECEh3XIOxyQ9Epg5Qcr0bU-AE2PiQG4SamZopnyS7_D/s1600-h/Foodblog+049.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308373544560080258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1glwJTS-xedNC4qd0KwVVnvB3Qdrhml-9WiLJJqkPHMFhNb4a1hruR-UAQzqPS4MrajxVTYCoV0gGFo7MJ_v3k17ix2VRMZ6xECEh3XIOxyQ9Epg5Qcr0bU-AE2PiQG4SamZopnyS7_D/s400/Foodblog+049.jpg" /></a><br /><br />2lbs. of boneless chicken breast @ $4.99<br />16 oz. package of whole mushrooms @ $2.98<br />1 jar of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Alfredo</span> sauce @ $2.50<br />2 boxes of Rice-a-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Roni</span> Rice Pilaf @ $1.29 each<br />1 small container of sour cream @ $1.50<br />1 bag of salad @ $.98<br /><br />Add that up... and it's $15.53. I already had artichokes on hand, as well as capers but together they shouldn't run you more than an extra $5.<br /><br />It's very simple...wash and saute the mushrooms in a little olive oil, then set aside. Do the same with your chicken breasts. Normally I cut up the chicken into small pieces, but this time I chose to leave the meat whole.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nhECl7e6oqCYhs26EWBxG-I-T1MvuEwSNVxvXo2S3PJFRTktCxuWLfa_ULIUDCoNb0NzQZTcld6MtFwkTWcNVbZg8d3mdfBRF_4gysTh3HFR9HjahYWCposI146Z4o39dyawU4Tm9N09/s1600-h/Foodblog+048.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308373568178415682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nhECl7e6oqCYhs26EWBxG-I-T1MvuEwSNVxvXo2S3PJFRTktCxuWLfa_ULIUDCoNb0NzQZTcld6MtFwkTWcNVbZg8d3mdfBRF_4gysTh3HFR9HjahYWCposI146Z4o39dyawU4Tm9N09/s400/Foodblog+048.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtApuHaFEJ8Cmcnz6fhqtt1305roUNwY9gGSRY92rkxR-ygMYd9Y4W5UjdgvEBs4ElwCb19v3wvAiGsZbT8ksEd9i8o2WOHYIXjxNhXgAvZC1CEiIldhHhcwMVRmMxI4hik88goLJ9c8VE/s1600-h/Foodblog+045.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308373551015012994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtApuHaFEJ8Cmcnz6fhqtt1305roUNwY9gGSRY92rkxR-ygMYd9Y4W5UjdgvEBs4ElwCb19v3wvAiGsZbT8ksEd9i8o2WOHYIXjxNhXgAvZC1CEiIldhHhcwMVRmMxI4hik88goLJ9c8VE/s400/Foodblog+045.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7fZTaFJo5Qoanoo5KJwWi6lTauaIboZNgVyev2i13cbnLRa18WNdm_RZUCyNJl3Qn4FUOfT8YC8IEp6uZixS8sbWeN5cJ79wwg8q1CgFZ4jazmQ55Mm82dZUgsv0WSVEexkQM4imWpax/s1600-h/Foodblog+047.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308373557701928946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7fZTaFJo5Qoanoo5KJwWi6lTauaIboZNgVyev2i13cbnLRa18WNdm_RZUCyNJl3Qn4FUOfT8YC8IEp6uZixS8sbWeN5cJ79wwg8q1CgFZ4jazmQ55Mm82dZUgsv0WSVEexkQM4imWpax/s400/Foodblog+047.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In a large pot, empty the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Alfredo</span> sauce, add 3/4 jar of water and maybe 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream. Add artichokes (cut up) and maybe 2-3 tablespoons of capers. Season to taste.<br /><br />ENJOY!!<br /><br /></div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-73295559327725067212009-02-16T18:49:00.000-08:002009-02-16T19:05:24.098-08:00Viva La Mexico!! Feed your family for under $22!<div align="justify">Let's face it...Mexican food is not only easy to prepare, but it's very inexpensive. I always turn to Mexican food whenever I'm throwing a dinner party because I can feed more people for less...call me cheap! Hey...our economy is bad...sue me!