What's for Dinner {Thanksgiving Wrap Up}

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is already a week behind us and now we are marching full on into the Christmas season.  Confession: from October through January, I am in bliss.  The lights, the decorations, the family and friends, and of course the food.  The calendar is full of gatherings and get togethers, and it is wonderful!

Last week, we spent our Thanksgiving with my husband's family and it was full of delicious food, great conversation and fun times.  So, I thought I would take a few minutes and link you to all the delicious things I cooked up last week for Thanksgiving.  We also make a small Thanksgiving dinner for the four of us on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  It's our I had a few friends ask for the recipes, so I put them all in one place.  Also, for selfish reasons, these "What's for Dinner" posts are working great for my records when I want to go back and remake something.

Also these recipes would be great for all year round. . . so check them out, pin them, or even add them to your menu plan this week.

I signed up to bring a salad to our family potluck and could not decide on which one, so I brought two!  Both were amazing and I even made the Brussel Sprout one for our small family Thanksgiving).

Reminder:  Links are at the bottom of the page.

1.  Sprout and Bacon Salad

This one was one of my favorite new recipes!  Like I said, I made it twice.  I skipped the shaving the sprouts on my mandolin because that just sounded like a ton of time. . . those things are small!  Thankfully, at most grocery stores you can find them already shaved. . . time saver!!!  This one was super easy with only 4 ingredients and the salad dressing that you can make the night before in a mason jar, and shake it up when you need it and pour and toss.  Super easy!

2.  Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

I am always up for a spinach salad with fresh fruit in it and this one was awesome!  I searched Pinterest (because it seriously is the best!) and found one by one of my favorite food bloggers.  This recipe, it was the Apple cider dressing that made it a winner.  (I also made it the night before and stored it in a mason jar for the next day).  I also used candied pecans from Trader Joe's that were perfect for this salad.

3.  Brown Butter Mushrooms

Roasted veggies are probably my favorite way to eat a veggie. And while mushrooms are not everybody's favorite,this one is so delicious.  I mean, brown butter makes everything better.  Honestly, if I see brown butter in a recipe, it usually becomes the one I pick.  This one was super easy to make just a bit before heading out the door.  

4.  Parker House Rolls

I've been looking for an excuse to make these parker house rolls and when I texted my sister in law to see if someone had signed up for bread, it was the perfect excuse to make these!  I've been super impressed with the Bake from Scratch magazine's bread recipes.  Everything I've made has been wonderful.  My rolls popped open, so they looked funny. . . but they were amazing.  I didn't think we were going to have any left for our feast, because Jon kept munching on them.  They were so buttery and soft.  Definitely going to make these again soon.  These were great because they made over 30 rolls, so perfect when baking for a lot of people!

5.  Crockpot Roasted Turkey Breast

I picked up a 4 pound turkey breast last week for our small family Thanksgiving this past Saturday.  I knew we were going to be busy decorating for Christmas and I knew I didn't want to spend all day in the kitchen, because I was kind of tired of cooking.  For two weeks, I think that's all I did.  So, tired may have been an understatement.  I loosely followed the recipe and added a few things. . . because I didn't want to go to the store.  I had a had some small bulbs of garlic, so I used two, used the last of my red onion and added two orange halves for my turkey to sit on.  This part is key, because the turkey juices sit at the bottom and prevent the turkey from becoming too moist. . . we didn't want shredded turkey for thanksgiving, but rather moist sliceable turkey.  I also did a dry rub instead of a wet rub, but with the same ingredients.  Super easy and it was perfect.  Also, I made gravy with the juices and it was so garlicy and delicious!  Perfect for dipping the turkey pieces in.  I might be drooling as I type!

6.  Sourdough rolls
I don't have a picture of these because they came from Food.com.  I needed to do something with my starter and so I whipped some of these up for our little Thanksgiving and the kids gobbled them down.  Perfectly sourdough and spongy! 

7. Pumpkin Cheesecake (Dairy, Gluten, and refined sugar free!)

Can we just be honest.  Dairy allergies are horrible.  All the good pies and desserts have dairy in them and I wanted so badly to be able to partake in the full festivities!  This year, I decided to make a dessert so Weston and I could enjoy.  This cheesecake was so tasty!  I would never have guessed that the crust wasn't actual graham crackers!  Dates.  Nuts.   Game changers!  Also, there was no reason to feel guilty after eating this dessert!  If you know someone who can't have dairy or gluten and want to make something yummy for them. . . make this!  It will make their day, trust me!

