My Sweet Little Steiner Family

So.. It's been a while

2013-02-12T13:59:00.003-08:00

I am highly aware of the fact that I've been absent for a while.. Sorry 'bout that! To say that things have been kinda crazy lately is a sinful understatement.

But. I'm back! I know you've missed me :)

It may take me a little while to get back in the swing of things, but have faith in me, blogland... I'll get there!

Til next time...

For David...

2012-11-28T13:44:00.003-08:00

My heart is so heavy today, one phone call has completely turned everything upside down. My heart is literally breaking and I'm having a hard time finding the words to comfort my sister, to make sense of what has happened, to encourage family and friends who are hurting.

David was my sister's fiance, among many other things. He was smart, funny and he loved my sister more than anything in this world. He became a brother to me, my husband and my younger brother Matthew. He became an uncle to my sons. Anytime Noah would see my sister, Katelynn, he would immediately ask where David was. He knew wherever Katelynn was, David was close by. And now he's gone... Just like that...

I don't understand it. It's not fair, it's not right. He was just starting his life, he had received a scholarship, he had proposed to my sister, they were making plans for their future... they were happy. And now his life is over, and she's left to pick up the pieces and to go on with her life without him. All of their plans together have been shattered. He is no longer a part of that future. And I HATE IT! I loved David, we all loved David, we all knew he was going to be a part of our family forever.

I had to sit my 3 year old down and try to explain this to him. I told him David was no longer with us, he is in heaven with the angels. Noah didn't really understand that, but he somewhat grasped that David had been hurt and he wasn't going to be around anymore. I was surprised that my 3 year old understood as much as he did, and he exclaimed, "Oh no!" and he asked if he could kiss David's boo boo to make him better..... I wish it worked like that, I wish it was that easy. I wish a lot of things, but most of all I just wish he was still alive.

Why did he have to get in that car.... why did he have to fall asleep at the wheel.... why did any of this happen? I don't understand it. It wasn't supposed to happen this way!

Life is so fragile. We all know we aren't promised tomorrow... well, at least we say the words, but we never expect for life to be cut so short.

I hate to know that my sister is hurting, and there is nothing I can do or say to make it better. I can't take this pain from her, I can't carry this for her. God knows if I could, I would!

She was his angel here on earth, and now he is hers.

I love you David, I will miss you, you were a part of this family and you always will be!

You may not have made it to the church, my sister may not have made it down the aisle... but in my eyes you were my brother, you were the love of her life and you will always hold a special place in our hearts...

Thank you for loving my sister, for making her the happiest I have ever seen her...

I will always remember the day we spent taking these pictures... climbing over fences, driving around looking for the perfect spots to take the photos, sweating like crazy, lime gatorade, smashing down the tall weeds, trespassing :/ lol It was fun and I'm so glad you guys let me take these pictures.

You will forever be missed!

Shrimp Scampi

2012-11-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

Y'all should just know that as far as food goes, I live and breathe for shrimp. If I could, I would eat it daily.

Just give me a house on the beach, with my family, and all of the fresh shrimp I can eat and I will die happy. That's not too much to ask for, is it?

I hate to use the term 'shrimp snob' when describing myself because the word 'snob' always rubs me the wrong way. And it sounds way too much like 'snot' and 'blob'...gross. Feel free to label me a shrimp connoisseur instead, because as we just covered, snobs are snotty blobs. Not cute.

Now, on to the dish that features my favorite crustacean!

Ingredients

1 lb fresh shrimp, deveined, cleaned and butterflied
milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 lb angel hair pasta
3 TBS minced garlic
1 diced tomato
1 shallot, thinly diced
1 cup dry white wine
1 pint heavy whipping cream
olive oil
5 fresh basil leaves cut into a chiffonade
4 TBS finally grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded Italian cheeses

Directions

Heat large saucepan over medium-high heat, pour enough olive oil into the saucepan to cover the bottom. Do not use too much oil, just enough to cover the bottom. Toss the shrimp into the milk to soak, I used a small mixing bowl and filled it with milk about 2/3 full. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, 2 TBS of parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Take the shrimp out of the milk and coat with the dry mixture. Once the shrimp is coated, let them fry in the olive for a couple of minutes per side or until golden brown. You can expect some of the dry mixture to fall off. Once the shrimp is done, place it on a paper towel covered plate and set aside.

