Memorial Day Fare...

We had this last night and it was very good! It was so different and unique that I had to share it with y'all! We had so much grilling going on and visiting with family at the same time, that we didn't get around to taking any photos! But this is exactly what it looks like. The photo and recipe both come from Southern Living - my favorite!!!

Grilled Potato Salad

8 bacon slices
4 medium-size red potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (I used 8 small russet)
1 large white onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick strips (I used 1 red onion)
Potato Salad Dry Rub
Potato Salad Dressing
Garnish: chopped fresh parsley (I omitted this - not a parsley fan)

Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Cook bacon, in batches, in a large skillet over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp; remove bacon, and drain on paper towels, reserving drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon. Add potatoes, onion, and Potato Salad Dry Rub to hot drippings in skillet, tossing to coat. Remove potato mixture with a slotted spoon. Grill potato mixture, covered with grill lid, over 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat in a grill wok or metal basket 30 minutes or until tender, stirring every 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add Potato Salad Dressing, and toss to coat. Stir in bacon. Garnish, if desired. Serve warm.

* We ended up grilling so much food, that to save time - I just put these in the oven at 400 degrees for 1 hour! They might have missed some of the smokey flavor from the grill, but still very good!!! Next time we'll throw them on the grill and see how they compare!

Potato Salad Dry Rub

2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. dried crushed rosemary
1/8 tsp. celery seeds

Stir together all ingredients. Store in an airtight container up to 1 month. Makes: about 2 Tbs.

Potato Salad Dressing

5 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Stir together all ingredients. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks. Makes: 1/2 cup

Gone, but not forgotten...

I just wanted to say "thank you" to the families of ALL servicemen out there that have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom!!! Click here to watch a very touching video and remember that this is a National Day of Mourning!!!!

Good Eats for Summertime!!!

We first found this on MyRecipes, but of course my hubby had to change it up! This was WONDERFUL!!! Here's his version........

No1Here's Fish Tacos

Sauce:
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 Tbs. mayo
4 Tbs. sour cream
1 tsp. grated lime rind
1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp. salt
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 of a jalapeno, seeded and minced


Tacos:
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 lbs. Tilapia fillets
Cooking spray
8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cabbage

Preheat oven to 425°. To prepare sauce, combine all ingredients in a small bowl; put in fridge to meld flavors. To prepare tacos, combine dry seasonings in a small bowl; sprinkle spice mixture evenly over both sides of fish. Place fish on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 425° for 9-12 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Place fish in a bowl; break into pieces with a fork. While fish is cooking, heat tortillas. Divide fish evenly among tortillas; top each with 1/4 cup cabbage and 1 tablespoon sauce. Serves:4

Kathy's menu - week 31

Saturday - Fish Tacos and Borracho Beans

Sunday - Pork Chops w/ Mushroom Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and Rolls

Monday - Grilled Chicken, Grilled Potato Salad, Grilled Corn on the Cob, and Grilled Bread

Tuesday - Pernil, Fiesta Rice, Beans

Wednesday - My Birthday Dinner at Lupe Tortillas

Thursday - Midnight Cuban Sandwiches, and Chips

Friday - Grilled Lemon Chicken w/ Pasta and Alfredo Sauce, and Garlic Bread

Dinner tonight...

I made this for dinner tonight and it was super yummy! I'm not that great of a photographer, so this picture doesn't do it justice!!! Happy cooking!

Italian Sausage Pasta

1 pkg (16oz) bow tie pasta (or whatever you like)
1 lb Italian Sausage (you can buy the links and cut into small pieces and brown like meatballs or chop up like hamburger)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1-1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (I omitted this because we don't like spicy stuff)
2 cans (14-1/2 oz) Italian stewed tomatoes
1-1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (I only used 1 cup)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dried basil
1 pkg shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile in a dutch oven, cook the sausage, onion, garlic and pepper flakes over medium heat for 4 - 5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain well, stir in tomatoes, cream, salt and basil. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta, toss with sausage mixture or serve separate. Garnish with cheese!!

Memorial Day Ideas...

Besides hotdogs - does anyone have any great dishes I should try this coming Memorial Day? Main dishes, sides, desserts, -- anything you got! I'm leaning more toward a brisket, but I'm a "dry rub" girl!!! I just haven't found that winning rub recipe yet - ughh!!! I'd just love any ideas all around!!!