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when your friends have babies

I think one of my favorite things about having my kids in school is the few minutes before pick up when the moms (and dads, and grandparents) gather waiting to grab their kids and go home.  It's the perfect opportunity to hang out and talk and meet people.  I have met some of the most amazing ladies just hanging out after school.  One of these sweet friends just had a the most beautiful baby girl and well, this mom of only boys had some fun!  Bring on the pinks and flowers. . . and butterflies! 

 I went super easy on this one and sewed strips of fabric together and then sandwiched the backing, batting, and quilt top to the front with some super amazing adhesive spray. . . it is a must when doing the quilting.  I just quilted straight lines on each side of my seams.  It was so easy and so quick!  I also did a cheater binding because. . . well. . . I was lazy.  I followed this tutorial and it was so easy. 

Also, this quilt has a couple of mistakes that I kind of just left.  I am not a master quilter yet (my mom is amazing at it!), but I'm not really sure if any quilt is perfect.  I remember when we were putting together some quilt squares that my sister found after my great grandma died.  One of them was was purposely made wrong, so that you could always remember that no one is perfect.  Also, a little secret. . . straight lines are amazing.  You don't have to worry about your corners lining up!  Like I said, I am still learning this quilting thing! 

Also, I think that I will be making a step by step tutorial for this one soon!  Be on the look out! 

My boys are already planning their next quilts and there are 3 on the list before I can start making them more.  Weston was so excited this one was going to his friend's little sister, but I am pretty sure he secretly wants one just like it. . . just not pink. 

And seriously. . . when did my oldest get tall enough to hold a blanket so it wouldn't get ruined in the wet grass?  Also, he's totally wearing my flip flops. . . they almost fit him.  I just bought him new socks the other day and I'm pretty sure I can fit them!   If you are wondering what our chalkboard hopscotch says. . . Go Raiders.

And that's that!  Enjoy your day and thanks for reading! 

Connection Time!!

 Happy Thanksgiving! 

First of all, let me first start out with saying how thankful I am for You.  You read my blog.  You take the time out of your busy schedule and read these words that I put down on this blog.  I hope and pray that you are encouraged each time you visit!

So, now, grab whatever drink your heart desires, sit down, and let's chat.  Let's gather together and share our hearts and what's going on in our lives.  Let's connect more than just me sharing a recipe or some crafty thing.  Let's share our hearts.  

We have this whole week off and it really is the best.  Our schedule is suddenly not full and we are soaking it in.  There has been lots of TV and video games logged,  a visit to daddy's work and lunch, and today. . . well, I am half way thru a venti Gingerbread latte and I am determined to get all the things done.  My oldest has taken apart all of his brickheads and is working his way rebuilding them all.  Cars 3 is on for the last time before we have to return it to redbox in a bit. 

 Now, let's get to the questions.  I've got my coffee. . . do you have yours? 

Outside my window the sun is shining brightly. . . it's going to be a whopping 78 degrees today and all I want to do is wear a warm sweatshirt.  Ha ha!  However, the tree outside our front window has finally turned colors and started shedding its leaves.  It's a great tree for the neighborhood birds, so each time they flutter around, it starts raining leaves!  I could watch it for hours!

I am thinking about having to come up with a plan B for the salad I was bringing for Thanksgiving.  I couldn't find shaved brussel sprouts anywhere!  I didn't think it was going to be that hard!  EEK!  Suggestions accepted. 

From the kitchen Oh my goodness!  The kitchen has been super busy lately!  Today, I am making bread dough, a vegan pumpkin cheesecake, and the salad dressings for my salad.  Thanksgiving prep is underway!  What are you making for Thanksgiving?

I am wearing  Yoga pants, running shoes, a t-shirt, and a zip up sweatshirt.  I am in dire need of a shower, but plan on getting on the elliptical and cleaning, so that's not going to happen for awhile.  Honestly. . . I'm keeping it real right now.  Also, I hate wearing good clothes while I am cleaning or cooking.  However, I did just buy the cutest booties. .  . these ones.  I honestly can't believe how comfy they are and how much I really like them!  It took me a while for the style to grow on me and I'm so glad I bought them!

I am creating Lots of things in the kitchen, but currently I am working on Ethan's quilt, getting Advent prepped and packaged, and a few home decor items. 

I am going to the beach soon.  It's really my happy place! 
  I also feel like we should talk Black Friday here. . . do you guys go full on black Friday shopping? We just head to Target when we get around to it.

