Monday, May 30, 2011

Black Magic Cake

This is a VERY yummy recipe, it is straight from Just a Pinch, meaning I didn't alter it, it really didn't need it.  These ladies def know what they are doing!  Can't wait to hear what you all think about it!

BLACK MAGIC CAKE
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 c all purpose flour

- 2 c sugar
- 3/4 c cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 c strong black coffee, cooled
- 1 c buttermilk - 1/2 c vegetable oil
- 1 tsp real vanilla extract

CHOCOLATE FROSTING
- 1/2 c margarine, softened
- 2 oz melted unsweetened chocolate, cooled
- 3 c powdered sugar
- 3 Tbsp milk
- 2 tsp real vanilla extract

Directions
1. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer.
2. Add eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
3. Beat at medium speed for two minutes. Batter will be thin.
4. Pour batter into a greased and floured 9x13 pan or two 9 inch cake pans.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes for a 9x13, or 30-35 minutes for layer pans.
6. Combine frosting ingredients and mix with a blender. Spread frosting on cooled cakes.

Recipe and Picture form Just a Pinch
Enjoy~
Mommy of 6 <3

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Simmering Chicken Strawberry Kabobs

An awesome grill item that is a must next grilling night out! 

Ingredients:
1 cup lemon juice
2 (8 ounce) cans pineapple chunks, juice reserved
salt and pepper to taste
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cubed
1 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
24 large strawberries

Directions:
  1. In a shallow glass bowl combine lemon juice, juice from pineapple can, salt, pepper and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix together. Add cubed chicken and marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat grill to medium heat.
  3. In a small bowl combine the melted butter or margarine, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar and nutmeg.
  4. Lightly oil grate. Using metal or soaked wooden skewers arrange chicken, pineapple chunks and strawberries on each stick (approximately 4 to 6 pieces of each item per skewer). Brush kabobs with butter or margarine mixture place on grill and cook, turning on all sides, until chicken is cooked through and strawberries are sizzling. Approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
Recipe and Picture from Allrecipes.com
Relax and Enjoy,
Mommy of 6 <3

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Will have sex for food!

I thought that title would catch your attention! 

Did you know that what you eat can affect your libido, your sex drive!  There is no doubt that the unhealthy American diet is contributing to the obesity epidemic! This same unhealthy-fat filled diet that contributes to the obesity also is the root of the national sex crisis.  Changing what you eat can change your performance in bed as well!  In 1996 the average American had sex 138 times per year compared to just 85 times per year in 2007.  That means it dropped 38% in a little mroe than a decade.  Psychologist estimate that as many as 1 in 5 couples are in a sexless (less than 10 times per year) marriage.  WOW, right?  Obesity being the biggest factor because as a persons weight soars, the libido drops!  This plummet is due to a biochemical change that result in a diminshed bloodflow.  There simply can not be sex without a strong blood flow!  According to David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding, co-authors of the national best seller EatThis- Not That!, with simple changes to your diet you can recharge and revitalize your sex life and reinvigorate your relationship!  Here are four recipes they recommend to do just this!

The Smoothie For Him
Ingredients:
1 cup blueberries

1 cup vanilla yogurt
2 Tbsp flaxseeds
1 cup orange juice
1 cup ice

Consider this man's ultimate erection insurance. The main reason? It's loaded with two of the most potent circulation enhancers out there: soluble fiber and antioxidants. Soluble fiber helps push excess cholesterol through your digestive system before it can be broken down, absorbed, and deposited along the walls of your arteries. Antioxidants attack free radicals before they have the chance to lower nitric oxide levels. And since nitric oxide helps deliver oxygen to your blood, the higher the level, the better your bloodflow

The Her Smoothie
Ingredients:
2 shots of espresso (or 6 ounces of strong coffee)

1 cup skim milk
2 Tbsp dark chocolate syrup
1 cup crushed ice

More than just providing a caffeine buzz and a host of antioxidants, java increases bloodflow to your genitals, making sensitive nerve endings more easily accessed and stimulated. A Southwestern University study even found that female rats wanted more sex after a shot of caffeine. Add to that a big hit of calcium, another important contributor to effective bloodflow, and a swirl of chocolate, and you have a scintillating shake to wake up to. Chocolate contains a host of chemicals to brighten your mood, including anadamine, which targets the same receptors as THC, and phenylethylamine, which produces a cozy, euphoric feeling. It's no wonder a new Italian study of 163 women shows that those who regularly eat chocolate report enhanced sex drive and sexual satisfaction

Breakfast for Him:
The scent of baked cinnamon buns turns a man on. That was the conclusion of neurologists following a unique experiment in which they monitored penile bloodflow in 25 medical students while the students sniffed different smells. The researchers exposed the students to a wide range of fragrances, from lily-of-the-valley to rose to musk, but found that cinnamon buns turned men on most. The scents of pumpkin pie, doughnuts, and black licorice also ranked high. Researchers speculate the smells may evoke a nostalgic memory that relaxes a man, making him more aware of sexual cues

Breakfast for Two:
The foolish see an Egg McMuffin; you should see the ingredients for sex. The combo provides extra zinc—a mineral that she needs to stay well lubricated and you need to keep producing semen—and niacin. This B vitamin is essential for the secretion of histamine, the chemical that helps trigger explosive sneezes and orgasms. It also has a perfect balance of fat, since studies have found that too much or too little dietary fat can decrease levels of libido-boosting testosterone.


