I love creative recipes that utilize items already in the pantry! With summer vacation almost here I am prepared to be knee deep in hot dogs, hamburger, and chicken nuggets. I got this recipe the other day from Pringles and wanted to share it with you.  It is totally flexible.  You could use another type of chip or even crushed pretzels as the breading for the chicken.

My kids love these homemade chicken nuggets that I use rice chex to make.  I usually make a huge batch a head of time and keep them in the freezer.  Not only are they healthier, but cheaper than store bought nuggets.

If you want to try making your own nuggets check this out!

There comes a time when you find yourself doing things that you never thought you would do. One of them for me, Frying Pickles. Yup, just not a big enough pickle fan to think I would ever fry them up for a snack.  However the food network told my husband that I should. Does that ever happen to you? Darn food network fills my families heads with all sorts of ideas. So off to the kitchen I went.  My husband now thinks I am now the best wife in the world which made the 15-20 minutes I just spent in the kitchen totally worth it!

I tasted a fried pickle, because what kinda cook would I be if I didn’t taste my own creation. I decided that if you are a fan of Salt & Vinegar chips, these are a tasty treat. The tangy dip I made to go with them, adds a spicy creaminess to them.  I handed the bowl over to my husband and kids and they were gone within minutes. So, I must have done something right.

Start with dill pickle chips. Drained very well, you don’t want them to be too soggy. Go ahead an heat your own in your pan now to about 350-375 degrees.

Dip the pickle chips in seasoned cornstarch.  I did it one at a time for demonstration purposes. Later on…I got real and did a handful at a time. LOL

Then dip them into the egg wash. I added a couple dashed of hot sauce to it to spice them up a bit.

And then one more trip in to the seasoned corn meal. After they are coated, drop them in the a hot oil for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve with the Tangy Dipping Sauce. DELISH!

It is getting warm outside and the grill is my tool of choice when it comes to dinner. Well, I should say my  husband’s tool of choice.  I prepare the food and he grills the food.  Tonight before soccer I seasoned some chicken breasts, made sides inside, and we made these Roasted Vidalia Onion Blossoms.

They are so simple and use in season ingredients.  Vidalia onions are a sweet delectable onion  that are only around certain times of the year.  My family loves them grilled…and fried in rings…and really any way I use them.

These blossoms bring out the sweetness of the onion and the savor of the beef bouillon used to flavor them.  Really they resemble French Onion Soup off the grill.  You could even melt some cheese over them and I bet they would be that much more amazing.

Slice the root end off of the onion and peel the outside layer.  You are going to cut the onion in quarters without cutting the whole way through.  Leave it attached about 1/2 inch at the bottom.

Fill the cuts on the top with 1 tbsp Butter and 1 beef Bouillon cube.  I just had granules so I used 1 tsp.

Tightly wrap the onion in aluminum foil and place down in the hot coals on the grill for 40-45 minutes or you can also make them in a 350 degree oven for the same amount of time.

When they are done you will want to unwrap them over a bowl.  Depending on the juiciness of the onion they will make their own broth.  They are delicious!

We have been traveling for the last couple days, so I am behind in my grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, just life in general.  I knew it was that time of the week for another recipe, and of course my husband had an opinion. Bacon….make something with bacon.   OK, hon…I need more than bacon. LOL

So as we are rolling down the interstate the ideas are flying, there were some funny ones along with serious ones.  These Spinach Bacon Quesadillas were a serious one…as seriously delicious one!

Since we are traveling I snagged this pic and recipe from Sprinkled With Flour.  I am ready to make these for lunch tomorrow! YUM!

If you are like me you have a picky eater in the house.  I have such a hard time getting my son to eat anything remotely healthy.   These Broccoli Cheese Nuggets are such a great idea.  Not only do they include a vegetable, but they are also gluten free!  These can also be made ahead and reheated as a great appetizer or after school snack.

Serve warm with a little bit of ranch dip for a yummy, healthy treat!

These are so easy.  In a large bowl mix 3 eggs, 16 oz frozen broccoli thawed and chopped, 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese,  1 tsp italian seasoning, and 1 cup crushed rice chex.

I used the frozen broccoli the size it was right out of the bag.  Next time I will chop it up more.

Spoon it with an ice cream scoop onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 20-25 mins.

Valentine’s day is tomorrow and I wanted to give you a romantic appetizer option if you are dining at home.  These Stuffed Caprese Tomatoes are red,  easy, and tasty enough to be found at your nearest Italian restaurant.  They are also figure friendly, as long as you don’t eat them all yourself.

There is something to be said for the simplicity and gourmet taste of fresh ingredients. I just stopped by the store and picked up these small tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and I was going to get some fresh basil but they were all out.  I started to panic a little, but hiccups happen in everyone’s lives.  I just used some basil from my spice cabinet.  While it isn’t quite as fancy as I had hoped the taste is out of this world.  Surprise your Valentine tomorrow with this great appetizer!

