Cozy Fall Dinner

Crisp fall days are meant for comfort food and this meal is perfectly that. Not only is it seasonal and delicious, but it can be made in around 30 minutes so it works well for a weeknight dinner or a night hosting guests in your home. If this entire spread overwhelms you (because let's be real -- some days we just don't have the energy), choose a couple items and go for it! Leave off the chicken for a yummy fall veggie plate or just make the chicken and rice for a simpler version. I am sharing all of the details below so you have some options, friends. : )

This serves a family of four depending on what kind of eaters you have (I am looking at you wishy-washy but cute 2-year-old) -- so double if you need to!

What You Will Need:
4 (small) chicken breasts
½ cup garlic + herb breadcrumbs
½ cup (freshly grated) parmesan cheese
4 tbsp butter, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup long-grain rice
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 sweet potatoes
¼ cup half & half
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 bunch asparagus, cleaned + trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil
salt, pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (to taste)

Directions:
Step One
Set oven to 400°. Cover sweet potatoes with water and put on a high setting to bring to a boil (leave skin on as it will come off easier after boiling). While potatoes are coming to a boil, prepare your chicken.

Step Two
In a shallow bowl, mix together bread crumbs + ¼ cup of parmesan. Set aside. In a small skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Remove. Take chicken, dip in butter and then in breadcrumb mixture. Set on foil-lined baking sheet. Put in oven and set timer for 30 minutes.

Step Three
In a medium-sized sauce pan, melt 1 tbsp butter on medium-high heat. Add in garlic, cook for an additional minute, then add in rice, a dash of salt and stir around the pan for about 2 minutes until slightly browned. Pour in chicken broth + milk, bring to a boil. Once at a boil, bring back down to a simmer, cover and let cook for about 20 minutes.

Step Four
At the 15 minute mark of the chicken, you'll want to add in your asparagus. Simply cover a baking pan with foil, lay your asparagus out and toss with olive and spices to your liking. Roast for the remainder of the time left with the chicken.

Step Five
Check your sweet potatoes - by about 20-25 minutes they should be tender throughout. Bring out of water and carefully remove the outer skin. Place potatoes back in pan and mash. Add in remaining butter, brown sugar and half & half. Blend with a hand mixer, or simply just using a fork. Place lid on to keep warm.

Step Six
Pull out asparagus and check chicken to make sure juices run clear (cook an additional 3-5 minutes if needed). Check to make sure rice is done, then turn off and stir in parmesan cheese. Add more milk for creamier texture, if needed.

If you've made it this far with me you are almost ready to serve this yummy, cozy fall meal! Pull out the chicken, let it rest a few minutes, cut into slices, plate it up with your sides, serve, take a bite, repeat.

Happy fall, y'all! Enjoy! xx

Popcorn Party Mix

This popcorn mix is one of my favorite seasonal treats. It is has only a few ingredients, is fairly easy to throw together, and you can just switch up the colors of the sprinkles/candy based on the season or occasion.

The only reason I say "fairly" easy above is because melting chocolate sometimes takes a little patience (for me at least - ha!). I have burnt my fair share of morsels because I think they need just a few more seconds in the microwave... and trust me, once you've taken it a second too far recovery is nearly impossible folks. So take it from me: less heating more stirring. ; )

What You Will Need:
1 bag pre-popped (lightly salted) popcorn
1 cup (broken) pretzel pieces
1 cup honey nut cheerios
1 bag white chocolate morsels
½-1 cup M&Ms (or Reese's Pieces for fall colors)
sprinkles
parchment paper

Directions:
Step One
In a large mixing bowl, pour in popcorn and add pretzels and cheerios, lightly tossing (try not to let all the pretzels fall to the bottom). Spread parchment paper onto a large {jelly roll} baking pan. Set aside.

Step Two
Melt chocolate according to package directions. Keep on stirring until it melts through and immediately pour onto popcorn mixture, using a spatula to spread evenly throughout mixture.

Step Three
Immediately spread mixture onto parchment lined baking pan and add M&Ms (or whichever candy you are using) and sprinkles across the top before the chocolate hardens. Press down into mixture if needed.

Let cool for at least 30 minutes-1 hour and then break apart. Store in an airtight container for up to five days, or put a handful in little cellophane baggies, tie with some cute ribbon, and share with neighbors and friends for a fun surprise.

Happy snacking, y'all!

