Current Obsessions Wednesday {#2}

Posted in Uncategorized by Cavities & Cravings

Happy hump day friends! Who’s ready for the weekend? Lets be honest, I have been ready for the weekend since Monday morning rolled around. I swear I am a child. The closer Christmas gets, the more trouble I have focusing at work. All day I make sure I ask every single child what they want for Christmas and I get some of the best answers. Today a little boy answered, “A colorful rock. Because I love colors and I love rocks.” Duh. I freaking love Christmas. Favorite holiday, hands down, period, the end.

Well, a few weeks ago I started Current Obsessions Wednesday. Here are few things that I am loving. I hope that this will inspire you try something new! Enjoy.

Plenti Plentiful Greek Yogurt

Dare I say this, I am not a yogurt lover. I have tried over and over again to enjoy yogurt but there’s something about the sour milk taste that usually grosses me out. I have recently discovered Yoplaits plentiful greek yogurt and it is awesome! This yogurt is pre-mixed with whole grain oats, flax seed, and pumpkin seed. I’ve been adding sliced banana to it for breakfast and it is on point.

Boom Chicka Pop

The name and packaging alone got my attention. I bought this giant bag from SAMs club last month and I have been hooked! It’s a great low cal snack (35 cal per cup, what?!) and I like that it is lightly sweetened.

Sweet Dreams Herbal Tea

We love getting fresh tea leaves from Teavana, but I am yet to find a calming night time tea that I love from there. I do enjoy a mug of this Sweet Dreams tea, which is a blend of chamomile and mint. I’m not sure if my dreams are sweeter after a mug of this, but I definitely feel more relaxed.

No. 1 Vanilla Spice Chardonnay Candle

I love burning candles, especially around this time of year. I picked this candle up on a random Home Goods run. That store gets me in trouble sometimes, okay most times. Does anyone else have this problem? Regardless, this was a great last minute purchase! I love the scent of this candle–it has a little spice and a little sweetness to it.

What are you currently obsessed with?

5Dec2015

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken {+Quality Girl Time}

Posted in Crockpot, Entrees, Uncategorized by Cavities & Cravings

I spent the afternoon/early evening with some friends from work. My face hurts and my side aches from laughing so hard! Today I was reminded of the importance of having quality time with girlfriends. Since moving to Cincinnati I feel like I have not found a solid group of girlfriends. Why is it so much harder to find close friends as an adult?! These ladies are pretty fantastic and every time we get together outside of work it’s a great time! We literally laughed so hard til we cried… or snorted.

We spent the afternoon drinking wine and baking some delicious lemon cupcakes for a work event tomorrow. After multiple bottles of wine we found ourselves watching/ dancing/singing to music videos. Have you seen the new Gwen Stefani music video? #weird. I am now curled up on the couch in pjs watching the Michigan State vs Iowa football game with Husband.

Tonight I am sharing a recipe for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken. I have made this several times and it is always a big hit, not to mention so easy! If you have followed my blog, you know that I LOVE crockpot recipes. I rely on crockpot recipes to help me get through extra busy weeks.

This recipe called for 1/4 cup of bourbon. I used Bulleit bourbon because that’s what we had, but feel free to use any kind you have on hand! You really can taste the bourbon flavor in this recipe.

Add this recipe to your menu this week on a day when you know you will get home late. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup Bourbon
¼ cup water
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
⅓ cup apple cider (*or apple juice)
½ teaspoon chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Mix all sauce ingredients, except for chicken and cornstarch, in a small bowl.

2. Place chicken in slow cooker, pour sauce over top. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3 hours.

3. Remove chicken and chop into bite sized pieces. Strain liquid and place over medium high heat in a small pot. Combine 3 tablespoons water with 3 tablespoons cornstarch. Whisk into boiling sauce along with 1 clove minced garlic. Stir until thickened.

4. Pour over chicken pieces in the slow cooker and stir. Serve over rice.

Recipe adjusted from Spending with Pennies

Check out some of my other crockpot chicken recipes:

31Oct2012

Chicken Florentine Soup

Posted in Entrees, Soup, Uncategorized by Cavities & Cravings

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who have been been affected by hurricane Sandy. My parents live in New Jersey and they say that the damage that has been done is unreal. I am thankful that all my family members and friends are safe.

