Joybee, What's for Dinner?

Coriander Coconut Chutney

2016-03-09T07:00:00.000-10:00

A slightly sweet, sour, spicy, and flavorful blend of cilantro and coconut. A great side to enhance just about any Indian meal or a snack for dipping naan.

As promised, I'm sharing the chutney recipe I made to accompany my Cauliflower Curry. I used a recipe I found from Veg Recipes of India's list of 30 Easy Chutney Recipes I shared on Google+. There were so many delicious and simple options I just chose the one where I had all the ingredients on hand. This chutney turned out great and added, even more, fantastic flavor to the meal. Any leftovers are great as a snack with naan.

Coriander Coconut #Chutney adds, even more, flavor to #Indianfood [Tweet this]

Coriander Coconut Chutney

Modified slightly from Veg Recipes of India

Prep/cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 3-4

Ingredients:

1 bunch cilantro roughly chopped (3/4 cup packed)
3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 jalapeno (or green chili) rough chop
2 tsp ginger garlic paste
juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp sugar
pinch of salt

For tempering:

1 Tbsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
8-10 curry leaves (dried and crushed---it's what I had)
pinch of asafoetida

Add all of the first 7 ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth (add a little water if needed to help blend).

Remove the puree to a bowl and set aside.

Heat the oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the mustard seeds and wait for them to start to sputter. Then add the curry and asafoetida. Fry for a few seconds then immediately pour over the puree and stir to combine.

The website says to serve this with idli, dosa, or other snacks but I thought it made a delicious accompaniment to my Cauliflower Curry and with naan.

Enjoy.

Check out my Cauliflower Curry mentioned in this post:

For more Indian recipes that would be great with this chutney check out:

Arhar Dal

Baked Samosas

Bhindi (Okra) Masala

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Cauliflower Curry

2016-03-02T07:00:00.000-10:00

Tender cauliflower cooked in warm Indian spices.

This is probably not an authentic Indian curry, but I used the spices and cooking techniques I've seen/used in other Indian dishes. I love the delicious spicy combination of ginger, garlic, chili, cumin, and turmeric found in Indian cuisine. All the spices take a dish from bland to exciting and leave me feeling full and satisfied without meat or too many calories. Not only does the spice combination taste amazing it's said to have many health benefits too.

Warm Indian spices make yummy #vegan Cauliflower #Curry [Tweet this]

Cauliflower Curry

Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 4-5

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp oil
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 Tbsp minced ginger
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp minced pickled jalapeno (or fresh chili if you have it)
1/2 tsp turmeric
chili powder (to taste)
1 Tbsp coriander powder
Salt (to taste)
3-4 cups cauliflower florets
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
2 small carrots, chopped (optional)
1 tomato, pureed
1/4 cup water
1 tsp tamarind concentrate (optional)

1 tsp garam masala

Prepare all of the ingredients and have them at hand before cooking.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until very hot. Add the cumin seeds until they sputter then add the ginger, garlic, and jalapeno. Stir and cook until fragrant.

Add the dry spices (turmeric, chili powder, and coriander) and cook for a few seconds then add the vegetables (you can use all cauliflower if you prefer I added peas and carrots for more color) with a good sprinkle of salt.

Stir and mix well then add the water mixed with the tamarind concentrate (I use the tamarind to add more flavor and because I have it). Continue stirring until the water cooks off and cauliflower is tender.

Remove from heat and mix in the garam masala.

Serve warm over rice garnished with cilantro (with naan and chutney on the side if desired).

I served this curry with a cilantro coconut chutney (I happened to have all the ingredients on hand). It was delicious. I'll post the recipe next week so stay tuned.

Makes about 4-5 servings.

Enjoy.

For more Indian recipes check out:

Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry

Patta Gobhi Mattar (Cabbage & Peas)

Sambar -

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Warm Up with Soup

2016-02-24T07:00:00.000-10:00

7 delicious soups to keep you warm inside and out.

Soup is a great way to clean out your refrigerator. You can make soup with all kinds of meat, vegetables, legumes, grains, and/or pasta. Here are 7 of my soup recipes that are simple and delicious. Many are meatless, vegetarian, or vegan and all will help keep you warm.

A #roundup of 7 delicious soup #recipes. Warm Up w/ Soup [Tweet this]

Black Bean Soup

A creamy, flavorful, and meatless soup made with black beans and spices. Filling enough for an entree.

Warm up w/ #meatless Black Bean Soup [Tweet this]

Cauliflower and Chickpea Soup

A creamy soup made with chickpeas, cauliflower, coconut milk and warm spices. Cauliflower and chickpea soup is a delicious and vegan meal.

Warm up w/ #vegan Cauliflower & Chickpea #Soup [Tweet this]

Green Pea Soup

Healthy and easy frozen green peas pureed in a flavorful broth for a creamy and delicious, vibrant green, soup.

Warm up w/ #frozenpeas in Green Pea #Soup [Tweet this]

Lentil Soup

A bold and spicy soup with hot Portuguese sausage and healthy lentils.

Warm up w/ #healthy #lentils in Lentil Soup [Tweet this]

Minestrone Soup

A simple, vegetarian, Italian style soup made with vegetables, beans, pasta, tomatoes, and spices.

Warm up w/ #vegetarian Minestrone #Soup [Tweet this]

Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup

A creamy, meatless, soup with mushrooms and wild rice. It's warm comfort food for a cold night.

Warm up with #comfortfood Mushroom and #WildRiceSoup [Tweet this]

Pureed Carrot Soup

A creamy, vegan, soup made with pureed carrots, onions, and beans in a vegetable broth with a hint of dill. It's filling enough for a meal but also great with a small sandwich.

Warm up w/ #vegan Pureed Carrot #Soup [Tweet this]

Enjoy.

Linked to: Full Plate, Foodie Friends, Freedom, Foodiefridiy, Pretty Pintastic, 2 cup, Lou Lou Girls Whimsy, Wonderful, Tickle my Tastebuds

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Beef and Bean Burritos

2016-02-17T07:00:00.000-10:00

Leftover Beef and Bean Taco meat stretched with rice and rolled in a flour tortilla.

Burritos are an easy handheld meal. You can get all of your food groups in one delicious bundle. They are very filling (you usually only need one) and inexpensive. The only drawback is that they can be a little difficult to roll. Luckily for me, my husband is pretty good at it so he is the Official Burrito Roller of the house (he's also the Oficial Crescent Roll Roller and the Official Broken Cookie Eater...he has many titles).

BeefandBean #Burritos are easy #handheldmeals [Tweet this]

These burritos were a great use for leftover Beef and Bean Taco meat. We had tacos for 2 nights but on the 3rd night, there wasn't quite enough leftover for two meals. So, I added rice, tomatoes, and more spices making the leftovers last for another four meals. I love being able to reuse leftovers and get even more bang for my buck. I really only had to cook once for 2 different dinners that lasted all week.