National Taco Day

National Taco Day?! This is obviously a holiday I fully support (as evidenced by many a posts on SFB). If I had to eat one food for the rest of my life tacos would definitely be in the running. They are a weekly go-to around here. Kids love them, hubby loves them, I love them. I'm tagging my favorite taco recipes below in case you need any inspiration to celebrate today. : )

 Slow-Cooked Creamy Chicken Tacos
These are SO easy, friends. Crock-pot magic if you ask me.

Pork Carnitas
Basically heaven on a plate. Love these carnitas all kinds of ways but in a corn tortilla with some fresh toppings is my fave!

Caroline Style (pulled pork + slaw)
This is basically a Carolina bbq sandwich, but the goodness is wrapped up in a tortilla. A must-try.

White Bean Taco Chili
Chili with a little taco flair -- good alternative to regular tacos.

However you decide to indulge, enjoy friends! And consider serving some yummy side items, too:
Fresh Corn Pico de Gallo
Rice & Beans

xo

Simple Alfredo Sauce

Making homemade pasta has been on my "want to learn" list for sometime now but I still have not done it... so to still get some fresh flavor I do try and make my sauces. There is nothing wrong with that jarred goodness y'all, but once you try this and see how simple it is to make I think you will become a believer in the homemade version too!

If you are feeling something tomato based check out this Savory Meat Sauce, but if you are like me and sometimes just want allllll the butter, cream and Parmesan this Simple Alfredo Sauce is the perfect fix. Bonus: it can be made within 10 minutes and likely with ingredients you already have on hand.

It goes great with any kind of pasta (pictured above with rotini) and you can top with whatever protein or veggies your little heart desires. We recently went with leftover meatballs and had no regrets. : )

What You Will Need:
2 ½ tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup half and half
⅓ cup (low-sodium) chicken broth
salt & pepper to taste (I used about ⅛ teaspoon each)
dash of red pepper flakes, optional
½ cup Parmesan cheese (or more), freshly grated
green onion and parsley for garnish

Directions:
Step One
Over medium heat, melt butter in a skillet. Add in minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring so it does not burn.

Step Two
Add in half and half, chicken broth, and spices. Let it come to boil, lower to a simmer and let it cook for about five-six minutes, or until it slightly thickens up.

Step Three
Remove from heat, stir in cheese and immediately mix with whatever pasta you are using. Top with desired meat and/or veggies and garnish with green onions and parsley, if desired.

Eat. Enjoy. Repeat. xo--

Fried Pickle Chips

Who doesn't love fried pickle chips?! If you have not tried them before you are missing out... trust me. These are the perfect tailgating or half-time treat during college football,  the Super Bowl or just about anytime you need a delicious crunchy fix. You will want to eat them all, so make sure to double or triple if you are feeding a crowd!

What You Will Need:
1 egg
½ cup milk
¾ cup cornstarch, divided
½ cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon each paprika, salt, pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
About 3 dozen dill pickle slices
Canola oil

Ingredients for Fry's Dippin' Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon horseradish
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 dash cayenne pepper

Directions:
Step One
First, assemble Dippin' Sauce and refrigerate until ready to eat. 

Step Two
With a whisk, beat egg and milk in small mixing bowl. Place 1/4 cup cornstarch in another shallow dish. In a third dish, mix 1/2 cup cornstarch & cornmeal with the rest of the ingredients above.

Step Three
Dip cold pickle slices in the plain cornstarch, then the egg wash then the cornmeal mixture. Set aside.

Step Four
Heat canola oil in cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat. Fry until golden brown; about 2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels and serve with Dippin' Sauce (or ranch if that's your preference).

Enjoy!

DIY Gourmet Hot Dog Bar

If you have been following my posts for a while, by now you know I love hosting people in our home. For me it is just as much about the conversation + community as it is the food... but I am also a firm believer that it never hurts to turn some simple items into a plate of lovingly prepared and thoughtfully styled food.

So, that leads me to the delicious platter of goodness pictured above. Have hot dogs ever looked so drool-worthy?! I know they are not the best thing in the world to eat, but every once in a while I think you just gotta splurge. Hot dogs are definitely splurge-worthy. And if you're going to eat them you need to fully commit... go all in... and have no regrets. So why not invite a few friends over, set up a beautiful display of all your favorite fixins'—the classics and maybe a few unique ones—and let people DIY their own gourmet dogs while you watch some football.

