Good Eats: Soup! | Tomato Basil

I'm a lover of a good soup.
Check this homemade recipe for tomato soup I created.

Fire Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients
1 15.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes
1 15.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
1 small can of tomato sauce
3 Teaspoons of basil
2 1/2 cups of milk
1/2 cup of frozen mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) blend
1 and 1/2 Tablespoons of flour
5 pats of butter
2 generous pinches of kosher Salt
5-6 grinds of black pepper (to your liking of course)

Directions
In 3 pats of butter Sauté mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery) blend for 5-7 minutes.
Sprinkle with flour and stir.
Add pepper and salt.
Let sauté for 3-5 minutes
Add rest of butter. Stir.
Pour in 2 cans of tomatoes, do NOT drain.
Add small can of tomato sauce
Add milk
Cover and let simmer on medium low for 15 minutes
Lower heat to low
Using your immersion blender blend the soup mixture to a soup like texture. I like mine with a few chunks left.
Stir and Cover.
Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Serve with grilled cheese.
Optional: top with sour cream, tortilla chips or even goldfish for kids!

Yummy Eats | Lemon Squares

Yummy for Summer...
Lemon Squares

Ingredients:
Crust:

1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons butter or stick margarine, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
Topping:
3 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons powdered sugar

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.
To prepare the crust, beat 1/4 cup granulated sugar and the butter at medium speed of a mixer until creamy. Lightly spoon 1 cup flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Gradually add 1 cup flour to sugar mixture, beating at low speed until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Gently press mixture into bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes; cool on a wire rack.
To prepare topping, beat eggs at medium speed until foamy. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and next 5 ingredients (3/4 cup granulated sugar through salt), and beat until well-blended. Pour mixture over partially baked crust. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until set. Cool on wire rack. Sift powdered sugar evenly over top.

Yummy Goodness | Mojito Mousse

Mojito mousse for 8

1 tbsp gelatin
2/3 cup lime juice (~ 6 - 7 limes)
3/4 cup brown sugar
5 eggs, separated
2 - 3 tbsp white rum
1 cup whipping cream, chilled
2 handfuls fresh mint leaves
lime slices to decorate

Soften the gelatin in a little warm water.
In a small pan, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Add the lime juice and 1/2 cup brown sugar and stir over a low heat until the mixture becomes like heavy cream in consistency (might take between 5 - 10 minutes).
The mixture might curdle at  the beginning, but don't let that intimidate you - it will come nicely together.
When you reached the right consistency, take away from heat and stir in the gelatin.
Add the liquor and mix. Pour the mixture into a metalic bowl and let it float in a basin of cold water to reach room temperature.
Finely chop the mint leaves and add them to the mixture once it has cooled down.
Now beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
Whip the cream until soft, add the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar and whip again until stiff.
Gently fold the egg whites into the cream. Add the lime mixture, one third at a time, stiring gently.
Pour the mousse into serving glasses, cover with cling film and refrigerate for
at least 1 hour.
To serve, decorate with mint leaves, lime slices or lime zest

Cocktail Fridays

TGIF!!
It's Friday, the week has been long, stressful, but we made it! So, to toast to the start of the weekend, I thought I would share a recipe that I love to enjoy.

Serendipity

1 oz. Vanilla Vodka
1 oz. Pineapple Juice
Instructions
Pour Vanilla Vodka over ice in a cocktail glass.
Fill with pineapple juice, stir, garnish with a Pineapple wedge
Enjoy.

Good Eats| Peanut Butter Fudge

The easiest Peanut Butter Fudge EVER!!

(image via Google)

Super Easy Fudge
2 sticks of butter (I used salted)
1 and 1/2 cups of peanut butter
3 heaping cups of Powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 heaping tablespoon of Brown Sugar (I used Light)

Microwave butter and peanut butter for 2 minutes
Stir in brown sugar and vanilla  and microwave for 2 minutes
Stir in cups of the powdered sugar slowly, mixture will be lumpy, I used a wire whisk to smooth out lumps.
Continue slowly adding the powdered sugar until it is all mixed in.
Spread mixture into a lined or sprayed pan. (I pressed and covered my fudge with a sheet of wax paper for a smooth look.
Cool for 2 hours.
Cut into squares and enjoy!