More #bangforyourbuck reuse #leftovers in Beef&Bean Burritos [Tweet this]

Beef and Bean Burritos

Cook time: 20-30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 cup dry rice
1 1/2 cups water
1 13.5oz can of diced tomatoes
1 pinch of salt
2-3 cups leftover Beef and Bean Taco meat (or any taco meat)
Paprika (optional)
Cayenne (optional)

Place dry rice in rice cooker. Mix in the water, tomatoes, and salt. Turn on the cooker and cook until done.

Meanwhile, reheat the leftover taco meat in a large skillet over low to medium heat. Mix in the cooked rice and season as desired. Remove from heat.

Heat 12-inch flour tortillas, covered with a damp paper towel, in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds until warm and pliable.

Place about 1-2 cups of the meat mixture on a tortilla. Add cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings but try not to over fill the tortilla. Then roll up the burrito and wrap in foil. There are many instructions on how to roll a burrito online.

Makes about 4-6 burritos.

Enjoy.

For more burritos try these taco/taco salad fillings:

Chorizo & Black Bean

Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Chicken

Check out the recipes that gave my husband his titles (Official Crescent Roll Roller and Official Broken Cookie Eater):

Easy Crescent Rolls

Chocolate Chip Cookies

linked to: Full Plate, Freedom, Foodie Friends, Pretty Pintastic, Best of the Weekend, Lou Lou girls, 2 cup, Wonderful, Whimsy

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Beef and Bean Tacos

2016-02-10T07:00:00.000-10:00

A slightly spicy taco filling made with ground beef and black beans.

As you all probably know by now I love taco salad. I make taco salad at least once a month (if not more) but I thought y'all might be tired of seeing taco salad. So this time, I made tacos instead. Tacos are convenient handheld fun meals and the variations are endless. This is one of many possible fillings and it was delicious. Crunchy tacos are my preference but this would be fine in soft shells too.

Beef&Bean #Tacos are are convenient handheld food [Tweet this]

Taco filling is great because it's so versatile. I always make a big batch so there are plenty of leftovers. I've used leftovers in breakfast tacos, burritos, cheese dip, taco salad, and I think of new uses all the time. Even when I'm not feeling creative I can eat the same meal every night if it's tacos.

#Leftover BeefandBean #Taco meat has many uses [Tweet this]

Beef and Bean Tacos

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1 very large red bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno, diced
1 Tbsp oil
2 cups black beans (or one can, rinsed and drained)
2 tbsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the ground beef (seasoned with salt and pepper) until browned and cooked through. Remove the meat, drain the grease, and set aside.

You can chop, dice, and mince the following 5 ingredients, or (like I did) blitz it all in a food processor until finely chopped (like salsa).

In the same skillet, heat the oil and then add the garlic, onion, tomatoes, and peppers (season with a little salt and pepper). Cook, over medium heat, until softened and fragrant. Add the beef back to the mixture, and the beans, paprika, and cayenne. Stir well and allow mixture to boil (if there isn't enough liquid from the vegetables add about 1/4 cup of water). Then lower the heat.

Simmer (uncovered) for at least 15 minutes or until much of the excess moisture cooks off and flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Makes about 6 servings. Serve in taco shells or as taco salad with lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes.

Enjoy.

For more taco ideas check out:

Bean & Rice Taco Salad

Fish Sticks Tacos -

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Meat

Linked to: Full Plate, Foodie Friends, Freedom, Whimsy, Tickle my Tastebuds, Wonderful

Great Eats for Super Bowl 2016

2016-02-03T09:57:00.000-10:00

A collection of 10 snacks, dips, and meals for your Super Bowl party.

Go Panthers! I'm originally from North Carolina so guess who I'm pulling for this year? Besides the football, my favorite thing about the Super Bowl (or any sporting event) is the food. So here is a collection of great recipes to serve at your Super Bowl party (or any get-together).

10 Great #recipes for your #SuperBowlParty [Tweet this]

First, let's start with relatively healthy and delicious finger foods. Finger foods are great to serve during the big game. You don't need utensils and don't even need to take your eyes off the action while you stuff your face.

Keep your eyes on the game w/ #fingerfood #SuperBowl2016 [Tweet this]

Spicy Edamame -

Cucumber Bites -

Sun-dried Tomato Spread

Now come the dips. Again no need for utensils just grab a chip or a vegetable and dip away while watching the game.

Grab a chip or veggie and dip away w/ these #dips for #SuperBowl2016 [Tweet this]

Blue Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip

Beer Cheese Nacho Sauce

Loaded Baked Potato Dip

Hummus

Finally, I give you meals. These meals are simple, easy to prepare, and even easier to eat. Everyone loves chili and you can't go wrong with it (in Hawaii it's often served over rice). My last two meals (Kimchi Fried Rice and Loco Moco) are local style grinds and they are absolutely delicious. All of these meals can be prepared in big batches ahead of time and kept warm until everyone is ready to eat.

Enjoy local style grinds for #SuperBowl2016 [Tweet this]

Chili con Carne

Kimchi Fried Rice

Loco Moco

I hope this collection gives you some delicious ideas for what to serve during Super Bowl 2016.

Enjoy.

linked to: Full Plate, Freedom, Foodie Friends, Pretty Pintastic,Best of the Weekend, 2 Cup, Tickle my Tastebuds, Whimsy, Wonderful

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Turkey Chilli

2016-01-25T07:00:00.000-10:00

A spicy chili made with ground turkey, beans, and chili pepper sauce. Using a tried and true recipe.

It's that time of year again. Winter is the perfect time for chili. Although, I love chili and will eat it anytime. It's one of the few dishes I would happily eat every day. I always make a big pot of it so I can eat leftovers for most of the week. If there is any left it makes a great addition to Queso dip or Beer Cheese Nacho Sauce for a Chili Cheese dip.

#Winter is the perfect time for Turkey #Chili [Tweet this]

Chili is also a great meal to serve a crowd. It's simple, delicious, and you don't have to spend too much time in the kitchen. Just a little work and then let the chili simmer on low heat (or in a slow cooker) for a while. I believe it tastes even better the longer it sits. Chili is a great meal or snack for any gameday or Superbowl party.

Have Turkey Chili for your #superbowlparty [Tweet this]

I make chili so often I usually don't think to post about it but I was looking back at some older posts and noticed my Chili con Carne post from 2013 needed updating. The pictures were old and not great and I've started using a better recipe. So I updated my old post with my new basic chili recipe that works with just about any kind of meat. Since my husband and I are trying to eat less red meat, we try to keep ground turkey on hand. So I used ground turkey in my chili recipe with great results.

#Groundturkey makes great #chili [Tweet this]

Click here to go to the recipe.

Recipes mentioned in this post:

Beer Cheese Nacho Sauce

Chili con Carne -

The Best Queso Dip -

For more beany recipes check out:

Black Beans & Rice -

Sausage & Bean Sweet & Sour

Spicy 3 Beans & Rice -

Linked to: 2 cup, Lou Lou Girls, Tickle my Tastebuds, Wonderful, whimsy, Full Plate

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My Kitchen Essentials

2016-01-22T07:00:00.000-10:00

A look into my kitchen and what food and cooking items I use the most.