Major plus of this setup: the work on your end is minimal—you can do all of the prep ahead of time so you can actually enjoy the event instead of sweating in the kitchen while your guests party in the other room.

I have listed out four hot dog concoctions and accompanying ingredients below. I think it helps to narrow in on a few ideas so you can organize on your end and also give your guests some culinary direction if they need it. DIY signage is of course always an option, too. Some may think it is over the top but I am in full support of the idea. ; )

Side note: I have homemade and alternate options listed below. If you do not have the time / do not want to add extra steps reference the ** below for some easy hacks!

Pictured above:
Tex-Mex Dog: black bean puree, fresh corn salsa, monterey jack, tortilla strips
The Classic: diced onion, white cheddar, pickle relish, sliced pickles, mustard
Southern Comfort: raspberry-chipotle jam, pimento cheese, bacon crumbles, jalapenos
BBQ Crunch: cole slaw, bbq sauce, crumbled bbq chips

What You Will Need:
hot dogs (we love Oscar Mayer Angus Selects Beef Franks)
buns
white cheddar, shredded
monterey jack, shredded
pimento cheese (we love Palmetto brand)
lightly salted tortilla strips (usually found by the salad dressing)
pickle relish
zesty pickle spears, sliced into strips
1 small white onion, diced
raspberry-chipotle jam (we love this kind, but plain raspberry will also do)
bacon, cooked in advance & crumbled
jalapenos, sliced
bbq sauce
bbq chips, crumbled
ketchup (just in case people want the basics)
black bean puree (see below)
corn salsa (see below)
sweet and spicy slaw (see below)

Directions:
For the black bean puree (double if needed):
1 can black beans
½ tsp chili powder, cumin, garlic powder
Directions: rinse and drain, pour into a food processor, add spices and a little bit of water and pulse until smooth.
**A can of refried black beans would work just as great as long as they are thick enough.

For the corn salsa (double if needed):
2 ears of sweet corn, kernels cut off
½ cup red onion, diced
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
1 large lime, juiced
½ tsp sea salt
fresh ground pepper
Directions: mix all together, let sit in refirgerator for at least an hour.
**You can buy pre-made pico de gallo and add in the corn—great shortcut that will still taste fresh.

For the slaw (this can also serve as a side dish if you want to double-up):
1 - 16oz package tri-color cole slaw 
½ cup red onion, sliced thin
¼ cup (reduced-fat) mayonnaise
¼ cup yellow mustard
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp sugar
½ tsp each: salt, pepper, cayenne pepper
Directions: pour slaw & onions into large mixing bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients in a separate bowl, add to slaw and stir until blended. Let refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
**You can buy pre-made slaw from the deli section and add in the spices & red onion to take the flavor up a notch.

Place all of your toppings in separate bowls around the table, grill up some dogs as guests arrive (or you can even do this ahead of time and keep them in the oven on "warm" setting) and let everyone get after it! This hot dog bar will be a hit, trust me.

xo,

Bacon-Wrapped Garlic Mini Meatloaves

Y'all. This meatloaf is life changing. You may think that sounds dramatic but I mean it. Bacon + garlic + fresh herbs topped with a brown sugar glaze (that caramelizes while cooking). So. Good. I am picky about meatloaf too... and not many can rival what I ate growing up... but THIS one wins for me (sorry Mom & Nanny). It is the meatloaf of all meatloaves. Go make you some and get back to me with your review!

What You Will Need:
1 ½  pounds ground beef (I used 80/20)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small sweet onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp each fresh: thyme and parsley, chopped (1 tsp of each if using dried)
1 cup garlic & herb bread crumbs (you can use plain if preferred - these just add more flavor)
1 large egg
3 tsp Worcestershire sauce, divided
¾ cup milk
6 pieces thick-cut, applewood smoked bacon (I like Smithfield or Wright brands)
½  cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp dijon mustard
toothpicks for assembly

Directions
Set oven to 350° 

Step One
In a small sauté pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onion for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly translucent. Add in garlic and saute an additional minute. Set aside.

Step Two
At this point, I usually let my KitchenAid stand mixer do the work for me (because why not). Or you can use your hands. Whatevs your feeling. Just mix everything from the beef down to the milk together, including the cooked onion/garlic mixture + only 2 tsp of the Worcestershire.

