Texas Caviar Enchiladas

The other day I had some leftover Texas Caviar. Now by itself this is an amazing dip for chips but when added to enchiladas it gets even Better. My husband loved it and told me these are his favorite enchiladas! Guess I will be making them again.

Now you can basically make this anyway you like, add it to your old chicken enchilada recipe or create a new one. I kept it simple only 3 ingredients. Texas Caviar, Green Salsa, & shredded Chicken.

First I added a little green salsa to the bottom of the dish

Shredded some chicken and mixed it with the remaining jar of green salsa

added the caviar

piled it into a softened corn tortilla and rolled it up

put them all in a dish pour a little more salsa on top

added some cheese and then popped it in the oven for about 15 min. on 350 until the cheese melted

Delish!

Fish Tacos

About 6 years ago Stephen and I fell in love with these Fish Tacos. They were better than anyone we had ever had, and there was no going back. I wouldn't say there is really anything special about how these are made or the ingredients that are used. But for some reason they are just so dang good and no restaurant or taco stand has lived up to them.

The only thing is that its not a real exact recipe so if you are someone that can not cook without one than I apologize now, and I will try my best.

You first cut up bite size pieces of fish, now we almost always have fresh fish when we do this ( fresh meaning a friend just came back from the lake and has a bunch of fish) but this time we wanted to see how it would be if we weren't so lucky as to have friends who gave us their fish.

So I bought a package of tilapia ( but most fish would work with this)}

then I soaked them in a bath of eggs with a little bit of milk

Next transfer them to a baggie in a mixture of Ritz crackers, little flour, salt and pepper.

It gets kinda messy here.

Once they are good and coated put them in a deep fryer until golden.

lay them on a paper towel to dry and then it is time to create the perfect taco!

First wet your tortilla - this just means fry it just till it gets soft

then load up some fish

add cabbage or lettuce

cilantro

pico de gallo- tomatoes onions and cilantro

mangoes or mango salsa

avacado

* last but not least the star ingredient is the Pete's Sauce ( or the best version of one that we know how to do) which is a mixture of Ketchup and el pato- add the el pato/duck by how hot you like it.

So there you have it the BEST Fish Taco.

Now this may be the best but it is certainly not the easiest meal, a bit time consuming messy, expensive and constant cooking. But I never said it would be easy only worth it! So good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

Stephanie's Pasta Salad

About 7 or 8 years ago I was introduced to this salad. Now I don't want to over sell it or anything but I would say Perfection best describes it! If you know Stephanie Meadows you already know that she is a great cook so it is no wonder that this salad rocks. Every time I make it everyone raves. And if I hear that she is making it, well you can bet I am there. Only problem is that it is not exactly a wallet friendly salad. So only make it for the people you are trying to impress! Also make sure you make enough to have some for leftovers. Because this bad boy is going to get eaten.
Stephanie's Pasta Salad

1 bag spiral tri- color rotini

add the rest according to your preference-

cheese cubes

summer sausage cubed

thinly sliced red onion

thinly sliced bell pepper

broccoli flowerets

cauliflower flowerets

baby carrots

grape tomatoes halved

small jar of artichokes in oil- chopped

Dressing:

1 c. oil

1 c. sugar

1 c. red wine vinegar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

Fabulous Contest & my favorite breakfast

I would first like to say that I have been awful as posting these past couple weeks and I am sorry. But we have had a lot the "sick" going around at our house and every time I looked at the computer I just felt overwhelmed. So anyways I am back and will have to be posting double time to keep up with all the yummy things I have been waiting to share.

But before I do I would like to tell you about this awesome contest for my BIL's business. They restore furniture and have the most awesome pieces.

This is one of my favorites, they are giving away $200 to spend on their stuff, all you have to do is put a couple of comments on their blog. So head on over as fast as you can, because the contest end tomorrow. Restoration Furniture

Now onto my new favorite breakfast

If you have not gone to Jamba Juice and tried their steel cut oatmeal with fresh fruit and a sugar and nut topping, you are Seriously missing out.

After the first bite I KNEW that this was the "One" I have been waiting for, and I just couldn't get enough. So if you still aren't convinced the best part is the the price go here for a printable coupon and you can get it for only a $1- um SCORE!!!!!

Here I have done my best to recreate it.

The first time I didn't have steel cut oats so I used cream of wheat- which was good but once I got the steel cut oats it was Way Better.

