tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83597464470245774892024-02-25T23:08:01.658-07:00The Girly Girl CooksI'm a Montana girl and college student who has just moved out of the dorms and living in my very first apartment. Now I'm exploring my new love for cooking by trying new recipes while winning my boyfriends heart through his stomach!GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.comBlogger410125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-25175923884096323622020-01-24T07:00:00.000-07:002020-01-24T07:00:02.571-07:00Garlicky Garlic Knots<div>
Ever since I posted the recipe for<a href="https://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/diy-garlic-garlic-seasoning-mix.html"> DIY Garlic Garlic Seasoning Mix</a>, I have been getting asked the same question multiple times....S<i>o what do you do with it? How do you use it?</i></div>
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To sum it up briefly, if a recipe calls for garlic you can substitute with this miracle seasoning blend. And if you recipe doesn't call for garlic, it probably should because garlic is life. </div>
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I love using<a href="https://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/diy-garlic-garlic-seasoning-mix.html"> this seasoning blend</a> with everything from roast veggies, seasoning my protein (chicken, beef, pork, seafood, etc.), pasta, breads, marinades, dips, sauces, stews....literally anything and everything!<br />
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The other night I made soup and served it with these Garlicky Garlic Knots and I'm here to show you how to make the easiest side to go with your weeknight soup or stew. First take a package of refrigerated pizza crust dough (I used Pillsbury) and roll it out into an even rectangle. Using a knife or pizza cutter, make 12 even strips, like so....</div>
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Tie each strip of dough into a loose knot and place onto a large nonstick baking sheet.</div>
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In a small dish combine the butter and <a href="https://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/diy-garlic-garlic-seasoning-mix.html">Garlic Garlic Seasoning Mix </a>and brush onto the knots of dough. Bake at 400F for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and enjoy!</div>
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<b>Garlicky Garlic Knots</b></div>
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<b>Servings: 12</b></div>
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<li>1 (13.8 ounce) package of Refrigerated Pizza Dough</li>
<li>3 tablespoons Butter</li>
<li>1/2 tablespoon <a href="https://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/diy-garlic-garlic-seasoning-mix.html">DIY Garlic Garlic Seasoning Mix</a></li>
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Preheat the oven to 400F. Roll out the pizza crust dough into an even rectangle and cut (using knife or pizza cutter) into 12 equal strips of dough. Loosely tie each strip into a knot and place onto a parchment or baking mat lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine the butter and Garlic Garlic Seasoning Mix. Microwave for 20-30 seconds until the butter is melted and stir to combine. Brush the garlic-butter mixture on the knots of dough. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Recipe Inspired by Tastefully Simple</span></div>
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GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-9777163685745496292020-01-22T06:30:00.000-07:002020-01-22T06:30:02.437-07:00Little Lady is 2 Years Old!I can't believe it. My little Miss Charlotte is already 2 years old. The last time I wrote anything on here about her, she was only 3 months old. Time goes by too quick. But now that we are in the midst of the<i> terrible twos</i>, time can go a little quicker....just for a short while ;)<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Charlotte is a little lady after my own heart. She is a girl who knows what she wants, when she wants it! LOL. Unlike her older brother, Charlotte is not a picky eater and boy does that girl love her some snacks. She will stand at the door of the pantry and yell out, "SNACKS!!!!" and it gets me laughing every time. I know how she feels, all too well!<br />
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Charlottes current obsession is all things Bubble Guppies and Blue Clues. Or should I say "Buppies" and "Blues Blues" because that's what she calls it, therefore that is what I have started calling it. Whenever the mail-time song comes on Blue Clues and they "wail" for the mail, Charlotte sings along and "WAAAIILLLLSS!" with her hands in the air and it is priceless.<br />
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Charlotte also is<i> in love</i> with her Bitty Baby doll. She loves feeding her, bathing her, giving her doctor check ups and cuddling with her while watching "Buppies."<br />
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Don't tell my kiddos, but for Charlottes birthday I am surprising her and big brother Nolan with tickets to see the Paw Patrol Pirate Adventure live show in Alberta, Canada! I seriously can't wait to see their reaction to seeing their favorite pups LIVE! For her birthday, I've decked her out with adorable Paw Patrol t-shirts, coloring books and her favorite character Skye with helicopter toy figure. Since Lethbridge has a Toys R Us (yay Canada!), I thought it would be so much fun to treat the kids to a visit to the best toy store ever, eat all the donuts at Tim Hortons and swim in the pool at our hotel before the show. It will be the best surprise and a fun overnight trip to shake up the wintertime blues!<br />
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Happy 2nd Birthday Miss Charlotte! We love you so very much! </div>
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GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-10827675345245081672020-01-20T01:05:00.001-07:002020-01-21T00:51:21.703-07:00DIY Garlic Garlic Seasoning MixMost of you may remember a time when I was a Tastefully Simple Independent Consultant. I still absolutely and completely<i> love</i> their products (seasonings, sauces, mixes, etc.). And their quick and easy recipes are still some of my fav!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>My favorite Tastefully Simple seasoning mix of all time, the best of the best, has gotta be their Garlic Garlic seasoning. It makes an insanely addicting dip (that will give you the worst garlic breath....but so worth it). If a recipe calls for any sort of garlic, substitute this seasoning mix and it's even better. Guaranteed!<br />
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So at $9.99 a bottle + shipping, I decided to do some playing in my own seasoning cabinet and make my own Garlic Garlic Seasoning Mix, for 1/4 of the cost! The only item I was missing was the dried minced garlic, so all I needed to purchase at the store was that....otherwise I had everything else on hand. Bonus!<br />
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<b>DIY Garlic Garlic Seasoning Mix</b><br />
<ul>
<li>6 tablespoons Dried Minced Garlic</li>
<li>1-1/2 tablespoons Dried Minced Onion</li>
<li>1/2 tablespoon Kosher Salt</li>
<li>1/2 tablespoon Garlic Powder</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Dried Chives</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Dried Dill</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil</li>
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Combine all the ingredients and store in an airtight container. Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Recipe Inspired by Tastefully Simple</span></div>
GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-53014139811744052852019-01-14T04:00:00.000-07:002019-01-14T04:18:03.618-07:00Individual Chicken Pot Pies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is nothing that screams comfort food more than chicken pot pie. Puff pastry used for the crust is a game changer and once you add a splash of cognac to the hearty filling, you will never want to make pot pie any other way again.</div>
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Whenever I ask Dusty, "<i>Hey, what sounds good for dinner?" </i>The response is always, "Chicken pot pie." Anytime I ask him what I can make special for him for dinner, the answer will be 90% of the time (he loves his mom's enchiladas, tuna casserole and pork chop casserole the other 10%), <i>chicken pot pie. </i><br />
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I've been making this recipe for 8+ years now and it has been 8+ years since my husband has bought a frozen Marie Calendar chicken pot pie. It is that good! </div>
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I love serving these pot pies in their own individual ramekins to help with portion control and because it makes them look so cute (like tiny soda cans)! But mostly it's for portion control because I could eat a ridiculous amount of this hearty, savory, chicken pot pie goodness! </div>
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Each individual pot pie is portioned just right to be filling, satisfying and WW approved ;)</div>
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<b>Individual Chicken Pot Pies</b></div>
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<b>Servings: 4</b></div>
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2 tablespoon Butter</div>
