New Meal Fridays #77 ~ Southwestern Casserole

Made: October 31st 2011

From: Fall Freezer Meals ~ 2011

1 package of elbow macaroni
2 pounds of ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans of diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can of tomato paste
1 can of chopped green chilies, drained
1.5 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon of chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

1 - Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, chilies and seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes. Drain macaroni; stir in to beef mixture.

2 - Transfer to 2 greased 2qt baking dishes. Top with cheese and jalapenos. Cover and bake at 375F for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until bubbly and heated through. Server one casserole. Cool the second casserole; cover and freeze for up to 3 months.


Miranda's Mix Ups: I didn't use 2 pounds, I only had 1 so that's all we used. I also didn't use the green chilies or the jalapeno peppers. But it was still VERY good. And the kids ate it all. I'm not sure if it was because of the fact they had to eat before going trick or treating or what but it was gone!

New Meal Fridays #76 ~ Turkey Stroganoff Skillet Supper

Made: October 28th 2011

From: Pillsbury Casserole

1 can of chicken broth
1 jar of turkey gravy
2/5 cups of uncooked wide egg noodles
1 cup of sliced fresh carrots
1 cup of frozen sweet peas
1/2 cup sour cream
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups of cubed cooked turkey

1 - In a 10 inch skillet, mix broth and gravy until well blended. Heat to boiling. Stir in noodles, carrots, peas, sour cream, nutmeg and pepper. Return to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 10 minutes

2 - Stir in turkey. Cook about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles and vegetables are tender.


Miranda's Mix Ups: Nothing changed! It was good!

New Meal Fridays #75 ~ Chicken Dijon Shepherd's Pie

Made: October 27th 2011

From: Pillsbury Casseroles


1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup of coarsely chopped onions (2 mediums)
2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables
1 jar of chicken gravy
1/2 cup of milk
1 Tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Topping:
1.25 cups of water
3/4 cup of milk
1/4 cup of sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
2 cups plain mashed potato mix (dry)
Paprika

1 - Heat oven to 350F. In 12 inch nonstick skillet, cook chicken and onions, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and no longer pink in center.

2 - Stir in remaining filled ingredients. Spoon into ungreased 8 inch square glass baking dish.

3 - In 2 quart saucepan, heat water to boiling. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining topping ingredients except paprika. Spoon topping over chicken mixture; sprinkle with paprika

4 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Miranda's Mix Ups: I didn't have the massed potato mix so I made my own mashed potatoes and just didn't use the water but used everything else.

New Meal Fridays #74 ~ Cheesy Fish Stick Taco Dogs

Made: October 27th 2011

From: Pillsbury Casseroles

8 frozen battered or breaded fish sticks
1 can of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 Tablespoon of taco seasoning mix
4 slices of american cheese, each cut into 4 strips
3 Tablespoons of salsa

1 - Heat oven to 375F. Spray 15x10 - inch pan with sides with cooking spray. Place fish sticks in single layer in pan. Bake 10 minutes, turning once.

2 - Meanwhile, separate dough into 8 tringles. In a shallow bowl, place taco seasoning mix. Lightly dip one side of each triangle into seasoning mix, coating evenly. Place triangles on work surface, seasoning side down.

3 - Place 1 baked fishe stick on shortest side of triangle. Top each fish stick with 2 strips of cheese and about 1 teaspoon of salsa. Starting with shortest side of each triangle, roll up dough around fish stick; place cheese-side up in same pan.

4 - Return to oven; bake 12 to 15 minutes longer or until golden brown.

Miranda's Mix Ups: I actually did everything the way they said :P

New Meal Fridays #73 ~ Turkey Joe Calzones

Made:October 24th 2011

From: Pillsbury Casseroles

1 pound of lean ground turkey
1 package sloppy joe seasoning mix
1 can of tomato sauce
1 can of refrigerated pizza crust
1/4 cup of dill pickles
1 egg beaten

1 - Heat oven to 400F. Grease large cookie sheet with shortening or spray with cooking spray. In 12 inch skillet, cook ground turkey over medium heat, stirring frequently, until turkey is no longer pink; drain. Stir in seasoning mix and otmato sauce. Cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce is thickened. Remove from heat; cool for 10 minutes

2 - Meanwhile, unroll the dough; cut in half lengthwise and into thirds crosswise to make 6 pieces. Press each piece into 5.5 inch round. Place dough rounds on cookie sheet. Sprinkle about 2 teaspoons pickles over each round.

3 - Spoon about 1/2 cup of turkey mixture onto center of each. Fold each dough round in half over filling; press edges with fork to seal. Lightly brush tops with beaten egg.

4 - Bake 14 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.


Miranda's Mix Ups: I couldn't find refrigerated pizza crust so I got some from metro. They have their own pizza dough for about 2.50 or so. I could have used the bread maker if I wanted. One thing I would have been a bit more careful about would be poking it to make sure there were no air bubbles. Also no ground turkey, I had slice turkey left over from thanksgiving in the freezer so I cut it up and used that.

December Photo Challenge

This month I am trying, again, to do a Photo Challenge. I'm hoping I can do it! This is a fun month!

This month is all about Christmas/Winter and things that remind me of that time of the year. I started on Dec 1st, but here's a "hint" of my post today!



Check out the blog here:

All The Seasons - A Photo Blog

Santa At the Zoo!!

On Saturday we went to the Zoo and got to see Santa. The kids love it! Last year we went and had so much fun. I think it might be something we do all the time. It is alot of fun!

Here are some great shots from the time there: