Foodie Friday ~ Yumminess

If you remember last week's 'Foodie Friday' post, I was on a mission to find 5 new recipes to clear out my freezer. Well, today, I am here to share one that was absolutely divine. As in, it may just be my new favorite recipe! I know there are some out there who are vegetarian and those who choose to not eat pork...and if that's you, I'm sad to say that this is not a recipe for you. Sorry, I'll do my best to put things up that are for you, too. Until then, this one is for you my carnivorous friends!


Sage pork chops from Allrecipes, aka deliciousness! Oh, I usually don't follow recipes to the tee, but the only thing I changed was I used prepared chicken broth vs. water and bouillon...because that's what I was using for my side dish. These pork chops were sooo tender...my hubby requested them again...just in a larger quantity! LOL!


If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, feel free...I do love food...and I love to cook!


"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8

Breakfast Muffins

Last night I decided that I was hungry for something a little sweet. If I were to make an entire cake, it would have been gone by the end of the week...consumed mainly by me. Not good when you are trying to eat healthier and lose weight. I searched for a healthy muffin recipe...we are out of cereal in the house, and I just found out this morning...and proceeded to make a batch. This is the recipe that I based my muffins on...modified of course. Here's what I ended up making.


Golden raisin muffins


1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (original called for 1 cup each)
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup white sugar
3 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
Here's where I started modifying
1/3 cup applesauce (I used one of the single serve applesauce containers)(original called for oil)
1/4 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup golden raisins (any dried fruit would work here)


Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl. Mix wet ingredients in a smaller bowl. Combine the wet and dry just until incorporated. Don't over mix or they will turn out hard. Add any additional ingredients. Scoop into greased or lined muffin pan. Bake 20-25 minutes at 400˚.


The family really enjoyed them. There are so many different things you can do with a basic muffin recipe! I think I will be playing around and finding other things my family likes...it will definitely reduce my girls' sugar consumption for breakfast! I'll post any other yummy combinations I discover.


Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Recipe

So tonight I did some pantry cooking. That's where I take whatever is in the pantry and mix it with some meat and...BAM...there's dinner. Here's what I threw together tonight. My family enjoyed it!


I'm calling it Pasta Bake (I'm sure it's been done before)


1 - 1.5 lb. ground beef (cooked)
1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes (can use the seasoned kind if you like)
1 8 oz can of tomato sauce (again, you can use the seasoned kind)
cooked penne pasta (I'm not a measuring kind of girl...I use 1 fistful per person +1)
4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
seasoning to taste


Boil your pasta until al dente, about 7 minutes. Brown your ground beef. Combine beef, pasta, sauce and tomatoes in a 9X13 baking dish. Season to taste. (I used Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper) Top with cheese and bake for 10 minutes. Serves 6-8


This was so tasty, I think it will be a regular on our menu! And my family didn't mind the chunks of tomatoes either...and none of them like tomatoes.

Menu Planning

I've always had really good intentions to plan (and stick to that plan) meals. Usually it just doesn't work out. I don't know if I just get lazy and don't want to cook, or if I don't plan enough ahead. Well, I decided that I was going to plan and stick to a plan for the past week. One reason is I have a ton of stuff in the freezer that I need to get rid of before we move and well, the budget for the summer is another. I have done pretty well. There was only one night that I just didn't feel like cooking and got pizza for the family. 


Anyway...one of my favorite choices for this week's menu was French Bread Pizza. I didn't follow a recipe, just checked a few to see how long to bake them. Easy recipe and a super hit with the family!


1-2 loaves of French Bread
1/2-1 c. pizza sauce (I used jarred, but you can make your own)
1/2-1 8-oz bag of shredded mozzarella cheese
pepperoni or any other toppings you like :)


Cut the loaf or loaves in half lengthwise. Spread sauce on each half of the unbaked bread. Sprinkle with cheese and toppings. Bake at 350* for 10 minutes. Enjoy!


These were so yummy! The bread was really crispy.


*This could also be done in the toaster oven if you have one and don't want to heat the house up. :)

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thess. 3:3