Three Cheese Manicotti

Mmm, mmm! I'm becoming quite the cook these days! Last week it was enchiladas and now this week it was manicotti {recipe spied here}!

Dave and I gave it two thumbs up and I will definitely make it again. Have a fabulous weekend everyone. ♥

xoxo

Already Ready For Dinner

Mmm, mmmm--I am excited about these tonight! Usually Friday is our going out-to-eat night, but these are begging me to make them.

Happy Friday loves.

And a very special Happy 24th Birthday to the best sister-in-law in the world. David and I love you, Emily Ann!

xoxo

Mmm, Mmm Taco Soup!

I made a fabulous pot of Taco Soup on Sunday night and I looooved it! I owe the recipe to my sweet former co-worker from Edwardsville who would always cook this for our department on the night of Parent/Teacher conferences!

I've had the recipe for a couple years and finally decided to give it a whirl. It is fantastic and tastes amazing! Would you believe that this was the first time I had ever choppped an onion and jalapeño pepper *and* minced garlic?!?

Here's the recipe! Enjoy!

{1 1/2} lbs. lean ground beef
{1} large onion-chopped
{2} large cloves of garlic-minced
{1} pkg. taco seasoning mix
{1} 28 oz. can of whole tomatoes
{2} 16 0z. can of red kidney beans {drained}
{1} 15 oz. can tomato sauce
{1} 10.5 oz. can of beef broth
{2} 4 oz cans of chopped green chiles
{3} Tbsp. of chopped jalapeño peppers
{1/2} cup of water
{1} Tsp. of ground cumin
{1} Tsp. of chili powder

Directions:
-Brown and drain first three ingredients {meat, onion, garlic}
-Add the taco seasoning mix to meat mixture and add the rest of the ingredients to a large pot
-Bring to a boil
-Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes on a low temperature

Top with whatever garnish you choose! I did fritos and sour cream--so good!

Taco Bake Thursday

I found this recipe via this blog awhile back. I've made it a couple of times and David thinks it's heaven on earth! He's such a simpleton and that's part of his charm.

The dish includes meat, cream and shredded cheese, tomato sauce, sour cream, and noodles...a no fail mixture of ingredients in this household. : )

Try it for yourself, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Fresh Outta The Crock Pot!

Now I know some of you near-professional cooks might think this is no big thing, but I am very proud of myself. I've never been a cook, but I am slowly learning.

Just understanding and looking for some ingredients gives me a run for money. I've really been itching to try this pulled chicken recipe and we finally got all the ingredients to do it today.

It turned out pretty good; Dave gave it a 4 out of 5! The only thing that could be improved was making it a tad sweeter. Guess I'll try more molasses or brown sugar next time.

Here's the masterpiece alongside Kraft Mac n' Cheese {not all things can be prepared from scratch!}.

I'm not a cook...

But this is something I could do! Don't these sound yummy? I found this recipe on a blog via thenest.com. Can't wait to make them!

Tortilla Rolls

8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small can of chopped green chilis, drained
1 packet of ranch dressing mix (not buttermilk)
a handful of shredded cheddar cheese

Mix all ingredients together, spread a thin layer over a tortilla, and rolled them up, stored in a tupperware over night, and cut them into 1 inch pieces the next day. Serve with salsa.