I am reading  Wonder.  It's been so busy this week, I haven't gotten a chance to read it.  Ethan and I are racing through it so we can go see the movie together.  It's such a good book! 

I am hearing  the tinkering of legos and Cars 3 in the background.  It's gonna be a good day! 

Around the House The house is still decorated for Fall. . . I just can't bring myself to do it until this weekend.  Our goal is to get it done by December 1st and then when the kids are at school, I put the finishing touches on things. 

One of my favorite things GINGERBREAD LATTES.  I wait patiently all year for them to make their November debut.  They really are Christmas in a cup!  Also, one of my favorite coffee shops just opened a drive thru super close to my house. . . so awesome! 

A few plans for the week  slow down, savor, enjoy.  While I am focusing on getting things done, I am also enjoying this time to slow down and just relax.  There's been a lot of cuddling and vegging.  I think we are all tired and have just needed this break! 

What I am listening to Christmas music.  The radio stations started playing it and I decided the other day, that I am going to enjoy it! It's just so happy! 



 Now, it's your turn!  Grab your coffee and let's connect! You don't have to do them all! I can't wait to hear from you! You can even private message me if you don't want to make it public.  

Outside my window
I am thinking
From the kitchen
I am wearing
I am creating
I am going
I am reading
I am hoping
I am hearing
Around the House
One of my favorite things
A few plans for the week
What I am listening to 

Amazing Pumpkin Pie

 I love this week.  I love Thanksgiving. I love how a holiday around food and gratitude brings families and friends together.  The only gift given is time.  Cousins playing together, games played, chatting over coffee and pie, exchanging recipes.  It really is my favorite!  My kids get the whole week off, the leaves are falling off our trees, and it's finally cold.  All of that makes my heart so happy.  One thing that I love is that our calendar kind of slows down.  Soccer is over for the fall season, Bible Study is done until January. . . guys, my schedule is slowing down and it's wonderful!  I confess, I may have filled it up a little full this fall and I kind of regret it.  So, this season of Thanksgiving I am welcoming the opportunity to slow down and savor the holidays, Thanksgiving included. 

Today, our first day of vacation, is my favorite.  The kids are playing quietly.  The TV has been playing Clone Wars non stop, a few chores have been done, but the kids are cozy in their sweats and relaxing.  We all need a day to just rest and take it slow.  These kids work hard at school all day and their brains need a break. . . just like ours.  So, it's our tradition to mark vacation with a veg out day.   Like I said, we are just slowing down and savoring.

 Pumpkin Pie is a family favorite.  We absolutely love the Costco Pumpkin pie, but it is sooo Huge and well, who really wants to enter that mad house the week of Thanksgiving?  Add taking your kids and well. . . I am just not sure I want to go that route.  I am not making Pumpkin Pie this year, but I had to make it for Weston's Thanksgiving feast on Friday.  There was no  time to go go Costco, and I needed to make a bunch, so I was thinking slab pie would be the best bet.  Guys, can we just say Game Changer!  This recipe was amazing and so easy!  I will definitely be making it again. 

 Also, this recipe could easily be halved,  or it can make about 2 slab pies or a bunch of little mini pies.  Which, by the way, or so easy and the perfect way to serve a bunch of people with out having to dish out slices of pie.  And, hey. . . portion control, right?  There's always so much food to eat, so why not make it easier to try different kinds?    I just used my Pampered Chef cut and seal to cut the circles and put them in my muffin tin.  Easy Peazy. 

Drooling yet?  Ready for some Thanksgiving indulgences?  Make this pie and wow your family or your friends at Thanksgiving. . . or just keep it and eat it after the kids go to bed.  I won't tell. 

Here's the recipe:

Pumpkin Slab Pie
adapted from Goodhousekeeping.com

Ingredients:
Refrigerated Pie Crust*
2 (15 oz) cans of pumpkin
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 1/4 cup  heavy cream
1 1/4 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
1 cup dark brown sugar
 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. salt
whipped cream, for topping.

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Roll out 2 pie dough circles to make a rectangle**.  Carefully lift it up and place it in a 13x9 inch sheet pan (with edges) or a casserole pan.  Fold over edges and crimp.  Then, stab a fork into the the dough to prevent bubbling.  Bake for about 10-14 minutes until golden brown.

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, ginger, heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, sugars, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.  Mix well, until nice and creamy.  Pour into baked pie crust and bake for 25 minutes or until set.  Cool completely before cutting.

