Roasted Broccoli

 I have never had Broccoli that tasted better than this right here.  And it is super easy too.  This is our go to Broccoli now.  Some parts are slightly crispy, and some are garlicky, seriously, this is the best Broccoli you'll try.  We also use the same recipe with Cauliflower.  Yup, I'm jumping on the bandwagon!

Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Mashed Potatoes

We call these potatoes "Hulk Potatoes" because my 3 year old son does NOT like Broccoli, but he loves "Hulk Potatoes"!  These are nice break from the white mashed potato monotony. The broccoli gives it a nice subtle flavor, and the cheese makes it, well, cheesy!  

Grilled Pineapple

Have you been to a Brazilian Grill yet?  Or lately?  I am in LOVE with the grilled pineapple they serve there!  And believe it or not, they are super easy to make-especially if you are already planning on grilling!  There is only 3 ingredients, and it is quick too!  These are sweet, and warn, and the sugar caramelizes a little while grilling it, the whole family loves these!

Best Breadsticks

 I usually try a new breadstick recipe every time I make bread sticks.  I had found one years ago that I just loved, then lost.  When I found this recipe, I made a few adaptations, and they matched up pretty well to my lost love!  They are soft, a little chewy, buttery, cheesy, and garlicy.  All things I loo for in a good breadstick!

Yummy Chicken (Cafe Rio) and Cilantro Lime Rice

 When I first put this chicken together, I was nervous.  It calls for some Italian dressing and some ranch seasoning.  I was nervous that it would taste too much like dressing.  I was wrong.  Incredibly wrong.  This chicken is my new favorite chicken.  It is so versatile too.  Throw it in a casserole, in burritos, or have it in a salad like I did.  Really good.  I also paired mine with Cilantro lime rice.  Oooo I love that stuff.  I am a big cilantro, and lime fan, so it was a hit with me!!!!

Spanish Rice, my new Favorite

Sorry, this was a last minute picture, had to make sure I got one before it was all gone!  This rice was fantastic!  We paired it with some Fajitas, and it was soo good.  It seriously was to me better than some of my favorite mexican places.  I have always loved rice when we go out for Mexican.  I usually get no beans and extra rice.  And now that I can make it at home, I can have all the extra rice I want!  I found the recipe here, and added some cummin on my own.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups rice

2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup plain tomato sauce*
3 cloves finely chopped garlic *
1/4 of a medium onion*
2 tablespoons oil
4 heaping tablespoons of finely chopped parsley (optional)
Cumin and salt/pepper to taste

Directions:

In a medium sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add in the fresh garlic and onion. Saute for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add in dry rice. Stir for about 5 minutes until rice becomes a golden brown color.

Add in broth and tomato sauce (Slowly into rice, not directly onto hot pan!) Add in the parsley if you're using it. Stir it up and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, turn the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 20 minutes and fluff with a fork.



*If you don't have fresh garlic or onions on hand you can use the equivalent in powder form. Do not saute the powder, just skip that step and add the garlic powder and/or onion powder when you add the liquids. If you don't have tomato sauce you can use unseasoned stewed tomatoes, or canned diced tomatoes with their liquid. (this was from the website.  I would suggest using fresh garlic mostly because I think it tastes better :) )