<br /><br />Here's another family favorite that seems to be a crowd pleaser! My infamous <a href="http://tamskitchencreations.blogspot.com/2008/10/enchilada-bake-family-favorite.html">Enchilada Bake</a> and spanish rice!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-QR0z1k7uuT1mN6tRI8bEkx3cc8I_gAT58cTVAhui7T_yxiO7y6vp8rJUrjLqXZcCL0Ph-gJTk-gK70hQ_oMZUkFv98cDYUIuiLpYV7SGLx0yMzPO_dcZ5vxCRi_90lh1ki0C5VWU1zF/s1600-h/foodblog+010.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303594085351564434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-QR0z1k7uuT1mN6tRI8bEkx3cc8I_gAT58cTVAhui7T_yxiO7y6vp8rJUrjLqXZcCL0Ph-gJTk-gK70hQ_oMZUkFv98cDYUIuiLpYV7SGLx0yMzPO_dcZ5vxCRi_90lh1ki0C5VWU1zF/s400/foodblog+010.jpg" /></a><br /><br />2lbs. 80/20 lean ground beef @ $2.88 <em><strong>(ON SALE)</strong></em><br />1 bottle of salsa verde @ $1.89<br />2 large cans of green enchilada sauce @ $2.89 each<br />3 dozen corn tortillas @ $.98<br />16oz. Mexican blend shredded cheese @ $4.59<br />1 bag of green onions @ $.99<br />1 bunch of cilantro @ $.50<br />1 small can of olives @ $.49<br />1 box of Rice-a-Roni Spanish Rice @ $1.18<br />1 can of whole kernel corn @ $.58<br />1 can of diced tomatoes @ $.58<br />1 bag of salad @ $.98<br /><br />Ok, add that up at it's $21.42 and this meal can feed a family AT LEAST twice! I tend to load plates up with salad to make the meal stretch a little further!! I DID say I was cheap, right? Hehehe...<br /><br />Complete recipe and cooking instructions are found <a href="http://tamskitchencreations.blogspot.com/2008/10/enchilada-bake-family-favorite.html">HERE</a>.<br /><br />Trust me, if you start breaking your meals down by price, you're sure to control your spending at the grocery store. It's a start to sticking to a budget...try it and let me know how it works out!<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /></div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-83961157347166400132009-02-16T18:35:00.000-08:002009-02-16T18:43:09.486-08:00Menu Plan Monday - Week of February 16th<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnQfq-fygeSg102VVKyLfIx7EAtxzW2UXzL_tDpqQNZVDwpfEYqr6nF-KLkf8jOkMP9g0lLhtqp2wp_EUI60xHYYDthig_1GryCg6mYaAWgaZ4N0ZRtezLXNa10qm7V_7hPxPfzewC8RL/s1600-h/mpm.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 315px; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303589951281675554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnQfq-fygeSg102VVKyLfIx7EAtxzW2UXzL_tDpqQNZVDwpfEYqr6nF-KLkf8jOkMP9g0lLhtqp2wp_EUI60xHYYDthig_1GryCg6mYaAWgaZ4N0ZRtezLXNa10qm7V_7hPxPfzewC8RL/s400/mpm.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I know it's been a while since I've posted my weekly menu. I had to stop because my kids keep asking for the same foods EVERY SINGLE WEEK! How boring!! Who wants to eat the SAME things EVERY SINGLE WEEK?? Eww...<br /><br />So I decided to ask what everyone wanted, then throw in some things that I wanted...see I'm so selfless that I never consider my own cravings...but I've been craving some out-of-the-ordinary food...I can't wait to post the recipes (that'll come later). I want to post pictures as I'm cooking!!<br /><br />Here goes...<br /><br />Chicken, Mushrooms & Artichokes (in a light cream sauce)<br />Rice Pilaf<br />Jerk Chicken<br />Red Beans & Rice<br />Plantains<br />Tacos<br />Buffalo Wings<br />Green Salad with every meal<br /><br />Enjoy!!