Tasty Tuesday - Apple Crisp

Jim's parents just moved into a new house and they have an old apple tree in the backyard. It was so full of apples when we were there on Sunday! Jimmy loved picking the apples and he filled up a shopping bag with them. The apples haven't been sprayed with any chemicals either - added bonus!! So what do you do with a ton of free apples? You make Apple Crisp of course! Then you give the rest to the horses =)
This is an oldie but a goodie that my mom used to make all the time, it has always been one of my favorites.

Apple Crisp

Ingredients:
8 cups peeled sliced apples (I think traditionally tart apples are used, I used whatever the apples were growing on the tree, not sure what they were)
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
2/3 cup cold butter

Place apples in a greased 9x13 baking dish.
Mix the brown sugar, flour, oats & spices in a bowl, then cut in the butter until crumbles are formed. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the apples. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes or until apples are tender.

Super yummy served warm with vanilla ice cream! I also love it after its been refrigerated and is COLD!! Mmmmm!!

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Introducing...Tasty Tuesdays!

I am joining in a new blog hop this week. I was going to start my own Tasty Tuesday feature, but found it already existed here so I thought I would participate. Makes less work for me lol!

This week we have something I found a while back, not sure where, but they are sooo yummy! I think they were named after a very popular gourmet coffee chain, but we call them Heath Bar Brownies.

Heath Bar Brownies 

In a large bowl combine the following ingredients:

3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup margarine
1-1/4 cup white sugar
1-1/4 cup brown sugar
1-1/2 tsp. baking soda
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1 T. vanilla
3 eggs
 
Then add:
4 cups all purpose flour
Mix well. 

Finally add:
12 oz. pkg chocolate chunks
12 oz. pkg white chocolate chips
8 Heath bars, coarsely chopped

Mix well and spread in a greased 15X19 pan. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes
(I do not have such a large pan so I use a 9x13 pan and an 8x11 pan).

I let them cool for a few minutes, then I cut them and put them in the fridge because I like them COLD! But they are also really good warm with a glass of milk or vanilla ice cream. Mmmm! I just made these last week and they are already gone, but now I want more just thinking about them!

Enjoy!!

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Whole Wheat Cinnamon Waffles

I made this for breakfast today, Jimmy ate 2 whole waffles!

Whole Wheat Cinnamon Waffles

1 c Whole Wheat Flour
1 c All purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cinnamon, depending on your tastes (or you can omit it if you don't like it)
2 cups milk
6 tablespoons vegetable oil (I usually use applesauce or plain yogurt instead)
2 large eggs

I also usually add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of wheat germ for added nutrition =)

Mix all ingredients until smooth, let sit 5 mins while preheating waffle maker, then proceed however you normally make waffles.

Serve with butter and real maple syrup or honey, yummy!! I sometimes add some fruit like blueberries or strawberries, be creative!

Toddler Meal Idea

I had some leftover brown rice and ground beef so I made this up. Sorry, I do not have any amounts to give you, I just added stuff together until it looked like the amount I wanted. But its easy, no big deal!

Here is what I used:

Ground beef (already cooked)
Brown Rice (already cooked)
Frozen Peas
Shredded Cheese
Wheat Germ
Whole Wheat Flour
Milk

All I did was mix the beef, rice & peas together with a little bit of milk, then I microwaved it for about 2 minutes. Then I added in the wheat germ & flour to thicken it up, kind of like make your own "cream of whatever" soup. Then I microwaved it a little more until it was thickened up, maybe only 30-40 seconds. I added the cheese in, microwaved for about 15 seconds, mixed it up again and it was done. Jimmy loved it and I thought it was pretty good too (I added some salt to mine though, I know SHAME!!).

You can change this around any way you want to. You could use chicken or beans instead of beef. Broccoli instead of peas, etc. Its a great "leftovers" concoction. Or you could make up a batch and freeze it in ice cube trays or small containers for later use.

Mexi-Mac

I haven't posted a recipe in a while, so I thought I would post what I made for dinner tonight. Usually we have Mexican on Wednesdays, but this week got a little messed up so Mexican Night was tonight.