On a brighter note, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I’ve been passing out candy all evening… 3 pieces of candy for the child, 1 piece of candy for me. It’s a win-win, really. Calories don’t count on Halloween right? 🙂

The temperature has dropped here in Ohio, its the perfect weather for a warm bowl of soup. I made this soup last night and it turned out delicious! Husband was a huge fan of it too, he asked if I could make it again next week. Two thumbs up! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked penne pasta
1 lb of shredded or cubed chicken breast, cooked
4 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 chopped red pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon margarine
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
3 tablespoons prepared pesto
1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, saute the chicken, spinach, red peppers, garlic powder and pepper in margarine until spinach is wilted.

3. Add broth, alfredo sauce and pesto; cook for 4-5 minutes or until heated through.Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

27Jun2012

Chicken Rolls

Posted in Entrees, Uncategorized by Cavities & Cravings

So many exciting things have happened over the past few days. First, I took part of the National Dental Board Exam. Taking the exam wasn’t so exciting, but being done with it is! That was brutal, thank God that is over with. Results take 3-4 weeks to arrive, BY MAIL!! Seriously? This is going to be torture. I pray that I never have to take that exam again.

In other news, we added a new member to our family!! He is so so precious. Meet Leonidas (Leo for short), he is a King Charles Cavalier. Husband got him for me as an early birthday present. 🙂 He’s the BEST. Every day while I was studying for boards I went to the pet store and played with Leo to cheer myself up. Worked like a charm! There’s just something about that puppy love that puts me in a great mood.

Meet Leo!

Now on to more important things, like this chicken recipe!

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
4 pieces sharp cheddar cheese
Fresh basil
4 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 cup panko italian bread crumbs
1 egg
1 tablespoon skim milk

Instructions:

1. Pre heat oven to 375.

2. Place chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap, pound chicken to about 1/4 inch thickness. Sprinkle chicken breast lightly with salt and pepper. Spread 1 tsp garlic, 1 tsp of basil in center, then place cube of cheese in center of chicken breast. Fold in sides and roll up.

3. In one bowl, beat egg and 1 tablespoon milk. Place breadcrumbs in second bowl. Dip each chicken roll in egg mixture then in breadcrumb. Place coated chicken in 2 quart baking dish.

4. Bake uncovered on 375 for 20-22 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

13Jun2012

Mexican Stuffed Shells

Posted in Uncategorized by Cavities & Cravings

I was supposed to make this recipe a few weeks ago, but the genius that I am – I misread the recipe. I finally got around to trying the actual recipe I intended to make and it turned out delicious! I even got a two thumbs up from the husband, it is definitely a keeper! Thank you, pinterest for another great recipe idea.

The studying continues for boards part 1, so say a little extra prayer for me. Exactly 1 week from today, I’ll have just finished my exam. I cannot wait to be done. To relieve the stress I have been baking… last night I made some fabulous cake batter chocolate cookies with butterscotch chips. They turned out incredible. I’ll have to post the recipe soon.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1 package low-sodium taco seasoning
4 oz. cream cheese
14-16 jumbo pasta shells
1.5 cup salsa
1.5 cups enchilada sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup monterey jack cheese
3 green onions
Sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.2. In a pan cook ground beef; add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Add cream cheese, cover and simmer until cheese is melted. Blend well. Set aside.

3. While ground beef is cooking, cook the pasta shells according to directions; drain. Set shells out individually on cutting board/baking sheet so that they don’t stick together.

4. Pour salsa on bottom of 9×13 baking dish. Stuff each shell with the meat mixture. Place shells in 9×13 pan open side up. Cover shells with taco sauce.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 15 minutes, add shredded cheese and bake for 10-15 more minutes, with the foil removed. Top with any condiments you’d like.

Back to studying I go!

