Sometimes I think I've done a huge disservice to my family by raising my kids to eat their food groups in such a way that THAT is the way we eat around here all the time if I want to cook the same thing for everyone. It's not bad thing, but it does limit me because they won't eat the fruffy things, the casseroles, the crock pot things (rarely). ... all of which that I just mentioned would make MY life as mama bear a heck of a lot easier when … [Read more...]
Yemista: Greek Cuisine
Last week we hit all time record low temps… so cool that I felt like I needed a jacket on some days. And the sun wasn't wanting to peek his head out either. So it being cold and gray it definitely felt like comfort food. Coupled with the fact that my family actually REQUESTED a major Greek meal. When people find out my ethnic background one of the many questions I get asked it DO YOU COOK LOTS OF GREEK FOOD. And the answer is truly no. Not … [Read more...]
Spinach Chips
I have seen kale chips mentioned lots on healthy boards and on recipe posts and even for sale in bags at the store. But I haven't seen as much on spinach… unless I really never took the time to look! … Ok, I haven't. But when I was at the store last week, of course I had on my "I'm going to kick a** and only eat healthy stuff" hat on (you know what I'm talking about, and then it all fails when the fam says let's go out for burgers? lol!!)… I … [Read more...]
Jello Fat Free Whipped Delight
I've told you before of my past involving Weight Watchers. I was a leader and coached people to lose weight. I gave them tips, hints, encouragement, ideas, mental strategies, advice and recipes. Foods were measured in points and things with ZERO points were always top on my list. This little concoction is something I created and was one of those top on my list. And believe me, once you try it, you'll see for yourself, you don't have to be a … [Read more...]
Sopapilla Cheesecake
On the morning after Cinco de Mayo, it does seem that this is coming a day late. However, I was a bit too excited with yesterday's news I was sharing, AND I thought I might let you recover from all of your margaritas and tacos. Today I'm sharing with you something I learned at camp. Yes. At camp. Last week. Not a peace song, Not a new secret handshake. This. This was the VERY last piece of Sopapilla … [Read more...]
S’mores Waffles
You read that right. S'mores waffles. I didn't come up with this one. Actually, I heard this at the salon last week as I was getting my hair cut and colored (and as my mom would say as I was growing up, "I heard it at the beauty shop!"). The gal next to me was saying she was at the Arts Council Festival of the Arts the night before and had the MOST amazing s'mores waffles. My ears PERKED up. I'm like whaaaaaaaaa? ya. I said, "sorry not … [Read more...]
Semi-Homemade Greek Pork Chops and Potatoes
This was a little din din I whipped up the other night, and as you all know, I seriously just throw stuff together, with no measuring, just whatever. I think it's how I was raised, watching my mom add a little of this, a little of that, understanding what seasonings compliment each other, and what don't. So, I roll with it. And anything that is a homemade meal for my family amidst our chaotic evenings with homework, sports, and events and … [Read more...]
Baked Brie en Croute
I know the holidays have passed, and we're all so focused on shedding the extra bulge that we found when we were home on all those FREEZE days eating warm cozy comfort food (you KNOW what I'm talkin about!!) But this has been one of my classic faves I had to share with you to enjoy even beyond the holidays. It's a real show stopper when entertaining and looks like it was ALL the fuss without all the work, I promise. Some of the best recipes I … [Read more...]
A Different Kind of Chili
You guys know that I am always OP on trying to make the smartest choices and get the most satisfaction. Because let's face it.... If I'm going to have to eat it, I might as well like it somewhat? Well this is one dish I have served up MANY times, not only to my family, but to many guests in my home. And when I tell them I'm making it, they go NUTS! Chicken Barley Chili. That's right. As odd as it might sound, it's OH so good and OH so … [Read more...]
The BEST Cranberry Sauce Evaaah
From a can? The kind you can "slice"? Or homemade? I love cranberry any way you serve it up to me. It's YUM! I have been making this recipe since about the time I got married (which would be 16 years ago), and it's requested OVER and OVER again. I will not lie.... I cannot take credit for the yumminess of this piece. We can thank Williams Sonoma for that. The goods: 1/2 orange 2 cups water 1 tart apple, such as … [Read more...]
