Food for the in law visit

Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches
Recipe adapted by Our Best Bites from Allrecipes
1/2+ tsp. kosher salt
1/2+ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons of olive or cooking oil
3 lb. beef roast, trimmed of excess fat
4-5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 16-oz. jar sliced pepperoncinis, undrained
Crusty sandwich rolls (for sandwiches)
Sliced provolone cheese (for sandwiches)
Heat oil in a pot or high-sided skillet over high heat. While the oil is heating, combine the salt and pepper and rub it into the meat. Add more if necessary. When the oil is hot, sear the roast on all sides so the outsides of it is browned and a little crispy. Transfer the roast to a slow cooker and add the minced garlic and the entire jar of pepperoncinis. If possible, cook on high until the liquid comes to a boil and then turn it to low and cook until the roast shreds easily with a fork, for a total cooking time of about 6-8 hours. If not possible, cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beef is fork tender.
For sandwiches, slice the rolls and spread lightly with mayonnaise and then top with the shredded beef. Add a slice of provolone cheese and then place under the broiler for 1-3 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately. Makes 12 large sandwiches.


Make your own pizza

Asian Lettuce Wraps
Recipe by Our Best Bites
2 tsp canola oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 lb ground chicken*
3 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped (about 8 small mushrooms)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
4 C bagged coleslaw mix or thinly shredded cabbage
1 8oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained, rinsed, and finely minced
1/2 C thinly sliced green onions
4 Tbs soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 3-4 Tbs juice)
1/2-1 tsp sriracha or other hot sauce (1 tsp of Sriracha is fairly spicy in my opinion, so if you want less or no kick, just give it a little, or you can leave it out completely)
1/3 C roughly chopped cilantro
1-2 heads iceberg lettuce

PW's pork roast


Southwest Pasta Salad
Recipe by Our Best Bites
1/2 lb bowtie pasta
1 14oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 roma tomatoes, diced or about 3/4 C or halved cherry tomatoes
1 large red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, diced
1/2 C sliced green onions
1/2 C frozen fresh corn
zest from 2 limes
optional: 8 oz diced cooked chicken (this is fantastic)
1/2 C Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese (or you could sub grated jack, cheddar or pepperjack)
Dressing:
6 Tbs fresh lime juice (about 3 juicy limes)
1/4 C white wine or rice vinegar
4-5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp kosher or sea salt
2 tsp sugar (add a touch more if your limes are extra sour/bitter)
3/4 C canola oil
1/2 C roughly chopped cilantro


Mint Brownies
Recipe by Our Best Bites
Brownies:
4 squares unsweetened baking chocolate (4oz)
1 C butter (2 sticks)
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 C flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
Frosting:
2 C powdered sugar
4 T butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1-2 Tbs milk
green food coloring

Chocolate Glaze:
6 oz (about 1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips ,you could also use dark
6 Tbs real butter
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 inch pan with foil making sure the foil extends over the edges by at least one inch. Lightly spray with non-stick spray and set aside.

Mushroom Soup

Low Fat Creamy Mushroom Soup
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 5 • Serving Size: 1 1/4 cup  Old Points: 1 pts • Points+: 1 pts
Calories: 49 • Fat: 1.8 g  Carb: 6.6 g  Fiber: 1.1 g  Protein: 3.2 g
• 3 tbsp flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 5 oz shitake mushrooms, sliced
• 8 oz baby bella, sliced
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 tbsp light butter (optional)

Place cold water and flour in a blender and blend until smooth, pour into a medium pot and set heat to medium. Add celery, mushrooms, chicken bullion and butter and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes. Remove celery and a cup of soup in the blender, then return back to the pot.

Salad Dressing

Low Fat Red Wine Tomato Vinaigrette
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 8 • Size: 2 tbsp • Old Points: 1 pts • Points+: 1 pts
Calories: 50.8 • Fat: 5.1 • Carbs: 1.3 • Fiber: 0.2 • Sugar: 0.2 • Protein: 0.2
• 1 medium red ripe tomato
• 1 clove crushed garlic
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• salt and fresh pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp minced shallot

Chop tomato in food processor. Add crushed garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, water, dijon mustard, oregano, salt and pepper. Pulse a few times until smooth.