Using the same saucepan (do not rinse out) add the minced garlic to the oil and stir continuously for a few minutes and then turn the heat down to medium-low. Add in the white wine and bring it to a boil. Turn your heat back down to low and cover the sauce pan for about 15 minutes, letting the wine reduce down.

Go ahead and get a separate pot out, fill up about 2/3 full with water and bring it to a simmer. This is for the angel hair pasta, later on.

Back to the sauce. Once the white wine has reduced, add in the heavy whipping cream and bring to a boil. Once the sauce strikes a boil turn the heat back down to low and let simmer for 10 minutes. After the cream sauce has simmered add in the diced tomatoes, diced shallot, the chiffonade of basil, the 2 remaining TBS of Parmesan cheese and the shredded Italian cheeses. Stir until combined and then add in the fried shrimp. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it thicken/cool.

Bring the pot of water to a full boil and add in the angel hair pasta. Follow the directions on the box.

When you are plating, you can pour the shrimp and sauce directly over the pasta or on the side. Your choice!

It sounds like work, but honey it's worth it!

My Weekend in Photos

2012-11-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

We had a great weekend, but we were short one handsome toddler. Noah is staying at my parents' house while Adam and I get things ready for his big surprise party! And that explains the last picture, that would be the loveable dog, Blue, one of Noah's favorite cartoon characters. I am making everything by hand and that includes little Blue, it's taking a while to get it all made but it's coming along!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Tomato & Basil Cream Sauce {Over Pan Fried Chicken}

2012-10-30T12:55:00.001-07:00

So, let's talk about chicken... my never ending love for chicken... take a peek at my recipes, I think it's prettyyy obvious. It's not a problem... just a minor obsession :)

But what's not to love? Chicken is delicious, cheap and SO versatile. Win, win, win!

Now, let's talk about my love for sauces... cream sauces to be exact. Oh, yesss! I cannot get enough.

I'm addicted and I'm okay with that. More than okay with that.

Chicken PLUS cream sauce EQUALS heaven on the tip of your fork! Word to your mother, this recipe will rock your taste buds... and you will love me forever and ever. Amen.

Cross my heart XX

So I guess you'll be wanting that recipe now, huh?

I won't be stingy;)

Ingredients

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

3 TBS butter

1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes

1/4 cup fresh, minced basil

1/8 tsp pepper

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Heat skillet over medium high heat. In separate bowls, place milk and bread crumbs inside (one in each bowl!)

Coat the chicken in milk, and then coat with the crumbs. Place chicken in skillet with only half of the butter. Cook for about five minutes, add the remaining butter and then flip chicken. Cook for another five minutes or until the chicken is done.

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet (but don't rinse that skillet out, you will need it for the sauce!)

Next add the broth to skillet and bring to boil over medium heat, take a spatula and scrape up all the yummy bits from the pan(they only add yummy flavor!) Stir in the cream and tomatoes and boil for about 1 minute. Turn the heat down to low and add the parmesan cheese, basil and pepper. Stir the sauce over low heat until completely heated through. Now pour that liquid gold over your chicken and ENJOY!

Seriously, my mouth is just watering remembering how amazingly awesome this dish was. The creamy, rich sauce combined with the savory fried chicken was, in a word, perfect.

Now go forth and cook{this recipe right here!}

Sweet & Spicy Glazed Pork Chops

2012-10-24T13:11:00.001-07:00

Little sweet, little spice, whole lotta flavor!! This dish was amazing and has now become my absolute favorite way to make pork chops. My husband, Adam, is usually not a fan of chops... until THIS dish! He could not get over how well the spices worked together and how savory the meat was.

If you are a fan of pork chops, you must make this dish! And if you aren't a fan, maybe this will bring you over to the pork side!

Ingredients

4 thick cut pork chops

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp paprkia

1/2 tsp black pepper

4-5 dashes Worcestershire sauce

2 TBS olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and dry spices (this does NOT include worcestershire sauce.) Once combined, rub the sugar/spice mixture on both sides of all 4 chops, make sure to use up all of the mixture to ensure a good glaze. In a large skillet, heat up 2 TBS of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the heat is hot, carefully place the pork chops in the skillet and cook 5 mins PER side. Once chops are nicely browned, transfer them onto a foil lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove the pork chops and serve!!

Enjoy!!

Jay's Warriors!