Don't you just love my old green counter tops and back splash? I rent and this kitchen hasn't been updated in a while (probably ever).

This fun project was suggested by Bluestar Cooking. They have beautiful ranges and ovens that I dream about and would love to have someday but for the moment, that's not possible. Even without top-of-the-line equipment, I still love to cook and create new dishes. These are 5 of my go-to kitchen essentials that I use to make just about every recipe on my blog.

Look into my kitchen with My Kitchen Essentials [Tweet this]

My number one kitchen essential is my 12-inch stainless steel skillet. I cook so many dishes in this skillet. Lots of stir fries, pastas, curries, and more. It's plenty big so food doesn't spill out as I stir, I can use any kind of utensil in it without worrying about scratching a non-stick coating, and it's easy to clean. I use this skillet all the time. Here are just a few recipes I make in my skillet.

Turkey & Asparagus Skillet Pasta

Swedish Meatballs -

Ginger Chicken Stir Fry

My next kitchen essential is my rice cooker. I love this one too. It can cook up to 10 cups of rice, has both a brown and white rice setting, has a delay timer, and has a slow cooker feature. Since moving to Hawaii (about 5 years ago), my husband and I eat much more rice and this cooker has room to make plenty. It's no trouble to make extras for leftover rice dishes. I don't think we've come anywhere close to making 10 cups of rice, but it's nice to know we can. I love the delay timer. I can add the rice and water whenever I have a free moment and just program the cooker for when dinner will be ready. I also use the slow cooker setting often and it's easy and convenient. I love that this ricecooker/slow cooker has multiple uses. It's important to get the most out of one appliance when you have a small kitchen with limited counter space. This has a place of honor on our countertop because I use it multiple times a week. Below are just a few recipes made with the help of this cooker.

Kimchi Fried Rice -

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken

Leftover Rice Pudding -

My toaster oven. This is my third most essential kitchen item. I've mentioned many times how my apartment oven is unreliable. So, about a year ago (after our first toaster oven died), my husband bought this one. I've always loved toaster ovens because they are the perfect appliance to use for making cheese toast (my favorite lunch) and this one is no different but it offers much more. My favorite thing about this oven is it's big enough to fit a frozen pizza. I bake many things in our toaster oven and since I'm only feeding two it's the perfect size . This toaster oven is used to bake everything from breads (8x4 inch loaf pans fit perfectly) to nachos. I use it often. Here are some recipes that I bake in my toaster oven.

Fish Sticks Tacos -

Tater Tot Hotdish -

Chicken & Black Bean Salsa Nachos

Wooden spoons are a must-have item for every kitchen. They have long handles and are sturdy so they are great for stirring large pots of stews, chilis, soups, and batters. You don't have to worry about the handle getting too hot, and they are safe to use on non-stick pans. Wooden spoons have been around for a long time and it easy to see why. I would be a very unhappy cook without my wooden spoons. Below are just a few recipes stirred by a wooden spoon.

Bean & Barley Stew -

Mocha Chip Cheesecake

Spicy 3 Beans and Rice

Now that I've made all of these delicious dishes (using my top four kitchen essentials) I need to store the leftovers. This is where my final kitchen essential comes in handy. A set of Snapware Pirex Glass Storage Containers (actually we bought a second set because we loved them so much). My husband bought these at Costco a few months ago to replace the plastic containers we had. They don't all stack together as well as the plastic, but I am happy to dedicate an entire shelf to these. Reheating food in glass containers is so much better, the sizes are great, and the lids fit tight. I also love the steamer basket (5 minutes in the microwave steams broccoli just how I like it). Just a few months of using these storage containers and I don't know how I lived without them.

I hope you enjoyed this look into my kitchen.

I showed you mine, now show me yours. [Tweet this]

What are your kitchen essentials?

Linked to: Pretty Pintastic, Best of the Weekend, 2 cup, Lou Lou Girls, Tickle my Tastebuds, Wonderful, whimsy, Full Plate

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Warm Kale Salad

2016-01-18T07:00:00.000-10:00

A salad made of red onions sauteed in oil and balsamic vinegar mixed with kale and topped with blue cheese, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries.

During the winter, when the weather is cold I don't always want a cold salad. Yeah, yeah, I know I live in Hawaii and it doesn't really get cold here but I still get chilly (60s F is cold for me). Many nights I just want something warm to eat. This salad is warm, healthy, and comforting.

Don't eat cold #salad during winter have #WarmKaleSalad [Tweet this]

Just a quick saute and this salad is ready to serve. It's really no more work than a cold salad. Just heat a pan, saute the onions in oil until soft, add vinegar and kale and toss until the kale turns bright green. Serve the salad while it's still warm topped with your favorite toppings. It's a great alternative to a traditional salad and it's hardy and delicious.

Instead of a cold #salad have Warm #KaleSalad [Tweet this]

Warm Kale Salad

Servings: 4
Cook time: under 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup sliced red onions
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 bunch of kale stemmed, torn, and washed
*Toasted pecans or candied pecans
Blue cheese crumbles
Dried cranberries

*To toast the pecans place about 1 cup of pecan halves in a dry non-stick frying pan. Heat over medium heat, tossing and stirring frequently until darkened and fragrant. Remove from pan immediately.

Have all the ingredients out and ready because this cooks quickly.

In a large skillet, saute the onion in oil until slightly soft (to your liking...I like mine with a little crunch still).

Add the vinegar and immediately add the kale. Stir and toss well until kale is hot, bright green, and coated with the oil and vinegar. The kale should shrink a little, be slightly wilted but not thoroughly cooked, and slightly tender yet still crisp (it doesn't take long). Just experiment with cooking times worst case scenario if you cook it too long you will end up with Sauteed Kale and too short more like a kale salad both of which are still good.

Remove from the pan immediately, portion into bowls, and top with pecans, cheese, and cranberries.

Serve while it's still warm.

Makes about 4 salads.

Enjoy.

Recipes mentioned in this post:

Candied Pecans

Sauteed Kale

For more salads check out:

Avocado BLT Salad

Lamb Salad

Pork Tenderloin Salad

Linked to: 2 Cup, The Lou Lou Girls, Tickle my Tastebuds, Whimsy, Wonderful, Pretty Pintastic, Best of the Weekend

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2015 Year in Review

2016-01-15T07:00:00.000-10:00

Happy 2016. This is a review of my blog for 2015. My top 10 recipes, bests of the month, followers on social media, and a look back at previous years.

