Shepherds Pie....I think!

What to cook for dinner is a question that plagues me daily!  I love cooking and my husband prefers a home cooked meal, so I try to cook on most nights.  Don't get me wrong, there are many nights where this DOES NOT happen....but I can honestly say that I try my best.  As roamed the grocery store this afternoon looking for inspiration I was feeling completely stumped.  I wanted something good and hearty for Carter, but also full of vegetables and nutrition for Rhyan.  I ended up buying a hodge podge of things and created what I think is basically Shepherds Pie.  My sister Logan joined us for dinner and my "Shepherd Pie" was a success.  I thought I would share the recipe in case you ever want a slightly random, but veggie packed dinner. 

Ingredients:

1/2 pound Yukon gold potatoes (cut into 1 inch pieces)

1 pound lean ground beef or turkey

1/2 cup onion (diced)

2 cloves of garlic (chopped)

1 cup frozen peas (thawed)

1 cup chopped carrots

2 cups of fresh spinach (chopped)

1/2 cup chopped mushrooms

1/2 cup crushed tomatoes

6 ounces tomato paste

1.  Preheat oven to 400.

2.  Place potatoes in large pot and cover with water.  Boil until fork tender.

3.  Mash the potatoes and season to your liking.  I added milk, 1/2 stick butter, chipotle seasoning,

     salt, and pepper.

4.  Brown the meat; then drain and set aside.
5.  Coat your saute pan with cooking spray and then saute onions and garlic until soft.
6.  Add the next 6 ingredients and simmer; then return meat to the mixture.

7.  Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into baking dish and then top with the potatoes.

8.  Bake for about 20 minutes then serve.

Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies

Unfortunately for me I developed a huge sweet tooth during my third trimester of pregnancy.  I could not go to bed without at least 4 Pillsbury break and bake chocolate chip cookies...after R was born I refused to buy these because it was no longer acceptable for me to gain insane amounts of weight.  During my withdrawal period I starting baking my own cookies and convinced myself this was a healthier alternative.  I decided that a peanut butter cookie would be best...you know because of the protein.  I also decided that if I threw in some oats I would really be on the right track.  After several rounds of making these healthy cookies I finally got the recipe right.  I hope you enjoy!  xoxo

Ingredients:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup of oats
2 T honey
dash of cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.  Combine all ingredients and stir until well mixed.  Roll into 1 inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake for 10-12 minutes and then cool. 

These are so easy and quick...I think you will love them!  Don't forget that if you want to give them a little veggie boost you can substitute 1/3 cup of sweet potato puree for the egg.  If you do this they will need to cook a little longer.  Let me know what you think!

Fatty Patties

This is a recipe that I stole from my Mom and boy am I glad that I did!  I serve them anytime we have company for breakfast and they are a HUGE hit!!!  They are seriously delicious.... just make them ahead of time so you don't remember all the yummy calories that they have!

Ingredients:

1 pound spicy breakfast sausage

1 jar Old English cheese

1/2 stick butter

1 package of English Muffins

1.  Cook the breakfast sausage and then drain well; return sausage to pan

2.  Combine the Old English and butter with the sausage; mix well (make sure butter is totally melted)

3. Split English muffins in half and place them on a cookie sheet

4. Place a large spoonful of the sausage mixture on the English muffins and then bake at 350 until crispy.

*These are great to make ahead of time and freeze perfectly.  Follow the directions, but instead of putting the cookie sheet in the oven cover it with press n seal and place in freezer.  Once the fatty patties are frozen toss them in a Ziploc...bake at 350 when you are ready.

Cole Slaw with Pecans and Spicy Dressing on the Food Network

This is a fantastic Cole Slaw that I LOVE! I have made it several times and have tried it many different ways. The apple is a great addition and helps cut the spice. Hope you enjoy as much as we do! xoxo

Cole Slaw with Pecans and Spicy Dressing on the Food Network