beer margaritas

OK these sound different but they are my favorite drink to make and enjoy. You may be thinking "I don't care for tequila" or "I don't like beer" please just try it and I will not say "I told you so" not one person has tried these and not asked for the recipe and another! You might as well make double so you don't have to turn around and make more.

Groc list: (this is what I buy when I am making these for an occasion)
a couple limes
fifth of tequila (your choice of brand you can not tell when it is mixed in if you got a high end tequila or not)
12 pack of Corona
2 frozen limeade concentrate

In a large pitcher
1c tequila
2 coronas
1 can frozen limeade
whisk lightly careful not to froth the beer too much

In cups add ice and some lime wedges
Pour in drink and enjoy

be ready to make more!!!

twice baked sweet potato

These take a little bit of time and love but it is worth it.


preheat oven to 375F

4 lg sweet potatoes scrubbed
1 1/2c heavy cream
1tbsp chili powder
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2c creme fraiche
1/2c maple syrup and 2 tbsp maple syrup for garnish
salt and pepper

bake potatoes on cookie sheet 45-50 min
let cool
cut in half length wise and empty middles into bowl

In a sauce pan
bring cream and chili powder to a simmer
add all ingredients
add middles of the sweet potaotes

Fill the potato skins with mixture
bake until golden brown
top with 2 tbsp maple syrup

These are more like a dessert. They go fast so make plenty.

blueberry cream cheese tarts

These are basically individual cheese cakes with fruit topping. The filling melts in your mouth.

preheat oven 350F

2-8oz packages of cream cheese
1c sugar
1tsp vanilla
2 eggs
12 nilla wafers
1-21oz can of blueberry filling ( I personally could not find this at my store so I used a couple different specialty jams)

Beat cream cheese until fluffy
add sugar and vanilla
beat well
add eggs 1 at a time

place nilla wafers flat side down into decorative muffin papers
spoon cheese filling over each wafer
bake 20 min
cool completely
top with choice of filling or fruit

eat a few while they are still hot they taste even better!

yummy halibut

This is even easier than the other halibut dish... taste is just as good.

Preheat oven to 350F
In a bowl mix
1/2c green onion
1c sour cream
1tsp lemon pepper
1/2c parmesan cheese

Makes a thick paste
Spread it over about 2 lbs of halibut in baking dish
Bake for 40-45 min and eat it up
There will not be any left overs, I promise.

breaded halibut

So simple. So easy. So good.

Preheat oven to 500F
Bowl 1 mix
8oz sour cream
1pkg onion soup mix (powder)
2tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Bowl 2 mix
1c bread crumbs
1tbsp parsley flakes
1/4tsp paprika

Take halibut steaks, fillets... your choice and dip in bowl 1 then in bowl 2 bake for 10-12min


mmm mmm mmmmm!

NOTHING to do with cooking

So every parent has their tools that they survive by. Some are passed on by friends and family. Others learn the hard way... and sometimes it falls in your lap somehow. (I like to think God sent it my way) Well I figured this was a perfect way to share the tools and resources that we as the Kenitzer household live by swear by. They have saved our lives at one point or another. They have also helped us to be better people and in turn better parents and spouses. If nothing else they add freshness to our every day living. If you have any to add to the list please do.




BOOKS FOR PARENTS:

Tender Mercy For A Mother's Soul by, Angela Thomas Guffey

I am currently borrowing this one from the library I will own it soon though. The first chapter made me cry like a baby... I don't cry too easily. It is uplifting and encouraging. Even if you do not feel like you are particularly drained I still suggest that you read it. I am going to start buying it for new Mom's as "the perfect gift" it is a blessing that happens to be bound and have pages.


Cure For The Common Life by, Max Lucado

The title pretty much explains this one. I never thought that my life was particularly boring, but when you do the same things ever day... it can seem that way. Well I picked this one up at the library also. I am very pleased with it. Very simple easy reading. I find it encouraging and some what of a self help/self finding book. If you are perfect and have already discovered your entire self, you do not need this book.


