Tomato Tortellini Soup

Photo courtesy of Taste of Home

I realized that I had pinned this same recipe twice from two different sources on pinterest, so I must have thought it sounded good. And it was so delicious. This is definitely a soup I will make again. I made a few changes to get rid of some of the fat, and make it a little more hearty by adding some chicken. Recipe source Taste of Home.

Tomato Tortellini Soup 

1 pkg. (9 oz.) cheese tortellini

2 cans (10.75 oz. each) condensed tomato soup

2 cups chicken broth

2 cups skim milk

2 cups fat-free half and half

1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

2 cups Rotisserie chicken

1. Cook the tortellini according to package directions

2. In a Dutch Oven combine the soup, broth, milk, half and half, tomatoes and seasonings. Heat through but do not let it come to a full boil. 

3. Drain the tortellini and add to the soup. Stir in cheese and serve!

Enjoy!!

Asian Pasta Salad

Photo courtesy of Week of Menus

I pinned this recipe forever ago on Pinterest, and was excited to finally try it! I got the recipe from Week of Menus. I made a few changes, but love how it turned out. I made it for dinner and we ate it hot, then the next two days we ate it cold for lunch. It was so sweet and savory. 

Asian Pasta Salad

1 lb. bowtie pasta

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup honey

3 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar

1 red pepper, julienned

1 yellow pepper, julienned

2-3 cups rotisserie chicken

1/4 tsp. ground pepper

3 cups coarsely chopped spinach

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 tsp. red pepper flakes

1. Boil and cook pasta according to package directions. 

2. In a saucepan, combine the oil, soy sauce, honey and rice wine vinegar and heat on low until the honey is completely dissolved. 

3. Put a teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet and cook the peppers for about 2-3 minutes, don't let them get flimsy and soggy, they still need a bit of a crunch. 

4. In a large bowl combine the pasta, sauce, chicken, peppers, cilantro and red pepper flakes. Toss in the spinach once the other ingredients are completely combined. 

Light Cajun Chicken Pasta

I had the most tasty dinner tonight. Thanks to Skinny Taste, I made this Light Cajun Chicken Pasta. I love this site, she has so many delicious low fat recipes. I have a no, quick and easy go-to recipe.

Photo from skinnytaste.com

I made a few changes so my little munchkin would eat it. It was a hit. It was creamy, light, and oh so tasty. 

Light Cajun Chicken Pasta

8 oz. whole wheat linguine

1 large chicken breast

1 tsp. Cajun seasoning

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1/2 yellow pepper

1/2 red pepper

1/3 cup milk

1 Tbsp. flour

3 Tbsp. cream cheese

1 cup chicken broth

salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook the linguine according to package directions. 

2. Cut chicken breast into stripes. Also chop the peppers in stripes. 

3. In a non-stick skillet, add the olive oil. On medium heat, place the chicken in the skillet. Also add the Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet. 

4. Place the peppers in the same skillet (there should still be some of the oil and seasoning). Saute for about 3-4 minutes until soft but still crisp. 

5. Blend the milk, flour and cream cheese until smooth. Add to the skillet. 

6. Add the chicken back into the skillet. Cook until the sauce begins to boil. Then add the chicken broth. 

7. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Add the noodles. 

8. Have it sit for a few minutes to cool and thicken. 

Enjoy!

Spring Boots

I've had several requests for some lightweight baby boots for the Spring and Summer. So I decided to just go for it and see how it goes. I'm pretty excited about these mint striped boots. I think they're pretty stinkin' cute. 

DIY Valences

I've been trying to find some way to decorate this awkward wall. I love all of the extra natural light from the windows, but with our TV smack-dab in the middle there's not much room to do .... anything. The windows are so narrow, a curtain didn't really make sense, so I decided to do some sort of valence. The more I looked into what exactly I needed, I discovered this is technically called a "cornice". I was able to make two of these for about $20!  I am so happy with how they turned out. Here's how you can make them too:

Supplies for 2 valences:

Foam board - Hobby Lobby on sale for $4

Batting - twin size, used a coupon and got it for $6, but only used about half of it. 

Fabric - heavy cotton, on sale for $6 a yard, I used 1 1/2 yards (46 inches x 45 inches to be exact), but my windows are more narrow than standard windows, so get 2 yards at 45" wide. 

Scissors

Exacto Knife

Staple Gun

Hot Glue Gun

4 "L Brackets" - Lowe's, $1.76 for four including the screws.

Measuring Tape

Pencil

I took my large foam board, and traced the measurements I needed before cutting, to make sure it'll all work. I used my Exacto Knife to make a nice straight cut. 

