Cool Cucumber Dip

The weather down here persists with the hot. It's mid October, and it's still over 90 every day. It is killing me. So I broke out my yummy cucumber dip recipe. It's cool and refreshing. Try it!

1 1/2 c. finely diced cucumber*
2 c. plain yogurt**
1/2 c. chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
pita chips (for dipping)

*I use much more cucumber. It's yummy.
** I tried Greek Yogurt this time, and I think I prefer normal plain yogurt.

Combine and refrigerate. Serve cold.

Read more...

Homemade Soft Pretzels

These are really fun to make and they are super good. I love being able to make them, freeze them and then take them out for a snack for Bindi. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1C. water
2T. Yeast
2 t. Honey
2 1/2 C. Milk
1 stick butter ( just do it, you know you want too)
1/2 C. honey
4 t. salt 8 C. whole wheat flour ( more if necessary)
**( you can also make these with white flour and white sugar)

In a very large bowl mix

1 C. very warm water
2T yeast
2t. honey
Stir this together and kind of mush the yeast around
Let this sit for a few minutes while you do the next step

Melt a stick of butter in a large saucepan
Add 1/2 C. Honey
4t. salt
and 2 1/2 C. Milk
Heat to 120 degrees

Poor milk mixture into the yeast mixture and stir
Then stir in 8 C. of flour, Do it 2 Cups at a time ( add more if you need it) You will know you have added enough when the dough starts to pull away from the side of the bowl and its not to sticky, dont use too much or it will be stiff)

Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes
Throw it into a bowl and cover it and let it rise for about 1 hour 1/2.

When done it should look something like this ( don't judge me for using elmo place-mats for this process, my cutting boards were in the dishwasher.)

Ok next comes the fun part ( its kind-of like playing with play-dough)
ok break off a piece of the dough about the size of your fist (unless you have freakishly large fists... then just use good judgement)
Now roll that piece out like a snake
Ok next do this
Then do this
Next bring the twisted part down to the center, like this ( isnt it beautiful?!)
As I go I place them on my best Elmo Place-mat
Next put them on a cookie sheet an inch a part. Bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees. When they have about 5 minutes left melt the rest of the butter in a saucepan... or microwave, whatever.
When they come out brush them with butter and sprinkle with kosher salt ( you can also use regular salt, but I love the kosher salt) Then it is mandatory that you eat one while they are soft and warm, I like having mine with a nice diet coke.
I freeze mine and then when we want one we take one out and place it in the microwave for a minute ( we put a piece of cheese on ours) These are such a good snack especially for mommy's with kiddos. Hope you like!

Read more...

Baked Brocolli

ok, so I'm on a brocolli kick right now (can you tell) truth be told, I hate brocolli- raw and plain that is- well there is an easier (and healthier) alternative to getting your greens rather than slatherig it in Velveeta- and it's kid approved- Hailyn and my husband Ryan both LOVE it! Super easy!

brocolli (or asparagus!)
olive oil (I use extra virgin)
salt and pepper (or garlic salt and pepper dependingif you like garlic!)

Preheat oven to 350. Line a cookie sheet with foil (this is optional, but I like minimal cleanup!) If you are doing brocolli put some olive oil in a small shallow bowl and dunk it (it coats it evenely) or you can lay the brocolli or asparagus on the cookie sheet and drizzle the olive oil over it. Then shake salt and pepper (or garlic salt) and bake for 10-12 minutes- super easay, healthy and delicious snack.side dish!

Read more...

Cheesy Bruschetta Toast

Ok, so I had a picture of these. But I can'tforthelifeofme find it! Perhaps I deleted it. Dumbness. But they look really snazzy, like you know how to cook or something. Impress your friends! My kids have been known to nosh on them too!

Stuff you need:

whole grain baguette/French bread/whatever... the long skinny kind, like tall as a toddler.
2 roma tomatoes
1 tea. olive oil
1 tbl. fresh basil (finely chopped- or use a food processor)
salt & pepper (to taste)
shredded mozzarella cheese


Slice a 1/2 lb. baguette into small ovals and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake at 450 for 6-8 mins until toasted, turning once. (you can skip this step if you're lazy like me- it will just be a bit squishy in the middle)
In a small bowl, stir together seeded and chopped roma tomatoes, olive oil, basil, salt and pepper. Spoon small amount of mixture atop each bread slice, sprinkle with mozzerella cheese. Return to oven and bake 2 mins, until cheese is melted.

Read more...

BANANA BREAD/MUFFINS

This is Ryan's grandma's recipe and by far the best banana bread recipe I have come across!I make it into muffins! easier for 'serving' or in our case, eating 'on the go'
Preheat oven to 325
1 cup (3) VERY ripe bananas- mine are basically black!
1/2 cup of oil
2 eggs
(put in a large bowl and whip them REALLY well)

In a seperate smaller bowl:
2 cups of flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 cup of nuts (OPTIONAL)
1 cup sugar

Take the contents of the smaller bowl and dump into large bowl then mix. Grease either loaf pan or muffin tin really well (or use paper cup liners) and fill til about 1/2-2/3 the way full. Bake 1 hour for loaf or 22-23 minutes for muffins until toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy!

Read more...