Comfort Food: Chicken & Noodles/Dumplings

It's cold! Cold weather requires comfort food. That's just my opinion.. just thought you should know.
One of my favotrite cold weather dishes to make is Chicken & Dumplings or Chicken & Noodles
This recipe is super simple.

3 Chicken Breasts
1 Small box of Kitchen Basics Chicken Stock
2 and 1/2 cups of water
1 can of Carnation Milk
1 package of Reames Frozen Egg Noodles or Dumplings
1 cup of frozen Onion, green pepper, and celery blend (I buy this exclusively at Kroger)
1 can or half a bag frozen of mixed vegetables
1 Package of Chicken Gravy
1 Package of Mushroom Gravy
Salt & Pepper to season


Poach the three chicken breasts in 2 and 1/2 cups of water and box of chicken stock
until tender. Remove from water, drain, shred, and set aside.
Reserve liquid.
Bring reserved liquid to a boil, add vegetables, onions, peppers and celery blend and chicken.
season with salt and pepper. Boil for 5-7 mintues.
Add both gravy mixes, Carnation Milk and stir to combine

Reduce heat to Medium
Add Packaged noodles or dumplings and allow to cook until tender. (Typically about 30-45 mins)
Stir several times to make sure all ingredients combine.

Serve piping hot

Good Eats : Roasted Squash

Ready for Fall eats? I am.
Check this yummy recipe out.

Honey Roasted Squash
1/4 cup liquid honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 acorn squash (2 1/2 lbs total) or 1 butternut squash (2 1/4 lbs)

Whisk first 5 ingredients together in a large bowl.
 Halve each squash crosswise, peel & scoop out seeds.
Cut into 1 inch thick rings & toss in honey mixture until well coated.
Arrange squash rings on a greased, foil lined, rimmed baking sheet & drizzle with honey mixture.
 Bake in preheated 350F oven, turning once & basting with liquid, until tender & golden- about 30 to 40 minutes.

Tasty Treat: Friday Lemon Margarita's

I, Candace Renee', am a I lover of Tequila.
Yep. LOVE IT. Don't judge, Tequila makes life fun! Try it.
Anywhoo- Enjoy the recipe below, it's a staple in my house.

Kosher salt or sugar cane for rimming glasses (optional)
Ice cubes
1/2-1 cup silver Tequila (I'm a fan of Patron or Jose')

1/4 cup of Simply Lemonade or freshly made lemonade
Lemon rind for garnish
Directions
Rim 2 margarita glasses with salt or sugar if desired, and fill with ice.
Pour the Tequila and lemondae into a shakerfilled with ice.
Shake vigorously.
 Pour into prepared margarita glasses, and serve.

Diabetes: One Year Later

God is so faithful. He works miracles EVERY single day. If you haven't tried him.. trust me.. I'll vouch for his works.
A year ago today, I was sitting at my desk at work, like normal.. only I wasn't feeling so normal.
I was tired... literally exhausted, extremley hungry, half blind, and I had a  fasting blood glucose reading of 480, and it was only 9:00. But 3:00 in the afternoon, my blood sugar would be at 570, and I would be rushed to the hospital.
Today was the day, that I found out I was a diabetic. *cue scary music*
A year ago today, I felt like my world was coming unglued. I was unsure, angry, and very scared.
This past year has been a learning experience for me. I've learned that doctor's with all of their degree's dont neccessarily always have your best interest at heart, that a diet is not the end of the world, and most importantly listening to your body and acting before the trouble is the best way to stay OUT of the emergency room.

Today, Diabetes and I are friends. I'm currently off my medication, and I'm able to control my blood glucose with diet and excercise.