2 - 13" x 33"

2 - 2" x 33"

4 - 2" x 13"

I then used my hot glue gun to take the two 2 x 13 pieces and glued perpendicular on each short end. Then took the 2 x 33 piece and glued all along the top to make it hold in place. Here is my foundation:

I cut a piece of batting (doubled) with the measurements of 23" x 45", giving me extra space on all side to fold it over and staple it tight. I lad the batting down, then the foam board foundation on it's back on top of the batting.

 I cut each end as pictured below, so I could fold over the bottom portion:

Then I folded over the bottom, and stapled in place about every 1.5" or so. 

Then I did the same thing with each side. Cut the batting so you are able to fold over the side. I trimmed off a lot of the excess batting in the corner. Then pull tightly over the side and staple about every inch. Continue with the other sides until the batting is completely stapled on and tight. Cut off any excess. 

I have been looking for a cute print for months, which is why I kept putting this project. But I just couldn't find anything I liked, so I just went with a solid gray cotton. Since my windows are only 29" wide with an extra inch on each side, plus wrapped the fabric around the side piece, 45" wide fabric was perfect for the length. Then for the width I did 23", even though it was only 13" tall, plus wrapping around the top piece, plus a little extra I went with 23". So the fabric (and the batting were 45" x 23"). Make sure to iron your fabric before you staple it on. Do the exact same steps are you did with the batting. 

When doing the corners, I pull in one side, and staple. Then fold over the perpendicular side to make a clean looking corner (this may take some practice before you actually staple down). 

My valences were done, and ready to hang up! So I measured out where my L brackets were going to go. I did 1.5" out of each side from the, and 4.5" above the window. Then, since the valence was so light I was able to just rest it on top of the brackets. 

Ta-da!!

I might add some sort of stripe, or white border. But for now I'm loving having a little something to make the wall not seem to bare! 

Fried Rice

This is a family favorite go-to recipe. It's so good with some stir-fry, or grilled teriyaki chicken. My daughter absolutely loves it, she eats bowls full of it. 

Fried Rice

3 cups of cooked brown rice

1 egg

1 garlic glove, minced

1 shredded carrot

1/2 cup frozen peas

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

1. Cook the rice. While the rice is cooking spray with non-stick cooking spray a large skillet. 

2. Put the egg in the skillet at a medium-high heat. When the egg is almost fully cooked, add the minced garlic, and cook for another minute.

3. Add the peas and carrots.Stir and cook until the peas are warmed through and tender. 

4. Add the rice and the soy sauce. 

ENJOY!!

Homemade Guacamole

The last few times my whole family has gotten together everyone requests my sister-in-laws fabulous homemade guacamole. My husband, for one, is obsessed. So I had to get my hands on this tasty tasty recipe. 

Homemade Guacamole

3-4 avocados

2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped

The juice of 2 limes

1 glove of garlic, minced

1/2 of a jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Put all of the ingredients in a large bowl, using a masher, mix and mash until the avocados have small chunks not completely smooth. Refrigerate until served. 

We like to eat it with the Tostito's 'Hint of Lime' chips. I was lucky to get a picture, it was almost gone before I remembered. It's also great served with these honey-lime chicken enchiladas.

Spring Wreath

It's March, and my front door still had my big red wreath from Christmas, needless to say our Christmas lights are still up too, but it's still freezing outside!! But I was in major need of some bright happy colors on my front door. So I went to JoAnn's, and was able to get the wreath and some flowers for under $15. 

I already had some wire and a hot glue gun. I thought I was going to use the burlap to do a bow, so it was here in the beginning, but didn't look right so I did without.  Here are my supplies.

I clipped all of the stems off of the flowers. So they were ready to be put right on the wreath. 

Then I just laid everything on top of the wreath to get an idea of how I wanted it to look in the end.  

I started with the yellow and tied each piece on with some wire. I tied each piece on twice, once at each end, to make sure it doesn't shift being on an outside door. 

Then I tied on the green flowers, and left room for the white flower right on top in the middle. I then took my hot glue gun and went around and tacked on the flowers so they will stay in place. Then, voila! All done. Hung in it up, and it makes me so happy every time I drive in and see it. Bring it one SPRING!!!

Chopped Steak Taco Salad

I made this salad for a party a few weeks ago, and people were basically licking their plates. It makes me never want to eat a salad unless it's chopped. You have a little something in every bite. 

