an ode.

...to cheese danish and orange juice.

(Walmart) Cheese danish, you are the reason I get up at 7 AM with no complaining. 

Thank you for always being moist and sweet with just a little hint of cream cheese. 

My only complaint is that I go through a container a day.  Is there anyway you could become bigger, my dear cheese danish?

It makes my heart (and stomach) hurt when I wake up to empty containers :(...

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas!

I made these last night, and its yet another recipe I just have got to share!   They were SO good... and I'm not a huge Mexican food person.  "Old El Paso" did a lot of the work for me (spices, shells and sauce were courtesy of the enchilada kit ;)

Here's what you need:

-chicken (I used the chicken tenders- so much easier to cut/shred and manage)
-an enchilada kit like this one :)- I got it on sale at Kroger and used a coupon, so it was super cheap.  If you don't want to buy an "enchilada KIT" you can definitely get by with tortillas, enchilada sauce and some spices.
-salsa
-1 can of tomatoes with chili peppers
-Spanish rice
-cheddar cheese


Alright!  Once you've got your food items, you're good to cha cha!

•  Dump salsa (I used one little jar of it) and the tomatoes with chili peppers into the crock pot.
• Clean the chicken tenders and squeeze them into the crockpot.  Make sure the chicken is completely covered/engulfed in liquid!  Otherwise, you'll end up with chicken jerky... ehh.
• Cook the chicken on low for 6 hours or on high for 3.  I cooked it on high.
• When the chicken is close to being done, start your rice and preheat your oven to 400.
• Once the chicken is done, throw it into a pan and add the enchilada spices (and I believe you also add a half cup of water- the box will tell you for sure though)
• Let the enchilada spices and chicken thicken up... I started to shred my chicken a little bit to make it easier to put in the enchiladas.
• When the mixture looks good and thick, its time to assemble!
• I stuffed mine with the chicken/tomato mixture, rice and some cheese right on the seam of the enchilada to make sure it stayed together.
• Spray your baking pan, roll them up like cigars in a line, pour the enchilada sauce ALL over- completely covering them, top with cheese, cover with foil and bake 'em!   I baked mine at 350- but that was because I had a cake in there.   I think you're "supposed" to bake them at 400... but they turned out just fine.... remember everything is already cooked ;) 
•  serve with tortilla chips... & if you're lucky enough to be able to have a margarita, go for that too... YUMMMMMMMMMM! 

I hope you enjoy these as much as we did!  Ryan even said "Ash, I think I can safely say these are the best chicken enchiladas I've ever had."

:)  yay!

And here's a "SWEET" photo of Mr. Henry enjoying a DISNEY choco chip cookie ;)  It's my entry for Simplicity's challenge.

Cravings...

My friend Julie prompted me to do a post on cravings :)  I'm not sure if there is an actual outline for this post or if its just freelanced by Jules herself- but I will try and follow her lead... 


I am ashamed to admit, that I could probably eat this entire tray of Dog House hot dogs... mmm

My favorite breakfast... (okay this is already embarrassing)  Mickey D's bagel... minus the bacon. 

Favorite Beverage... It used  to be sprite or 7up- anything fizzy that would settle my stomach.  But then I was introduced to this incredible sparkling water- that wait- DOESN'T taste like sparkling water!  There are a ton of different flavors and they have zero everything (sugar, carbs, caffine, etc.)  My fave. is the tangerine and key lime.  Although the black cherry is pretty good too- the one flavor that tastes like caca is strawberry... skip that one, friends.  And thank you Courtney for introducing me to such fabulousness!

I normally eat at least one of these a day:

They are so refreshing and feel really good on my (often) sore from vomiting throat... :)

I am really looking forward to going to Disney for the food.  Specifically, the giant rice crispy treats and the Mickey ice cream pops.  How gross and pathetic is that?

I love fruit while preggo.  Any kind... with Maeve I craved oranges like crazy... with Henry I think it was strawberries and watermelon.  This time, I've really liked peaches and nectarines.  But really,  I'd eat a platter of fruit anytime, anywhere- preggo or not :)

And like any preggo, I'm a huge fan of anything salty... like pickles or olives.  Again though, I like these a lot when I'm not pregnant, so it's not a shock to crave them like mad while I am.  I can eat an embarrassing amount though, if given the opportunity...

