Recipe Monday: Sicilian Strawberry Slush

RECIPE MONDAY:
STRAWBERRY SICILIAN SLUSH

With these few days of lovely warm weather here in Oklahoma, I got bit by the summer bug! We pretended it was 80 degrees outside - we grilled, we drove with the windows down and I made the most wonderful summer treat, Strawberry Sicilian Slush! Let me tell you the story of this delicious little treat!

One of my favorite places in the whole wide world is a little string of five villages in Italy known as Cinque Terra. Vernazza, in particular, holds my heart. This was my second trip to the little tiny town and while I feared that it wouldn't live up to the memories I had from my first visit, the one street wonder did not disappoint! While many things about the little village had changed (it had been devastated by a mudslide a little less than two years ago), the pride of the people remained and the colorful, yet slightly less bright, buildings continued to be completely charming. 

My first Strawberry Sicilian Slush

Thanks to Rick Steve's Guidebook we found our way to the delightful cafe, Il Pirata delle 5 Terre. Oh my, it was pastry Heaven on Earth! Each morning the incredibly friendly twin brothers who own the little restaurant get up and bake fresh, melt in your mouth pastries! Brandon and I fell in love with all of their yummy treats and ate there THREE times! We quickly became known as the "Oklahomas with the bebe!" and were greeted with such kindness that we looked forward to our morning "date" with the brothers Cannoli! Each morning, we let Massimo (one of the brothers) pick what we would be eating and let me tell you, each time we were in breakfast bliss! The first day he brought me out the "Strawberry Sicilian Slush" - oh. my. goodness. It was wonderful!! I ordered it every time we stopped by! The last morning we ran up to grab a quick bite (ie: satisfy my preggo craving for the strawberry slush!) and Massimo met us at the door and told us that his brother was under the weather that morning and he had tried his best, but had run out of time to make the slush. I was heartbroken and apparently didn't hide it all that well... Massimo apologized over and over and I gave him a hard time about how I would just go all the way back to the United States and forever crave the strawberry goodness. So, bless his sweet heart, he told me how to make it! He started rattling off the recipe and I whipped my phone out and started taking notes... Below, is the famous recipe straight from Vernazza, Italy! It is the perfect warm weather treat! I hope you enjoy - Buon appetito!

What you need:
The slush...
4 1/2 C Water
5 C Strawberries 
1 C Sugar
The juice of an orange and lemon 

The insanely delicious whipped cream...
1 Quart Whipping Cream
1 C Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla

An ice cream maker! I have this Cuisinart one and LOVE it!

How many get to eat: 8 very happy eaters!

What you do:

1. Wash, hull and half the strawberries... throw them in the blender!

2. Toss the cup of sugar in the blender...

3. Squeeze every last drop of juice out of the lemon and the orange... Pour that into the blender (and toss in some of the pulp if you want for a little extra zest!)

4. Finally add the water...

5. Blend!! It's best with strawberry chunks so don't over blend!

6. Finally, pour it into your ice cream maker and let it spin until it is thick and chunky! Think thick slushy texture. While the slush is freezing, whip together the whipped cream (see what I did there?!)

7. Pour the quart of whipping cream into the mixer...

8. Add the cup of sugar...

9. Top it off with a teaspoon of vanilla... 

10. Beat until thick and creamy! This will take quite some time, but don't turn it on and forget about it completely or your whipped cream will turn into rock hard butter and you'll be very, very sad.

FINALLY, pour in the slush, liberally apply the cream and enjoy this delicious taste of Italy! And if you ever visit Vernazza, stop by for a pastry with sweet Massimo and tell him hi for me!

Be Blessed,

Raegan

Recipe Monday: Pinterest Reviews

We had a short and busy week so I didn't slow down to take pictures of our food, but have no fear! Recipe Reviews are here!! There is nothing I hate more than spending my evening slaving in the kitchen over a new recipe just to find out it wasn't worth the work... So let me save you from that pain by recommending a few tried and true recipes that I've found on Pinterest!

