Strawberry SNOW-Cream ~ Ice Cream Made from Snow

What?!?! Ice cream made from snow...sign me up!! This is a version recipe that your kids will love to make! 

INGREDIENTS:

8-10 cups clean snow

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup flavored syrup (we used strawberry)

DIRECTIONS:

Fill up a gallon ziplock bag with clean snow by skimming it off the top with a cup or measuring cup. Pour in condensed milk and syrup. Press out air and have your kids (with mittens on) mix everything together by mashing the bag gently. Serve immediately and freeze any leftovers. 

Rotini in Creamy Tomato Cheese Sauce {recipe}

Rotini in Creamy Tomato Cheese Sauce 

(SERVES: 6-8   TIME: 20 minutes)

INGREDIENTS:

16 oz spiral pasta

1 lb smoked sausage, diced

2 medium zucchini, diced

11 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained

2 oz cream cheese

2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

2 tsp minced garlic 

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp onion powder 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Boil pasta in a large sauce pot until al dente. 

2. Meanwhile, sauté smoked sausage & zucchini for 5-7 minutes in 1 Tbsp of hot oil. Add tomatoes, cheeses and spices. Simmer for 7-10 minutes or until sauce has thickened. 

3. Drain pasta and toss with cheese sauce. Serve topped with shredded Parmesan cheese. 

Three Bean Crockpot Chili

Don't be intimidated by the long list of ingredients - you probably have most of them in your pantry and this recipe is very forgiving so if you are missing something just skip it ;)

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb ground beef, cooked and chopped

1 lb ground sausage, cooked and chopped

3 cans beans, drained and rinsed (our favorite is a combo of kidney, black and pinto)

28 oz diced tomatoes, with juice

1 small can chopped green chilis

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 onion, diced

2 tsp minced garlic

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 Tbsp liquid smoke

1 bottle beer

1/4 cup chili powder

1 Tbsp white sugar

1.5 Tbsp beef bullion granules

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1 Tbsp dried parsley

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp Cheyenne pepper

Salt &. Pepper

*Serve with sour cream, shredded cheddar and corn chips. 

Mix all ingredients and cook on low all day in the crockpot. Freezes well and makes fabulous leftovers. ;) 

Orange Creme Sorbet

Made from real oranges, tastes just like Orange Julius! 

Orange Creme Sorbet

Makes 1 quart

3-4 large naval oranges

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup vanilla yogurt

With electric juicer or citrus hand juicer, peel and juice oranges to yield 4 cups fresh juice. In a blender, mix together orange juice, sugar, vanilla and yogurt. Add to ice cream maker and chill for at least 1 hour after prepared for semi-soft consistency! You could also spoon prepared sorbet into popsicle molds and freeze until hard. 

Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Muffins

Don't knock it till you try it! These muffins are loaded with vitamin A and aren't overly sweet. There were super yummy with golden raisins but would be equally good with chopped apples. 

Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Muffins

1 medium sweet potato, baked until very soft

2 cups sugar free muffin mix

2 eggs

1/2 - 1 cup of water

1/2 cup oil

1 cup golden raisins

Mash sweet potato in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup water, oil and eggs. Add muffin mix just until moistened. Add water as needed until your batter is still thick but slightly fluid. Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 full and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. 

Sugar-Free Banana Peanut Butter Muffins

These were are delicious surprise when I made them and I was stoked that they had no added sugar! My kiddos gobbled them up as fast as I did. Next time I will have to make a double batch and stash a few in the freezer!  

Sugar-Free Banana Muffins

3 medium ripe bananas

2 cups sugar free muffin mix

1/2 cup Adams Natural Peanut Butter

2 Tbsp honey 

2 eggs

1/2 - 1 cup of water

1/2 cup oil

3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Mash banana in a large mixing bowl. Add peanut butter, honey, 1/2 cup water, oil and eggs. Add muffin mix just until moistened. Add water as needed until your batter is still thick but slightly fluid. Fold in nuts. Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 full and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. 

Bulk Sugar Free Muffin Mix

If you are trying to cut down on sugars in your diet, quick breakfast ideas can be a challenge. With four young kiddos something fast is important, but I don't like to start the day by loading them up with sugary cereals. I revised my muffin mix to remove the refined sugar, making this breakfast staple in our house much healthier!

When you add fruit such as applesauce or bananas, fresh fruit juice and other naturally sweet mix-ins your kids will never know the difference and you will feel good about what they are eating! Experiment with different combinations, these muffins are almost fool-proof and always taste great (even plain). The key to light and tall muffins is a batter that is like a thick pancake batter.

