Soup Sunday | Cheesy Potato & Hamburger Soup

Soup Sunday | Beef Tips & Rice {super easy!}

My sister in law shared this recipe with me and it's too good not to share!

*This is one of those rare recipes where leftovers are actually better than the day of!

Soup Sunday | Adam's Chili

*freezes so well, but also a crowd favorite so feel free to drop off at your friends' door steps!

Soup Sunday | Cheesy Potato Soup

* This is thick and hearty and pairs well with a big loaf of french bread

Favorite Things Party + Best Chocolate Fondue Recipe Ever!

Last week a few of my favorite gals came over for a Favorite Things party.  We hung out until after midnight, which is unheard of for me!  

If you haven't been to one yet, you basically just invite a few of your favorite people and everyone brings a favorite item {we had a $10 limit}.  Once you know how many people are coming, you have everyone bring that many of their favorite thing.  For example, I brought 5 prayer journals.  Each person went home with 5 of their friends' favorite things!  Super easy and tons of fun!  

One friend was sick and one was traveling, so I'm hoping to throw another party, Happy Hour style, this summer!  If you don't get to catch up with your girls as much as you would like, this is the perfect party for you.  Adam put the kids' down at 7, and the girls came over for fondue and an evening of chatting & sipping wine in lounge wear around the living room -- my perfect night! :) 

Here's the chocolate fondue recipe -- just in time for Valentine's Day! 

My favorite things to dip are Rice Krispy bars, pretzels, marshmallows, fruit, brownie bites, vanilla waffers, graham crackers, but the options are endless!  

Here's our favorite Fondue Pot, if you don't have one yet.  {ps...perfect wedding gift!}

Brooke's Chex Mix Recipe

Remember when this blog started {5 years ago} and I posted about my husband cooking?  Yah, I barely do either.  Two kids later, we just aren't home at dinner time as much as we used to be.  I swear at least 3 times I weeks I'm throwing together a quick peanut butter sandwich for the kids!  Some day we will fill our bellies with yummy, homemade food.  Until then, quick meals & snacks will just have to do.  I can't imagine how much crazier our lives will get when the kids start sports & school!  -- This really doesn't have to do with this post, it just jogged my memory that I used to post recipes often. 

Last weekend while boating with friends, we stopped over to our friend Brooke's parents' home for a quick potty break and I spotted this Chex on the counter.  Both Brooke and her mom are known for their amazing food, so I quickly grabbed a handful...and then I threw half in a ziplock and headed back to the boat.  I'm working you guys...this stuff is like crack!  Don't say I didn't warn you... :)

1 1/2 c. Brown Sugar
1/2 c. Light Corn Syrup
1 (14oz.) box of Rice Chex Cereal

1 1/2 Stick Butter
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 (8oz.) can of Cashews {or your favorite nuts)

In a small saucepan, bring butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup to a boil.  Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla.

In a brown paper bag, combine cereal and cashews.  Pour Caramel mixture over cereal in the bag.  Fold the top of the bag over and shake. Place in microwave for 2 minutes.  Remove and shake again.  Repeat 2 more times.

Voila!

{ing} life

{making}  lists for vacation
{cooking}  grilled cheeseburger wraps
{drinking}  a mountain dew
{reading}  the Fixed trilogy
{wanting}  my kids to have fun with Grandma Joy {& aunts/cousin} while we're gone
{looking} for Adam's passports, our flight itinerary, my external hard drive, Cullyn's sippy cup of milk...
{praying}  for safe flights for everyone 
{playing}  American Kids by Kenney Chesney & blocks with Jordyn
{wasting}  time blogging
{wishing}  I was caught up on all of my editing {always}, that my laptop was fixed, & that I was packed
{enjoying} my last couple of days with the kids
{waiting}  for the dryer to buzz
{liking}  back to school shopping with Jordyn
{wondering}  how bad it is for your kid to eat chalk. and how much is too much {ahem.  Cullyn!}
{loving}  my new mani/pedi that my sister, Jordyn, & I got
{hoping} for awesome weather in Mexico, that we didn't forget anything, & that J's first day of school goes well
{needing}  an eyebrow wax.  bad!
{smelling}  the last of my Pomegranate candle before I break out the Fall one! :)
{editing} a senior session and then a wedding
{wearing} jean shorts and my new favorite tee {here}
{following}  this girl cutest posts ever!
{noticing} how badly we need new carpet.
{knowing}  I have about 346812864 errands to run and things to do before we leave
{thinking} about Adam & I on vacation
{feeling}  anxious.  excited.  nervous.  
{bookmarking}  all things fall!
{opening}  mail to pay bills {ugh!}
{giggling} at Murdock and Cullyn wrestling and Jordyn practicing her summersaults

