Southwest Scramble

Like most of you, my fridge is still full of those decadent holiday leftovers.  And like most of you, I am trying find new and creative ways to use them up.  That is why tonight I decided I was going to make some delicious omelets.  Everything was going swimmingly until it came time for the fold.  *sigh* Alas the non-stick coating in my pan is not as non-stick as it used to be, so I had to improvise, but I am so glad I did.  What came of this near kitchen disaster was the most delicious Southwest Scramble I have ever tasted.  I know you are going to love it so let's get started!

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West Virginia Quick Pho

I wouldn't say that I live in a small town by any means.  Actually Parkersburg is the third largest city in West Virginia, but being that as it may, we are limited in our ethnic cuisine.  Sure we have the Mexican restaurants and Chinese places, but aside from that it is pretty meat and potatoes around here.  That's why when I travel, I'm always looking for fun and exciting new foods to try.  One such culinary delight I've been hearing a lot about is Pho, a Vietnamese dish.  I learned about Pho from North Market in Columbus, Ohio, but every time I was up there something happened and I wasn't able to try it, so the other day my friend Melissa and I decided we were going to make some Pho at home.  However, upon doing some research, I discovered that a traditional Pho broth takes an upwards of 10-12 hours to make!  Ain't nobody got time pho that!  So, as I often do, I decided to make my own, quick version, of Pho and I think the result will blow your mind!  I can't wait to show you how we did it!

Let's Get started!

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How to Make the Perfect Prime Rib

 Nothing says Christmas dinner to me like a beautiful Prime Rib.  It's one of the most coveted cuts of meat there are, and the price tag definitely reflects it.  I think that's why so many people shy away from it.  You see, you have to treat this roast like a lady.  You can't "man handle" it.  You can't rush it.  No. This is not the kind of cut you are going to throw into the slow cooker and forget about it.  It needs your time, your attention.  You treat it right and it will treat you right.  You try and rush it, and this meal will go down hill fast.  And when you are paying $10+ a pound, the thought of it not turning out is pretty scary!  But don't worry.  With a little technique, and some simple salt and pepper, YOU, yes YOU can pull this off and it will be so delicious your guests will be amazed!

Let's get started!

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French Toast Casserole

Let's talk traditions, shall we?

Growing up, my siblings and I had this tradition of all sleeping in the same bed on Christmas Eve.  Yes, all four of us would pile in together and try our very best to go to sleep as quickly as possible.  I will never forget the year we all piled into my brother's bunk beds.  Two on the top, two on the bottom.  Forgetting that I was on the top bunk, I totally rolled off, onto the floor, while my parents were videotaping!  It was both humiliating and painful.  *lol*

One thing I don't remember doing on Christmas morning was eating breakfast.  I think that was because once all of the present opening was complete, my mom and dad immediately went into the kitchen to get everything ready for the big dinner while my sibling and I got cleaned up to visit our family.  There really was no time to stop and make breakfast, but I have to admit, I think that a traditional family breakfast after gifts would have been lovely.

So when I got married, I decided that I wanted a special breakfast on Christmas morning to be a part of our traditions.  I like to keep things simple, and my French Toast Casserole is perfect for this because everything can be assembled the night before, and all you have to do on Christmas morning is bake it off!

You won't believe how simple it is so let's get started!

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Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

It's Christmas and of course you are being invited to parties and family get-togethers galore!  One of the good things about hosting a modern day holiday celebration is that it is customary for your guests to bring a dish.  One of the downsides to being a guest is what do you bring?  My go-to, and one of my personal favorites, is Spinach Artichoke Dip.  Now I know what you are thinking, "I have had a million and one spin dips. What makes yours special?"  Well, my spin dip is a little different from your average dip and I think the flavor is out-of-this-world.

I can't wait to share it with you so let's get started!

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Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breast

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pompeian Olive Oil.  

All opinions are my own. 

Tis' the season for holiday parties, family get togethers, and more!  I love spending time with all of the special people in my life, and I can't think of a better way to do that than around a table with a great meal!  The thing is, with all the shopping and meal planning for the big day, my pocketbook doesn't always allow for pricey cuts of meat and expensive wines.  That's when I turn to my pantry  for inspiration.  Using an inexpensive cut of meat, such as chicken, a few staples, and a good quality oil such as Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, you can whip up this AMAZING Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken in no time!  Oh, and did I mention that in addition to being the first and only extra virgin olive oil to carry the USDA quality monitored seal, Pompeian has a wide variety of products including blended oils, vinegar, cooking wines and cooking sprays for all of your holiday cooking needs.  

With that being said, Let's Get Started!

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Homemade Hamburger Helper

I don't know about you, but it seems that ever since we entered into the holiday season, life has been CRAZY!  I feel as though I don't have time to think straight, no less cook elaborate meals for my family.  It is in these moments that a telephone call to the local pizzeria or the drive-thru on the way home seems SO VERY tempting.  Or maybe it's the box of powdered "Heaven-Only-Knows" in the pantry, that is ready in 20 minutes, beckoning out to you.  Here's the thing.  You don't have to do it!  Simple isn't necessarily better and you know what else?  It's not necessarily faster either.   Take my Homemade Hamburger Helper for example.  A little short cut mixed with some great, fresh ingredients and you have dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less!