A vintage recipe for you...

Do you remember eating this as a child? Really brings back all those wonderful memories, doesn't it? I found this recipe over on Food, Friends, and Fun and thought I'd give it a try. It turned out really great! The kids loved it - even the adults too! ;) It's perfect for this gorgeous weather we've been having!

Jello Cake

1 box yellow cake mix
0.6 oz box strawberry jello
3.4 oz box vanilla instant pudding
1 container cool whip

Bake cake mix in 13x9 inch baking dish according to box directions. Pull out of oven and poke holes into the top of the cake. Combine strawberry jello with 2 cups BOILING water. Mix well, then pour over hot cake. Refrigerate over night. (I only refrigerated for about 4 hours and it was fine) Prepare instant pudding according to box directions and spread over cake. Spread cool whip over pudding and enjoy!

Beef Tips Revisted...

Just adding a photo to an old recipe. Go here if you want to make this yummy dish!

Fish Tacos

I attempted Fish Tacos tonight, and although they were good, they weren't GREAT!! I am looking for some ideas....any kind of fish any old way....I'm open for suggestions/ideas/advice!!! Here's what I did:

seasoned tilapia then baked it in the oven for about 15 minutes..served on corn tortillas with spicy ranch, cabbage slaw, tomatoes and avacodos.

Like I said, it was good...but would like to start cooking more fish....send me what you got!!!

Thanks for reading!!

Cindy

Last Comfort Food Meal...

Weather permitting, of course!!! This is definitely a "keeper" that I should have shared with y'all a long time ago. I just wished the photo turned out a bit more appetizing!!! I promise it's worth it!!! This awesome recipe came out of an old cookbook that my dear friend Janice got me once she left our Lone Star State. The cookbook is titled Miss Daisy Celebrates Tennessee. She even had it autographed for me!!! Well Janice, since you've now moved from Tennessee - I think it's time for a new cookbook!!! ;) lol...

Oven Steak With Potatoes

2 lbs. round steak
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup shortening, or oil
1 lg. onion, sliced
5 med. potatoes, sliced 1/2" thick
1 10 3/4 oz. can mushroom soup
1 soup can water

Cut steaks into 8 pieces, season with salt and pepper. Dredge meat in flour, brown on both sides in shortening in large skillet. Remove steak from skillet once crisp and done. Saute onion in same skillet. Place potatoes over onions. Continue browning for 10 minutes, turning frequently. Place meat on top of potatoes. Whisk together the soup and water and pour over the steaks. Cover and cook over medium heat for 35-40 mintues. Serves: 6-8

And The Winners Are...

Hey, ladies! Today is the big day!!! Sorry, it's taken me so long to announce the winners. I've come down with a stomach bug, so it's been slow going today. I had my oldest son and youngest son help me out today with the drawing. They loved every suspenseful second of it!!! They drew the names out of a mixing bowl, of course! ;)

Anyway, the names that were drawn were Ashley from The Happy Little Home and Kristen from Whatcha Eatin'?. A BIG congrats to the winners!!! Thanks everyone for your wonderful ideas! Once my stomach comes back, I will start trying some of them. I will Contact Mr. Malekovic and notify him of the winners!!! I'm sure he'll contact you via your blog about mailing addresses. So, keep an eye out. Thanks for playing ladies!!!

Happy Mother's Day...

Hope all you mothers out there are enjoying your day! My kids really enjoy getting in the kitchen. I just had to share this with you - my second son came up with this creation, pictured above. My kids eat quesadillas like normal kids eat grilled cheese. They really like changing things up and trying new variations. Here's my second's son recipe - cheese, green onions, and lemon juice all in between grilled tortillas. It sure does a momma's heart good to see her son cooking and creating in the kitchen!!! awww...

Busy week...

Hey guys! Just wanted to let y'all know that this week is really busy!!! It's that time of year again!!! I have a hard time posting in May (not to mention viewing your blogs) with the end-of-year stuff going on at all four of my kids' schools! My second son is having a slumber party this weekend, so I'm also doing last minute stuff for that this week. So, hopefully I'll be back in a few days - nothing too long! In the meantime, go enter my giveaway!!! :o)

Country Bob Giveaway!!!

