Crockpot Herb Balsamic Pork Loin - Only 2 Ingredients

This is the easiest recipe ever! Only 2 ingredients and it's a crockpot meal. It can't get easier than that. This is a family favorite. 

Ingredients:
3-4 lb pork loin
1 bottle of Lawry's Balsamic Herb marinade. (I can only find this at Publix)

Directions:
Spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Add 1/4 cup of water. Place pork loin in crockpot. I cut about 5 slits in the pork loin and pour marinade over pork loin. Cook 6-8 hours in the crockpot.

Enjoy!

Freezing Muffins

I decided to double my blueberry muffin recipe. One batch for now and freeze the other batch for later. You can cook any muffins according to their instructions. After they are done baking, place on a cookie sheet and freeze 1-2 hours. Then place in a gallon ziplock bag and place back in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, just set them out to thaw. If you like them warm, pop them back in microwave for 5-10 seconds. 

I used the following blueberry recipe.

Blueberry Muffins:

• Ingredients

• 
  

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup white sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

• 1 egg

• 1/3 cup milk

• 1 cup fresh blueberries

Topping

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup butter, cubed

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 400.  Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.
Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture.
Fold in blueberries.
Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.                                                                                                  
To Make Crumb Topping:
Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.

Brazilian Chicken

I received this recipe from a friend a long time ago. I haven't made it in awhile. Actually, I forgot about it! This makes your house smell so good and it's so yummy! I will make this more often. I was nervous the kids wouldn't like it because of the chili sauce but they devoured this meal.
I served this over rice and with a side salad.

Ingredients:

1 large onion, chopped
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 - lbs chicken breast, cubed
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 - 8 oz cans of tomato sauce
1 - 12 oz jar of chili sauce
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cumin
3 Tbsp vinegar
3 Tbsp brown sugar
3 Tbsp water

Optional:
2 green onions, chopped
2 limes, sliced
2 avocados diced

Instructions:
Saute onion in 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil. In another pan brown chicken with 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil. 
Once chicken is browned. Combine onions and all ingredients (except the last three ingredients) and simmer for 45 minutes - 1 hour.
Serve over rice. If you like you can top with green onions, limes and avocados.

Week of February 23 Lunches

This week's lunches 

The about picture is the Quick Chicken Salad recipe. Click on the link for the recipe.
http://lovetocookagain.blogspot.com/2011/10/quick-chicken-salad-real-mom-kitchen.html

This is so so good! I triple this recipe for this week's lunches. I do not make my sandwiches in one day because the bread will turn soggy.

Sides 

- apples

- pb energy balls

- cucumbers

Lunch for Jer and I

Quinoa Chicken Chili

http://lovetocookagain.blogspot.com/2013/03/quinoa-chicken-chili-slow-cooker.html

This is a great crockpot recipe. I make it and then divide into containers for our lunches. 

Lime Cilantro Tilapia with Mango and Avocado Salsa

I wanted to experiment with tilapia. We have this often. Either we bake it or have it as fish taco's. I wanted something new. My kids thought I bought a new type of fish. They loved it. Definitely will make it again.

Ingredients:
4-6 Tilapia
3 limes
1/4 cilantro, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

For the salsa:
2 mango's
2 avocado's 
3-4 roma tomatoes
1 lime
1/8-1/4 cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, diced
salt and pepper

Directions:
Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Place tilapia in pan and squeeze the juice of one lime over the fish. Sprinkle salt, pepper and cilantro over the fish. Slice 2 limes and place on top of fish.
Bake at 375 for 20-25 mins.

While fish is baking. Dice mango, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro and onions. Put in a bowl a squeeze juice of one lime over salsa. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix.

When fish is done baking, place salsa on top of fish and serve. 

Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken

This recipe was adapted from the Chic Site.

The original recipe instructs you to cook in one pot. On Monday's I can't do that so in the crockpot it went and honestly it was a huge hit with the family and super yummy.


Ingredients:

1 package of frozen chicken breasts
3 cups of chicken broth
1-2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
salt and pepper
3 lemons
instant rice

Directions:

1. Spray your crockpot with cooking spray. Pour one cup of chicken broth in the crockpot,       then place chicken in pot.

2. Juice one lemon and pour over chicken.

3. Sprinkle italian seasoning, salt and pepper over chicken. 

4. Slice one lemon and layer chicken.

5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

6. Cook your rice according to the instructions, however use chicken broth instead of water. Depending on how much rice you are making you may want to check on the amount of chicken broth you have. 

