Crock Pot Turkey Chili

One of the greatest things I've learned in the kitchen is having confidence.  Confidence in my cooking, in my flavor pallet, confidence in stepping out of the lines... (this is my most rewarding feat, I'm such a rule follower by nature) and adapting the recipe to my family needs or what's in my cupboards and fridge.

This Chili Recipe is a bit basic and our of the cookbook that came with my Crock Pot (my first one I think).  It calls for red meat, (but we are watching our intake these days and usually have more ground turkey then beef) and it didn't call for corn, but in my opinion chili always looks better with corn.

The beauty of cooking is really making it work for you and your family.  From supplies to flavor favorites..... Its what you choose to make it.

Homemade Split Pea Soup #3

The great thing about having a meal plan is that you know what your having for dinner and you don't have to think about it.  One less decision to make in the world of decisions.  It some how makes the other decisions easier to make.

One of my mom's favorite says is... "Life happens after we've made plans".  I know she is quoting someone (I probably should look up who it is) but either way its a very true statement.  What it always reminds me is that we have to be flexible with life, meal plans included.

On Thursday, (yes, life happened and I'm late on this) my mom came into town to bring a bed Jackson is getting for Christmas (yes, my big boy is now sleeping in a twin! Exciting) and also brought a yummy bowl of Homemade Split Pea Soup.

So dinner plans changed!!

All I had to do was reheat and make a few grilled cheese sandwiches.... Dinner is Served!

Turkey Burgers (Leftover Night) #2

Tonight was "leftover" night in our home.  A few nights ago we had Turkey Burgers, but we didn't use all of the ground turkey, so tonight it was time to pull it back out.

So I had the base... but what else..... We had a few mushrooms and some asparagus, so those came out too.  I did a light EVOO saute on the mushroom and asparagus and once the turkey was cooked added it to the veggies.

Even though we have veggies in the tacos I wanted a bit more green on our plates.  So I happened to have some frozen broccoli so after a bit of "doctoring" dinner was ready.

The great part of this meal...
Quick, Easy and you can use whatever you have....

Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders #1

Sunday's during the Fall and Winter always feel like Crock Pot Meal Days.  There's something amazing about being home and smelling yummy food cooking all day.  The way the aroma fills the house...

Then you add Football on the TV... its all about comfort food on Sunday's.

So this Sunday I made BBQ Chicken in the Crock Pot.
I let it cook a good chunk of the day, then shredded it and let it continue to simmer in the yummy BBQ sauce.
Sliced up a few mushrooms and sauteed them in a little olive oil for on top of the shredded chicken and added a small square of Pepper Jack Cheese.

To make dinner a bit more "Jackson Friendly" we added some tots and then some fresh fruit for us all to enjoy.

December Monthly Meals

Okay, so the weirdest thing happened.....

I've ALWAYS enjoyed cooking and being in kitchen, but my love for it got stronger when Matthew and I started cooking together.  Drop the iphone in the dock, turn on Pandora and start collaborating.  This partnership has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, try new things and give new flare to old favorites.

Last month, in hopes to lower our month grocery bill, I decided that I would sit down and make a Monthly Meal Plan.  Throughout the month I took pictures of random meals and posted them on Facebook and Instagram.  I was surprised by the feedback.

Today, I sat down once again to make my Monthly Meal Plan (last month was so successful, so why not) and grocery list.  I took my picture and like last month the feedback was strong, stronger this time.

So, now Im going to start a new venture....

I'm going to blog and give you all an insight on our meals.

My approach is simple....

Easy, Yummy and Cost Effective Meals.  Using fresh ingredients and those every day items we already have.  This is a financial tough time we are living in and making the dollar and the meal stretch is important.  So from Crock Pot, to Casseroles to every day favorites, you will find them all here.....

Enjoy!