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8 ounces Yukon Gold Potaoes, cut into 1-inch pieces</div>
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1/2 large Yellow Onion, chopped</div>
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3 medium Carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces</div>
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8 ounces sliced Mushrooms</div>
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1/4 cup Cognac</div>
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3 tablespoons Flour</div>
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1 cup Chicken Broth</div>
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1 /2 cup Whole Milk</div>
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Shredded meat from 1 Rotisserie Chicken</div>
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1 cup frozen Green Peas</div>
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh Parsley</div>
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1 teaspoon dried Thyme</div>
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1/4 teaspoon dried Sage</div>
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1/2 tablespoon Kosher Salt</div>
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1 /2 teaspoon freshly ground Pepper</div>
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1 sheet of thawed Puff Pastry</div>
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1 Egg Yolk</div>
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1 tsp Water</div>
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Preheat the oven to 425F. In a large Dutch oven or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, mushrooms, carrots and potatoes and cook, stirring, until tender for 10-12 minutes. Carefully add the cognac and allow it to reduce slightly for approximately 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat the vegetable medley. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stir to combine and allow to simmer and thicken for a couple minutes. Add in the chicken, green peas, parsley, thyme, sage, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and remove the pot from heat.</div>
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Portion the chicken filling into 4 (2 cup) sized ramekins, greased with cooking spray. Using a large biscuit cutter, cut the thawed puff pastry into 4 circles. The circles should be slightly larger than the ramekin. Place the puff pastry circles over each ramekin and crimp down slightly to seal. Cut a 1/2 inch hole in the center to vent. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water. Brush the tops of the puff pastry with the egg wash. </div>
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Place the 4 ramekins on a large baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes and then cover lightly with foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Enjoy! </div>
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<br />GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-31446398728101112042018-05-01T06:00:00.000-06:002018-05-01T06:00:14.080-06:00Strawberry-Banana Smoothie Bowl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I....love....smoothie....bowls! </div>
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It's like cereal and smoothies got together to figure out a way to be even better and they created this brilliant breakfast combo. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5SCe4sCkgQXFNV5HxSGWOb4l3sIdd1ukGxkQo9kea-XvVOF2bOnS7JqEFerB-sN2z1xnfHEgQMYXyeNoqWBN0za2POp7KQBrMPpBObv801kCfXTxVNpsDB_g9FQVuGIgUzkM75JSi-I/s1600/IMG_1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1329" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5SCe4sCkgQXFNV5HxSGWOb4l3sIdd1ukGxkQo9kea-XvVOF2bOnS7JqEFerB-sN2z1xnfHEgQMYXyeNoqWBN0za2POp7KQBrMPpBObv801kCfXTxVNpsDB_g9FQVuGIgUzkM75JSi-I/s640/IMG_1283.JPG" width="530" /></a></div>
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Smoothie bowls are so satisfying with the fact they are thicker than a regular smoothie and you can slurp them up with a spoon, which is fun. Plus when you add lots of fun toppings like crunchy slivered almonds and sliced fresh fruit, its a breakfast win! </div>
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<strong>Strawberry-Banana Smoothie Bowl</strong></div>
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<strong>Servings: 1</strong></div>
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1 large Banana, sliced and frozen</div>
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3 ounces (6 tbsp) Almond Milk</div>
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1/2 tablespoon Almond Butter</div>
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1 teaspoon Chia Seed</div>
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1 teaspoon Ground Flaxseed</div>
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1/2 cup sliced Strawberries</div>
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1/4 cup Berries (Raspberry, Blueberries or Blackberries)</div>
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1/2 tablespoon Slivered Almonds</div>
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In a blender, combine the frozen bananas, 1/4 cup strawberries, almond milk, almond butter, 1/2 teaspoon chia seed and the ground flax seed. Blend until smooth. Pour the thick smoothie into a bowl and top with 1/4 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup berries, 1/2 teaspoon chia seed and slivered almonds. Enjoy!</div>
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GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-84484257434007039732018-04-26T07:00:00.000-06:002018-04-26T07:00:11.244-06:00Meal Prepping Living in a small town doesn't lead to many options for eating out. We basically eat breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week, 4 weeks a month, 52 weeks a year at home. I love planning the menu for the week and luckily, Dusty lets me have full reign on what we eat. He likes being surprised with what fun dishes and foods I come up with each week. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6oJ1xV6fc2siwOBRXIQSYZ32vtAsm1WYkqt8NE3piSftIudsj1RxhPezWBfnc7oHIcPl5Lji4Wl6LgsSiGe9BGbmdxtE8Vkfzhd8u5dkI8Ek5gB_qNjZ4t5o2ZtFY3dGpVaUtKKUEYA/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1286" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6oJ1xV6fc2siwOBRXIQSYZ32vtAsm1WYkqt8NE3piSftIudsj1RxhPezWBfnc7oHIcPl5Lji4Wl6LgsSiGe9BGbmdxtE8Vkfzhd8u5dkI8Ek5gB_qNjZ4t5o2ZtFY3dGpVaUtKKUEYA/s640/IMG_1201.JPG" width="514" /></a></div>
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Lately, I've really enjoyed meal prepping once a week, usually around Saturday or Sunday. I'll plan the menu, grocery shop (with my handy helpers, Charlotte and/or Nolan) and then read through each recipe and see how I can save myself time each week by prepping future meals. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3ESucHjSMqufwe_tVDsMQaIYKa5xAwbRn4HqHElJ8aTe7ELgqciQBzK2gV6XfZ7dd_vWK42ZW6xn8Tbihjs6Iu0y6X7xxNoqO30wvaX4pRR3XAk24GcxKATeZiy0jh7DocLcG9BndOs/s1600/IMG_1266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3ESucHjSMqufwe_tVDsMQaIYKa5xAwbRn4HqHElJ8aTe7ELgqciQBzK2gV6XfZ7dd_vWK42ZW6xn8Tbihjs6Iu0y6X7xxNoqO30wvaX4pRR3XAk24GcxKATeZiy0jh7DocLcG9BndOs/s640/IMG_1266.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I really love making breakfast and lunch ahead of time, so that I don't have to stop what I'm doing when I'm playing with my kids to eat a healthy meal. Otherwise, if I don't have something prepped, I find that I make poor food choices out of convenience and time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSceqxlNB_gq6rfdlDYtDaIuAu5iWJTmhGR1RV6B6Qm9S2nrz9pnz8nEvSxt3pkGFUOkZuSbnQj8V4FrystJDUVEVjcmHhhvXg0ThsX4TIuZnvh8Y2C4i2UNFHcv76nTryl2YseVKQEA/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSceqxlNB_gq6rfdlDYtDaIuAu5iWJTmhGR1RV6B6Qm9S2nrz9pnz8nEvSxt3pkGFUOkZuSbnQj8V4FrystJDUVEVjcmHhhvXg0ThsX4TIuZnvh8Y2C4i2UNFHcv76nTryl2YseVKQEA/s640/IMG_1205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I recently signed up for meal plans, cooking tips/tricks and recipes with <a href="https://www.sweetpeasmeals.com/">Sweet Peas Meals</a> and they have taught me a lot about meal prepping. I highly recommend you check them out! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9UdyOzT0Na0UMmLIqY1_mupIq-waEYPoL4-6G7wwoDRZOpoU8fXxisCcB4yFuJXNQ9wplf1oMyXFwPd0N2cFuiiWhfi22Lgz0hljsFB50jfpk6UA9njtunA11N_xLXdTmiAlcEUYpeU/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9UdyOzT0Na0UMmLIqY1_mupIq-waEYPoL4-6G7wwoDRZOpoU8fXxisCcB4yFuJXNQ9wplf1oMyXFwPd0N2cFuiiWhfi22Lgz0hljsFB50jfpk6UA9njtunA11N_xLXdTmiAlcEUYpeU/s640/IMG_1200.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Do you menu plan? Meal prep? <br />
Does your family eat mostly at home? Out to eat? Combination of the two? <br />
I'm curious what other families do...comment below!<br />
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GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-64974779301179398682018-04-22T06:00:00.000-06:002018-04-22T06:00:28.224-06:00Charlotte 3 Month UpdateHard to believe it but my little girl is already 3 months old! Over the past month, she has really started showing us her personality and it's so fun. Here is what has been going on with Charlotte over the past month....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuCi4Ix4UfPqibJLXKiyzBU3LNS1xNSDceGc8Z-2zbE-U3oXttnl0uozMi9DZha7CKfI_5E2db39VA1Oay8t-bhprVqwKOtrXdh_HSuMKZy-mKvQWYo385qddNNp5WrIV_s78ErlhcFY/s1600/IMG_1308+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuCi4Ix4UfPqibJLXKiyzBU3LNS1xNSDceGc8Z-2zbE-U3oXttnl0uozMi9DZha7CKfI_5E2db39VA1Oay8t-bhprVqwKOtrXdh_HSuMKZy-mKvQWYo385qddNNp5WrIV_s78ErlhcFY/s640/IMG_1308+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>We celebrated Charlotte's first Easter! She got a basket with big brother Nolan that included a new summer swimsuit and the cutest Disney Princess baby toys (Thanks G!). My MIL gave me the idea of getting the kids new swimsuits every year in their Easter basket. She did it for my husband when he was growing up. Brilliant!<br />