2012-10-18T15:52:00.001-07:00

I want to take a break today from writing about food or my personal family and talk to you about a young man, age 20, who has been battling cancer for 7 years. His name is Jay Rogers and he is truly amazing.

Jay has never wavered in his faith and love for Christ, even in the midst of more struggle than most of us have ever known. Jay has touched many lives, bringing thousands together in prayer and support.

Jay is no longer in the hospital, but back at home spending time with his loved ones as this chapter of his story comes to an end. He isn't waking up as often now, but he has been able to let those around him know that he isn't in pain. I am a firm believer that this world is merely a waiting place, there is more love, joy and happiness waiting beyond this life for Jay. His story is not ending... it has only just begun.

Jay's family has set up a Facebook page that has brought thousands of supporters together for Jay. He enjoys the kind words, the encouragement and the prayers. I am asking all of my readers to stop by and let him know that your thoughts and prayers are with him and that he has your support. Let Jay know that the readers of My Sweet Little Steiner Family are Jay's Warriors!

You can find the page here

Jay has also written a book about his journey, you can buy it here!

Milk & Cookies

2012-10-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

My oldest son Noah recently spent a week at his "Marmie's" house (his grandmother) and I missed him terribly! So on my way to pick him up, I swung by the store to pick up a few special items.

Noah and I share a common love.... the love for milk and cookies! We both like to dip our cookie into the milk first, I mean it is, after all, the RIGHT way to eat a cookie!

Anyways, we had the sweetest little Mommy and Son date...

It was a Milk & Cookies date, with one super handsome little man :)

He LOVED it and so did I.

I hope we made a memory that he will always cherish... I know I will!

Safari Park

2012-10-12T12:46:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, Adam and I took the boys to the local Safari Park. We had initially planned to take them to the pumpkin patch, but we got rained out :( Later on in the evening the rain cleared up, so we made a change of plans... and we had a BLAST.

Noah loves animals, so needless to say he was tickled.

He was a little excited!

He'd already spotted some animals

Out came Jerry the giraffe!

Sticking out his tongue

Noah LoVeD Jerry!

He was a little unsure about feeding him...

But he did it!!

He was so proud!

Sweet Drew, just kicked back and bundled up

He's precious!

They are so silly

Hugs :)

Noah helping Daddy out through the 'Drive Park'

He was a happy camper!

Can ya tell?!

I hadn't expected to enjoy it so much myself, but it was definitely a neat experience!

Seuss Stuff

2012-09-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

I realize my youngest son is now 4 months old... and his nursery is still not finished... what can I say, I am a procrastinator through and through.

But time is not my friend seeing as I have so little of it with a toddler and a 4 month old. So I have to make progress when I can... it's been kind of a sloooow go.

However, the past week I did accomplish something in 'Seussland,' and I am in love with it!

I knew from the beginning that I wanted a floating shelf in baby Drew's room, and I fell in love with one that I spotted at Pottery Barn.

Oh yes, she is beautiful! But I did not like her $85 price tag =/ just a little too steep for a shelf in my son's nursery.

So I went on the hunt for something within my budget. Goodwill to the rescue!

Obviously she had seen better days, but I believed I could restore her to her former glory. And for $6, I was thrilled with my 4-foot find.

After some primer and a coat of paint she now proudly graces my son's nursery.

I purchased the shelf and all of its decor for much cheaper than what the Pottery Barn shelf alone cost.

I got the black frame, the two letters (which stand for Andrew,) and the little, red box all from Hobby Lobby...all on sale. The white frame came from Wal-Mart. It was just a plain, wooden $3 frame that I painted white and scuffed up a bit.

The Seuss pictures are actually fabric left over from Drew's Seuss quilt that I starched, ironed and framed.

I love the way it turned out... and I can honestly say I take way more pride in my frugal finds than I would have if I'd forked over 85 bucks for the Pottery Barn beauty.

Happy Thrifting!

It's Fall Ya'll!

2012-09-25T11:43:00.001-07:00

Saturday officially marked the beginning of FALL! >insert super duper thrilled squeals here<

In honor of the very best season of all, Saturday I did some Fall themed shopping.

I found lots of goodies :)

Here are some favorites:

Bath & Body Works Candles

I had to smell each seasonal candle in the store... at least a few times... and as much as I wanted to love them all... I didn't. But the Cinnamon Sugared Donut and Pumpkin Cupcake put a smile on my face! So warm, so delicious, so FALL.