I've been eating a lot of cream cheese and mustard... not together- but ya know, on different things. 

A few weeks ago I saw Manda post about a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate.  I will admit, at first, it didn't sound so great.  But this was when I was in the depths of my morning sickness.  I wasn't getting much down and I tended to opt more towards beverages (hot chocolate, slushies, milkshakes)  so while out one night, I gave it a whirl.  And it has now changed my life.  ha :) 

Now I'm sure you're all sitting there thinking I am well on my way to obesity.  And yeah, that might be true... but strangely enough I've lost weight so far.  It definitely sucks puking and I will jump up and down (sort of) when I'm finally done with this morning sickness (that is still here BTW... 14 weeks and 4 days..) but I'm pretty sure my morning sickness is the only thing that has saved me from gaining 100 lbs during my first trimester.  The thing is, at any given time, I can't eat a lot of anything- so while I might get McDonalds umm, 3 out of the 7 days of the week, there's a good chance, that that will be my big meal.  (which in by no means is a good idea... it just seems to work that way).  I'll have to re-write this post in a few weeks when I'm *hopefully* feeling 100%.  As awesome as these foods look to me, I'm still on the verge of gagging 24/7.  :(

a quick recipe worth sharing :)

This is so easy its frightening :)

Do any of you remember the amazing buffalo ranch chicken sandwich from Applebees?  It was my go to fave- and I'm pretty sure I had at least one a week while pregnant with Maeve. 

Unfortunately, they've taken it off their menu (boo Applebees)...

But... I have an awesome *EASY* and healthier (I think?) recipe that's almost just as good ;)

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwiches
-Chicken breasts (we use about 4)
-bottle of your favorite wing sauce
-DRY ranch dressing (in those little packets)
-your fave hoagie buns
-your fave cheese
-any other sandwich toppings you like (lettuce, tomato, etc.)

Mix the wing sauce and half the packet of dry ranch dressing together- throw your chicken in the crockpot, and cover with the mixture (put a little on the bottom to coat the pot before putting the chicken in).  Cook on low 6-7 hours.   After the chicken is done, take a fork and shred it- it should pull apart and shred super easily.

Next, get out your buns, sandwich toppings and cheese and make your very own buffalo ranch chicken sandwich :)  it is SO SO good.  And its what we're having for dinner tonight ... again.... :)

I serve it with some healthy celery sticks & ummm.. fries ;)

Monday=Meals.

Unfortunately, I only know of one meal we're having this week.  But its SO good, and I've promised to share it... so here it is:

Deceptively Delicious Mac & Cheese 1:

1 1/2 cups macaroni (I use the swirly kind:)
nonstick cooking spray
1 tbs olive oil
1 tbs floud
1/2 cup nonfat milk
1/2 cup butternut squash OR cauliflower puree (I've done both- I personally like the cauliflower better, my husband prefers the squash)
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
4 oz. Nonfat cream cheese
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp pepper

1.  Cook your macaroni!

2.  While the mac is cooking, coat a large saucepan with cooking spray and heat over medium.  Add the oil & flour, stirring constantly, until you've made a thick paste  (be careful not to burn... it should be white- not brown:)

3. Add the milk and cook 3-4 minutes, stirring.  The mixture should thicken.  Add the veggie puree, the cheeses, and seasonings.  Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.   Now get your cooked macaroni and pour it in the cheese sauce... stir it well and there ya have it! :)

-from "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld

I need some help with dinners this week.... What's on your menu?

Please & Thank you... & a question in between.

Hi friends!

It's bright and early here in the "hand state."  And its cold.  Really, really cold.

As I was downing a few cups of coffee, I decided today was a soup day.

I make soups at least twice a week, if not more.  They're quick, easy, and CHEAP!  :)

My kids aren't the fondest of my soups, but they eat the croutons and cheese, so I guess we're good.

Anywho, back to the task at hand... on this frigid morning... I made my favorite soup- and you should too!  Because..... its QUICK, EASY AND CHEAP!