1 lb. Ground Beef
1 pkg. Taco seasoning
1 & 1/2 cups Elbow Macaroni
1 - 15 oz can of black beans (rinsed)
2 - 10 oz cans of diced tomatoes & green chilies
1 - 15 oz can of sweet corn
1/2 - 15 oz can of black olives, chopped
(these are estimates on can sizes, just get whatever is closest in oz)

In a large skillet (I used a 5 qt saucepan), brown 1 lb. ground beef. Drain, then add taco seasoning packet and about 2 & 1/4 cups water. Mix together and bring to a boil. Add the macaroni, stir, bring back to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer for 10-15 mins, or until macaroni is tender. Add in the black beans, tomatoes, corn and black olives and cook on low heat for about 10 mins. The last 10 mins may need to be adjusted and you can up the heat a little. I had it simmering on low for a while because Jim wasn't home yet. Seve it up with some sour cream, shredded cheddar and hot sauce and you are good to go! Hubby loved it and I hope you do too. =)

Baked Pita Chips

I had 3 pita pocket halves left over in the freezer, so I decided to make Pita Chips.

I cut each half into 4 triangles, then I ripped them apart to make 8, so 24 triangles altogether.
Then I brushed both sides of each one with this mixture:

4 tablespoons EVOO
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Arrange on a cookie sheet, then, bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until golden.

I dipped mine in hummus that I got at Kroger on Manager Special. Delicious! Let me know what you think!

Baked Chicken Tenders & Honey Mustard

Here is the recipe for what we had for dinner tonight.

Baked Chicken Tenders

1 - 1 & 1/2 lb chicken tenderloins
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional, don't use for toddlers)
1/2 cup melted butter

Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Melt the butter in a separate bowl in the microwave. Dip the tenderloins into the butter, then the breadcrumb mixture and arrange in a greased 9"x13" baking dish. Sprinkle some or all of the remaining breadcrumb mixture over the tenders. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until juices run clear. Serve with chicken wing sauce, honey mustard or good old ketchup and side salad. Yummy!

Honey Mustard Recipe (do not give honey to babies under 1):

1 & 1/2 cup Mayo
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup honey
(or mix the three to your desired taste)
Store in tightly sealed container in refrigerator

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Here is what was for dinner tonight (Little Jimmy didn't get any, he was in bed - Big Jim had to work late tonight)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger root
  
• 2 cloves garlic minced/chopped
  
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 lb boneless round steak cut into slices/bite sized pieces
• 3-4 cups chopped broccoli

Put all the liquid ingredients into your slow cooker. Then mix in the flour, sugar, sesame seeds, ginger, garlic and red pepper. Next add the steak and make sure to coat it with the sauce mixture. Cook on low for 6-8 hours depending on meat thickness and how hot your slow cooker gets. Add the chopped broccoli about an hour before serving, stir to coat with sauce and cook on high for an hour (or until desired "doneness" of broccoli is reached). Serve over cooked brown rice (I was a bad girl and used white this time =P). Also, I way overcooked my broccoli, Jim was a little later than I thought and I forgot to turn the slow cooker off, oops! It was still really good though, I will definitely be making this again! Well, at least whenever we find cheap steaks, these were in our freezer for who knows how long! ;-)

Feeding the Wee One

Here is a sampling of what my little Jimmy usually eats. Thought I would post it in case anyone is having a hard time coming up with ideas.

Breakfast:
- Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat with fruit
- Pancakes or waffles and fruit
- Scrambled eggs, whole wheat bread
(not toast, toasting removes some nutrients) and fruit
- Whatever whole grain "O" cereal we have and fruit

Snack:
- Fruit
- Cottage Cheese
- Cheese
- Slice of bread
- Fruit leather
- Whole grain crackers

Lunch (or dinner if not cooking a meal for whatever reason):
- Grilled Cheese on whole grain bread and some veggies
- Pasta and veggies
- Quesadilla and some fruit
- Peanut butter sandwich (over a year old and not allergic!), plain or maybe with some all natural fruit spread
(try pureeing some fruit in the blender)
- Leftovers from dinner
- This is gonna sound gross, but he loves it: Hard boiled egg yolk mixed in cottage cheese =)

Another snack

Dinner: Usually whatever we are having. I separate his own portion out before adding strong spices/salt etc.

I try to make sure he gets a grain & veggie or grain & fruit in every meal, and a protein (beans, lentils, cheese, meat) in at least 1 meal, but try for 2 meals a day.