Mid Morning Snack
It might be kids foods, but it has some very grown-up implications. Here's why:

Celery
Every stalk of the stuff is packed with androstenone and androstenol, two pheromones that can help men attract women the way Tom Brady attracts tacklers. Every time you chew on a stalk of celery, you release these odor molecules, which helps boost your arousal, turning you on and causing your body to send off scents and signals that make you more desirable to women.

Peanut butter
Research shows that men with diets high in monounsaturated fat—the kind found in nuts—have higher testosterone levels than those who don't eat enough of the healthy fat. Plus, nuts are also the best food source of arginine, an amino acid that improves bloodflow throughout your body—including below the belt.

Raisins
Raisins are loaded with lignans, phytoestrogens that play an important role in balancing hormones for women. They're also a potent source of antioxidants, which help encourage bloodflow to the nether regions.




Snack for her:

There are about 8 million cases of urinary tract infections diagnosed each year in the United States, the majority of them occurring in sexually active women—sex can cause bacteria to spread upward into the bladder. Furthermore, 20 percent of women suffer from chronic urinary tract infections, increasing their risk of kidney infections. Ward off the painful infection and keep your sex life vital by drinking half a cup of unsweetened cranberry juice, a natural antibacterial, each day. Research shows that tannins in the juice decrease a woman's risk of an infection by 34 percent.


If unsweetened juice is too bitter to stomach, try yogurt with "live active cultures." The yogurt contains probiotic bacteria called Lactobacillus, which helps prevent the spread of E. coli in the urethra. Finnish researchers found that women who ate this type of yogurt three times a week were almost 80 percent less likely to have recently developed a UTI than those who ate it less than once a week.


Have Fun,
Mommy of 6 <3












Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Asian Chicken Salad

Ingredients:
1/4 C wasabi flavored mayonnaise 
1/4 C low fat plain yogurt 
4 C chopped cooked chicken 
2 ribs celery, sliced 
1 pkg (6 oz) asian salad greens 
1 C seedless red grapes, halved
1/2 C chopped toasted walnuts 

  1. Stir together mayonnaise and yogurt, and add salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Add chicken and celery, and toss to coat.
  3. Arrange greens on 4 plates. Top with chicken salad. Scatter grapes and walnuts over all.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Spring Greens with Poppy Seed Dressing

By far my favorite salad EVER....

Ingredients:
3 cups watercress leaves 
3 cups torn arugula leaves 
3 cups sliced strawberries 
1/4 cup orange juice 
2 teaspoons olive oil 
2 teaspoons poppy seeds 
1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind
 
Alternate
For a delicious twist on this salad, add 1 cup fiddlehead ferns. Fiddlehead ferns taste like a cross between green beans and asparagus. You can use blanched green beans or asparagus as a substitute for fiddlehead ferns. Spinach Salad with Strawberries: Replace the watercress and arugula with 6 cups torn tender spinach leaves. For a nutty crunch, add 1/3 cup sliced toasted almonds.

Directions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the watercress, arugula and strawberries.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, oil, poppy seeds and orange rind. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Feeds 8
Enjoy,
~Mommy of 6 <3

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Homemade Baby Food

I have had many moms ask me what to feed their baby, or what did I use?  how do I get my little ones to eat all thier veggies?  I have been a mom for going on 8 years, and although it didn't always work out the way I wanted it, for the most part my kids eat well!  They get a full days worth of veggies and sometimes don't even know it.  Thats right, I am a sneaky chef!!!  I hide it everywhere...  But it all starts when they are babies, because I have always made my own baby food.  Yes thats right, even when I had three babies under the age of 1, I still found time to make my own baby food.  I felt it was easier (ok maybe not, but give me a break), cheaper, and healthier (no preservatives, or added anything). This worked great as a foundation to getting my little ones to eat all ther veggies!  :)

1.  First thing first, be patient.  Kids refuse greens because it is in our DNA.  We naturally eat whites and orange colored veggies before we would greens and this goes back to caveman days. 
2. Always offer them so they have the choice.  You can hide them too in things they like, but always offer them on the side, and make them take at least one bite.  This doesn't mean make it a battle, but coax them (as my husband would say).
3. Start off with smooth texture veggies, babies especially are turned off by texture before taste.