See my #top10recipes of2015| 2015 #YearinReview [Tweet this]

Top ten of 2015 (click picture to go to recipe post):

Bests of the Month 2015 (click picture to go to post):

Followers (click on the icon to follow):

1600 205 1275 489
76 9 45 25

Top five recipes of 2014:

Loaded Baked Potato Dip
Egg and Cheese Crepes
Hummus
Chocolate Pound Cake
Loco Moco

Top three recipes of 2013:

Bacon Wrapped French Toast
Homemade Bloody Mary Mix
Bacon Wrapped Potato Wedges

Top recipe of 2012:

Szechuan Eggplant

Check out my previous yearly reviews:

2012 Year in Review

2013 Year in Review

2014 Year in Review

Linked to: Pretty Pintastic, Best of the Weekend, 2 Cup, The Lou Lou Girls, Tickle my Tastebuds, Whimsy, Wonderful

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Best of the Month November 2015

2016-01-11T07:00:00.000-10:00

A recap of my most popular posts from November 2015.

I'm finally back after my winter/holiday break from blogging. It was great to turn off the computer and just relax. Now that the holidays are over I'm back and it's time for my best of the month November. It's interesting to note all of my most popular recipes, from this month, are vegetarian.

All #vegetarian recipes are my BestoftheMonth Nov 2015 [Tweet this]

November was a good month. All of my recipes received at least 200 views and I polished and re-posted some old (but great) recipes. All 3 of my re-posts got many more views and are my top three best of the month.

2013's best of November:

Black Bean Soup

A creamy, flavorful, and meatless soup made with black beans and spices. Filling enough for an entree. Now has 926 views, 73 +1s, and 34 'yums'.

BlackBean #Soup: BestoftheMonth Nov 2013 [Tweet this]

2014's best of November:

Green Pea Soup

Healthy and easy, frozen, green peas pureed in a flavorful broth for a creamy and delicious, vibrant green, soup. Now has 612 views, 40 +1s, and 6 'yums'.

GreenPeaSoup #vegan: BestoftheMonth Nov 2014 [Tweet this]

Now back to this year's best of the month:

Parmesan and Garlic Roasted Broccoli

A deliciously simple vegetable side of roasted broccoli flavored with parmesan, garlic and a dash of lemon juice. This is a re-post of the same recipe from 2013. It only had 58 views and now it has 1230 views 103 +1s, and 366 'yums'. It's one of my favorite vegetable side dishes.

Parmesan&GarlicRoastedBroccoli #veggiesides: BestoftheMonth Nov 2015 [Tweet this]

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Oil

A Simple side dish of mashed sweet potatoes with coconut oil. That's it and it is delicious. This is another re-post recipe from 2013. It now has 655 views and 68 +1s, and 35 'yums'.

MashedSweetPotatoes w/CoconutOil #veggiesides: BestoftheMonth Nov 2015 [Tweet this]

Green Bean Salad

Crispy green beans in a honey mustard vinaigrette with sliced almonds. A simple and quick vegetable side for any meal. Another re-post from 2013. Now has 497 views, 35 +1s, and 13 'yums'.

GreenBeanSalad #veggiesides: BestoftheMonth Nov 2015 [Tweet this]

Spicy Edamame

Young soybeans, in the pod, sauteed in ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sriracha. A spicy, salty, and nutritious snack. 490 views, 38 +1s, and 71 'yums'.

Spicy Edamame #healthysnacks: BestoftheMonth Nov 2015 [Tweet this]

Hoisin Baked Tofu Vermicelli

A vegetarian rice noodle salad with vegetables, herbs, and sweet and salty baked tofu. 258 views, 46 +1s, 7 'yums'.

HoisinBakedTofuVermicelli #vegetarian: BestoftheMonth Nov 2015 [Tweet this]

Check out my Bests of November from previous years:

Linked to: J&J, Lou lou girls, whimsy, wonderful, Tickle my Tastebuds, full plate, Freedom, Pretty Pintastic, Best of the Weekend

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Great Idea Thursdays

2015-12-23T13:00:00.000-10:00

Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Enjoy the holidays, family, friends and food. Great Idea Thursdays link party will be back in the new year.

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Turkey and Asparagus Skillet Pasta

2015-12-18T07:00:00.000-10:00

A one dish meal of turkey Italian sausage and asparagus, with pasta in tomato sauce, plus cheese all cooked in only one skillet.

Both of my parents worked while I was growing up so when my sisters and I were old enough to use the stove we each had a night to prepare dinner for the family. Since we were not very experienced cooks my mom would buy easy to prepare meals like hamburger helper. This dish reminds me of hamburger helper, from my childhood, but it's so much better.

Like #HamburgerHelper but better | Turkey & Asparagus #SkilletPasta [Tweet this]

This is great for a busy night when you don't have a lot of time to spend on dinner. It's ready in about 30 minutes and it doesn't require much prep. Also, it's all cooked in the same skillet so you don't have much clean-up. My favorite thing about skillet pasta is that you don't have to move and lift a large pot of boiling water (I have balance problems so I have to use one hand to keep me balanced when I stand and I need both to lift and drain large pasta pots...hence my difficulty). I think skillet pasta tastes even better than pasta the usual way. As the pasta simmers in its sauce and water I think it picks up much more flavor than pasta just topped or tossed with sauce. This is my new favorite way to cook pasta.

#Dinnerin30: Turkey and Asparagus #SkilletPasta [Tweet this]

Turkey and Asparagus Skillet Pasta

Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 pound turkey Italian sausage
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 28 oz can of stewed tomatoes
2 Tbsp dried basil
1 Tbsp dried minced onion
1/4-1/2 cup roasted garlic (or 2 Tbsp garlic powder)
1 bunch of asparagus, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 13 oz box of whole wheat rotini
3 cups water
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup parmesan (optional)
1 cup mozzarella (optional)

Brown the ground Italian sausage in a 12-inch skillet, over medium heat, until cooked through.

Meanwhile, add tomatoes, basil, onion, and garlic to blender and puree.

Once sausage is cooked pour in the olive oil and tomato puree. Add the asparagus and pasta then pour in the water (until pasta is just covered). Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and pasta is just a little undercooked (not quite al dente).

Turn off heat, stir in cheeses (if using), cover, and let set for about 10 minutes. The last of the liquid will absorb into the pasta, pasta will be tender, and cheese melted.

Serve immediately.

Makes about 6 servings.

Enjoy.

For more pasta recipes check out:

Sun-dried Tomato Olive and Asparagus Pasta

Clam Linguine -

Mushroom Spinach

Tomato Pasta -

Linked to: Pretty Pintastic, J&J, Lou lou girls, whimsy, wonderful, Ticklemy Tastebuds, full plate, Freedom, Best of the Weekend

Follow Joy Bee's board Joybee Whats for Dinner blog posts on Pinterest.

Great Idea Thursdays 124

2015-12-16T13:00:00.000-10:00

Welcome, everyone. Krista, from A Handful of Everything, and I would like to bring you:

Wednesdays 6pm EST-Sunday 11:59pm EST

#greatideathurs

Welcome to Great Idea Thursdays link party where everything gets pinned. It's an anything goes (as long as it's family friendly and you made it yourself) link party. Link up your recent blog posts and see other great ideas. We will be pinning every entry to pinterest. Socialize and have fun, it's a party!

Great Idea Thursdays link party where everything gets pinned. Socialize and have fun, it's a party! [Tweet this]

Follow our pinterest board.