This & That {Fall!}

Did this:
Joined a gym & worked out 4 times!
Took Jordyn to Zoo Tunes & Gymnastics.
Went back to the doctor with Cullyn for another {the same?} ear infection. {We have been referred to the ENT for him now too.} :(
Stayed home & enjoyed the cool, crisp weather.  Open windows, hoodies, & fall candles! :)
Took the kids to the Apple Orchard with my BFF and her boys
Watched the Iowa football game with Adam's coworkers {Many that I was just meeting for the first time}
Went to my first spin class {ugh!}
Wrapped Jordyn's 2nd Birthday presents.
Attempted to take the kids to a pumpkin patch.  5 locations later, we gave up!  We will try again another night!  :(
Watched World War Z
Shopped with my sister and Cullyn 

Instagrammed that:

Cooked this: 

Chili {okay, Adam made it!} :)

Brown...

1 lb. hamburger

1 lb. italian sausage

1 diced onion

5 cloves of diced garlic

Seasonings to taste {salt & pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin}

Add…

1 can Ro-tel {tomatoes, onions, chilis} 

2 cups Salsa {we use medium heat, but whatever you prefer}

1 can Mrs. Grimes Chili Beans {or whatever brand you prefer}

Tomato Juice {to desired thickness, we use 3/4 of a large can}

Let it simmer on the stove top all day.  Serve with sour creme, shredded cheese, & Fritos chips.

Hoping that:
..I get my fall decor put up this week {since I didn't get it done the entire month of September!} 
..Our family photos go good and I don't look huge in my outfit!
..We get to a pumpkin patch one night this week



Shot this:

Scheduled that:
M::This & That of the Weekend
T::
W::Family Photo Outfit Idea {Mustard + Navy}
T::
F::R&J 50th Anniversary Photoshoot

Asiago Pasta Recipe

Here's the recipe that the boy's made for my MIL's birthday this past weekend.  It's healthy wonderful!!!

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package (bow tie) pasta
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast - cubed
2 1/4 cups heavy cream, divided
1/4 cube chicken bouillon, crumbled
3/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup chopped prosciutto
1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 tablespoon parsley flakes [we used fresh]

Directions
1.Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, and set aside.

2.Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir chicken cubes, reducing heat if necessary, until no longer pink in center and juices run clear. Set aside.

3.In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups cream to a simmer, stirring often. Whisk in bouillon and cheese until well blended and bouillon has dissolved completely. Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons water, and whisk into mixture. Cook and stir 2 minutes more, then remove from heat and set aside.

4.Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Stir in prosciutto, garlic, and mushrooms and cook until mushrooms are tender, about 3 minutes. Add chicken, reduce heat, and continue cooking until chicken is heated through. Return sauce to the stove and add remaining 1/4 cup cream and parsley flakes. Heat through.

5.To serve, place pasta in a large mixing or serving bowl. Add chicken and mushroom mixture and pour in cream sauce. Toss well, and serve.

---------------------------
Original recipe found here

{Recipe} M&M Oatmeal Bars

M&M Oatmeal Bars
1 c. margarine - softened
2 c. quick oats
1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
pinch of salt

Mix well, place 1 1/2 c. aside. Press remaining crust in an 9x13 greased
cookie sheet.  Bake at 375* for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

Topping:2 tbsp. margarine
1 c. chocolate chips
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 to 1 c. M&M's

Melt margarine and chips over very low heat, stirring constantly.  Stir in
sweetened condensed milk and mix together well.  Spread this mixture over
the crust that was just taken out of the oven.  Top with reserved
"crust" mixture and M&M's.  Return to oven for 6 to 8 minutes.  