Source: The Way to His Heart

11Feb2012

Lemon and Thyme Chicken

Posted in Entrees, Uncategorized by Cavities & Cravings

Here’s a quick and tasty baked chicken recipe I made one night this week. Turned out to be so easy and so full of flavor. We really enjoyed it with a side of roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1-2 tbsp olive oil
5-6 cloves of garlic, minced
1/3 cup of chicken broth
1 tsp lemon pepper
Juice from 1 lemon
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lemon cut into 4 wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute, until garlic is a golden yellow color.

3. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon pepper, oregano, and thyme to the pan. Pour the mixture into the baking dish.

4. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and lemon pepper to taste. Place the chicken in the baking dish along with the lemon wedges.

5. Place into the oven and bake, basting occasionally with the garlic lemon sauce, for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

5. Remove from the oven and let the meat rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle the garlic lemon sauce on top of the slices of chicken and serve.

Modified from the blog For the Love of Cooking

8Feb2012

Football Whoopie Pies

Posted in Dessert, Uncategorized by Cavities & Cravings

Congrats to all you Giants fans out there for your victory on Sunday evening! We had a small Super Bowl get together and it was great! Husband believes that Super Bowl Sunday is even better than Christmas Day…I happen to disagree (Christmas is the bestest!!). Every year he invites his buddies over and they buckle down with chili, beer, and lots of junk food! This year, was no different.

Those who know me, know that I love (understatement) baking. My friend Jess and I had so much fun making these and they turned out adorable!

These chocolate whoopie pies turned out so fluffy and were stuffed with the most amazing butter cream icing! It’s my go to icing recipe. I’ve even converted many non-icing lovers with this recipe 🙂

While I made these football shaped – they will be just as fantastic in any other shape!

Enjoy!

Whoopie Ingredients:

1 box of chocolate cake mix (any kind you like)
3 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water

Buttercream Icing Ingredients:

1 cup solid vegetable shortening*
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
1 teaspoon clear butter flavoring
2 tablespoons water (or milk)
1 tablespoon merengue powder (optional)
4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar (approximately 1 lb.
* Get white shortening, not yellow! So you the icing will be white, rather than a tint of yellow

Instructions:

1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Start off by whisking together the eggs, vegetable oil, and water.

3. Then add the cake mix and stir well, until it is smooth and lump free.

4. Place spoonfuls of batter on baking sheet, be sure to keep each spoonful spaced apart as they will spread out. Use the back of a spoon or a butter knife to shape the batter in to a football shape.

5. Place in oven for 8-10 minutes. Take out of oven and allow to cool completely.

6. While you are waiting you can start making the buttercream icing.

7. With an electric mixer, soften shortening. Add vanilla, butter flavoring, water (or milk), and merengue powder. Mix well.

8. Start adding powdered sugar, one cup at a time until well blended. I like my buttercream frosting to be really sweet, so taste as you go and add more or less depending on your sweet tooth

9. Once icing is made and whoopie’s are cooled, it’s time to assemble the whoopie pies! Place some icing on the underside of a football shaped cake. Place another cake on time and press down a little.

10. Decorate with laces using white decorating gel or by piping out remaining buttercream icing.

11. Time to enjoy 🙂

Source: Picture the Recipe

28Dec2011

Asian Glazed Drumsticks

Posted in Entrees, Uncategorized by Cavities & Cravings

These Asian themed drumsticks turned out delicious. The reduced glaze has so much flavor and I made it with a little kick of spice, just the way we like it! This recipe was inspired from Ginas Skinny Recipes. Check out the nutrition information:

Serving Size: 2 drumsticks • Old Points: 5 pts • Calories: 213 • Fat: 4.7 g • Protein: 27.5 g • Carb: 12.7 g • Fiber: 0.4 g

Pretty impressive, right? I would’ve never guessed that these drumsticks would be so healthy, especially with all the flavor they have. I served drumsticks next to rice and some steamed vegetables sautéed in soy sauce.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

10 medium chicken drumsticks, skin removed
Oil spray (I used PAM)
1 cup water
1 tbsp Sriracha hot sauce (more or less to taste, can also use any other hot sauce that you have on hand)
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup soy sauce
4 tsp splenda (or sugar)
1 tsp chopped garlic
1 tsp ginger
2 tbsp chives or scallions, chopped (optional)
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, brown chicken on high for 3-4 minutes with a little spray oil.