{Sugar Free Muffin Mix}
2 cups white whole wheat flour
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup buttermilk powder (contains naturally occurring sugar from milk, lactose)
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 Tbsp baking powder
3/4 Tbsp baking soda
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
Combine ingredients well with a wire whisk. Store in an airtight container. 

{Sugar Free Banana Nut Muffins}
2 cups Sugar Free Muffin Mix
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar free apple juice
1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup honey
2 ripe bananas, smashed
1 cup chopped walnuts
Whisk eggs, water, oil, honey and bananas until well combined. Add muffin mix, stirring just until moistened. Fold in chopped walnuts. Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 full and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 

S'mores Trail Mix

Ingredients:

10 oz bag mini marshmallows

12 oz box Golden Grahams cereal

11 oz bag milk chocolate baking pieces

1/4 cup butter

Directions:

1. In a large stock pot over medium heat, melt the butter and marshmallows. 

2. Stir in cereal until well coated with marshmallows.

3. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and low to cool for several minutes until cool to the touch but not yet hardened. 

4. Stir in chocolate pieces. Allow to completely cool - this is the hard part (the kids and I ate a lot of it while we were waiting).

5. Crumble into bite sized pieces and store in an airtight bag. 

Bountiful Basket to 2-Week Menu {June 22}

Time to plan meals for the next two weeks! We've gotten our baskets and made our list, peaked in the pantry to see what we have on hand, grabbed our calendars --- ready, set, GO!

Produce:

Bananas

Blueberries

Mini Watermellon

White Nectarines

Tomatoes

Romain Lettuce

Celery

Russet Potatoes

1 red potato (random - LOL)

Yellow Onions

Asparagus

Dinners Inspired (from 2 baskets)

1. Cream of Celery Soup with BLT sandwiches

2. Loaded Potato Wedges

3. Pasta with Celery Almond Pesto

4. Chili Baked Potatoes

5. Roast Beef and Mashed Potatoes over Texas Toast

6. Salmon with Wild Rice and Asparagus 

7. Meatloaf with Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

8. Baked Tilapia with Watermelon Salsa

9. Salad Greens topped with Grilled Chicken with Fresh Grilled Peaches

10. Bruschetta Pasta with Grilled Chicken

11. Asian Lettuce Wraps 

12. Grilled Pizza with Fresh Tomato & Mozzarella 

13. BBQ Pork Stuffed Pitas with side salad

14. Peach Teriyaki Glazed Flank Steak with Grilled Foil Potato Packets 

Desserts & Snacks Inspired:

1. Banana Blueberry Muffins

2. Watermelon Ice

3. Fresh Fruit Lemonade Popsicles

4. Chocolate-Dipped Banana Pops

5. White Nectarine Cobbler

6. Small Side of Homemade Potato Chips (from my 1 red potato, haha)

Lazy Mom Lasagna Casserole

Layering too much of a hassle? No worries I've gottcha covered...

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef, chopped 

1 lb rotini pasta, cooked al dente

1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce

16 oz cottage cheese

16 oz ricotta cheese

2 cup shredded cojack cheese

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl combine cooked pasta, sauce and cooked ground beef. Place into a large casserole dish. 

2. Mix ricotta cheese and cottage cheese together and spread evenly over pasta mixture. 

3. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. 

4. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. 

5. Rest for 10 minutes before serving. 

How to plan meals based on your basket

Where I live we get a basket every two weeks and for my family of 6 I purchase two shares (approx. 50 lb of produce). My goal is for these fruits and veggies to last us for an entire cycle or two weeks time. When we started buying baskets we only hot one and I was so intimidated by the things I hadn't tried yet that much of of spoiled or I gave away. Now, after almost a year of buying them we go through 2 baskets easily and sometimes even run out early. I absolutely LOVE the thought that my family is eating 50 lbs of fruits and veggies and what other not-so-healthy snacks the produce has replaced!! You may ask, are we vegetarians? Not at all - my boys love them some meat! The produce supplements our balanced diet, but is now based on a strong foundation of produce instead of more processed foods. Yesterday was basket pickup day, here is a step-by-step tutorial of how 50 lb of produce turns into a two-week menu!! :) NOTE: If you only get 1 basket you can still follow along, just pick half of the recipes or make smaller portions. Before you start get some scratch paper or print my meal planner.

STEP 1: Look at what you've got

Separate your produce into fruits and veggies, then if it is helpful for you, make a list. Here is what we got...

FRUIT:

Strawberries

Blueberries

Red Plums 

Bananas

Red Grapes

Romain Lettuce

Spaghetti Squash

Anaheim Peppers 

Fennel

Yellow Peppers

Cherry Tomatoes

Step 2: Fill in what's easy

If there is something in your basket that you plan to eat raw or in its original form, jot it down first. For us, most of the fruit is eaten with breakfast or as morning snacks so I don't need to look up recipes for those. 

