Microwave Caramel Popcorn

The kids and I were craving caramel popcorn, but I had no time to make it before we headed out for our camping trip.  Once we got there though, it was on.  We are in love with this simple and cheap popcorn.  I was hesitant because I didn't want my caramel popcorn to have a marshmallow taste, but it doesn't add that taste at all.

1 bag of microwave popcorn
1/4 C butter
1/2 C brown sugar
3/4 C miniature marshmallows

Pop the popcorn and put in a bowl.
Place butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows in microwave proof bowl, microwave for 2 minutes.
Stir well and pour over popcorn
*We didn't have mini marshmallows in the trailer, so we used 5-6 regular sized marshmallows.  Just make sure and really watch them because they tend to expand and hop out of your bowl.  I had to stir the sauce every 30 seconds or so just to try to keep them contained.

Southwest Bake

3/4 C brown or long grain white rice, uncooked
1 1/2 C water
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 can diced green chilies
1 (11 oz) can mexicorn or corn, drained
1 C salsa
1 C sour cream
1 C shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 C chopped onion
1 can black olives, sliced and drained
1 C shredded cheddar or mexican blend cheese

Cook rice with water.
Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients (to last cheese) and add rice once it is cooked.
Bake, uncovered, at 350* for 40 minutes.  Sprinkle cheese over top and bake 10 minutes longer.
This can be served in bowls as a casserole, in tortillas, or even with a side of chips.

Taco Bell Quesadillas

I love Taco Bell Quesadillas. I know, they are so unhealthy for you, but they are so yummy.  I found this recipe that is pretty similar, not quite, but it did the trick to save me from my craving.  Do not be afraid of the jalapenos.  After tasting them, I could have easily gotten my kids to eat them because they were so mild.

1/4 C canola mayonnaise
2 tsp minced jalapenos
2 tsp jalapeno juice (from minced jalapenos)
3/4 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1 dash salt
shredded cheddar cheese
shredded monterey jack cheese
tortillas
cooked chicken tenderloins

Combine ingredients down to the salt and stir until smooth.
Taking one tortilla at a time, lay tortilla into hot skillet and sprinkle with 1/4 C of each shredded cheese on 1/2 of the tortilla.
Arrange about 1/4 C chicken slices over tortilla on the same half covered with cheese.
On the emtpy half, spread about 1 Tbsp of sauce.
Fold over, and press gently with spatula.
Cook until cheese is melted and each side of tortilla is golden.

What ingredients should you look for when going soy free?

I just realized that I had wanted to write a list of ingredients that you should be avoiding if you are allergic to soy, but have yet to do so.  Here is a list that I've been compiling of ingredients that mean "contains soy":

• hydrolized soy protein
• miso
• shoyo sauce
• soy flour
• soy grits
• soy nuts
• soy milk
• soy sprouts
• soy protein concentrate
• soy protein isolate
• soy sauce
• tempeh
• textured vegetable protein (TVP)
• tofu
• soy lecithin
• soy meal
• edamame
• tamari
• vegetable oil
• vegetable shortening
• hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
• brominated vegetable oil 

I have found that the brominated vegetable oil can be found in your citrus flavored carbonated drinks (Orange Shasta, Mountain Dew, Fresca, Fanta), so be very careful when grabbing that drink!

Soy lecithin of course is found in chocolate (I'll give you a moment to cry over that one).  I have only been able to find Nestle Chocolatier Bittersweet Bar, 4 Ounces and they sell dark chocolate ones as well that are our favorite.

Kara's Broccoli Salad

This is the salad that I am always begging Kara to bring and if I'm craving it and she isn't coming over, I am begging her to send me the recipe... again.  We brought it to the BBQ we went to this weekend and everyone was in love with this salad, even the broccoli haters fell in love.  So give this a try, even if you are one of the broccoli haters and you may find yourself falling in love with this despised vegetable.

A few heads of broccoli, cut into bite sized pieces
Celery, chopped (we always forget this ingredient)
1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 C honey roasted peanuts
1 C mayonnaise
1/2 C sugar
2 Tbsp white vinegar or rice vinegar
1/2 Tbsp curry

Mix bacon, peanuts, mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and curry until smooth.  Add to broccoli and celery.  Mix thoroughly.

Brett's Garlic Cheese Bread

I have been in love with this bread since the day my brother made it.  I have tried other recipes and they just weren't the same.  Love this yummy bread with homemade spaghetti!

Loaf of French bread, sliced lengthwise
1/2 C butter, softened
1 C mayonnaise
1 C colby jack cheese, shredded
1 C mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350*
Mix ingredients thoroughly and spread on slices of french bread.  Sprinkle with garlic seasoning.  Place on baking sheet and bake 8 minutes.  Then place under broiler for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Grape Salad

This has got to be one of the easiest and yummiest sweet salads I have made.  I took it to the lacrosse party and had everyone asking for the recipe.  This is the perfect summer salad.
FYI: I used light cream cheese and light sour cream


2 lbs red grapes
2 lbs green grapes
8 oz softened cream cheese
8 oz sour cream
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 c crushed pecans
1/2- 1 c brown sugar (I only used 1/2 c and it was still very sweet)

Mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla.  Add in grapes.

Toast pecans and brown sugar in hot oven for 7 min, stirring every few minutes.  Sprinkle over grape mixture.