Wonder Time -this is a MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

It is different. Not the generic parents or parenting. Nothing against either of those, but this one has different ideas, things I have never thought of. From decorating, games, activities, meals and suggestions. I actually read it cover to cover unlike the others I check out the pictures and read a few bits here and there. This one is really worth the money. I got mine from a friend Kelli. If you can not find it and are interested check it out online at wondertime.com




BOOKS FOR COUPLES:

The Five Love Languages by,Gary Chapman

There are thousands of versions of this book. Some geared at teenagers, toddlers, and singles. My husband and I are slowly but surely reading through the one mention above. If your marriage and or spouse is at all important to you, you simply have to read this. I constantly ask God why he made men and women so different. This book does not work miracles or change the facts, but it has opened both of our eyes helping us to better understanding and communicate with one another. Who does not want to understand what their spouse is saying, and meaning!


Love & Respect by, Dr Emerson Eggerichs

This is the book me and some other wonderful ladies are going through, also slowly but surely, in our weekly meetings with one another. It is one of those books that will test you though. So if you are not ready to change and see yourself and your spouse in a different more Godly light... this also may not be for you. But when you think you are ready, it will move mountains and open doors bringing new life into your marriage.


Devotions For Couples (the one year book of) by, David & Teresa Ferguson

This one was a gift. It is broken up into bite size devotions 365 in all. One for each day, just think of it as a vitamin. Although I personally do not get around to reading it every day... you know that thing called real life... but when I do make the time to read this and add it to my hectic day, it is always well worth it. Also highly suggested to boost that marriage. When marriage is good... other things are too. I know the boys know where I am going with this.




BOOKS FOR CHILDREN of all ages:

Amelia Bedelia, byPeggy Parish

There are over a dozen different stories. I started reading these when I was in elementary school. They were so good I remember them to this day. I have to buy them when we see them at the used book store or library. The whole premise is that Amelia is a maid for cute couple. Amelia is given tasks and chores to do and always takes everything literally... For example she is asked to make a sponge cake for a luncheon. She uses an actual sponge for the cake. Everything of course works out :) The illustrations are great too. I read them to Paisley even though she doesn't get them yet, I love laughing and enjoying them myself.


Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by, Bill Martin Jr & John Archambault

The colorful pages on this book are amazing. So bright! This is Paisley's favorite book. She turns the pages and then starts all over again. We were actually given this by a good friend of mine, but if not we would have boughten it ourselves it is that good. Another book from my childhood I never forgot about. It is an alphabet book in disguise so it is a must have for all children.


The Poky Little Puppy by,Janette Sebring Lowrey

This one is just too cute. Paisley giggles and dances through this entire book every time. Not really sure why, other than it is so cute. But none the less it is a great one to own. This one also was a wonderful gift from a wonderful family. We read it often and love it every time!


Kid Builders building healthy bodies & growing minds

JACKPOT!!! ok this book will need some explaining so bare with me.
A special friend of mine Jenna found this at her local library FOR FREE...
The book that I have is geared towards newborn to 2 years of age. Then the next is 3-5 I and so on. Each book is color coated by topics: mind builders, body builders, safety builders, word builders, relationship builders and health builders. Under each topic is about two dozen pages of ideas tips and suggestions of how to build each. Some are things that you may already know but I bet there is something in there that you have not thought of yet! It is free so why not add something new to your every day cycle of helping your little ones grow. Not sure why the Pediatricians do not hand these out... I am going to suggest that!

Mushroom/Artichoke stuffed Pork by MARK B

Pork or chicken recipe
Ingredients:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast – or – Pork Loin (works best with whole pork loin)
2 Red Onions
Stovetop stuffing
Minced Garlic
Red Wine (Shiraz works well)
2 Medium-large Portobello Mushrooms
3-5 Shitake Mushrooms
3-5 Oyster Mushrooms.
Marinated Artichoke Hearts
Gorgonzola Cheese
McCormick Pork or Chicken Rub
Tooth Picks

I go to a place in town that sells to bulk items to restaurants, and by a whole pork loin. At my place they sell both halves in one package. This may be a bit much if just serving this for a family. A half a one will do. Or ask your meat market to cut you some ¾ inch boneless pork chops.

