Potato Salad

I haven't made potato salad in years. This will make for a wonderful side to our Memorial Day picnic!

Mix and chill:

8 Russett potatoes, diced small and boiled for 15 minutes
5 green onions, chopped
2 heaping Tablespoons dill relish (or chop pickles)
1, 1/2 cup mayo
4 T mustard
4 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
dill (to taste)

Southwest Chicken Salad

This has become my favorite meal by far!

Place about 5-6 chicken breasts in:

3 T lime juice
3 T oil
1 T cumin
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red pepper

After letting the chicken sit for a few minutes, grill!

For the salad you will need:

lettuce
chicken, cut up
olives
cheddar cheese
tomato
avocado
fresh lime wedges
south west salad dressing
chips (I like Fritos)

Brussel Sprouts

Now before you disregard this recipe, you have to know the reaction of both husband and children. Kevin's first words were, "This is DEFINITELY a keeper!" The children all said, "I thought this was going to  be yucky, but I love it!" The older kids had two servings and the little children ate it all up!

So, now that you know it is yummy with all its buttery goodness, here is the recipe!

Boil for only 3 minutes in just an inch of water:

1 lb brussel sprouts

Drain the brussel sprouts and rinse in cold water.

Saute for 4 minutes:


3 T butter
1/2 cup onion

Cut brussel sprouts in half and add to the simmering onions with 3 more Tablespoons butter. Cook over medium heat for another 5 minutes.

Remove skillet from heat and stir in:

1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp lemon juice
1/3 cup toasted almonds

Serve on a bed of rice.

*If you over cook brussel sprouts you get a bitter taste. Most people over cook the sprouts. You know you cooked them just right if you get a nutty buttery flavor!

Chibata Sandwich

No recipe here, just a fun idea for lunch. I love the chibata bread at walmart. Just butter the outside of the bun and throw it on the grill. Inside the sandwich use real mozzarella cheese, basil and tomato slices. I drizzled olive oil over the tomato for extra flavor!

Creamy Lemon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

Say what you will about Happy Valley, they really take care of you when you need it! I had so many meals brought in that I actually lost count. And here's the thing...they were all SO yummy!! From Papa John's to homemade, everything was yummy. Women here really know how to cook.

Here is one that I really really enjoyed. I really liked the fresh taste of lemon mixed with the salty Parmesan. Usually these sides are served cold, but I love that this is a HOT meal. Thanks Jessica!

Cook 1 box penne pasta according to directions.

While the penne pasta cooks, heat over medium heat for 1 minute:

1, 1/2 T extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

Now add and simmer for 10 minutes:


1 cup half and half
zest and juice of 3 lemons
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Drain the pasts and place back into pot. Add the cream mixture along with

1/2 pint cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan (I used shaved Parm from the deli)
2 large fist fulls of baby spinach (the spinach will wilt down)

Give this all a good mix and serve immediately along with grilled chicken breast.


I have never been a fan of cherry tomatoes because every dish they are in is a cold side. This hot side makes the tomatoes savory and salty. Yumm!!

Teddy Graham Parfait

Sandwiches can get old real quick! Here is a creation the kids and I came up with for lunch today. It tastes awesome! You could use this idea for a snack or even dessert.

Layer:

vanilla yogurt
fresh blueberries
fresh cut strawberries
Honey Teddy Grahams

Hot Turkey Melt

It's really easy to get bored with the same summer sandwich. Try this cheesy turkey sandwich for a change! Bring a washcloth to the table and be prepared for all the buttery goodness to drip down your chin. Mmmm

First saute for about 2 minutes:

1 T butter

multi colored peppers (I used red and orange)

Remove your peppers and generously butter two pieces of bread. Layer on one of the pieces:

sliced turkey

Provolone cheese

slices of tomato

cooked peppers

avocado

Serve hot!