Father's Day

Father's Day

How do I even begin? My dad is the sweetest man alive on earth. He's also, my biggest fan. When something is going on in my life, he's the one that builds me up. When I was single, I had this break up with a guy. He told me, "True Love Conquers All", if it is meant to be, he will come back. Over the years I've thought about that. Sometimes, I would go no, but then he's right. If you truly love someone and your committed to them, then there's nothing that can separate the two of you. He also, told me whoever I end up with will be the luckiest man. I love my dad. He's AWESOME!!!

He's the kind of father, that has unconditional love and is always there for me and my sister, and even his grandchildren.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's in the world!

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet! 

Robinism

As you know, I haven't been posting everyday. There has been a lot of changes in my life lately. So, I'm in the process of revamping my blog and in the test kitchen, coming up with some new recipes.

This summer, we'll have some grill recipes, canning (I love to can - its my therapy), a watermelon salad to die for. Plus, quick and simple working girl/boy meals.

Be sure to check back in soon. Also, I would like to thank all of my followers, I'm up to 65 different countries and that excites me!!!

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Veggie Rita Pizza

Veggie Pizza
fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into slices
1 to 2 tomatoes, cut into slices
2 to 3 garlic cloves
1/2 cup basil leaves
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pre-pizza crust

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush olive oil on base of pizza crust; topping with spinach, basil, garlic, tomatoes and cheese. Bake for 15 minutes.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Steak Kabob

Steak Kabob
deer steak or cube steak
mushrooms
green and red pepper
onion
2 tablespoons Chinese 5 spice
2 cups soy sauce
1 juice of a lemon
kabob sticks, soaked in water
1 teaspoons minced garlic

Heat your grill up.

Cut all your veggies into cubes and set aside. Mix soy sauce, Chinese 5 spice, lemon juice, garlic together and add your meat and veggies to soak for 1 hour.

Alternate on wooden stick; and place on grill for about 15 minutes or until meat is browned. Doesn't take long for deer or cubed steaks.

Simple and delicious.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Veggie Supreme Pizza

Veggie Supreme Pizza
2 to 3 cups fresh spinach
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 chopped tomato
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup feta cheese
1 1/2 cup 3 blended cheeses
pre-pizza crust

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In skillet add 2 tablespoons olive oil and saute all vegetables, except the tomatoes. Brush 2 tablespoons of olive oil on the pizza crust; then add saute veggies. Topping with cheeses. Bake for 15 minutes.

So simple and really tasty. My friends and I really enjoyed this one.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Pizza and Kabob Grocery List

Pizza and Kabob Week:

Veggie Supreme Pizza:
fresh spinach
olive oil
onion
tomato
mushrooms
feta cheese
3 blended cheese
pre-pizza crust


Steak Kabob:
deer steak or your choice of meat
mushrooms
red pepper
green pepper
onion
Chinese 5 spice
soy sauce
lemon
garlic

Veggie Rita Pizza:
fresh mozzarella cheese
tomatoes
garlic
fresh basil
fresh spinach
olive oil
pre-pizza crust

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Italian Hamburger Steak

Italian Hamburger Steak:
1 pound ground beef
leftover vegetables, drained from meatball stew
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt and black pepper

Mix all ingredients together, except feta cheese. Mix it well and form into about 2"x2" balls. Add olive oil to casserole dish.

Press down about 1 tablespoon of feta cheese on top. Add water and cover. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.

I served mine with purple hull peas and boiled okra. I could live on purple hull peas, boiled okra and tomatoes. One of my favorite meals. Plus, throw in some green onions. YUMMY to my TUMMY! This big fat meatballs turned out tasty. Its like a meal in one with all the veggies inside of them.

I know when I said Italian week, you were expecting pasta, but I took a different spin on things. I love to be able to make two to three meals with leftover ingredients.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Italian Meatball Stew

Italian Meatball Stew:

1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 green, red, orange, yellow pepper, sliced thinly
1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 russet potato, sliced and peeled
2 pieces of bread
1/4 cup milk
1/2 onion, sliced thinly
1 teaspoons oregano and parsley
1 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon salt and pepper
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup flour
1 egg
14 ounce diced tomatoes, drained

Mix together all three of your meats; adding egg, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper. In small bowl pour milk in it and tear your bread up in it. Let it soak up the milk; adding to your meat mixture. Mix well and form your balls; then rolling in the flour. Heat olive oil in large pot. Brown your meatballs and remove.

Add your sliced peppers, mushroom, and onions until tender.

Make a clear spot in the middle of your pan; adding the  potatoes.

Pour in chicken broth, tomatoes, and crushed red peppers. Cook on simmer for 30 minutes, then add your meatballs. Cooking for about 15 to 20 more minutes.

I have to admit I was watching the Foodnet Work Channel and someone was making this. I had to try it. I wish I would of written down all her spices, but it still was so yummy.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Italian Sloppy Joe's

Italian Sloppy Joe's:

1/2 pound pork, Italian sausage, and beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 green, yellow, orange, red peppers, chopped
18 ounce bottle barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt and black pepper
buns

This is so simple and delicious.

