We Are Noodle Folk!

Amish Macaroni Salad

Are you noodle folk too?  With Easter a week away, consider adding a pasta dish to the menu.  What could noodles possibly have to do with Easter dinner?  Nothing really, except that pasta salads make a fabulous side dish to east with...HAM!

Chow Mein

And who said you can only eat Chow Mein with Chinese food anyway?  In my opinion, Chow Mein may be enjoyed with a variety of meals and theme dishes - including Easter dinner!  Add Chow Mein to the menu and you will either get big appreciative smiles and compliments, or strange bewildered grins.

Tuna Macaroni Salad

And lest we neglect our fishy friend, try our Tuna Macaroni Salad just to change things up a bit.  You can always go back to the simpler taste of Amish Macaroni Salad if the tuna is way over the top for Easter dinner.  You decide.

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Waiting (Im)Patiently For Spring!

Blueberry Breakfast Cake

While you wait for Spring to get here, why not use up some of those winter stores (frozen berries anyone?) and create something scrumptious for breakfast! Try our Blueberry Breakfast Cake to start with.

Taffy Apple Salad

Think unique and you won't go wrong with our Taffy Apple Salad.  Serve this up at your next lunch or take it to an office potluck.  It will help "Bring on Spring!"

Easy Chicken Tacos

And in honor of Spring's arrival (even if it's a bit dreary and drizzly) try our EASY Chicken Tacos for dinner this week.  They include fresh ingredients (think Spring!) and are always a crowd-pleaser!

Don't forget to enter our FREE monthly giveaway!  You could winter a Batter Bowl with Dispense from KidSmartLiving.com!

Luck O' The Irish

Pasta with Garlic Roasted Broccoli

To bring a little luck to your St. Patrick's Day, how about adding a little green to the menu by preparing our Pasta with Garlic Roasted Broccoli dish.  It can easily be served as a side or main dish!

Cucumber Salad

If you are really gung-ho and missing your fresh veggie greens (due to Winter) try hunting down some cucumbers in the produce section (it may take a few minutes!) and giving our version of Cucumber Salad a try.  I promise it will be worth the expense of out-of-season cucumbers!

Hobo Dinner

And if you have a busy family like most of us, a quick to prepare and easy to bake casserole meal might be just the ticket.  Try our Hobo Dinner recipe to supplement your greens this week!

Enjoy!  We love feedback and photos so be sure to send us pictures if you try our recipes and we'll feature them!

How We Miss You...

Cucumber Salad

By our selection of recipes this week, it's easy to see we are missing Summer, Fruits, Vegetables and Green food!  With St. Patrick's Day close at hand, we thought it would be fitting to explore some delectable vegetable dishes...

Cabbage Rolls

In true Irish cooking style, these cabbage rolls are a winner for those of you who favor the dishes and flavor from the land of the little people!  Just be sure to watch for Leprechauns lest your cabbage rolls mysteriously vanish off the tray.

Mandarin Lettuce Salad

Now, not everyone loves cabbage as much as we do.  In fact, many a small child has turned up their nose at the mere mention...so for those with a more fruity palate?  Mandarin Lettuce Salad should be able to win their hearts at your house!

We love feedback and photos, so if you try one of our recipes, we would love to hear from you and feature your photos!

Cooking It Crockpot Style! - Part 2

In a previous post I talked about using your crockpot to simplify your winter menu and provide a warm and hearty meal for your household.  As Spring approaches, let's look at a new crockpot recipe lineup for your convenience as life gets hectic with things like prepping the garden, cleaning out the gutters and Spring cleaning like there is no tomorrow!  Visit Annie's Recipes for tons of Spring menu ideas.
 

Crockpot Italian Meat Balls

Granted, the Italian meat balls do require a bit more prep work than tossing in some ingredients, setting the crockpot to low and rolling out the door.  However, I would argue that you can use this recipe to wow and amaze your family with your Italian cooking prowess.  (They don't have to know the meat balls cooked themselves while the house was mostly empty.)

Crockpot Chili

Chili you say?  For Spring?  Yes, yes of course.  Chili on a chilly March evening, when the rain (and in my case the snow) may still be coming down is a great meal to warm up with.  And, if you are like a friend of mine, every first weekend in March you pack a pot of chili on your annual "Chili" Ride, (which entails riding four-wheelers and ATVs in the desert and eating chili in between trails).

Crockpot Onion Swiss Steak

One more crockpot recipe for the gold!  (Pun intended.)  Though I don't think Swiss steak is a traditional Irish meal to enjoy for St. Patrick's Day, it comes close.  I suppose you could adapt the recipe to include beef and cabbage to be more authentic.  Add a little Guinness and you've got yourself an Irish crockpot sensation!

Enjoy!  We love feedback and photos, so if you try one of these recipes please send us a photo and we'll feature it!

Recipes for Lent

During Lent, many people commit to fasting or giving up certain types of foods as a form of prayer and repentance.  A common practice is to avoid eating beef and/or pork during the 40 days of Lent.  Although Lent  is traditionally a time of quiet introspection and meditation, your dinner menu doesn't have to be bland.  Here are some recipes for Lent that are tasty but moderate.

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Keeping your meals simple and still appetizing during Lent doesn't have to be difficult.  Employ recipes that include lots of vegetables, beans and lentils, fish and chicken.  This Broccoli Rice Casserole is a a nice example of something you can create in advance, with minimal effort once it's in the oven.

Cheddar Baked Potato Slices

As a main course, this Cheddar Baked Potato recipe might not work too well, as you may not want to load your tummy or your family up on carbs.  But paired with a fish or chicken entree, it could be just the ticket to keep things tasty and enticing.

Greek Salad Pita Sandwich

Lent can also be a great time to create or change eating habits if you are ready to make a fresh start in that area.  This Greek salad pita sandwich is a fresh and flavorful alternative to the more traditional deli roast beef or ham sandwich, and a welcome treat for your taste buds.

Enjoy!  Remember, we love feedback and photos!

Fat Tuesday or Reason to Celebrate?

In honor of Mardi Gras (next Tuesday), I thought something colorful and decadent was in order.  I selected a few recipes I thought you might enjoy, whether celebrating Fat Tuesday with a huge crowd or just a lovely evening at home.

Amish Sour Cream Apple Pie

If you can get a hold of some great looking apples, there is no better time to create this rich, tasty Amish treat.  Who says the Amish are subdued?  This apple pie recipe will knock your socks off in true Mardi Gras style!

Blueberry Crumb Cake

This recipe is the perfect purple to get your groove on for Fat Tuesday.  I can almost smell the blueberries baking right now.  How much fun would it be to share this with your family and friends on Tuesday?

Rigatoni with Fresh Tomatoes & Pancetta

In keeping with my colorful foods theme I couldn't bare to leave this one out.  Yes, I realize Mardi Gras is more or less a "French-ish" holiday, but here in America if you use an Italian dish to celebrate it...really who is going to know?  The Fat Tuesday Sheriff?  Bring on the pasta police, because this bad boy is a drooler!

Enjoy!  We love feedback and photos!