This Time Next Week

Happy Friday Lovelies!
This time next week I will be in Columbus for the weekend with this guy, 

celebrating Valentines day and 2 wonderful years of dating! Hard to believe that it has been two years, man does time fly.  He has planned a wonderful weekend for us including some of my favorite things exploring, cooking (yes the pinterest challenge) and shopping!  He knows how to make me a happy girl! 

Now lets take a little look at the challenge recipes for the week, starting with this one!

Black Bean and Corn Topped Potatoes 

Baked potatoes are a go to dinner for me.  Healthy and quick.  I loved the black bean, corn and salsa topping for these potatoes, it was spicy and full of flavor.  I added a bit of cumin, garlic and paprika to the mixture and was happy with the results!   I want to try  the topping on sweet potatoes, I think it would be a delicious combination.

Next up Sweet and Spicy Chicken.

This chicken had a kick to it, and was fantastic.  My dad couldn't stop saying how much he loved this dish.  Steamed broccoli and rice made this a well rounded dinner!  I want to try making more of the sauce and stir frying vegetables in with the chicken, I bet that would be tasty!

And last but not least...

White Bean Chowder

Source: ksl.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

This soup had a great flavor  and was delicious the night it was made, but I didn't think it reheated that well.  I am still on the fence about this recipe.  

Still to come this week

Balsamic Chicken, Spinach, Tomato and Pasta Salad
Spinach, Tomato Orzo Soup

Ps have a sweet tooth?  Try this recipe!

Hands down delicious!

One Dud and Two Wins!

Well as the title suggests one recipe was a total flop this week while two were hands down delicious!  I have to say that we have had some pretty good turn outs with recipes!  

Lets lets refresh, this weeks menu looked something like this!

Monday: Stacked Roasted Vegetable Enchilada From Perry's Plate-Win

Tuesday: Cleaning Eating's Lean Tofu Pad Thai- Dud

Thursday:Cooking Light's Beans and Rice with Chicken and Chorizo-Win

Lets take a look at this Stacked Roasted Vegetable Enchilada a little closer!  I know a lot of you were curious as to how this would turn out!  And let me tell you this dish is delicious, if you have this recipe pinned you need to make it.  I know it takes some time to roast veggies, but in the end the extra time is worth it.  I loved the sweet note that the sweet potatoes played in the dish, and well I am always down for a recipe that is loaded (I mean loaded) with veggies!  Add some black beans and chicken for a little extra protein!  I served this with a side salad, yes even more vegetables.  I actually cut the amount of cheese down to 3/4 cup instead of the 2 cups called for, and instead of putting cheese between every layer I just topped the dish with the cheese.  And I used 7 tortillas.  

Not the best picture, but still it was delicious!

Clean Eating's Lean Tofu Pad Thai:

Why was it a dud you ask? The tofu had zero flavor I mean none!  This dish was rather bland and nothing like an authentic pad thai.  I read the review for this dish and made some modifications but in the end it just wasn't good!  Sorry Clean Eating I am going to stick with this recipe!

Source: cleaneatingmag.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

And lets end on a win this fine Friday morning!
 Cooking Lights Beans and Rice with Chicken and Chorizo!
Delicious.  I subbed in Vegetarian sausage for the Chorizo and was extremly happy with the outcome!
The recipe only called for salt and pepper but I added garlic, paprika and cumin.  I thought the additional spices added a nice kick!  I could use more go to recipes like this.  Recipes that are delicious, healthy and take no time to prepare!

Are there any recipes you have tried lately that you were excited about and they ended up being a total flop?  Tell me about it!

And before I leave I am going to link up with Sarah of Simply Sarah for Inspiration Friday.



One goal I had for 2012 was to live more in the now verses worrying about things that are happening in the future our out of my control.  This week I had to look at this quote several times, because I noticed myself getting anxious (you know the feeling) about things that are simply out of my control!

Source: spirituallythinking.blogspot.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

No point in worrying about things that are out of our control, or over planning the future!  Focus on the now, don't let it pass you by!
Happy Friday Everyone!

Monday Five? How about 3!

Hello Monday, how I wish you hadn't come so soon!

How was everyones weekend?  Did anyone do anything exciting?

The first half of my weekend was packed! Dinner party Friday, followed by a busy Saturday Morning and finally relaxing for the remainder of the weekend!

This week we are going to have the Monday 3!  Because Friday my parents and I are leaving for Omaha Nebraska to see my Sissy, and cheer the Creighton BlueJay's on in a basketball game (I am still a loyal Bulldog though)!

Lets kick off this Monday 3 with a recipe that didn't get made last week!
Stacked Roasted Vegetable Enchilada

Source: perrysplate.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

I can say that we will have a review of this recipe this week, I know this because We are making it tonight!
Up next...
Clean Eating's Tofu Pad Thai

Source: cleaneatingmag.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

And last but not least
Cooking Light's Rice and Beans with Chicken and Chorizo

Source: myrecipes.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

I am thinking my parents and  I have a great line up of recipes this week!
Here is to a great start to another week!