If you are going to make the pumpkin pie cups, follow the same instructions, except cutting circles and placing them into a muffin tin.  Circles should be 3-4 inches in diameter and should bake for slightly less time. 

*I used Pillsbury pie crust.
** If using a larger sheet pan, like a jelly roll, roll out 4 circles into a larger rectangle and proceed as normal.  It might take a bit longer to cook because it is bigger, so keep an eye on it.

Corn Chowder (dairy free)

 

 Oh fall, I love you.   Really, I do!  In fact, I am having a hard time focusing on this blog post because it just got all dark and overcast and all I want to do is curl up in a ball and go read a book.  Or sleep.  Either one would be nice.   Does anyone else have this problem, or is just me?  I am such a sucker for freshly fallen leaves and my favorite Starbucks latte!

Also, fall makes comfort food sound so appealing.  Comfort food is not usually my go-to choice for eating.  Give me tacos or pasta any day!  Also, having a dairy allergy kind of limits a lot of those comfort food choices.   Sad, huh?  However, one of my favorite soups. . . a recipe from my sweet friend is easily adapted to make it dairy free and it still tastes delicious!

Also, it has bacon.

I mean, dairy free and bacon.

You don't even need to know what it is.  It has bacon in it.  That's enough.

This Corn Chowder is my favorite.  Food also brings great memories. 

My friend and I had our first kids 2 weeks apart.  It was the best thing.  We both decided to stay home with those cute babies of ours.  We joked that some day our kiddos would get married and talked about random craziness.  We also loved getting together for play dates. . . which are way fun when babies aren't old enough to fight with each other!  One day, she made me lunch with her dinner leftovers and it was amazing.  This soup. It provided dinner for her family and a sweet meal with a great friend. 

See great memories. 

This corn chowder is so great, because I can eat it.  The plain almond milk doesn't even change the flavor so the whole family can eat it.  This is a big deal when half your family can't eat dairy. 

 So, first things first, cook up some bacon pieces.  I won't tell if you double the bacon.  It'll be our little secret. 

 Take out some of the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel, so you can sprinkle with bacon before serving.  Add some chopped celery and onions into the bacon and all that beautiful bacon grease. 

  Add in the corn, dairy free butter, and broth.  Give it a little swirl and add the carrots and potatoes. Keep cooking for about 15 minutes.  While that's going, mix some water and flour together into a paste like consistency.  Add it to your almond milk and stir. Keep cooking for 3o minutes or until you are ready to feed your family.

 Kids make great helpers for this kind of meal.  Stirring is fun, I tell them.  Also, don't sweatshirts scream comfort food? 

 Cheese and bacon make great toppers.  There's no such thing as too much bacon. 

Ready to add this to your meal plan?   Also, if you really aren't all about dairy free and you can handle dairy (so jealous right now), just substitute non dairy for their real, milk and cream alternatives.  Easy Peazy!

Also, this recipe is not gluten free. . . since you are adding flour into the milk as a thickener.

Corn Chowder
adapted from allrecipes.com

Ingredients:
1 package of bacon (or two. . . I won't tell)
2 celery sticks, chopped
1 large onion, diced
2 TBSP dairy free butter
salt & pepper to taste
1 can creamed corn
1 can whole kernel corn (I used fresh corn that I froze over the summer)
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups plain almond milk
6 cups small potatoes, cubed
2 carrots, chopped
2 TBS flour

Directions:
Fry bacon in pan until almost done.  Take some out for sprinkling on top.
Add onions and celery and saute until lightly browned.   Add corn, butter, and broth.
Add carrots and potatoes.  Continue cooking for about 15 minutes.  Mix flour and a little bit of water together to make a paste.  Add milk and flour paste into the soup.  If your soup is still not even thick enough, feel free to make some more paste and add it t little by little to your soup until you get the desired thickness. 

Keep simmering for about 30 minutes or until you are ready to serve.  Top with cheese and bacon.

Happy Cooking! 

on gratitude.

The alarm goes off and I frantically try to find my phone to turn it off.  Another day of wrangling the kids to and from school, keeping the house in order, and checking things off my daily to-do list has begun. Today, there is a lot on the list.  I'm not entirely sure I will get it all done (anybody have some extra hours they can send me? ha ha!) The days can seem so overwhelming and discouraging at times.  The never ending laundry, grocery shopping (I'm pretty sure I'm raising a heard of elephants some times instead of two boys!), household chores that I never seem to have time for, projects I want to finish (and some that I want to start).  Then, add in commitments and volunteering and the occasional discipline problem or sick kid.  It is so easy to just loose that joy when we look at the list and wonder just how we are going to tackle it all or even get a breath in. 