Let me show you how I did it!

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French Onion Soup

Recently my husband has been traveling a lot.  This means that there have been many weekends where my mother-in-love and I are home alone.  So to keep myself occupied, and to test out some recipes, I have been entertaining friends.  I love getting together with my girlfriends.  You can guarantee that there will be lots of laughing, eating, and some form of a British television series in the background!

The best part about low-key entertaining with friends is that is doesn't have to be anything fancy.  Take my French Onion Soup for example.  Yes, it may sound fancy, but with only a few simple ingredients this elegant soup is perfect for a delicious night in with your friends.

Let me show you how I make it...

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Chicken and Dumplings

The weather has been all over the place this winter, no?

One minute it's snowing, and literally within 10 minutes it can be raining.  The next day, 60 degrees!  I CAN'T TAKE IT!!!  That is why I love recipes like these Chicken and Dumplings!  It uses simple ingredients, has great flavor, and is super heart warming!  No matter what the weather is where you are at, these are going to hit the spot!  You won't believe how easy it is and I can't wait to show you!

Let's Get Started!

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Corn Flake Wreath "Cookies"

A BIG part of the Christmas season, for me, has been cookie baking.  Growing up, my mom was always baking something.  Cakes, cookies, brownies.  She is an amazing baker!  Another thing she was always good at was getting us in the kitchen to help out.  Whether it be measuring flour, cracking eggs, stirring, she always involved us.

So when I was thinking of what I wanted my "formed" cookie to be for today's "Tis the Season for Cookies" round-up, I wanted to do something that would involve all of your children, no matter what their age or ability.  Then I saw a picture on Facebook for these adorable Corn Flake Wreath "Cookies".  While these are not actually what I would describe as a cookie, it is something that everyone can be apart of and the result is absolutely adorable!  I can't wait to share it with you so LET'S GET STARTED!

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Lemon Pepper Chicken Soup w/ Kale

This Fall/Winter transition is kicking my butt.  (Is it okay to say butt on here?)  Anyway, my seasonal allergies are always worse in the fall.  Throw in all of the snow and rain we have been having and my sinus' have had enough.   That is when I decided I needed to give my immune system a little boost so I headed to my fridge and see what I had to work with.

Usually when one is feeling under the weather, you would make them chicken noodle soup, but I really didn't want that.  However, I DID have some leftover, grilled, lemon pepper chicken, carrots, kale, Hmmmmm....How about Lemon Pepper Chicken Soup with Kale!

This soup is packed full of great, immune boosting, vitamins and the flavor it out-of-this-world!  I can't wait to show you how I made it, So let's get started!

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Perfect Marinara Sauce

I am going to share a little story with you.  I didn't always know how to cook.  No, I'm not talking about when I was a child.  I mean as a young woman, in my early 20's, I did not know how to cook. Sure, I grew up around great food and even better cooks, but no one really taught me how to do it.  So here I was, a newly married woman, unable to feed my husband.  That is when I knew that my mission in life was not to simply learn how to cook, but to be able to cook the kind of food that I grew up on.

My first step in that endeavor was learning how to make the Perfect Marinara Sauce.  It is the base for just about any red sauce you want to make, and it is equally delicious all on it's own. When you think of homemade sauce you instantly imagine hours slaving away in a hot kitchen, but the beauty for the modern day cook is that companies such as Tuttorosso Tomatoes, a cherished 85-year-old tomato brand that's family-owned and family-run, are producing fantastic canned tomato products so that you can make fresh pasta sauces, from scratch, for your family, in no time at all!  So today we are going to "Celebrate the Sauce" with Tuttorosso!  

Let's get started!

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Turkey Pot Pie

 Thanksgiving has come and gone, but if you are anything like me, you still have a lot of leftover turkey in your freezer.  So the question remains...What do you do with all that left-over bird?  Well, one of my favorite dishes to make is Turkey Pot-Pie!  It is so simple and you can put just about any leftover vegetables in it that you want.  It is the perfect take-two recipe for your Thanksgiving leftovers and I can't wait to share it with you.

Let's get started...

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Apple Pie Cookies w/a Salted Caramel Icing

Happy December first everyone!
Thanksgiving is behind us, the leftovers have been consumed, our shopping carts have been filled, and now it is time to focus on something new...CHRISTMAS!

I can't think of a better way to transition into the Christmas season than with COOKIES, can you?  That is why some fellow bloggers and I are doing a "Tis the Season for Cookies" Round-Up!  Each week we will feature different cookies for you to try!  This will be a delicious endeavor to say the least!  To go to my fellow cookie makers blogs just look for their links at the bottom of this recipe!

ANYWAY...
To kick of my portion of this cookie adventure I bring to you my DELICIOUS Apple Pie Cookies w/a Salted Caramel Icing!  They taste JUST LIKE little bite-sized pies and I know you are going to LOVE them.

Let's get started!

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