it's what's cookin: 11/28/10

Why this blog??

Why this blog?? I often find myself stressing over what to make for my family for dinner. We live a busy life and some meals need time to prep, cook and let's not forget shopping for everything you need. I love cookbooks and websites, but there are so many recipe's at times it is overwhelming. The recipe's I will be posting are things I actually made. I will tell you if they are easy or more time consuming. I will also tell you if they are good. Most of these are recipe's I have made for years and continue to make because they are easy or quick and my family loves them and i know yours will too! I will also try to at least once in a whlie try a new recipe I've found on line or in a book and honestly rate it. I always encourage others to send me their favorite recipe's as well! I am a mom... not a chef. But I am a mom who enjoys cooking for her family and making a somewhat healthy meal (some days more healthy than others:) ) In each recipe I will share how I recommend serving it, any substitutions I can think of that are also good, or ways to prepare ahead of time to make the cooking part seem quicker! I am not a photographer, as you can see... most of these pictures are taken from my phone camera, so may not be the best! I love to hear from others who have made these recipes and what they have done to change the recipe... please post comments! Thank you! To "like" me on facebook, go to this link... It's What's Cookin

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this meal. It's quick. It's easy. It's yummy. And it's all about what you top it with! You can be as simple as just topping with your favorite cheese or top with one of my favorites: Cole Slaw, hot giardiniera (if you have an italian deli around you that makes a good one), or texas caviar (can be bought from Costco).

The main ingredients:

*1 sweet onion Cut in wedges
*2 minced garlic cloves
*3 chicken breasts (can be frozen)
*1 can Dr Pepper (can also use Coke if you don't have Dr Pepper on hand, Dr Pepper is sweeter though)

Place all in crock pot for 6 hours. Take chicken and onion out and shred chicken with two forks. Mix with your favorite BBQ sauce. (I like Sweet Baby Rays original best)

Serve on buns either plain, topped with cheese, or any topping you choose! Above is a picture of it served on hawaiian rolls and toped with HOT Giardiniera. The mixture of the sweet rolls and BBQ sauce and combined with the spice is amazing! I get my Giardiniera from Tenuta's deli. Here is there link if you wanted to order your own... http://www.tenutasdeli.com/tek9.asp I also love their italian seasonings.

You do NOT need an expensive CrockPot in order to make great food in one! I have one that my mom gave me when I first moved out... it's about 20 years old. We got a new, pretty, stainless steal one for our wedding 3 years ago that was super expensive. Guess which one I think cooks better and I use all the time... Yup, the old one! I definitely recommend one that is oval (oblong) instead of a round one. It's easier for when doing large cuts of meat (Pot Roast, Ribs...). This one is a great price. Simple. And has good reviews!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

TURKEY TACO TUESDAY...

Turkey Taco's is a great go to meal. We have it often at our house. Super easy and it can be as simple or as gourmet as you wish it to be. Start with the basics:

1.5-2 lbs lean ground turkey
1-2 packets of taco seasoning.
Tortillas

Make the meat just as you would with ground beef. Browning till done first and then follow directions on back of the taco seasoning packet.

We use the following toppings at our house. I would suggest definitely using the ones I've stared... I really think they make it!!

*Shredded Cheese
*Shredded Lettuce
*Red Roaster Hot sauce
*Cilantro
lime slices
chopped onion (red, white or sweet... any are fine)
Sour Cream
Avocado or guac
Diced tomatoes or pico

So Good, So easy, Somewhat Healthy. Kids and picky husbands love it too:) Don't forget to serve with a nice cold Corona:)