I'm a year in, and I feel great. Everyday is work. Somedays I'm great.. I follow my diet plan, and even go walk around my complex. Other days, I'm a heathen. I eat what I want, and could care less about working out. But, everyday, I try. I try by listening to my body, managing my diet, and staying active.

Good Eats: Fried Chicken

I'm a lover of the fried chicken, but it doesn't like me back. So I rarely prepare it at home.
Today I had that craving and decided to fry up some chicken wings.
Here's my recipe, the measurements aren't exact but pretty close.

Pre-heat oil at 350 degrees
10 whole chicken wings rinsed and patted dry, you can discard the wing tips if you like-I don't.
Season wings with Lawry's (or season all) Garlic Powder, and Black Pepper-set aside
3/4 cups of All purpose flour
1/2 cup of Cornmeal
Combine flour and cornmeal in a paper bag or bowl
Add the following to the paper bag or bowl:  Lawry's, Garlic Powder, Goya Seasoning , and Chili Powder (maybe a 1/2 teaspoon each) stir to combine.
Add the seasoned wings, and toss until the are evenly.
Add to hot oil, and fry until golden brown,  about 12-15 mins.
Drain on paper towels and serve.

Stuffed Peppers

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 cup water
6 green bell peppers
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 medium onion

1 can of crushed tomatoes

 I also put about a half inch of water in the pan so the peppers wouldn't stick.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1. Place the rice and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 20 minutes. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beef and chopped onion until evenly browned. Drain.
2. Remove and discard the tops, seeds, and membranes of the bell peppers. Arrange peppers in a baking dish with the hollowed sides facing upward. (Slice the bottoms of the peppers if necessary so that they will stand upright.)
3. In a bowl, mix the browned beef, cooked rice, onion, 1 can tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spoon an equal amount of the mixture into each hollowed pepper. Mix the remaining tomato sauce and Italian seasoning in a bowl, and pour over the stuffed peppers.
4. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, basting with sauce every 15 minutes, until the peppers are tender.

Picture of the day

Happy Friday!! We made it, and we got another chance to get it right.. Isn't God awesome?!

****New Feature Alert**** I'm going to start sharing one shot that I have of phtos I have taken during the week.

My first pick is below...

Green Tomatoes... YUM!

Food Photography:.. Yummo!

Happy Sunday to ya! I got my highly stalked, Nikon D5000 dslr camera over the weekend, and I was able to get some great shots of something I love... Bacon!!

Check them out below..

Good Eats: Hot Honey Baked Chicken Wings

TGIF Folks...
Here is a simple recipe that I go to when I am craving chicken wings, but don't want to fry them. Enjoy!
You can make these wings either baked or grilled. I usually bake them.

Pre-heat the oven to 350
Season chicken wings (Lawry's, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Pepper)
Place in baking dish, and bake for 1 hour & 30 mins covered.
Mix 1/2 cup honey, with 1 cup hot sauce or spicy bbq sauce.
Pour over chicken and bake for 30 mins Un-covered.
Serve with blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrots sticks.

Resturant Review: Maxine's Chicken & Waffles

I love chicken. If you know me, then you know that southern fried chicken would be my FAVORITE food on the planet. I can eat it any and everyday of the week. But enough about that. A few weeks ago I had the chance to dine at a fairly new to downtown Indianapolis hot spot. Maxine's Chicken & Waffles. This place has been the talk of the town since it opened in early 2008. Finally, it was my turn to taste and add to the buzz of the city.

My oh my, is that a chicken wing or what!?

I've had Chicken & Waffles in New York, I've had Chicken & Waffles in California. NEVER in my quest for great chicken have I had chicken THIS good. It was love at first bite. Crispy, juicy, mouthwatering morsels of divine chicken. I was only one bite in, and I swear I was in LOVE!

The waffle=PERFECTION. The batter was perfect. I ordered a plain waffle, but they also offer: Strawberry, Blueberry or Sweet Potato Waffles. Did I mention the waffles are topped with Peach Butter? Peach.Butter. Just when you thought butter couldn't get ANY better, someone mixes it with fresh peaches. I wanted to just eat the butter all by itself. IT.WAS.THAT.GOOD!