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<em>How long can I get away with having them wear matching shirts before they think it's uncool?</em></div>
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Charlotte wore her first dress on Easter and it killed me having her little thigh rolls out and about. I might have pinched her legs a ridiculous amount of times. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OxFnOeJLJ_DBHgSHBA3WdEmzxWl2uLThOceAUTND4up751JtLHVIlSH4FX4be8B1veR4ngkHX4dv4HIvmUGWXrUV4GDP27lYJw0Ld7aSmNKMGR6vdx-LCrsRlrqPYRcnkucPgI7ZL3g/s1600/IMG_1161+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OxFnOeJLJ_DBHgSHBA3WdEmzxWl2uLThOceAUTND4up751JtLHVIlSH4FX4be8B1veR4ngkHX4dv4HIvmUGWXrUV4GDP27lYJw0Ld7aSmNKMGR6vdx-LCrsRlrqPYRcnkucPgI7ZL3g/s640/IMG_1161+%25282%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<em>She gives stink-eye like a pro. Don't be judging me Charlotte!</em></div>
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The day after Easter, both Charlotte and Nolan came down with a viral cold. Poor little kiddos needed tons of love and snuggles, which I was more than happy to give!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHfEKohu1LEqKy2qZTkVxEEOUV_y45gRauaM3muxVJ5fJOZnvIzrAONH6EO6XDbKavv8tOCLY9b6LFQPtNLyqwEl1bIv0WEZLxlxoxuNzkNuFrSDwBIqQE7yMOZyVb7cTJGC8Q0Abulo/s1600/IMG_1168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHfEKohu1LEqKy2qZTkVxEEOUV_y45gRauaM3muxVJ5fJOZnvIzrAONH6EO6XDbKavv8tOCLY9b6LFQPtNLyqwEl1bIv0WEZLxlxoxuNzkNuFrSDwBIqQE7yMOZyVb7cTJGC8Q0Abulo/s640/IMG_1168.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Charlotte had her very first real laugh! Nolan was having a temper tantrum (like all 3 year olds have), when he picked up a toy and threw it across the room. It made Charlotte bust out laughing, which then made us all laugh hysterically and made big brother forget he was upset. You can see her very first laugh on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/girlygirlcooks/">Instagram (@girlygirlcooks).</a> It's precious and perfect!<br />
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We took Charlotte out on her first trail walk and trip to the park where she slept in her carseat/stroller the entire time.<br />
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And of course....I returned back to work (insert: crying) after 3 months of maternity leave. Dusty did amazing with the kids! I swear they behave better when I'm gone. He had the kids tucked into bed and sleeping by 9:00pm and Charlotte drank a bottle without issues each night. <em>Nolan refused a bottle and Dusty use to have to bring him to the hospital late at night for me to feed him. It was very stressful and exhausting. </em>Dusty = Dad of the Year! <br />
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Charlotte is now sleeping most of the night, only getting up around 3-4:00am and then sleeping until 6:30-7am...I'll take it! I still need my <a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2018/04/thin-mint-iced-coffee.html">coffee</a> to survive the day with 2 little ones, but at least I'm getting more sleep :) GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-56721327535692148382018-04-18T08:23:00.000-06:002018-04-18T08:23:15.662-06:00Huckleberry Lemon Muffins<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlf_45L2tjOIcLwR8P1K4rECqmJNb6GDvb5tcVsxITZj4PJKyiuOxUsOaFfHYyRIAssNp8d_wJJGz3nouFRMhWbY9qGCMMtb3XFFevH5RqFv-D1qp7cdRPkRRlrAgW_u0G87Fmf7BYtQ/s1600/DSC00398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlf_45L2tjOIcLwR8P1K4rECqmJNb6GDvb5tcVsxITZj4PJKyiuOxUsOaFfHYyRIAssNp8d_wJJGz3nouFRMhWbY9qGCMMtb3XFFevH5RqFv-D1qp7cdRPkRRlrAgW_u0G87Fmf7BYtQ/s640/DSC00398.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I've made lemon poppy seed muffins or other lemony baked goods before in the past and I always struggled with getting enough lemon flavoring. I'd add a butt load of zest and still it wasn't to my satisfaction. I recently discovered in a recipe from <a href="https://www.sweetpeasmeals.com/">Sweet Peas Meals</a> <em>(I'll talk about my love for that a little later)</em>, that you need to rub the lemon zest into the sugar to create a "lemon sugar" for the muffins. It makes a huge difference! The muffins are bursting with lemony goodness! Plus my toddler had a blast helping me and playing in the sugar like it was the sandbox <em>(don't worry! He washed his hands!)</em>. <br />
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Back in the good old days when Dusty and I use to stay up late, sleep in, and not watch television with the name "Junior" in the title of the channel, we use to love eating out. When we lived in Missoula, one of our favorite places to go for a night out was the Iron Horse Bar & Grill. Of their many fun and fruity drinks, my favorite drink was a huckleberry lemon drop. As much as I loved it, I could only handle a few sips because I'm such a cheap date <em>(just ask Dusty)</em>, but boy was it good! I also love a good huckleberry lemonade (recipe to follow shortly!). Like I said before, it's a wonderful flavor combination.<br />
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If you don't have huckleberries on hand, you can always use blueberries. I'm running low on my freezer supply, so I see myself using blueberries in the very near future. <br />
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<strong>Huckleberry Lemon Muffins</strong><br />
<strong>Servings: 12</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups Cake Flour</li>
<li>1/2 tablespoon Baking Powder</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt</li>
<li>1/2 cup Salted Butter, softened</li>
<li>1 cup Sugar</li>
<li>1 Lemon; zested & juiced</li>
<li>1/2 cup Whole Milk</li>
<li>2 Eggs</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract</li>
<li>1 cup frozen or fresh Huckleberries</li>
</ul>
Preheat the oven to 350(F) and line a muffin tin with paper muffin liners. In a bowl, whisk to combine the cake flour, baking powder and kosher salt; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Using your fingers, massage the zest into the sugar to create the "lemon sugar." In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the lemon sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and milk and continue to beat together until combined. On the lowest speed, add in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Then add in the huckleberries and continue to mix until just combined. Using a large scoop, divide the batter into the lined muffin tin, about 3/4 full. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown with the center coming out clean with a toothpick. Cool on a wire rack and then enjoy! <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Recipe Inspired by: Sweet Peas Meals</span>GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-19663050323494549762018-04-13T07:00:00.000-06:002018-04-13T07:00:08.131-06:00Thin Mint Iced Coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>You guys!</em> For the first time in years, I resisted the temptation and <u>did not</u> buy Girl Scout cookies. You have no idea how huge this is for me! It took so much self control, it was painful. Last week I went to the grocery store and Shopko, and they were set up at both locations....it was like the devil was tempting me to give in and buy a dozen boxes of cookies! I am proud to report I walked past and resisted the urge to buy all the Thin Mints and Samoas. Last year I bought 8 boxes from a co-workers daughter and ate them all in less than a week....<em>yikes</em> :/ <br />
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To fulfill the love of Thin Mints without all the loss of self-control, I made myself the perfect iced coffee to enjoy each morning. You see, when you work nights in the ER and have 2 little kids, coffee = life. I love playing with the different flavor combinations to make my one caffeinated beverage I enjoy each day fun and new! I live 80 miles to the closest Starbucks, so being my own barista has become really fun with my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Brewer-System-Carafe-CF091/dp/B01KA7VWWC/ref=sr_1_5?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1523473830&sr=1-5&keywords=ninja+coffee+bar">fancy coffee maker</a>, and this combination is one of my favorites! <br />
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<strong>Fresh Mint Simple Syrup</strong><br />
<strong>Servings: 8</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup Sugar</li>
<li>1/2 cup Water</li>
<li>1/2 cup Fresh Mint</li>
</ul>
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To a small saucepan, add the water, sugar and fresh mint. Whisk to combine until all the sugar has dissolved over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute. Take the mixture off the heat and let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container. <br />
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<strong>Thin Mint Iced Coffee</strong><br />
<strong>Servings: 1</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>2 tablespoons Fresh Mint Simple Syrup</li>
