Vegetable Beef Soup

When I think about comfort food, this soup is one of

 the recipes that is first in line! 

My Mom made this all the time when I was a kid, with a big pan of cornbread! 

It's super simple, nothing fancy.

 But every time I make it takes me home to Pittman Center, smelling Mommas cornbread, smelling the smoke from the chimney, and breathing in that cool crisp air of Autumn. 

I love Mommas recipe but sometimes I change a few things, I will tell you the recipes for both. 

YaYa's Beef and Vegetable Soup

1lb ground beef

1 yellow onion

1 can whole tomatoes, squished up

1 large can of Veg All(drained)

(or cut up and use potatoes, carrots, okra, onions,etc)

Beef or Chicken broth(eye ball to cover everything, usually a box) 

Salt and Pepper 

1-2 Tbsp Butter(not margarine)

*Fry the hamburger and the onion in your pot.

 *Drain the grease off. 

*Add back to the pan.

*Add the rest of the ingredients, cook for 2-3 hours 

and add butter right at the end before serving. 

YaYa's Cornbread 

2 cups cornmeal mix 

1 egg 

1/4 vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk

*Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. 

*Grease your cast iron skillet.

*Pour batter in to the skillet. 

*Cook at 450 degrees for about 25 minutes. 

*Remove from oven and turn out on a plate or cutting board. 

Sara's Vegetable Soup 

1lb ground beef(or ground turkey)

1 yellow onion  

1 can diced tomatoes(I use whole if I have it, YaYa says they are softer) 

1 can green beans(drained and rinsed) 

1 can corn(drained and rinsed) 

1-2 Sweet Potatoes(depending on size of potato)

1 box Vegetable Broth 

Garlic Powder

Salt and Pepper

*Fry the meat and onion in your pot. 

(I use a dutch oven and I use a bit of oil if I use turkey,

 I also add a bit of garlic powder here too)and then drain. 

*Add the meat back to the pot, and then add everything else in.

*I try to let cook at least 2 hours, sometimes I make

 in the morning and let it cook all day long!  

No matter which one you decide to make, 

this soup is delicious and definitely a great comfort food!  

P.S. Yes, I am aware that I do not always take great food pictures! Sometimes I am lucky to get a shot of any of the food I make before it has a bite out of it, cut, or completely gone. 

Remember I blog and share with everyone as a Hobby! 

Although the picture won't win any ribbons, the soup is still delicious! ;-) 

Buttermilk Pumpkin Pie

Hello Friends!

I wanted to share this pie recipe with you today, seeing how pumpkin everything will be here soon!

I found this recipe a few weeks ago when I wanted to use up some stuff in the house!
I had a pie crust, can of pumpkin, and half a bottle of Buttermilk on hand and wanted to throw something together. A quick Google search pulled up this recipe from The Food Network Kitchen.
I skipped the pie crust recipe and just went with the filling.
So here is what I did...

• 1 can pure pumpkin(not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 stick butter(mine was salted) 
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar 
• 1/4 cup sugar 
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice 
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 
• 3/4 cup Buttermilk 
• 2 Tbsp all purpose flour 

Preheat oven to 375. 

Mix the pumpkin, butter,eggs,sugars, and spices in a bowl until well combined. 

Add the buttermilk and the flour and mix until smooth. 

Pour in to the pie crust. 

Bake for 1 hour, or until the filling is set. 

Let cool completely before cutting. 

Can put confectioners sugar on top if you want. 

Super easy and delicious! Y'all try this soon! 

October Movies and Pumpkin Bread

October 10, 2014: Today is a rainy gloomy Fall day. A great day for some of YaYa's Tuna Casserole, a little school work,a list of October Movies( 60 to be exact) and some homemade Pumpkin Bread! I love days like this!

Lets start with the list, the kids and I came up with some of our favorite October movies and some that we want to see, so we thought we would share! :-)
(Some of these we own,some we need to buy, some are on Netflix, some are on Youtube!)