Did any of you see my post from yesterday? Well, Al would like to give you the chance to try this amazing sauce as well. So he is giving away two bottles to two of my lucky readers. To enter the giveaway - just leave me a comment on this post, giving me ideas of what to cook next with this sauce!!! If you have a recipe I could use this sauce in already posted on your blog, just post the link... if not, be a sweetie and type it out for me, please!!! ;)

This giveaway will last until May 11th, which gives you a whole week! I can't wait to see what you come up with!!!

Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce...

Not too long ago I was contacted by Al Malekovic, who represents a small company called Country Bob's Inc. He said he'd like to send me, Tara, and Cindy two bottles of their All Purpose Sauce each, to try and then to do a review on them. Here's some history on the product first...



The sauce is named after it’s creator Country Bob Edson. Country Bob perfected his sauce recipe in 1968. After giving his sauce away to friends and family for years, he started selling it in 1977. The company describes the results as overwhelming. Country Bob’s Sauce was an instant hit! The company says that people who try the sauce become lifelong users. After we tried the sauce - we couldn't agree more!!! It's even wonderful straight out of the bottle!!!

We first used the sauce on Brats that we put on the grill! They were so awesome! I'm just sad we didn't get a photo of that. (We were too busy gobbling them up!)

Now for the next recipe...

Country Bob's Baked Beans

2 cans pork and beans
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 Tbs. Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce (or may substitute Spicy)
3 Tbs. dark syrup
1 small onion

Mix all ingredients in a 2 qt. casserole dish and bake at 375 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Serves: 4-6


The Baked Beans were a little too sweet for my tastes, but that had nothing to do with the sauce! In fact, once on my plate I needed to pour a little more sauce over my beans to take away from the sweet. I would definitely use this sauce in baked beans again - I might just look for another recipe that has less sugar.

In case you didn't figure it out yet - we highly recommend Country Bob's!!! We are using this sauce again this weekend on some burgers!!! I can't wait!!! This sauce really is wonderful!!! You have to give it a try! Here's their website if you need to find a store location where they sell it, or if you just want to know about their other products they sell! Check out who their CEO is - I love Country Bob's even more!!!

His Most Requested Recipe....

Everyone who tastes this Hot Sauce always asks for the recipe!!! I thought y'all might want us to share with y'all too! :o)

No1here's Hot Sauce

28 oz. Canned Whole Tomatoes
1/2 Bunch Cilantro
2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Garlic powder
1/4 tsp. Onion powder
1 Serrano Pepper, boiled first (mild - double this for medium heat)
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper, optional

Mix all ingredients in a food processor. Best after chilled. Enjoy!


Oh, and by the way, Dar at Girlichef is having a fabulous cookbook giveaway! Hurry on over to find out the details! :0)

Two More Awards!!!

How exciting!!! Heidi from Tried-and-True Cooking with Heidi and Katie from Katie's Korner both gave me the same Passionate Blogger Award!!! It is such an honor to recieve this from two great gals!

The Rules:
1. Put the logo in your blog
2. Write five things you are passionate about apart from blogging
3. Tag 5 people on your lists and let them know you tagged them.

Five things I'm passionate about...

1. My relationship with Christ, and having that daily quiet time with Him!

2. Time with Hubby - just not enough of it with 4 kiddos!!! Speaking of...

3. My kids - I'm one of those crazy moms that actually LOVES it when her kids are home for the whole summer!!! I hate it when it's time to go back to school! I love my kids and I enjoy being around them! They are great people!!! I'm one of those "fun moms" too! I love to plan outings with them and be crazy and have fun!!! Our time with them is so short and I want to enjoy every moment!!! Even though I'm a fun-loving mom, I am also pretty strict and expect a lot out of my kids. The most important thing for me, is to raise them always seeking the truth, following Christ, and being a light for others!!!

4. Following the rules - I know this sounds crazy, but I am such a rule follower!!!! And I hate it when others aren't!!! ;) LOL!!! If you ask me, this crazy world needs a few more rule-followers!!! I'm even a recipe-follower for goodness sake!!!

5. Trying out new recipes, in search of a new "Keeper"!!!


I would like to award this Passionate Blogger Award to:

Katherine from Smoky Mountain Cafe
Delectable Dining
Carrie from Cooking with Carrie
Jen from Jaime and Jen Dish
Amy from The Sisters Dish