The thing is with Steel cut oats is that they take quite a long time, around 45 min. But they ARE worth it, I then toasted up some brown sugar and pecans with a tiny bit of butter, and added some craisins and bananas ( though any fruit you like will do). Wow, lets just say Awesome.

But if you don't have the time just head on over to Jamba Juice where I think it is only $2 regularly.

Best part is that it is Super good for you.

There you have it now check back tomorrow for some more yummy recipes.

My time in Virginia Beach

My mom and I took a girls trip over to Virginia Beach this past weekend to visit my oldest friend Jill Tyler and her fam. It was such an fun trip, we spent the first day at Colonial Williamsburg enjoying the crisp fall weather, shopping and of course amazing food.

Jill told us about this place that has AMAZING Hot Cocoa, and she was right it was Amazing even the homemade marshmallow inside was to die for.

Here is Jill dipping it into her Hot Chocolate ( or what we like to call the cup of melted chocolate)!

While this is one of the most extraordinary cups of Cocoa I have ever had, you must not drink one all by yourself after about the 8th sip or so it's overwhelming richness makes you want to chuck it! I know it sounds weird but both Jill and I had the exact same reaction and couldn't even make it through a 1/3 of the cup. Anyways if you do happen to make it out to Williamsburg hit up this place and see for yourself.

The Blue Talon

Both Jill and I have both been wanting to try these delicious looking Apple Pie Caramel Apples off The Girl Who Ate Everything .

We both aren't the best "candy makers" but we gave it a try.

Jill doing her special "tap" technique to get the excess caramel off.

"I am so proud of Me!"

We ran out of sticks so the knife made do.

Mixing up the white chocolate

adding the cinnamon sugar

ours didn't turn out quite as perfect as hers, but of freaking my they were MMMMMM Good!

I don't know exactly how many we ate, lets just say the kids didn't get much.

Will I make these again, Yes indeedy!

While we were there the Tyler's took us to the famous Wood Chicks BBQ, who won the Throwdown with Bobby Flay for their pork sandwich and is also on Pit Masters.

Well BBQ Pork sandwiches are one of my many food weakness and I couldn't wait to try it

I apologize that I ate it too fast and was unable to take a picture. But I will tell you it Rocked! So if you have a chance please stop in to Wood Chicks.

Thanks for a GREAT time Tyler's you fed us well!

Jill will also be featured in an upcoming guest food post! Till then, happy trails.

Oatmeal Coconut Chewies=The BEST EVER!

So I know I get a lot of stuff off of Mel's Kitchen Cafe but we must have very similiar tastes in food because nearly everything she suggests I love. She hasn't steered me wrong yet so I will continue to trust her. She said these were the BEST cookies she has EVER had and I thought that is impossible there isn't even any chocolate in it. Well Oh My they are flippin Awesome. I mean I Love Them, they are the bomb! I don't know how many ways I can say how good they are.

After I made them I froze them and then every day I would take out 2-3 cookies and eat them, over about a month. I rarely let other people share with me, except to try and convert them to the cookies awesomeness. So there you have it, my story please try for yourself and see.

* I always try to use 1/2 the amount of sugar a recipe calls for and it always tastes the same- just an easy way to cut a little sugar out of your diet- idea from "Tip A Day Guide For Healthy Living"

Oatmeal Coconut Chewies

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened to cool room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup shredded, sweetened coconut
1 cup quick oats

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl cream together the sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a greased or lined (silpat or parchment) baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes, until the cookies are set but not overly browned (bake a few minutes longer for a crispier versi

Beef Stroganoff

A couple of months ago we went out to Landmark Restaurant in Mesa. I am usually not a fan but this last time I got the Beef Stroganoff. I couldn't believe it, it was the BEST I had ever had by like a million!

I know that sounds grossly exaggerated but I really want to get the point across of how good it actually was. I loved that it was roast meat in it than stew meat chunks, it also had some flavor that for the life of me I could not put my finger on.

Anyways onto my meal, I have been trying to track down that recipe with no luck. So I decided to just start trying some and see what I can put together. My first attempt was from Mels Kitchen Cafe. I did everything the same except for the stew meat- I used leftover steak and man did it work.

This recipe was right UP there. The steak fell apart and was melt in my mouth, and the flavors all worked perfect together. I may still try finding that Landmark recipe, but if I am unable I will be satisfied with this winner!

The Ultimate Beef Stroganoff
from Tami W.