Spoon out the insides of the tomatoes.

Just incase you haven’t seen it this is fresh mozzarella.  You will also see it in balls in the cheese section.

Spoon it into the tomatoes and place them under the broiler for 5 minutes.

When you remove them sprinkle with balsamic vinegar, and top with basil. Serve immediately!

Appetizers and snacks are a big part of our diet this time of year.  My girls birthdays are quickly approaching.  In fact, I will have a 4 year old on my hands tomorrow.  We have family and friends over for dinner to celebrate.  Then Super Bowl time and all the indulgences that come with that.

After all that hustle and bustle comes valentine’s day and if you are planning a romantic night in, this is a fantastic recipe for a special appetizer treat.  If you are watching your waist band, you can replace the pork sausage with turkey sausage to cut the fat and calories. You can even make the filling ahead and keep in in the freezer.  Just pull out and thaw, stuff the mushrooms, and pop them in the oven. Makes the whole process much faster!

These tasty little morsels, are surprising low in calories and full of healthy ingredients.  I don’t feel the least bit guilty for eating a couple of them when they popped out of the oven.  I mean look at them, you try to resist stealing one!

Gather your ingredients, and preheat oven to 350.

Brown the sausage in the skillet.

Mix the sausage, spinach, bread crumbs, cheese, seasonings, and olive oil in bowl.

Fill the cleaned mushroom caps and place in baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and top with more shredded cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Serve immediately!

This is an appetizer to wow a crowd!  These are so simple yet sophisticated.  The ingredients in this appetizer really tickle your taste-buds and will leave your guests wanting more.

I love that these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are so easy to throw together and have ready to go for your get togethers. You will have more time to spend visiting and spreading Christmas cheer and less time in the kitchen.

Don’t miss these great other Appetizer Recipes!

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As promised, and a little late.  Here is another great holiday appetizer!  My husband loves those BBQ Meatballs in the crockpot with Grape Jelly.  Me….not so much.   This is a holiday twist on those cocktail meatballs, that in my opinion, taste much better!

My favorite part is that these can be made in the crockpot, that way they are warm and ready to go when your company arrives.  Try these super easy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs this holiday season!

As promised the Holiday Appetizers continue.  I know the need to have quick easy snacks ready to go for Holiday company.  I love serving just a variety of appetizers even for meals.  Makes it kinda fun.

My husband is all about bacon…well, we all are really.  My kids can eat their weight in bacon.  I have to limit them to a slice or 2.  My littlest came running when she smelled the bacon cooking today.  “Mama…is that for me? I’m hungry! “ She just makes me grin.  So I reserved a piece for her to snack on while I finished.

Try these next time you are expecting company.

Don’t forget to try these other great Appetizers!

Oh it is cold outside and I love the smell of crusty hot fresh bread.  Especially when it is coming out of my oven.   This french bread recipe is one of my favorites, not only is it easy, it is so delicious. People will wonder which bakery you bought it from.

I love turning it into garlic bread, croutons, and just eating it with a little bit of butter.  This Tomato & Basil Bruschetta is a great way to finish up the end of the season garden goodies.  Top it with a little bit of fresh mozzarella and I am in heaven.

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I am always looking for kid friendly meals that will please the whole family.  Let’s admit, there are only so many times a year you can eat chicken nuggets without turning into one.   So I figured I would experiment in the kitchen this afternoon.   I started pulling out some easy ingredients for a chicken dressing that was so good, the little ones asked for seconds, and so did the hubby.

This meal is super easy, and affordable which helps it earn 5 stars in my book.  Plus, dinner was on the table in 30 minutes or less. Gotta love it!

My poor hubby has been neglected lately.  He gets up and heads to work in the morning without breakfast most of the time.   I was looking through my cookbooks for something hearty, quick, and easy that I can make him for breakfast.  This not only looked easy enough, the sound so good!

These would make a fabulous addition to a brunch buffet.  You could serve them with some scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast. They could even be turned into an appetizer.

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Football is on at my house all weekend long.  And on Mondays….and sometimes Thursday nights.  Then, Sportscenter plays the other days in between.  ~chuckles~ It’s ok.  I have come to terms with my football addict husband.  It has been something I have known for quite sometime.  He did not surprise me with this fact.  I knew he loved it when I met him.

Now my kids are on the bandwagon.  Cheering for teams, first downs, and touchdowns.  It really is pretty cute! So, on football days we are all about the snack foods, and appetizers.  This is one from the back of the ole’ recipe box.  Forgotten, but still loved! It is making it’s way back into rotation.  You should try it!

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