Lunch

Refreshing Mango Avocado Salad

07/31/2018 By Jenn Leave a Comment

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Mango avocado salad or salsa whatever you would like to call it is SO simple to make and super delicious!

When I think of summer and feeding my family I like to keep things light. First of all, it’s so hot and second, it seems no one is very hungry around dinnertime.

Maybe because all my kids do is snack all day. Does anyone else have this problem with your kids over summer break?

I swear no matter how much I try they are always snacking!

This is where my mango avocado salad comes in. I always keep a batch on hand in my fridge over the summer. Keep in mind avocados will oxidize a bit the longer it stays in your fridge.

TIP- Adding slices of lime over the top when you store this it could help slow down the oxidizing process a little!

My kids can grab a bowl for a snack, I serve it with lunch and it is perfect for a side dish at dinner. You can use this mango avocado salad in so many ways.

Since we grill and BBQ a lot over the summer this goes great with hamburgers and hot dogs instead of your traditional BBQ side dishes.

We use it in addition to taco night. And sometimes I will throw some on a bed of lettuce for a healthy lunch option!

This mango avocado salad is so refreshing, light and healthy it really is the perfect go-to dish for the summer months.

Mouthwatering Babyback Ribs BBQ Grilled Cheese

09/19/2016 By Jenn 9 Comments

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Mouthwatering Babyback Ribs BBQ Grilled Cheese

This BBQ Grilled Cheese is a perfect way to use up those left over babyback ribs for lunches the next day or make a dinner using them. I love cooking larger batches of meats just for this reason. It makes my weeks go so much smoother when I basically just revamp a meal we had the night before.

The BBQ Grilled Cheese is a great twist on a classic grilled cheese that my whole family enjoys. Think pulled pork sandwich but even better with melted colby jack cheese (or any you like that is my fave) on buttery toasted bread! YUM!

Babyback Ribs BBQ Grilled Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

1 rack of babyback ribs (recipe to follow, the grilled cheese recipe uses leftovers for the next day or two)
bread of your choice
colby jack or cheddar cheese slices
butter
BBQ sauce of your choice
blackening seasoning
sat & pepper

Directions for making the babyback ribs

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
Flip the ribs over and remove the membrane skin from the entire length of the ribs. This is a clear membrane but once you begin to peel it up it should remove easily. Once the membrane is removed, flip the ribs back over and season with salt and pepper and blackening.
Fill a 9×13 baking dish with 2″ of water. You may need to cut the ribs in half to get them to fit in the pan.
Cover the ribs with foil and bake for 2 1/2 – 3 hours. Remove from the oven.
Now, this next step is optional but we finish ours on the grill. The ribs are already cooked so my husband heats the grill, throws the ribs on for a few minutes and slathers them with BBQ sauce.
If you would prefer to not turn the grill on, simply move your oven rack to the 2nd or 3rd notch and turn the broiler on medium/high.
Remove the ribs from the baking dish and place on a baking sheet. Slather with BBQ sauce and place under the broiler for 5-10 minutes to allow the BBQ sauce to crystalize. Remove from the oven a serve.
If there are leftovers (we usually have leftovers because we make 2-3 racks at a time), simply remove the excess meat from the bones, place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for several days.

BBQ Grilled Cheese Directions

Butter 2 outside pieces of bread. Lay one slice of bread butter side down in a frying pan.
Add a heaping scoop of the leftover BBQ pork.
Next, add a layer of cheese and then top with the second slice of bread, butter side up.
Heat on the frying pan 5-10 minutes on medium/high heat until the bottom bread has browned.
Flip and allow the other side to brown.
Remove from the heat and serve with chips and your favorite BBQ sauce for dunking.
ENJOY!

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Simple and Easy Microwaved Caprese Pasta In A Mug

08/29/2016 By Jenn 9 Comments

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Simple and Easy Microwaved Caprese Pasta In A Mug

This simple yet classic Caprese Pasta In A Mug is so convenient to make since its all done in the microwave! Perfect for a quick lunch in under 10 minutes or dinner option if you are eating alone. Or if are serving hungry children in a pinch this is great!

You know that child that does not want to eat what you cooked for dinner that night? Yup, I have one of those please tell me I am not alone here. I try not to make him another meal but there are some nights where I can not help it and I do not mind putting together this simple Caprese Pasta In A Mug dish for him. He loves anything with pasta.

The ingredients are ones I always have on hand and I know he will eat it. Its a win – win on those nights where I just do not have the energy to fight with the dreaded dinnertime battle.

Not lacking on flavor this delicious Caprese Pasta In A Mug is a quick take on the traditional classic in less than a quarter of the time to prep and enjoy!

Simple Caprese Pasta In A Mug

Ingredients

1/3 C. mini farfaille noodles
1/2 C. water
1/4 C. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small pieces
2 tbs. grape or cherry tomatos, diced
2 tbs fresh basil, chopped
A few drops of olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

Directions

#1. Add the mini farfaille to your mug along with the water and a few drops of the olive oil (prevents sticking).

#2. Heat the mug in the microwave for 2 minutes. Stir.

#3. Repeat step two (2) more times, stirring after each round. Be careful in handling, as the mug will get very hot.

#4. Add the fresh mozzarella, diced tomatoes and basil to the mug, stirring to mix all the ingredients together.

#5. Let cool a few minutes, add salt & pepper to taste if you wish

#6.Serve and enjoy!

Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos

08/01/2015 By Jenn 19 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Disclosure: I was provided the mentioned products to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

As the summer is wrapping up here I am trying to to come up with some easy weeknight dishes I know my family would love. Not to mention my husbands favorite season is fast approaching. Football season. That means I need some delicious and simple dishes to feed a crowd too.

