.crockpot chicken.

This is one of the easiest recipes EVER. I have always wanted to make a whole chicken but was so intimidated by the thought of it. I decided it wouldn't be so overwhelming if I was able to toss it in the crockpot {love} and it worked out quite nicely if I do say so myself. The only part that was a bit traumatizing to me was the skinning of the chicken. Not the most attractive part of the recipe but I survived and so will you. The seasoning can also be easily altered to your individual preferences. I just opened up my spice cabinet and tossed stuff in :) This is the perfect meal when you are too lazy to cook but still want to eat something delicious and healthy. Enjoy.



Ingredients
1 whole chicken
1 yellow onion, sliced
5 cloves of garlic, minced
seasoning salt
pepper
parsley
chili powder

Preparation
Skin and clean whole chicken. Turn crockpot on low and place onions on the bottom of crockpot. Place chicken on top of onions. Rub chicken with garlic inside and out. Season with spices of choice. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until done. Serve with rice and veggies and enjoy!

.veggie medley.

This BEYOND amazing recipe was taught to me by my friend Valerie. For someone who I usually poke fun at for not cooking this was probably one of the best side dishes to a meal EVER. I seriously made it twice in one week and even ate it cold. Another perk to this recipe is that it can easily be adapted to your individual preferences by adding or omitting veggies. I added some feta on top the second time and it was also delicious. Try it out for yourself and enjoy!





Ingredients {add as much or as little of each ingredient that you prefer}
Zucchini
Chopped onion or pearl onions
Corn (I didn't have any so its not pictured)
Diced tomatoes (I used a can)
feta (optional)
Lemon Pepper
Vegetable seasoning (From costo, but you could use whatever seasoning you prefer)
Olive Oil

Preparation
Chop all ingredients and add to a medium saucepan. Cook on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes or until veggies are soft. Season with lemon pepper and vegetable seasoning. Top with feta if desired and enjoy!

.grilled burrito.

This meal takes it back to the basics. The hubby made this burrito for himself and I thought I would share it with others, especially great for kids. The best thing about burritos is that you can add whatever you do or do not have already stocked in your fridge..and when you grill it..omg. yum.




Ingredients
chopped chicken or beef (I like to season it with taco mix)
cheese of choice
beans
rice
tortilla
salsa

Preparation
Heat tortilla and add ingredients. (be careful not to fill burrito too much or it will not close nicely) Grill until golden brown and enjoy!

.twice baked sweet potatoes.

Another amazing recipe from the mother-in-law. SO easy, delicious, and looks pretty impressive as well. It can easily be made vegetarian without the chicken. Try it out for yourself!



Ingredients (serves 4)
4 sweet potatoes, dark ones are better
2 T butter
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t salt
1 t crushed garlic
1 1/4 cups grated Manchego Cheese (5oz)
2 chicken breasts, grilled with garlic powder
1 can mushrooms
onion, chopped

Preparation
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prick potatoes. Place on foil lined baking sheet. Bake 1 hour till tender. Let cool 20 mins. Slit potato skin lengthwise, stopping about 1' from each end. Scoop out most of flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving 1/4' thick shell. Place shells on clean baking sheet. Add butter, garlic, salt and pepper to potato flesh. Mix with beater. Fold in Manchego cheese, chicken, mushrooms, and onions. Bake at 350 for 30 min till hot in center. Serve with your favorite salad and enjoy!

.peach sherbet & raspberry dessert.

As I have said before I am not a fan of dessert but this one is just so refreshing especially perfect for this extra warm weather we are having {currently 105 outside..now thats hot!} Also, this dessert takes almost no time to prepare which is even more perfect for the lazy person I am :) This is yet another recipe from my time up north visiting the in-laws. Enjoy!




Ingredients
peach sherbet
raspberries
chocolate syrup

Preparation
Scoop peach sherbet into a cup or bowl. Top with raspberries and chocolate syrup. Repeat and enjoy!

.taco salad. {husband's choice}

Here is yet another amazing recipe from my mother-in-law. My hubby used to love this recipe when he was growing up, so it was so nice to recreate a favorite from his childhood. And...omg I am so in love with it as well. As summer is winding down I feel like I could eat salad all day long {luckily we had tons of leftovers}. Try it out for yourself and enjoy!



Ingredients
lettuce (chopped)
tomatoes (chopped)
cheddar cheese, grated (I used a mixed mexican blend that was already grated)
jack cheese, grated
taco sauce
ground beef/turkey
kidney beans
avocado (diced)
tortilla chips (crushed)
onion (diced)
thousand island dressing
taco seasoning (I added this to the meat)

Preparation
Cook ground beef until brown. Add onion and taco seasoning if desired. Let cool. Add all ingredients in a large salad bowl, mix up and enjoy!

.best salad EVER.

So...I am finally back from several weeks of vacation. I have not posted in forever, but fear not I have many new recipes ready to be blogged! On our vacation to Lake Havasu this wonderful salad recipe was shared with me and now I am hooked! And by hooked I mean I am eating this very salad at least every other day and have not got sick of it yet. {knock on wood} Try it out for yourself and enjoy!



Ingredients
lettuce
dried cranberries
glazed pecans
feta cheese
tomato
Newman's Raspberry & Walnut dresssing

Preparation
Chop lettuce and tomato. Add in all the rest of the ingredients. Mix with salad dressing and enjoy!