Source: lifefullofbeauty.tumblr.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

Happy Monday!

Time

I ran out of time this week to make all the delicious recipes from last weeks 5!  But I did succeeded (or my dad succeeded) in making 3 of them!

Quinoa  Avocado Salad:  

Source: wegmans.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

Another fabulous way to use the super grain of quinoa!  I used a Newman's Own Light ime Vinaigrette instead of the lemon one called for!  Serve with simple pan seared chicken, tofu or fish for a complete meal!

Skinny Taste Thai Chicken and Pineapple Stir Fry: 

A sweeter version of stir fry!  If you love pineapple this stir fry is for you.  I was not a fan of the fish sauce, if I make this again I will sub in say sauce instead!  I also think I would have liked some onions thrown in the stir fry mix!  This however was a nice change of pace from your typical stir fry.  

and finally 

Better Homes and Gardens Baked Pasta with Spinach:

The original recipe called for prosciutto which I left out (not a huge cured ham fan)!  The pasta had a rich texture, and I loved how spinach packed the dish was.  Warning this makes a lot, my family still has leftovers!  That being said I took this pasa the next day for lunch and it reheated very nicely!

And while I am confessing that I ran out of time to make all five recipes I should also

admit that instead of trying a new recipe Saturday night I made this quiche again!

What I cannot help that it was delicious, and a huge success!  You really should make this quiche if you haven't already (yes I am being serious)!  

See you all tomorrow with a new line up of recipes from the pin board!  Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Friday 5-Recipe Edition

Yesterday I was looking at the million recipes I have pinned on my pinterest board.  And I came to this realization, there are 1,000+  recipes pinned their and I have maybe tried 10 (and that could be an exaggeration)!  My pinterset board is becoming my new black hole of recipes, and I am not sure I am ok with this!

So for my Friday 5 I though I would share 5 recipes I would like to attempt to make in the next week!  

1- I don't know if any of you have tried Trader Joe's Cookie Butter yet, but if you haven't then you need to!  You need to run to your nearest Trader Joe's and pick this stuff up.  Cookie Butter is like a sweet peanut butter like spread that literally taste like a gingerbread cookie!  No Joke!  And then when you are completely addicted to the stuff like I am you can make your own using this recipe!!

Source: foodiefiasco.com via Hilliary on Pinterest

Homemade Cooke Butter Brought to you by Foodie Fiasco!

2- I recently made Pea's and Thank You's Banana Bread (seriously love this cookbook, I highly recommend it), and it was nothing short of amazing.  I mean you get to put almond butter (or peanut butter in my case, no almond butter in the pantry) into the bread!!  Ever since I made this glorious loaf of banana bread Tuesday I have had the desire to bake!  Then I came across this recipe from Eat Live Run 

Source: eatliverun.com via Hilliary on Pinterest

Almond Apple Sauce Bread!  Looks Delicious!

3- I am dying to make this delicious salad!  Broccoli and Cauliflower two of my favorite recipes.  I am not sure why I have not made this Detox Salad from Oh She Glows sooner!

Source: ohsheglows.com via Hilliary on Pinterest

I had originally bookmarked the recipe when Angela first blogged about it (Pinterest wasn't around).  This would be a great salad to take to work for lunch, I am a all about brown bagging my lunch, or in my case packing my Vera!

4- I need the perfect morning to whip these puppies up!

Source: howsweeteats.com via Hilliary on Pinterest

Whats not to love about a lazy Saturday with Banana Pancakes!  I have been drooling over this recipe from How Sweet It Is for far to long now!  Maybe this stack of pancakes will fill the craving I have been having for Golden Nugget Banana Pancakes!
And number 5 (although this list could go on and on and on)!

Spanikopita Casserole From Clean Eating Magazine

Source: cleaneatingmag.com via Hilliary on Pinterest

Because I could seriously eat the whole box of Trader Joe's Spanikopita, yes it is that good!
Maybe a New Years goal of mine should have been to cook my way through my pinterest board one recipe at the time. It could be like Julie and Julia!  Although I am not sure there would ever be an end to that little goal since I pin new recipes almost daily!
Is there a recipe you have pinned that you are dying to make?  Share it with me!
Happy Friday Everyone!

Source: thekitchn.com via Hilliary on Pinterest

A New Year Around the Corner-Top 5 Recipes from 2011

Wow, it is Thursday already, and the new year is right around the corner!  Where did 2011 go?  When I look back at 2011 there are several big moments that stick out to me.  But you will have to wait and read about those BIG moments tomorrow, because today I am sharing my top 5 all time favorite recipes (cooking moments) from 2011!  After all Happily Ever Healthy did start out as a cooking blog!

Enjoy!

I have to say I kinda enjoyed looking through some of the older cooking posts.  I am happy with where my blog has gone, lets just say the blog has improved a bit with time!  But as promised here are my top 5 recipes (in nor particular order) from 2011!