Nachos have always been a staple in our home. It’s easy, something you can make different ways and always a crowd pleaser.

Today I have an amazing recipe to share with you , my Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos. These nachos are smothered with Colby Jack cheese, sweet BBQ chicken, topped with garnishes and ranch dressing. This one was a huge hit with my family the other day for a simple lunch.

Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe

Ingredients:

1- Box of Farm Rich Boneless BBQ Chicken Bites
1- 13 oz. Bag of plain nachos
1 – 8 oz. Bag of shredded Colby Jack cheese (we like a ton of cheese)
1 – lg. tomato chopped
8 oz. sliced black olives
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/8 – 1/4 cup Ranch dressing (optional to top)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 F and place your Farm Rich Boneless BBQ Chicken Bites on a baking sheet (follow cooking time on the box)
While your chicken is cooking arrange your nacho chips on a different baking sheet
Sprinkle your cheese on top of the nachos – set aside
Slice and chop your olives, green onions and tomato
Bake your nachos with the cheese just enough for it to melt – watch this closely the cheese will melt fast if using the same oven temp
When your chicken is done toss in the BBQ sauce provided in the Farm Rich Boneless BBQ Chicken Bites box
Cut up the covered BBQ chicken and pile on your melted cheesy nachos
Add your toppings
Sprinkle with your favorite ranch dressing on top
Enjoy!

As a busy mom I love using short cuts in the kitchen, especially for these busy weeknights ahead of me. Farm Rich understands how busy we can be and helps to simplify our daily tasks, making “Real-Life Good“. Since their products are made with real ingredients I can feel good about feeding it to my family without the stress and mess of what’s for dinner.

They are expanding their distribution and you can now purchase Farm Rich products at select Target locations! I was able to find mine at my Target location in Lake Worth, Florida.

5900 State Rd 7, Lake Worth, FL, 33449
650 N Congress Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33426
10201 Hagen Ranch Rd, Boynton Beach, FL 33437
10155 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33411

There you can find their:

Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks (America’s #1 selling cheese stick)
Mozzarella Bites
Bone-in Buffalo Chicken Wings
Boneless BBQ Chicken Bites

Want to make my Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos for your family and/or try out the additional three Farm Rich products now being carried at Target stores (Mozzarella Sticks, Mozzarella Bites and Buffalo Wings)? Here is a $0.75 off coupon to use!

You can connect with Farm Rich via their website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | and Instagram

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Simple Summer Pasta Salad

07/06/2015 By Jenn 23 Comments

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In South Florida I can make this simple summer pasta salad all year round but I tend to make it as a go to dinner in these hotter summer months for cookouts, parties and BBQ’s.

Growing up in New York my mom made this for our family at every BBQ and summer event. It always was a huge hit and now a big hit with my kids. Most importantly all my kids eat it with out complaining.

I love recipes where you can add a little bit of this and that you can customize to anyone’s taste. This simple summer pasta salad are mostly ingredients I always have in my pantry and if I am missing something I can simply omit it. I usually like to make it the night before and let it sit in a huge bowl in the fridge over night for the best blended taste. You do not have to think about dinner the following night or pair it with a grilled meat or sandwiches. I have made this for larger crowds and it doubles very easily!

Simple Summer Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients

1 Box of Tri Color Pasta
1 Bottle of Good Seasons Italian Dressing – Made from Packet (Need Oil and Vinegar)
1 Can of Small Olives (optional)
1 Can of Chic Peas (optional)
Cut Carrots (optional)
Cut Broccoli (optional)
2 T parmesan cheese

Instructions

Mix up the Good Seasons Italian Dressing with the oil, vinegar, water and seasoning packet
Boil your pasta
Once pasta is cooked through, drain and toss with dressing
Add 1 Can of Small Olives, 1 Can of Chic Peas, Cut Carrots and Cut Broccoli (You can add or omit what you like here to make it your own)
Toss and refrigerate overnight
Sprinkle parmesan cheese over top before you are ready to serve

And there you have it – a super simple summer pasta salad! Enjoy!

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Southwest Chicken Salad Avocado Bowls

05/07/2015 By Jenn 11 Comments

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I have been on an avocado kick lately. The are perfectly filling and great for the spring and summer months since they are on the lighter side.

Today I have these southwest chicken salad avocado bowls for you guys. They are AH-mazingly tasty! Plus the presentation is pretty impressive.

I am all about dishes served in an edible “bowl” of some sort. It just gives it that extra something that especially when hosting an event its always a hit!

This is a perfect example of a dish you can make ahead of time and “stuff” them right before your guests arrive or you are serving for a good old laid back dinner for your family.

Since the next month is so jammed packed with end of the school activities, these southwest chicken salad avocado bowls make dinner so simple for me. Packed with flavor, I usually just serve these with yellow rice and beans on the side. My kids and husband love when I make this simple summery dish.

Southwest Chicken Salad Avocado Bowls

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2⁄3 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons chunky salsa
1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon lime juice
2 avocados

Instructions:

Shred your cooked chicken with a fork until you reach your desired consistency.
Fold the chicken, sour cream, salsa, cilantro, and lime juice together in a large bowl.
Cover and refrigerate chicken salad for at least 30 minutes for the ingredients and flavors to blend well together, or skip to the next step to serve immediately but I find it tastes better when it sits for a bit.
When you are ready to serve, slice the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pit. You use each half as a serving bowl per person, stuffing the chicken salad into the empty pit cavity and then mounding heaping spoonfuls over top of the entire surface of the avocado half.

Optional: top your avocado bowls with shredded cheese and chopped bacon for an extra punch of flavor. Makes it extra delicious!