*FAVORITES*
  *1* HOCUS POCUS
  *2* DOUBLE DOUBLE TOIL AND TROUBLE
3. Toy Story of Terror
4, Nightmare Before Christmas
5. Adams Family
6. Adams Family Values
7. Casper
8. Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
9. Coraline
10. Little Monsters
11. Mr. Boogedy
12. Bride of Boogedy
13. Dr, Suess Halloween is Grinch Night
14. The Worst Witch
15. Ghostbusters
16. Ghostbusters II
17. Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
18. Dreamworks Scared Shrekless
19. Dreamworks Monsters vs Aliens Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space
20. Halloweentown
21. Halloweentown High
22. Spooky Buddies
23. Franklin Halloween
24. Alvin and Chipmunks Batmunk
25. Halloween Tree
26. Hotel Transylvania
27. Igor
28. Frankenweenie
29. Paranorman
30. The Witches
31. The Black Cauldren
32. Escape to Witch Mountain
33. Return to Witch Mountain
34. Mickeys House of Villians
35. The Little Vampire
36. Witches in Stitches
37. Spookley the Square Pumpkin
38. Poohs Heffalump Halloween Movie
39. Garfeilds Halloween Adventure
40. Dear Dracula
41. Vampire Dog
42. Mad Monster Party
43. Goonies
44. Young Frankenstein
45. Monster House
46. The Ghost and Mr. Chicken
47. Ernest Scared Stupid
48. Disneys Halloween Treat
49. Once Upon a Halloween
50. Curius George Halloween Boo Fest
51. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
52. Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat
53. Berenstain Bears Spookiest Pumpkin
54. Berenstain Bears Haunted Lighthouse
55. Elmo says Boo
56. Barneys Halloween Party
57. Goosebumps
58. Casper's Scare School
59. Beetlejuice
60. Haunted Mansion


Now on to the Pumpkin Bread! I haven't found a clean pumpkin bread recipe that we all like yet, so this is my go to right now. I got this recipe from a family friend and we all love it! I tweaked it just a bit(as usual-haha).

Pumpkin Bread: From Darlene Derosia

Here is the recipe:

2 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup Vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350.
Beat eggs. Add sugar and beat together.
Add pumpkin, oil, and water and mix well.
Add flour, soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat until well combined.
Add walnuts and gently mix.
Pour in to a greased and floured bread pan.
Bake around 60 minutes or until knife inserted in middle comes out clean.
When done, turn out on a rack to cool

(I only used 1 cup sugar. I used Coconut oil. And I added 1/3 cup walnuts)

MY HOUSE SMELLS AMAZING Y'ALL!!!


We are ending the day with some Yummy Pizza Soup and Grilled Cheese!

Pizza Soup

Here is another Easy Peasy recipe..Pizza Soup. Way better than plain tomato soup!Everyone loves this soup, I just add a grilled cheese sandwich and you have a great school day lunch!

Ingredients: 

1lb ground beef

2 cans condensed tomato soup(26oz), undiluted

1 jar Spaghetti Sauce

15-20 pepperonis, chopped

4 cups water

1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• In a large stock pot, cook beef until no longer pink,drain. Add soup,spaghetti sauce,pepperoni,water, and seasoning, bring to a boil. 
• Reduce Heat; Simmer,uncovered,for 15 minutes. 
• Add cheese, cook and stir until melted. 
• Garnish with additional cheese 

*This recipe makes enough to have plenty of leftovers and enough to put in freezer for another meal!

From Taste of Home

Sara's Mixed Up Rice (Santa Fe Style)

I found a recipe for "Grandma's Rice Dish" from Taste of Home. I made it one time and it reminded me of a frozen meal that I use to eat called Sante Fe-Style Beans and Rice. So I took that recipe and I added my own twist to it, and this is what we got!

Ingredients:

1lb lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green onion
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 can diced tomatoes,undrained
1 can whole kernel corn,drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
6 bacon strips(I use turkey bacon but regular bacon is great too)
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese,divided
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 Tbsp butter, melted

• In a large skillet, cook the beef,onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink;drain. Stir in the rice,tomatoes,beans,corn,bacon,chili powder,garlic powder and salt. Bring to a boil;remove from the heat. Add 1 cup of cheese and stir until melted. 