So I found this little article on  Babyfit.com, and thought anyone asking these questions would enjoy this article!
Enjoy,
~Mommy of 6 <3

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Apple Cornbread

Ingredients:
2 cups white cornmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
¾ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 2/3 cups milk
3 apples, pared, cored, sliced

Directions:
  1. Mix the dry ingredients together.
  2. Add the milk and beat thoroughly.
  3. Add the apples and mix.
  4. Pour into well-buttered pan and bake at 450 degrees for 10 to 12 min

Friday, May 20, 2011

A Healthier Version of Cornbread

Cornbread

Less egg, less sugar, and less butter- you can't go wrong.

Ingredients:
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup 1% fat buttermilk
1 cup whole egg
1/4 cup tub margarine

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, combine buttermilk and egg. Beat lightly.
4. Slowly add buttermilk and egg mixture to dry ingredients.
5. Add margarine and mix by hand or mixer for 1 minute.
6. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes in an 8-by 8-inch, greased baking dish. Cool, cut into 10 squares
Recipe from Babyfit.com

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Buttermilk Pancakes

What a great breakfast, best when topped with fresh fruit, and whip cream. These can even be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen and then reheated.  My kids love them!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all purpose Flour
1/4 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup apple sauce
Cooking spray

Directions:
1. Combine dry ingredients into a boal, and whisk together.


2. In a small bowl whisk together buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, butter, and apple sauce.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until lumps are smooth.

4. Heat a skillet to 300 degrees or medium temperature and coat with cooking spray.

5. Pour 1/3 cup fulls onto skillet and cook until bubbles start to appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side (about 3 minutes).

Enjoy,
~Mommy of 6 <3

Monday, May 9, 2011

Retro?

With Mother's day gone and past (it got me wondering as I was searching in my great grandma's 1942 Betty Crocker cookbook for a cake recipe) what era was my favorite?  Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE RETRO!!!  I love anything retro: clothes, patterns, styles, decor, cookbooks, etc.  I once purchased twenty retro (circa 1950-1960) cookbooks from a garage sale, becuase they were retro.  I didn't even give them a look as to if they had any recipes in them I could use.  I just wanted them.  Needless to say there were tons of recipes I could use!  SCORE 1 for this mommy! 

So this comes down to my question:
What is your favorite era for recipes?
This is a 1969 Betty Crocker cookbook, better known as the "Pie" Cover!
Trust me I am on the look-out for this baby too!

Please comment below, so we can read your responses!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Pesto Pasta and Chicken

Ingredients:
1 lb cavatappi or other pasta
12 oz chicken breast cutlets
Olive oil
1⁄4 tsp each salt and pepper
1 tub (6 to 7 oz) cilantro or basil pesto
1 cup jarred roasted peppers (preferably red and yellow), drained, cut in strips
1 cup halved grape tomatoes

Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook as package directs, reserving about 1 cup of cooking water before draining.

2. Meanwhile, heat stovetop grill pan. Coat chicken with Olive Oil  and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill chicken 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until cooked through.

3. Cut chicken into strips. Add to drained pasta along with pesto, peppers, tomatoes and about 1⁄2 cup pasta cooking water (or more if desired). Toss to mix and coat.

Enjoy
Mommy of 6 <3

Easy Taco Soup

The easiest and the yummiest Taco soup I have made...  It is totally versatile as well, you can spice it up if you like, by adding a few sliced jalapenos, or leave it like it is!  Its your call!

Ingredients:

ground beef
2 cans pinto beans2 cans black beans
2 cans kidney beans
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 or 2 cans corn
2 packages of taco seasoning
2 packages of ranch dressing mix

Directions:
Brown the ground beef and drain. Then mix in the beans, tomatoes, corn and the seasoning packets. If cooking in a crock pot, cook for 4 on high or 6-8 on low. I like to serve with corn chips or tortilla chips, cheese, guacamole, sour cream or any other desired toppings.

Enjoy
Mommy of 6 <3

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Morning Berry Parfait

This is somethign I can make and dash out the door!  Easy, Healthy, and Tasty!!!  All the good traits of a great breakfast!

