Pinterest Recipes

For the past couple of weeks I haven't been posting recipes that I've come up with because I've been trying out some recipes that I've found on pinterest. And, can I just say that I have loved it! It has been so much fun to try new things, new cooking techniques, and new flavors. I thought I wasn't skilled enough to do certain cooking methods, but once I decided to TRY them, I found that they weren't so difficult after all. YAY!!!

Here are some recipes I've tried that I totally recommend. (I'll spare you from the ones I've tried that I don't recommend.) I haven't posted the complete recipes for these; instead, I've given you the link to the original blogger. The bullets below the pics of the dishes are what I did differently or something Iearned in the process. If you want to make the dishes, you'll need to click on the links.

Grilled Chicken Piccata

• I've already posted about this recipe.

Lime Chicken Tacos with Garlic Fried Rice
(This photo is of the lime chicken and it is from the original blogger.)

• I did not add cilantro to the chicken. 
• I added garlic salt, onion powder, and salt and pepper to the rice. (to taste)
• I made both of these recipes then combined them and it was delicious! Plus, it helps you use less chicken since you are adding rice to the taco (or burrito), which helps the budget.

Nutella Stuffed French Toast

• I used 2 slices of thick bread and just soaked one side of each, spread the nutella on one piece on the side that wasn't soaked and then combined the two like a PB&J sammie. 
• Then I added raspberries to the top with a bit of their natural juices.

Gnocchi Chicken Soup (like Olive Garden serves)

• The secret to making yummy gnocchi quickly is the shortcut of using potato flakes. (I used potato pearls from the LDS cannery.)
• Also, I learned that it is important to make the gnocchi SMALL. The recipe says 1/2" wide but it should be a little less than that, like 1/4" wide by 1/2" thick.
• For the soup, I doubled the recipe. 
• I used dried onions and dried carrots. (1/4 cup dry onions and 1/3 cup dry carrots)
• I also used an entire bag of fresh spinach instead of what it calls for. 
• I did not add celery.

Roasted Veggies

• I can't believe I've never roasted veggies before. I have been missing out! It is incredibly delicious and EASY.
• I roasted brussel sprouts that were once frozen in a bag and one bunch of fresh broccoli. 
• I also roasted some red potatoes and added a little bit of garlic salt to those because they are so bland.
• After I tasted the finished product, my preference in order is: broccoli, brussel sprouts, then potatoes.

I've said it before and I'll say it again... I should be paid for advertising pinterest. lol. If I had a dollar for every time I told someone about it, I'd have over $400 by now. lol.

Crockpot Potato Cheese Soup

I accidentally discovered this recipe. lol. I was trying a new way to make mashed potatoes, and I ended up making soup instead because I added too much liquid. But, it is a happy little accident because the soup turned out delicious!

Here is what you need:

• 5 medium potatoes (red potatoes work best for a smooth texture, but any other potato will work, too--it just won't be as smooth)
• 4 cups water*
• 4 tsp chicken bouillon paste*
• 2 tbs butter
• 2 1/2 cups grated cheese, reserve 1/2 for topping
• 3/4 cup sour cream (I used fat free)
• salt and pepper, to taste
• bacon, to taste

*If you don't have bouillon paste, you can use 4 cups of chicken broth or stock instead of the 4 cups of water and paste. 

Here is what you do:

• Add water, butter, and bouillon paste to crockpot
• Set crockpot to med-high
• Cube potatoes with the skin on...it saves time and keeps nutrients in (of off if you prefer)
• Add potatoes to crockpot and cook for 2 - 3 hours, or until the potatoes are fall-apart tender
• Mash contents inside crockpot
• Cook bacon in skillet
• Add salt, pepper, cheese, and sour cream to crockpot; mix well
• If the soup isn't a consistency you want, add a little more cheese; it should be thicker than a normal soup and stick to the back of a spoon
• Serve with crumbled bacon and extra cheese sprinkled on top

Enjoy! This would be a wonderful soup to serve in a bread bowl. Yum!

Hearty Potato, Onion, and Chicken Soup

I've been looking at a lot of soup recipes this week since it has been in the 30's to 50's here in Utah (brr!) and I've found a handful that I want to try. But, I would need to go buy some miscellaneous ingredients but didn't want to brave the cold OR spend extra money when I had perfectly good food at home. So, this morning I had an idea of a soup I could create with some ingredients I already have: potatoes, chicken, onions, chicken stock, and onion soup mix! And it is SO easy! Plus, this is a perfect meal to start in the morning, forget about it, and eat it after a long day at work or on the slopes! 

It looks brownish because of the onion soup mix.
Trust me...it's delicious!

Here is what you need:

• 2 medium chicken breasts
• 1 regular can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken stock or broth
• 2 large red potatoes (or 4 small)
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 1 pkt onion soup mix
• 1/2 cup milk (I used fat free skim because that's what I buy)
• 1 cup grated cheese (only if you want to add it)
• 1 tbs butter
• 2 tsp salt

Here is what you do:

• Add cream of chicken soup, stock, and soup mix to crockpot; mix well
• Dice onions and cube potatoes
• Add whole chicken breasts, diced onions, and cubed potatoes, making sure all pieces are covered with broth mix
• Set for 8-10 hours on low
• After the 8-10 hours of cooking time, remove the chicken and shred it
• While chicken is still out of the crockpot, take an immersion blender and smooth out the remaining soup (if you want it a bit chunky, stop blending the soup when the potatoes are a chunkiness that you prefer)
• Add chicken back in and add the butter; mix until melted (this gives the soup the velvety, rich texture and flavor--it's a secret that restaurants do)
• Mix milk and salt in until well incorporated
• Serve with grated cheese and your favorite bread!

Add shredded chicken.

Add butter. 

Your tummy will be so happy and warm after eating this! It's prefect to eat while snuggled up with a blanket!