RECIPE BOX >> Lemon Poppy seed Bread with Lavender Vanilla Glaze

This recipe is amazing! I did a bit of my own variation but I think you can get the general idea. If you like lemon poppy seed then you can appreciate this. Once you get the bread done the glaze really adds a great hint of lavender and vanilla.

//Bread//

2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 c. milk

1 c. butter, softened

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 tbsp. grated lemon peel

1 1/4 c. sugar

3 eggs

2 tbsp. poppy seed

(1 tsp. salt, optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom only of 4 (5 3/4 x 3 x 2 1/8 inch) loaf pans.

In large mixer bowl combine all bread ingredients. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed (2 to 3 minutes). Pour into prepared pans. Bake 32 to 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

//Glaze//

Put 1 tablespoon of butter and 3 tablespoons of milk or half and half and 2 teaspoon Lavender buds in a small sauce pan.  Bring to almost a boil- turn off- cover and let sit for about 2 hours.  Strain off Lavender buds. Next in a small mixing bowl blend 1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, a dash of salt. Add cooled butter and milk mixture. Stir till all is dissolved. Pour on bread.

RECIPE BOX>> Portobello Pizza's

Sorry for the late post today you guys, I get home from my day job, go to the grocery, make dinner, make lunches, and guess what?! Its bed time...sigh. I've been feeling a bit feisty lately, but that's because we have been making some big changes that I will share with you soon, however, I've got an easy and yummy recipe for you today! 

So here you go. Portobello Pizza's

Easy, Fun, and Yummy.

You need:

Large portobello mushroom caps

Cheese

Pizza Sauce

Pepperoni

Any other fixins!

Step 1) Clean mushrooms & break off stems if necessary.

Step 2) Preheat oven to 350 Degrees.

Step 3) Add sauce, items, and top with cheese.

Step 4) Put in the oven.

Step 5) Leave until cheese is melted or crispy if you like it that way!

What do you think? I love mushrooms, this is just another way for me to get my fix!

RECIPE BOX >> 15 Bean Enchiladas

This recipe is delicious, and vegetarian! 

You will need:

15 bean soup mix

Flour or corn tortillas

1/2 cup of taco seasoning(here) or 1 packet

1 Can red enchilada sauce

2 Cans diced tomatoes

1 packet of cheddar cheese

1/2 cup of Monterrey jack cheese

First, Soak your beans overnight, then cook.

Add your beans, taco seasoning, 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, and diced tomatoes(drain well).

Mix Well.

Add to your tortillas.

Continue and roll tortillas.

Add your Monterrey jack cheese and whats left of your cheddar cheese.

Bake for 20-30 Minutes @ 350 degrees.

Enjoy!

RECIPE BOX >> Stuffed Zucchini

This is a great summer recipe. Especially when you go to the farmers market and see all the wonderful fresh veggies. I love it! 

For this recipe you will need:

2 Medium Zucchini

4 tbsp butter

1 cup of diced onion

10 oz sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup of ham diced

2 tsp parsley

1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/3 cup of bread crumbs

1/3 cup of Parmesan or Italian cheeses

Cayenne or spices to taste

Begin first by scooping the seeds out of your zucchini, you need the sides and bottom about 1/2 of an inch thick. (Dont forget to clean all your veggies)

Then steam your zucchini( I put mine in the microwave for about 1 minute)

Melt butter(3 tbsp) in your skillet and add your chopped onions and mushrooms. 

Once they are tender, add your ham, parsley and Worcestershire sauce.

After cooking, add your seasonings. 

After you have done this, mix your bread crumbs and cheese.

Stuff those zucchini!

Add your topping!

Then add 1 tbsp of butter(melted) over the tops of all.

Bake for 20-30 Minutes.

Enjoy!

RECIPE BOX >> Homemade Taco Seasoning

Everyone uses taco seasoning at some point. I love the 5 Dollar dinners blog, and a while back I snagged this easy recipe for Homemade taco seasoning. Its a little healthier than those packets you buy at the store, and is packed with tons of flavor! 

Heres the recipe!

1 part chili powder

1 part ground cumin

1 part garlic powder

1 part onion powder

1/2 part red pepper(I didn't use any)

This is a great recipe and you can make as much or as little as you would like! 

I also use this in many of my Mexican food recipes.

Enjoy!

RECIPE BOX >> Homemade Pickles

 Morning everyone! I found this great recipe over at A beautiful mess. You can find it here. I love pickles and so does Alex. I have always wanted to try making them, and after a fun visit to the farmers market we got some cucumbers and went to work!

Basically you mix one part vinegar and one part water, a teaspoon of salt, and two teaspoons of sugar. Simple as that! You can add dill, peppercorns, and any other items you would like to get a unique taste. I found that I added a bit too much vinegar so you can try your own mixture to see what you like. After about a day these puppies are ready for eatin!

I hope you enjoy! Do you have any easy homemade recipes?! We are food junkies and we would love to share!

RECIPE BOX >> Julienne Zucchini with herbs and chicken

I don't do this often, but every once in a while I like to post some great recipes. This one can be converted to vegetarian, is simple, and super yummy! 

What I love about this recipe is that its so versatile and easy. The ingredients and amounts are very loose because it depends on what you like and how many your cooking for!

Ingredients(I would base them on how much you need):

Chicken(optional) You can use as much or as little as you'd like

Basil( I use fresh, about 7-8 medium leaves)

Herbs de Provence(found at Whole foods or fresh herbs work too)

Angel hair pasta(use as much as you need)

1 Medium or Large Zucchini

Olive oil 2-3 Tbs 

2 Cloves of Garlic

1) Begin with all your items. 

I love herbs de Provence. Its a combination of lavender, rosemary, and many other herbs, it smells amazing and tastes amazing. You can also use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.

If you use chicken I recommend cutting it into chunks first.

Crush your garlic.

Add olive oil and garlic to your pan and cook on low until soft.

Chop and or grind your herbs. We used basil from our garden!

While doing this I would start boiling your water for the pasta, and begin cooking the chicken.

Then, Julienne your zucchini. I haven't mastered this yet.

Add your zucchini and herbs and begin to cook the zucchini until soft/crunchy. (I like mine crunchy) A mix of both are nice too!

Keep cooking.. Id ad the pasta to the pot now! :)

Finish the chicken and zucchini.

Voila! Mix together! It is very simple! It may seem dry however the herbs give it tons of flavor! Again, the fresher the herbs, the better!

Enjoy! 

RECIPE BOX >> Apple Crisp II

Good evening everyone. Id like to welcome you to another reoccurring blog post; Sunday Night Sweets. This is as little post about great desserts I find and post. My first dessert: Apple Crisp II. I found this recipe on All Recipes. I love this website, it has great reviews, tips and tricks. I found this dessert very easy to make. You can almost make the entire thing in ONE bowl! I cant forget to mention how absolutely tasty it is. Perfect with vanilla ice cream. I really recommend this treat for a lazy fall weekend.

What is your favorite fall dessert? I love any dessert that involves apples. Hope your weekend was fantastic. We had two birthday parties, lots of lazy, and I have fantastic news, I got my admission letter to Cincinnati State! I'm so very excited. I just re-worked the blog. What do you think?