Don't ya just love the yummy aroma of a great candle?

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterials

I never leave the house without anti-bacterial, but I despise the smell of it. Fun Fall scents to the rescue!

These five smell amazing... and out of these five the Creamy Pumpkin and Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin were my favorites. So here's to clean, good-smelling hands!

Fall Dining Room Table Centerpiece

Courtesy of Hobby Lobby... this centerpiece now graces my dining room table with all of its Fall fabulousness :)

I am welcoming Fall with open arms!

The Harvest Moon Shoppes

2012-09-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Harvest Moon is an adorable shop that specializes in upcycled, shabby chic lighting and wine bottle torches.

On top of offering upcycled glass bottle tiki torches and vases, they also sell the hardware to create your own!

Be sure to also check out their gorgeous, real pressed flower jewelry!

The Harvest Moon is the perfect place to shop for unique home decor and jewelry. Not to mention, perfect for shabby chic wedding decor!

Go check out this sweet shop and see all of the wonderful things it has to offer!

Pizza Quesadilla

2012-09-18T08:59:00.001-07:00

We are a quesadilla lovin' family. They are easy, delicious and cheap! We often do our own variations of the Mexican Quesadilla, but we had never tried the Pizza Ques. Oh me, oh my it was fantastic! Deliciously crisp, oozing with cheese and warm pizza sauce, bursting with flavor and leaving our tummies very happy.

You have to try it. Seriously... it's a must!

Ingredients

4 flour tortillas
8 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese
Parmesan Cheese (for sprinkling)
1/3 lb sliced pepperoni ( I suggest getting it from your deli)
1 16 oz jar of pizza sauce
1 tsp. dried oregano

Directions

First, I suggest frying the pepperoni in a small sauce pan over medium heat until the edges start to curl up and become crisp. Set the pepperoni aside. Now, spread a small amount of pizza sauce on one side of the tortilla. Be careful not to spread the sauce too thick, it will make the tortilla soggy. Remember, if it doesn't have enough sauce for your liking, you can dip the quesadilla slices in the pizza sauce once it's done cooking. Okay, now on to the toppings. On one half of the tortilla: Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese over the sauce (as much or as little as you like), add 1/4 of the fried pepperoni, then sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and a little bit of dried oregano. (Remember these toppings only go on one half of the tortilla!) Now, fold the half of the tortilla without toppings over. Make sure all of the toppings are completely covered by the tortilla, you don't want all of that yummy-ness falling out!

Preheat a medium sized skillet over medium heat. Carefully lay the folded quesadilla into the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are nice and crispy and the cheeses are completely melted.

Don't forget to serve with some of that leftover pizza sauce for dipping!

Ta-da! You're family will now revere you as a culinary genius ;)

P.S. I added some sauteed mushrooms to mine.... It was delish!

Pop Tart iPhone Case: Winner!

2012-09-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

Winner Announced!

and the winner is.....

Shasta Farrar!

Shasta, I have sent you an email :)

Smoked Club Wrap

2012-09-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

The wrap is a wonderful thing, the possibilities are endless. Whoever invented the wrap... I thank you and all of your brilliance!

Summer is coming to an end... so to bid the season good-bye, here's a deliciously light, summery recipe.

But just to be clear, around here, wraps are a year-round dish ;) You can dress them up to fit any season.

Ingredients for One Wrap

1 Large Flour Tortillas

2 1/2 oz of Smoked Turkey

1 Slice of Sharp American Cheese

1 Slice of White American Cheese

2 Sliced of cooked bacon

Ranch Dressing

2 slices of Tomato

Baby Spinach (you can find it in the salad section of your local grocery store)

Directions

Just below the center of the tortilla, spread the ranch dressing (as much or as little as you like.) Then, on top of the ranch, layer the turkey, cheeses, bacon, tomato and spinach. Next, fold in both sides of the wrap. Start at one of the unfolded ends and roll the wrap. When plating the wrap, place it seam down. Cut diagonally down the center of the wrap.

You can add any other fillings you like... For instance, I added fresh, sliced mushrooms.