Night before:
I do not know about you but when I buy meat it is not seasoned. So whether you get the whole pork loin, pork chops or chicken breasts put the rub on both sides and wrap in plastic film overnight.

I use a lot of garlic in recipes so I keep minced garlic on hand and it is easier to use.

Use a food processor to grind up all the ingredients in a box of Pork or Chicken Stovetop stuffing mix, put in bowl.
Use a food processor to finely mince the red onions, place in bowl.
Use a food processor to finely mince the mushrooms, place in bowl.
Put a tablespoon or two of garlic in the bowl.
Use a food processor to finely mince the marinated artichokes and place in bowl. Use about a 1/2cup or so of the marinate from the artichokes and put in bowl
Add about a cup of red wine and mix all ingredients. If it is to dry add more wine or artichoke marinade. Sometimes I will use a little bit of garlic infused olive oil.
You want the stuffing moist but not real wet.
Cover and place in refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours but best over night.

I am cooking for large amounts of people and am using a convection oven but on a standard oven pre-heat to 325-350.

Take the whole pork loin and cut a slit (not all the way thru) a little more than a ¼ inch thick, then go up the same distance and cut all the way thru to make a “butter-fly pork chop”. ”

Take your stuffing mix and pack in the stuffing and pin it on two sides of the opening with the tooth picks to keep the stuffing in.

You can do the same method with the chicken breast or just fold them in half like a taco and fill them. I like making the pocket at the bake better.

After stuffing you meat, either use parchment paper on your baking sheet or use a little bit of non-stick food spray.

Bake for about 25- 30 minutes or until the internal temp of the chicken is 160 degrees. Remember if you are using a meat probe to put it in the meat not the stuffing, as the temp will vary.

Take meat out and top with the Gorgonzola cheese put back in oven for about 3-5 minutes till cheese is melted.

On catered meals I serve this with baby red potatoes topped with garlic butter, Mediterranean style vegetables, and a side salad.

chicken wraps by MARK B

30 minute meal



Ingredients:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Italian Dressing
Plain, Spinach or Sun-dried Tomato wraps
Romaine lettuce
Tomato
Olives
Caesar Salad dressing.
Optional:
Red Onion
Avocados

Cut several large boneless skinless chicken breast into strips
Marinate several hours or overnight in your favorite Italian Salad dressing.

Chop Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, olives, red onion and avocado to your liking.

Mix those items in a bowl with the Caesar Salad dressing.

Grill or cook chicken on stovetop. I like to use the grill.
While the grill is coming up to temp you can put your wraps on the grill to heat them and then put them in foil to keep warm.

After chicken is done put a layer of salad mix in wrap and pile on the chicken, and enjoy.

This is good to take on a picnic or families lunch also. You can keep the chicken and salad separate till ready to eat so wrap does not get soggy.

Note: If you leave the chicken breast whole and grill them they will be a little moister. After grilling let them set for several minutes before slicing so they will retain their juices.

broccoli and bow ties

Oh I just love when I know I get to eat this for dinner, even making it is fun. It is so easy and fresh kids will love it too. I have recently started using all fresh produce it takes only a few more seconds and the taste is way better. We all feel healthier too.

4 florets of broccoli
rinse and cut off easy bite size head pieces
boil in a few cups of water with a dash of salt until tender about 3 min

Boil 1/2 lb wheat bow tie pasta until tender
Drain water and set aside

In a sauce pan heat
2tbsp butter
2tbsp olive oil
1tsp garlic minced
and cook garlic for 1 min
Remove from heat and add
2tsp salt and pepper
1tbsp lemon juice

Mix together broccoli and pasta and sauce

Bring to the table hot and eat it up! I always make extra and save it in a tupperware for my husbands lunches. It breaks up the PB and J's :) I might add some chicken if I have some from the night before already cooked.

garlic-lime chicken w/olives

This one is a little different in my opinion. I tried it for my husband and his love of kalamata olives. It was good and I would suggest to those who also like the kalamata olive.

preheat oven to 400F
mix all as a marinade
1c diced onion (I leave out per Jason)
3 clove minced garlic
2tbsp lime juice
1tsp molasses
2tsp worcestershire sauce
1 1/2tsp cumin
1tsp oregano
salt and pepper