• Transfer to a greased baking dish(11x13). Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Toss bread crumbs with melted butter,sprinkle over top of cheese. Bake uncovered,at 350 for 15-20 minutes. 

This is definitely a comfort food! My kids like finding trying to find the bacon hidden in with everything else! 

Chicken and Veggie Hodgepodge

I really like those recipes that are "bottom of the barrel". You know the ones where you can use up the last of things and those ingredients that have just been around for awhile and you need to do something with them? This is one of those recipes for me.
I have had a package of ground chicken and 2 cans of mixed veggies sitting around for a while and I finally decided to do something with them, so out came this recipe. :-)

This is a very simple recipe and very filling! Sissy says "Not bad mom". So I thought I would share here in case anyone else has a few cans of mixed vegetables staring at them every time they open the pantry door.

Ingredients:

1lb ground chicken

2 cans mixed veggies, drained and rinsed

1 can green beans, drained and rinsed

1 can corn, drained and rinsed

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cups cheese-I used Colby Jack,Asiago,and White Cheddar(each one only had a little left so this was great to use them all up)

Emirel Seasoning

Garlic Powder

Onion Powder

Pepper


1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions.

2. Cook ground chicken with a little olive oil and seasoning in skillet, until no longer pink.

3. Once the chicken and macaroni is cooked add all ingredients to a large bowl and stir to combine, taste it and see if you need to add more of each seasoning.

4. Place everything in a greased casserole dish. (You can top with more cheese if you want)

5. Bake in oven for 20-25minutes.

Crock-Pot Taco Chili with Rice

I found this recipe on one of my favorite food blogs Undressed Skeleton. I made a few changes and I love it! I love the easiness of cooking with a crock-pot!
I always try to make a soup (or chili in this case) in the crock-pot on Sunday night or Monday morning to eat on through out the week. It always saves me having something already made in the fridge when we are in a hurry or running behind.

The original recipe calls for a lot more spice, I like a mild spice so I changed it up just a bit. :-)

CROCK-POT TACO CHILI WITH RICE 

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup green onion,chopped
2 white onions,chopped
5 ears of sweet corn,roasted
2 cans black beans,drained and rinsed
1 can Ro-tel
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pack Taco Seasoning OR 3 Tbsp Homemade Seasoning
1/2 cup water
1lb ground beef OR Ground Turkey OR Simple Truth Meat Crumbles(I have used these and they are great too,can't tell difference)
1 box Spanish Style Rice

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Place corn on greased baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes while preparing chili

3. Add all other ingredients to the crock pot, mix well

4.Remove corn from the oven and slice kernels off cobs. Add to the crock-pot.

5.Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours.
*Do not cook longer because the rice gets mushy...just FYI)  :-)

You can serve this over fajitas, tortilla chips, or salad. Add a little avocado and Greek yogurt and it's amazing!

Do you have any favorite crock-pot meals to share?

Chicken and Veggie Lo Mein with Homemade Sauce

Going right a long with my Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry and Beef and Broccoli  here is the recipe I used for Chicken and Veggie Lo Mein. Everyone in my house loved this dish!

Ingredients:

 For the Sauce:
  3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
  2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
  1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
  2 tsp Ground Ginger
  2 tsp Minced Garlic
  1 cup Chicken Broth
  1 1/2 Tbsp Cornstarch
 Can add hot sauce if desired(I just added it right to my bowl instead)

For the Stir Fry:
 1 package Lo Mein Noodles( Only ones I found were wide, and I found them at a local Food City)
 1 Tbsp + 2 Tbsp Oil
 1lb Chicken (or less, I only used 1 boneless skinless chicken breast)
 1 medium White Onion
 1 Bell Pepper, sliced
 1 Carrot, sliced thin
 2 cups Broccoli
 1 yellow squash
 1 small can water chestnuts

 Could also use: Zucchini,Green Onions,Mushrooms,Asparagus,Snow Peas,Cauliflower,etc..

