I was so excited to get the air conditioning turned back on but I knew I would have to do some work to keep from losing food.  Because I had not been cooking (even using the microwave most days) we had a lot of restaurant leftovers.  I had purchased a rotisserie chicken at Costco to help save money.  I think we actually had all eaten one meal from it.  I found this recipe and knew I wanted to try!  The really good news was that it also used up some other things like cottage cheese and mozzarella cheese.  I actually split this into 2 separate pans freezing one for later use.   Matt liked it so well that he asked how much trouble it was to make!  This is definitely a repeat but likely one that is made ahead of time in the summer.

I ended up using one jar of Alfredo  Sauce per pan mixed with 5 oz of melted cream cheese.  I also used one cup of mozzarella on each pan as well.

Still trying new recipes to see if we can add a different variety to our cooking over the coming months.  This recipe I copied out several months ago, Chicken Bubble Biscuit Bake Casserole.

It has all the making of goodness, chicken, bacon and ranch. It appeared to be fairly simple with the hardest part being cutting up the biscuits. I also thought it would make enough for a meal. Such promise!

The reviews were mixed.  Neither Kendall nor I were impressed. Zach said he would eat again and Matt’s reaction was “not bad”.

It was very simple to prepare but I felt like it needed more so I added half a squash casserole, half a dish of creamed spinach and tomato basil biscuits.  Zach and I spent around a total of two hours in the kitchen.

Overall this will not be a repeat on our menu list!

One of the things I love todo on the internet is find new recipes. I usually print out several of these at a time. My thought process is that if we like the recipe I can put in my book or if not simply throw away.  This is an awesome plan but I often find that I do not have time to try these out or I am in fear of making it and no one eating.  With a few extra minutes this week I have decided to try a few new recipes as well. This one, Asian Sesame Chicken is a definite repeat!  It is super easy and everyone enjoyed.  I used my casserole crockpot for this which worked awesome!

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)  I cut mine into small cubes before putting in the crock pot. 
• 1 cup asian sesame seed salad dressing
• 1/3 cup apricot preserves
• 1 packet  onion soup mix
• chopped green onions & sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

I did not set an specific recipe goal for this year just because I have so much else I want to work on. But I am still working through some recipes that I have print. And of course I am always printing more.

We have actually found several that are definite repeats.

First is the batter for fried green beans.
1 cup beer or white claw
1 cup self-rising flour
salt and pepper.
This is one I discovered by accident. I need to use up some fresh green beans that I had purchased.  The first batch I used a bottle of beer. The second batch I used lime white claw instead and it was actually even better!

Next up are Egg and Potato Breakfast muffins of course from one of my favorite food sites. Matt helped me make these last week due to our busy mornings that I just can’t seem to get ahead of! Of course getting up an hour early is not an option either. We have a batch in the fridge for the grab and go needs around here.

Last is Philly Cheese Steak Casserole- I used some left-over steak to make this. Matt described it best. It is not bad and I am glad you used up all the stuff we had to make it but it is definitely not something I would make again.

For the next couple of weeks- we are using what is in the freezer. Do you have a great recipe for pork chops?

Amanda gave me an Instapot several years ago for my birthday.  I tired to use it and like it but I have only found 2 items that I really really like it for. The first was boiled eggs and the second instapot potato soup.   I used it for other things but just have never found something I said “Wow” that was worth it.   In December, it finally died and I had not plans to replace it.   But Amanda brought over hers as they are going to use an Air Fryer instead.  I should also clarify that mine was not the official brand but this one is.   I saw this recipe on line and decided to give the instapot another try!  I must say that I really impressed…. impressed enough to try other things as will

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli 

Mine even looked very similar. It took less than an hour total time to prepare and likely was around the promised 25 minutes.  Everyone said how good it was!

2 definite repeats for the year!

I did not chose to establish a goal this year for recipes as I am finding between working and trying to reduce and control the food budget it is some times difficult to fit things in. But after seeing this recipe on Facebook, I definitely wanted to try it. Crack Chicken Noodle Soup. 

I did not have the bacon bits that are called for but I had several pieces of bacon fat that I had saved so I tossed that in the pot.   The carrots I used were just past peak and needed to be used as well.

But  EVERYONE loved this soup.  Lily did not try as she is attempting to go dairy free to help her Eczema.  But even Matt said that we should repeat it!   A HUGE win. This recipe did take about an hour for me to assemble and cook but overall a huge win!