BUTTERY BREAKFAST: PB&J with SB&G Flatout Wrap! Every once in a while, I venture out and eat semi-healthy. This little fruity breakfast burrito was one of those times! It was super simple, nothing tricky - but a fun twist on a breakfast burrito! Any time I can find some decent looking strawberries I snatch them up and fruity breakfast burritos happen at our house! Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!

TASTY TREATS: Caramel Apple Grapes! I made these recently for Baby Henry's shower and while they were a tad bit messy, they were delicious and perfect for a little finger food! They tasted just like a caramel apple but bite sized so that you didn't have apples turning brown or awkward sized pieces that leave caramel dripping off your chin... Just make sure you get the grapes nice and dry before dipping them in the caramel and then stick them in the fridge (or freezer if you're a last minute person like me!) so that they are nice, cool and crisp when served! Yummy!

SUPER SIDE: Megan's Killer Artichoke Bread! If you like artichoke dip, this dish is for you!  Holy moly this was yummmmmy! I served this as a side, but it would also make one heck of an appetizer! Cheesy goodness...

MAIN MEAL: Crockpot Pineapple Ham! This is a crock pot gem that you will definitely want to take note of... Three ingredients, two seconds to throw together, and one happy group of eaters! We've made this twice recently and it continues to be a hit... plus the left overs are really good with beans and cornbread on these chilly days! (How can you beat that - one crock pot recipe that makes two nights worth of meals?!)

DELICIOUS DESSERTS: Peanut Butter & Nutella Cookies! Oh my dear goodness, these are a winner! I'm kind of a cookie snob and these did not disappoint! Simple as can be and absolutely delicious - Melt. In. Your. Mouth. Go home and make these tonight and then you can thank me by sending me a few! Seriously...

Well, that should keep you well fed for a while! I hope you go check these delicious recipes out and give them a try! Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest (there is a button over on the right side or you can click here). I love to try new recipes and hope you do too!! What are some of your favorite Pinterest recipes? 

Be Blessed,

Raegan

Recipe Monday: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

RECIPE MONDAY:
HOMEMADE CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

I know, I know - I've been slackin' on the Recipe Mondays!! But I couldn't pass up an opportunity to share this yummy one with you! Guys, this is the easiest, most delicious, perfect-for-this-ridiculous-never-ending-cold-weather recipe EVERRRR. It's an absolute cinch and quick to whip up AND everyone will be so impressed that you know how to make HOMEMADE soup, not that greasy canned stuff - seriously, could you ask for more?! Go immediately to the grocery store, grab your chicken and the secret ingredient that makes this whole thing work and then get to cookin' ladies and gents! You won't be sorry, I promise!

What you need:
4 Cans of Chicken Broth
4 Cans of Water
Rotisserie Chicken
16 oz Amish Homemade Noodles (Brand doesn't matter)
4 tsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
Tony Chachere's Seasoning*
Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning*
Savory All Purpose*
Basil*
Sage*
Herbed Poultery*
Oregano*

*All seasoning to taste... but apply liberally!

Better Than Bouillon - Let's talk about this stuff real quick. Umm, wow. Where has this been all of my life?! This stuff is a serious game changer when it comes to broths and bouillon. I've always used the little hard cubed stuff before but NEVER again! This paste is super strong and you don't have to worry that it hasn't completely dissolved. You can find this great little jar of goodness near the broths in the grocery store and it comes in flavors other than chicken!

How many get to eat: 6-8 but don't cut the recipe in half - the leftovers are just as good as the first time!

What you do:

1. Bring broth, water and Better Than Bouillan to a boil.

2. While the broth is heating up, debone the rotisserie chicken. (I typically just use my fingers and tear it into pretty decent size strips... throw the bones and yucky stuff away)

3. No picture but add those noodles to the boiling broth! Let them cook 10-15 minutes.

4. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the chicken.

