Adventures in my Kitchen

Lemony Quinoa & Shrimp w/Corn and Green Onions

2013-05-24T15:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Memorial Day Weekend everyone!

Please take some time on Monday to remember and thank those who have served our great country.

I am re-posting this one today because I feel like it's a perfect Memorial Day Picnic dish. Cold boiled shrimp in a cold quinoa salad is a healthy side to any BBQ or Picnic whether you're braving the beach (and crowds!) or just hanging in your backyard. This dish whips up in no time and is sure to be a favorite!

Wishing you all a SAFE, happy, and healthy Memorial Day Weekend!

Lemony Quinoa & Shrimp w/Corn & Green Onions

Vinaigrette:
3 tbs EVOO
2 tbs lemon juice
healthy pinch of black pepper
1/2 of one green onion, chopped.
(Whisk all together, let sit and get friendly)

Quinoa:
1 cup Quinoa
2 cups water
(boil, then simmer until all liquid is absorbed. Transfer to large bowl then pop in freezer/fridge to cool)

Shrimp:
1-ish lb of shrimp.
(boiled in salted water, peeled and completely cooled)

Other yums:
1-ish cup of frozen corn kernels
the rest of the green onion that was chopped for the dressing + more if you're like that.

*When everything is cool, toss it all together in a large bowl, serve and enjoy!

2013 Father's Day Man Cave Giveaway

2013-05-21T02:00:00.000-05:00

Anyone started thinking about Father's Day yet? Doesn't it feel like we just celebrated Mother's Day??

Let me tell y'all something.... your dad doesn't want a tie.

He told me.

He doesn't want cologne, or a money clip, or even that BBQ Apron that says "Kiss the Cook". So get 'em out of your Amazon queue.... I know what your Poppa really wants!

$$$$$ CASH MONIES!!!!!!!

The amazing people over at VoiceBoks are having the best giveaway ever! PLUS, for you bloggers or soon-to-be bloggers, they've released a new book called The Bloggers Survival Guide. This would have been awesome to have two years ago when I started blogging... I feel like I went through the bloggers school of hard knocks!

Get this book on Amazon!

There are many, many ways to enter and there will be not 1, but 3 winners!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Strawberry Cupcakes with Fresh Basil Buttercream

2013-05-14T19:04:00.000-05:00

Disclaimer: this is not a kid cupcake. Well, unless your kid likes balsamic vinegar and basil.... I don't think I know any of those. And I know a lot of kids!

I made these cupcakes on Saturday with the intention of taking some to the Mother's Day Lunch at my sister's house. Friday night I was listening to House Hunters while back at the job search (job hunting sucks, btw) and a craving hit me. I was craving strawberries and balsamic and I thought "oohh basil, too!". It was well past dinner time, so naturally I began thinking dessert-- a cupcake! Yumm...

These cupcakes were well received. The basil butter cream doesn't have a super strong basil flavor, but compliments the strawberry flavor of the cake nicely. The tangy and sweet strawberries in the middle are a nice surprise and adds a more complex flavor. The cake is sweet, because let's be real, it's cake.... but everything else is more savory which creates a good balance for a "grown up" cupcake.

Strawberry Cupcakes with Balsamic Soaked Strawberries and Fresh Basil Buttercream

Cupcakes:

1 box Strawberry Cake Mix- such as Pilsbury (18.25oz) + water, vegetable oil, and eggs- directions on back of box

Balsamic Strawberries

1/4 lb of fresh strawberries- diced

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

Fresh Basil Buttercream

6 large leaves basil, roughly torn
1 stick butter- divided in half
1/3 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

Mix and Bake cupcakes as per package directions. As cupcakes are baking, pour balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and set on medium heat. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes, or until it coats the back of a spoon. Let cool and then add in diced strawberries to soak.
For buttercream, melt 1/2 a stick of butter in microwave for aprx 20 seconds. Combine basil leaves and melted butter. Combine well and let cool until solid again. Add other 1/2 stick of butter and whip. Add in powdered sugar and ricotta cheese, mixing thoroughly.
*Note- if you store the icing in the fridge, you'll need to bring the icing back to room temp to spread on the cupcakes.

When cupcakes are cooled, cut out a chunk of the center to add strawberries. Drain the balsamic from the strawberries and spoon them into each cupcake being careful not to overfill.
Top with Fresh Basil Buttercream and enjoy!

Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, & Avocado Wrap

2013-05-09T21:31:00.000-05:00

One of the best parts of my work day is when I get to be in a 5th grade classroom during their Social Studies time. I am a big History nerd- I have a BA in History and dedicated my entire college senior year to King Henry VIII and the whole Tudor Family History. Real life.

Today, we discussed rationing food during WWII. They played an interactive game online where they had to budget to feed their family for a week using their ration stamps.

So, what does this have to do with a BLTA Wrap? Well, friends.... take a look at the picture above. What is missing? That's right.... BACON.

You know what makes you want bacon? Hearing that you can't have bacon. In the middle of that 5th grade Social Studies lesson today, I knew what dinner would be. A Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Avocado Wrap with a drizzle of Light Ranch.

And y'all.... it was delicious!
btw: small confession... this is turkey bacon. I knoooowww.... but it's so much less calories and fat! Not quite the same, but tasty nonetheless!