Step Three
Divide into six equal parts, and shape into mini loaves. Wrap a piece of bacon around the diameter of the meatloaves (the meatloaves should be about as thick as the piece of bacon is wide), securing with a toothpick where the ends meet. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and set aside.

Step Four
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients (don't forget that last tsp of Worcestershire). Coat the tops of each meatloaf. Bake for about an hour and 10 minutes, or until set. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before eating so they don't crumble completely apart.

And this is probably obvious, but it is kind of a requirement to serve this yummy meatloaf alongside some creamy mashed potatoes. I also added a side of sautéd zucchini and corn for good measure.

Enjoy, y'all! xo

Banana Pudding

Banana. Pudding. A southern dessert staple and hands down one of my all-time favorites (rivaling my Grandma's strawberry pie, Mom's german chocolate sheet cake, and Aunt Lorene's lemon bars). I love trying out new ways to make it, but I have to say this version is always the winner for me. The butter cookies (thank you Paula Deen for this idea!) are a yummy alternative to traditional vanilla wafers, and the homemade whip cream blended into the pudding really takes it to the next level. I hope y'all like it as much as we do!

What You Will Need:
1 cup heavy whipping cream*
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 bag Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies
5-6 bananas, sliced thin
1 small box French vanilla instant pudding
2 cups milk
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

Directions
Step One
Pour heavy cream into a stand mixer (or you can use a handheld mixer if you prefer). Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Add in powdered sugar + vanilla and continue beating on medium-high speed until until it is the consistency of whip cream (about 2-3 minutes maybe). Pour into a separate bowl so you can reuse the stand mixer for step three.

Step Two
While whip cream is finishing up, line the bottom of a 13 x 9 glass dish with cookies (save some to crumble on top), then layer bananas over the cookies. Set aside.

Step Three
Using the stand mixer (I skip cleaning it since you combine everything in a minute anyway), combine the softened cream cheese + sweetened condensed milk. Mix on medium speed until blended. Fold in whip cream.

Step Four
In a separate mixing bowl, blend milk + pudding mixture with a whisk (or handheld mixer) until it sets, about two minutes. Fold into cream cheese/whip cream mixture until well blended.

Step Five
Pour the pudding over the cookies and bananas. Crumble the remaining cookies on top. Refrigerate until ready to serve -- I suggest letting it set for at least two hours for better consistency.

*This recipe was adapted from Paula Deen -- she used one small container of cool whip instead of homemade whipped cream. If you want to eliminate a step you can use that too, but if you have the time to make it homemade go fot it -- you won't be disappointed!

Enjoy, y'all! xo



Recipe adapted from Paula Deen.

15-Minute Marinara Sauce

This 15-Minute Marinara has endless uses... homemade pizzas, your favorite pasta dish, to pour over over meatballs, or use for dipping with your favorite garlic bread. It also stores well in the fridge for up to several days. Win win!

What you will need:
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup sweet onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 8oz can tomato sauce
1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning 
¼ tsp each salt, pepper and sugar
Pinch of red pepper flakes

This recipe makes enough for about four-five personal pizzas so double or triple if you need more, are making a pasta dish, or want to store some for a later time.

Directions:
Step One
In a small saucepan, heat oil on medium-high heat. Add onion and saute for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly translucent. Add in garlic, salt and pepper and cook an additional minute.

Step Two
Turn heat to medium, pour in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, sugar and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then turn to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes (or longer if you prefer), stirring occasionally.

Dinner idea: top some naan bread with this sauce + cheese + your favorite toppings and cook @ 400 for 10 minutes.

Easy peasy! Enjoy, y'all! xo

Sausage, Spinach & White Bean Skillet

We love one-skillet, easy-to-make, easy-to-clean-up dishes around here! Bonus: when it takes 30 minutes or less before it is on the table. Double bonus: when it includes beans (which my boys would eat everyday if it was up to them).

This Sausage, Spinach & White Bean Skillet meets all criteria listed above. Score!

What you will need:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 pkg of turkey kielbasa (or your preferred sausage), sliced fairly thin
½ yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans cannelini beans, rinsed & drained
½ can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (Muir Glen is my fave brand)
4-5 cups fresh spinach leaves

¼ tsp each dried basil, thyme, rosemary (use fresh herbs if you have them on hand)

¼ tsp pepper
½ tsp salt (optional as you will also get salt flavoring from the chicken broth)
Dash of red pepper flakes (also optional if you want an extra kick)
2 cups (or more/less depending on how "saucy" you want it) reduced sodium chicken broth

Recipe serves about 4 people (2 adults + 2 kids for us, with some leftover).

