Pina Colada

I found this recipe on the back of a can of cream of coconut (which was found at Walmart). It is more like a shake, since it uses ice cream instead of ice...but oh my goodness, yumo! We are kind of obsessed with coconut and pineapple around here :)

Ingredients:
1 cup pineapple juice
4 oz. cream of coconut
6 scoops of ice cream

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in blender, then pour into fancy glasses like the one shown...umbrella's are optional.

Orange Thai Beef Skewers

I really am not a huge fan of steak, but I could not get enough of these!!! The marinade is really really good, make sure you let it marinate for at least 4 hours. This recipe came from Our Best Bites, and they recommend putting the steak in the freezer for like 20 mins to make cutting it easier.

Ingredients
1 orange
1/4 C soy sauce
1/4 C seasoned rice wine vinegar
1 T honey
1T sesame oil
1 t ground ginger
1 t coriander
4 cloves garlic
2-4 t Sriracha chili sauce*

1 1/2 lb flank steak

Directions
*Sriracha is a really great hot chili sauce that can easily be found in most grocery stores in the Asian foods section. It has a rooster on the bottle- you can't miss it! It's also used in one of my most favorite meals ever- Kate's Thai Peanut Noodles. If you have to substitute, you could easily add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or plain ol' hot sauce to the marinade.

Grab a bowl for your marinade. Zest your orange and add all of the zest to the bowl. Then cut the orange in half and add all of the juice as well. You should have at least 1/4 C orange juice and anything more than that is just fine. To the orange mixture, add soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, coriander, and garlic. Then add Sriracha to your liking. I've found that once these are marinaded and cooked, the spice mellows quite a bit. I add 2t Sriracha and it's mild enough that my toddler gobbles them up. It's not even really spicey, just flavorful. So if you like heat, I'd do more like 3-4 teaspoons of Sriracha. Whisk the marinade so everything is combined.

Take the flank steak and slice it across the grain into about 1/4" slices.

When you're ready to get cookin' preheat your grill. Then take your skewers (pre-soaked if you're using wood/bamboo ones) and thread on the strips of meat, just like you're stitching.Place them on the grill. These cook really fast. Overcooked flank steak will be tough and chewy, so don't over do it! They should only take about 3-4 minutes on each side. Flip half way through.

Now these don't only cook fast, they cool fast. So get the rest of your meal all ready, set the table, gather the kids, etc. Grill these up at the last minute so you can serve them hot off the grill, literally.

I usually make this with scallion rice. I cook 1C dry rice in 2C water and when it's done I hit it with a couple pats of butter, a big handful of sliced green onions and a splash of lime juice. With lots of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.

Easy Crockpot Lasagna

I refuse to turn on my oven when it is so hot outside, so we have been all about bbq's and crockpots lately~This recipe came from thegirlwhoateeverything.blogspot.com
I added about 2 cups of chopped frozen spinach to the cheese mixture to make it a little healthier, and I thought it tasted great too.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef


• 1/2 cup diced white onion


• 1 teaspoon minced garlic


• 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce


• 1/2 cup water


• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese


• 2 cups mozzarella cheese


• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese


• 1 whole egg


• 2 cups chopped spinach (optional)
  


• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley


• 6 uncooked lasagna noodles

Directions:

1. In a large skillet brown beef and onion. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Drain.


2. Add spaghetti sauce and water and simmer for about 5 minutes.


3. Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan, egg and parsley.


4. Pour 1 cup of spaghetti meat sauce into a 4 to 6 quart sized slow cooker. Place half of the noodles and half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles (If the noodles don't fit exactly break them to fit) and cheese mixture and meat sauce.


5. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until noodles are soft. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella and remaining parmesan. Cover with the lid to melt the cheese and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.


6. Do not overcook and don't try to speed up the process by cooking it on high.

Banana Nut Muffins

This recipe came from recipes.com

INGREDIENTS

• 3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 Tbsp espresso or strong coffee (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cup of flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (toasted or raw)

DIRECTIONS:

No need for a mixer with this recipe.

1 Preheat the oven to 350°F. With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl.

2 Mix in the sugar, egg, espresso and vanilla.

3 Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in.

4 Add the flour, mix until it is just incorporated. Fold in the chopped walnuts.

5 Pour mixture into a prepared muffin tin. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean, it's done. Cool on a rack.

Makes 12 muffins.

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This recipe and pic came from thegirlwhoateeverything, it was really good! It really makes a huge difference cooking the pork in root beer all day...yumo!

Ingredients:

2-3 pounds pork tenderloin

Root Beer

Favorite BBQ sauce

Directions:

Cook pork in root beer all day (low 6-8 hrs). Drain root beer and shred, then add bbq sauce (as much as you want).