5. Finally, throw in the spice cabinet! I add each spice very liberally and then stir it all up, let it simmer a minute or two and then give it a little taste test... then add a touch more!

6. Simmer until ready to serve!! And don't forget the cornbread or grilled cheese!

Stay warm, be safe and enjoy some good ol' homemade soup!

Oh and thanks for being patient with the Cooper overload... I'm trying hard to get caught up on the little man's weekly updates so that I can be back to blogging about all kinds of fun stuff! 

Be Blessed,

Raegan

Recipes Reviews from Pinterest

I've been a bit behind on my Recipe Monday blogs because I've been doing a lot of dining and dashing lately... Not in the normal sense of that phrase - I haven't been walking out on the check - but I've been cooking quick, scarfing it down and jetting on to the next thing! So, for fear that you are all sitting at home starving to death waiting on the next yummy recipe I have yet to post I thought I'd change it up a bit by writing some reviews from Pinterest recipes we've tried!

BUTTERY BREAKFAST: Cream Cheese Sausage Balls from Plain Chicken! We loved these for two totally different reasons... I adored the fact that they were quick and easy to whip up on a Saturday morning, Brandon thought they tasted delicious! Added bonus, I cooked a few for the two of us and froze the rest so that I could bake a few at a time to supplement other breakfast items! You can find the recipe here.

TASTY TREAT: Cream Cheese Pickles! I know what you're thinking, this hormone crazed woman is craving pickles and this is the weird thing she managed to talk her husband into eating. NOT TRUE! The first time I had these was before I was pregnant and trust me, I was seriousllllly skeptical. My cousin, Lyndsey, brought these to my wedding shower and I tried one (to be completely honest) strictly to be nice and make her happy. Oh. My. Goodness. These are shockingly delicious!! Super quick and easy, you've probably got all the ingredients in your fridge, life changing snack! Trust me on this one, I haven't led you astray thus far! You can find the recipe here. {NOTE: Whatever type of meat you choose, don't get a flavor like "Honey Ham" just go with plain ol' ham... Learned that lesson the hard way!}

SOUPS, SALAD & SAUCES: Cane's Sauce for Chicken Dipping! So if you've ever had the privilege of devouring some delicious Cane's fried chicken you know that it's really all about the sauce. Oh, our beloved Cane's Sauce, I could drink you straight out of that way too small little plastic cup. So obviously the sauce recipe is top secret, but this is a pretty decent stab at it. It's not exactly the same, but it's worthy of trying! You can find the recipe here.

SUPER SIDE DISHES: Roasted Potato Wedges! I'm a fan of a potato in pretty much any way, shape or form and since it's finally feeling like burger grilling weather in Oklahoma, these little gems were a home run of a side dish! You can find the recipe here. {Of course, I added my all time fave - Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning!}

 

MAIN MEAL: Bonefish Grill Pan Asian-Glazed Shrimp! Two Iowagirleasts.com recipes in a row? Yes because she's always posting something delicious! Brandon and I inhaled this for dinner one night! You should definitely double up the recipe because these are finger lickin' good!! Save the extra sauce for dipping! You can find the recipe here.

 

 

DELICIOUS DESSERTS: Blueberry Lemon Bundt! This is the perfect light summery dessert! It was sooooo good and as an added bonus made your house smell a-mazing! I, of course, couldn't leave well enough alone and bought a bottle of white chocolate ice cream topping and drizzled it over the top... I wish I could say the calories weren't really worth it, but that would be a bold faced lie. You should try it, like tonight! You can find the recipe here.

 

Hope you all enjoy giving these recipes a try! They were hits at our house!! I'll continue to do the occasional "Recipe Reviews" post but if you'd like to follow me on Pinterest and take a look for yourself feel free to follow me here or by clicking the link on the right side column of this page! I use Pinterest recipes often at our house and if I love them, I'll do my best to share... If they aren't as good as promised (or they are way more work than they are worth), I delete them from my boards.

 

What are your favorite Pinterest recipes!? I love a new fun thing to try!

