Cheesy Potatoes

I think I will always owe Kristyn Porter for giving me this recipe, it is amazingly delicious and I honestly get so many compliments when I make it. This is a MUST make cheesy potato dish that will get you the title of "Cooking God" when you make it.

1 -2lb bag hash browns (I use the little cubes, I think original recipe is the shredded), thawed

1 container sour cream (16 oz)

2 tablespoons minced onions (dried)

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 cups cheddar cheese

salt and pepper (optional)

1 can cream of chicken soup

Directions: 

• Thaw the potatoes
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
• Mix all the ingredients in a big bowl, making sure its thoroughly mixed
• Spray a baking dish and put the mix into the baking dish
• Cover and cook about 45 minutes
• Remove foil and cook another 15-20 minutes
• The sides should be bubbling and the center cooked through
• I think you could definitely add some extras to this dish too- jalapenos, veggies, you name it!

New Beginnings - a preview!

Everyone always has their "New Year Resolutions" - whether or not they are actually kept are another story. I know for myself, I am horrible at keeping New Year Resolutions. This year, Stephen and I are planning on kicking off our new year with a cleanse! We did this cleanse 2 years ago, and I can honestly say it was one of the best things we have ever done. This year, going into the cleanse, I am going to be fully dedicated again and pledge to stick with some of the healthy eating habits you gain from this "challenge".

So- what is the cleanse? It is called the Quantum Wellness Cleanse. 21 days of no gluten, animal products, caffeine  sugar or alcohol.  I wish I had been blogging back when we did this cleanse before so I could actually remember some of the great recipes we had tried. I think the biggest challenge with this cleanse was providing my carnivore of a husband with a comforting, satisfying dinner. Especially in the cold months, a warm, heavier meal at the end of a long day is critical. I had to get creative since I couldn't use the typical proteins and carbohydrates that are usually so satisfying in a meal.  

I will try to keep track of some of my best creations from this challenge- and like the last time we did it - I plan on doing it longer than 21 days (although when it's over I might celebrate with some wine).

This is the kick-start to a happier, healthier new year! Last time we did this, I lost 25 pounds! I plan on losing some weight, getting healthier and working to keep it that way.

Some recipes to look forward to....

• Sweet potato black bean enchiladas
• Quinoa taco salad
• Tofu tacos
• Quinoa mushroom pilaf
• Quinoa stuffed portobello mushrooms
• Mac and Cheese
• Roasted cauliflower with spicy red chili 
• Vegan mushroom soup
• Butternut squash & black bean chili (made this already check it out!)
• Butternut squash bowties (can be made with gluten free pasta)
• and much much more!! 

Stuffed Hamburgers

I rarely buy or cook red meat, especially not ground beef. We are pretty much a ground turkey family. But sometimes, a good burger calls for some higher fat, delicious beef!! This stuffed hamburger was goooood, even Stephen got in on the assembling action!! An easy burger twist you must try!

2 lbs ground beef

1 jalapeno, finely minced

your fav cheese (we used sharp cheddar and jack)

toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, onion)

Thousand Island Dressing (just mix some ketchup, mayo and relish!)

Extra pickled jalapenos for extra spicy (optional)

Directions:

• Season your ground beef with salt, pepper and garlic powder
• For 2 hamburgers, form into 4 thin patties
• Layer cheese and jalapenos on 2 patties and then put plain patties on top, creating a flavor pocket :)
• Grill them up! We didn't want to get out the BBQ so we just did it inside on the stove. I am sure a BBQ would be even better though
• When the burger is cooked like you like it, remove and slightly toast up buns
• Assemble your hamburger and then devour!!
• To make the Thousand Island dressing from scratch, just do 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of mayo and 1 tablespoon pickle relish. 

Firestone Fries

For anyone that has been to or lives in San Luis Obispo, you are sure to have tried Firestone Grill. The menu is made up of various bbq meats, burgers, onion rings, fries and salads. However, their fries alone bring me in... they are amazing!! Stephen and I were having a crazy craving for a good burger and fries a couple weeks ago and I tried to recreate the little beauties. I think I got pretty darn close- and it was only 2 ingredients!

Ore-Ida Shoestring Frozen Fries

Lawry's seasoning

Directions: 

• Bake the fries according to the directions. When they are almost done, put them up on the top rack and turn on the broiler for a couple minutes to get them extra crispy. 
• Pull them out of the oven and put them in a big bowl
• Mix with approximately 2 tablespoons of the Lawry's seasoning- or more if you want them extra covered. 
• Serve right away!

Fancy-ish Chicken Quesadilla

This is a good, simple, quesadilla. I mean really, who doesn't like a quesadilla? Tortilla? Cheese? Now add some extra ingredients and a rotisserie chicken and you are golden! This was very yummy! I also made a "hot sour cream" to dip it in.

1/4 cup mayo

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

4 green onions, chopped

3 stalks of celery, chopped fine

2 tablespoons sour cream

2 teaspoons hot sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 rotisserie chicken, skin removed and cut into small pieces

shredded cheddar cheese

Flour or corn tortillas

Directions:

• Whisk the first 8 ingredients together
• Then add the chicken to combine
• Heat pan and spray a little cooking spray
• Put one tortilla down on pan, then spread a thin layer of cheese, careful to not go all the way to the edge. Then put a layer of the chicken mix followed by another thin layer of cheese and another tortilla.
• Let cook until the bottom tortilla is brown and then carefully flip. 
• Keep going until you have all of our quesadillas done
• To make the "hot sour cream" just mix a couple tablespoons of sour cream with 2 teaspoons hot sauce!