Ingredients:
1 cup fat-free blueberry yogurt

1/2 cup reduced-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup blueberries and/or sliced strawberries
2 tablespoons fat-free granola
1 teaspoon crushed walnuts or almonds
2 teaspoons grated dark chocolate
Directions

1. In individual cups or a large bowl, combine the yogurt, cottage cheese, berries, granola, and nuts. Grate the chocolate over the top.
Enjoy
Mommy of 6 <3

Breakfast Burrito

Ingredients:
2 tbsp salsa
1/4 C shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 C fresh cilantro
1 large egg plus 4 large egg whites, beaten
1/2 C diced lean ham
1 large (8'') whole-wheat tortilla

Directions

1. In a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, saute the diced ham over medium-high heat, just until the surface starts to brown. Place the cooked ham in the tortilla, then add more cooking spray to the skillet and scramble the eggs together with the cilantro. Add the eggs to the tortilla, top with the cheese and salsa, and fold.
Mommy of 6 <3

Friday, May 6, 2011

Berry Waffle-wich

What is better then this!  My kids love these, and ask for them almost daily!  I don't mind, becuase they aren't bad for them!!! 

Ingredients:
1 whole wheat toaster waffle

1/2 tbsp peanut butter
1/4 C slightly crushed blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries add to shopping list

Directions

1. Prepare the waffle according to the package directions. Spread the peanut butter on the waffle. Cup the waffle in your hand, add the berries, then squeeze lightly. Think of it as a berry breakfast taco.
Enjoy,
Mommy of 6 <3

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Hearty and Healthy Oatmeal

Hearty and Healthy Oatmeal

Oatmeal just happens to be one of my favorite breakfasts.  I think maybe because it is yummy, and easy to make, and QUICK!  Quick is the key when you have 6 kids to get fed, dressed, and out the door!  :)

Ingredients:
1 cup soy milk or water
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup blueberries or raspberries
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon maple syrup


Directions:
1. Combine the milk or water and oats in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. (Use more or less liquid to reach desired consistency.) Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. 2. Serve topped with the berries and maple syrup
Enjoy
Mommy of 6 <3

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Immunity Boosting Juices

2 Juices guaranteed to boost immunities, or ward off colds.  How do you think I survive the cold season and don't get colds???  Come on I have six kids, three in school!!!  LOL!  These are healthy and don't taste bad!!!  Can it be true? 

Yes....  yes it can be....

Ingredients:
4-5 large carrots
Small handful of parsley
1 clove garlic
1 apple, cored

Directions:
Run ingredients through juicer. Strain. The parsley takes care of the garlic odor, and the apple sweetens the juice.

Ingredients:
6 large carrots
2 stalks celery, cut into 1" chunks
Handful of parsley
2 cloves of garlic

Directions:
Process all ingredients through juicer. Strain. This is a great juice to ward off colds.
Enjoy
Mommy of 6 <3

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Cinnamon Rolls

These are by far the best EVERRRR!  What a nice, warm, and sweet comfort food!  Hope you all enjoy as much as we do!

Dough
1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degreesC)
1/3 cup margarine, melted
3 3/4 cups bread flour ( I used 1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour, and 2 cups white flour)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast

Filling:
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1/3 cup butter, softened

Icing:
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese,softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.


2. After the dough has finished, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, cover and let rest for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.

3. Roll dough into a 16x21 inch rectangle. Spread dough with 1/3 cup butter and sprinkle evenly with sugar/cinnamon mixture. Roll up dough and cut into 12 rolls. Place rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30-60 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (200 degrees C).

4. Bake rolls in preheated oven until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, confectioners' sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract and salt. Spread frosting on warm rolls before serving.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Sausage Gravy with a healthy twist!!!

A healthier version of my favorite breakfast!  And guess what it is flour free!!!
Recipe from "The Meal Planning Mommies" blog

Ingredients:

2-4 potatoes, peeled and boiled until soft
Chicken stock, approximately1/2 cup
Whole milk,  approximately 1/2 cup 
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Ground sausage
A really good blender

Directions:
1. Boil your potatoes until soft and smooshable.....
2. In a blender or food processor put your drained potatoes and add just a bit of the broth and milk.  Go ahead and blend. Add more chicken broth and milk as you see fit to give this the consistency you like.
3. Meanwhile, cook your sausage in a skillet. Drain if you like.
4. Add the "gravy" to the sausage, heat together, salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy,
~The mommy of 6 <3

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Darn good Spinach and Strawberry salad

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

1 cup Baby Spinach, washed
1 cup arugula salad, washed
1/4 cup strawberries, washed and quartered
1 tablespoon blue cheese crumbles (optional)
1 tablespoon roasted walnuts, chopped (optional)
and berry balsamic dressing to taste

Directions:
Mix greens in a bowl, toss in sliced strawberries, blue cheese crumbles, and walnuts.

Top with dressing, and enjoy!

Berry balsamic dressing:
1 cup strawberry, washed and chopped
1 cup raspberries, washed and chopped
1 cup blueberries, washed and chopped
1 cup olive oil
1/4 balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/4 teaspoon honey

Directions:
1.  Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.  Place into a container and refrigerate until you need it. When time to use, pour a little onto salad and toss.

Recipe for dressing makes approximately 24 servings