Holy Yummo-Ness Batman!

Who says you can't have mac & cheese when losing weight? I came across a blog recently Skinny Taste. It's run by a Gina, a woman who has been working on weight loss herself and wanted to make a blog to share with others recipes that don't sacrifice taste just because you may be counting points (or calories..). I looked through it yesterday because I was trying to figure out sides to go with dinners. I knew tonight I would be making a low point turkey meatloaf, but wanted something yummy to go with. I love veggies, but don't just want to always do veggie side dishes. I came across her recipe for Lighter Baked Mac & Cheese.

And oh. my. word. It was so yummy! For being a lighter mac and cheese (I did the stovetop version to make it easier on myself.) it tasted a lot better then other mac & cheeses I have had. I think my favorite part was the spinach that was in it. It added another flavor texture to it and almost tasted like there was a meat in it. I didn't miss the cream or anything. I loved it. And Parker (who should be eating high calorie foods so he gains wait...) LOVED IT. He had 2 servings. 

I am really excited that I am realized I can eat "normal" foods on a lighter scale. 

Try it, even if you aren't trying to lose weight....I think you will love it! :)

Menu Plan Monday (on Tuesday)

Sorry I am just not posting this...yeesh, between me being ill, Drew being ill, and what I posted about yesterday, my mind is a hot mess! Here ya go!

Monday: Sloppy Joes, Pasta Salad and Mixed Veggies

Tuesday: 3 Mushroom, Onion, Bacon Pizza, Salad and Fresh Fruit

Wednesday: Penne with Cherry Tomatoes and Provolone Cheese, Rolls, Side of veggies

Thursday: Chicken Roll Cordon Blue, Rice, Veggie

Friday: Beef Stew

Saturday: Hot Dogs, Stove Top mac & cheese, veggie

Sunday: Leftovers for lunch and Parker's Birthday Party (i.e. Pizza)

The reason I rarely post a specific veggie is because I typically don't plan it until about 5 minutes before dinner is ready.

All of the main recipes are from my Weight Watchers cookbooks...trying so hard to heat better.

I will share a couple later this week.

Enjoy :) If you want a specific recipe, please let me know!

My Favorite Pizza

My friend Ellen over at Thrifty & Chic mom is hosing a pizza party recipe swap! Now if you are like me, you LOVE pizza. My favorite toppings is def. mushrooms, but I have this obsession with BBQ Chicken Pizza...mmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about pizza! I decided that I would submit my favorite recipe that we like here in the Northern Household! Let me know what you think, it's always a big hit here! And while you're at it, share your favorite recipe, head over to Ellen's blog and leave your recipe in the Link part! :)

Three Mushroom, Onion, and Bacon Pizza
(makes 6 servings)

2 tsp olive oil
1 cup sliced fresh white mushrooms
1 cup sliced fresh shiitake mushroom caps
1 cup sliced fresh Portobello mushroom caps
1 large onion, sliced
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme, or 1 tsp dried
1 (10 oz) package thin pre-baked pizza crust
4 slices bacon, crisp cooked, drained and crumbled
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees
2. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the mushrooms, onion, pepper and salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms and onions are very tender - about 15 minutes. Add the wine and simmer, uncovered, until the liquid evaporates, 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the thyme.
3. Place the pizza crust on a pizza pan or baking sheet. Spoon the mushroom mixture onto the crust. Sprinkle with the bacon, then the cheese. Bake until heated through and the cheese is lightly browned - about 15 minutes.

This is a weight watchers recipe and is a value of 5 points! Also, I like to use turkey bacon and you can always substitute chicken stock for the dry white wine if you need to!

Enjoy! :)

Fun Foods Friday: Minestrone Mac

So I have been on this new recipe trying kick as of recent and been buying these cheap little recipe magazines at the check out lane. I bought one recenty called Dinner on a Dime and it was a recipe for a new way to use elbow macaroni.

It was pretty darn delicious, so I thought I would share!

Minestroni Mac

1 lb. ground beef
2 cans (14.5oz) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
2 1/4 cups water
1.5 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 beef bouillon cube
1 can (16 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) cut green beans, rinsed and drained

1) In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, water, macaroni and bouillon; bring to boil.

2) Reduce the heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Stir in the beans and cook until heated through.