One of my favorite verses says, "Be joyful always , pray continually, Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  

It brings so much encouragement to think that in the midst of folding towels and doing dishes I can find joy.  I can find things to be thankful for.  Some days are more difficult than others.  I mean, some days are just bad.  Once I start looking for things to be thankful for. . . even on days where I have to reach way down deep, my attitude shifts.  That desire to complain, whine, or even quit goes away.  It is almost instantaneously replaced with joy.  Suddenly doing dishes and folding clothes just doesn't seem that terrible.

As I raise my boys, I want them to learn to be thankful.  I want them to grow into men who find love God and find joy in the small things.  I want them to be more than just polite boys who say their pleases and thank yous.  I want them to seers who are thankful for the easy things as well as the hard, seemingly insignificant things.

A few years ago, I decided to make a Gratitude tree.  I found an old vase, stuck some play dough at the bottom, and thrown a branch in.  It was huge.  It wasn't the prettiest thing, but my oldest, who was probably in kindergarten made everyone who came to visit write something they were thankful for.  He wanted to see others participate in our new tradition.

A few years have passed and I am honestly not even sure I did it last year.  I don't know.  But, I was looking for inexpensive fall centerpiece for our dining room table.  My first and second ideas didn't pan out.  So, I brought back the gratitude tree. They boys were so excited!  As soon as they saw it they wanted to start writing.   Watching the boys think of things they are thankful for was inspiring.

Ethan's first tag was that he was thankful for Armadillos.  While that seems a bit odd, we had been to the zoo the evening before and they were incredibly active.  He said they reminded him of giant caterpillars.  He was watching.  He was thankful.

Weston was so excited he wanted to write two down.  He thought and thought and finally came up with paint.  He loves creating and painting is one of his favorite things!  He also came up with food that he can eat (when you have food allergies. . . food often is just not that exciting).

This year I cleaned out a can (I HAD to make something with pumpkin to be able to use the can), and let it dry overnight.  I wrapped with with some jute and tied a bow around it.  Then, I went out to the backyard and clipped a few leaf-less branches off some of our trees and stuck them in the can.  Super easy and it didn't cost me anything because I had all the stuff.

Then, I found some paper in my paper stash and stamped some gratitude words down and tied some bakers twine around to make the tags.  Super easy.

It's so easy that you can do it, too.  It's never to late to start keeping track of things you are thankful for!  

3 Things I'm loving

It's Friday and let's be honest.  I am ready for the weekend.  We survived Halloween week and now, I need a nice long 3 day weekend.  The boys are home and are wrapping up their afternoon chores.  The sky is partly sunny with overcast clouds coming in.  I am fighting every urge to warm up a cup of chai tea and curl up on the couch in a blanket.  But, first this blog post. 

I thought that I would share 3 things that I am loving today for a few reasons. 
1.  I just wanted to be able to write. 
2.  I'm not in the mood to tell you how I did something.  My brain is tired. 
3.  Because it's Friday and the seasons are officially changing here and my heart is happy (tired. . . but happy!)

 I've done this a few times way back when.  But, one of my favorite podcasters always asks the people she has on what are three things they are loving right now.  I just love that because it doesn't have to be a product or anything.  It shows a persons heartbeat.  So, here are my three things for today. 

1.  Holidays.  Guys, let's be honest.  It's all sort of annoying when Thanksgiving gets skipped over, but seriously, for me it's the whole season.  The food, the sounds, the twinkling lights, the smells, the time with family.  EVERY SINGLE Thing!  I saw two ladies walk around Target the other day whining about Christmas stuff being up the day after Halloween.  Complainers are my least favorite thing.  I walked around them, just enjoying the sights and sounds. . . and drinking my latte.

2.  Starbucks Red Cups and Gingerbread Lattes.
I wait all year for this.  Gingerbread lattes are probably my favorite latte of all.   They are basically Christmas in a cup and it's wonderful.  This year's red cup is super cute.  I can't wait to go out for coffee with friends just so I can have another cup of this heavenly drink! 

3.  The book Wonder.  It's been on our reading bucket list for a while now and we decided to put all our other reading on hold so we can get this book done before we go see the movie.  I'm only a few chapters in and so far I have laughed and cried. It is so beautifully written.  Ethan is chasing me through it (we are both reading it, but sharing the book), and we are getting to talk about it.  I have a feeling this book is not going to take us long to read!  Ethan and I are going to celebrate it by going and seeing the movie later this month.  You should read it too.  It's a good one! 

