Tag Archives: dinner

Family, food, home organization, Meal Planning, recipes

Chicken and Dumplin’ Casserole

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I love a good bowl of chicken and dumplings every so often. When I can across an old recipe for a chicken dumpling casserole I knew I had to give it a try. However I needed to tweak it a bit as some of the ingredients wouldn’t go over so well around here.

I took out a few things and added a few things that I normally add to my chicken and dumplings. I tried to snap a few pics and the photo above was before it went into the oven. However I forgot to get a pic of the finished product and by the time I remembered it was all gone!

Here is our final winning result:

Chicken and Dumplin’ Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 c. butter
  • 1 c. small onion, chopped
  • 2 c. mixed veggies, steamed
  • 3 c. cooked chicken, shredded (You could use a precooked rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 c. self-rising flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 – 2 c. chicken broth
  • 1 10.75 oz can cream of chicken soup
  • 1-2 t. celery salt (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the onions and cook until tender.

Turn off the heat and add the mixed veggies and season with salt and pepper. Stir well.

Pour all of the veggies into the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Top with the shredded chicken.

Mix together the milk and flour and drop/pour over the chicken and veggies.

Next you will combine the broth and cream of chicken soup and pour this over top of everything. (I like mine a little less soupy so I add a little less broth but if you like it soupy then add the full 2 cups.)

DO NOT STIR, DO NOT MIX.

Bake for about 40-45 minutes. Let cool 5-10 minutes and serve.

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affiliate links, Family, food, home organization, homeschooling, Meal Planning, Parenting, recipes, Single Parenting

Preventing The Back To HomeSchool Meal Planning Madness

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**This post does contain some affiliate links which could possibly earn me a small commission if a purchase was made through them. These links help to support our blog and our family.

Hmmm… have you thought about what you’ll be feeding those hungry learners? If your kids were in public school you may not have had to think much about it before. If you plan to homeschool then you will be feeding them at least three meals a day and maybe a few snacks in between.

This can turn into a chaotic juggling act if you aren’t prepared. How do we prevent meal time chaos in our home? By meal planning. I even plan out snacks sometimes so I don’t forget to include them on my grocery list. Check out this link for some Healthy Snacks to Go.

10 snacks your kids can make star (1)

It might seem like a lot of trouble but when you find a system that works for then it is so easy. It will actually save you time and money in the long run. This is also a helpful thing even if you don’t homeschool.

Check out this post for some quick and easy breakfast ideas to help you beat that morning chaos and fill those tummies with a nutritious breakfast to start their day off right. Here is another link for even more ideas: The Healthy Breakfast Book. Continue reading Preventing The Back To HomeSchool Meal Planning Madness →

affiliate links, food, Life, Meal Planning, Product Reviews, recipes

A Completely Honest Review Of Our First Hello Fresh Box!

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We were so very excited to try out Hello Fresh. If you haven’t heard of them they offer a subscription plan where you choose your plan and your meals. They will deliver the meals, fresh from the farm to your home, and they provide a tracking service so you will know when to expect the package. You even have the option to skip a week or two, if needed.

You will need the basic kitchen utensils plus a few things like, butter, olive oil, salt and pepper, and sugar. Other than those ingredients they pretty much provide everything right in the cute little bags they deliver.

The first meal I made was the Lobster Ravioli with Chorizo in a Sherry Cream Sauce with Honey-Roasted Carrots, which was a Premium meal. Seems so fancy, doesn’t it? Continue reading A Completely Honest Review Of Our First Hello Fresh Box! →

food, Meal Planning, recipes

Quick and Easy Burrito Casserole

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This is a recipe that I’ve had for awhile and I’ve tweaked it a bit here and there to get it to our liking. I’ve actually had it on the menu plan for the past couple of weeks but haven’t been able to make it as we’ve just had some hectic schedules here lately.