2. Add water, balsamic, hot sauce, soy sauce, agave, garlic, and ginger, and cook on high until liquid comes to a boil.

3. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered for about 20 minutes.

4. Remove cover and bring heat to high, allowing sauce to reduce down, about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes a thick glaze, turning chicken occasionally. (Keep an eye on glaze, you don’t want it to burn!)

5. Transfer chicken to a platter and pour glaze on top. Top with chives and sesame seeds and serve.

14Dec2011

Help Make a Boys Wish Come True

Posted in Uncategorized by Cavities & Cravings

A few days ago, Julie from the blog Peanut Butter Fingers shared a post about a boy who needs help making his Christmas wish come true. I just thought I’d pass this story on as I thought it was such an awesome opportunity to help make a little boys wish come true!

Max is an 8-year-old boy fighting leukemia, unfortunately he will not make it home to celebrate Christmas. His awesome Christmas wish is that he would like to receive 1,000,000 Christmas cards in the mail!

If you would like to send him a Christmas card and help make his wish come true, then send your card here:

Max c/o Hailey Remish
417 Jones Street
Belle Vernon, PA 15012

Merry Christmas!

13Nov2011

Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

Posted in Entrees, Uncategorized by Cavities & Cravings

This was a last minute kind-of impromptu meal! The weather here has been crazy…one day its 70 and less than 24 hours later the high is in the 40’s. It’s really been freaking my body out! Hot-cold, hot-cold, hot-cold! Make up your mind! I mean I don’t want to complain, because quite honestly I’m not a big fan of cold weather, but I just want it to stay one way or another… preferably towards the 70 degree end if at all possible!

Anyways, My original dinner plan for the evening was to make a chicken casserole that I had made awhile back, but all I really wanted was a hearty soup… I spent some serious quality time in class (oops!) searching for recipes, I finally the perfect recipe.

I’m not going to lie, I was a little nervous making this one.I mean at first it seemed fine, start by cooking the chicken and cutting it in to small pieces, chop and sauté the vegetables you’d like to add, so far so good…and then came the serious part. Make the roux. What the heck’s a roux you ask? I had no idea either (that shows you how new I am to this whole cooking thing!) Well, i did the research and it’s used to thicken sauces and soups… here’s an article from allrecipes.com that explains how to make a roux. You’ll be happy to know that I rouxed (not sure if this is really word, but now it is!) away and the soup turned out delicious! Now whether or not I rouxed properly is an entirely different issue 🙂

Here’s the recipe, enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup cooked brown rice (or white!)
1/2 cup diced carrot
1/4 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
4 tablespoons minced garlic
1-1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp white whole wheat flour
4-5 cups chicken broth/stock
1/2 cup light sour cream

(Because this recipe was so last minute, I didn’t have too many vegetable options, but the original recipe called for broccoli as well and I bet that would’ve been delicious in here!)

Instructions:

1. Prepare rice and chicken if not already using leftovers:

One cup dry, rice prepared with 1 cup water and 1 cup chicken stock adds depth of flavor. Follow package directions for cooking time. Saute chicken seasoned with salt and pepper in a small amount of oil over medium-high heat just until golden. Remove from heat and shred or chop into small pieces. Set aside.

2. Saute vegetables:

Heat a small amount of oil to medium and saute carrot, celery and onion just until tender. Add garlic. Saute one minute more and remove from heat. Set aside.

3. Make the roux.

In the same pan the vegetables were sautéed in, add oil and flour. Over medium heat, scrape cooked bits of vegetables (and chicken) from pan and incorporate into roux. Cook the roux until golden. Depending not the type of flour you use the roux may be lighter (white flour) or darker (wheat flour).

4. Make the broth.

Add chicken stock a half cup at a time to roux and stir continuously until roux is incorporated into stock. Continue cooking and stirring over medium heat until slightly thickened and bubbling. Add sour cream and incorporate.

5. Add all the important stuff.

Add shredded chicken, 1 cup of rice, and sauteed vegetable mixture in to broth. Simmer until desired thickness, 20-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to desired taste.