Cover 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast with marinade and 1/2c pitted and sliced kalamata olives
Roast 30-35min

Serve to your oh so thankful husband who is a kalamata olive freak :)

roasted red potatoes

Number two in the red potato pack. Again simple and easy they make a great side to just about anything.

preheat oven 400F
On a cookie sheet
6-8 red potatoes cut in half
Drizzle olive oil over potatoes
Sprinkle a little salt and pepper
(You can add rosemary or other spices, we prefer them just as is)
Bake 25-30min

Serve them along side you choice of protein!

red potato salad

I got my husband to eat and like red potatoes thanks to my two red potato recipes... One of my favorite ways to eat an often forgot about vegetable. Simple and delicious.

2 lbs small red potatoes
Cut in to larger bite size squares and boil until soft
Let cool

In a bowl mix
8oz cream cheese
2tbsp dijon mustard
salt and pepper
Pour over cooled potatoes

Serve when cold. Another great side to bring along on a picnic or potluck since it is cold and will stay cold for quite a while.

teriyaki steak

For extra special occasions only! This is too wonderful to have every night. This recipe is passed into our family by my great uncle Bruce. The story is, he got it from a Buddhist monk... It is better than candy, no joke. So easy and tasty. You can make it ahead of time, so it is perfect for entertaining.

In a large bowl
1/4tsp ground ginger
1/4tsp garlic powder
1/2tsp msg (a half a tsp isn't going to hurt anyone...)
1/2c brown sugar
1/2c honey
1c soy sauce
2tbsp oil
1/4tsp pepper
Whisk

In a rectangle glass dish or large tupperware place flank steak(s) and pour marinade over top cover and refrigerate
24hours min (I always make it a couple days ahead of time and it is extremely flavorful)
Then BBQ (on our propane BBQ it takes about 5 min on each side then an additional 2-3 min on each side)
When meat is cooked to your preference let sit for a few min so the juices can soak in
Then cut cross grain in long strips

Pass around, if there happens to be any leftovers (there never is in my family) refrigerate and have in a sandwich the next day. We usually serve it with with corn on the cob, pasta salad, fruit salad, potato salad, baked beans... all the summer staples!

frosted jelly biscuits for breakfast

Ok I honestly did not know what to title this one. I take no credit for this recipe. At the ripe age of 12 I asked for my first recipe. We had a sleep over and Melissa's mom made these for breakfast. I have loved them ever since. They are pretty sugary but the perfect treat!

Preheat oven to 400F
2c bisquick
1/4c butter
1/4c sugar
1/2c milk
Mix together into a dough like consistency
drop onto a greased cookie sheet
hollow out a whole in the middle using th back of a spoon (almost all of the way to the sheet)
Using a spoon drop in your favorite jam or jelly (we have homemade strawberry or blackberry on hand sometimes)
Bake for 10 min

Make simple frosting using powdered sugar milk and a little melted butter
Make the frosting a little on the thick side so it can coat extra well.
I prefer to eat these hot as possible with a huge glass of milk. Maybe if you are feeling extra nice you can make these some morning and bring them into work with you! (if you have some sweet tooths at work)

banana nut bread

Oh this is so good. One of my old co-workers (Roberta) would make this and bring it for us every once in awhile. It was so good I had to have it more often so I got the recipe for myself. It is so simple and the perfect way to use up those browning bananas you never got around to eating... in fact I am going to go make some now!


yellow cake mix
1tsp soda
1/2c milk
1c bananas
1 egg
1/4c chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven 350F
Blend all ing in large bowl
Beat about 2 min until smooth consistency
Pour in greased loaf pans
Bake 35 min
Cool
Eat
Enjoy
Love
Share
Eat some more
Gulp a glass of milk
cover and save if there is any left...

great grandma's potato soup

This recipe has been passed through my Dad's side of the family for a few generations now. There is no better comfort food when you are sick, lonely, or been up too late the night before! You can add anything to it (some chili powder for a kick is my favorite.) My family has added bacon, chives, or clams. Your choice!