You can call the kids in to help with this one. My littles like to tear up the tortillas and sprinkle on the cheese while the girls like helping to stir the meat and bean mixture and spread the sour cream. You can also let them help make a salad to go along with this yummy dish!

Quick and Easy Burrito Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of ground meat (I like to use ground turkey for this)
  • 1 onion, chopped (optional)
  • 1 pack of Lipton Onion Soup Mix
  • 1 package taco seasoning
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 1 large can refried beans (I use a 31 oz can) or you can use about 3 c. homemade refried beans.
  • 2 – 3 c. Shredded cheese
  • 1 or 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 c. sour cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Spray a 9×13 casserole dish.

Brown the meat and onion, if using and drain any excess grease.

Add seasonings and stir in refried beans.

You can also mix in a can of soup if you want to make it go a little farther.

Mix one can of soup and the sour cream in a bowl.

Spread 1/2 of the sour cream mixture in the bottom of your greased casserole dish.

Tear 4 flour tortillas into bite size pieces and spread over sour cream mixture.

Layer 1/2 of the meat and bean mixture over this.

Sprinkle with a layer of cheese.

Repeat the layers, ending with cheese.

Bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, yellow rice, and a nice salad for a hearty meal.

This would probably also work well as a freezer meal if you wanted to double the recipe and make an extra casserole for later.

Family, homeschooling, Meal Planning, Parenting

Raising Adventurous Eaters – 7 strategies even for picky kids

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(This post may contain affiliate links.)

Ah, dinner time.

That moment in the day where the whole family comes together, enjoys a nourishing meal, and takes a genuine interest in one another’s day…

(or maybe…not?)

If your mealtimes feel a little more like Looney Tunes let the Tasmanian Devil loose around your kitchen table…or the princess from the pea-under-the-mattress story stopped by to give commentary on each item on the plate…you’re not alone.

And I might have a solution for you.

I’ve been checking out some tips from the teacher behind the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, an online cooking class for kids. She’s got so many ideas about strategies for peaceful dinners, fostering healthy eaters, and dealing with picky ones, and she’s sharing them all in a (free!) live online event this week:

Raising Adventurous Eaters: 7 Proven Strategies to End Mealtime Madness and Get Your Kids to Eat Healthy Food ​​​​​(even if they’re picky!)

Katie Kimball, who is a teacher and mom of 4, will show you:

  • 7 Proven Strategies to Make Family Mealtimes Peaceful (even if you have picky eaters)
  • 3 Choices to Give Your Kids That Will Make Healthy Food a Reality in Your House — but They Still Think They’re in Control
  • 2 Way-too-common Ways Parents Sabotage Dinner Without Even Realizing it
  • The Snacktime Rule that will be your new best friend
  • The Biggest Mistake Parents Make when inviting their kids into the kitchen…and how to avoid it.
  • How to Make the Clean Plate Club Totally Unnecessary
  • How to Teach Kids to Use Sharp (or dull!) Knives Safely
  • Plus WHEN YOU ATTEND LIVE, you’ll get access to a free video teaching kids to use knives safely — for children of ANY age. Be ready for your kids to exceed your expectations!

Are you ready to experience a family dinner that everyone enjoys – even the adults?

You won’t want to miss this free event – your kids’ futures depend on it! SIGN UP NOW!

https://sl290.isrefer.com/go/raising/happy2bmyownboss/

For attending, you’ll also get a free knife skills video from her Kids Cook Real Food eCourse that you can use to teach your kids (of any age!) how to use dull and sharp knives safely, in a fun and kid-friendly way.

Over 20,000 families have used this class to teach kids knife safety and techniques. I’m so excited that you get a chance too (it’s usually part of a $20 set of 5 videos)!

RESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR THE LIVE EVENT https://sl290.isrefer.com/go/raising/happy2bmyownboss/

 

PS – The training has 4 times to choose from so it’s even easier to get there:

* Thursday, Feb. 22nd, at 1PM Eastern (10AM Pacific)

* Tuesday, Feb. 27th, at 7PM Eastern (4PM Pacific)

* Tuesday, Feb. 27th, at 10PM Eastern (7PM Pacific)

* Saturday, March 3rd, at 4PM Eastern (1PM Pacific)

It will be recorded and signing up is the only way to get the replay!

https://sl290.isrefer.com/go/raising/happy2bmyownboss/

Family, food, Meal Planning, recipes

Pizza Mac N Cheese

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So you’ve probably seen the macaroni and cheese pizzas but my kids, more like my 5 year old, wanted something different. This is what we came up with.

Pizza Mac N Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 2 packages of Macaroni and Cheese
  • 1 c. Spaghetti sauce (or pizza sauce)
  • 1 pack pepperonis
  • 1-2 c. Shredded cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400.

Prepare macaroni according to box.

Grease a 9 x 13 pan.

Spread the prepared macaroni in the greased pan.

Top with sauce.

Sprinkle with cheese.

Layer pepperonis on top.

Bake for 10-15 minutes.

Broil for 2-3 minutes if you want a crispy top.

Enjoy!

Serve with a salad and rolls to make a meal.

home organization, Life, recipes

Easy Pork Chops w/Rice

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This recipe is one of those super easy simple recipes. You could also substitute white rice or even wild rice if you like.

Easy Pork Chops w/Rice

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 Pork Chops
  • 1 1/2 c. Yellow rice
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 3 c. Water
  • Garlic salt (I like Lawry’s)
  • Black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Grease a 9 x 13 pan.

Season the chops as desired.

Pan sear the pork chops, if desired.

Mix together the rice, soup, and water.

Pour the rice mixture into then pan.

Layer the pork chops on top.

Cover with foil.

Bake for 1 – 1 1-2 hours.

Uncover and bake an additional 20 – 30 minutes.

Let sit 5 – 10 minutes.

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home organization, Meal Planning, Parenting, recipes

Shepherd’s Pie in a Skillet

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This recipe is fairly simply and easy to put together. You could leave off the French Fried Onions if you like. I might also try it with some shredded cheese the next time I make it.

If you don’t have an oven proof skillet you could transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13 greased casserole dish and bake.

** I have been informed that is technically a ‘Cottage Pie’ as it does not contain lamb… but you could make this with ground lamb if you like.

Shepherd’s Pie in a Skillet

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 c. Mashed Potatoes
  • 1 lb. hamburger
  • 1-2 T. olive oil (optional)
  • 2 T.  all purpose flour
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 pack Lipton dry onion soup mix
  • 1/4 c. ketchup
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 2 T. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 t. dry mustard
  • 1 can of mixed vegetables, corn, or green beans, drained (or use 1-2 c. steamed veggies)
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 c. French’s Fried Onions (optional)
  • 1/2 c. shredded cheese (optional)
  • parsley (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350

Brown the hamburger in an oven proof skillet. Drain the grease and rinse, if desired. If you drain the grease you may wish to add olive oil.

Add the flour to the cooked hamburger and heat on low for 1-2 minutes.

Stir in the soup, dry soup mix, ketchup, worcestershire sauce, water, and mustard. Stir until mixed thoroughly. Remove from heat.

Smooth the meat mixture into a layer. Top with the drained veggies. Then spread the mashed potatoes over everything and smooth out to the edges.

Top with the French’s Onions and/or the cheese. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are lightly browned.

Serve HOT!

 

 

home organization, Meal Planning, recipes

Daddy Can’t Wait Casserole: Crockpot Version

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This is the crockpot version of one of my favorite recipes. I got this recipe from a church dinner. Serve with mashed potatoes and rolls.

Daddy Can’t Wait Casserole: Crockpot Version

Ingredients:

1 lb ground hamburger, or ground turkey, browned

1-10 or 12 oz bag of frozen mixed vegetables, steamed

1 can tomato soup

1 pack onion soup mix, optional

1-2 c. shredded cheese, I usually use cheddar

Directions:

Place the browned ground beef in a crockpot.