Brown all three of your meats; adding the vegetables, and seasonings. Add your barbecue sauce and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve on open faced buns.

This would be great to serve Memorial day, if your not in the mood to grill.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Italian Week Grocery List

Italian Week:

1 pound ground pork
2 pound ground beef
1 pound ground  Italian sausage
1 bell pepper, red pepper, orange pepper, yellow pepper
onion
barbecue sauce
buns
milk
2 slices bread
chicken broth
oregano
crushed red peppers
parsley
salt and pepper
olive oil
mushrooms
russet potato
feta cheese

This goes with three recipes, Italian Meatball Stew, Italian Hamburger Steak, and Italian Sloppy Joe's.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Baked Lemon Chicken

Baked Lemon Chicken:

2 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon tarragon
1/2 teaspoon garlic
salt and pepper

Place chicken in casserole dish; adding the rest of the ingredients. Placing the sliced lemon on top  of the chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour covered.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Chicken Surprise

Chicken Surprise:

2 to 4 chicken breast
1 small can of dried tomatoes (in jar)
14 ounce can of artichoke hearts
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of oregano
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 cup feta cheese

My friend Mindy gave me this recipe. She has the most awesome store "Powder and Smoke", here in Little  Rock. If you are ever here, be sure to go check it out. She has the best jewelry in town, plus perfumes, and so much more. She gave me a different spice, but I couldn't remember it, so I used oregano, and served it over whole wheat pasta. This was delicious!

Preheat heat oven to 375 degrees.

Drain your artichokes hearts and tomatoes. Place everything in a casserole dish; cover, and cook for one hour.

Simple and delicious!

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Raspberry Chicken

Raspberry Chicken:
2 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup fresh raspberry
1/2 cup raspberry jam
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 to 4 slices of bacon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Wrap each piece of chicken in bacon and place in casserole dish.

In small sauce pan, mix together fresh raspberries, jam and balsamic vinegar; until melted. Pour over chicken.

Bake covered for one hour, then take the foil off and cook for 15 more minutes.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Chicken Week Grocery List

Chicken Week:

Raspberry Chicken:
chicken breast
fresh raspberries
raspberry jam
balsamic vinegar
bacon

Chicken Surprise:
chicken breast
artichoke hearts
dried tomatoes, in jar
oregano
olive oil
feta cheese
whole wheat pasta

Lemon Chicken:
chicken breast
mushrooms
olive oil
tarragon
lemon
olive oil
butter
chicken broth

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Cod Sandwich

Cod Sandwich
cod
bread crumbs
buns
American cheese
Mayo
lettuce and tomato (optional)

In large Ziploc bag mix together 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs and salt and pepper to taste; adding the cod to coat it. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Spray your cookie sheet with cooking spray; laying out your cod. Bake for one hour. Toast your bun with cheese and  put your sandwich together. McDonald's step aside, I have my own Fish Filet Sandwich. ha!

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Beer Hush Puppies

Beer Hush Puppies
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all purpose flour
1 jalapeno, chopped finely
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 to 1 1/2 cups beer
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 cups peanut oil

Heat oil in large skillet. Mix together the other ingredients. You do not want it to be too loose, you want it to be a little thick. (so it will stick together)

Scoop out a spoonful into hot grease and repeat. When they float to the top; turn over and cook a few minutes longer, until golden color. Repeat until all is done.

A must have when your eating catfish.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Fried Catfish Nuggets

Fried Catfish Nuggets
catfish nuggets
yellow cornmeal
salt and pepper
Cajun seasoning
oil

In large Ziploc bag mix together dry ingredients; adding nuggets and shake until coated.

In large skillet heat oil; frying catfish until golden brown.

Tarter Sauce:
1 cup Mayo
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Mix all together.

I love to put hot sauce over my catfish and dip in the tarter sauce. It's amazing!

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Under the Sea Grocery List

It's graduation week for Natalie - WHOOP WHOOP!!! I'm so proud of her. Plus is Mother's day weekend. I hope all of the mother's following me have a great Mother's Day. I know I am. I'm headed to Nola to watch my daughter graduate. I'll be showing pictures later on this week.

Under the Sea:

Cod Sandwich:
cod
bread crumbs
buns
American cheese
Mayo and fixings

Catfish:
catfish nuggets
yellow cornmeal
Cajun seasoning
oil

Beer Hush-puppies
yellow cornmeal
flour
cream corn
beer
egg
milk
jalapeno's
shredded cheddar cheese
oil

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Mother's Day and Graduation

This weekend is my daughter's college graduation. That has to be the best Mother's Day gift ever. I'm so proud of my baby girl. If I could still turn a cartwheel, I would. ha!

If you have followed my blog, you would know Natalie and my mom, are extremely close. I was so blessed with my mom and my child. I thank God everyday for my family. They support me and are always there for me.