Add chopped shallot and mix well. Set aside a few hours to allow the flavors to blend well..

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 11 • Serving Size: 1/4 cup • Old Points: 0 pt • Points+: 1 pt
Calories: 32.7 • Fat: 0.2 g • Protein: 0.6 g • Carb: 7.9 g • Fiber: 1.7 g • Sugar: 5.3
• 1 lb strawberries, washed and dried
• 1 lb rhubarb, leaves removed and stalks washed
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp water

Hull strawberries and cut into quarters. Cut rhubarb in 2 inch slices.


Combine compote ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil and gently simmer over medium-low heat until reduced and thickened and the fruit has softened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.


Makes about 2 3/4 cups

Flank Steak

Grilled Flank Steak With Tomatoes, Red Onion and Balsamic
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 6-8* • Serving Size: 3 oz steak, 1/2 cup salad • Old Points: 4 pt • Points+: 4 pt
Calories: 167.5 • Fat: 8.3 g • Protein: 18 g • Carb: 4.7 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: .5 g
Sodium without adding salt: 70.6 mg

• 2 lb flank steak, fat trimmed
• kosher salt and fresh pepper
• garlic powder
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic
• 1/3 cup red onion, chopped
• 3-4 tomatoes, chopped (about 3 1/2 cups)
• 1 tbsp fresh herbs such as oregano, basil or parsley

Pierce steak all over with a fork. Season generously with salt, pepper and garlic powder and set aside about 10 minutes at room temperature.

In a large bowl, combine onions, olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper. Let onions sit a few minutes with the salt and balsamic to mellow a bit. Combine with tomatoes and fresh herbs and adjust seasoning if needed.


Heat grill or broiler on high heat. Cook steak about 7 minutes on each side for medium rare or longer to taste. Remove from grill and let it rest on a plate for about 5 minutes before slicing.


Slice steak think on the diagonal; top with tomatoes and serve.

From Gina’s Skinny

Banana Bread

Banana Bread

4 ripe bananas, mashed

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup white sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tsp butter, softened

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 egg


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Pour batter evenly into two bread pans that have been prepared lightly with cooking spray.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly, then gently remove from pans and cool fully on a wire rack.


From 80/20

Neat idea for a planter

Don't forget about the neat idea for a planter using old silver bowls and stuff.

Would be a good teacher gift.

Shrimp Quesadillas

Shrimp Quesadillas on PW look amazing!

Cute Christmas Ideas for decorating

320 Sycamore has some super cute ideas. Especially for glass jars.

Projects I want/need to complete

Paint Rachel's bed
Make Rachel's bag
paint chalkboard rocks
make fall wreath, saw on Thrify Decor Chick
Gather leaves to put in bowl
Fall door hanger - bookmarked.

Chicken and Pesto French Bread Sandwich

1 loaf french bread
2 T olive oil
2 chicken breasts
freshly cracked salt and pepper
1 1/2 t minced garlic
1 large white onion
1/3-1/2 C pesto
2 C mozzarella cheese
1 C shredded Parmesan cheese


1. Cut your chicken into 1 inch chunks with some kitchen scissors. Heat up a large skillet and add your 1 T of the oil. When it's nice and hot throw in your garlic, and then your chicken. Season it up with the salt and pepper. Let the chicken and garlic cook until it has a nice golden look to it. Set the beauties aside.
2. In the same hot skillet put the other T of oil in along with your onions. Let them cook until they are nice and golden as well.
3. Cut your loaf of french bread in half, right on through the middle. Don't just go cutting it in half from top to bottom now. That's just going to give you two chunks of bread. We want it nice long area to put our toppings on.
4. Spread the pesto over each half.
5. Layer the chicken, onions, and then sprinkle with the cheese.
6. Throw the lovely concoction into a 400 degree oven and let it bake just until the cheese is all bubbly and the bread is heated through. About 10-15 minutes. Enjoy! You deserve it!