Serve on your favorite buns, enjoy!

Taco Salad

1/2 cup mayonnaise, can use low fat

1/2 cup sour cream

1 -2 tablespoon milk, depending on your thickness preference

2 tablespoons minced tomatoes

1 tablespoon white vinegar

2 teaspoons canned jalapeno slices, minced

1 tablespoon finely minced onion

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

This recipe (minus the dressing) came from melskitchencafe.com. It was probably the best taco salad I've ever had, no lie! We halved it for our family, but you can easily freeze whatever you don't use. Definitely make the dressing, it was really good on it!!!

Ingredients:

2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey

1 medium onion, chopped

6 cups water

1 cup rice (white or brown)

1 teaspoon oregano

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons chili powder

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce

2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste

1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Southwest Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise, can use low fat

1/2 cup sour cream

1 -2 tablespoon milk, depending on your thickness preference

2 tablespoons minced tomatoes

1 tablespoon vinegar

2 teaspoons canned jalapeno slices, minced

1 tablespoon finely minced onion

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions: I just threw everything in the blender until smooth. Add more milk if you like it thinner (I added a couple more tablespoons). I also halved it for just Ryan and I.

1/2 cup mayonnaise, can use low fat

1/2 cup sour cream

1 -2 tablespoon milk, depending on your thickness preference

2 tablespoons minced tomatoes

1 tablespoon white vinegar

2 teaspoons canned jalapeno slices, minced

1 tablespoon finely minced onion

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/southwest-ranch-salad-dressing-167319#ixzz1NywywnRQ

1/2 cup mayonnaise, can use low fat

1/2 cup sour cream

1 -2 tablespoon milk, depending on your thickness preference

2 tablespoons minced tomatoes

1 tablespoon white vinegar

2 teaspoons canned jalapeno slices, minced

1 tablespoon finely minced onion

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/southwest-ranch-salad-dressing-167319#ixzz1NywywnRQ

1/2 cup mayonnaise, can use low fat

1/2 cup sour cream

1 -2 tablespoon milk, depending on your thickness preference

2 tablespoons minced tomatoes

1 tablespoon white vinegar

2 teaspoons canned jalapeno slices, minced

1 tablespoon finely minced onion

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/southwest-ranch-salad-dressing-167319#ixzz1NywywnRQ

1/2 cup sour cream

1 -2 tablespoon milk, depending on your thickness preference

2 tablespoons minced tomatoes

1 tablespoon white vinegar

2 teaspoons canned jalapeno slices, minced

1 tablespoon finely minced onion

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/southwest-ranch-salad-dressing-167319#ixzz1NywywnRQ

Directions:

1/2 cup mayonnaise, can use low fat

1/2 cup sour cream

1 -2 tablespoon milk, depending on your thickness preference

2 tablespoons minced tomatoes

1 tablespoon white vinegar

2 teaspoons canned jalapeno slices, minced

1 tablespoon finely minced onion

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/southwest-ranch-salad-dressing-167319#ixzz1NywpBU6D

1/2 cup mayonnaise, can use low fat

1/2 cup sour cream

1 -2 tablespoon milk, depending on your thickness preference

2 tablespoons minced tomatoes

1 tablespoon white vinegar

2 teaspoons canned jalapeno slices, minced

1 tablespoon finely minced onion

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Read more: http://www.food.com/recipe/southwest-ranch-salad-dressing-167319#ixzz1NywpBU6DDirections:

In a large pot, brown the ground beef or turkey with the onion and garlic and cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Drain any accumulated grease. Add the water, rice, seasonings, tomato sauce, tomato paste and beans. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, watching to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot (if you are using brown rice, it may need to simmer for up to 60-70 minutes). The mixture will seem very watery at first, but after simmering, it will thicken to perfection as the rice absorbs water and all the ingredients meld together.

I layered chips on a plate, then meat/beans, followed by taco toppings (lettuce,cheese,tomatoes,onions,avacados,etc), then drizzled with southwest dressing.

Healthy Blueberry Muffins

{These aren't too bad for being so healthy, my kids loved them so I'll be making them again for sure! I think next time I will add some kind of nut. The recipe is from Joy the Baker.}

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups oats
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tbsp canola oil (I used the almond oil I had on hand)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Directions:

Line a 12 cup muffin tin with paper cases or spray with nonstick cooking spray. I simple greased and floured a muffin pan, saving the paper.

In a large bowl combine flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a medium bowl combine applesauce, buttermilk, sugar, oil and egg. Make a well in dry ingredients and add applesauce mixture. Stir until just moist. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.

Bake for 16-18 minutes.