Woo Hoo to all the high school and college graduates!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mother's out there. I hope you have a special day.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Pear Muffins

Pear Muffins
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup All purpose flour
1 cup wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup canola oil
2 eggs
1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
3/4 cup vanilla soy milk
1 pear, chipped up
1/2 cup flaxseed

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Spray (12) muffin pan or line with muffin cups. Mix all together and scoop out to fill each cup half full.

Bake for 20 minutes. These are so delicious and only 213 calories each. Great for when you on the go and need a little pick me up.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Breakfast Burrito

Breakfast Burrito
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 pound sausage
salsa
2 to 4 flour tortillas

These taste just like Sonic burrito's. Simple and delicious.

Fry sausage and set aside.

Mix together eggs and milk; then scramble.

Place flour tortilla on microwave safe plate. Scoop out eggs, sausage; topping with cheese. You can make 4 mini or 2 large burrito's. Microwave for a half a minute or until cheese has melted. Roll and serve with salsa on the side.

This is one of my favorite breakfast to have. They say salsa kicks in your metabolism. So, what better way to start your day off right.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Breakfast Pizza

I have to say, this is one of my newest favorite creations.

Breakfast Pizza
(serves 2)
1 small can of biscuits
2 eggs
2 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup mix shredded cheese
1 tomato, chopped
hot sauce (optional)

Take 2 biscuits and press them together tightly; with rolling pin, roll out into mini pizza crust. Take your fingers and in the middle of the biscuits make a little pocket, but be sure not to tear a hole in your biscuit crust. (I made the mistake of not make the pocket and the egg rolled off, the first time. ha!

Crack egg and place inside your pocket. Note: your pocket should be about the size of a cracked egg. Top with crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes and cheese.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees. Serve with hot sauce. This hit the spot. I came up with this a few weeks ago. I don't think I've had time to go to the grocery store and this was what I had in the refrigerator. I'm glad, because I might not of came up with this idea.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Breakfast Week Grocery List

Breakfast Week: Grocery List

Breakfast Pizza
biscuits
bacon
eggs
tomato
shredded cheese
hot sauce

Breakfast Burrito
eggs
sausage
cheddar cheese
salsa
tortillas

Pear Muffins
brown sugar
pecans
pear
cinnamon
nutmeg
All-Purpose flour
wheat flour
baking soda
oil
eggs
unsweetened apple sauce
vanilla soy milk
flaxseed

I know I'm slowing it down a bit, and not sending out a recipe everyday. Let me get back into the swing of things and I'll be back up. I have to say the Breakfast Pizza and Pear Muffins are so yummy!!!

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Brazilian Coconut Cake

Oh Ya'll, I had this on my birthday at this restaurant Bosa Nova; its soooooooooooo good. I think its one of my favorite desserts now. So light and refreshing. I had to find the recipe and try it out.

Brazilian Coconut Cake
2 1/2 cups All-Purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 egg whites
2 cups sugar
3 egg yolks
1 cup orange juice
1 cup milk
14 ounces tin coconut milk
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 cup shredded coconut (or more if you like)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and grease your 9x13 cake pan.

Beat egg whites to soft peak, continue to beat, and slowly add your sugar in. Fold in egg yolks, then flour mixture; adding orange. Pour into pan and cook for 40 minutes.

When the cake is done, remove and  use a fork or toothpick to insert holes all over the top of the cake.

Mix milk, coconut milk, and sweetened condensed milk together; pouring on top of  the cake.

Sprinkle with fresh coconut, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Okay, theirs looked a little different from mine, but the taste is the same. Another hit at the house. This is a must try recipe. Really simple and you will not regret making it.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Break

I'm taking a little break, and only posting three to four recipes a week. Still trying to adjust to my new job and time. I was used to being at work at 6:30 am and now I can sleep in, and do not have to be there until 8:30am. Don't worry though, I'll get back into the swing of things.

You have to come back tomorrow, it's my new favorite dessert. I ate so much of it, I almost made myself sick. ha! It's that good. Light and refreshing and one of those you just can't stop eating.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!

Robin

Mini Strawberry Fried Pies

Mini Strawberry Fried Pies
8 ounce frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 box of 2 roll out pie crust
2 cups vegetable oil

These are simple and delicious.

In medium sauce pan add strawberries and sugar. Let it cook down; then with potato masher, mash them  up.
Add corn starch and on medium heat, stir until thickened.

Roll out pie crust on waxed paper, and sprinkle with flour (so it will not stick). Cut out circles about 4 1/2" round. I used a large a large plastic lid. You can use a cookie cutter.

Place 1 tablespoons of strawberries in the center of the circle.

Fold in half. With fork press down and seal the edges.

Heat oil in large skillet to medium-high heat. Do not put pies in, until you know the oil is hot. I sprinkle a little flour in the oil, if it sizzles; then you know its ready. Drop your pies in; turning only once. this doesn't take long. Cook until brown on both sides. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve. This made about 12 mini pies.

Be Sweet and Stay Sweet!