<li>1 tablespoon Chocolate Syrup</li>
<li>4 ounces Coffee Concentrate or 2 shots Espresso</li>
<li>1/2 cup Milk (I use Whole Milk)</li>
<li>2 cups Ice</li>
</ul>
Place 2 cups of ice into a large glass. Pour the fresh mint syrup and chocolate syrup over the ice, followed by the coffee concentrate/espresso shots. Stir to combine. Froth the milk for 30 seconds with a milk frother (optional) and pour over top the coffee, stir to combine. Add a drizzle of chocolate and extra mint leaves on top. Enjoy!GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-11036160645159561152018-04-10T06:30:00.000-06:002018-04-10T06:30:00.548-06:00Air Fryer/Baked Tostada Shells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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After Charlotte was born and I rejoined Weight Watchers 6 weeks postpartum, I treated myself to an air fryer....and I love it! </div>
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It is such a lifesaver for preparing my toddlers chicken nuggets and other snacks. Baking in the oven requires waiting for the oven to preheat and the bake time, about 20-25 minutes total. In a toddlers world, that is beyond way too long. By the time I am able to get the nuggets to him, he's over it = frustration. Not anymore! Air fryers don't require preheating and cook way faster like a convection oven. <i>You want chicken nuggets Nolan? Boom! Nuggets in 8 minutes!</i><br />
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What I love the most is that they require little to no oil and clean up is super quick and easy. I absolutely hate the smell of oil and mess a regular fryer causes. We own one, but I barely use it due to the mess. I hate it.</div>
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I made tostadas for dinner last week and instead of baking the corn tortillas, I put my air fryer to the test. I'm pleased to say it was a success! <i>By the way, please excuse my ugly avocados...I'm just lucky I found ripe avocados! </i>If I were making tostadas for a crowd, I would suggest baking them because you can only make one shell at a time in the fryer, which takes a while. But for 1-2 people, I say use the fryer all the way! You can't go wrong with either method, check it out.....</div>
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<b>Air Fryer Method</b></div>
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Lightly spray both sides of a corn tortilla with cooking spray (butter or EVOO spray). Place your tortilla in the basket of the air fryer and place a small metal baking pan or measuring cup in top of the tortilla to weigh it down, otherwise it will fly around the fryer like a flying saucer and fold up. My air fryer came with a small cake pan accessory that I place on top of my tortilla. Bake at 370F for 5 minutes. Open the air fryer and flip to the other side. Bake at 370F for additional 4 minutes. Repeat as necessary for how many tostada shells you need. </div>
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<b> Baked in Oven Method</b></div>
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Preheat oven to 425F. Brush both sides of corn tortilla with olive oil (about 1 tablespoon per 2-3 tortillas). Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy. </div>
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GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-88764367107084645312018-04-04T15:20:00.000-06:002018-04-05T08:43:26.153-06:00New Member of the Family {Charlotte Reed}Yet again, I've taken a long pause and stepped away from the blog. My excuse this time? I got pregnant and had another baby! Let me introduce you to little Miss Charlotte Reed...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Literally right after I wrote my last blog post about my mom's Beauty & the Beast themed birthday, I got pregnant. And when I got pregnant, I developed a love-hate relationship with food. First there was the morning sickness, exhaustion and then the lack of available stomach space to enjoy eating. </div>
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This lead to me stepping away from the blog, which also happened when I was pregnant with Nolan. Now I am back to feeling myself again! I am so excited to introduce you to my wonderful little girl, Charlotte, who was born January 22nd. She is such a cute little lady and a fantastic baby. Just like her mama, she loves to eat ;) Her smile is infectious, she can give stink-eye like no other, and we love her so very much! </div>
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GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-49549277077562596702017-04-18T16:48:00.000-06:002017-04-18T16:48:16.260-06:00Try the Grey Stuff....It's Delicious!To celebrate my mom's birthday last week, Nolan and I drove down to spend the weekend and celebrate my mom, Disney-style! We went all out with a Beauty and the Beast themed birthday dinner and had a blast the entire time!<br />
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Have you seen the new live-action Beauty and the Beast movie?!?!? I have....<em>twice</em>! I'm obsessed! I never go to movies in theaters more than once, but I absolutely loved the movie so much, I just had to see it again. I wasn't the only one who loved the movie, my mom loved it just as much as myself. Hence the themed birthday dinner! ;)<br />
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Fun fact: The animated Beauty and the Beast movie from 1991 was my very first movie I saw in movie theaters. I was 3 years old and still remember how scared I was when I first saw the Beast! He totally freaked me out. I also remember when my parents took me to Disneyland in 1995 for the first time when I was 7, seeing the Beast with Belle, and making a bee-line in the opposite direction of that character. No thank you Mr. Beast! <br />
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Now that I'm in my late-twenties I am happy to report, the Beast did not freak me out this time. In fact, I loved his character the most in the new movie. And don't get me started on "Evermore," that song is on repeat on my iTunes! <br />
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Back to the dinner....my mom and I made Barefoot Contessa's Coconut Cupcakes and topped them with yellow cream cheese frosting. We made the roses using Wilton candy molds and red candy melts. Super easy and turned out adorable. To add some extra sparkle, we used yellow shimmer sprinkles and white pearl sprinkles as well. They were delicious!<br />
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And of course we had to make the Grey stuff! Why? Because it's delicious!?!? Don't believe me? Ask the dishes! (Sorry I couldn't help myself!)<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.mamacheaps.com/2016/07/how-to-make-the-grey-stuff-from-disneys-be-our-guest-restaurant.html">HERE</a> for the recipe of the Grey Stuff. Seriously, it was delicious! ; )<br />
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Isn't my mom the master at setting a fun dining table? We picked colors from her Fiestaware that matched different characters in the movie. Yellow + Blue = Beast. Pink + Purple = Mrs. Potts. Red + Yellow = Gaston and so on....<br />
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My mom got the "Try the Grey Stuff" plate and Lumiere from Disneyland. Mrs. Potts and Chip in the center, she has had since I was a little girl! I remember many tea parties playing with them. Dusty was unable to make the trip for my mom's birthday, so as a surprise he sent her roses. We placed a few of them in antique tea cups. I loved the look of the entire table! The actual dinner part was delicious! We had smoked/grilled rib-eye steaks, parmesan roasted asparagus with a baked potato bar. YUM! <br />
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It was so much fun and special to get to be able to spend time with mom and to be able to go all out with a Disney themed dinner. Her love for all things Disney has passed to me and hope to bring as much love, joy and fun into Nolan's life as she has with me. Love you Mom!<br />
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GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-35138519332676426242017-03-10T07:00:00.000-07:002017-03-10T07:00:38.052-07:00Tangy Thai Broccoli Slaw {Fix-It Fast}You guys, I'm back as a<a href="https://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/hahrens1"> consultant for Tastefully Simple</a> and I couldn't be more excited! I took a couple years away from TS because I wanted to focus on balancing work and being a new mom. Now that I have my groove back (maybe?!?!) I couldn't wait to get back into Tastefully Simple and promote their delicious products that add so much fun and convenience to meal time. <br />
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Besides rejoining as a consultant, I also joined their new "<a href="https://www.tastefullysimple.com/earn-rewards">TS to You</a>" program that delivers meal kits right to your door. It's like <a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2016/04/blue-apron-review.html">Blue Apron</a> and<a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2016/04/hello-fresh-review.html"> Hello Fresh</a>, but with a twist. The program allows me to play with the sauces and seasonings in fun and interesting ways and takes the guess work out of "what's for dinner?" all while being very budget friendly. I can't express to you how much I love the <a href="https://www.tastefullysimple.com/earn-rewards">TS to You program</a> and the Tastefully Simple meal kits. <br />
