From My Kitchen

I had a few requests for this so here you go!!  It is one of our favorites, Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.

Not much too it … but it is yummy, inexpensive and it goes a looooong way. Plus it will warm your belly and fill you up! Here’s what I use: A Rotisserie Chicken (peeled off the bones and torn into bits/pieces), about 2-3 cups of baby carrots (I leave them whole), 3 celery stalks (sliced), 2-3 Red Potatoes cubed, Egg Noodles (I use the kind that you find in the frozen pasta section …they are sometimes hard to find, and the brand that I like best is called Grandma’s), and 6-8 Chicken Bullion cubes, Pepper and Garlic Pepper (to taste). Here’s what I do:

I fill my 8 quart pot about 3/4 full of water and bring it to a boil. I add the Chicken Bullion cubes to the water as it is boiling, and then begin adding vegetables. I let those boil for about 10 minutes and then I add in the noodles per the directions on the bag (I use frozen noodles – and they usually require 10-15 min of boiling) when they are about 1/2 way done, then I add in the Chicken and finish out the noodles, adding a few dashes of pepper . This is such a simple soup…but it has so much flavor. When I serve it, I also grind McCormic Garlic Pepper (major key ingredient here!) on the top (we can’t live without this stuff…so yummy!) I also serve this soup with homemade biscuits.

I can run in to a store about 1 hour before serving this meal and purchase all ingredients for around $12 (and half of the cost is the chicken itself) and that is a pretty economical meal considering that this soup makes a LOT and we will literally get 3 meals (dinners/lunches) out of it for our family of four.

I also want to add one thing about my recipes. I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea and think that I consider myself some kind of kitchen expert. I would love to be, but I am quite the opposite actually…which is why I like to share my recipes with you because they are SIMPLE. You are probably (most likely…) a better cook than I am…but everyone can use some fun new recipes and yummy and simple are a good combination. My friend Tracie taught me this recipe, and it has been a favorite ever since!

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My kids (and hubby and I too, actually) got hooked on grapes a few summers ago. Grandpa has TONS of them along his back fence. Grandpa had the brilliant idea to freeze them. We call them Grapecycles. (I actually think I saw Martha Stewart freezing grapes to use as decor in punch bowls as icecubes…) So we gave it a try…and it has become a favorite treat in our home…all year round! The best part about this snack is that it is super easy (not to mention healthy!) You just start with grapes right off the vine. Picking them is the fun part…..
Here is my son eating/picking/ and eating more grapes:

I actually have a girlfriend who lives in another state who went and bought grapes just so her kids could enjoy them year round like we do, (they came for a visit and LOVED them) so if you don’t have access to a grape vine then you could just purchase them at the grocery store if you find them on sale. (If you don’t have access to grape vines, there have also been some GREAT sales on grapes lately…and/or check produce stands, farmers markets … I have even seen BAGS of them at a garage sales… so check around…if people have vines, then they might have more grapes then they know what to do with!)

I wash them really well and then strain them to dry. I purchased (on clearance last year!) those plastic freezer containers that are right next to the canning supplies in the grocery store.

They stayed great all year. We JUST finished our last container from last summer and it was as good as the first. Inexpensive, EASY and healthy…not to mention delicious…!! *very important note: we eat them frozen … before they thaw…they get gushy when thawed!!

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As part of a review series, I was recently introduced to Angostura Aromatic Bitters.  Sounds interesting, right?

About Angostura Aromatic Bitters:  This product has been around since 1824, created by Johann Siegert, a German doctor who went to Venzuela to serve in Simon Bolivar’s army as Surgeon General.  The product was named after the town that he lived in at the time. When there was unrest in Venezuela,however, the company moved to nearby Trinidad and this is where the company has remained ever since. Angostura aromatic bitters is produced only at the House of Angostura in Trinidad but known the world over.

Most commonly used for a cocktail flavor enhancer… there are many other wonderful uses for this product and it can add great flavor to Hamburgers, Desserts, Dressings and more. (you can see the recipes here) I decided to try out the Honey Vinaigrette Recipe to add some fun variety to our dinner salad, and let me tell you …this was such an easy dressing to throw together …but so delicious!

Bitters Honey Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup NAKANO Natural Rice Vinegar
3 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint
2 tsp. ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters
1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS
Whisk together ingredients. Toss with mixed salad greens. Especially tasty with arugula and other slightly bitter greens.

You can see more awesome uses for Angostura Aromatic Bitters here, and also follow them on their Facebook page to keep up on the latest news, recipes and more!

*Disclosure: I’m a Mizkan Blogger Advocate and this is a sponsored post. These opinions are all my own and have in no way been influenced by another person.

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I hope that you all enjoyed your Labor Day weekend. It is always a bit bittersweet for me. This weekend we really tried to get one last stab at summer. We played outside, we went fishing, went for walks, and we even filled the kiddie pool one last time. I love fall, but I always get just a little bit sad saying goodbye to summer. We wrapped it up with a nice family dinner, including a yummy Macaroni Salad from a recipe that I pulled off of the Mizkan Recipe Site (I have yet to try one of their recipes that wasn’t a hit, by the way!)