1. Cook noodles according to package.Drain.

2.Make Sauce. Add all ingredients, EXCEPT cornstarch and broth to a bowl and whisk together. In a separate bowl mix the cornstarch and broth.( Just before you add to the stir fry you will combine the two)

3. Heat 1 Tbsp Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and allow to cook until no longer pink. When done remove from pan and set aside.

4. Heat 2 Tbsp oil in the same skillet and add veggies(in order of time it takes to fry) continue cooking stirring frequently.

5. Add chicken back to the pan.

6. Add the broth and cornstarch to the sauce and mix well. Add to stir fry and bring to a boil.Add noodles to pan.When sauce reaches desired thickness, remove pan from heat.

Chicken&Veggie Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce

Sissy says, "Momma between this and Beef and Broccoli, if you would just learn to make Egg Rolls we never have to go to a Chinese Restaurant again"  :-)

Ingredients:

 For the Sauce:
  3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
  2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
  1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
  2 tsp Ground Ginger
  2 tsp Minced Garlic
  3/4 cup Vegetable Broth
  1 Tbsp Cornstarch
 Can add hot sauce if desired(I just added it right to my bowl instead)

For the Stir Fry:
 2 cups cooked Brown Rice
 1 Tbsp + 2 Tbsp Oil
 1lb Chicken (or less, I used 3 boneless skinless thin cut chicken breast)
 1 medium White Onion
 1 Bell Pepper, sliced
 Mixed Veggies( I had bought a bag at Kroger and needed to use it up, it had Broccoli,Carrots, and Sugar Snap Peas)
  Could also use:Zucchini,Squash,Green Onions,Mushrooms,Asparagus,Water Chestnuts,Cauliflower,etc..

1. Cook Rice

2.Make Sauce. Add all ingredients, EXCEPT cornstarch and broth to a bowl and whisk together. In a separate bowl mix the cornstarch and broth.( Just before you add to the stir fry you will combine the two)

3. Heat 1 Tbsp Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and allow to cook until no longer pink. When done remove from pan and set aside.

4. Heat 2 Tbsp oil in the same skillet and add veggies(in order of time it takes to fry, onion first then so on) continue cooking stirring frequently.

5. Add chicken back to the pan.

6. Add the broth and cornstarch to the sauce and mix well. Add to stir fry and bring to a boil.
   When sauce reaches desired thickness, remove pan from heat. Serve over cooked rice.

Can't wait to experiment with different veggies :-)

Clean Chicken Kale "Gumbo"

Who is ready for Fall?  >>This girl<<
For a while now I have been making a pot of soup either Sunday night or Monday morning to eat on through out the week. I try to keep it mixed up so I do not get bored. I have wanted to make Gumbo for some time but, I did not want to use what most traditional gumbos call for. I have seen some with bacon,ham hock, flour, butter,etc...I just wanted a clean eating gumbo. So I looked all around Pinterest, YouTube,etc.. and this is what I came up with .

What you will need:

2 tsp EVOO
White Onion
4 tsp minced onion
Pinch sea salt
1 boneless skinless chicken breast, diced small
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp dried Thyme
1 tsp smoked Paprika
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 box organic low sodium Chicken Broth
1 28 oz petite diced Tomatoes
1 can OR 1 small bag frozen Corn
1 small bag frozen Okra
1 can Cannellini Beans,drained and rinsed
2 cups Kale,chopped
1 cup water (more if you prefer soupier)

1. Heat EVOO in dutch oven(or stock pot), add onion and garlic and pinch of salt. Cook for about 2-3 minutes. Until onions are translucent.

2. Add chicken, cook until no longer pink.

3. Add Oregano,Thyme,Paprika, and Garlic Powder. Mix well. Allow to cook for 1 minute.

4. Add  water,broth, tomatoes,corn,okra, and beans. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and add the Kale. Let simmer for about 30 minutes and then it's ready to eat :-)

*You can serve this over brown rice

*You can use creole seasoning instead of  the spices listed if you have it on hand.