Deni's Tips:: First, I loved this recipe, it was so easy and flavorful. I will say I added in the beans before I boiled for the 12-15 minutes so that they would get cooked through well. I used chickpeas (because I LOVE THEM) and it was yummy. I also used ground turkey - we actually don't eat a lot of ground beef...

I think next time I might add in some onion and garlic, but all in all, this was so easy and yummy! Not to mention Parker ate a ton - and he doesn't really even like hamburger that much! I hope you enjoy!

Chicken Bruschetta Bake - FFF

I am re-installing Fun Foods Friday today. Meaning every friday I will come on here and share a recipe! Enjoy!

Chicken Bruschetta Bake

I.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
28 oz can Italian-Style stewed tomatoes, well drained
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese - shredded
6 oz pkg. stuffing mix - chicken
1.5 cups water

Preheat oven to 375

1. Place chicken in lightly greased 8x13 baking dish - sprinkle with seasoning
2. Spread tomatoes over top.
3. Sprinkle with cheese.
4. In a mixing bowl combine stuffing mix with water. Spoon over baking dish ingredients.
5. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, uncover and bake for another 15-30 minutes.


Deni's Tips: I actually started using diced Italian style tomatoes because I couldn't ever get the stewed ones drained well.

Also, I decided to do actually do the chicken, then stuffing, then tomatoes and cheese and loved it this way, felt more like bruschetta to me.

This is a family favorite!

Deni's Buffet 'O Thoughts

Hello Peoples!

So so sorry I haven't updated in a few days. Our laptop has enter through the gates of glory into laptop heaven and while yes, we have a desk top, I've been BUSY and can't really use it when Parker's up because it's in our bedroom and he liked to pull out my undies! (Just sayin!) So hence, no updates to el blog for a while...

But if you like buffets and all it has to offer than you will LOVE this blog today. It's about as random as random gets...actually maybe not. But it offers a little bit of everything, happy news, sad news, a recipe, Parker news, prayer requests, me being all mature and stuff. So sit back, relax and take a load off while we dive in.

1) Parker News

I think we will start off with this, after all, he's the whole reason you come to this thing isn't he? (I don't blame you!) He's doing Ah-maz-ing. Seriously, except for the whole whiney toddler thing this boy is just getting so stinking big! See, here's a couple pictures as proof...





sorry about the quality, our digital is MIA and so I've been using my iphone! P.S. in the bottom one he found an m&m. Anyways, like I said, he's doing great. He got a second hair cut this week, horribly unemotional compared to his first, but boy was it fun. He sat in the chair like a big boy, flirted and did great! He looks so good now and no more rat tail. He also got kicked out of PT this week. Actually they dismissed him, he's just dandy in the physical department. Right on track. Still has 2 months of ST, but we know he could use a little more time there. He's pushing my buttons EVERY chance he gets and I am working on making days more structured. I am terrible at that! He had his first cold since going on his flovent a month ago and never had any breathing issues. I am so excited that I finally understand his asthma enough now! Praise Jesus!

2) Me Stuff

And now on to the boring things...me. Let's see, I am kinda on a diet, I was gun hoe (is that how you say it?) about it and am struggling. I have successfully switched to diet soda and have limited my intake, so that's good. I am trying to eat smaller portions and healthy, but that can be a challenge. Especially right now (mmmmmm girl scout cookies!) Let's see, Oh I went to a seminar yesterday called Joni & Friends - Raise the Roof. If you don't know the story of Joni Ereckson Tata, at the age of 16 she went swimming, dived intp shallow water and broke her neck. She is quadriplegic. She has her organization that works with disabled children in churches as well as the churches so that they can have disability ministry. Our church is growing and we realize that we need to start looking ahead and getting knowledge on disability ministry so that we can help future visitors feel completely comfortable at our church. And so I was asked to go and I gained some AMAZING knowledge on it. I look forward to helping our church grow.

3) Other Stuff

Faith, the little girl I told you about who was just diagnosed with a brain tumor is holding steady. She and her family certainly need prayers as it's super hard to watch your child suffer, but they are doing their best to enjoy her. She now not only has her caring bridge site, but also her own site here: Help Faith. It's still brand new so there isn't much to it yet, but it's a way to stay connected and donate. PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM!