I have been using several vinegars from the line of Nakano Seasoned Rice Vinegars to put an extra zing to my side dishes, and this yummy Macaroni Salad did not disappoint.  I used the NAKANO Seasoned Rice Vinegar Basil and Oregano (you can also us the original flavor) I am a BIG fan of red onion, so I actually put a bit extra … so good!

Here is the recipe:

Mom’s Macaroni Salad

INGREDIENTS
8 oz. dry elbow macaroni
1/4 cup NAKANO Seasoned Rice Vinegar Basil and Oregano or Original
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
2 hard-cooked eggs, finely chopped (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Cook pasta according to package directions. Briefly rinse in cold water; drain well. In a large bowl, combine rice vinegar, onion, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add pasta and toss to coat. Let stand 5 minutes. Gently stir in mayonnaise, celery, and eggs if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Makes 6 to 8 servings.
It is amazing how simple ingredients like vinegars can change and/or spice up a recipe so much. I am looking forward to trying many more Holland House Recipes and sharing them with you! To spice up YOUR everyday cooking … make sure to “like” the Holland House Facebook page. (it’s a great way to get alerted to special offers as well!)

*Disclosure: I’m a Mizkan Blogger Advocate and this is a sponsored post. These opinions are all my own and have in no way been influenced by another person.

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Recipe: {Easy} Three Bean Salad

by Keri Lyn on July 18, 2011

in From My Kitchen, Recipe

In my quest to simplify, I have been on a summer side dish mission to find easy sides to go with the meals that we have been grilling on the BBQ (why did it take me so long to realize that using the grill totally simplifies my summer menu planning!? I love that once we throw something on the grill… all I have to do is come up with a yummy side and a fruit or veggie to go with. easy.peasy!)

I have been using several vinegars from the line of Nakano Seasoned Rice Vinegars to put an extra zing to my side dishes, and here is one of my new favorite summer recipes (if you love Basil, like I do … you will LOVE this salad!):

Three Bean Salad

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup NAKANO Seasoned Rice Vinegar Basil and Oregano or Original
1 Tbsp. Dijon style mustard
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 cans beans (15.5 oz. each), drained and rinsed (kidney, garbanzo, black, lima or navy beans)
1/2 cup carrot, thinly sliced (1 medium)
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced (1 medium)
1/3 cup green onion, sliced
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine seasoned rice vinegar, mustard and pepper; stir well. Add beans, carrot, celery and green onion; toss to coat. Chill 1 hour or overnight before serving. Keeps well for up to 4 days. 

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

It is amazing how simple ingredients like vinegars can change and/or spice up a recipe so much. I am looking forward to trying many more Holland House Recipes and sharing them with you! To spice up YOUR everyday cooking … make sure to “like” the Holland House Facebook page. (it’s a great way to get alerted to special offers as well!)

*Disclosure: I’m a Mizkan Blogger Advocate and this is a sponsored post. These opinions are all my own and have in no way been influenced by another person.

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Loving all of these new coupons on Coupons.com and I would hurry to print, as there are quiet a few rare ones coming out, including this awesome and rare coupon for .55cents off of any one can of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk! *I found this in zipcode: 60440 This coupon CAN be doubled if you have a store that doubles coupons.

I use this condensed Milk to make my special Key Lime Pie … my EASY and very YUMMY Key Lime Pie! Want the recipe?

Here you go:

First, create (or buy) a Graham Cracker Crust

Next, you will need:

1 8oz Bar of Philadelphia Cream Cheese

1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1/2 Cup Key Lime Juice (any Lime Juice with work, but look for Key Lime Juice..it’s the best!)

Soften your cream cheese…add sweetened condensed milk, mix (I mix with a hand mixer). Add Lime Juice. Mix. Place mixture in crust and let set up in the refrigerator … about 1 hour. How’s that for easy!! And oh -so-yummy!! You can also top with whipped topping if you like.

Enjoy!!

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I was challenged to share a Toast recipe for my I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® Toast Ambassadorship. Now, some people might struggle to come up with a good toast recipe, but not this toaster savvy mama (lol!) I knew exactly what recipe I would be submitting!!

This is a super quick and super yummy breakfast recipe that I usually make when we are running a bit late, however, it’s so delicious that no one seems to mind. Honestly, it is one of my favorite quick and easy breakfast items. I have shared my Easy Bread recipe with you before, and I personally think that  Smooshed Banana and Honey on Toast is best with this Easy Bread (recipe below) but you can of course make it with whatever bread you have on hand.

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Here is what you will need to make Easy Bread:
3 Cups Warm Water (almost hot)
1 package Yeast (or 2 1/2 tsps)
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup sugar
5-6 cups flour (I have used many kinds of flour with this bread, so experiment and see what you like best)

First of all, combine your water, yeast, sugar and salt and let them sit for 5 minutes. Slowly start adding in your flour, and by the 4th or 5th cup of flour, I am usually using my hands. Add in flour as you need it (I usually use the full 6 cups) Continue kneading with your hands until dough is in a ball and is somewhat elastic. Spray a bowl with cooking spray and leave the dough ball in there for rise (covered) for about an hour. Now separate the dough into two parts (with floured hands) and knead each ball a little and then shape into a loaf and set each into a sprayed bread loaf pan. I then cover them with sprayed plastic wrap (to prevent sticking) and then cover that with a towel and put them up again for another hour to rise. Now you are ready to bake them for 20-25 minutes in a 350 oven.