7. To serve place chicken over rice. Pour remainder juice from crockpot over chicken. This will help keep it moist. Hate that word. Sorry. I served this with steamed broccoli. 

Enjoy!

Avocado Tuna Melts

This recipe was adapted from The Chic Site.
I was excited about this recipe but a little hesitant to give it to the kids. They can be picky about tuna. Well, they devoured this meal! Definitely will have again.

Ingredients:

1. 2 large tuna can (in water), drained
2. 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
3. 1 tablespoon parsley
4. 1/4-1/2 cup mayo
5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
6. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
7. 2 small tomatoes, sliced
8. 2 avocados
9. 4 slices swiss cheese
10. 6 slices french bread

    Directions: 

1. Preheat broiler.
2. In a large bowl, combine the tuna, red onion, mayo, salt and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Place bread on baking sheet. Toast in the broiler about 1-2 minutes each side.  T
4. Top each bread with tuna, then layer it with tomato and avocado.
5. Place a slice of cheese on top of the tuna and place under the broiler for a few seconds, just until melted. Serve immediately.

Week of Lunches - February 8, 2016

Kid lunches:
- Bagels
- Applesauce
- String cheese

Our lunch:
- Salad in a jar. 
     
Salad layers:

• lettuce
• garbanzo beans
• chicken
• tomatoes
• avocado
• cucumber                                                                                                                                        

I kept the salad dressing separate.

- grapes (side)

Snacks:

- mini peppers and hummus

- zone bars (not pictured)

Menu Plan February 4 - 9 2016

February 4 - Crockpot Chili http://lovetocookagain.blogspot.com/2016/02/crockpot-chili.html
This is our family's favorite chili recipe. Enjoy!

February 5 - Avocado Tuna Melts/salad/pasta salad
This is a new recipe. I will let you know how it is. 

February 6 - Date night! Pizza for the kids.

February 7 - Taco Salad

February 8 - One Pot Lemon and Herb Chicken/Rice/Green Beans
Another new recipe. Curious how this one will taste. 

February 9 - Salmon with Avocado Salsa http://www.thecookierookie.com/salmon-with-avocado//Cous Cous/Broccoli
I love this salmon recipe. It's so easy and good for you. 

Freezing Cookie Dough

Most of the time when I want to make cookies for the kids, I really do not need 5 dozen cookies sitting around our house. What I have done is prepare the cookie dough, bake a dozen and then freeze the rest. Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper, scoop your cookie dough and place on the sheet, freeze for about 2-3 hours. Remove from the freezer, place in a container and put back in the freezer. This is great for the next time you need cookies. All you have to do is take out of the freezer and pop in the oven. I will say let the dough sit out for a little bit before putting in the oven. Enjoy. Cookie recipe below.

Chocolate Chip Cookies - yields 4 dozen

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

12 oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375.

Cream shortening, sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla until light and fluffy.

Sift dry ingredients.

Stir in dry ingredients into the other mixture and blend well.

Drop the dough 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. 

Bake for 10-12 minutes. 

Crockpot Chili

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

1 can of kidney beans, drained

1 can of chili beans, drained

1 pint of diced tomatoes

1/2 tsp. oregano

dash of paprika

2 -8 oz cans of tomato sauce

1 garlic clove, minced

1 Tbsp. chili powder

1 1/4 tsp. salt

1 bay leaf

Directions:

Brown the ground beef. Drain. Sauté the onions. Add ground beef, onions and rest of the ingredients and cook in the crockpot for 6-8 hours. I usually prepare this the night before and then cook in the morning. I think it tastes better after sitting for awhile. Also, I usually double this recipe. Serve with cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips. 

A Week of Lunches

Okay this is not a post to flaunt how I prepare our weekly lunches. Everyone has their own way of doing things. A few of you have requested a post on how I make a week of lunches. Sunday is my day to make lunches for the whole entire week. This actually only takes me the max, an hour and half. Not too bad when you don't have to make lunches every. single. day. Also, this helps us to eat and snack healthy throughout the week. If I don't prepare I will go for unhealthy snacks or lunches. I will do my best to post our weekly lunch. 

The Kids Lunch

• Mini chocolate chip muffins http://lovetocookagain.blogspot.com/2012/08/chocolate-chip-muffins.html  Our kids love this recipe. 
• Carrots
• Yogurt

Our Lunch

I put a package of chicken in the crockpot and pour any marinade over it. Cook between 6-8 hours. Take out and cool. 

Lunch:

• Chicken and sautéed vegetables. This week I did peppers, zucchini, squash and onions.
• Oranges
• Carrots
• Trail mix (for Jeremy)

Snack:

• Apples and peanut butter. I divide peanut butter into separate containers.
• Zone Perfect bars. 

