it's what's cookin: 9/25/11

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, October 1, 2011

PB and Banana Pizza

I found this idea on the Cafe Moms website under the topic, "Lunch ideas to banish brown-bag blues." Another mom says she makes these and puts them in a thermos or wraps in in foil. She also packs a side cup of maple syrup or honey for dipping. I thought it sounded good, we had everything in the house I needed for it, and my kids needed something new for lunch today instead of the same ol' same ol'...
I think these would be great served for breakfast too!!

To make one pizza (8 small slices)

* 2 whole grain tortillas (I used MISSION brand Artisan Style Tortillas- Ancient Grains flavor (Made with 5 different Ancient Whole Grains... delicious blend of whole grain wheat, amaranth, millet, quinoa, sorghum and teff)
* 2 T PB (My family's favorite is Jiff Creamy)
* 1/2 banana- cut into thin slices
* 2 tsp spreadable butter
* 2 T honey or maple syrup (optional... it was great with or without! But who doesn't love to dip!?)

Spread 1T of Peanut Butter on each tortilla. Slice the banana and place slices scattered around on one of the tortillas (as shown below). Put tortillas together and spread 1 tsp of butter on the outside of each tortilla.

Heat up a skillet to medium heat on the stove top. Once hot, place tortilla pizza on skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. Take off and use a pizza cutter to cut into 8 pieces.

Dip if desired or just eat plain!!

ENJOY! Your kids will love them... and so will you!!

PB on each tortilla with the banana slices

spread butter on outside of tortillas

Cut into 8 'slices'

This pizza didn't stand a chance in my household... especially when allowed to dip in syrup!!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Jalapeno Cole Slaw

Tonight I made my Crock Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. I wanted to top them with some cole slaw with a kick so I decided to make my own cole slaw. I like my cole slaw with a lot of vinegar and not too much mayonnaise. If you like yours creamier you can add more mayonnaise and less vinegar than this recipe calls for. Play with it and make it to your liking...

This was enough to top 4 of the BBQ chicken sandwiches. You can double, or triple the recipe to make as much, or as little as you need. I don't like left over cole slaw so I will only make what I will be eating that day. It's so easy, and quick. I will probably make more tomorrow too:)

Ingredients:

*1 1/2 cup shredded cole slaw (Shredded green cabbage and carrots)

*1/3 cup shredded carrots (Carrots are already in cole slaw, but I like extra)

*3 T mayo (I like Kraft Mayo with Olive Oil- Reduced Fat)

*2 T APPLE CIDER vinegar (you can use less, I REALLY like vinegar!)

*1 T sugar

*Seasonings... I use Nature Seasoning

*1 jalapeno- diced

I combine the mayo, vinegar and sugar in a bowl and mix well. Add your cole slaw, carrots, and jalapeno and toss with the 'dressing'. Season and mix well.