Bacon Lettuce Tomato & Avocado Wrap
serves 1

I large whole wheat wrap
Half avocado sliced
half of a vine ripe tomato sliced
shredded lettuce
3-4 strips of cooked bacon (baked at 375* for 10 mins)
Light Ranch for drizzling

Assemble any way you like it and enjoy!

REMINDER:

May sponsorship is still available for only $5! Click the "Contact me & Sponsorship" tab for more information!!!

Sponsorship for Adventures in my Kitchen!

2013-05-06T16:41:00.003-05:00

See this picture over there on the right sidebar?

That could be your blog &/or website!

I finally decided to start offering sponsorship for the blog! It's worked really well for me in the past to sponsor other blogs and I feel like I now get enough daily/weekly/monthly page views to start sharing the love with other great blogs!

So here's the deal:

Your ad (200x200) is placed on my right sidebar for a month. I will periodically rotate the ads so that everyone gets a chance to be at the top. I will also promote your blog through Facebook shares and organic pins! I'd also love to have my sponsors guest post, but that's totally up to you! Need me to help promote something on IG, FB, or Pinterest? You got it!

Promote your blog for the rest of MAY for only $5
payment done through paypal

Numbers as of 5/6/13:

Facebook fans: 265

Pinterest followers: 253 (will pin to group boards)

Last months pageviews #12,000+

GFC Followers: 146

Bloglovin Followers: 35

Food, fashion, fitness, lifestyle, parenthood, you name it! Whatever you blog is, I'd love to help promote you! E-Mail me today!

SusanDikeman{at}gmail{dot}com

Cinco de Mayo and Teacher Appreciation week

2013-05-05T18:01:00.000-05:00

On Thursday my mom and I attended a Cinco de Mayo themed party at Serranos put on by the Houston Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. It was awesome. Free food, free drinks, margarita shaped cake pops from the Houston Cake Ball Company- yumm! We left with a great Texas gift basket complete with HEB tortilla chips, HEB salsa, salsa bowl, and a cheese and sausage plate all on top of a Texas themed plate.

I took all of the margarita shaped cake pops I could get a hold of and brought them to work the next day- it had been a long week and I thought that my team could "use a drink". They loved it!

Houston Cake Ball Company did a great job!

Speaking of my team... I wanted to take some time to write about Teacher Appreciation Week.

I am a Teacher Assistant for the Special Education department. Teacher's work hard and a lot of times are not recognized (nor paid) for the long hours, dedication, and sacrifices that they give. They absolutely deserve this week of appreciation. However, Teacher Assistant's (or TA's) also work very hard, most of the times behind the scenes, and receive even less recognition and appreciation. (plus we're paid much much less)

Speaking from experience TA's are, as we refer to it, "in the trenches". We are expected to quite literally get down and dirty when kids have emotional melt-downs, become verbally abusive, physically violent toward themselves or others, or even run off campus. It happens- not every day, but it happens. We serve children on the Autism Spectrum, those with ED (emotionally disturbed), ODD (oppositional defiance disorder), ADD/ADHD, etc.

Then Teacher Appreciation Week comes around at the end of the school year and we are generally left out. I was in an amazing classroom last year that made sure to include me when they were showering their teacher with gifts and goodies. It was so unexpected! It shouldn't have been unexpected, though!

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET YOUR TEACHER ASSISTANTS THIS WEEK!

If you're not sure if there is a TA in your child's classroom, ask the teacher!

Steak Rollups with garlic basil butter

2013-04-28T21:31:00.000-05:00

This weekend I helped one of my favorite eight year old's celebrate his birthday! For Friday night, I had promised him Steak Rollups- this kid loooooves steak. Almost as much as he loves bacon. Almost.

His Steak Rollup was made of steak, pepperoni, and bacon. A true man's meal, right?
(You can see it on my Instagram here)

The adults devoured these Steak Rollups. They were super tasty, filling, and *surprise surprise* budget friendly!

First butter was melted with chopped fresh garlic and dried basil. It simmered for a bit while the veggies were being sliced and then everything got a little friendly. The super thin slices of steak were seasoned with salt and pepper and then we got our roll on.

The steak stayed together- no toothpicks required. The butter softened and flavored the veggies and kind of leaked out and pooled around the rolls. The smell was awesome- garlic, butter, steak, yumm!

Steak Rollups

with garlic basil butter

inspired by this recipe

2lbs thin sliced steak- such as flank steak
3 tbs butter
2 large cloves fresh garlic- chopped
1 tsp dried basil
1 medium green bell pepper- sliced
1 medium red bell pepper- sliced
1/2 medium white onion- sliced
salt, pepper, olive oil spray

Heat oven to 375*
Lay out sliced steaks and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Melt butter on medium heat in a small skillet. Add in chopped garlic and dried basil. Allow to simmer for a couple minutes and then cool slightly.
Add sliced veggies to a bowl or bag that you can toss them in. Top with cooled garlic basil butter and mix well.
Using tongs, place a bit of the veggie/butter mixture on one end of the steaks and roll. Place all roll on a foil lined baking sheet and spray tops with olive oil. I had a couple of stray onions in my veggie bowl so I threw them on top of some of the rolls.
Bake for 20-30 minutes depending on your preferred doneness.