**I've also started a Google+ collection for my features click here to see it and follow (you might be featured).**

Here's what I've been doing since last time:

Double Chocolate Pie

Bhindi (Okra) Masala

Now for my feature(s) from last week...in no specific order (I also share these on GooglePlus, facebook, and twitter. Make sure you check out Krista's page too. She has different features.

Brownie Batter Frosting from Cooking with Carlee

On to the link party. Here are the usual rules.

*Please follow your host and co-host on any or all social media

Host: Krista from-

Co-Host: Me Joybee--

*Grab a party button and put it somewhere on your blog (or text link back to us).

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.joybeewhatsfordinner.blogspot.com" title="Joybee, What's for Dinner?"></a></div>

*Click on at least two other links and please leave a comment (I know I love getting comments).

*Remember to link directly to your blog post, not just your home page.

Now let's party.

Enjoy.

An InLinkz Link-up

Follow Joy Bee's board Joybee Whats for Dinner blog posts on Pinterest.

Dark Chocolate Energy Bites

2015-12-14T07:00:00.000-10:00

Healthy snack bites made with cocoa, nuts, seeds and dates. No processed sugars.

I've been seeing these everywhere recently. Everyone raves about how healthy, simple, and tasty these types of energy bites are. I've always been skeptical until I tried them myself. They really are great. Yes, they are simple, healthy, and delicious. There is no baking involved in this snack just blitz in a food processor and you can have these ready in 15 minutes or fewer. The bites are made up of unprocessed sugar from dates, protein and fiber from nuts and seeds, and healthy fat from coconut oil. They, of course, don't taste exactly like candy but for all the health benefits are a delicious snack that will help curb sugar cravings and keep you full. A great option for mid-day or late night snacking. I made these for a friend who has stopped eating refined sugar and she raved about how delicious and sweet they are.

Put down the candy bar for #healthy Dark Chocolate #EnergyBites [Tweet this]

Energy bites are very versatile too. Don't feel like rolling them into balls? Press the mixture into a square or rectangular pan and then cut into squares or bars. My husband loves to take the bars with him while hiking for quick and easy fuel. You can vary the flavors too. Just be creative. Something as simple as using roasted instead of raw nuts will enhance the flavor. Vary when you add and how long you process each ingredient for different textures. Use different kinds of nuts, seeds, flavorings, and dried fruit...half the fun is experimenting. I add finely ground coffee or espresso powder to the mix sometimes for a little wake-me-up caffeine. When I'm making these for hiking I try to add more calories with healthy fats from nut butter and coconut oil. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Get creative w/ #DarkChocolate #EnergyBites [Tweet this]

Dark Chocolate Energy Bites

Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 20-30 balls

Ingredients:

10 dates, pitted (if dry soak in warm water for a few minutes then drain)
1/2 cup almonds (raw or roasted whatever you have)
1/2 cup pecans (as above)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (as above)
2 Tbsp flax seeds
1 heaping Tbsp dark cocoa powder
1 Tbsp Chia seeds
1 heaping Tbsp coconut oil

Start with the dates. Chop in a food processor until they form a sticky ball. Add the rest of the ingredients and pulse until chopped and mixed to your satisfaction. If it's not sticky enough add a few more dates, too sticky add more nuts and/or seeds.

Scoop out a spoon full at a time and roll into balls. Alternatively, dump into a parchment lined square pan and press out until flat, then cut into squares or bars.

Makes 20-30 balls depending on the size. A great sweet treat when you want a snack and great fuel to help get you through the day (or a hike...no need to buy expensive and not very tasty energy bars)

Vary ingredients for more flavors and nutrition.

Enjoy.

For more healthy snacks check out:

Ginger Lime Muffins -

Cinnamon Raisin Bran Muffins

Candied Pecans -

Linked to: Lou Lou Girls, Whimsy, Tickle my Tastebuds. Full Plate, Pretty Pintastic

Follow Joy Bee's board Joybee Whats for Dinner blog posts on Pinterest.

Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Cabbage

2015-12-11T07:00:00.000-10:00

A simple meal of polish sausage and cabbage cooked in a slow cooker.

Kielbasa is easy, versatile, and delicious. It's also quick to prepare because, usually, it comes fully cooked. Just reheat and serve. I love to keep some in my freezer for busy nights.

Keep #kielbasa on hand 4 easy meals: #SlowCooker Kielbasa&Cabbage [Tweet this]

Cabbage is a natural pairing for kielbasa. Cooking cabbage makes it tender and sweet and I always sprinkle on some caraway seeds for even more flavor. I just love the simplicity of sausage and cabbage. But don't let it simplicity fool you. It's absolutely delicious.

Simple and delicious SlowCooker KielbasaandCabbage [Tweet this]

The slow cooker makes this meal even easier. Just chop up the cabbage (I added carrots for more color) and kielbasa the night before then throw it all in a slow cooker and set on low for 6-8 hours. When you get home your house will smell amazing and dinner will be ready.

Need an #easymeal? #SlowCooker Kielbasa and Cabbage [Tweet this]

Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Cabbage

Servings: 4-6
Cook time: 6-8 hrs

Ingredients:

2 links kielbasa
1 head green cabbage
2-3 carrots
Caraway seeds to taste
1/2 cup sauerkraut and juice (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Roughly chop cabbage. Slice carrots (I used my food processor to do this quickly) with or without peel whatever you prefer. Cut sausage in 2-inch pieces (or leave whole...again whatever you like)

Place the cabbage and carrots in the bottom of a slow cooker. Sprinkle on some caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Add sauerkraut if using (I just had some in the fridge and wanted to finish it...it does add a delightful little tang to the dish). Top with the sausage and set on low for 6-8 hours.

Makes about 4-6 servings. Serve with potatoes (you could probably add potatoes to the slow cooker but I preferred roasted), spicy mustard, and cold beer.

Enjoy.

For more recipes using sausage check out:

Sausage and Bean Sweet and Sour

Easy Sausage and Peppers (3 Ways)

Lentil Soup -

Linked to: Pretty Pintastic, Lou Lou Girls, Whimsy, Tickle my Tastebuds. Full Plate

Follow Joy Bee's board Joybee Whats for Dinner blog posts on Pinterest.

Bhindi (Okra) Masala

2015-12-07T07:00:00.000-10:00

A vegetarian Indian dish made with okra and spices. A delicious, healthy, and filling meal.

(Re-post of original from 1/11/13. Edited for grammar, updated pictures, tweeables, pinnable image, and like posts. Had 96 views)

Okra. It's one of those vegetables I only knew one thing to do with and that is batter and fry. I grew up in North Carolina and we love our fried okra. Every spring my dad planted a garden in our yard and okra was one of the usual vegetables. By summer, we would have so much okra, but I don't remember having it any other way than fried. I'm not complaining I love fried okra it's one of those foods I look forward to whenever I go home.