*Add some cayenne pepper if you want to "kick it up a notch"  or just add hot sauce to individual bowls.

Y'all try this next time you want some Gumbo! :-)

What kind of soups do you make the most? Care to share some clean eating soups?

Unstuffed Zucchini

I do not like making zucchini boats because I know my kids will not eat the zucchini, just the "insides"(same with stuffed peppers) so this is a perfect alternative for us to get in all our veggies :-) 

You will need:

1lb ground turkey( could use spicy sausage, or whatever is your preference) 

1 large zucchini 

1 medium onion 

Small green pepper 

2 cloves garlic, minced 

1 Tbsp Olive Oil 

Red Potatoes(Your preference, about 1 1/2-2 cups)

3 Roma tomatoes,chopped 

Oregano,Thyme,Sage (1/2tsp each optional)

Salt and Pepper 

1/2 cup shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese 


1. Add turkey to pan and top with seasoning of your choice( I used Rachel Rays 24/7 seasoning grinder)let cook until no longer pink and drain(leave in colander) 

2. Heat Olive Oil in the pan,add potatoes and allow to start browning on all sides

3. Add zucchini,onion,pepper, garlic, and salt and pepper. Allow to cook until onions are translucent.

4. Add turkey back to pan and add tomatoes.Add spices and stir to combine. Cover and simmer 25 minutes, stirring often. 

5. Turn off stove, add cheese to the top and add cover back to melt cheese just for a few seconds.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins(Vegan)

I love Zucchini Bread/Muffins! Great way to use up zucchini from the garden, and a great way to get some veggies in my kids with out a fight! :-) 
This recipe is very simple and so moist and yummy! 

You will need:

• 1.5 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup of grated zucchini
• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 medium bananas, mashed
• 1 tsp vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350. 

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix together well, then stir in the zucchini and chocolate chips. 

3. In another bowl using a hand mixer or blender,mix together the canola oil,sugar,bananas,and vanilla. Add this mixture to the first and stir until it's an even batter.

4. Pour into a greased/lined muffin tin and bake for about 25 minutes.(Or pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes.

Found this recipe at One Happy Table she has some great ideas over there! 

*For a sugar-free version

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups grated zucchini (about 3 medium zucchini)
• 2 large bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, plus a little for greasing the muffin tin
• 1 tsp vanilla

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 

2. Lightly grease a muffin tin with coconut oil.

3. In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. 

4. In another bowl, mix together the grated zucchini, mashed banana, coconut oil and vanilla. 

5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and mix until just combined into an even batter. 

6. Spoon into the muffin tin and bake for 25 minutes.

Cheesy Summer Veggie Pasta

Trying to use up all those veggies from the garden can be hard, I love recipes like this though,it brings everything together, and who doesn't love cheese?

Ingredients: 

1 Zucchini
1 Yellow Squash
1 white onion
Olive Oil
3 cups pasta(I used rotelle because that's what I had on hand)
1 egg
1/4 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 medium tomato
2 tsp minced garlic
1 cup Mozzarella cheese(divided)
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese(divided)
Basil
Oregano
 3/4 Salt(divided)
1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
Cooking Spray

1.Cook Pasta according to directions.

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

3. Beat 1 egg in a small bowl and add Ricotta and 1/4tsp salt, set aside.

4. Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchini,Squash, and Onion. Saute for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and garlic. Saute for 3 minutes.

5. Remove from Heat.  Add Pasta, Ricotta and Egg mixture, 1/2 Mozzarella Cheese, 1/2 Parmesan Cheese, and remaining spices. Mix well.

6. Pour mixture into a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.

7. Add remaining cheese. Bake for 15 minutes until browned and bubbly!

Yum Yum Y'all! This will be added to my "Summer Meals" list!

P.S. My 3 year old gobbled this up with no complaints! :-)

Turkey Kielbasa and Summer Veggies

I love this "summer meal"  it's so versatile, just throw in whatever you have on hand that night!