Enjoy with a salad or some garlic mashed potatoes!

LiveFit Trainer Thoughts and Meal Ideas

2013-04-23T18:48:00.000-05:00

On April 15th, I started the 12 week LiveFit Trainer by Jamie Eason. I have been looking at this trainer and thinking about it on and off again since it was released a couple years ago. I like lifting weights, I know it works for my body- a lot of the weight I lost after college was due to weight training (plus a low carb, low cal, high protein diet). I looked a lot at the food list, recipe ideas, and meal plan. Honestly, it looked like so much food! It also seemed like it might get a little expensive...and y'all, I'm not shy about admitting that this girl is on a serious budget!

baked tilapia with a greek salad- topped with homemade garlic hummus

Luckily I have a partner and we've been keeping each other on track with eating and working out. It's always better when you don't have to do it alone. I am also finding that it's not as expensive as I thought it might be. Eggs are cheap, cottage cheese is cheap, and in season veggies are always affordable!

The first week of the trainer was slow, work-out wise, only because I got hit with the allergy monster and battled sore throat/no voice/congestion so badly for a solid two days that I couldn't breathe well enough to lift weights! I stuck with the meal plans, though, and I am honestly telling you that by the 4th day I already felt better! So many veggies really clean you out, and all that low fat/calorie protein keeps your hunger monster away without weighing you down. Win win!

Some of the dinners I am having get posted to Instagram so be sure to follow me if you're interested in seeing what I'm creating. I am not the kind of person who can eat the same meals all. the. time. With the food list as big as it is, though, it's been pretty fun to find all the tasty combinations I can create and not feel guilty!

Workout-wise, the first workout was haaaarrrrd. I was super sore the next two days, but I know that just means I need to do more! I really enjoy lifting weights, it just makes me feel stronger and gets my endorphins pumping! I am sort of missing the cardio, though. In the first phase you're supposed to avoid cardio and just build muscle. I found myself thinking today "oh spin class is tonight, that sounds fun..... oh, wait. darn."

So to recap- clean eating is not so expensive or dull, it's actually been pretty affordable and tasty! I feel better on the inside, which always translates to the outside. Follow me on Instagram to see what kinds of clean eating meals I am creating next!

April is Soyfoods Month!

2013-04-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Soyfoods Month!

I was lucky enough to recive a small package from Soyfoods that included some SoyJoy bars to review. I looooove SoyJoy bars- they're a tasty snack packed with good for you stuff. Plus they're gluten free! They're great to keep in your bag or purse for a quick snack or for when that 2:30 feeling hits.

eeny meeny miny-mo! they're all great in the car snacks!

April is National Soyfoods Month so it’s the perfect time to learn about the place for soy in a healthy diet and easy ways to incorporate it into everyday meals. Packed with protein and fiber, soyfoods are a tasty way to reduce calories, saturated fat and maintain your weight. Many soy products like veggie burgers cook and thaw faster than traditional meat sources so that means more time and convenience—who couldn’t use more of both? The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) provides information about the health benefits and nutritional advantages of soy. SANA offers fun recipes and convenient ways to incorporate soy into meals for everyone – from athletes to families. SANA is dedicated to spreading the word about soy, especially during National Soyfoods Month in April! Soyfoods aren’t just for vegetarians anymore. In fact, dishes made with soy are quick, tasty, and often healthier than traditional protein sources. Since April is National Soyfoods Month it’s the perfect time to tell your readers about the benefits and ease of cooking with soy!

Here are just a few ways that soy can help make your life easier and healthier: Take this mixed berry smoothie up a notch with creamy and delicious WESTSOY Soymilk made from whole organic soybeans: Berry Smoothie WESTSOY Soymilk Need a snack on-the-go? Grab some gluten free SOYJOY bars to fuel up with nutrients in seconds. SOYJOY bars On those busy weeknights, add some Wildwood tofu to the standard stir-fry for more protein or this spinach fettuccini to your favorite pasta sauce. Wildwood Tofu Packing lunches with the same snacks can get a little boring, but honey roasted soy nuts are a sweet and crunchy snack packaged in individual sizes, perfect for the lunch box. Honey Roasted Soy Nuts Packed with protein and fiber, soyfoods are a great way to reduce calories, cholesterol and saturated fat. They also serve as a great source of iron, calcium, vitamin B-12, magnesium and zinc. Including soyfoods into your diet is easy and convenient. See the recipes below: Soymilk adds a healthy twist to any smoothie and these scalloped potatoes: Soy Milk Scalloped Potatoes Edamame makes a great energy-boosting snack and puts in an interesting twist on this hummus: Edamame Hummus Easy recipes to get cooking with soy ingredients: Easy recipes to get cooking with soy

April is SoyFoods month! Explore the site for recipe ideas and ingredients!

Follow the SoyFoods Association on Twitter at @SocialSANA
SoyFoods Association on Facebook
Follow SoyFoods on Pinterest

This sponsorship is brought to you by the Soyfoods Association of North America whom we have partnered with for this promotion.

Apple Cinnamon Muffin Cake...Again!

2013-04-10T19:14:00.001-05:00

Happy Blogiversary to me, chachacha! Happy Blogiversary to me, chahcacha!