3 lg diced potatoes
boil them in salt and water until tender
set aside

In a bowl
1c flour
1 egg
cut through with a knife forming little balls (as my family calls them rivlets)

In a large pot
3c water
1/2 stick of butter
bring to a boil
add egg balls
1can of evaporated milk
add back the cooked and drained potatoes
I add salt and a little pepper to taste

Serve with some homemade bisquick biscuits and enjoy.

moms applesauce choc chip cake

Ok if you have never had this before you must make it right away. You will have a new favorite, plus this recipe makes a LOT of cake. You can make one in a rectangle cake pan for you and the rest of the batter in a smaller square pan for a friend. They will want the recipe so be ready. Go enjoy and make friends!

2 1/2c or 1-25oz jar of applesauce
3/4c butter
2c white sugar
3c flour
1/2tsp salt
4tsp baking soda
1tsp cinnamon
1/2tsp nutmeg
1/4tsp cloves (optional) I personally leave out the flavor is softer that way...
12oz chocolate chips

Heat oven 325F
grease two baking pans (I use the standard rectangle casserole size pan and a standard square brownie pan)
In a sauce pan heat applesauce sugar and butter. Remove from heat and cool COMPLETELY (or you will melt the choc chips)
Mix all the remaining ingredients in a bowl
Mix wet and dry ingredients
Pour in baking dishes
Bake for an hour

Make a simple frosting using powdered sugar melted butter and milk until perfect consistency
drizzle over cooled cakes

It sounds time consuming but it is SO worth the outcome!

peach mozzarella salad

Easy beautiful and different. This is great all summer long to switch it up a bit. If you have any summer picnics or pot lucks to go to, use this one and raise some compliments.

serves 4
3 ripe peaches
1c basil leaves
8oz fresh mozzarella (cut into 1in chunks)
2tsp olive oil
1/4 salt
dash of pepper

Cut Peaches in wedges and then in half
In a bowl combine peaches basil and mozzarella
Drizzle with oil
Sprinkle with salt and pepper
Toss and cover then refrigerate

Serve cold or room temp

glazed pork chop

So this one we don't have very often since pork chops are not in our staple meats because of money(ground beef and chicken) but it is a good one none the less. Maybe you can slip it into your budget once in a while too.

groc list:
peach reserves
italian dressing
dijon mustard
pork chops

Blend ingredients making a marinade
2/3c peach reserves
1/2c italian dressing
2 tbsp dijon mustard
4 pork chops about 1 in thick

Soak in marinade (I try over night when you can plan ahead) but at least 20min will do
Grill them up!

Serve with a fresh citrus salad or some corn on the cob.

sweet sweet meatloaf

Ok so this one I found off line almost a year ago. My husband said his favorite food was meatloaf. I personally had never had meatloaf and thought it sounded gross. So I found one that was simple and tried it out. WOW we could eat this every night! It is so good and sure to be a favorite of yours too.

groc list:
lean ground beef
brown sugar
ketchup
saltines
ground ginger
eggs
milk
salt
onion (optional)
pepper

preheat oven to 350F
In a loaf pan press in the bottom
1/2c brown sugar
1/2c ketchup

In a bowl mix well
1 1/2lbs lean ground beef
3/4c milk
2 eggs
1 1/2tsp salt
1/4tsp pepper
1/4tsp ground ginger
3/4c crushed saltines
1 sm onion chopped (optional)I leave for my husband...

Pour meat and goodies over sugar and ketchup
Cover with foil for first 30-40min
bake for an hour

I like to serve this with red potatoes, or fresh green beans both you recipes you can check out and add to your favorites.

baked pears

This recipe sounds different and it is. These work great as appetizers or a dessert. I make them as part of my contribution for Thanksgiving, but they are great year round.

Groc list:
anjou pairs
bleau cheese or gorgonzola
chopped walnuts
olive oil

Start with Anjou Pears you are going to chop off the stems and cut them in half length wise. Then Scoop out the core leaving a little half circle. (so each pair makes two servings)
Preheat the oven to 350F
Take a cookie sheet and place the cut pairs flat side up
Sprinkle centers with bleau cheese or gorgonzola
Sprinkle pairs with chopped walnuts
Drizzle pairs with a good olive oil
Bake for about 20 min

Serve and eat right away!