Step 3: Fill in what you know
Does your family have a favorite recipe that uses one of the fruits or veggies? Write those down first. Keep in mind that some items may used for more than one meal. (To help save some money consider what you already have at home for your primary meal planning as well)

Step 4: Do some research
Find our what you can about the produce that is new to your family and finish your menu by writing down recipe ideas for everything that is left.

SAMPLE 14-Day Menu Based on Basket Produce

1. Grilled Chicken Salad (lettuce, tomatoes)
2. Shrimp Spaghetti Squash Alfredo (spaghetti squash)
3. Chili Relleno Casserole (anaheim peppers)
4. Huevos Rancheros with Homemade Green Chili (anaheim peppers)
5. Lasagna Stuffed Peppers (yellow peppers)
6. Chicken Ka-Bobs (cherry tomatoes)
7. Sweet and Sour Pork (yellow peppers)
8. Roasted Pork Tenderlion with Fennel (fennel)
9. Pot Roast (fennel)
10. Taco Salad (lettuce)
11. Spaghetti Squash Casserole
12. Baked Mac & Cheese with salad (lettuce, tomatoes)
13. Sloppy Joes with Hidden Veggies (yellow peppers)
14. BBQ Meatballs (yellow peppers)

Chicken Cordon Bleu Wraps

Ingredients:

Tomato Basil Tortilla Wraps

1 lb chicken breast, cooked

Ranch dressing

12 slices deli ham

12 slices deli Swiss cheese

1 pkg Broccoli Slaw

 

Directions:

Shred cooked chicken breast into bite sized pieces and toss with ranch dressing. Place two pieces of ham and two pieces of Swiss cheese onto each tortilla. Microwave one a time just until cheese is melted (30-45 seconds). Place 1/4-1/2 cup of chicken mixture onto the ham and cheese. Sprinkle with broccoli slaw. Wrap tightly; serve warm. Makes 6 wraps. 

Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

This is a recipe that happened by accident when I modified the ingredients on a popular one I found online. The results were amazing - this is going to replace my old recipe!!

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 to 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
2 cups all purpose flour
3 cups dry oats
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups mix ins (my favorite is dried cranberries)

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large mixing bowl beat together shortening and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add vanilla and eggs, mixing well after each addition.
2. Add dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until moistened.
3. Add yogurt 1/4 cup at a time until cookie dough sticks together and is no longer crumbly.
4. Place spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Allow to cool for several minutes before moving to a cooling rack. Store in an air tight container. (Yields: 6-8 dozen 2 inch cookies)

Bulk Oatmeal Bran Muffin Mix

I almost always add bran and oats to my muffins to bump up the health factor so when I made my last batch of bulk mix I added it right to the mix! Why didn't I think of that sooner?!

BULK OATMEAL BRAN MUFFIN MIX
4 1/2 cups flour (may substitute half wheat flour)
1 1/4 c sugar
3/4 c buttermilk powder
4 cups Kellogg's Bran Buds cereal
4 cups dry cooking oats
1 1/2 Tbsp baking powder
3/4 Tbsp baking soda
1/2 Tbsp salt
1/2 Tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

MAKING MUFFINS
2 1/2 cups Oatmeal Bran Muffin Mix
2 eggs
1/2 to 1 cup water
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup mix-ins (fruit, nuts, candy pieces)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix together bulk mix, eggs, oils, vanilla and 1/2 cup water. Add water a few tablespoons at a time until your batter is fully moistened but still thick. Thick batter makes tall muffins ;) Gently fold in fruit, nuts or other mix ins as desired. Fill greased or lined muffin cups 3/4 full with batter. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. TIP: a standard ice cream scoop is just the right amount of batter for one muffin cup! Use one with a sweeper arm for super-speedy filling!!

{Bountiful Baskets} Hidden Veggie Recipes for Kids

Here are some recipes and inspirations for you to help your kiddos to eat more veggies!!

THE PRODUCE
Bananas
Mango
Strawberries
Mini Watermelon
Pineapple
Red Potatoes
Green Onions
Broccoli
Celery
Tomatoes
Romain Lettuce

INSPIRATIONS
Strawberry Banana Kabobs

Watermelon Wedges on a Stick

Roasted Potato Shapes

Mashed Potato Volcano

 
Stoplight Celery Sticks

Celery Bugs

Pretzel/Celery Butterflies

Gone Fishin'

Celery Trains

Lettuce Boats (stuffed with taco meat, meatballs, BBQ chicken strips...)