 

Be Blessed!

Raegan

 

Recipe Monday: BBQ Chicken, Apple, Bacon, Cheddar Quesadilla

RECIPE MONDAY:
BBQ CHICKEN, APPLE, BACON,

CHEDDAR QUESADILLA

 

 

Alrighty, so here is the ol' quesadilla recipe that I promised last week. I know quesadillas aren't exactly cutting edge cooking by any means, but who doesn't appreciate an EASY and super delicious recipe?! I know what you're thinking, "Apples? I don't know about that..." Trust me, this won't disappoint! Don't leave out the apple!

 



What you need:
2 Small Chicken Breasts (cooked & shredded)
1/2 C BBQ Sauce
4 Burrito-Size Flour Tortillas
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (No specific measurement)
1 Apple* (chopped)
Bacon** (cooked & crumbled)

*I recommend pink lady apples for this recipe and any other time you want a sweet and tangy snack. Never was a huge apple fan until I started eating these! Yum!

**Just go buy the Oscar Meyer Real Bacon Bits, seriously it'll change your life.

 

How many get to eat: 4 full grown people...

What you do:

Mix the shredded chicken with the bbq sauce. I just added it until I thought it looked like the amount of sauce I wanted - the 1/2 cup is merely a recommendation, use as little or as much as you'd like!

Spray a large skillet with non-stick spray and add your two tortillas. The best way to do it is by propping one against the other so that only half the tortilla is cooking at a time... This also helps you keep from over-filling it like I'm prone to do.

Spread your cheddar cheese on the bottom, again as much or as little as you prefer. NOTE: You will add more at the end so don't get too carried away!

 

Next spread on the chicken...

Then add the chopped apples...

Then comes the bacon (the more the merrier in my opinion!)...

And finally finish it off with a touch more cheese!

At this point you can go ahead and fold the propped up part of your tortillas down and adjust your heat to medium. Cook until the bottom side is golden brown, then flip and cook until second side is gold brown. (I occasionally used the spatula to smash them down just a bit to make sure it was cooking all the way through.)

 

Remove from heat and place on a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges... I did my best to wait 5 minutes, but patience isn't exactly my strong suit so I cut them up a little early and it worked out just fine. I also served this with a small dipping bowl of BBQ sauce in case someone wanted more of a BBQ-ish flavor than I did!

Hope your family loves this one as much as we did! I made it one night when we came in late, I was tired and we were starving - it was the perfect solution! And as a bonus - very little clean up! Yay!!

Who should get the credit: iowagirleats.com

Be Blessed!
Raegan

Recipe Monday: Balsamic Roast Beef

RECIPE MONDAY: 

BALSAMIC ROAST BEEF

So I'm not really sure what happened, but somehow I have no pictures of ingredients or the individual steps - just the finished product pictures! Lucky for you, it's a pretty easy recipe so I feel confident that you can figure it out!! Sorry for the accidental delete!

**ALSO: Make sure to check back in later this week as the hubby and I did some Spring cleaning this weekend and are going to have our first ever SPRING SALE on the blog! (read: must make room for Baby Cooper!) LOTS of men's and women's clothes... like a garage sale but I don't have to sit outside all day! Get excited!**

What you'll need:

3-4 lb boneless chuck roast

1 C beef broth

1/2 C balsamic vinegar

1 Tbsp Worcestershire

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp honey 

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

4 cloves garlic, chopped

How many you'll feed: 6-8 people!

What you'll do:

1. Place roast in crock pot (See, no picture needed on that one!)

2. Mix together all ingredients to make sauce. (Easy enough!)

3. Pour sauce over roast and set the timer: 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. (Guess what?! I had one picture!!) 

NOTE: I flipped the roast half way through, but it's not at all necessary.

4. When cooked, separate with forks and spoon sauce on top! I pick out all the fat because it grosses me out. (Tada!! All done... you got this!)

Who deserves the credit: addapinch.com

Be Blessed!
Raegan