New Recipes

Over the past few weeks, Ray and I have been trying our new Cook Yourself Thin recipes. As you may have read here, the husband and I are attempting to live a healthier lifestyle that includes fabulous recipes including baked ziti, lasagna, steak and peppers, and tomorrow potato skins. These recipes have been super tasty and really not that much extra time or preparation. I am now excited about our next trip to the grocery store so that we can include some healthy desserts. :) If you are interested in trying a few recipes from Cook Yourself Thin, you can find some tasty favorites here.

To my favorite chef... I look forward to continue trying new recipes and attempting to live healthier for this year and many many to come.

Recipe for a Job Well Done!

Having extra time this summer has taught me a lot. It has given me a good amount of time to catch up on some necessary to do's that I've been putting on the back burner. I have worked in summer school . Our curriculum has included beach fun, communication, all about me and self care, and the earth/recycling. This week we have made some tasty treats including dirt pudding and a rice krispie earth recipe as seen below:)



Having some time off has also allowed me to spend more time cleaning up, doing laundry, and unpacking. Yes you heard me correctly. This September, the husband and I will have spent one full year in here in McKinney and yes we have many of our things still in boxes. I figured since we have decided to sign a six month lease it was time to officially unpack. Our apartment is no longer a storage unit (ha) and has officially become a home regardless of its small stature. While I cannot wait to live in a house, a home is definitely what you make of it:)

I have also had some time to work on some fun recipes this summer including some homemade banana bread ...



and peach crisp...




I might be bias but I do believe that they both turned out pretty tasty for my first try; however, I think over time I will be able to make some good adjustments. Today I completed my first week of Summer Session II. Next week will be my last week working with these six kiddos. Then I'll have two more weeks of summer before school begins in August. I cannot believe how quickly time is passing me by but I continue to look for fun and productive ways of spending my time.

Happy Summer friends!

King Ranch Casserole & A Chicken Thief!

Last night at the Zellner home, I decided that I would cook one of my family's favorite meals... KING RANCH CASSEROLE!

Now Ray and I have a long standing disagreement as in how to prepare it. His family has always used crushed tortilla chips while mine has used corn tortillas. Both are very good... but I will always think that my mom's is better! She's my mom... come on:) Anyway:) I decided that last night I would try one more time to convince him that my way is better.... and it may have worked:)

Our Family's Recipe: Again King Ranch has been done so many times and while it is not a family secret, I sure could eat this up all the time! (we did condense the portion size since I was only cooking for 2) The night before I boiled 2-3 chicken breasts and placed in the fridge. This will also cut down on the prep time.

You will need: 2 ppl
2-3 Chicken Breasts
1 Can cream of celery soup
1 Can of Rotel
Cheddar cheese (to your liking)
6-8 Corn tortillas

Cook: 350/20-25 minutes

(You will be able to tell I don't really write too many recipes:) ha!
In a medium size casserole dish place 2-3 corn tortillas that have been cut in fourths (like a triangle) Cut up chicken breasts into small pieces and place on top of of tortillas. Drain juice of Rotel and place on top of chicken. If doing two layers scatter 1/2 a can of Rotel on top of chicken. Place 1/2 can of cream of celery on top of Rotel and smooth over layer.



Place a layer of cheese on top of soup. Repeat tortillas, Rotel, and cream of celery. Place third layer of tortillas and cover with cheese. (Review picture)




Cook at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes and
ENJOY!





Chicken Thief!
So I came home last night all ready to make my very yummy dinner. While preparing for the meal I set my cooked chicken aside and turned my back for nearly a second. When I came back I was almost one chicken breast short.

So mommy was angry of course and blocked off the kitchen so Mr. Chicken Thief couldn't return. This is what he did. He kept trying to shove all 40 lbs of himself under our dinning room chair to get in... and of course... he did.

Gotta love 'em!

Love,
Alicia