How I spent my Friday....

My sister and brother in law celebrated their vow renewal this past Saturday, so she asked me if I would be able to make their cake. So I did....I was pretty happy with the way it turned out. If I had more time I would have made the actually cake from scratch and some filling, but the way it looked turned out rather nice, it went very well with their theme.

Tasty Tuesday....it's been a while!

Steak with Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

*dry the steak, salt, pepper and oil the steak
*sear on both sides (time will vary depending on thickness of the steak...you'll want to cook it most of the way but take it out just before it's the desired doneness so it won't dry out when you add it back in later), remove from pan and set aside
*add butter to pan, onion, garlic and saute (I use just a little bit for Josh...it depends how much you prefer)
*add mushrooms (don't overcrowd the pan so they can brown a little)
*move veggies to side of pan, add more butter and some flour to make a rue
*add cream (again...you have to eyeball it...it will depend on how many steaks you make and how much mushroom, onion, garlic you have)
*salt and pepper to taste
*add meat back in to warm

Enjoy!

mmm....

Yesterday we went grocery shopping, a little later in the week than we usually do because we've been so busy all week (probably not the best day either...it was very busy!!). Anyway, we stopped by a farmers market that apparently has grown a lot since we went last. I had been going there about a year ago, but the never really had much and what they had, usually didn't look too great. Well, I'd been wanting to go back and see if anything had changed because I love fresh/home grown fruit and veggies....to my surprise they've stepped it up a bit. I was so excited! When I got home and finished putting all the other groceries away and washing everything I had to take a picture of the loot! ;0) $21 for all these fruits and veggies!!!

I told Josh I felt like a kid in the candy store! He laughed... ;0)

Baby and I are very happy!

What's for dinner....

Black bean and chicken fajitas!
My very own recipe :0)
SOOOO EASY!

you'll need:

pack of whole wheat tortillas (or whatever ones you prefer)
fiesta blend cheese (I use walmart brand but if you really want a great cheese...I LOVE SARGENTO!)
Frozen fajita chicken strips
can of fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juice)
can of black beans (drained)
about 1/4 cup frozen corn
1/4 of an onion (diced)
baby bella mushrooms (diced)
garlic powder, cayenne, salt and pepper (to taste)
olive oil
Sour cream (small container)

*brown your chicken in the pan (don't even have to spend the time thawing it...just toss it in the pan as is.
*remove chicken from pan and add onions...after a couple minutes add the mushrooms.
*add corn
*add drained black beans
*add the tomatoes
*season
*allow liquid from tomatoes to reduce...serve with a dollop of sour cream to dip in.

ENJOY! :0)

What's for dinner you ask?!

CALZONES!!! mmmmmm!!!

If you wanna try them...here is the recipe! ;0)

1 cup lukewarm water
1 tsp yeast
2 cups plus 6 tbsp white bread flour (if you prefer whole wheat I'd do half and half)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp olive oil

Jar of Marinara sauce

Lots of yummy cheese!!! I usually use...provolone, ricotta, parmesan, and mozarella.

**any other ingredients you wan to throw in (spinach, mushrooms, italian sausage, etc) be creative**

For the dough, add the water in your bread maker, followed by the yeast, oil, and then the flour. Be sure to cover the yeast/water mixture completely with the flour (yeast likes sugar...but not salt) this way your dough will rise better. then just add the sugar and then the salt....set the "dough" option on your bread maker and VOILA!

When your dough is ready, heat the marinara and prep your calzones with the fillings. Oil the calzones and stick in the oven.

Bake at about 400 degrees 'til golden.

Enjoy.