Pink Sky Printables

2012-09-12T09:50:00.001-07:00

Like a lot of mothers, when it comes to party invites, announcements and party favors, I have always got my 'go-to' websites/stores. It's easier to go somewhere I know than to search and search for somewhere new. But, if you are anything like me, after a while of shopping at the same places, you just want something different; a new variety! Well, if you are looking for a new party vendor with super adorable designs and super affordable prices... Look no further than Pink Sky Printables !

This darling store offers a huge variety, killer prices, and gorgeous designs! Offering everything from 1st Birthday to Save the Date invitations and everything in between. Also, look for Wedding invitations soon!

Pink Sky Printables also offers printable party packages, so you have all of your party needs taken care of in a one-stop shop!

I have fawned over so many of the designs, but here are a few of my favorites to give you a peek at this adorable printable party store!

Go check out Pink Sky Printables for yourself!

Chicken Bacon Grilled Cheese

2012-09-11T13:21:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite, super quick, go-to recipes is the grilled cheese. They are easy, yummy and you can have lots of fun experimenting with them.

My lastest experiment was a scrumptious success! So, I'm sharing it with you ;)

Ingredients

2 packs of Tyson Grilled & Ready Chicken Breast Strips (heated according to packages directions)

Sliced Bread (I used Nature's Pride Country White)

Honey Mustard

Bacon (fully cooked and crumbled)

Sliced White American Cheese

Butter

Directions

Heat your grill (if you are using a pan, heat over Medium.) Lightly spread butter on the sides of the bread that will be touching the grill. On the bottom slice, layer one slice of white American cheese, about half a package of the grilled chicken strips, and crumbled, cooked bacon on the non-buttered side of bread. On the top slice, spread the honey mustard on the non-buttered side (use as much or as little as you want, the more you use the sweeter the sandwich will be.) Place the top slice onto the layered, bottom slice, buttered side up. Now, carefully place the sandwich onto the hot grill and close the grill. Cook the sandwich until the bread is golden brown, it should only take a couple of minutes. If you are using a pan, place the sandwich in the heated pan for a couple of minutes, or until golden brown, flip and cook the other side until golden brown, as well.

Serves 4

I loved the combination of the chicken and bacon with the sweetness of the honey mustard...all topped off with the gooey white American cheese. This is a family favorite of ours. Hope you enjoy!

Today's Creative Blog

Slow Cooker Pot Roast on a Roll

2012-09-07T10:48:00.002-07:00

If you know me well, you know I can not pass up a good Pot Roast. I was so intrigued by this recipe, because I had never tried roast quite like this.

And for this self-proclaimed Pot Roast connoisseur, I was not disappointed. I loved everything about it from the juice, to the creamy chipotle sauce, to the scrumptious slice of Pepper Jack cheese.

Yummmm!

You can find the original recipe here and below is how I made it :)

Ingredients

1 3-4 lb beef roast
1 cup water
1 cup salsa

1/2 envelope Lipton's onion soup mix
1/2 envelope Hidden Valley Homemade Italian dressing mix
1 envelope Au Jus gravy mix

1 pack King's Hawaiian Rolls

Sliced Sargento Pepper Jack cheese

Creamy Chipotle Sauce

1/3 cup sour cream

2 TBS Chili Sauce

1 1/2 tsp Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Directions

Cut each Hawaiian roll in half and place on a baking sheet. Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on the bottom half of each roll. Place the baking sheet in the oven with broiler on low. Broil for about 1 minute until the edges of the rolls are golden and toasty and the cheese is nice and melted. Please keep a close eye on the rolls to make sure they do not burn!! Remove the toasted rolls from the oven :)

Pile some shredded beef on top of the Pepper Jack cheese. Spread the chipotle sauce on the top half of the roll. Now place the top half of the roll on to the bottom half.

Don't forget to enter my terrific giveaway here! The drawing ends Sept. 14th!

Today's Creative Blog

Pop Tart iPhone Case Giveaway!

2012-09-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled to be able to share this fabulous giveaway with you today!

Moti, over at iCaseSeraSera has graciously provided THE most adorable iPhone case to giveaway to one lucky reader from My Sweet Little Steiner Family.

Told ya it was adorable!

I am lovin' this Pop Tart design! My toddler, Noah, is a Pop Tart fanatic and this sweet little case reminds me of him :) It honestly looks real enough to eat!

You should also check out this other 'looks good enough to eat' Ice Cream Sandwich case!

This store offers a wide variety of iPhone cases including retro and vintage designs, original photography AND custom designs! Moti will work with you personally to help you design the iPhone case perfect for you.