Put in crock pot:
2-3 pounds stew meat-* leftover steak or roast
1 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
1 onion, sliced

Mix in a bowl and pour over meat:
¼ tsp. garlic salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ cups beef broth or stock (made up from cubes or granules)
1 tablespoon ketchup

Cook in crockpot on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. When cooked make a simple roux by whisking 1/3 cup flour with enough apple juice (about 5-6 tablespoons) to make a thick but still pourable flour mixture. Whisk the roux into the crockpot and add 4 ounces sliced mushrooms.

Cook on high for 15-30 minutes. Then stir in ½ cup sour cream. Serve over pasta, rice or baked potatoes (pasta is my favorite option!).

*Freezable Meal: The leftovers of the stroganoff can be frozen. I store the leftovers in a freezer-safe container and then thaw in the refrigerator (usually takes about a day) and reheat over medium-low heat in a saucepan on the stove.

I also froze some and loved it later

Dad's Favorite Cake

Once I got married and started inviting my dad over to eat, he told me I needed to learn Grandmas Flour Frosting Cake. He picks this for every special occasion.

It took me awhile to perfect it- with many phone conversations and in person tutorials from my Grandma. But it has all been worth it. I made one for my father in law once and now he is hooked ( requesting one for birthdays and anniversary presents! )

The cake isn't hard considering it comes from a box- but the frosting is a bit tricky. If you have ever had flour frosting you will know it is a totally different experience. Rich and light as air. Also full of shortening so beware!

Start with a chocolate cake

make per directions then put in 2 round cake pans

I like to use tin foil for easy clean up and to prevent sticking - I even grease the tin foil a bit just to be on the safe side

Bake per pkg. instructions then let cool while finishing the frosting

I start the flour frosting once the cake goes in the oven so that it has time to cool to room temp.

On the stovetop you

mix 1 c. milk, 4 Tbsp. flour - cooking over medium heat until thick

- stir almost constantly with a wisk to keep from clumps forming and burning.

Once thick set aside on counter to cool to room temp. This should be done by the time your cake is done cooling.

Once mixture is cooled

Cream 1/2 cup Margarine/Butter, 1/2 cup crisco , 1 cup sugar , 1 tsp vanilla

Make sure your cream very well at least 7 min. - trying to eliminate the sugar granules

Add flour mixture to sugar mixture

Then beat until fluffy

I always cut the bottom cake to get it as flat and even as possible.

My husband then turned those pieces into a little "Snack"

Then begin to frost making sure you get a good amount in the middle. Don't be shy I always end up with a little frosting leftover so go for it.

While this cake is truly Heavenly it is quite a mess to clean up with all that shortening So enjoy!

My Bunco Meal

A couple of years ago my mom made these sandwiches for Easter and I fell in Love. They are a sweet & salty parade of flavors with just the right crisp to the warm sandwich.

If you have not been lucky enough to have tried one of these sammy's I suggest you go right out and buy the ingredients and make it for dinner tonight! You will be forever in love and can thank me later.

The Best Ham Sandwiches Ever

adapted from Recipezaar

Ingredients

• 2-12 packages of sweet hawaiian rolls (the small dinner roll looking ones)
• 2 lbs of sliced ham (any kind will do)
• 12 slices swiss cheese
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried onions ( i used grated onion)
• poppy seed

Directions

1. 1
   You will need two 9 x 13 pans. Place the bottoms of 12 rolls in each pan. Place ham (about 2 shaved slices or so) on the rolls. Cut the cheese slices into 4 parts and place 2 small pieces on each sandwich. Put the dinner roll tops on. In a sauce pan, mix butter, dijon mustard, worcestershire sauce, and dried onions. Wait until all butter is melted, wisk together, and then pour the melted mixture over the ham sandwiches (I know it sounds weird but TRUST me). Sprinkle the buns with poppy seeds and cover with foil. Let refrigerate overnight (If not able to wait, it is okay. They still taste great if made right away). Preheat oven to 350 and uncover sandwiches. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes and serve. They are great hot and even at room temperature Enjoy!

I also made this take on a Caprese Salad, but with pasta a salami
Pasta Caprese Salad

Mozzarella Balls quartered

Halved grape tomatoes

Thinly cut basil

Pasta

Thinly sliced Salami

Put it all together with your favorite Balsamic Dressing.

I know I already said you MUST try the ham sandwiches but I you MUST also try the Lemon Cooler Cake from Costco it is straight Divine! I have had Many Lemon cakes and Nothing I mean Nothing compares to this one ( yes Joes BBQ included). It is sooooooo Moist, sweet and the perfect amount of lemon flavor. I could truly eat the whole thing!