Hubby usually takes me to Aldi's once a month and there are a few things I make sure I get every time, one of them is this Turkey Kielbasa!

Ingredients-

Turkey Kielbasa
Sweet Potato
Yellow Squash
White Onion
Peppers
Olive Oil
Butter(optional, helps potatoes brown a little and not turn to mush)
I used Rachel Rays 24/7 seasoning on mine. It is a grinder and it has sea salt, coriander seeds,garlic,black peppercorns,red bell peppers, chili, cumin seeds.

Can also use-
Red Potato/Russet Potato
Summer Sausage
Marinated Chicken
Zucchini
Broccoli

Salt and Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, etc...  Season it to suit your family!

1. Chop all veggies and kielbasa and add to large bowl.

2.Add Olive Oil and seasoning and mix well
3. Melt butter in pan, once hot add the mixture to the pan. It's done when the potatoes are tender.(about 10-15 minutes)

Y'all try this tonight and use up some of those garden veggies!

What are some of your favorite "Summer Meals"? 

Chocolate Chess Pie

This is my favorite pie! Sugary top and ooey gooey filling. This is a great pie to make for "get-togethers", potlucks, and holidays!

*1 cup sugar
*3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa
*2 eggs
*2/3 cup Evaporated Milk
*1/4 cup melted butter(half stick)
*1 tsp vanilla
*1 pie crust (Can use refrigerated or frozen) ,unbaked

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees

*Mix sugar and cocoa together, set aside.

*Using an electric mixer beat the eggs,then add the cocoa mixture. Beat in the milk,butter,and vanilla.

*Pour mixture into pie shell.

*Bake for 45 minutes

**Do not over bake, the center will be jiggly and the top cracked when you take it out of oven, it will set as it sits and cools. Let cook completely before serving!(You have to let it cool completely or it will be runny!) The pie will also puff up in the oven and then settle back down upon cooling.

Summer Salad and BBQ in Crock-pot

SUMMER SALAD - CORN, AVOCADO, TOMATO, FETA, CUCUMBER & RED ONION WITH A CILANTRO VINAIGRETTE

- 4 ears corn, cooked ( put mine in oven on 350 for 25 minutes. Then let cool, shuck,and cut kernels off into the bowl)
- 2 avocados, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered 
- 1/2 an English cucumber,diced, skin on
- 1/3  C. crumbled feta
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced

Cilantro Vinaigrette
- 1 tbsp. rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. salt 
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp. cilantro, chopped
- 6 tbsp. EVOO

-Chop the avocados, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, then add to the bowl. Add the feta.

-For the vinaigrette, combine the first 5 ingredients (so the seasonings react with the vinegar), then add the cilantro and the EVOO. Shake it up.

-Gently mix all the salad ingredients together. When ready to serve, add the dressing and stir to combine.

This is so good and a great cook-out side dish! 

**BBQ in Crock-pot**
 I wanted to make BBQ sandwiches to go with the salad. I got on Pinterest to find a recipe for BBQ Pork in the crock-pot and all I could find were ones that involved Root Beer,Dr Pepper, or Coke. I definitely wasn't doing that...

*I just put the pork roast in the crock pot, I had about 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce in the bottom of a bottle so I added a little water and shook it up and added that in with the pork. I let it cook all day (about 8 hours). 
Delicious!! Next time I think I will make it with Papas homemade BBQ sauce though! :-) 

YaYa's Tuna Casserole

Here is another comfort food for y'all! YaYa made this all the time when we were kids and now my kids love it. It's super easy and a great quick busy night meal!

Here is what you will need:

1 bag egg noodles
1 can tuna(2 if you want)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/2 block of cream cheese
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Fried Onions for topping

*Boil Noodles according to direction on bag,drain

*Add cream cheese, cheese, tuna,milk, and soup to pot. Return to heat and let melt and combine.

*Add Noodles back in and stir until mixed well. Add Salt and Pepper.

*Pour into a casserole dish and top with fried onions.

*Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until onion are dark and crispy.

We usually have peas with ours