Here is a little bit about how Moti creates these little pieces of art:

"Each iPhone case is embellished with my original designs one at a time using a unique printing technique that allows me to permanently instill an image into a thin aluminum insert on the back of the molded plastic case. The insert is heated to over 400 degrees, cooled, and then permanently adhered to the phone case. The result is a vibrant, permanent imprint.

This custom made snap-on case is designed to fit all of the iPhone 4 and 4S models. With ample openings for all the buttons and the camera lens, this lightweight case is the perfect phone accessory - instantly customizing any iPhone with color and style."

How to Enter:

There are 3 ways to enter... the more ways you enter, the more chances you have!

{you must be a follower of my blog}

1. Leave a comment below!

2. Like my Facebook page

3. Follow me on Twitter and tweet me to let me know you've entered!

Don't forget to check out Moti's awesome shop iCaseSeraSera!

Even if you don't win, you can still own one of these awesome iPhone cases!

The giveaway will end September 14th... that's an entire week to get your chances in!

Thank you, Moti :)

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo {Cajun Style}

2012-09-05T13:33:00.004-07:00

To be honest, I have never been much of a pasta lover other than spaghetti.... Until THIS dish! Oh my wow! All of the flavors work so well together, combining to make the best meal I have ever made. No lie. The BEST!

My husband is a huge fan of Chicken Alfredo... also super picky... and he agreed this is the best pasta he's ever tasted.

So be warned... you will stuff yourself silly.

We did.

Ingredients

3 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
Cajun blackening spice (I used Zatarain's)
2 TBS butter (divided)
1 TBS olive oil
1 TBS minced garlic
2 Roma tomatoes (diced)
¼ cup chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups Shredded Italian Five Cheese blend
3 oz. crumbled goat cheese
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
16 ounces Fettuccine noodles (cooked)

Directions

Please remember: Noodles should already be cooked, rinsed in hot water, drained and set aside. Just follow the box directions.

First, pound chicken breasts flat with a meat mallet. Set the breasts on a plate and sprinkle with blackening spice on both sides (don't be too shy with the seasoning, it gives the chicken a great flavor!) Rub the seasoning into the chicken with your fingers to ensure good, even coverage.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large skillet, heat 1 TBS. of the butter, and add the olive oil, over medium high heat. Once the butter begins to brown, place the chicken in the skillet. Sear on one side, until it is very brown, this should only take a few minutes. Then flip the chicken and do the same on the other side. Place the browned chicken onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. (set pan aside, just as it is, it will be used again for the sauce!) Make sure the chicken is completely done (no longer pink inside!) Once the chicken is fully cooked, cut into strips or bite sized pieces (your preference.) Set the sliced chicken aside.

Now on to the sauce! Re-heat the skillet you used to sear the chicken over medium heat. Pour chicken broth into the skillet and whisk all of the brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Next, add in the minced garlic and the tomatoes. Sauté until the tomatoes begin to soften. This should only take about 3-4 minutes. Now turn the heat down to medium low and add in the heavy cream. Stir constantly for 1 minute. Next, add in the salt, pepper, and the other tablespoon of butter. Keep stirring the cream mixture, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, and add in the shredded cheese and goat cheese. Stir the cheeses in until completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Now have a little taste of that amazing sauce. You've earned it ;) Once you've finished tasting the sauce and trying not to gobble it all up, pour the fettuccini noodles in with the sauce. Work to coat the noodles well (tongs work well.) Add in the chicken, continue to combine the sauce, noodles and chicken together until everything is well coated with all of that creamy, cheesy goodness. (

** If you are making this for small children, you may want to go ahead and take out some of the pasta and sauce mixture for them, before you add in the spicy chicken.

Original recipe credit: Comfortably Domestic

{Mini} Turtle Cheesecake

2012-09-03T23:21:00.004-07:00

I am a fan of pretty much any dessert in {mini} form. You get to enjoy all of that sweet, yummy goodness... without feeling too guilty!

Let me just tell you, these babies went like hot cakes! So if you are planning on making these, save a few for yourself, and expect no leftovers!