Today is my two year Blogiversary! What's funny is I didn't even remember until like halfway through my work day. It just randomly hit me.... "omg, it's April 10th!".... It's been a stressful week.

I am going out for a sushi dinner tonight because, coincidentally April 10th is a special day for another reason... but that's a different blog post.

So while I eat my weight in sashimi and seaweed salad, please enjoy this re-post of my delicious Apple Cinnamon Muffin Cake! It looks like cake, but it's full of fruit so it's sort of healthy, and it tastes like it should be a dessert! Have a slice for breakfast or a hunk-o-muffin cake for dessert, it's whatevs!

Apple Cinnamon Muffin Cake
Original Post from my first year blogging

You will need:

3 cups peeled, cored, chopped apple- I used 1 giant fiji apple

1.5 cups of sugar

2 eggs

1 cup of oil- canola or veg.

1 tbs vanilla

3 cups flour

1tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

Brown sugar and nutmeg for sprinkling on top.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350*

Cream together in a medium bowl, sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla.

In another bowl combine flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.

Combine wet and dry ingredients and then fold in the chopped apples. Batter will be very thick.

Sprinkle the top of the batter with some brown sugar and nutmeg.

Bake for aprx 25-20mins. Top should be golden brown and a knife should come out clean when inserted in the middle and removed.

Naan Pizza with Curry Raisin Oil

2013-04-02T21:38:00.000-05:00

Show of hands, who puts golden raisins on their pizza?

No one? Why not? They're delicious! Well, curry raisin oil is delicious, and it totally makes this pizza.

This pizza was inspired by a pizza I ordered out of pure curiosity from a place called Rome's. It was delicious- spicy, vegetable-y, with specks of sweet from those golden raisins. Yumm.

While the original pizza was mighty tasty, I feel like I really stepped it up a notch. The crust is Whole Wheat Naan bread and this pizza has no sauce, but I didn't feel the need for any. It's a delicious, healthy, and easy dinner to munch any night of the week!

Naan Pizza with Curry Raisin Oil
Inspired by the Taj Mahal Pizza at Rome's
serves 2

2 Whole Wheat Naan breads- my grocery store sells them in 2-packs
Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese- sliced thin, as much or as little as you'd like

Toppings
chickpeas, rinsed and drained
sliced green bell pepper
sliced red onion
sliced jalapeno

Curry Raisin Oil
1/4 cup evoo
1 tsp curry powder
1-2 tbs golden raisins

Directions:
preheat oven to 400*- prepare baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
heat evoo, curry powder, and golden raisins in a very small sauce pan over medium low heat. Heat until raisins begin to plump up and oil is fragrant- about 10mins.
Top naan breads with sliced cheese, bell pepper, jalapeno and onion. Sprinkle chickpeas on top and drizzle the oil (including raisins) on top.
Bake at 400* for 10minutes or until cheese is melted.

Chocolate Chip Crunch Cookies- Guest Post

2013-03-25T15:30:00.000-05:00

I've asked Chelsea to take over my blog for the day- we swapped blog buttons for the month so now we're posting for one another!
If you're interested in swapping buttons for the month, and blogs for the day, let me know!

Hi! I’m Chelsea from Whatcha Makin’ Now? and I’m super excited to be guest posting for Susan. I mainly post dessert recipes that are quick, easy, and could be made in an evening after work or fast on a weekend. I do try to mix in real meals from time to time too; we can’t always just eat dessert. Right?

I thought I'd share one my favorite cookie recipes. It comes from a cookbook titled “101 Things To Do With A Cake Mix” by Stephanie Ashcraft. Yes, 101 recipes that all use a cake mix as the base! Genius. I've made a number of the recipes and have loved them all.

These are super easy to make chocolate chip cookie with an added crunch from rice krispies. Once baked, the rice krispies almost resemble the taste/texture of toffee. So gooood!

Thanks again to Susan and I hope you guys will check out my blog for more goodies. Or, follow me on twitter or facebook.

Chocolate Chip Crunch Cookies
Stephanie Ashcraft: 101 Things To Do With A Cake Mix

2/3 cup butter-flavored shortening
½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs
1 yellow or white cake mix
1 cup rice krispies or crispy rice cereal
1 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease cookies sheets or line with parchment paper.

Combine shortening and brown sugar with a hand mixer or fork. Stir in eggs one at a time. Add in cake mix and combine well. Stir in cereal, chocolate chips, and nuts (optional).

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto cookie sheet.

Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown around edges. Do NOT over bake; as cookies cool they will harden up. Cool 2-3 minutes on cookie sheet. Remove cookies and place on nonstick rack to cool.

Makes about 2 ½ dozen cookies.

Semi-Clean Apple Pie

2013-03-20T21:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of Spring! That means that Summer is just around the corner!

I know that Apple Pie is not exactly a spring timey dessert, but this one is waist-liney friendly.

Win.

I saw this recipe on The Gracious Pantry- a clean eating blog. I was skeptical... I mean, there's no added sugar. None. Not even zero-calorie sweetener stuff. Nada.

I have now made three of these delicious pies and I will never make apple pie any other way again! Quote me on that.

It's delicious, perfectly sweet, and even though I use traditional Pillsbury Pie Crust and not a clean crust, I feel like I can have dessert and haven't ruined my good-eating day.