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The first meal kit I received was the <a href="https://www.tastefullysimple.com/meal-kits/fix-it-fast-10-meal-kit-spring-summer">Fix-It Fast 10 meal kit</a>. One of the meals included in the kit was <a href="https://www.tastefullysimple.com/recipes/perfectly-simple-burgers-231481">Perfectly Simple Cheeseburgers</a> served with <a href="https://www.tastefullysimple.com/recipes/tangy-thai-broccoli-slaw-260110">Tangy Thai Broccoli Slaw</a>. The burger was awesome! I loved how juicy and tender the cheeseburger was with the breadcrumbs and Veggie Vinaigrette mixed in the beef patty. To me, the star of the dinner was the creamy, savory, sweet and tangy broccoli slaw. I'm a lover of a good coleslaw and this one is a game changer! I've made it several times and have served it to a large crowd at my son's 2nd birthday, and everyone agreed, this slaw is awesome!<br />
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I love my <a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2013/08/perfect-coleslaw.html">traditional coleslaw recipe</a> and my <a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2016/04/apple-sunrise-slaw.html">Apple Sunrise slaw</a>, but this Tangy Thai Broccoli Slaw by Tastefully Simple is going to be my go-to this summer. It's takes less than 5 minutes to make and has such great flavors. You guys have gotta try it and trust me, it tastes amazing on top of a big ol' pulled pork sandwich!<br />
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<strong>Tangy Thai Broccoli Slaw</strong><br />
<strong>Servings: 6-8</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>3 tablespoons <a href="https://www.tastefullysimple.com/shop-our-products/mango-lime-sauce-769405">Mango Lime Sauce</a></li>
<li>3 tablespoons <a href="https://www.tastefullysimple.com/shop-our-products/veggie-vinaigrette-774007">Veggie Vinaigrette</a></li>
<li>2 tablespoons <a href="https://www.tastefullysimple.com/shop-our-products/tangy-thai-sauce">Tangy Thai Sauce</a></li>
<li>1-1/2 tablespoons <a href="https://www.tastefullysimple.com/shop-our-products/onion-onion">Onion Onion Seasoning</a></li>
<li>1/2 cup Mayonnaise</li>
<li>2 (10-12 ounce) packages Broccoli Slaw Mix</li>
<li>1/2 cup dry roasted Sunflower Seed Kernels</li>
</ul>
In a large bowl combine the first 5 ingredients. Stir in the remaining ingredients until combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe by: Tastefully Simple</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/hahrens1">Shop with me at tastefullysimple.com</a> so you can make this awesome side dish and more! GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-66045816091180237432017-02-23T07:00:00.000-07:002017-02-23T07:00:08.057-07:00Crab Cake Benedict with Avocado {Cravings}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I own quite a few cookbooks, but there are few that I actually reach for time and time again. The Pioneer Woman and Ina Garten cookbooks are my absolute favorites. Those ladies can do no wrong in the kitchen. Lately I'm finding myself reaching for Chrissy Teigens book, <em>Cravings, </em>as my new favorite cookbook as I have been using it non-stop for the past couple of months. <br />
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Thai Basil Chicken....love it!<br />
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Secretly Spicy Deviled Eggs....I can't shovel those in my mouth fast enough.<br />
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Dutch Baby....holy yum!<br />
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Cheesy Guacamole.....how have I not been eating cheese in my guacamole all this time?<br />
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John's Chili....best damn chili recipe I have ever eaten, hands down!<br />
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And the list goes on, and on, and on, and on......<br />
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My absolute favorite breakfast/lunch/brunch recipe from the book has to be, hands down, Crab Cake Eggs Benedict. Fresh peppery arugula, creamy avocado, a lusciously delicious crab cake topped with a perfectly pouched egg that is slathered with a "fake" sriracha hollandaise sauce. <em>Sounds terrible right?!?!?</em> Lord, it is so dang good, that I make slightly inappropriate sounds while eating each and every bite. What's great about this is that it also takes no time to whip up. 5 stars and 2 thumbs way up! I can't wait for her next cookbook to come out in the near future! <br />
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<strong>Crab Cakes Benedict with Avocado</strong><br />
<strong>Servings: 4</strong><br />
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<strong>For the Fake Hollandaise</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup Mayonnaise</li>
<li>1/4 cup Sriracha</li>
<li>1 teaspoon minced Garlic</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt</li>
</ul>
<strong>For the Crab Cakes</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>1 large Egg</li>
<li>2 tablespoons Mayonnaise</li>
<li>1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Sriracha</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper</li>
<li>2 tablespoons minced Chives</li>
<li>3/4 pound Lump Crabmeat, picked over</li>
<li>1/3 cup fine fresh Bread Crumbs</li>
<li>1/2 cup Canola Oil</li>
</ul>
<strong>For the Eggs</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups Baby Arugula</li>
<li>1 small Avocado, sliced</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon Distilled White Vinegar or Lemon Juice</li>
<li>4 fresh Eggs</li>
<li>Black Pepper</li>
</ul>
<strong>Make the Fake Hollandaise: </strong>In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sriracha, garlic, and salt until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use. <br />
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<strong>Make the Crab Cake: </strong>In a bowl, whisk together the egg, mayo, mustard, Sriracha, Worcestershire, salt, pepper and chives. Add the crabmeat and bread crumbs and gently fold, trying not to break up the crab. Form into 4 crab cakes, arrange them on a plate, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering-hot, gently lay the crab cakes in the oil and fry until golden, 4 minutes. Gently flip and fry an additional 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and cover with foil to keep warm.<br />
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<strong>Poach the Eggs: </strong>Bring a large skillet of water to a simmer over high heat. Divide the arugula and avocado among 4 plates and top each plate with a crab cake. Cover with foil to keep warm. Add the vinegar to the simmering water. Crack the egg into individual small bowls and slip the eggs into the simmering water, remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let cook until the whites are solids, 3-4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, drain the eggs from the water and top each crab cake with an egg. Spoon the fake hollandaise sauce over each egg, season with pepper, and serve right away.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe from <em>Cravings, </em>by Chrissy Teigen</span>GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-15843147375574694432017-02-21T06:30:00.000-07:002017-02-21T06:30:13.182-07:00Chocolate Covered Strawberry SmoothieLast week for Valentine's Day, I made this festive smoothie for the whole family as a fun way to kick off the day. It was a big hit, especially with my toddler! Who doesn't love chocolate and fruit for breakfast!?!?<br />
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Since the beginning of February, strawberries have been obsolete in my neck of the woods and if you could find them, they were shriveled and fuzzy. Y<em>uck! </em>The days leading up to Valentine's Day, there were absolutely none to be found in a 25 mile radius (I know because I looked). I had originally planned on making chocolate covered strawberries from the Pioneer Woman's holiday cookbook as a treat after our big fancy dinner, but due to lack of fresh strawberries I had to remix my plans. Therefore, I grabbed a bag of frozen strawberries, some chocolate syrup and all of my other typical smoothie ingredients and whipped up this fun and surprisingly delicious smoothie!<br />
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Great for a Valentine's Day or just an everyday breakfast! This smoothie is a winner in our house :)<br />
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<strong>Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie</strong><br />
<strong>Servings: 2-4</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>3 cups frozen Strawberries</li>
<li>1-1/2 cup Milk</li>
<li>1 cup Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract</li>
<li>3 tablespoon Chocolate Syrup</li>
<li>1 tablespoon Agave or Honey</li>
<li>Dark chocolate, for garnish (optional)</li>
</ul>
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Top with shaved dark chocolate if desired. Enjoy! GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-20449363120833044222017-02-16T09:00:00.000-07:002017-02-16T09:00:19.949-07:00 Our Valentine's Day Dinner<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day this week! I know we sure did :) </div>
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We didn't go out on the town, because Lord knows how fun going out to eat with a toddler can be! This year we dined in and I pulled out all the stops to make up for the fact we were eating at home and not going out.<br />