Ingredients

12 pieces NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated Ultimates Turtle Cookies
1 (8 oz) package whipped cream cheese
1/2 cup NESTLE® CARNATION® Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chopped Pecans
Chocolate Syrup ( I used Magic Shell Chocolate Fudge)
Caramel Syrup

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 325 degrees F. LINE your cupcake pan or muffin tin with liners or parchment paper. CUT 6 of the pre-cut dough squares in half. PLACE the 1/2 square into the lined cup. BAKE for 10 minutes or until cookie has spread to the edge of the cup. BEAT the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, egg and vanilla extract in medium bowl until completely smooth. POUR about 1 1/2 to 2 TBS of the cream cheese mixture over each cookie. BAKE for additional 17 minutes or until the cheesecake has set (slightly jiggles but still firm.) COOL completely in the pan on a wire rack. TOP with chopped pecans. DRIZZLE with chocolate and caramel syrup. EAT :)

Trust me. They taste as good as they look... maybe even better ;)

AND don't forget to check out my awesome giveaway here! The drawing ends September 14th!

Today's Creative Blog
Adorned From Above
Lady Behind the Curtain

Crunchwrap Supreme: Homemade

2012-09-01T19:04:00.001-07:00

Taco night is a favorite in the Steiner household, and this week I decided to put a little spin on it. This crunchwrap is simply scrumptious!! I love the mix of soft and crunchy, and you can put your own twist to it when it comes to the filling.

Here's how I made it:

Ingredients

6 large flour tortillas

6 small corn tortillas

1 pound ground beef

1 package taco seasoning (I used Taco Bell)

Taco Bell taco sauce

sour cream

diced onion

shredded cheddar cheese

shredded lettuce

diced tomatoes

butter

Directions

Follow taco seasoning directions (brown beef etc.) Once done, set the beef aside.

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees & place the corn tortillas (small) onto a cookie sheet. Bake the tortillas for a few minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Take out the flour tortillas and spread about 4-5 TBS of the seasoned beef into the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle with the shredded cheese, then microwave the tortilla, beef/cheese for about 20 seconds. Drizzle taco sauce onto the cheese/beef. Place the crunchy corn tortilla on top of the beef and cheese and spread sour cream on the crunchy tortilla. Then top with tomatoes, onions and lettuce.

Fold the edge of the bottom tortilla towards the center of the crunchy tortilla. Keep doing this in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction until the entire tortilla is folded, and the filling is completely covered. If your filling isn't all the way covered,unfold the large tortilla. cut out a small piece of flour tortilla (from a separate tortilla) and place it on the filling area that was exposed, then re-wrap!

Place a small amount of butter into a frying pan (just enough to lightly coat the pan.) Gently place the wrap in the pan with the seam facing downwards. Using a spatula, press the wrap down and cook on medium heat for a few minutes or until the tortilla is starting to brown. Then flip the wrap over and cook the other side for a few minutes or until the tortilla starts to brown.

Serve with chips and salsa or enjoy this dish all by itself! Either way, you won't be disappointed!

Today's Creative Blog

Toddler Talk

2012-09-01T08:55:00.002-07:00

A conversation with my son Noah.... and a peek into life with my silly, energetic, loud, easily distracted, precious toddler!

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It's definitely never dull 'round here! :)

Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole

2012-08-31T20:29:00.006-07:00

A wonderful week night casserole the whole family can enjoy! It's a nice twist on the regular baked potato casserole.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breasts, cubed or shredded
10-12 small red potatoes diced
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1 TBS. freshly ground pepper
1/2 TBS. garlic powder
2 c. Mexican Blend Cheese
1/2 c. crumbled bacon
1/2 c. chopped green onion

Directions

Preheat your oven to 475. In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder. Add the potatoes and coat with mixture. Place the potatoes into a greased baking dish, leave as much of the mix as possible. Bake potatoes for 1 hr, flip the potatoes every 15-20 mins. Check with a fork to ensure the potatoes are done. While the potatoes are baking, coat the chicken with the left over mixture and cook in a skillet over medium heat, until the chicken is done (no longer pink inside!) Once the potatoes are done, take them out of the oven and turn the oven temperature down to 400. Add the chicken, cheese, bacon & green onions. Put the casserole back in the oven and bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing

****Please take the time to read this you can make a difference in an innocent child's life!

Enjoy!

**recipe altered from original recipe here

Noah's Singin' Debut!

2012-08-31T14:08:00.001-07:00

As I have said before, my little munchkin loves to sing!

He sings the 'I Love You' song on a daily basis... and I never tire of hearing it!