Directions:
Step One
In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium-high heat. Saute onion and sausage for about 4-5 minutes, or until onions are translucent and sausage is slightly browned. Add in garlic, herbs & spices and saute an additional minute.

Step Two
Add in spinach and continue cooking/stirring for 2-3 minutes, or until spinach has wilted down. Pour in beans, tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.

Step Three
Let mixture boil for a couple minutes and then turn down to medium heat. Cook about 5-7 more minutes, or until mixture has thickened. Lower to medium-low or low setting and simmer until ready to eat.

Serve in a bowl with some warm crusty bread and enjoy this 20-minute dish full of protein, greens and flavor!

xoxo, y'all --

Valentine's Day Popcorn

We heart popcorn around here! If you do, too, you must try this sweet version for Valentine's Day! This recipe takes very little time to make and will surely be eaten up just as quickly. I make this year-round and adjust the M&Ms and sprinkle colors according to the season or holiday. Super easy and super yummy!

What you will need:
1 bag pre-popped popcorn (preferably lightly salted - I love this Cooking Light version)
1 cup (or more) broken pretzel pieces
1 cup (or more) Honey Nut Cheerios
1 bag white chocolate morsels (I love Nestle)
1/2 cup (or more) M&Ms
Sprinkles

Directions:
Step One
Pour popcorn into a large mixing bowl. Add pretzels and cheerios. Set aside.
Place parchment paper on a large jelly roll pan (or something flat with sides so the sprinkles don't fly everywhere later on).

Step Two
Melt chocolate according to package, being careful not to burn. Pour onto popcorn/pretzels/Cheerios and stir to coat evenly, leaving a little bit of the chocolate to drizzle on top in a minute.

Step Three
Immediately spread popcorn mixture onto parchment paper and drizzle the remaining chocolate on top. Spinkle M&Ms and sprinkles on top of the mixture (don't wait long because the chocolate hardens pretty fast).

Let popcorn cool and then break apart. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to three days.

xoxo, y'all --

Black Bean & Chicken Verde Enchiladas

Y'all will never hear me say no to an enchilada. Like ever. Tortillas + cheese + mexican spices + creamy sauce... what more could a gal ask for (besides chips and a margarita to complement them)?!

These Black Bean & Chicken Verde Enchiladas are the product of a merge between two of my favorite recipes / using what ingredients I had on hand. That's the beauty of enchiladas - they are covered in cheese so anything tastes good mixed within them. ; )

I did take a few extra steps in preparing these guys, but I also offer tips below on how to cut some corners as you may not have the extra time like I did today (thank you napping children - praise!). The Fry crew was very pleased with the results so here goes...

Ingredients
2 cups chicken breast, diced
1 can black beans, rinsed & drained

¼ cup chicken broth
3-4 green onions, diced

½ cup sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup roasted salsa verde

¼ block cream cheese, cut up
Fajita size tortillas
Spice blend: 1 tsp each cumin, garlic, salt; ½ each tsp each pepper, onion powder, chili powder
Toppings: shredded monterey jack (about ½ cup), cilantro, tomatoes, avocado (or whatever else you like)

Step One
Roast your chicken in an olive oil + salt + pepper + garlic powder blend on 375° for 30 minutes OR use rotisserie (way easier & already has great flavor built in). Dice up into bite-size pieces.

Step Two
Mix your spices together and set aside - you will use them throughout the process.

Step Three
Pour black beans into a saucepan, cover with chicken broth and 2 teaspoons of the spice blend. Bring to a boil, turn down to medium heat and cook 5-10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Mash some of the beans to give them a creamier texture.
Alternative: you can use uncooked beans - they will still be tasty and this takes off a step from the process - but you'll need to at least warm/mash them so the mixture will stick together.

Step Four
In a large bowl, mix together chicken, beans, cheddar cheese and 2 of the diced green onions. Set aside.

Step Five
In a small sauce pan (rinse and reuse the one used for the beans) on medium heat, mix together the salsa verde, cream cheese & 2 tsp spice blend until smooth (about 8 minutes). When done, mix about ¼ cup into the chicken & bean mixture.
Alternative: heat cream cheese + salsa + spices in microwave in 30 second increments until melted.