Semi-Clean Apple Pie
adapted from The Gracious Pantry

2 medium/large sized Braeburn apples, sliced thinly and chopped
1 cup Unsweetened Apple Sauce
1-2 tbs Ground Cinnamon- depending on your love of cinnamon

1 box Pillsbury Pie Crusts for a 9-inch pie

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400* (box said 450*, but 400* worked better)
In a medium sized bowl combine sliced/chopped apples, apple sauce, and cinnamon- mixing well.
Lightly butter or grease a 9-inch pie pan.
Follow directions on pie crust box to thaw dough and roll out into pie pan. Fill crust with apple mixture and follow the directions on the pie crust box to top the pie. (Two-Crust Pie)

Bake for ~25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and delicious looking. Let cool before digging in!

*Fun Fact* I normally buy the store brand when there's a choice, I'm a penny-pincher you know! However, this time I compared the Nutrition Labels of the two, and Pillsbury won with less fat, calories, and carbs! Go Pillsbury! Now if they only made a whole wheat pie crust..... *hinthint*

Like a College Kid with a Maxed Out Credit Card

2013-03-16T10:31:00.000-05:00

One of the things I am most proud of about myself is that I was independent during college. I knew that I didn't want to leave college with mounds and mounds of student loan debt, and for many reasons scholarships and grants did not work out for me.

I started college at Austin Community College- on purpose. I didn't even apply to any Universities because I had a plan. I paid for each and every semester of Community College out of my own pocket and took as many classes as I could transfer. I even paid for a summer study abroad trip to Italy.

After I finished at the Community College, I went to Texas State where I started to dip into my Texas Tomorrow Fund to pay for my courses, but books, supplies, and general living expenses were all my responsibility. I had rent, car payment, cell phone, electricity, gas, food, etc. to pay for. I worked a minimum 30 hour/week, donated plasma on my two days off a week, and babysat when I could.

Fun Fact: I worked at a bra store in college... I am a certified bra fitter. There's a conversation starter!

I did take out some student loans... there's just no way to do everything when you're working for minimum wage. I got so good at being frugal that I took a trip to England for spring break and even came home with some money leftover!

The point of this post is to share one of the biggest things that helped me to save money in college.
TEXT BOOK RENTALS. Yes, renting text books! How insane are the prices of text books? Especially new ones!?

This is why when CampusBookRentals.com reached out to me to spread the word, I jumped on it!

The perks of renting text books through CampusBookRentals.com:

saving 40-90% off book store prices
FREE SHIPPING both ways!
You're welcome to highlight in the books (I'm a big fan of highlighting)
Flexible renting periods

and best of all.... they give back. They donate to Operation Smile with each text book rented.

PLUS- they've just launched a new program called RentBack- "RentBack is new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks they own - to other students... which is awesome because it makes them 2-4x more money compared to what they'd make through buyback options! (selling their books back at the end of the semester) Isn't that awesome?!"

If you're in college and looking for some easy ways to save on expenses, renting text books is one of the smartest and easiest ways to do it!

Vegetable Pot Pie- quick, easy, and no condensed soup!

2013-03-15T10:22:00.000-05:00

Hi!

I'm back from my bloggy- vacay and have a few yummy posts lined up for y'all! It was a good break, not one I really planned on taking, but c'est la vie, huh?

I really haven't been doing a whole lot of cooking the past couple weeks. I came back into town Wednesday afternoon from a small spring break getaway and went straight to my sister's house for dinner. Yesterday I spent the entire day cleaning, organizing, and making a Goodwill pile in my closet..... just my closet. The whole day. yeesh.

Today I must tackle the rest of my tiny apartment but I wanted to share my Pi-Day creation with you first!

I loooove pot-pies. They're super delicious, but super unhealthy. For this reason, I haven't had one in forever... until yesterday! I was going through my "Food- need to make" board on Pinterest and saw the "Chick Pea Pot Pie" recipe I pinned forever ago. I checked out the ingredients, noted a few changes that would need to be made for what I had on hand, and decided that that would be dinner! I love that there's no cream of condensed anything! It's just full of veggie-goodness!

Vegetable Pot Pie
adapted from eats well with others

Filling:
1 tbs EVOO
1 tbs minced garlic
1 small/medium onion- chopped
dash of Tabasco sauce
1/4 cup AP Flour
2 cups chicken/veggie broth
2 cups southern hashbrown style potatoes
1 cup frozen vegetable mix of your choice- I used "mediterranean"
1- 15oz can Chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Crust:
1 cup Pioneer Brand low-fat baking mix
3/4 cup skim milk
1 egg

Directions

Preheat oven to 400*. Grease 4 ramekins, or 1 pie pan.
In a large sauce pan, saute onion and garlic in EVOO over medium/high heat for ~5mins. Sprinkle in flour and mix slowly. Then slowly pour the broth whisking well. Cook this on medium heat until thick and bubbly.
Add veggies, chick peas, and Tabasco- heat through.

In a separate bowl, combine baking mix, milk, and 1 egg. Mix thoroughly. Let sit for 3-5mins.

Pour filling mix evenly into ramekins/pie pan. Top with baking mix (baking mix will look a bit runny, but it'll bake just fine). Bake for 10-12mins for ramekins, 22-25mins for pie pan.