RECIPES
Fruit Leather
Real Fruit - Homemade Fruit Snacks
Homemade Yogurt with Real Fruit Purée
Pizza Salad with Tomato Vinegarette
Hidden Broccoli Mac & Cheese
Broccoli Pesto
Broccoli Cheese Soup
BLT Stuffed Tomatoes
Homemade Tomato Soup (serve with goldfish crackers)
Loaded Potato Fries

MORE SNEAKY IDEAS {Mix finely diced, shredded or puréed veggies into...}
Pasta (Spaghetti, Lasagna, Ravioli...)
Casseroles
Burgers
Sloppy Joes
Taco Meat
Quesadillas
Mac and Cheese (even the boxed stuff)
Meatballs
Meatloaf
Pizza (under the cheese)
Muffins & Sweet Breads

A FEW MORE TIPS
Serve them with something to DIP (Ranch, cheese, etc)
Make them FINGER FOODS
Let the PLAY with their food by serving them in a creative way
Set a GOOD EXAMPLE - if mom and dad eat veggies, they will too (eventually)

PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD {Crafts from the Scraps}
Potato Stamps

Celery Rose Stamps

Celery Science

Mexican Inspired {Bountiful Basket Recipes}

Authenic Chile Rellenos (my all time favorite mexican dish)

{The Basket}

Bananas

Blackberries

Clemintines

Granny Smith Apples

Tomatoes

Avocado

Romaine Lettuce

Annehiem Peppers

Sweet Mini Peppers

Zucchini

Cucumber

Mushrooms

 

{Recipe Inspiration}

Black Bean Mexican Salad

Authentic Chile Rellenos

 Mexican Sweet Mini Pepper Poppers

Black Bean, Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas

Mexican Cucumber Salad

Mushroom and Zucchini Quesadillas with Cilantro Pesto

Spicy Grilled Shrimp with Avocado Butter

Tortilla Cups with Tomato Salsa

Mexican Clementine and Jicama Salsa

Caramelized Banana Crepes with Mexican Chocolate Sauce

Blackberry Sorbet with Tres Leches Cake

Apple Chimichangas

Cheesy Potato Corn Chowder

You know your recipe is a winner when your 7 year old asks for seconds and says, "Mom, you should put this on Pintrest!" Not only is it great that he loved my soup - but he also knows about the awesome-ness of Pintrest!! Enjoy this hearty soup with hot biscuits or rolls.

 

Cheesy Potato Corn Chowder

 

Ingredients:

2 large potatoes, diced into small cubes (about 4 cups)

1 medium onion, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 bag of frozen corn (or 2 cans, drained)

2-3 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (about 3 cups)

28 oz chicken stock

8 oz Velveeta cheese

1 cup half and half

salt & pepper to taste

 

Directions:

Allow all ingredients EXCEPT for the half and half to simmer in your crockpot all day on low or 5-6 hours on high. 30 minutes before serving add half and half. Stir and recover until serving.

Lemon Infused Vinegar

Before you make your next batch of homemade cleaner, infuse your vinegar with lemon! The lemon will make your home spell fresh and adds a boost of cleaning power!!

Lemon Vinegar
Fill a quart sized glass jar with lemon peels (about 3 lemons). Fill jar with white vinegar and let sit for 2 weeks. Strain vinegar and substitute for plain vinegar in the following recipes...

Homemade Glass Cleaner
1 cup water
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 tsp dish soap

All Purpose Bathroom/Kitchen Cleaner
1 cup vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 tsp tea tree oil

Faucet 'Gunk' Remover
Saturate a towel or rag with undiluted vinegar and wrap around the base of the faucet to remove built up 'gunk'. Let sit for 1-2 hours then wipe clean. Remove stubborn material with a toothbrush. Rinse and dry.

{Muffin Monday} Mocha Chip Muffins

{Mocha Chip Muffins}

 

Ingredients:

1 cup friendship bread starter (or water)
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, room temperature
3 cups {muffin mix} {single batch recipe}
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Mix wet ingredients well then add muffin mix until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips and scoop into lined or greased muffin cups until 2/3 full, and bake at 350 degrees for 18-25 minutes.

{Muffin Monday} Lemon Muffins

{Lemon Muffins}

 

Ingredients:

1 cup friendship bread starter (or water)
3 oz intant lemon pudding mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
3/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 Tbsp lemon zest
3 cups {muffin mix} {single batch recipe}
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
Mix wet ingredients well then add pudding mix, muffin mix and lemon zest until moistened. Scoop into lined or greased muffin cups until 2/3 full, and bake at 350 degrees for 18-25 minutes.