Chopped Steak Taco Salad

1 or 2 flank steaks

Marinade:

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup lime juice (juice of 2 limes)

1 Tbsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 large romaine lettuce, rinsed and chopped

2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 can of black beans, rinsed

1 can of corn, rinsed

1 avocado, chopped

1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped

Dressing:

1 cup ranch dressing

2 Tbsp. Taco Seasoning

1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Put the steaks into a gallon-sized bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, completely cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 

2. Place the steak on a greased baking sheet. Place in the oven and broil for 5 minutes on each side. If it is too pink for you, broil for a few more minutes. Cut in small pieces. 

3. While the steak is cooking you can start chopping all of the salad ingredients. In a large bowl put in the chopped romaine lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped green pepper, black beans, corn, chopped avocado and chopped cilantro. Mix all of the ingredients together. 

4. Add the steak to the salad. 

5. Combine the ranch dressing and the taco seasoning in a small bowl. Pour over the salad and toss until completely covered. Refrigerate until served. Because of the avocados and the salad is dressed, use within 24 hours. Enjoy!!

Braided Bread

A huge thank you to my fabulous sister-in-law for falling upon this recipe. It looks impressive, and tastes even better than it looks. Here's the link to the original recipe here. I made both the plain bread and the cinnamon bread. We ate the plain bread for dinner, and the cinnamon bread was our dessert. We definitely fell in love with it!

Braided Bread

Makes 2 loaves

1/4 cup warm water

1 yeast packet (2 1/2 tsp)

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 cup hot water

1 tsp. salt

1/4 cup sugar

2 Tbsp butter

2 1/2 cups flour

1 egg

1 3/4 - cups flour

In a small bowl stir the warm water, yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes and let rise. 

In your  combine the hot water, salt, sugar and butter. Once the yeast mix has risen add the the mixer. Then add in the egg and 2 1/2 cups flour. Mix together using the paddle arm. 

Add 1 3/4 cups flour and mix until the dough pulls away from the bowl and into a ball. If the dough is too sticky add more flour. Take off the paddle arm and put on the hook arm. Turn mixer on to level "2", and let it knead for 7 minutes. 

Spray a large bowl with non-stick cooking spray. Put in the ball of dough and cover with a clean towel. Put it in a warm place and let it rise for a few hours. Punch the dough and let it rest for a few minutes. 

Use a knife to cut in half. Then divide into three pieces and roll out to about 14 inches. Pinch the top of the 3 pieces together and braid, then pinch again at the end. Place on the baking sheet, cover and let it rise for about an hour. 

In a small bowl, whisk an egg and 1 Tbsp. of water. Use a paper towel to brush the top of the bread. 

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 14-18 minutes or until golden brown. Let the bread sit for 5-10 minutes, and enjoy! We just tear it apart, it was wonderful. 

Cinnamon Loaf

1 Tbsp melted butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Spread over the three pieces as you are braiding. Try to keep it all in the middle. Bake at 350 degrees for 16-19 minutes. 

Homemade Playdough

My daughter was at a friends house last week and every day since then she's been talking over and over again about playdough. She is beyond obsessed with pink, so naturally, we made pink playdough. It was to fast and so easy. I had to to keep this recipe somewhere where I can easily find it again. It took 10 minutes, and she's already played with it for a total of 2 hours today. Lovely. 

Homemade Playdough

Ingredients:

1 cup flour

1/3 cup salt

2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 cup water

1 Tbsp. vegetable or canola oil

Food coloring

Instructions:

In a saucepan, mix the flour, salt and cream of tartar. Turn on to medium-high heat and add the water, oil and food coloring. Constantly stir, and let it cook for about 3 minutes. You will see it slowly harden and not be as liquidy. Once it starts looking more like playdough, and pulls away from the pan then turn off the heat and remove from the pan. Let it cool. Knead the playdough until smooth. Play with instantly, like we did, or keep it in an airtight container. 

recipe from: http://momadvice.com/blog/2012/10/homemade-playdough-recipe

Toddler Valentine Exchange

There are so many little toddlers in our neighborhood, and I wanted an excuse to all get together with them and their moms! We I threw a little Valentine Exchange party. Everyone brought their own decorated box, and enough Valentine's to share. It was the cutest thing ever. 

Heart-shaped PB&J's

Fruit Dip:

8 oz. Strawberry cream cheese

7 oz. marshmallow cream

Whisk together until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve. So yummy with any fruit. We had strawberries, apples and pineapple. 

My daughter's Valentine: with a little box of taffy. 

Heart-shaped brownie bites. Made a pan of brownies, then used a cookie cutter. 

 The very best sugar cookie recipe you will EVER have I posted here. 

We also had a bunch of candy, and a few salads for the mom's. The kids loved giving and receiving their Valentine's. 

It was a definite success.