Jimmy is still breastfeeding about 6 times a day and I offer him water (sometimes with a little apple juice mixed in) as well. I hope this is helpful to someone. I know it is helpful to me to just see it "written down"!

It's Mexican Night!!

Tonight we are having Chicken Taco Soup made in the slow cooker. I found the recipe on allrecipes.com some time ago and it is DELICIOUS! We'll have Cheddar Biscuits on the side.
Here is the recipe with my changes. The original can be found here.

Chicken Taco Soup

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained (sometimes I use frozen corn, depends on which is cheaper, or use fresh in the summer)
  
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce (today I used some tomato paste mixed with water to make about 8oz)
  
• 12 oz water
  
• 1 (16 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning (or make your own, if you want to know how, let me know!)
  
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (I usually use frozen ones)
  
• shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
• sour cream (optional)

1. Place the onion, chili beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, water, and diced tomatoes in a slow cooker. Add taco seasoning, and stir to blend. Put chicken breasts in so they are just covered by the other ingredients. Set slow cooker for low heat, cover, and cook for 4-5 hours (cooking times vary depending on your machine).
2. Remove chicken breasts from the soup, and shred. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup, and continue cooking for 1-2 hours. Serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. We like to dip our Cheddar Biscuits in it.

Cheddar Biscuits
Unfortunately I do not remember where I found this recipe so sorry to whomever credit is due! If anyone knows please tell me!

Ingredients:

2 & 1/2 cups Bisquick baking mix (I use a homemade version)
3/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons cold butter (1/2 stick)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 heaping cup shredded cheddar cheese

Brush on top:

2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Combine baking mix with cold butter in a medium bowl using a pastry cutter or fork.
Don't mix too thoroughly, you want there to be pea-sized chunks of butter. Add cheese, milk and 1/4 teaspooon garlic.
3. Drop about 1/4 cup portions of dough onto ungreased cookie sheet (don't worry about shaping it). Should make 12
4. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until tops start to get golden
5. When they come out of the oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl in the microwave.
Stir in garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush the mixture over the tops of the biscuits.

Enjoy these dipped in your Chicken Taco Soup! Mmmm...my mouth is watering just thinking about it! C'mon dinner time!!

Homemade Fruit Leather

Today I experimented with making homemade fruit leather. I made 2 flavors - Strawberry and Mixed Berry. They came out a little too thin and and dry, so I am going to try again tonight and make a banana-strawberry and an apple.*

Before drying:

Dry:

Directions:
Puree frozen, canned or fresh fruit in the blender (maybe adding a tiny bit of water or juice to get things moving) making about a 1 & 1/2 - 2 cups. You can add sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar, molasses, etc. if you want to make it sweeter, but I think it tastes great without anything added. Pour it out onto a cookie sheet covered with plastic wrap (you may want to tape the edges down). Then you just spread it out evenly, about 1/8 - 1/4 of an inch thick or so, and put it in the oven for about 2-3 hours at 175 degrees, leaving the door open a bit. Once the puree feels slightly tacky, it should be finished! If you get the result I got and it is too dry, you can still use it for fruit chips, ice cream topping, oatmeal stir-in...etc. Be creative!

Some suggested Add-ins:
Spices such as cinnamon (in the apple flavor..mmm!), vanilla extract, mint, allspice, ginger...
Chopped nuts, raisins, dates, granola, seeds...
Wheat germ
Maybe spread some peanut butter between 2 pieces of strawberry, grape or banana leather and roll it up...yumm!!! (Have I mentioned I LOVE peanut butter??)

Have fun with this and please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions or come up with any Super Delicious Flavor Combos!

*I messed up by making it too thin and I dried it for about 2 hours without checking it. Tonight I will make it thicker and check it more often through the drying time.

Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake

Yumm! I just made a great, easy milkshake. It may sound gross to some, but it is SO GOOD!!
All you need is:

1 Frozen Banana
About 1 1/2 - 2 Cups of Milk (I usually use soy milk)
A good glop of Creamy Peanut Butter

Put it in your blender and blend until its smooth then pour into a big glass and ENJOY!!

You could also add some brewers yeast or something to make it a bit healthier (or use natural peanut butter, it gives it a different taste though so you may want to add a little sugar).

My mom used to make us these shakes when we were little. Thanks Mom!!