It's very similar (if not identical?) to the Beach Bar's recipe.  The thing is, I don't follow any of the measurements in that recipe and I don't add all the ingredients.  I cheat.  And I love my crock pot- so I adapted the recipe, and came up with this:


"*KIND* of Beach Bar Soup In The Crock Pot, the easy peasy way"  (that's the name of this recipe)

-1 BIG can of tomato soup + 1 little can of tomato soup (this is adjusted for my family... if you have, say, 5 kids, you probably want to use 2, maybe more big cans of soup.... )

-2 cans of HUNTS "Fire Roasted" diced tomatos with garlic!  (very important they're spiced with garlic and fire roasted!  This is the cheating part!)

-as much 1/2 and 1/2 as you want.  (some days I dump a motherload in, other days, I care about my waist line and add just a bit)

-1 bar of cream cheese

-a few tablespoons of butter

-croutons and mozz. cheese for topping :)

Alright folks, take out your crock pot (whenever- I started mine this morning at 8 AM... but you can start yours at 4 PM and I think you'd still be fine! :).

Dump the soups in.

In your food processor or blender... puree the 2 (or however many you're using) cans of the diced, garlicky tomatoes.

Dump the tomato mixture in.

Slab off a hunk of butter, and throw that in there too.

Put the lid on, set your pot on low and you're done for awhile.  (I told you this is ridiculously easy)

Fast forward to an hour or so before dinner time....

In your food processor or blender, add as much or as little half and half as you'd like.  Throw the bar of cream cheese in and puree.

Pour this mixture into your bubbling, brewing pot of tomato soup.  Stir it around until it makes a lovely orange color.

Wait another hour... (or until everything is hot and well combined)

AND EAT! :)


PLEASE enjoy...

Be a dear, and leave me your favorite, easiest, peasiest, Japanesiest recipe.  THANK YOU  in advance :)

& as for my QUESTION IN BETWEEN:

- what should I do with my 3 year old, who tells me she "doesn't do the big girl potty anymore?"

(I know soups + potty= nothing to do with each other... but still, share.)

Happy Tuesday!

Have I got a treat for you! :)

Last night I uhhh, "invented" this amazing recipe that is a MUST share, MUST make, MUST consume, kind of a recipe! :)

I say "uhhh invented" because I am positive that someone, somewhere has put this same combination of ingredients together in the crock pot- but it wasn't in my "Fix It And Forget It!" cookbook, so I decided I must have invented it. (ha.)

This is quick, easy, cheap, delicious- does it get better than that?

I think not.

To make this awesome meal, that I'll call, "Sausage DEEEElight!" you'll need the following:

-jar of spaghetti sauce
-hoagie buns or whatever kind of rolls you want to use (we used the sub length rolls)
-turkey sausage (again- this is just what we used- but you can do any kind of smoked sausage, I'm sure:)
-2 peppers (any color!)
-1 onion
-cheese of your choosing

Chop up the peppers, onion (chop them into strips- like you would for a stir fry :) and sausage, throw it in the crock pot, mix in the spaghetti sauce, turn on low- and heat for 4-6 hours (remember the sausage is precooked :)

Once your house starts smelling delightful and you can't take it anymore, spoon up the sausage/pepper/onion mixture into a hearty hoagie bun. Top it with your favorite cheese (we used swiss:) and CHOW DOWN.

I served this with pasta salad and chips... ehhhh not the healthiest but it was good and my cannibalistic (kiddddding!) husband was happy as a clam :)

Make & enjoy... then tell me how much you enjoyed it:)

good day to all!

Halloween 2010!

OH MY :)

Best Halloweekend/Halloween to date in my book!

Starting Friday, we jam packed every minute we could into making the weekend as spooky and festive as possible for the kids.

I spent Friday morning googling Halloween recipes and getting a menu ready for the weekend. Later in the afternoon, our doorbell rang and this was what was there:

Talk about starting our festive weekend off right!

My grandma had ordered balloon boquets for the kids- and they were smitten.   Maeve was a tad hesitant with a few of the balloons because they were "too spooky."  But Henry dove right in :)  Actually, Maeve was good with her boquet of balloons- it was the walking pumpkin balloon that she was/is terrified of. 