Guest Post- Orange Cinnamon Corn Crumb Cake

2013-03-04T12:50:00.000-06:00

Hey there long lost friends! I'm on a bit of a bloggy vacay at the moment. My sister is in town with my sweet baby nephew so I've been busy snuggling his little baby cheeks! Jessi is going to take over the blog today and she has brought a really unique recipe!

If you'd like to guest post for me, I'd love to have you! Just shoot me an email! And make sure you're following me on Instagram (susand86) to see my adventures out of my kitchen!

Hi, I'm Jessi and I blog over at Doctorate Housewife. I'm no Martha Stewart, just a quirky girl with a PhD that accidentally became a housewife. My blog tells the story of my adventures in baking, DIY, fitness, and life. If you like this recipe, I'd love it if you'd come and visit =)
I’m happy to be posting here at Adventures in my Kitchen. I especially appreciate Susan’s policy of simple recipes with budget friendly ingredients. The recipe I have to share with you fits right in there. In fact, it was inspired by stuff I had on hand. And just look how it turned out: You see, I’m an expat - an American living in Brussels, Belgium (the home of Biscoff - oh yeah!). So, when I visit the States, there's a list of things I HAVE to eat. Near the very top of that list is a warm toasted corn muffin. Ask my brother - I make him take me to the diner every time. We sit in a booth out of a 1950s movie and catch up. It's one of my favourite parts of the visit. And then, well and then there’s crumb cake... Entenmann's Ultimate Crumb Cake. As a kid, the fun desserts that mom picked up from the store depended on the coupons. My favourite coupon - 2 for 1 Entenmann's pastries. My favourite Entenmann's pastry - Ultimate Crumb Cake!! One time, my friend and I sat around the kitchen table chatting and ended up eating almost the entire thing. I kept cutting insisting that the remaining edge be straight and she kept making it crooked. What's a girl to do?! Well anyway, I had some leftover OJ and a brainstorm: orange cinnamon corn bread. And then when I got down to making it, I had a better brainstorm: orange cinnamon corn crumb cake. The house smells delicious and my afternoon snack was out of this world!

Here's what you need:

1/2 cup corn bread
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
pinch salt
60g butter (melted)
1/4 cup brown sugar
CRUMB TOPPING
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbs cinnamon
100g butter melted

Here's what you do:

Preheat oven to 160C (350*F)
Combine dry ingredients.
Mix melted butter and brown sugar till it gets kinda caramel-like.
Add egg and OJ.
Combine with dry ingredients.
Mix crumb topping
Pour into prepared pan. Spread crumb topping over batter and bake for 20 min.

Best served slightly warm with a small tab of butter - yum!

Print Recipe

Shalan's Goodies- a tribute to my squishy face

2013-02-14T18:07:00.000-06:00

The day after my 24th birthday, the then boyfriend and I drove to California to pick up his dog, Shalan. She had been living with his ex-girlfriend and, long story short, it was time for Shalan to come to Texas. We drove straight through to CA, spend the night at his mom's house, picked up Shalan and then hit the road to come right back. We arrived back home 3 years ago today- Valentine's Day.

Shortly after Shalan arrived in Texas she had a small lump in her neck tested. She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. We were crushed. We took her to see an oncologist and were told that the best option was surgery to remove as much as the lump as they could and then chemotherapy from there. Internet research told us that an average life expectancy after diagnosis would be approx 24 months.

Shalan had her surgery at the end of March that year and by the end of the summer had finished 4 chemo treatments. She had responded well to surgery and was doing great with chemo. She had no negative side effects, and we felt like we were winning the battle! By Thanksgiving the thing I was most thankful for was that Shalan was cancer-free!

Unfortunatly, about a year ago Shalan's cancer returned. She went through some more chemotherapy and even a round of an experimental drug but her body stopped responding. It was time to just keep her comfortable. I was able to take Shalan swimming a couple times last summer, and we went for one last run together at Brushy Creek park in August before school started back again. Shalan was my first running buddy: read about our journey here.

Shalan was spoiled rotten, getting anything and everything she wanted, for the next few months. On January 12th I was told that her time was coming and on January 18th, cancer won. I am so thankful that I was able to spend so much time with her and was able to say goodbye. She was given 2 years, but she fought for 3. No one could believe that she had cancer by the way she acted. She loved to run with me, go swimming, play hide and seek, and harass me for snuggles and goodies. I miss her every single day, and will walk with Princess Wiener in the Mighty Texas Dog Walk at the end of March in honor of her- she was truly a Mighty Dog.

"A dog is the only thing that loves you more than he loves himself"

If you've ever had a dog, you know how true this is.

Shalan's Goodies
Peanut Butter & Banana Dog Biscuits

1 egg
1/3 cup peanut butter- smooth or crunchy
1/2 cup mashed banana
1 tbs honey
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup wheat germ- optional
1 egg white, lightly beaten, for brushing

Directions:
Preheat oven to 300*
Stir together the egg, peanut butter, banana, and honey in a medium bowl- blend thoroughly. Stir in the flour and wheat germ, mix well. Turn dough out onto a floured board and roll to aprx 1/4" thick. Cut cookies with cookie cutter and place onto baking sheet. Brush tops with egg whites.
Bake until dried and golden brown- aprx 30 mins, depending on the size. Remove from oven, cool completely.