I came across another family a while ago whose 2 year old is suffering from neuroblastoma and really could meet her father in heaven very soon! My heart breaks for this family, but as I read their updates on both their blog and twitter I am amazed at the faith they have and the strength this little 2 year old is showing. PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM!

One more person I'd like to share with you is Dave Plaster. He is a minister here in Columbus at a local church. He just recently fell very ill and has not been able to be diagnosed. He's currently up at a hospital here in Cleveland, but his prognosis looks very grim. Please pray for him and his family. He's quite a loved pastor, though I don't know him, I've heard great things. You can check updates on here at his site here. PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM.

My goal is to share prayer requests outside of my family as much as possible now. While I certainly love that you pray for us and I am sure you will, there are just so many heart wrenching stories out there and if I can shine a light on a few here or there. I want to. I want this blog to not only be about me, but to share my faith and to show you other's you can be loving towards.

4) Num, Num, Num - A Recipe

Finally for you today I have a recipe of something I made this week that's simple and healthy and will yummy.

Penne with Asparagus & Parmesan

1/2 pound penne
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 garlic clove - thinly sliced
1 (14.5oz) can of diced tomatoes, with their juice
1/2 cup reduced fat chicken broth
1 lb. asparagus, cut on the diagonal in 1 in. peices
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1) Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook the penne according to package directions, drain and keep warm in pot.
2) Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, cook just until it begins to turn golden. Add the tomatoes and broth and bring to boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Add the asparagus, cover and simmer until tender about 5 minutes longer; pour over the penne. Add the basil and Parmesan cheese, to to coat.

Super simple and if you are on weight watchers it's from one of their books and is 6 points. This make 4 servings btw!

I'm done with my buffet, have a great day!

Out with the Old, In with the New

First of all, HAPPY 2010* everyone. I hope that your Christmas and New Years were good ones. Ours was fantastic! Lots of family, fun, food and rest.

*(That's twenty ten, none of this two thousand ten junk!)

2009 wasn't a half bad year for us. Sure we had our share of ups and downs, but considering we started the new year with a tiny little man and now we have a precious little toddler and we are happy, that's all that matters. I saw my son turn 1, have two seperate ER visits, be (mostly) diagnosed with asthma, be diagnosed with allergies, start walking, and now he's a jabbering fool who can actually use a fork and likes to throw his plate on the floor. Not too shabby. Parker's a true toddler now and growing physically and mentally each day. Our saw my marriage have a bit of a bump, but now it's stronger than ever. I saw my husband get another raise and watched him grow. And I saw myself grow tremendously, get a job I adore, a car I love and new friends to last a lifetime. All in all, 2009 wasn't too bad.

BUT OUT WITH THE OLD....

AND IN WITH THE NEW....

2010....day 2 of this year and already it's been pretty darn good. My step - sister had my nephew Dalton yesterday (1-1-10) at 9:13 am (he was the first baby born in that hospital in the new year. He's currently in the NICU for some lung issues, but is doing well. He was 7lbs, 6ozs and 19 inches long. He's a cute little man! I got to see many of my friends happy when the Bucks made dinner out of the Ducks in the Rose Bowl! And today, I got to enjoy a quiet afternoon with my two men and I get to go on a date tonight to see Avatar in 3D - so that should be fun. Oh and I get Chipotle for dinner. Some of you may not be thrilled, but I am!

I am looking forward to 20-10. I am not sure what all is in store and I am sure God has some plans that I may not enjoy, but nevertheless, I am excited. My baby boy, born at only 29 weeks, will turn two in May. He's car seat will FINALLY be flipped probably in the next few days. I will celebrate my 5 year wedding anniversary on Aug. 6 with a trip to either Chi-town or NYC. I will get to see my youngest brother, Brandon graduate from high school in June. And who knows what else really. I do look forward to it.

Oh did I also mention that the first meal I made in 20-10 was a delicious slow cooker full of ham and bean soup? Without a recipe? Yah, I am that good! We had a ton of left over ham from Christmas and I wanted to use it up and do something different. I happened to have some dry navy beans so I thought...hmmmm....let's try. It was easy peasy lemon squeezy! Want me to share what I did? Well fine, you twisted my arm...yeesh.