Lets start with breakfast.  A meal I use to detest but now wouldn't dream of missing!
1. Oatmeal Pancakes!
Delicious any time of the day, and even better when you add banana!

If you like a pumpkin version check out Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes
2. Pumpkin Coffee Cake
A little experiment that turned out fabulous!

Perfect for any festive brunch, or when you want something sweet!

3. BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls (Remade)

One of Marks All time Favorites... along with
Stir Fry!

4. What is a year without a little chocolate!
My Mom's Chocolate Sheet Cake!

5. And last but not least... my Tzaziki CousCous Salad!
The remake, with so much more flavor.  This was the first recipe to be featured on a website!

Well there you have it... my top 5 recipes from 2011!
Have you ever gone back and looked at where your blog started?

Recipe as Promised-Healthy Chicken Salad

Hard to believe it is already Thursday!  I was going to post this recipe last night for you all, but my little sister got home and things got a little crazy! 

 Just think lots of almost peeing your pants because your laughing so hard!  My Grandparents get in tonight, we are going to have a full house before heading up north!

But lets get back to talking about chicken salad!  I was never a huge fan of chicken salad growing up, because I don't like the taste/smell of mayo.  Now a days when I make chicken salad I sub in greek yogurt for all the mayo!

More Chickpeas Please

Remember in yesterdays post I mentioned I had a great chickpea salad for you?  Well I am hear to share it with you today.  I do not know why but the only thing that sounded good yesterday afternoon was a salad with lots and lots of chickpeas! 

Chickpeas are one of my favorite types of beans, so I guess I shouldn't be to surprised I was craving them!  I had looked up a few recipes but nothing was striking my fancy.  The major debate was do I want a creamy salad or a vinegar based type salad?  I almost had to do a coin toss to decided!

Small Town Treasure

Good Morning!  I am just going to jump right into yesterdays festivities!

Yesterday my mom, sister, Melinda and I went down to Decorah Iowa for the day!

Yea you think small town there is going to be nothing to do.  But since my Mom, Melinda and my sister had been raving about the cute little shops in Decorah I decided I wanted to go to!  Let me tell you for Decorah being a small town in Iowa they have the neatest downtown!  We just spent the afternoon going from shop to shop.  We went through little stores like a yarn shop, a cooking store, a store that sold Vera Bradley, and a hatchery!  I even found the wine my parents Mark and I had at the Meridian in Indianapolis!

And this wine is not easy to find!  We couldn't find this wine anywhere in Indianapolis (the only places we found it was a bar and they had one bottle), and of all places I find this particular wine in a little 

Co-Op store in downtown Decorah Iowa!  I was extremely excited about this find.

We had lunch at a wonderful little Bistro called La Rana. 

 The food was excellent, and the decor was charming yet simple.  La Rana means the frog so the bistro featured many a different frog statues!  

To top it off I got the cutest mug that they sold there!

For lunch my sister and I split a green salad topped with Pecans, Cranberries, Grilled Chicken and Goat Cheese!

They had a orange vinaigrette as the dressing.  And the crusty bread they served on the side was fabulous!  We also split the Turkey Avocado and Swiss sandwich.

I have to say that Turkey and Avocado has to be one of my favorite combinations for a sandwich!

Melinda had a Cobb Salad which looked fantastic, and my mom had a grilled chicken sandwich.  I also had to sample the amazing Tomato Basil soup my sister and mom both ordered!  The dessert menu at La Rana looked phenomenal but I was way to full after lunch for dessert!

The hatchery was the last stop of our day!  We shopped a lot!  My sister and I bought some adorable hats and got to hold baby chicks that the hatchery raises!

They were adorable, so soft and fuzzy!

I was super excited about the hat purchases!

Decorah is just one of those charming little towns in the country!  

And don't think our day/fun ended in Decorah!  Because we came home to have a big BBQ with my dad and my sisters friend!  We had way to much food, but everything was delicious!  The only thing I made was baked beans I used a new homemade BBQ sauce recipe.  The sauce called for apple juice, but we were out I subbed in Orange Juice instead.  I want to try this BBQ sauce with apple juice before I share it with you, because I thought the OJ added an interesting flavor.  I am not sure the interesting flavor was a good thing!  Although we did have by far my favorite salad, Grilled Romaine Hearts with Grilled Pineapple.  This salad just screams summer! My sister also made this amazing Guacamole Salad from Ina Graten.  My sister kept saying something seems spicy but I don't know what the spice is from!  Turns out she had added way to much cayenne pepper to the salad!  I thought the salad was excellent!  We had a good evening full of lots of laughs and stories!

 Brats and Hamburgers on the grill!  We even had hot dogs and Veggie Burgers for me!

Yum!  Nothing but veggies fruit and beans!  

I hope you enjoy the many pictures from our day!  I don't think the pictures do the day justice!  And ow before I leave you to get ready for the day I will share our Be quote!

Be Amazed

"As I started looking, I found more and more."

Valerie Steele

Enjoy your day and the long holiday weekend, and remember to live Happily Ever Healthy!