</div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3894015205818030869.post-13427857761451224492009-02-12T11:46:00.000-08:002009-02-12T12:06:02.587-08:00Buffalo Chicken Salad...give that green salad a KICK!<div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">I serve salads with just about every meal that I serve. I'll be honest, I don't really care for salads at home <em>(I realize this is mostly a mental thing).</em> Something about store bought, bottled salad dressing completely turns me off <em>(although I WILL admit that Target's Market Pantry Ranch Dressing and their Caesar Dressing ARE THE BOMB!)</em> and I'm almost SURE that restaurants are probably using the same thing coming out of a much larger bottle!! Again...yes, I know...it's all mental! HAHAHA!!!<br /><br />In my grand attempt to shed the last of this baby weight before my 20 year high school reunion this year, I've been forcing myself to eat salads for lunch...I've tried all sorts of things in my salad just to make it interesting...that can be hard sometimes!<br /><br />I had some left over chicken breast that I already cooked...and thought if I added some <a href="http://tamskitchencreations.blogspot.com/2009/01/wicked-buffalo-wings.html">wing sauce</a> to the meat, it would satisfy my current craving for buffalo wings <em>(since we didn't have any more)</em> and possibly make for an interesting lunch salad!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOOTpZ77rfCAKD-BqGT5itnQqjcg-Xb8IwovIPmndYH-LUayRjJ59Sf11pG7aiKtf69nbFOXWrDp1Xj0fvNlDUjrUBpcf7AZ0d6Tx_skrWl862S6DFPbcW50mFIaz683Z53rQ2cMrkhXl/s1600-h/foodblog+040.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302002729825621794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOOTpZ77rfCAKD-BqGT5itnQqjcg-Xb8IwovIPmndYH-LUayRjJ59Sf11pG7aiKtf69nbFOXWrDp1Xj0fvNlDUjrUBpcf7AZ0d6Tx_skrWl862S6DFPbcW50mFIaz683Z53rQ2cMrkhXl/s400/foodblog+040.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNyhyphenhyphen5HOdrZsjLdFTkCIkq46cH3Nu8HR7xDItDCKmRoOAXpvG7bc4WCveh_JRbMYAX2kdxmQ8ayJOBMH1ItP5WmLndo9Nylu5UlCgcdPlrPClf2Zyauv_i7hm3bXbzWQju4X-8rOOTuDE/s1600-h/foodblog+041.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302002730295467042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNyhyphenhyphen5HOdrZsjLdFTkCIkq46cH3Nu8HR7xDItDCKmRoOAXpvG7bc4WCveh_JRbMYAX2kdxmQ8ayJOBMH1ItP5WmLndo9Nylu5UlCgcdPlrPClf2Zyauv_i7hm3bXbzWQju4X-8rOOTuDE/s400/foodblog+041.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And interestingly enough...this sauce doesn't give me a wicked case of heartburn like every other spicy thing in my house!!<br /><br /><em><strong>Buffalo Chicken Salad!!!!</strong></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRG8bZnasZC6z-WxKJftnFJlfhEzH1YJjV4xFexzi_9p6wcpXBz3B7xEY5M0IMb8yUI5wCKb3YAWQBK2ScTldDRm2ojobfkK8g4czHFEN_SvCSSY44H0yKRDQSTyDs2UdAzY9rcT9XCRt/s1600-h/foodblog+042.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302002722741370690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRG8bZnasZC6z-WxKJftnFJlfhEzH1YJjV4xFexzi_9p6wcpXBz3B7xEY5M0IMb8yUI5wCKb3YAWQBK2ScTldDRm2ojobfkK8g4czHFEN_SvCSSY44H0yKRDQSTyDs2UdAzY9rcT9XCRt/s400/foodblog+042.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Enjoy!! I know I sure did!!!<br /></div>That Girl Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14839813374699564933noreply@blogger.com