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Showing posts with label The Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Challenge. Show all posts

Monday, February 6, 2012

A Short Week

Oh Hey Monday!

Forgive me because I feel this post is going to be random and all over the place!
How about that Super Bowl? Was anyone disappointed by the outcome?
I have to admit I really didn't care who won. I pretty much watch the Super Bowl for the commercials, and half time show, anyone else like me?

This was my favorite commercial of the evening!
And thank goodness Madonna sounded better then last years Black Eyed Peas Performance!
We sat around eating delicious homemade pizza, guacamole delicious, Trader Joe's dessert and some yummy salad!
(My pizza was loaded with spinach, basil, and cilantro, and of course we had pepperoni for my dad)!
 Sounds perfect to me!
This week is a short one for me, since I leave for Columbus on Thursday!
So this weeks  Pinterest Challenges is going to be short, but don't worry still delicious!

I did finish off last weeks Pinterest challenges this weekend with the final two dishes!
And both were delicious, and in my mind keepers.

Lets start with this soup.
Spinach, Tomato Orzo Soup
Tasted like a grown up version chicken noodle soup.  I loved the addition of spinach, and the orzo made this broth base soup seem thick and filling!  This recipe makes a big pot of soup.  Would be perfect to make on Sunday nights then you would have delicious soup to eat the entire week!

That yummy salad I mentioned above, well that would be this salad...
Balsamic Chicken, Spinach and Tomato Pasta Salad
So good!  I loved that there was a subtle balsamic flavor, and that the salad was not dripping in dressing.  I topped my serving with a bit of feta, which was a great flavor punch!  Easy to assemble, and keeps well.  This salad will be making its way into my lunch box this short work week!

Lets wrap up this post with the two recipes in this weeks Pinterest Challenge.
I found this gem of a recipe, and immediately decided I had to make them this week!
Mexican Stuffed Peppers

I love stuffed peppers! And I have not made them in what seems like forever!  Hoping these ones will have a great flavor, and judging by the spices called for I think they will be delicious!

And numero two...
Vegetarian Fried Rice

I am hoping this will taste like a healthy version of my favorite fried rice from PF Changs!
This week I am also trying to lighten up on of my moms favorite breads recipes, stay tuned for the results!
Happy Monday!

PS: Anyone score some Jason Wu pieces this weekend at Target?
I did't venture out Saturday to check out the collection, but I am going to go see if out local Target has pieces left!  Such a great collection, full of classic pieces!

What was your favorite part of the Super Bowl?






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Friday, February 3, 2012

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!
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.

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

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

Ps have a sweet tooth?  Try this recipe!
Hands down delicious!


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Monday, January 30, 2012

It Just Snuck Up on Me!


How did you sneak up on me so quickly? How was everyone's weekend? Mine was spent in Omaha Nebraska with my entire family! My little sister is a junior at Creighton University
and let's just say she had a full weekend planned for us!   
 The whole family enjoyed some amazing eats, I am always shocked out how many fabulous local restaurants Omaha has.  I mean Omaha puts my hometown to shame!  And just a little side note... If you ever go to Omaha you need to go to Wheatfields and get a cinnamon roll, trust me on this they are amazing.
I mean come on look at that frosting!
Don't worry we did more then just chow down this weekend!  Saturday night we went and cheered on the Creighton Bluejays in our first ever Creighton basketball game  (at least one of our teams won, poor Butler Bulldogs) and enjoyed an impromptu shopping spree and pedicures (my dad opted out of pedicures)!!  The game was neat to be at.  Saturday was Creighton's Annual Pink Out for breast cancer, so the entire stadium was a sea of pink!  Even my dad had on a pink shirt!
I also got the added bonus of seeing one of my lovely sorority sisters and close friends Leslie this weekend!
She lives about 10 minutes from where my sister goest to school, so I was lucky enough to meet her and her boyfriend for a round of drinks!  Always great to catch up with a good friend!
So many fun things crammed into a few short days!  If only the weekend wasn't over!