This recipe really is SO easy… and while the total time is over 2 hours (almost 3), it only takes a quick minute to do each step, which is why I can fit this into my day so easily.

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Ok…now back to the Smooshed Banana and Honey on Toast Recipe. First get your bread nice and toasted in the toaster. While you are going that… you will want to smash up a banana or two in a small bowl. (I like a banana that is just starting to get ripe, so it’s nice and mooshy but not too mooshy. ) The next step is very important…you MUST butter your bread (of course, I use I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® (original) Butter) and then spread the smooched banana on top and then drizzle with warm honey. The combination of butter, banana and honey is just …. over.the.top.YUM.

To be honest, I “invented” this recipe when I was in college. I lived in a sorority and the kitchen would get locked up at certain hours, but some items were left out for us to snack on … including: fruit, honey/butter/peanut butter/etc  and of course … bread. It was born out of a college students appetite AND budget … and I still make it to this day!

Honestly, I am not joking … the yummiest little slice of heaven! Enjoy!!

*Disclosure: I was invited by the folks at I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® to participate in this Ambassadorship and this recipe contest. These opinions are my own and were in no way influenced by another person!

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I have been experimenting with all kinds of ways to spice up the meals around here, and it has been as simple as adding a touch of vinegar to some of my existing recipes!! Take for example our favorite Burger /Sandwich Sauce … I have always made it with vinegar, however, this last time, I kicked it up and used Holland House Red Wine Vinegar. My husbands exact words were … WOW!

I have shared my sauce recipes with you before, but this one has a special kick…. be prepared to kick your next Burger or Chicken Sandwich up a notch!! (we even use this on Salmon!)

Sweet, Sour and Spicy Sauce:
1/2 cup Honey
1/2 cup Ketchup
1 tsp Horseradish (again, less or more dep. on preference)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp minced garlic
It is amazing how simple ingredients like vinegars can change and/or spice up a recipe so much. I am looking forward to trying many more Holland House Recipes and sharing them with you! To spice up YOUR everyday cooking … make sure to “like” the Holland House Facebook page. (it’s a great way to get alerted to special offers as well!)

*Disclosure: I’m a Mizkan Blogger Advocate and this is a sponsored post. These opinions are all my own and have in no way been influenced by another person.

Like My Deals? Subscribe to my daily email newsletter or RSS Feed and I will send them directly to you, so that you won’t miss a thing!

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

It’s been awhile since I have done a Sunday Sweet Sunday post … so I thought that I would try to get back in the groove. I love Sunday’s … and this Sunday is extra sweet because of the holiday weekend and the extra family time. I wanted to share my breakfast creation from this morning with all of you. Like most of my creations, it is very simple to make! It is also, “super yummy” (to quote my 6 year old critic). Since it was only invented a few hours ago, it hasn’t officially been named, so we’ll just go with: Super Yummy Rhubarb Cream Cheese French Toast. There you go… that’s pretty much all there is to it!

I made French Toast, and topped it with a spread of the new Philadelphia Cooking Cream Cheese (original/plain) and the topped that with this amazing Rhubarb Raspberry Thyme Anytime Spreadable Fruit that I purchased at Abe’s Market last month. (I imagine that you could experiment with different jams and spreads) Seriously… insane good. Topped it off with syrup and powdered sugar and my family hasn’t stopped talking about it.  It isn’t super often that I hit it out of the park with a recipe… and the fact that this one was so easy, made it that much more fun! 

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Happy Valentines Day everyone!! I have to admit, while I love to celebrate almost anything, Valentine’s Day is one of the holidays that I feel gets very commercialized. (Could it be that I am a bit bitter about the fact they my sons Valentine’s cards came withOUT envelopes, thus 2 rolls of tape later we got a bunch of *sticky* candy taped to the back of them… sigh…what happened to the darn envelopes anyway?)

Anyway… I just at any chance to show my family how much I love them, and for that, I will jump right on in and celebrate the LOVE of this day. I thought I would share with you a few of the ways that I am doing that today.

First of all … I started the day off by making my family heart shaped (pink!) pancakes… my kids got a big kick out of this. I also filled the kitchen canisters with candy hearts and marshmallows. (those canisters, btw, are in my top 10 garage sale finds to date!)

I am really excited about the gift that I made for my hubby. Last week, my good friend Jaycie over at CouponGeek shared a neat idea for a photo gift. I decided to give it a try, and I LOVE how it turned out. I took a photo of my wedding band in an open page of my bible, and followed her instructions to let the light come in and create a natural heart shape just below my ring…I must say, I am SHOCKED that it work, and it turned out wonderful! I already have it in a frame, ready to give my hubby…..

How to do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Hope you are sharing the love, today and everyday!!  Happy Heart Day to you!!


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