Step Six
Pour some of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Place chicken & bean mixture onto one side of the tortilla and roll up. Cover enchiladas with remaining verde sauce, top with monterey jack cheese & cook on 350° for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
*This should make 6-8 enchiladas depending on how you fill them*

Top with cilantro, remaining green onions, avocado, etc. Enjoy with some rice & beans / chips / salsa / guac / pico / all the things!

xoxo from my enchilada-loving heart --

Super Bowl Sunday Supper

Even though I prefer college football over professional, I look forward to celebrating Super Bowl Sunday every year. It makes me feel a bit nostalgic (I can remember my mom making treats when we were little), and it is also a great excuse to gather some friends, enjoy some fellowship around the table -- or couch : ) -- and indulge in a 'supper' full of festive bite-sized treats and hearty appetizers. Below is a round-up of some of my favorite things to make for football watch parties!

When I dip you dip we dip. Seriously, I love dips.
The first link goes to a savory cheesecake, the second link to a yummy layered dip (that would be oh so cute in individual clear cups) and the third goes to my favorite onion dip from Ina Garten - so so good! And who doesn't love Barefoot Contessa? #cookingshowgoals

If you do not like Fried Pickles I might have to question our friendship ; ) -- but really, these are always a hit! Side note: you can make these ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

You can NEVER go wrong with sausage balls. My favorite version includes a little pimento cheese, because why not?
Mix together:
1 ½ cups Bisquick
½ lb mild pork sausage
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup pimento cheese (love this brand)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Roll into 1 inch balls, place on greased jelly pan & cook on 375 for 20-25 minutes. This should make enough to serve 4-6 people, so double if you need more!

If you want something heartier, a chili bar is always a good idea!
Lots of chili options here: white bean chicken chili, savory beef chili and taco chili.
Serve with grated cheese, diced onion, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro and tortilla chips.

If you want something healthier, you could make a bite-size version of these. Although not your typical Super Bowl food, they are surprisingly delicious!

And of course a cheese + meat board & hummus + veggie platter are always a win, too. Add in some sugar cookies topped with team color icing & chocolate-covered football strawberries and you've got yourself a party!

Cheers to gameday (menus), y'all --
xoxo

White Bean Chicken Chili + Repurposing Leftovers

We are ALL about some leftovers in the Fry house. I know some people are on the "throw them away" train... but I reallllllly think one of my missions in life is to convert everyone to the "keep leftovers and repurpose them into a new meal" train. Who wouldn't want to cut back on some time, save some money and still eat something delicious? Count this girl in!

I love a getting creative in the kitchen and reusing leftovers is the perfect outlet to do this. If I'm on top of my game -- which is not very often these days ; ) -- I will plan a few weeks out so several meals can build off of one another. Think leftover meatballs on homemade pizza, leftover veggies can go in the food processor to make a healthy red sauce, baked chicken can become chicken salad, mashed potatoes can turn into potato pancakes, you get the idea. Note: there is obviously a point at which leftovers do need to be thrown away (i.e. reuse within a couple days after first cooking) so be conscious of that as you cook.

For a real time example, I made our favorite Slow-Cooked Creamy Chicken Tacos two nights ago. Side note: I didn't have cream cheese on hand so I made them without. They were still yummy but just not so creamy, which worked out really well for me to use them again in the dish below. 

Last night I used the leftover chicken to make White Bean Chicken Chili (recipe below). The chicken was already so flavorful I barely had to do anything else to it. Dumped everything into the crock pot, threw a few spices in and let it cook 6 hours. SO EASY!

Next time I have leftover chicken from these tacos (because we make them more than I'd like to admit) I will use it to make a tamale pie with a corn + cornmeal + cheese mixture on top, and serve it with a salad. Guys, see? You can totally do this! You may not always have leftovers (which is not a bad sign) and they may not always be reusable, but if they are and you can start thinking in advance about how to get two meals out of one I promise your life (and time spent in the kitchen) will be forever changed! : )

Ingredients
2 cups (leftover) slow-cooked chicken taco mixture
1 can cannellini beans, rinsed & drained
1 can pinto beans, rinsed & drained
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 can petitie diced tomatoes
½ yellow onion, diced
½ green pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp each: chili powder, cumin, salt
1 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper
Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
3 cups chicken broth (or more depending on how "soupy" you want it)

Throw everything into a crock pot and cook on high 6 hours or low 8 hours. Garnish with avocado, cheese, cilantro and tortilla chips.

xoxo --