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Dusty got me those beautiful roses (pictured above), and they smell amazing! I absolutely love getting flowers! He did good. ;)<br />
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I got the boys See's chocolates. I might enjoy these more than Nolan and Dusty. Hehehe!<br />
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For dinner we enjoyed....</div>
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/pws-prime-rib-with-rosemary-salt-crust-recipe">The Pioneer Woman's Prime Rib</a> with </div>
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<a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2016/05/fresh-horseradish-cream-sauce.html">Fresh Horseradish Cream Sauce</a></div>
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<a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2013/01/fancy-potatoes.html">Fancy Hasselback Potates</a> with Side Salad (not pictured) </div>
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and....</div>
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<a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2013/01/vanilla-bean-panna-cotta-with-balsamic.html">Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Glazed Raspberries</a></div>
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I can not emphasize enough how easy this dinner was to throw together! I made the panna cotta the night before. Threw the prime rib in the over for a few hours with the potatoes, and then just tossed together a green garden salad and combined all the ingredients for the horseradish cream. We have limited restaurants in our neck of the woods, so to have a good meal, you sometimes have to make it yourself. Going out to eat is one of my favorite pasttimes, but being able to serve my wonderful husband a meal like this is truly rewarding! Check out the recipes highlighted above the next time you plan on making a holiday, anniversary or special meal. </div>
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GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-9709544562907521862017-02-13T07:00:00.000-07:002017-02-13T07:00:14.065-07:00Glazed Pumpkin Donut HolesThis past weekend I surprised my boys by waking up early and making them these fun, somewhat healthy donut holes. We have been eating healthier over the past 6+ months, but sometimes you just gotta have donuts on the weekend. These baked and glazed donut holes definitely hit the spot!<br />
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I had a leftover can of pumpkin sitting in my pantry, begging to be used, so I brushed off my trusty <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Babycakes-CP-12-Maker-Capacity-Purple/dp/B0050JRZR2/ref=sr_1_2?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1486879164&sr=1-2&keywords=cake+pop+maker">cake pop baker</a> and whipped up a pumpkin donut recipe that was sure to please the boys!<br />
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You can use a donut pan and bake the donuts in the oven, but I love popping these little morsels in my mouth. You don't feel as guilty when they are smaller! Plus the small donut holes fit perfectly in my toddlers hands as he munches on one while having his milk in his sippy cup. <br />
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Other donut hole recipes include: <a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2013/06/french-breakfast-puffs.html">French Breakfast Puffs</a> & <a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2013/07/lemon-poppy-seed-donut-holes.html">Lemon Poppy Seed Donut Holes</a><br />
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I bet you can't eat just one! ;)<br />
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<strong>Glazed Pumpkin Donut Holes</strong><br />
<strong>Servings: 6</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>1-3/4 cup White-Whole Wheat Flour</li>
<li>1/2 tablespoon Baking Powder</li>
<li>2 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon Salt</li>
<li>1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk</li>
<li>1/4 cup Vegetable Oil</li>
<li>1 Egg, lightly beaten</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract</li>
<li>1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar</li>
<li>1-1/4 cup Pumpkin Puree</li>
<li>3/4 cup Powdered Sugar</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon Salt</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon Vanilla</li>
<li>1/4 cup Water</li>
</ul>
Plug in your cake pop maker and preheat so that the light glows when "ready." <br />
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In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt. In a large bowl, whisk to combine the almond milk, oil, egg, vanilla, brown sugar and pumpkin puree. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet and fold with a spatula to combine. <br />
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Place the donut batter in a pastry bag or Ziploc bag with the corner clipped and fill each reservoir with approximately 1 tablespoon of bather. Close the cake pop maker and bake for 4 minutes until the toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the donut hoes to slightly cool. <br />
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In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla and water. Whisk until smooth. Dip each donut hole into the glaze and place on a cooling rack to allow the extra glaze to drip off below. <br />
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<em>*To bake in a donut pan, spoon the batter into a greased donut pan and bake at 350F for 12-15 minutes.*</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Recipe Inspired by: Andie Mitchell's <em>Eating in the Middle</em></span>GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-51920360379734803582017-02-11T22:25:00.004-07:002017-02-11T22:25:58.844-07:00Handy HelperMy little man is going to be 2 years old in a couple of weeks! <em>How did that happen?</em> It feels like yesterday I was writing a <a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2016/04/babys-favorite-foods_4.html">blog post about different type of food purees</a> that I was making for Nolan. Craziness. Now I'm living in a world revolving around Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, PAW Patrol, Little Blue Truck and Llama llama books. Chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese and Goldfish crackers are my life you guys. Haha! <br />
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Little dude has become quite the helper in the kitchen and lover of sweets! He may be super picky in the majority of foods he eats, but he will not turn down a single treat. Nolan has inherited his fathers sweet tooth, that's for sure! <br />
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<em>Starbucks date with my little buddy last week. He had a cakepop and fancy chocolate milk. I had an iced mocha and stole bites of his cakepop :) </em></div>
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Nolan especially loved Christmas time a whole lot more this year now that he could partake in all the Christmas baking. We decorated sugar cookies.....<br />
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Made lefse with the great-grandparents....</div>
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And enjoyed licking every spatula, spoon and whisk! </div>
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We will see if he becomes one of those kids on Food Network with their developed "culinary styles" by the age of 8. Right now his "culinary style" is instant mac n cheese, fruit/veggie pouches, crackers and fruit snacks. Doubt the Food Network judges would be too impressed with that! ;) </div>
GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-58169959543727029102016-11-21T10:55:00.000-07:002016-11-21T10:55:16.998-07:00Pumpkin Pie SmoothieGrowing up, I use to <i>loathe </i>pumpkin. Like, seriously hated it! At any family Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, I was the kid eating apple pie (that I specially requested) all by myself while the rest of the family enjoyed pumpkin pie with a tall dollop of whipped cream. For some weird reason, I can't explain it.....everything changed and now I really enjoy pumpkin. I'm not pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice obsessed like a lot of people during the fall/winter seasons, but I have really come to enjoy it over the years. My favorite new fall treat since joining Weight Watchers.....pumpkin pie smoothies!<br />
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Who wants to go through the hassle of making a full-on pie when you can basically just throw it in a blender and instantly enjoy one?!? I'm all about the quick and easy breakfast treat! The key to the smoothie is using canned pumpkin pie filling, not just canned pumpkin. It already has all the seasonings and sweetness added into it. I like to place the pie filling into ice cube trays or muffin tins and freeze them before making my smoothie. Talk about the perfect Turkey Day morning breakfast before the big meal! </div>
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<b>Pumpkin Pie Smoothie</b></div>
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<b>Servings: 1 (24 ounce) Smoothie</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>1/3 cup Pumpkin Pie Filling, frozen</li>
<li>1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk</li>
<li>1/2 cup Non-fat Plain Greek Yogurt</li>
<li>1 cup Ice Cubes</li>
<li>1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (optional) </li>
