Homemade Soft Pretzels

First of all, I have to thank Crystal over at Spoiled Much for posting this recipe a while back.  She wasn't sure where it came from, so I'll have to thank whoever she got it from anonymously.  I initially thought this looked rather intimidating, but after trying it out, it is actually quite simple.  The best part is, you can freeze these pretzels and prepare them the same way you would a store-bought frozen pretzel.  Although, once you taste them, you'll definitely want to eat them all.  My pretzels turned out thicker and darker than Crystal's.  I didn't roll them thin enough initially, and I didn't wait long enough for them to rise after boiling.  Oh well, they were still delicious!  I actually like them thick and dark, just like I like my... steaks. Gotcha.

Thai Fish Cakes

Thailand is full of amazing street food.  My wife spent six months there during college, and one of her favorite treats was Tod Man Pla or Thai Fish Cakes. They are spicy and savory with the aroma of curry and cilantro. This recipe comes from a cook book called Step by Step Thai Cooking.  I usually end up using a little bit more flour then recommended because I also use two tablespoons of the fish sauce instead of just one.  You want the patties to be semi-firm when you form them.  That's how you know you have enough flour.  Dip them in Thai chili sauce for a little extra sweet heat, and you have yourself the perfect appetizer or snack.  

White Chicken Chili with Honey Drizzled Cornbread

Sometimes, the stuff in the box is perfect and needs no tampering.  That's how I feel about McCormick's white chicken chili seasoning and definitely Jiffy corn muffin mix.  That stuff is PERFECT and should not be messed with!  The honey drizzled cornbread makes a great sidekick to this easy-to-make white chicken chili that is packed with extra veggies and a kiss of cilantro and lime.  I make my cornbread thick (double batch) in an 8"x8" pan.  Muffins are for wimps.

Un-Fried French Fries

I found this recipe in a Kraft magazine.  I even found a video online that shows some kids helping to make them.  I will write the original recipe, and then I will tell you what changes I made and why.  Baking these fries instead of frying them and using KRAFT Light House Italian Dressing and KRAFT Reduced Fat Parmesan Style Grated Topping gives you a savings of 285 calories, 20 g of fat and 4 g of saturated fat per serving when compared to the same amount of fast-food french fries.

Guacamole Hummus

I know what you're thinking. I love guacamole and I love hummus, but do they really taste good together?  This recipe was found in the July issue of O magazine, and modified slightly by me for this blog post. Give it a try!  You'll get a delicious dip that is packed with protein and all the health benefits of avocado.

Butternut Squash Granny Smith Apple Soup

EASY DINNER: Taco Biscuits

The basic recipe comes from a Pillsbury calendar that is hanging in my kitchen right now.  But I have made several variations on this basic recipe that are equally delicious.  First, I will walk you through the basic recipe, and then I will tell you some of the creative ideas that I have tried.

Crab Chowder

This recipe started as a potato chowder from a Girl Scout fundraiser cook book.  

A few changes made a delicious crab chowder!

Mrs. Matt Daddy's Famous Pumpkin Dip

This treat is sure to get you compliments at any holiday party!

Grilled Zucchini

This one is so easy!

Mango Salsa (3 Ways)

To make each of these variations, you will need the following:

Zucchini Muffins

This recipe is not as involved as your typical zucchini bread, but it does allow you to sneak a veggie into a less crumbly treat for your kids.

Grilled Tomatoes with Basil (or Grilled Dilled Tomatoes)

You will need several tomatoes of the 2-3inch size variety.  They should be ripe, yet still firm.  Mushy tomatoes will not work well.  Cherry tomatoes can be used, but it will be more difficult to prepare.