Breakfast:

Betty Crocker's Banana Bread. http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/banana-bread/51427396-6764-4b0a-a73a-78c683c703d2

The kids love to have some kind of breakfast bread or muffins for breakfast.

The key to this bread is immediately wrap it in foil when it comes out of the oven and place in the freezer. It will make the bread really moist. Also, we love throwing in a package of chocolate chips. 

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

This is a very simple and yummy crockpot recipe. It only requires 3 ingredients!!! So easy.


Ingredients:
4-6 chicken breasts
1 can of pineapple chunks, drained
1 bottle of Sweet Pineapple. I found this at Target.

Directions:
Spray the crockpot with cooking spray. Place chicken in crockpot. Pour pineapple and Sweet Pineapple over chicken. Cook for 6-8 hours. The last hour take out chicken and shred. Place back in the crockpot for the chicken to absorb the juices.

Serve over rice.

Panera Broccoli and Cheese Soup (The Girl Who Ate Everything)

Recipe was adapted from The Girl Who Ate Everything.

This meal was a hit with our family! Thanks Aimee for the recipe. We will definitely make this again. I actually doubled this recipe and had leftovers for lunch. Please comment and let me know what you think.

Ingredients

1 2 lb fresh broccoli (about 3 cups), fresh or frozen. I used frozen.

1 cup carrot

1/2 onion, medium

2 cups chicken stock

1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 salt and pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

5 tbsp butter

8 oz cheddar cheese, grated sharp

2 cups half-and-half cream. I used 2% milk. Less fat.

Instructions

Saute onion in 1 tablespooon of butter. Set aside.

Cook ¼ melted butter and flour and whisk over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. Stir constantly and add half and half or milk.

Add the chicken stock and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes.

Add salt, pepper and garlic powder. You can leave the soup chunky or blend about 1 cup of the soup and stir it in for a smoother soup. Return to low heat and add the cheese. Stir in nutmeg.

Serve with crusty bread. 

1/25/16 - 2/1/16 Menu Plan

                                                

Well some of the recipes from my last menu plan were never made. We received some ice and snow, so of course I had to make soup. At least for two meals. :) 
For some of the recipes I will add the link. Most of the recipes I have made and we love them. The broccoli and cheese soup is new.

Monday - Crock pot Hawaiian chicken/broccoli/rice
http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/06/crock-pot-hawaiian-bbq-chicken.html
This recipe is so easy. It only requires 3 ingredients!

Tuesday - Spaghetti squash with meat sauce/bread/salad

Wednesday - Broccoli and cheddar soup/baguette
http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2015/09/panera-broccoli-cheese-soup.html
I haven't made this one yet. I am going to substitute the half and half for 2% milk. Less fat. I will use frozen broccoli.

Thursday - Hudson's tilapia/cous cous/asparagus

Friday - Homemade pizza

Saturday - Burgers with Rachel Ray's Hot Mess sauce/sweet potato fries
http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipe/the-hot-mess-burger/


Sunday - Stuffed shells/salad/bread

Monday - Crock pot cranberry pork roast/green beans/rice
http://newleafwellness.biz/2012/11/15/slow-cooker-cranberry-pork-roast/
I double this sauce recipe.
Another easy crock pot meal. Like I said before, I will have at least two crock pot meals a week.

Let me know if you try any of the recipes. I would love your feedback.

Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili by Lovely Little Kitchen

This is our family's favorite white chicken chili recipe. I always double this recipe.

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, uncooked

• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• dash of cayenne pepper

• 14.5 ounce can chicken broth

• 4.5 ounce can chopped green chiles

• 15 ounce can white corn, drained

• 2 15.5 ounce cans white beans, drained (Cannellini or Great Northern are good)

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon Better Than Bullion chicken base (I have omitted this and it still tasted great)

• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Place chicken breasts on the bottom of a crockpot, and add chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chicken broth, green chiles, corn and beans. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

1. About an hour before serving: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium high heat. Whisk in flour, and allow to bubble and brown a bit. After a few minutes, gradually whisk in the milk and chicken base.

1. Allow the sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes, whisking frequently until it is slightly thickened. Add salt and pepper.

1. Pour sauce into crockpot and mix to combine.

1. Add sour cream and mix.

1. Take out the chicken and shred them with two forks, and return to the crockpot.

1. Top with cheese.

1. Serve with tortilla chips. 

Sorry I don't have a picture. Picture coming soon!

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