Do not overbake!

Recipe:Candy Bar Pizza

Another recipe from my mama...another kid favorite...imagine that! :)  

1 pkg. 20oz. sugar cookie dough

2 C. mini marshmellows

1 King snickers

1 King milky way [I use 2 snickers bars instead!]

1 C. m&m's

Spread  cookie dough on 9X13 cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes.  Top with marshmellows and bake for 5 additional minutes.  Take out and top with cut up candy bars and m&m's . Bake at 325*.

YUMMO!  This is sure to be a fav!
Let me know what you think if you try it!!

Recipe:M&M Oatmeal Bars

Another recipe from my sister in law.  These are A.MAZ.ING!!!  Not hard to make..but I did mess them up the first time! :)

1 c. margarine - softened

2 c. quick oats

1 1/2 c. flour

1 c. brown sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

pinch of salt

1 c. chopped nuts [I never put these in!]

Mix well, place 1 1/2 c. aside. Press remaining crust in an 11x15 greased

jellyroll pan (cookie sheet).  Bake at 375* for 10 minutes. Remove from

oven and set aside.

Topping:

2 tbsp. margarine

1 c. chocolate chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 to 1 c. M&M's

Melt margarine and chips over very low heat, stirring constantly.  Stir in

sweetened condensed milk and mix together well.  Spread this mixture over

the crust when that was just taken out of the oven.  Top with reserved

"crust" mixture and m&M's.  Return to oven for 6 to 8 minutes. Do not

overbake.

Recipe:Chicken Deluxe Breasts

This is a recipe from my sister in law.  It is super easy & delish! :)  If I can make it...anyone can! 

6 Chicken Breasts

6 Slices Swiss Cheese

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1/2 cup Butter/Margarine

1 packet Dry Italian Seasoning [or Ranch if you prefer]

Lay chicken breasts in pan with a slice of cheese on each.  Pour cream of mushroom soup over top.  Melt butter and mix with seasoning packet.  Pour that over the top, cover, and bake at 350* for about 1 hour.  [Chicken temp to 165°]

Recipe:Bubble Pizza

Since I miss my mama today & its stormy and cold...I think it's a great day to post this recipe!

This is a recipe from my mama.  She used to make it when we were little girls! :)  Kids will LOVE this pizza!

2-tubes of bisquits

1-lb. hamburger (browned)

1-can pizza sauce

1-2 C. bag of shredded cheese

[add any other pizza toppings you like]

Cut both tubes of bisquits in to fourths, spread in 9X13 greased pan. Sprinkle browned hamburger over top of bisquits. Than pour sauce over top, and bake for 20 minutes at 350*. Than take out oven top with shredded cheese, and place in oven for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted golden brown. 

Recipe:Big Bistro Burgers

This recipe is #281 out of the Rachel Ray  365:No Repeats cookbook.  We had this for our 'B' night supper.

5 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil [EVOO]

4 Large Shallots [we didn't use]

4 Tbsp Sherry Vinegar [for Shallots]

2 Lbs. Ground Sirloin [we used regular beef from our freezer :]

2 Tbsp. Fresh Chopped Thyme

2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce

1 Tbsp. Grill Seasoning

2 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard

4 Thick Slices Crusty Country-Style Bread [we used Asiago because we had it on hand]

1 8.25 oz. Can of Beets [we didn't use these either]

1 Cup Crumbled Goat Cheese

Combine Beef, Thyme, Worcestershire, Grill Seasoning, and Dijon Mustard.  Divide meat into 4 sections & form patties about 1.25 inches thick.  Coat the beef patties with EVOO.  Grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side [on high].  Add cheese.

Drizzle EVOO on bread slices & grill until marked on both sides & assembly burgers.

Enjoy!