Overall, the food was excellent. $9.25 for a large waffle and 3 Jumbo chicken wings was a steal compared to other Soul Food spots in the city. Maxine's also serves a complimentary basket of cornbread with peach butter as a bread course. The cornbread was hot, sweet and made to order, just how I like it.

The service was just ok, I'm not sure if the server had a issue with another member of the staff or what, but if definitely showed in her actions.

I will definitely be back to Maxine's, if your in the city, check it out!

Spicy Pico Chicken & Mexican Rice

I haven't posted a recipe in a while so.. Enjoy!

Super Easy Spicy Pico Chicken & Homemade Mexican Rice

Easy Spicy Pico Chicken

Preheat Oven to 375

Washing & pat dry Chicken breasts

Season them with Lawrys or Season All), Garlic Powder, Black Pepper & Chili Powder

Bake covered for 45-60 mins or until juices run clear.

I buy fresh Pico de Gallo from Qdoba. It's the best Pico EVER, But you can use what you like. The guy that works at my Qdoba knows me, and he makes some spicy so I always ask for the spicy kind. After the chicken bakes, I cover the chicken with spicy bbq sauce and then place the pico on top and let it bake for 15 additional mins.

Top with fresh chopped cilantro and cheddar cheese.

Super Easy Mexican Rice

You need:

Make white rice as you would normally & Drain in excess water

Chop and saute one medium Onion and set aside

1 can of diced chili peppers

1 can of tomato sauce

Mix Rice, Onion, Tomato Sauce, and peppers together. Season with Salt, Pepper and a pinch of garlic powder

Simmer on low for 15 mins and Enjoy!

Birthday Dinner Pics

Pics from my birthday dinner. Enjoy!

Chef Bocho

Eric and I

The Onion Volcano

Group Shot

Friday Foolishness

Friday Foolishness
So.. I'm out to dinner with my mom and sister. Were at a casual dining establishment. Why Why Why?.. Does the hostess have cleavage down to her belly button? I mean seriously? That's a little much for a Friday at 5:30. What I want to know is why the manager seems to think this is ok? I mean really! That much cleavage is ok for.... Maybe someone going out to a party or a club. Cleavage is great for some people in some settings, but I don't want to see your boobies while I'm trying to enjoy my mini cheeseburgers and lemonade with my family. Just dang messy!
*Peace

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

I love pork!! Good old pork! Well I have an easy recipe for anyone that wants to make a good go-to dish a home. The picture above is not my pork, I forgot to take a pic.

Stuff ya need:
6-8 hours of time let the pork get good and tender
A medium to large slow cooker
1 1lb-2lb pork loin
Barbecue Sauce(can be homemade)
Salt (kosher salt is what I used), Pepper (coarse ground) & onion powder.
1 Tablespoon of oil (I used Canola)
1 Medium skillet

How I made it:
Pre Heat the slow cooker to high.

Put a tablespoon of water in the slow-cooker

I rinsed the pork loin and patted it dry.

I seasoned the pork loin on all sides with each spice.

After heating the oil in the skillet, I browned the pork loin on each side.

After browning the pork loin, I paced it in the slow cooker, and left it alone.

I checked on the pork loin every few hours. The longer it cooked, the more tender it got.

After 7 hours, using tongs, I pulled the pork apart into small pieces. It literally fell apart!

I added the barbecue sauce and let the pork for another hour.

It was great! I served it with toasted buns, pickles, and steak fries.

Enjoy!

Lazy Dinner

Tonight I'm being lazy.. I've made great meals this week, so I've decided that it's a Bertolli nite. I know it's only Wednesday.. But this week has been rough! So it's a dang on Bertolli night I say! Bertolli Meals for 2 that is. If you haven't checked them out, then you should. Bertolli makes several pasta meals that can be made in 40 minutes or less. These delicious and easy to cook meals will be in the freezer section of your local grocery store. Also, check the website they have money saving coupons.. and I LOVE COUPONS!

~Peace