GNO Mac N Cheese
On a recent girls night out, some of us shared some family traditions. One of the gals shared a SUPER easy and REALLY delish mac-n-cheese that I couldnt help but test for myself, and then of course SHARE with you! She and her family would buy all kinds of fabulous cheeses for "picnic night in" and for guests as well. Whenever they had leftovers, they grated the cheeses, threw em all together, and whipped up this pan of comfort food. Jackie's … [Read more...]
Sweet Mexican Salad
As I hosted my women's networking luncheon today, the main course on the menu was my Green Chili Enchilada Casserole I featured HERE. I needed a side dish or salad to go with it. So, as I do with so many things, I pulled this one out of you know where! HA! Throw this with that and voila.... here is my Sweet Mexican Salad: The goods: Bag of mixed greens Yellow and orange bell peppers, sliced Grape tomatoes Doritos, crushed Pineapple … [Read more...]
4 Ingredient Mexi Chicken
Ok, 5 including the taco seasoning. Now, lemme just tell you guys, I've said it before and I'll say it again. The way I cook, I just throw stuff together, keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. Most of the times it comes out pretty good (I think!). And know this too... I come from an UBER traditional Greek family, where I did not have "casseroles" or anything with "pre made" or processed in it. This isn't a huge processed meal, but it … [Read more...]
Double Baked Potatoes
What's for dinner? Blah blah.. same ole thing... Steak? Chicken? And the sides? French fries, corn on the cob, some pasta thingy? Well, something SUPER easy, that looks pretty fancy that my gang loves is my double baked potatoes. I start with my russet potatoes. ... wash em really good and stab them with a fork about 3 or 4 times each. Then pop them into the microwave for 10 minutes. Slice them in half and then scoop out the … [Read more...]
Tomato Mushroom Capellini
Most of my cooking I do, I do these throw together, eyeballing dish and taste testing. Thanks to my mom being the most amazing teacher ever to me in so many things, this is how I learned to cook. Because that is how she cooked. So throwing a few things together, I whipped up the yummiest topping for our pasta EVER! (Like so good I can just eat it in a bowl by itself!) I think it's fairly healthy because I'm using fresh ingredients, nothing … [Read more...]
Confetti Pancakes
Super easy fun quickie pancakes little ones will think you're the best thing ever since bubble gum ice cream! I whipped this little number up the other day for my kids, surprised them, and they thought these were the best treats, and I won the cool mom award. Yeah, I could do from scratch, but having a bottle of this miracle stuff makes a busy life SO easy. 1. Add water to the mix, just like the bottle says. 2. Pour out the mix … [Read more...]
Chocolate DREAM Cake
"Mom, OMG this is the BEST cake I think I've EVER had... like EVERRRR in my LIFE!" were the words from one 12 year old girl in my house today. You guys know I host a women's luncheon on a monthly basis and it's my chance to play hostess and serve up a yummy meal (that is not geared to appeal to little ones!). So I get to play with my creativity in the kitchen. That is how I was taught by my mom. So I follow recipes SOMETIMES and when I don't … [Read more...]
Ribs, Greek Style
What's for dinner? A highly requested main course in my house, ribs, GREEK style! It's finger lickin good and OH so easy. Ready? Here's what you need... Pork baby back ribs Olive Oil Fresh Lemon Jane's Crazy Mixed Up Salt Cavenders Garlic Powder I first season the underside, then flip it over and do the top, and stick it in the oven like this. I do not use oregano as most Greeks do for this particular recipe just because the … [Read more...]
My Simple Sweet Potato Fries
I LOVE LOVE sweet potato fries, and it makes me happy to know that they are also a healthier alternative than regular french fries made from regular potatoes (so that means I can eat more, right?? HA! I wish!). So I make these as a great side dish for our family dinners and they are super duper easy. All you need, is your sweet potatoes. Peel them and slice them pretty thin (not TOO thin, but not too thick either). Then I toss them in a … [Read more...]