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Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy! </div>
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GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-33737825091361448102016-11-18T07:00:00.000-07:002016-11-18T07:00:08.000-07:00Chocolate Banana Nut SmoothieRemember back in April when I was bragging about how my <a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2016/04/babys-favorite-foods_4.html" id="id_1868_23b2_a498_c74e">son wasn't a picky eater</a>???? (Throws head back a laughs) Apparently I spoke <i>waaaay </i>too soon because my child has become <i>the pickiest eater</i> on the Hi-Line! If it's not Eggos, chicken nuggets, carbs or cheese, he ain't having it. When it comes to fruits and veggies, I still rely on food pouches or he will eat apple slices, but other than that....nope, nope and nope! Oh the joys of parenting! As a food blogger and lover of food, it hurts my soul when my little one refuses to eat the deliciousness I have prepared for him. Please tell me this is a phase?!?!<br />
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I love making smoothies for breakfast and I've found out that my picky eater enjoys smoothies as well! They are quick to whip up, not much clean up and so versatile. Smoothies also provide me with a sneaky portal to adding fruits, veggies, dairy and protein in my sons diet without him realizing it. I love it! Hehehe! </div>
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One of my favorite smoothies in college were the chocolate peanut butter smoothies. Sounds healthy right? I'm pretty sure I gained half of my college weight from those alone. Therefore in order to enjoy my favorite smoothie, I found some ways to slim it down without losing the tastiness!</div>
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Almond milk and Greek yogurt are my go-to smoothie ingredients. You will find in all my upcoming smoothie recipes, I almost always use 1 cup almond milk and 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt. Both are an excellent source of protein, calcium and vitamin D. </div>
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<b>Chocolate Banana Nut Smoothie</b></div>
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<b>Servings: 1 (24 ounce) Smoothie</b></div>
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<li>1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk</li>
<li>1/2 cup Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt</li>
<li>2 Bananas, sliced and frozen</li>
<li>2 tablespoons PB2 Powder</li>
<li>2 scoops Chocolate Protein Powder-any brand will work, I use Doterra TrimShake </li>
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Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy! </div>
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GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-73847519629843047732016-11-12T15:09:00.000-07:002016-11-12T15:09:00.438-07:00Toffee Cracker Crack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not even kidding in the title when I say this stuff is "crack." This treat is highly addicting and freakishly easy to throw together in a moments notice. Who doesn't have saltines, brown sugar, butter, chocolate chips and pecans in their pantry!?!? I know I always have these 5 ingredients stocked in my pantry. This is now become a problem because of my addiction to crack!</div>
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<a name='more'></a>My husband Dusty is the source of my new "crack" addiction. He introduced me to the crack a few months ago and I've been addicted ever since. He has a ridiculous sweet tooth and is always looking for new treats to make, which is trouble for me. He put together this recipe in no time and I'm pretty sure the pan was gone in 24-48 hours. Oops! <br />
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I gotta let you know, this recipe is definitely not an original. It's actually a holiday classic and more commonly known as "Christmas Crack." Dusty and I didn't see what was so Christmas-y about it, so we decided to change the name up a bit. It just doesn't seem right to be eating a Christmas treat in the middle of July or September....hence the name change. It clears our guilty conscious! Plus, we just can't eat this treat only once a year. Although, I guarantee if you did make this for any holiday gathering, it would be a huge hit! It's just too good!<br />
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This recipe is in no way "healthy" and definitely qualifies as the 20% of the eat 80/20 lifestyle. But you gotta splurge and have a treat every once in a while! <br />
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Just be careful....this treat is addicting! Don't say I didn't warn you!<br />
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<strong>Toffee Cracker Crack</strong><br />
<strong>Servings: 20-25 pieces</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>40-42 Saltine Crackers</li>
<li>1 cup (2 sticks) Salted Butter</li>
<li>1 cup Dark Brown Sugar</li>
<li>2 cups Milk Chocolate Chips</li>
<li>3/4 cup chopped Pecans</li>
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees (F). Line a 9x13 baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick baking mat. Line the baking sheet with saltine crackers, salt side down.<br />
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In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil for 3 minutes without stirring. Pour the caramel sauce over the saltine crackers and smooth evenly with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes. <br />
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Meanwhile, in a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in increments of 30 seconds, stirring in-between until melted and smooth. <br />
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Remove the baking sheet of crackers from the oven and pour the melted chocolate evenly using a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over top of the melted chocolate. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours until the toffee crackers are firm and cooled. Break into pieces and enjoy! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*The longer in the freezer the better. These toffee crackers keep well in a storage container/bag in the freezer too! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe inspired and adapted by <a href="http://www.tablefortwoblog.com/christmas-crack/">Table for Two</a> </span>GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-13821906905728137762016-11-10T02:17:00.001-07:002016-11-12T15:07:05.617-07:00Egg White Breakfast SandwichOne of the most difficult parts about working nights is finding a way to balance my natural internal clock. After sleeping from 7am to 12pm, I find it confusing to my system to whether or not I should have breakfast since I just woke up, or go ahead and have lunch? I usually make something that is a mixture of both (avocado egg toast, quinoa breakfast toast, smoothie, etc.). One of my favorite breakfast meals that travels well and keeps fresh all night at work are my egg white breakfast sandwiches. It takes all of 5 minutes (or less) to whip up and tastes great when reheated in the microwave. You can even make a huge batch of them and freeze for later! From personal experience I can to tell you they taste exceptionally great at 4:00 am! ;)<br />
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With the Fall season upon us, I'm finding some really fun "Limited Edition" English muffins to use for my sandwiches. Last month was all about the Pumpkin Spice flavor and <i>daaaaang</i> was that good! This month I'm all over the Cranberry English muffins. Yum! </div>
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If you are in need of a healthy, high protein, super satisfying and delicious sandwich, then this breakfast sandwich is for you!<br />
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Feel like being an overachiever??? Try making your own English Muffins with my recipe <a href="http://thegirlygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2011/02/english-muffins.html">HERE!</a></div>
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<b>Egg White Breakfast Sandwich</b></div>
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<b>Servings: 1 </b></div>
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<li>1 English Muffin, split in half and toasted</li>
<li>2 Egg Whites</li>
<li>1 slice American Cheese (2%) or 2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar Cheese</li>
<li>Salt & Pepper, to taste</li>
<li>Cooking Spray</li>
<li>Optional: Bacon, Sausage Patty, Turkey Sausage, Sliced Tomato</li>
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In a small bowl, whisk the egg whites until slightly beaten. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, set aside. Heat a small nonstick pan over medium-low heat and spray with cooking spray. Pour the scrambled egg whites into the pan and do not disturb. Cook until almost set, 1-2 minutes. Using a spatula, flip the egg whites and finish cooking 1 minute more until completely set and cooked through. Fold the egg whites with the spatula into a fourth and place on top of the bottom of the toasted English muffin. Top with slice of cheese and finish with top of English muffin. Enjoy immediately or wrap in aluminum foil for later. If reheating later, remove sandwich from foil, place on plate and microwave for 1 minute. Enjoy!</div>