Add the remaining ingredients except the cheese.

Cook on low 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high.

Top with shredded cheese.

Cook 10-20 minutes until cheese melts.

Set to low until ready to serve.

home organization, Meal Planning, recipes, Single Parenting

Markdown Meals: Chicken Salad on Croissants

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I have been doing a lot of grocery shopping at Walmart just because it is so close to me. Normally I really dislike Walmart and if there was another grocery store closer to me then I’d probably go there but right now Walmart it is.

I happened to pass by the deli section and found these rotisserie chickens marked down to $2.01! I’m not sure what they normally sell for but I grabbed two of them. One Traditional and one Lemon Pepper. I had also snagged a package of mini croissants on the mark down cart for less than $3.00.

Today I used the traditional chicken to make Super Easy Chicken Salad croissants. I served these with some cherry tomatoes on the side for a quick lunch.

Here is the recipe:

Super Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 cooked rotisserie chicken (or use 2-3 cooked chicken breasts), shredded
  • 1/3 c. mayo
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 stalks celery (optional)
  • 1 boiled egg, chopped (optional)
  • 2-3 T. Pickle relish (optional)
  • onion, chopped (optional)
  • raisins, chopped apples, chopped nuts or whatever other add-ins you might like (optional)

Directions:

Mix everything together in a bowl. Season to taste. Enjoy on a bed of lettuce, in a croissant, or on toast.

It was so simple and so good! You could use whatever seasoned chicken you prefer.

This is just one example of a quick, easy, and delicious meal that you can make on a budget. I spent less that $8.00 for the meal and it fed myself and 6 kids.

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home organization, Inspiration, Meal Planning, recipes

Cheddar Chicken

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I made this last night and sent the leftovers to a neighbor. We had mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and some sauteed yellow squash with the chicken.
Well, the neighbor made sure to tell me how much enjoyed it when I saw him this morning. Mr. Awesome also told me this evening that all he heard about today, all day long, was how good this chicken was.
If you haven’t already given this recipe I try I encourage you to do so soon!

Kirby's Korner Blog

This is a huge favorite here at our house. So much better than any chicken nuggets you can buy also. My kids love to eat them with ranch dressing.

Cheddar Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 lb package of chicken tenders
  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, finely crushed
  • 1/2 t salt
  • 1/4 t pepper
  • 3 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 t parsley flakes
  • 1/2mayo

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400.

Grease a 9×13 pan or large baking sheet.

In a small dish or pan (I use a pie plate) mix together the cheese, cracker crumbs, parsley, salt and pepper.

Coat each piece of chicken with mayo and then roll in the cheese and cracker crumb mix.

Placethe chicken inthe greased pan.

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Remove the foil, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.

Enjoy!

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Family, home organization, Meal Planning

Deep Fried Pork Chops

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I haven’t been making these as often as my family would like but I did get enough requests that I made them tonight and everyone loved them. You could also fry them in a skillet on the stove, if you like.

Deep Fried Pork Chops

  • 8 boneless or bone-in Pork Chops about 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 c. flour
  • 1 t. salt
  • 1 t. ground black pepper
  • 2 eggs beaten with about 1/4 c. of milk or water
  • 1-2 T. Creole seasoning of your choice, optional (I like Tony Chachere’s)

Directions:

Preheat deep fryer to 375.

Mix the flour and seasonings in a ziploc bag or deep dish.

Dip each chop into the egg mixture and then dredge in the flour mixture.

(You can repeat this step if you like them a little extra crispy.)

Let the coated pork chops sit on a baking sheet for 10 – 15 minutes before frying.

Fry 1 -2 chops at a time for 5 – 10 minutes and then flip and fry another 5 – 10 minutes. The chops should be a golden brown and a meat thermometer should reach at least 170 degrees.

Drain the chops on a plate lined with paper towels.

Serve with Mashed Potatoes and Vegetable Casserole, if desired.