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Time: 20 minutes (15 if you are a fast chopper)
Yield: a big fat bowl full (about 10 Cups)
Recipe adapted from Ember Storrs and Valerie Gardner

6 C fresh tomatoes
1 white onion
2 green peppers
2 avocados
1/2 C chopped cilantro
1 C corn (frozen or fresh is best, but canned with do as well)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 lime
1 T minced garlic
1/2-3/4 bottle Zesty Italian Dressing ( I use fat free or light)
1/2 t cumin
1/2 t sugar
salt and pepper to taste


1. Chop up your tomatoes, onion, peppers, avocado and cilantro. Save your avocado pits.
2. Put your veggies, including the avocado pit, into a large bowl. Add the corn and black beans.
3. Pour about 1/2 the bottle of Zesty Italian into the bowl. Add the lime juice, cumin, sugar, and salt and pepper. Stir the pretty bunch all together...give it a taste. Add more dressing or salt and pepper as needed. Serve with chips and refrigerate any leftovers.

Asian Noodle Salad

Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 10 Minutes Difficulty: Easy Servings: 6
Ingredients

* SALAD INGREDIENTS:
* 1 package Linguine Noodles, Cooked, Rinsed, And Cooled
* ½ heads Sliced Napa Cabbage, Or More To Taste
* ½ heads Sliced Purple Cabbage, Or More To Taste
* ½ bags Baby Spinach, Or More To Taste
* 1 whole Red Bell Pepper, Sliced Thin
* 1 whole Yellow Bell Pepper, Sliced Thin
* 1 whole Orange Bell Pepper, Thinly Sliced
* 1 bag Bean Sprouts (also Called Mung Bean Sprouts)
* Chopped Cilantro, Up To 1 Bunch, To Taste
* 3 whole Scallions, Sliced
* 3 whole Cucumbers Peeled And Sliced
* 1 can (about 10 Oz.) Whole Cashews, Lightly Toasted In Skillet
* _____
* FOR THE DRESSING:
* 1 whole Lime, Juiced
* 8 Tablespoons Olive Oil
* 8 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
* 2 Tablespoons (up To 3 Tablespoons) Sesame Oil
* ⅓ cups Brown Sugar
* 3 Tablespoons Fresh Ginger Chopped
* 2 cloves Garlic Chopped
* 2 whole Hot Peppers Or Jalapenos, Chopped
* Chopped Cilantro

Preparation Instructions

Mix salad ingredients together. Whisk dressing ingredients together and pour over salad. Mix with tongs or hands and serve on a platter.

Note: dressing keeps for up to three days before serving, without cilantro.





From PW blog

BBQ sandwiches

Country Rib Sandwiches

* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 pounds boneless country-style pork ribs
* 3/4 cup ketchup
* 1/4 cup plum sauce
* 1/4 cup chili sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon celery seed
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke
* 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
* 8 kaiser rolls, split
* additional chili sauce

1. Place onion in a 3-qt. slow cooker; top with ribs. Combine the ketchup, plum sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, celery seed, garlic powder, Liquid Smoke if desired and allspice; pour over ribs.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until meat is tender. Shred meat with two forks and return to the slow cooker. Cover and cook 15 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve on rolls with additional chili sauce on each sandwich. Yield: 8 servings.

Pineapple Zuchinni Sheet Cake

Ingredients

* 1 cup All-purpose Flour
* 1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (can Use All White Flour If You Don't Have This)
* 1-¼ cup Granulated Sugar
* 1/2 Cup Sweetened Flaked Coconut
* 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
* 1 teaspoon Salt
* 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
* Freshly Grated Nutmeg, To Taste (1/4 To 1/2 Tsp?), Optional
* 1 Pinch Ginger (about 1/16 Tsp Or So), Optional
* 3 Tablespoons Canola Oil
* 2 whole Large Eggs
* 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
* 2 Cups Grated (unpeeled) Zucchini (*see Note)
* 1 (20 Oz.) Can Crushed Pineapple In Juice, Drained (reserve In Case You Need It For The Cake Batter Or The Frosting)
* FROSTING
* 2 Tablespoons Butter, Softened
* 8 Ounces Low-fat Cream Cheese, Softened (can Use Full-fat Cream Cheese)
* 2 Cups Powdered Sugar, Approx.
* 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
* Splash Of Milk Or Pineapple Juice, If Necessary
* Chopped Walnuts Or Pecans (optional)

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°.