Ham N Bean Soup A'la Deni:

1.5 cups dry Navy Beans
Ham (I would say I had probably about 1.5 - 2 cups once I chopped it up)
1/2 an onion, sliced,
1 piece of celery chopped
6 cups of water
1.5 bullion cube (beef)

****The Dry beans need prepped first. I just did mine by soaking over night in a big bowl with 5 cups of water. I leave it on the counter and vent the lid a bit.****

I mixed all the ingredients in the slow cooker, added some spices, rosemary and thyme and pepper and cooked on low for 6 hours.

That's it folks. I mean, obviously their is the prep and all, but that's it. The beans cook great in the sc** and it ends up being yummy. I started out with 4 cups of water, but once the beans expanded I added two more. It made the soup not to thin and not too thick.

**slow cooker

Well that's my first recipe of 20-10. Let's write that one down in the record books! :)

I'll update again soon!

Food For Thought

So I have been on this kick recently - a food kick.

I HEART Food! I love eating it, but more than that, I love cooking food. For me, cooking is therapeutic and relaxing (as long as P-town isn't in the kitchen!) To me there is nothing like standing over my stove, putting effort into something so tasty and so aromatic. It's great, it's fun, and it makes my house smell good.

I have been learning just in the past few months that you can - in fact - make good meals on a budget. Also, you don't have to have a gourmet kitchen (though, honestly, I'd love one...) and you can be very inventive. I.E. the other day, we needed to eat what we had in the house - which was not much. So I made Chili Hot Dog Burritos - SO GOOD! Took me 5 minutes and I cleaned out my pantry and kitchen some.

I just love food!

Saturday night, a couple of girlfriends and I went and saw Julie & Julia! It was a great movie and really struck something in me. I wish I had the time and effort to cook through Julia Child's cookbook - but honestly, it's just not going to happen. Also, I don't like seafood. The only "seafood" I eat is tuna, salmon, clam's and occasionally shrimp - as long as it's breaded because the veins gross me out. But, I had a thought after watching that movie. What if I do something like what Julie did with Julia's cook book?

Here is what I came up with... See, I tend to think that certain recipes are going to be way to hard for me to make (like pork tenderloin for example.) Or, I think, oooh, that would be fun to make, but I don't have state of the art kitchen needs. I live in an apartment with a typical apartment stove. My cookware- well, it's old and leaves something to be desired. But, if I have been able to make "fancy" things before (home made Salisbury steak anyone?) then I certainly can make other things too. So my idea: For the next few months - write out a list of recipes, foods, desserts I think sound yummy, but I have been to scared to try (because I don't think I can do it.) Starting in January (or maybe earlier) - cook one recipe a day or week (depending on money and such) for a set amount of time and do kind of like what Julie did, share my experiences, recipes, ect. on this blog. It can be as "simple" as Bruschetta or as difficult as duck a l'orange (though I don't think I want to try duck.)

I think it would be good for me to do it, to experience making gourment food on a budget and learn new recipes. I really want to do this...I just need to figure out all the details!

I am going to do my best, also, to do Fun Foods Friday's again, because I am cooking more with recipes and less with hamburger helper - and no I am not to proud to admit I like easy food out of a box - sometimes, it's just the easy food I need.

On a completely different note - I just found that The Chairman from Iorn Chef America, will be on dancing with the stars. He was one of the people on the "who-on-earth" is that list: Mark Dascasos:

And seriously, am I the only one who finds him super cute? He can come judge my food anytime! :)

If you would like me to add a recipe to make, I'd love to try some of your ideas as well! But it's up to you!

Oh and here, the recipe for Chili Dog Burritos:

Ingredients:
4 Hot Dogs
1 can Hormel Chili
4 tortillas
Shredded cheese

Directions:
1. Cook hot dogs in way desired - broil, boil, microwave!
2. Dump chili into small saucepan and warm over medium high heat for 3-5 minutes.
3. Warm tortillas in microwave.
4. Assemble burrito: slice hot dog in half so it will lay flat and place on tortilla. Spoon chili over hot dog, top with cheese. Fold tortilla into burrito.

The great thing about this recipe, you can do it different ways, use leftover chili, whatever size tortilla you want, add whatever toppings you want. It's a great way to clean out the pantry. And, you can use whatever kind of hot dogs you want - I eat either all beef or turkey - I don't like the mystery meat kind ;) Also, I did one hot dog per person - this would serve four, but if you want more hot dogs in the burrito - add it, I am not gonna stop ya!

Enjoy!