Tomatoes with Blue Chese

So...I didn't really make this like I was suppose to. I used a few tomatoes, carrots, and feta. I followed the dressing recipe exactly and it turned out well. B said it tasted similar to Caesar salad but sweet. The ingredients are basically the same, but with 2 tbsp sugar. Wonder why I was drawn to this recipe. Of course I found it on food network because it had 27 reviews...5 stars as always.

This is the "before the dressing " picture because it looked so nice.
And After...

Chinese Chicken Salad with Red Chile Peanut Dressing

I choose to make this recipe because it had 5 stars and 90 reviews. B and I really enjoyed it. There was very little left after I adjusted the recipe for 2 people. I also got one of those chickens you see at the grocery store that are already cooked for the 2 cups shredded chicken because I had having to cook and THEN shred chicken!!

But, yes, this was great! I didn't include snow peas...

C insisted that I take a picture of his plate also. He had chicken, strawberries, and a pea/corn medley. He did not enjoy this... :(

Balsalmic Chicken and Spinach Salad

Rachel Ray has the best salads. I do a version of this recipe that Mark just loves (I told you he loves salads). Salads are my new favorite easy dinner. I can prep all the ingredients during nap time during the day, and then just throw it together right before dinner after getting home from a play date, class, whatever. Note: I don't necessarily eat salads to lose weight, I like to eat them because I get lots of fresh veggies into my diet. This particular recipe is pretty high in fat. My version isn't so bad, but I think you have to have a little fat in order to be satisfying, am I right?

January Challenge - Ooooo, Saaaalads!

I was going to do soups and stews, but I consulted my husband, who hates soups and stews and prefered salads. I wanted to do this one in the summer, but perhaps with the new year and everyone trying to eat better, this would be a good time to do a salad challenge. All salads are eligible: meal, meat, side, potato, fruit, etc. DH does love a good salad!

Paula Deen Two-fer

I've got a Paula Deen two-fer for you guys. I was in charge of desserts over the past couple of nights and here are a couple of winners.

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cakes



Creme de Menthe Brownies

Pancake Dinner

I was hoping to start a new family tradition featuring a pancake dinner. The tradition idea got a leukwarm reception, but that didn't stop everyone from gobbling up the pancakes!

I used Alton Brown's instant pancake mix recipe as my base. You mix enough dry ingredients up for three batches, then whenever you are ready, you add the wet ingredient which consist of a lot of butter. Be sure to shake up your buttermilk to get consistant results! Also, I found the batter to be a bit thin for my tastes, so I don't add the full amount of buttermilk.



We made a variety of different types: plain, blueberry, chocolate chip, and banana nut. Banana nut seemed to be the favorite, but yuck, I hate bananas!



For my family, which consisted of 6 adults and 3 small children, I made a double recipe and had a total of 2 pancakes leftover.

Man...who took this picture?

Charred Chili Relleno with Green Rice

This is my first contribution for our monthly challenge this December. Perhaps it's because I don't watch television. It took a while to record some stuff, watch it, and then decide to make it. But here you go. This is a Rachael Ray recipe and it was actually quite delicious. I do recommend the chihuahua cheese that's in the recipe, although you can sub monterrey jack.

DH and I give it two thumbs up. Make sure you get the seeds out though, or you'll be scrambling for ice cream later!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/charred-chili-relleno-with-green-rice-recipe/index.html

As a side note, the rice was so-so, but the chili relleno was first class.