Note: I didn't always roll out dough and cut with cookie cutters- sometimes I just dropped tablespoons of dough onto the backing sheet- I'm pretty sure Shalan didn't mind that they were lump shaped instead of bone shaped.

GourmetCookiesBouquets.com Giveaway!

2013-02-11T12:28:00.001-06:00

Big Thanks to ALL who entered my Birthday Giveaway!

I had a great weekend, full of friends, family, love, and good eats!

I wanted to share with y'all today a super sweet (get it?) giveaway from Gourmet Cookies Bouquets.com- a California bakery where they will you a HUGE fortune cookie (should you win), dip it in your choice of confection, decorate it, slip in your personalized fortune, & then ship it straight to you! :)

The Condensed Version of the Giveaway Rules (click here for all of them)

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter the giveaway. The mandatory entry is commenting on this post, but once that entry is completed, various other entry options will become available. Any option is acceptable, but the number of entries per person are limited to the number indicated in the contest form. Entries will be reviewed and duplicate or uncompleted entries will be removed.

NOTE - You must complete the specified entry task in order to be eligible to win the contest. If you hit the green entry button without completing the task, your entry will be thrown out (disqualified from winning the prize).

Giveaway sweepstakes is open to all residents of the 48 Contiguous States and only to those 18 or older! Winners will be chosen randomly. Three winners will receive their design choice of a Giant Fortune Cookie valued at up to $30. The designs can be seen on this page. NOTE - the cookies sold along with a plush bear are not eligible prizes for this giveaway. Winners will be notified via e-mail so make sure you provide the correct address. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another replacement winner will be chosen. Giveaway ends at midnight EST on February 17, 2013. The sweepstakes winners will be announced by February 21, 2013.

*I was not compensated for this giveaway in any way, shape, or form. I did not receive a product to review. I am participating in this giveaway for promotional purposes only. Adventures in my Kitchen is not responsible for the shipment of this prize to the winners.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Big Birthday Giveaway!

2013-02-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

It's My Birthday!!!!

And YOU'RE getting the presents!!!

My actual birthday is Saturday, the 9th. I share my birthday with my grandfather who gave me my love of history, all things Italian, and teaching! This weekend is full of fun times, starting on Thursday when I get to be my mom's date to a company dinner where they serve uber fancy foods. Friday I will Happy Hour it up with some of my favorite people from work. Saturday I'm going to sushi it up with my friends and family, and Sunday I am going to see the Broadway Musical The Lion King!
Follow me on Instagram to see my adventures outside of my kitchen!

Three fabulous ladies and I are teaming up for this giveaway. ONE lucky winner will take home all of these wonderful prizes!

Pink Shoe Laces from Rachel @ Restoring Rachel. Rachel is a SweatPink Ambassador and my Best Running Buddy!
A Chocolate Sampler Platter from Flipped Out Crackers! Flavors are Chocopeno, Chocolate Strawberry, and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

Sweetheart Necklace from Alana Lilie Designs- valued at $45. This piece is new to her website, the winner of this giveaway will be the first person to have it!

Heart Shaped cookie cutters and a "lovely" spatula (get it?) from ME! I dunno about you, but cookie cutters and spatulas are always handy and these babies are purty!

*If you're using IE to view this post, you may not see the rafflecopter widget.

Open this page in Firefox or Chrome!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Psst- All Adventures in my Kitchen readers can get an exclusive discount from Alana Lilie Designs!

CLICK HERE or CLICK HERE to receive a 15% discount!

Red Chicken with Toasted Corn Tortillas

2013-02-03T20:25:00.001-06:00

This chicken is fast, cheap, easy, and healthy; a real winner all around! It was inspired by a recipe from my local HEB called Enchilada Surprise. I did not have enchilada sauce in my pantry, but I did have tomato sauce that I doctored up. I also wanted to add in some bell peppers for extra veggies and it just so happened that all I had were red bell peppers! Thus, Red Chicken was born....

the before shot

and the after shot

Red Chicken w/toasted corn tortillas

serves aprx 4

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts- sliced or diced

2 tbs evoo

1 can tomato sauce

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp chili powder

1 cup chopped onion

1 red bell pepper- chopped

1 can Mexican style diced tomatoes

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 corn tortillas- cut into strips

preheat oven to 400*

In a large skillet, cook chicken in evoo until fully cooked. set aside.

In a 9x13" baking dish- mix together tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, onion, bell pepper, and diced tomatoes. Add chicken and mix to coat completely. Sprinkle chicken/veggie mixture with cheddar cheese and top with tortilla strips.

Bake for about 20-30 mins until the tortilla strips are nice and crispy.

Enjoy!

Cinnamon & Sugar Roasted Chickpeas + Linky Party

2013-01-26T22:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am guest posting over at Mommy's Sweet Confessions. I am bringing over a sweet and crunchy snack that wont bust your budget, or your waistline! Cinnamon & Sugar Roasted Chickpeas! I've seen savory recipes for these bad boys, but I'm a sweets kind of gal.

Leave a link to your newest/favoritest/healthiest/screw-this-diet-est recipe and go check out Mommy's Sweet Confessions! Tell her Susan sent you.