There's more to #okra than frying: Bhindi (Okra) Masala #Indianfood [Tweet this]

Not long after moving to Honolulu and finding Chinatown, I found a market there that had okra. I was excited and curious. Fried okra isn't a common food here so how is it used? It took me some Googling to find an Indian recipe site that had many dishes with okra as the main ingredient. I like Indian food and I like okra so what could go wrong? Once I tried Bhindi Masala I fell in love and it's much healthier than deep fat frying okra. This is a recipe I make frequently. If you like okra I urge you to try this recipe.

Like Okra? Try this #Vegetarian #Indianrecipe: Bhindi Masala [Tweet this]

Bhindi Masala

Cook time: 20 minutes or fewer
Servings: 3-4

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp ghee, or oil of choice
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp minced ginger
1 large onion, chopped
1 Tbsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp garam masala powder
1/8 tsp ghost chili masala, or hot chilli powder of you choice (if you can handle more heat by all means add more)
1 pound okra, chopped (about 3 cups)
3 dashes Worcestershire sauce, or juice of 1/2 a lime
Salt to taste

Heat ghee (clarified butter) in large frying pan (I think ghee adds better flavor, but it has 9g saturated fat per tablespoon and it's not vegan so you can use any oil that withstands high heat instead).

Add cumin seeds and stir cooking until they start to sputter. Then, add the ginger and garlic. Stir until just fragrant (it won't take long) and add the onions.

Mix the onions around for a minute or two until they soften. Add the spices and let cook for a little while until fragrant then add the okra and salt.

Stir and let cook until the okra softens, add Worcestershire sauce (or lime juice) and keep stirring. I add about 1/2 cup of water to deglaze the pan and make a bit of sauce then turn off the heat (the hot pan will evaporate most of the water, but it make things a little less dry as well as helps cool the pan).

Serve immediately over rice garnished with cilantro and with naan on the side. Makes 3-4 servings.

Enjoy.

For more vegetarian Indian recipes check out:

Arhar Dal -

Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry

Patta Gobhi Mattar (Cabbage and Peas)

Linked to: 2 Cup, Lou Lou Girls, Tickle my Tastebuds, Wonderful, Full Plate, Foodie Friends, Pretty Pintastic

Follow Joy Bee's board Joybee Whats for Dinner blog posts on Pinterest.

Double Chocolate Pie

2015-12-04T07:00:00.000-10:00

Dark chocolate pudding in a Kona coffee graham cracker crust topped with chocolate whipped cream. A pie for chocolate lovers.

I was alone for Thanksgiving this year and this pie made my holiday. I went back and forth about whether or not I'd make anything special for Thanksgiving. I love cooking, but it's also nice to just relax and have a stress-free holiday. Then I thought about chocolate pie and that decided it for me. I made a Thanksgiving dinner for one just to accompany this pie.

#DoubleChocolate #Pie will make any day special [Tweet this]

Chocolate pie may not be traditional for most people for Thanksgiving, but we always had one when I was growing up. My dad does not like pumpkin pie so he always had a chocolate pie instead. I don't mind pumpkin but as with most sweets I prefer chocolate. So since this meal was just for me I made my favorite. I'm so glad I did too.

When it comes to #sweets I prefer #chocolate esp Dbl Chocolate Pie [Tweet this]

This pie was fabulous. I made my favorite graham cracker crust using local Kona Coffee Royal Creem Crackers. I love these cookies. They are just slightly sweet and very crunchy and the coffee flavor always enhances anything chocolate. The pudding I made with Hershey's Special Dark cocoa powder so it was extra chocolaty and I added a double shot of espresso (also local). Then to top it all off I made a chocolate whipped cream for even more rich indulgent chocolate flavor. This is sure to please any chocolate lover.

Please #chocolatelovers w/ Double Chocolate #Pie [Tweet this]

Double Chocolate Pie

Servings: 6-8
Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 9-inch Graham Cracker Crust
1 c sugar
1/2 c cocoa
4 T corn starch
1/4 tsp salt
3 c milk
2 oz espresso
2 T butter
1 tsp vanilla
Chocolate Whipped Cream

*Graham Cracker Crust: Mix together 2 cups of cookie crumbs and 1 stick of melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake at 450 F for 5-8 minutes or until set.

**Chocolate Whipped Cream: You need 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and 1 cup of melting chocolate or chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate). Place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and add just enough cream to cover the chocolate. Microwave on high for 15-second intervals, stirring after each until chocolate starts to melt. Continue stirring until the melted chocolate thoroughly mixes with the cream. In a large bowl start beating/whipping the remaining cream until it starts to streak before soft peaks form. Keep whipping while slowly pouring in the chocolate until it is thoroughly mixed and you have stiff peaks.

First prepare the crust and set aside to cool.

In a medium saucepan, stir together sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in milk and espresso.

Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until mixture comes to a boil. Keep stirring for one minute more then remove from heat.

You can also cook the pudding in the microwave instead of on the stove top. Follow the same instructions but use a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 7-10 minutes, stirring every 2 until mixture comes to a full boil.

Stir in butter and vanilla.

Then pour into the prepared pie crust. Cover with plastic wrap pressing the wrap directly onto the top of the pudding. Refrigerate for at leats 2 hours and top with the **Chocolate Whipped Cream.

You can serve it immediately, but I prefer to refrigerate it overnight for best results.

Enjoy.

For more chocolate recipes check out:

Tira-mocha Truffles -

Mocha Chip Cheesecake

Dark Chocolate Peanut Clusters

Linked to: Pretty Pintastic, Best of the Weekend, 2 Cup, Lou Lou Girls, Tickle my Tastebuds, Wonderful, Full Plate, Foodie Friends

Follow Joy Bee's board Joybee Whats for Dinner blog posts on Pinterest.

Great Idea Thursdays 123

2015-12-02T13:00:00.000-10:00

Welcome, everyone. Krista, from A Handful of Everything, and I would like to bring you:

Wednesdays 6pm EST-Sunday 11:59pm EST

#greatideathurs

Great Idea Thursdays link party where everything gets pinned. Socialize and have fun, it's a party! [Tweet this]

Follow our pinterest board.

**I've also started a Google+ collection for my features click here to see it and follow (you might be featured).**

Here's what I've been doing since last time:

Mashed Sweet Potatoes w/ Coconut Oil

Green Bean Salad

Best of the Month October 2015

Now for my features from last week...in no specific order (I also share these on GooglePlus, facebook, and twitter. Make sure you check out Krista's page too. She has different features.

Simple Home Remedy for Heartburn from Florassippi Girl

Crusty Artisan 12 Seed and Grain Bread from My Sweet Mission

On to the link party. Here are the usual rules.

*Please follow your host and co-host on any or all social media

Host: Krista from-

Co-Host: Me Joybee--

*Grab a party button and put it somewhere on your blog (or text link back to us).

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.joybeewhatsfordinner.blogspot.com" title="Joybee, What's for Dinner?"></a></div>

*Click on at least two other links and please leave a comment (I know I love getting comments).

*Remember to link directly to your blog post, not just your home page.

Now let's party.

Enjoy.