But it is Monday so you know what that means... 5 new pinterest recipes! My mom and I killed some time on the 5 hour drive back home looking up this weeks recipes! Hopefully they are some good ones! You ready to see this weeks picks? Here they are in no particular order!
1-White Bean Chowder

Perfect for the cold weather we are having right now.  I am very ready for spring to get here!
2-Black Bean and Corn Stuffed Baked Potatoes


These look delicious!  Not only are baked potatoes super easy/quick to make they are also delicious and good for you!
3-Balsamic Chicken, Spinach, Grape Tomatoes and Tortollini Salad

I have had this recipe pinned forever, and I think my favorite Trader Joe's Balsamic Dressing would be perfect for this recipe!
4-Sweet and Spicy Chicken

Just looks simply delicious!
5-How about another simple soup!

Spinach Tomato Orzo Soup!  I am in that mood again where big bowls of soup sound comforting, and extra delicious!  And what is not to love about a soup chalk full of veggies?

What did everyone do this weekend?  Any exciting adventures?
Happy Monday!
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Friday, January 27, 2012

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

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!

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!

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.


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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!

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!

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Monday, January 23, 2012

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

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

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

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!

Happy Monday!



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Sunday, January 22, 2012

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!

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!
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 
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!

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Wanna Stay for Dinner?

Hello Friday, I am so glad your here!  I am ready for a few days of relaxing.  Plus I am really looking forward to tonights festivities!  I think this little dinner party I am hosting is what got me through this week!  Tonight a few friends and I are having a pin board style dinner!  If I could have you all over for dinner tonight I would, because there is nothing I love more then entertaining and cooking for others!  So whats on the menu for this little get together tonight you ask?
Well let me show you...

A little Goat Cheese and wine to get the night started!  
Followed by a delicious quinoa salad from Martha Stewart
and

Chicken and Mushrooms in a Garlic White Wine Sauce, doesn't that just look simply delicious?
But wait their is more... We still have dessert!
Are you ready for this?


No Bake Chocolate Cake from 101 Cookbooks!  I made this last night, and the smell of melty chocolate was intoxicating (seriously one of the best smells)!  Just looking at these pictures makes me hungry, I am already antsy for the end of the work day!  But aside from enjoying a wonderful array of food I am looking forward to great conversation, a relaxing evening, and good wine!
Stay tuned, Sunday I will have the recap of dinner and the highs and lows of this weeks 5 pinterest recipes!

Here is to the start of a wonderful weekend!
What do you have planned this weekend?



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Monday, January 16, 2012

The Weekly 5-The Challenge

Well my friends it is the start of a new week, you know what that means!  But before we get down to buisness how was every bodies weekend?  I am hoping your weekends were fabulous, mine was a little jam packed, but I had a blast!  Lots of shopping with my momma, cooking and a bit of relaxing!  Also Happy Martin Luther King Day!  Is anyone doing anything special to celebrate.  I wish I was back in Indy to celebrate, the Indianapolis Museum of Art puts on a great event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King.  But now lets recap the last two recipes, and introduce the new line up of drool worthy recipes!
Where should we start?  Lets start with the Lemon Ginger Loaf!
I had high hopes for this bread.  It smelled delicious in the oven, but alas I cannot embrace the flavor combination.  Maybe I put to much ginger in? I am not sure.  
The bread turned out looking great though!  
The Larabars on the other hand I thought turned out great!  

(my pictures weren't very appealing)!
I was surprised at how easy it is to make homemade Larabars!  Puree your dried fruit, chop up your nuts, add spices and form into bars!  It is that easy, I can see these bars becoming a new snack staple! 
A new follower Jenn of Peas and Crayons sent me here recipe for Key Lime Larabars (thanks for sending me the recipe) and I cannot wait to try making them!

Read more »
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