Ranch Baked Chicken

Last friday, I ended up babysitting until about 11 o'clock; as a result, I didn't get to post that night's dinner. Here it is! Both of the boys really liked the chicken because I cut it up into small pieces [as usual] and told them that it was my own chicken nugget recipe. They absolutely scarfed it down. It's simple to make (duh). First you get some sour cream and dip the chicken breast into it (sounds a little strange, but it tasted wonderful). Then you mix half a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Dip Mix (the dry kind) and plain bread crumbs together and dip the chicken in that. Make sure all of the chicken is well coated and then place in the oven for 20-25 minutes.

Ranch Baked Chicken

Pork Tenderloin take 2

Yesterday was left-overs because I only had one child for dinner [the Daisy Picker went over a friend's house]. But today, I tackled an old favorite: the Pork Tenderloin. You can see my original adventure with it if you click here. Second time around wasn't so bad. It wasn't as good, though, because I didn't have time to let it marinate. Little Pepperoni was not taking very long naps today and the meat took longer to thaw than I originally thought it would. The brown rice pictured here is Bird's Eye brand rice in a bag that you steam in the microwave (so good with just a little butter added!) and the broccoli is fresh cut straight from a crown.

Of course, the Daisy Picker loved it but Anakin insisted that he didn't...even though he devoured it the first time that I made it >:C. 5-year-old's these days!

Herb Rubbed Pork Tenderloin

Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey!

New favorite recipe for EVERYONE. Seriously. We had friends over for a play-date and we invited them to stay for dinner [a 3-year-old boy and an 18-month-old girl]. We sat down at the table and everyone immediately began to dig in. Of course, the Daisy Picker had to make his traditional trip to the bathroom right as the eating commenced.

Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey

Cooked noodles, ground turkey (cooked, of course, and seasoned with "Italian Seasoning"), some pasta sauce, Parmesan cheese and a cup of mozzarella mixed into the sauce. Lastly, a thick layer of mozzarella to top it all off and you have perfection!

Playing Catch-Up!

Things have gotten pretty crazy in my nanny-world and my blog has been suffering as a result. The baby nurse went on to another job in NYC so little Pepperoni and I have been hanging out a lot more. I have a lot less down time and by the end of the night (after playing and helping to care for three children) I am plumb tuckered out!

Last Tuesday I made:

Ewok Pork Chops

The Daisy Picker took an immediate liking to it while Anakin, being his usual self, swore that he thought it was disgusting. He ended up eating it the following night, though, when he didn't approve of my next dish:

Tuscan Chicken Simmer

By FAR one of my favorite meals. It's cooked chicken breasts simmered in a creamy pesto sauce with grape tomatoes cut in half. DELISH. The Daisy Picker also enjoyed this fare. I commented to Anakin that maybe he only likes day-old recipes since he devoured the pork chops from the night before that he swore were gross.

Thursday and Friday's meals were cop-outs meaning they were either microwaved or popped out of a package just because we had so so much going on both days.

Monday (yesterday) was back to the drawing board with:

Quick Creamy Chicken and Noodles

I'm just realizing now that it's all pretty monotone. Egg noodles, cubed cooked chicken breast, Parmesan cheese, milk, and Campbell's condensed Cream of Chicken Soup seasoned with black pepper actually makes a surprisingly tasty (and quick!) meal. Both kids loved this last one.

I am going to endeavor to keep up to date on all of my dinners. I may even start displaying what I serve for side dishes [OooooOOo, AAAaaahhhh]!

VooDoo Pasta (a.k.a. Emperor Palpatine Pasta)

I was immediately intrigued by the name of this recipe when I originally saw it: VooDoo Pasta. Funny, I took a whole class on Caribbean cultures in College and this recipe never popped up. I read down the ingredients list: alfredo sauce, fusilli pasta, smoked sausage and BAM! Cajun Seasoning. You can either follow that handy link to a recipe for creating the concoction or you can buy it pre-made from McCormick.

I wasn't too sure how the boys would respond to a seasoning with so many...well...seasonings. Cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc. just doesn't strike me as something that would click with the under 5 palette. So I opted out of the pre-made and just added a little black pepper, parsley leaves, and oregano to the already smoked sausage. I cooked the noodles and combined it all in a huge saucepan.

Anakin, less willing to admit that he enjoys the taste of new foods, spit out the sausage and promptly got in trouble. The Daisy Picker OF COURSE knew that the sausage was disgusting because Anakin didn't like it. Sometimes I wish I could sequester them in separate rooms to eat because the Daisy Picker is more likely to try new things.

Emperor Palpatine Pasta a.k.a.Vodoo Pasta

*I'm not putting a critique on this one because Anakin negatively influenced The Daisy Picker and I think BOTH actually really enjoyed it considering they ate the noodles at lightening speed.

Italian Chicken with Zucchini

This meal was a HUGE cheat. We are really crunched for time on Thursdays so I opted to go with Perdu's pre-seasoned chicken breast (Italian) and some zucchini which I microwaved in sea-salt-water. Still appetizing! You can even bake it from frozen if you really have no time.

Italian Chicken and Zucchini

Critique:
The Daisy Picker: 2 thumbs up
Anakin Skywalker: 2 thumbs up

Maple Salmon

Have you ever made your own marinade? No? Well I have! WOOT! And it was an awesome tasting one as well. Maple syrup, fresh ground pepper, soy sauce, and minced garlic all poured over salmon fillets is a recipe for WIN. You know how I know? Anakin gave this recipe 10 thumbs up!

Maple Salmon

Critique

The Daisy Picker: 10 thumbs up!
Anakin: 10 thumbs up!