An InLinkz Link-up

Follow Joy Bee's board Joybee Whats for Dinner blog posts on Pinterest.

Best of the Month October 2015

2015-11-30T07:00:00.000-10:00

A recap of my most popular recipes from last month (October 2015).

I took some time off this month so not only are these recipes the most viewed of October 2015, but they are also my only recipes from this month. I hope you enjoy(ed) them.

Check out my #bestrecipes of Oct | #BestoftheMonth Oct 2015 [Tweet this]

First let's look back at 2013's best of October:

Slow Cooker Roast Beef Sandwiches

Beef roast slow cooked in broth and beer until tender then placed on a baguette and topped with melted cheese. The cooking liquid can be used as a dipping sauce. Now has 1766 views, 48 +1s, 388 pins, and 37 'yums'. This is one of the most popular recipes on my blog.

#BestoftheMonth Oct: #SlowCooker RoastBeefSandwiches from 2013 [Tweet this]

and 2014's best of October:

Loco Moco

White rice, smothered in brown gravy and a beef patty, topped with a fried egg. The Hawaiian breakfast of champions. Now has 896 views, 47 +1s, 56 pins, and 39 'yums'.

#BestoftheMonth October: #LocoMoco from 2014 [Tweet this]

Now this years best of October:

Slow Cooker Shredded Barbecue Chicken

A very simple and delicious recipe with only 2 ingredients, cooked in a slow cooker. Great for parties, gameday, or weeknight dinners. This is a re-post from September of 2013. It was one of my best of the month recipes then and now. Now it has 1189 views, 51 +1s, 73 pins, and 47 'yums'.

#SlowCooker ShreddedBBQChicken | #BestoftheMonth Oct2015 [Tweet this]

Easy Marinara Sauce

A quick and simple marinara sauce made with tomato paste and spices. Great for pizzas and dipping. 314 views, 33 +1s, 31 pins, and 40 'yums'.

Easy #Marinara Sauce | #BestoftheMonth Oct2015 [Tweet this]

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Meat

A simple slow cooker recipe of chicken cooked in salsa and spices. Great for tacos, taco salad, burritos, or even over rice. 233 views, 41 +1s, 13 pins, and 8 'yums'.

#SlowCooker ChickenTacoMeat | #BestoftheMonth Oct2015 [Tweet this]

Spanakopita Quesadilla

A fusion of Mexican and Greek cuisines. Spinach, feta, and mozzarella packed into a whole wheat tortilla and fried. 214 views, 73 +1s, 21 pins, and 8 'yums'.

#Spanakopita Quesadilla | #BestoftheMonth Oct2015 [Tweet this]

Crispy Pizza Sticks

Crispy cheesy bread sticks with garlic and salami dipped in marinara sauce. A great finger food for gameday or a snack any day. 163 views, 35 +1s, 22 pins, and 1 'yum'.

Crispy #Pizza Sticks | #BestoftheMonth Oct2015 [Tweet this]

Check out my bests of October from previous years:

Best of the Month October 2013

Best of the Month October 2014

Linked to: 2 cup, Whimsy, Wonderful, Full Plate, freedom, Pretty Pintastic, Best of the Weekend

Follow Joy Bee's board Joybee Whats for Dinner blog posts on Pinterest.

Green Bean Salad

2015-11-23T07:00:00.000-10:00

Crispy green beans in a honey mustard vinaigrette with sliced almonds. A simple and quick vegetable side for any meal.

Repost of original from 3/25/13 190 views. Added tweet-ables, pinnable image, follow my pinterest board, and minor editing.

This is one of my favorite ways to eat green beans. I don't care for canned green beans that end up mushy and have no texture. I first had this salad at my sister-in-laws' and I fell in love. The green beans are only slightly blanched (steaming works too) so they are cooked yet still crisp. Then tossed in a honey mustard vinaigrette with sliced almonds for more crunch. You can top this salad with crispy fried onions or shallots for more crunch and more flavor, but it is fine without.

Say no to mushy green beans. #GreenBean #Salad [Tweet this]

I love this recipe as a Thanksgiving side dish. It's a great, lighter way to enjoy green beans instead of the usual green bean casserole. It's also great because you can make it the day before and store in the fridge until dinner time. This frees up time and cooking space on Thanksgiving day.

Save time with this #ThanksgivingSide: #GreenBean Salad [Tweet this]

Green Bean Salad

Cook time: under 10 minutes
Servings: 3-4

Ingredients:

1 pound green beans, snapped
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 hand full sliced almonds
Crispy fried onions or shallots (optional)

Blanch the green beans. Toss the beans in a large pot of salted, boiling water and stir for 1-3 minutes. Remove the beans and immediately place in ice water (sometimes I just rinse under cold running water) to stop the cooking.

Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette. Mix the mustard, honey, vinegar, and olive oil in a glass jar with a lid. Shake to combine.

Pour the vinaigrette over the beans and toss until coated (use as much or little as you like). Add the almonds and mix. Top with fried shallots or onions if desired.

Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 3-4 servings. Serve cold or at room temperature (I served this with my Pineapple Pork Chops it also makes a great #Thanksgivingside).

Enjoy.

For more vegetable sides check out:

Spicy Edamame -

Baked Potato Salad -

Simple Carrot and Cucumber Salad

Linked to: 2 Cup, Lou Lou Girls, Wake Up, Whimsy, Wonderful, Full Plate, freedom, Pretty Pintastic, Best of the Weekend

Follow Joy Bee's board Joybee Whats for Dinner blog posts on Pinterest.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Oil

2015-11-20T07:00:00.000-10:00

A Simple side dish of mashed sweet potatoes with coconut oil. That's it and it is delicious.

A re-post of the original from 5/24/2013. Adding pin-able image, tweet-ables, and editing. 225 views and 2 +1s.

I will no longer put butter in my mashed sweet potatoes. It's not about health or nutrition, or even an aversion to dairy (though those are all good reasons) it is about taste. Once I added coconut oil to my sweet potatoes I was hooked. The coconut oil brings out the sweetness of the potato, and adds a creaminess, like butter. I must stress: if you like sweet potatoes, get and use some coconut oil with them. Here is the easy 2 ingredient recipe.

Easy #2ingredient MashedSweetPotatoes w/ #CoconutOil [Tweet this]

Another recipe in my Thanksgiving sides series. Everyone knows about sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving but why not try Mashed Sweet Potatoes. You could make it more like casserole by adding some cream (or keep it dairy free and use coconut milk), cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, and top with chopped Candied Pecans. This will be my "sweet potato casserole" this year.

Trade #Sweetpotatocasserole 4 MashedSweetPotatoes #thanksgivingsides [Tweet this]

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Oil

Servings: 2
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 very large sweet potato
1-2 Tbsp coconut oil
Cinnamon (optional)

Peel and cut the sweet potato in small even pieces. Place in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil for about 10-15 minutes until potatoes are soft.

Remove from heat and drain. Remove sweet potatoes to a medium-sized bowl (or just put back in the saucepan) and mash with 1-2 Tbsp coconut oil. No need to add any other liquid because sweet potatoes absorb more liquid while boiling than regular potatoes (but if you think you need some reserve some of the cooking liquid and use it).