And those are three things I am loving lately.  What are you loving right now?  SHare in the comments, over on Facebook or Instagram.  I'd love to hear!  Maybe your current love will encourage someone else?  Who knows.

Enjoy your weekend!  I'm going to go make a chai latte, watch a movie, and maybe make something pumpkin-y.  Because it's fall and the weekend.  

What's For Dinner {Sept 2017 edition}

This summer I went and drooled over the cookbook section at Barnes and Noble.  There are sooo many good recipes out there hidden in these books. . . and there are so many of them!  Before, I even consider taking the plunge and buying one I always check them out at the library first.  I need to read them. I need to study them.  I need to ask myself will I make more than just one recipe from this book?  So, at the end of the summer, I had quite the stack of cookbooks waiting for me at our local library.  It was like Christmas.  But not.  I had to return these babies eventually!

I'm kind of afraid to post the recipes we tried out because you might run away screaming. But, hear me out.  I've made mention that my youngest son and I deal with dairy allergies and then he also has a soy allergy.  This is so frustrating when you just want to eat some good food.  I also know that sometimes bread is not my friend.  So, after some serious talks with my husband we decided to try out some paleo and Whole 30 recipes.  These recipes are guaranteed to be dairy free and grain free and a lot of them look so amazing!  We aren't at the point where we will switch completely to these diets, but I think there is a lot to gain from them, their recipes, and living a healthy lifestyle.  I am a huge believer in everything in moderation and that food is meant to be enjoyed and savored.  And guys, these recipes were so tasty!  I wouldn't be sharing them with you if they weren't. 

So, without further ado. . . here are the recipes we tried out in September.

1.  Mediterranean Bison Burgers. 

This recipe was one of my favorites.  Jon thought it was so-so, only because of the mayonnaise. . . that he doesn't do.   Bison is always really tasty and the grilled green onions were amazing!  You definitely need to make a salad or some potatoes for the side because you will be hungry an hour later.  But, this one was a keeper! 

2.  Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

 This was our absolute favorite recipe of October.  It made a huge batch and I still am thinking about adding it to our menu for this month.   Plus, using coconut aminos is a great way to get rid of the soy factor and it tastes just like soy sauce!  I really liked this recipe because it made a lot of salad and we just poured the dressing on separately so we could have leftovers the next night.  Leftovers and dinner time soccer practices are my friend!  This is a whole 30 recipe and unlike most Asian sesame salads, there was no sugar to be found in this recipe (that's why it's whole 30). 

3.  Italian Sub Salad

I've had this recipe on my want to make list for almost forever!  I finally made it and it was pretty much amazing.  I've never really been disappointed with Smitten Kitchen recipes.  Deb Perelman has always been one of my favorite food bloggers because shes so stinking simple and she is so real.  I think that this recipe is going to join some other favorite salad recipes that I bring to parties.  It's that good!   It also tastes like an Italian sub without the bread! I added provolone to Jon and Ethan's salads, but otherwise kept it dairy free.  I also made this recipe on a super hot day so heating up the kitchen sounded horrible!  This was the perfect summer-time dinner!

4.  Dump Ranch

So. . .this isn't really a dinner recipe.  But, it is so amazing!  I love ranch.  I MISS ranch.   Carrots and ranch, Pizza and ranch, BBQ chicken salad with ranch, buffalo chicken with ranch.  This recipe is life changing if you are on a non dairy diet.  It's super easy.  Doesn't even taste like coconut and it takes less than 5 minutes to make!  I have been making this so many times that I keep light flavored olive oil in the pantry so I always  have it. 

  I also made an amazing twice baked potatoes recipe from the whole 30 cookbook and they were amazing.  I can't find the recipe anywhere, so you might have to go buy the book or check it out at your local library. 

For those who are curious of the cookbooks I checked out and enjoyed here's a list with amazon links:

Against all Grain - I made a few of these recipes earlier in the summer and they were really good.  She has a lot of recipes on her blog, too! 

Whole 30 Cookbook - this is the actual cookbook that came out and not the guide to how to do the whole 30.  The recipes we tried were amazing!

Nom Nom Paleo was super fun to read.  I didn't get a chance to make anything from it before sending it back.  But super cute and fun. 

Well, that's it!  I hope this inspired you and you didn't run away thinking I've lost all my marbles!  Don't worry, we haven't given up carbs completely!  Just eating in moderation. 

What are you cooking up this month?








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