Cinnamon & Sugar Roasted Chick Peas

1 can chick peas- drain, rinse, and pick out any loose shells

2 tsp coconut oil- melted

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tbs honey (or maple, agave, etc.)

Directions:

Preheat over to 375*

Dry the drained and rinsed chick peas on a paper towel making sure to get any loose shells.

I a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, cinnamon, and sugar.

Throw in dried chick peas and toss to coat.

Spread chick peas on a lined baking sheet making sure they're spread out.

Bake for 35-45mins, shaking pan every now and then to turn chick peas.

When crunchy and roasty, remove from oven.

In a clean bowl, toss roasted chick peas with honey and then allow to cool and dry.

Store them in an airtight container if you don't gobble them up right away!

Spinach & Onion Dip Pizza

2013-01-22T20:28:00.000-06:00

Please know, that this recipe requires you to love spinach.

Love.

Not just like, or be cool with, l-o-v-e.

Spinach is super good for you, so you should love it. Full of calcium, iron, vitamin A, and folate. Yumm yumm!

The crust of this recipe is my go-to crust. No matter what the topping of my pizza are going to be, I always make this crust. Parmesan, garlic, crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.... *drool*

The ingredients for this pizza are super easy on the wallet and the whole thing comes together in no time. For me, it's a great mid-week treat and the best part is I always have leftovers for lunch the next day! Except for the first time I made this, I almost didn't have leftovers because it was soooo yummy.

True story... I ate some for dinner, then I ate some for lunch the next day. Then it was Saturday and I was so excited that I had a tiny bit leftover still, I ate it for breakfast!

All things in moderation!

Spinach & Onion Dip Pizza

Crust:

1 box Jiffy Pizza Crust mix

1/2 cup hot water

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

2 tbs garlic powder

In a medium bowl, mix together crust mix, cheese and garlic powder. Stir in hot water, mixing until dough forms. Cover bowl with a kitchen towel and let stand for 5 mins.

Topping:

5-6oz frozen spinach- thawed and liquid squeezed out

1/3 cup fat free greek yogurt

2/3 cup chopped onions

1 clove garlic- diced

1/2 cup part skim shredded mozzarella

a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.

Directions:

Roll out crust on a pizza stone or baking sheet to desired thinness.

In a preheated 425* oven, pre-bake the crust for 2-3 mins.

Combine all topping ingredients in a large bowl, mixing thoroughly. Mixture will be a bit thick.

Spread mixture evenly onto pre-baked crust and bake for 18-20mins.

Slice, serve, and enojy!

January = Christmas Hangover

2013-01-17T21:18:00.000-06:00

Anyone else still having a Christmas Hangover?

As you may have read before, I work for the local school district here in Longhorn Land, which means that I get two lovely weeks off for "Winter Break". It's a perk, I won't lie.

BUT, this also means that I have 2 whole weeks to entertain myself..... which normally means spending more money than usual. womp-womp.

I had a great break and was rested and ready (ish) to go back come January 7th, but for the last 2 weeks I've been eating like I did that time I was in college and saving up to send myself to London for Spring Break. We're talking, eggs, oatmeal, and ramen, people- not exactly blog worthy stuff.

For example:

broke girl meal #1- veggie enchiladas at my sisters house.
Please enjoy my finger in this picture.

Broke Girl meal #2- Chicken noodle soup.... sans the chicken. :-/

Broke Girl meal #3- ramen cooked in chicken broth and soy sauce
with steamed broccoli and sriracha. This was really good, actually.

Lunch meals include: peanut butter sandwich (classic) and literally a half can of refried black beans covered in melted cheese and hot sauce with tortilla chips for scooping.

Please tell me someone else is with me on this? Or maybe you are all incredibly responsible readers and are able to properly budget your monies....?

What meals are your Go-To for when you are super duper broke?

Amazon Gift Card GIVEAWAY!

2013-01-11T17:14:00.000-06:00

Want to win this?

$10 Amazon.com Gift Card

So you can buy this?

Wilton non-stick mini donut pan

And then you can make THESE!?

Then go visit Frugal Foodie Mama where I am guest posting today! There's a scrumptious Coconut Donut recipe and a giveaway for a $10 Amazon.com gift card!

Hoo-Rag hoo-rah!

2013-01-03T10:55:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!!

Do anyone's 2013 resolutions include a fitness goal? More physical activity this year? The good people over at Hoo-Rag sent me a Hoo-Rag of my own to try out and review for y'all just in time for those New Year's Resolutions! I've worn it on a couple of my outdoor runs so far and am pretty dang happy with it

So... what's a Hoo-Rag? Hoo-Rag is a custom bandanna made from spandex. It can be worn a ton of different ways! Pony tail holder, headband, neck warmer, etc. etc, etc. I wear mine to keep my hair out of my face while running.

Here are my pros and cons about the Hoo-Rag I received.

Pros- doesn't slip! warm! cute designs! FREE SHIPPING! Made in the USA (they're based in FL)

Cons- It's really just spandex, nothing ground breaking, and on mine the edges were frayed where it had been cut.

Overall, I am pretty pleased with this product and will continue to use it for my outdoor workouts while it is chilly! Thanks, Hoo-Rag!

Visit Hoo-Rag and Like their Facebook Page

*Hoo-Rag provided me with this product free of charge to review, all opinions are my own.