April 19, 2011

Recipe Report - April 18 (plus one day)

Healthy & Hearty Chicken Quinoa Stew
I am constantly on the lookout for recipes that include quinoa. I have a difficult time finding recipes that my family will enjoy. When I saw this one I knew it was worth a try. It smelled divine while it was simmering. It tasted as good as it smelled. While I am sure russet potatoes would work, the texture of the Yukon Gold potatoes is wonderful in this stew. The soup made quite a bit and after three of us eating we were able to freeze enough for another meal for all of us--I like that.

The Breadsticks of Life
Moo brought this recipe home from a church activity and I am sure it was tied to a lesson of one sort or another. . . even without knowing that I have to say these breadsticks *could* be the breadsticks of life. They are spectacular. We ask Moo to make them whenever we have soup. They are light and fluffy but can hold up to being dunked in soup. You might want to make a double batch if you have breadstick lovers in your house. . . our family of five can eat one batch without trying too hard.

French Breakfast Puffs
Every so often I like to make something a little different for breakfast. You know. . . get away from the traditional eggs and toast, pancakes, waffles, etc. These were great. Everyone enjoyed them. They had a great combination of sweet, but not too sweet (or PE wouldn't have enjoyed them), crispy, buttery flavor. The leftovers reheated beautifully as well.

Refried Beans
I have tried my hand at refried beans before and they were okay. I wanted them to be better. Not only was I not getting the flavor I wanted but I wasn't getting the texture either. This recipe helped me accomplish the texture and with a little added seasoning I accomplished a flavor we really liked.

I now interrupt this recipe report for a little side story: In PE's family cookbook there is a recipe for refried beans. I was reminded of this as perusing the cookbook. I was also reminded of my opinion of the recipe when I saw it four or so years ago. "Who would want to make refried beans?!? You can purchase them at the store for less than $1 (usually). That is a silly recipe." Boy how times have changed. There are *so* many things I make now that I would have never thought to make two or three years ago.

Copycat Lawry's Taco Seasoning
I really enjoy the flavor of the Tone's Taco Seasoning we purchase in bulk. The price is great too. I don't enjoy all the ingredients I can't name. Since we are nearing the bottom of the container, I figured I would try finding a delicious substitute. This was okay. Good in a pinch as in when I don't have something else. But not good enough to quit purchasing the stuff from the store. I couldn't place my finger on what wasn't there so I am just going to have to keep trying. . . good thing I don't mind.

Italian Cream Cake

This lovely *cough cough* was Jabba's birthday cake. She LOVED it. I thought it was pretty good. It has coconut and coconut is not my favorite. That said, it doesn't have an overpowering coconut taste but enough that it wasn't my favorite. I enjoyed making it. It was pretty easy and the cake did what it was supposed to. When I made the frosting, I thought I would have a ton left over. Nope. It was just enough. The frosting had a great flavor. Even though it wasn't my favorite, I will probably make this again.

Creamy Hot White Chocolate
I know. I know. It is spring. Why am I posting this? Because it is delicious and if your spring is like my spring then a warm beverage isn't too far off the mark right now. It is a delightful change from the regular ol' cocoa based hot chocolate.

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Click links below for printable recipes.

Healthy & Hearty Chicken Quinoa Stew
French Breakfast Puffs
Refried Beans
Copycat Lawry's Taco Seasoning
The Breadsticks of Life
Italian Cream Cake
Creamy Hot White Chocolate

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