(see the 2nd picture from the top:)- that pumpkin floats around our house.... kind of creepy- but cute.  Maeve finds no cuteness in it though- only the creeps!  She will be sitting on the couch and the pumpkin will float over to her and within seconds she's on top of me (or Ryan) begging us to "put the pumpkin away."  Henry on the other hand, loves it.  He bats at it and cracks up at the sight of it. :)  good times...

Here are some pictures post-balloon delivery... note Maeve's face.  SO not thrilled with the spookies...

and yeah, that last picture is capturing Henry sinking his chompers into the bag of m&m's... go figure :)



Friday night we had worms (spaghetti), a veggie skeleton (veggie tray...) and muddy brownies.  Good eats for sure.

                                                (note Henry's face in the background....)

-I also just noticed that I didn't compress any of these images... therefore, blogger is doing it for me, thus creating super crappy images... blah.

Saturday morning, I realized we had yet to get pumpkins...whoops.  We decided to take the kids trunk or treating at Meijer and then swing by that farm on Michigan Ave for some pumpkins.  It was truly, a great, great morning. 

Maeve decided she wanted to be Minnie Mouse (on Saturday) and Henry wore a shirt that said "Chocolate...GOOOOOOD."

 To be honest, we didn't get either kid a halloween costume this year.  Maeve has every Disney princess dress in her closet, and even though they had been worn a thousand times each, I knew if I asked her what she wanted to be for Halloween, she'd say some princess anyway.  Henry's costume came from my mom and grandma... it's some sort of dinosaur or alligator- we're not sure- but its stinkin' cute.

We had so much fun with the kids at Meijers- Henry pounded each and every treat he was given- from the sugar cookies to the gummy worms (hey, it was Halloween, right? :)  Maeve was mesmorized by all the different costumes and activities.  Her favorite thing by far (and it might have been her fave. thing all weekend..) was the face painting.  FREE face painting (even better...)- she initially picked out a tiger face but the girl that was doing the painting wasn't the friendliest and told her it would take too long, so Maeve agreed to the standard butterfly that every other kid was getting :)

    
In case you didn't know- she is a clone of me. I can't tell you how many pictures my parents have of me, giving the camera that same look. In fact, I'm sure they're in Florida right now, saying "THAT'S ASHLEY!"

After Meijers, it was punkin pickin' time.  We had a good fifteen minutes at the farm... but we'll remember that two kids on a sugar high at nap time don't make for the greatest company.... eeek.

We carved the pumpkins Saturday night.... but having my hands full of goo (and kids) I slacked BIG time on taking pictures... I have ONE picture... and its stinky... but save-worthy I suppose.

Sunday morning, we woke up late- really- the kids slept until 9.  It was heaven.  Happy Halloween to US.  We needed a few things (ummmm like Halloween candy for our neighborhood...HA we procrastinated big time this year) so  we set off for the stores (Target to be exact:).  We got some picked over candy, a pair of cat ears and then, I somehow convinced Ryan to drive ALL the way out to Flavor Fruit Farms for some donuts.  He's not the drive kind of guy... but dang I wanted some donuts.  We were the only souls out there- but we snagged a dozen HOT, fresh donuts.  It was worth the 25 minute drive.... for SURE!

Sunday afternoon we lazied around... tried to take naps- and failed... Around 5 or so, we started getting ready for the big night.  I told Ryan to take the kids in the living room so I could get myyyyy costume on.  This woud be the 2nd traumatic thing that happened to my daughter over the weekend.

Apparently, momma in a furry vest, cat ears and whiskers, is not fun.  It's downright terrifying.  She wanted nothing to do with me- and then we convinced her to pet me.  So she did... and thus began the night of attacking momma the cat.

Along with the standard trick or treating and posing in front of pumpkins, we also had mummy pizzas and spent some time with Aunt Emi...

SO... that was our Halloween/weekend. :)  It was fab.  And I hope the pictures convey that...

Mom & dad- I know pictures aren't as good as the real thing... but I tried to capture everything!  NEXT year, we'll be together...