To prepare cake, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, sugar, coconut, baking soda, salt, and spices in a large bowl; stir well with a whisk.

Combine oil, eggs, and vanilla; stir well. Stir egg mixture, grated zucchini, and pineapple into flour mixture. Batter will be stiff and dry but keep folding it and it will all come together. If it still seems too dry, just add a little splash of the pineapple juice.

Spoon batter into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for about 33-35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs and cake is pulling away from sides of pan. Cool completely on a wire rack.

To prepare frosting, combine butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla just until smooth. Add a splash of milk or pineapple juice if necessary. Spread frosting over top of cake. You can garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.

NOTES : If your zucchini are huge, scrape the seeds out of the center before you shred it so it’s not too watery. Also, I spread it all out on layers of paper towel to drain it and dry it off a bit. Then I measure out 2 cups. Not sure if this is critical though. Nuts can also be added to the cake batter if desired. This recipe makes a very generous amount of frosting.

And this recipe can be turned into a Carrot Cake just by substituting shredded carrots for the zucchini.

healthy chili

* Thick slice of sweet onion chopped
* 2 small to medium bell peppers chopped (I used 1 red and 1 green)
* 1 small can (8.5oz) corn undrained
* 1 can (15oz) kidney beans drained and rinsed
* 2 tsp chili powder
* 1 tsp cumin
* 1 tbsp dried cilantro
* 1-2 tsp hot sauce (to taste)
* 1 tsp lime juice
* 1/2 cup (80g) uncooked bulgur
* 1 cup water

Spray a a medium to large pot with non-stick cooking spray and heat over medium high heat. Add the onion, sprinkle with a bit of kosher salt and cook until just browning.

Add the peppers, stir i cooking for about a minute. Then add all the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil then cover and lower to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes without lifting the lid!

Uncover, stir, scoop out a cup and top with a bit of shredded cheese and cilantro. I packed up the other 3 servings for lunches. This one will freeze well.

Ricotta and Rosemary Flatbread Pizza

Here’s what I did…Ricotta and Rosemary Flatbread Pizza

* 1 flat bread (I used one of the light Flatout ones but you could use a tortilla if you like)
* 1/4 cup fat free ricotta (62g)
* 1 small tomato cut into thin slices
* a few leaves of baby spinach chopped up
* Sprinkle of garlic powder
* Sprinkle of Onion powder
* Sprinkle of dried Rosemary
* Kosher salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Smear the Flatout bread with the ricotta cheese. Top with the sliced tomato and spinach. Sprinkle with the Kosher salt and spices. I do this by sight but if I was to guess I’d say about 1/8 of a tsp of each.

Bake on a cookie sheet for about 10 minutes until the edges just start to brown.

Frosting

Our Best Bites has some good looking frosting recipes.

Thai Peanut Noodles

Thai Peanut Noodles

1/2 c. chicken broth
3 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter
1-2 tsp. Sriracha chili sauce (1 is mild with a bite, 1.5 is medium, 2 is hot)
1 1/2 Tbsp. honey
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh minced ginger
2-3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
8 oz. Udon or linguine noodles
Chopped green onions
Chopped cilantro
2 limes, cut into quarters
Chopped peanuts


From Our Best Bites

Korean BBQ Beef

Korean BBQ Beef
Recipe adapted from Allrecipes
1 1/2 lb. sirloin steak, cut against the grain into thin (about 1/4") slices
1/2 c. rice wine or pear juice (1 4 oz. bottle of pear juice from the baby food aisle is perfect and cheap)
1/2 c. low-sodium soy sauce (regular soy sauce makes it taste vaguely like beef jerky)
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. Sriracha chili sauce
1 1/2 tsp. sesame oil
Combine wine or pear juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, chili sauce, and sesame oil in a large bowl. Add sliced steak. Marinate at room temperature for 1 hour or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. Preheat the grill. While the grill is heating, thread the steak pieces onto bamboo skewers. Cook over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, being careful not to let the meat get too cooked. Serve immediately; serves 4-6.