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GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-43549826628367778812016-09-26T06:00:00.000-06:002016-09-26T06:00:08.004-06:00Buffalo Chicken Bite Skewers with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are Montana Griz and Dallas Cowboys fans in this household. The Grizzlies because Dusty and I went to the University of Montana (it's where we met!) and Cowboys, because I married into it. I didn't ask to be a Cowboy, but it happened anyways. All in all, I really could care less about the game itself when it comes right down to it (<em>don't tell my husband!</em>). I'm only at the tailgates and parties for the food. <br />
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What is winning this football season are these spicy buffalo chicken skewers served with this cool creamy dipping sauce! When I think football, I automatically think buffalo wings. These skewers are a less messy but equally flavorful tailgate snack. <br />
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For feeding a crowd, I like to use bite size pieces of chicken that are strung together on the skewer. That way when you dip in the sauce and bite off a piece of chicken, the next piece hasn't been contaminated and you can dip again. No double dipping at this football party! </div>
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And whatever chicken skewers you have left, <em>if you have any</em>, you can slide them off the skewer and have bite-size buffalo chicken for a green salad later on. Not to mention, the dipping sauce can be doubled as a salad dressing. It's two meals in one! </div>
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Head over to Chobani's <a href="http://www.chobani.com/culture/recipes"><strong>recipe section</strong></a> to check out even more game day snack ideas! Happy Tailgating!<br />
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<strong>Buffalo Chicken Bite Skewers </strong><br />
<strong>Servings: 8 Skewers </strong><br />
<ul>
<li>1 pound Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch pieces</li>
<li>1/2 cup Franks Hot Sauce, divided</li>
<li>2 tablespoons White Distilled Vinegar</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Dried Oregano</li>
<li>2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Garlic Powder</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Chili Powder</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon Salt</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper</li>
<li>8 Wooden Skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes</li>
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In a large ziplock bag, combine 2 tablespoons of Franks Hot Sauce and the following ingredients (White Distilled Vinegar, Oregano, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Salt and Pepper). Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bag. Seal the bag and shake to combine all the ingredients. Let chicken marinade for 30 minutes (while you prepare the dipping sauce). <br />
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Heat the grill over medium heat. Skewer 4 pieces of chicken per wooden skewer. Grill 3-4 minutes per side or until the black grill marks appear and the chicken is cooked all the way through. Remove the skewers from heat and brush the chicken with the remaining hot sauce. Serve with Blue Cheese Yogurt Dipping Sauce and Enjoy!<br />
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<strong>Blue Cheese Yogurt Dip</strong><br />
<strong>Servings: 1-1/2 cups</strong><br />
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<li>6 ounces <a href="http://www.chobani.com/products/blended#non-fat-plain">Nonfat Plain Chobani Greek Yogurt</a></li>
<li>2 tablespoons Mayonnaise </li>
<li>1/2 cup Blue Cheese Crumbles</li>
<li>1 tablespoon White Distilled Vinegar</li>
<li>1 tablespoon Milk</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder</li>
<li>Salt & Pepper, to taste</li>
</ul>
Stir to combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve alongside Buffalo Chicken Bite Skewers or use as salad dressing. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Recipe originally on my old blog, Hi-Line Healthy. This post was not sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I just love this stuff! </span>GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-56747139238463495502016-09-22T22:32:00.001-06:002016-09-22T22:32:31.680-06:00Weight Watchin' Hey Everyone! How was everyone's summer? <br />
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Fun? Relaxing? I hope so! <br />
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Can you believe we are almost through September? Crazy! Today is the first day of Fall by the way and I've jumped on the pumpkin spice train hardcore this year. <em>Lord help me!</em> <br />
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What have I been up to, you ask??? Harvest is over and seeding is <em>nearly</em> over (yay!). Basically I've been working nights at the hospital, playing with my 18 month old and spending the past couple of months improving my nutrition, diet and overall health.<br />
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Back in July (the 14th to be exact) I signed up <strike>again</strike> for Weight Watchers. My mom has been doing it for some time and her Instagram posts were really inspiring me. I had put back on all of my weight and then some, feeling incredibly uncomfortable in my skin. I remember the trigger moment was right after I finished my anniversary dinner with my husband on the 13th and being miserably full. I thought to myself, <em>Why did I do that to myself? I took a wonderful meal and made myself feel awful. Why? </em>That next morning I weighed myself and saw that I put on 2 pounds<em> just </em>from that one dinner. I had overall put on an embarrassing 17 pounds since the end of February and I became frightened that I was on a big downward spiral to ongoing weight gain. A moment later I logged onto Weight Watchers, renewed my account and have never looked back.....<br />
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It's been 10-1/2 weeks since I've been back on the program and I can not tell you all the confidence, energy and self-love I have gained during this time. I've been a better mom, wife, nurse and overall person. Working nights has not been nearly the struggle it was becoming to stay awake 12 hours during my shift and I have given up my Dr. Pepper addiction completely! Another thing I have loved during this process is the strong, courageous and inspiring women/men who are in the Weight Watchers program. I love following all of these people's journeys on Instagram and WW Connect. It's truly humbling and keeps me going when I struggle with making the right food choices. <br />
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The reason I haven't really posted recipes or anything on here is because I have been utilizing the amazing resources of Weight Watchers, Skinny Taste and Andie Mitchell to help shape my new culinary style. One thing most people say (including my husband) when they start a diet is that the food is awful...not true with Weight Watchers! I have been eating some of the most flavorful, fresh and delicious food over the past 10 weeks that make me not miss overly rich and fattening casseroles or other dishes. I've been having fun experimenting with food and enjoying my new look on life!<br />
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***You can follow my Weight Watchers journey on Instagram....username = GirlyGirlCooks :)GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359746447024577489.post-45628082518599041172016-05-13T06:00:00.000-06:002016-05-13T06:00:23.992-06:00Greek Cucumber Sauce....Also known as Tzatziki sauce. Although when I order my favorite "grilled chicken pita with tzatziki sauce" the high school kids at the local drive-in look at me like, <em>huh? Tat-zi, what?!?</em><br />
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Then when I say, <em>the cucumber sauce</em>, all makes sense in the world! I'm pretty sure I'm the only one in town who orders their grilled chicken pita this way too. Whenever I ordered it, my mother-in-law (who works there) will look at the food order ticket and then look out the window to say hi because she knows it's me! Then she will write my name on my food bag with hearts on it, which is my favorite :)<br />
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I love this sauce on chicken and salmon. It's also great for dipping veggies. It's super fresh and tastes similar to the cucumber sauce I order with my pita at the local drive-in. It's perfect for those nights I feel like making my own grilled chicken pita at home!<br />
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<strong>Greek Cucumber Sauce</strong><br />
<strong>Servings: 2 cups</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>1-1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt</li>
<li>1 whole large Cucumber (seeds removed, grated & squeezed dry in a dish towel)</li>
<li>2 cloves of Garlic</li>
<li>2 tablespoons Lemon Juice</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon dried Dill Weed</li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon Salt</li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon Pepper</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon Sugar</li>
</ul>
Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the sauce becomes smooth. Store in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks. GirlyGirlCookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17323138153978627979noreply@blogger.com0