Makes 2 servings.

Enjoy.

Also mentioned in this post:

Candied Pecans

For more vegetable sides check out:

Cinnamon and Cumin Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Maple Glazed Carrots -

Sauteed Kale
-

Linked to: Pretty Pintastic, Best of the Weekend, 2 Cup, Lou Lou Girls, Wake Up, Whimsy

Follow Joy Bee's board Joybee Whats for Dinner blog posts on Pinterest.

Great Idea Thursdays 122

2015-11-18T13:00:00.000-10:00

Welcome, everyone. Krista, from A Handful of Everything, and I would like to bring you:

Wednesdays 6pm EST-Sunday 11:59pm EST

#greatideathurs

Great Idea Thursdays link party where everything gets pinned. Socialize and have fun, it's a party! [Tweet this]

Follow our pinterest board (we have 870 followers).

**I've also started a Google+ collection for my features click here to see it and follow (you might be featured). (it has over 2,700 followers...that's a lot of potential views)**

Here's what I've been doing since last time:

Parmesan and Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Kimchi Fried Rice

Now for my features from last week...in no specific order (I also share these on GooglePlus, facebook, and twitter. Make sure you check out Krista's page too. She has different features.

Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes from From This to That

Pumpkin Marshmallow Pillows from Running Away? I'll Help You Pack

On to the link party. Here are the usual rules.

*Please follow your host and co-host on any or all social media

Host: Krista from-

Co-Host: Me Joybee--

*Grab a party button and put it somewhere on your blog (or text link back to us).

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.joybeewhatsfordinner.blogspot.com" title="Joybee, What's for Dinner?"></a></div>

*Click on at least two other links and please leave a comment (I know I love getting comments).

*Remember to link directly to your blog post, not just your home page.

Now let's party.

Enjoy.

An InLinkz Link-up

Follow Joy Bee's board Joybee Whats for Dinner blog posts on Pinterest.

Parmesan and Garlic Roasted Broccoli

2015-11-16T07:00:00.000-10:00

A deliciously simple vegetable side of roasted broccoli flavored with parmesan, garlic and a dash of lemon juice.

Repost of original from 2/1/13 58 views and 1 +1. Better pictures, pinnable image, tweetables, and editing.

Leading up to Thanksgiving I'm going through my vegetable sides recipe posts. To be honest, sides are my favorite parts of Thanksgiving dinner. I'm looking for good sides to make this year and thought I'd re-share and update some of my favorite veggie sides. Parmesan and Garlic Roasted Broccoli is a great side to serve for Thanksgiving. It's not a usual Thanksgiving side but it should be. It's simple and delicious and everyone will love it. Have everything ready and it can go in the oven once the turkey is out and resting.

Parm&Garlic #RoastedBroccoli for a #ThanksgivingSide [Tweet this]

Many people need to eat more fruits and vegetables. I know it's true for me. This recipe makes eating your veggies easy. Roasting makes broccoli sweet and tender. The cheese adds a salty, cheese, and almost nutty flavor and, my favorite, makes the roasted broccoli crisper around the edges. I love garlic and add it to almost everything so it's always a natural addition and makes this dish top the charts in flavor. It's a great vegetable side dish for any meal.

Yummy way to get your #5aday Parm&Garlic #RoastedBroccoli [Tweet this]

Parmesan and Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2-4

Ingredients:

2-3 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp grated parmesan
juice from 1/2 lemon (optional)
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 450F

Place the broccoli in a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and toss until broccoli is thoroughly coated. (the oil should help the spices and cheese to stick to the broccoli)

Lay out in a single layer on a sheet pan and bake at 450F for 15-20 minutes or until dark brown and crispy around the edges. (sometimes I stir about half way through, but not always, and it seems to turn out great either way.)

Serve hot (it's still great cold too). Makes 2-4 servings but it's so tasty I've been known to eat it all by myself.

Enjoy.

For more vegetable sides check out:

Cumined Cauliflower and Broccoli

Sweet Dill Glazed Carrots

Sauteed Kale -

Linked to: 2 Cup, Lou Lou Girls , Tickle my Tastebuds, Wake Up, Whimsy, Wonderful, Full Plate, Foodie Friends, Pretty Pintastic, Best of the Weekend

Follow Joy Bee's board Joybee Whats for Dinner blog posts on Pinterest.

Kimchi Fried Rice

2015-11-13T07:00:00.000-10:00

A fried rice made with leftover rice and kimchi. A popular recipe in Hawaii and a great comfort food.

Hawaii is known for diversity. So many cultures and cuisines come together and make one big 'ohana (family). This makes for spectacular food. Kimchi fried rice is just one of those foods that make Hawaii great.

HI's diversity makes great food #KimchiFriedRice [Tweet this]

Kimchi is a Korean side dish made from fermented cabbage and hot chili paste (among other ingredients). Adding it to fried rice makes a delicious, simple, and inexpensive meal. This may not have originated in Hawaii, but it's a common menu item at many restaurants. Of course, I had to try my hand at making it. It turned out great. It was spicy, tangy, bacony, nutty, and I added spinach for little more nutrition. This will be a common menu item in my home. Some day I even want to try making my own kimchi.

#Kimchi FriedRice is an #inexpensivemeal [Tweet this]

Kimchi fried rice can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or meal. I think it makes a great lunch or snack while drinking beer and watching football (or any event--and you don't have to drink beer to enjoy it).

Kimchi #FriedRice is a great #Gamedaysnack [Tweet this]

Kimchi Fried Rice

Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

2-3 cups leftover rice
dash sesame oil
dash rice vinegar
1-2 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 lb bacon chopped
1-2 tbsp oil
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1/2 large onion, chopped
2-3 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed & squeezed
12oz jar of hot kimchi, drained & rough chop
1 cups chopped green onions, divided

KimchiFriedRice is a great use for #leftoverrice [Tweet this]

I think fried rice always works best with leftover rice that has been refrigerated for a day or two.

Remove leftover rice from the fridge. Add it to a large bowl with sesame oil, vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir well breaking up any clumps and mixing well.

In a large skillet, cook the bacon, over medium heat, until it becomes crisp. Pour off most of the grease (leaving some adds to the overall flavor of the dish) and add the oil. Bring up the heat to about medium-high.

Add the ginger and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the onions and stir-fry until just softened.

Then add the spinach and kimchi. Stir fry until just heated and add the rice mixture. Continue stir-frying until the rice is heated through and fried to your liking. (I don't know what I did this time...maybe used plenty of oil, --closer to 2 Tbsp than 1, maybe a little more-- but the rice did not stick to my pan)

Turn off the heat and stir in about half of the chopped green onions.

Serve warm garnished with more green onions. Sriracha can be added if you would like a little more heat.

Enjoy.

For more leftover rice recipes check out:

Spicy Vegetable Fried Rice

Coconut Rice Pudding

Pork Fried Rice

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