Mini Blueberry Mascarpone Muffins

Do you need a recipe the kids can make dad for Father’s Day? This is an easy homemade blueberry muffin recipe that uses mascarpone cheese for extra creaminess. I also had mascarpone in the fridge and needed to use it; so why not make muffins. If you do not have mascarpone, you can also use cream cheese. (See below)

I first made these muffins for my daughters soccer team, a few weeks back.

On tournament weekends we usually bring breakfast for the kids and the parents. The girls took second place in the tournament. Maybe my mini muffins slowed them down.

Dad will love these muffins for his Fathers Day breakfast and kids will love the chance to show off their cooking skills.

Mini Strawberry Pies

Yesterday my 16-year-old son passed his drivers test. He is now a licensed driver in the State of Ohio, with all the freedoms and responsibilities such license brings. I hope we have instilled in him the importance of being able to control a machine that can kill him or others. My mantra has always been to him (Think what the consequences of your actions will be. Does my decision have a chance of changing my life or someone else’s forever).

Southern Pimento Cheese Sandwich

This week is one of my favorite weeks of the year. Masters Week!! Professional golf has four majors each year. The Masters, US Open, The Open (British) and the PGA Championship. The Masters is the only event played at the same venue every April. The other majors change courses each year. The Masters is played at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Bobby Jones designed the course and created the event. The first Masters was held in 1934. (Read More)

I love watching the Masters because of the beauty and history of the course. I was lucky enough to attend Thursday and Friday rounds in 2013. This was a once in a lifetime, bucket list event. Thank you T. McCloy.

Since Augusta National holds The Masters every year all of the facilities are permanent, unlike other major where concession, restrooms and grand stands are temporary structures.

This is also Augusta National’s tournament! Not the PGA’s or the USGA, it is a private event so therefore they control everything. The food at The Masters is legendary. Not because it is fancy, but on the other hand, it is simple good and inexpensive. This is not the norm for a major sporting event where a beer will set you back $10.00 and a hot dog $6.00. Furthermore when you attend The Masters you are on the grounds from early morning until late in the evening. You are a captive audience and would be willing to spend  much more than Augusta charges for the food. One of the legendary concessions is the pimento cheese sandwich. It is simply pimento cheese spread on white bread in a green sandwich bag for the exorbitant price of $1.50. Check out the rest of the prices.

CRAB DEVILED EGGS RECIPE

Crab Deviled Eggs

Over the past few weeks I have been experimenting with a crab salad recipe using imitation crab meat. I usually made this on Friday because typically that is my day off from cooking and crab salad really isn’t cooking.

I really wasn’t planning on blogging the recipe but the family loved it, especially when I added hard-boiled eggs to the recipe. My family loves egg salad and the combination of the two tasted awesome.

I was trying to decide on what I was going to post for my Easter menu when I realized this new crab/egg salad recipe would make a great filling for deviled eggs. My family loves deviled eggs but we usually only have them on holidays.

I try to lighten the recipe using low-fat mayo. You can use real crab if you want, but the imitation crab works fine for this type of dish and is definitely more economical.

Great as salad if you do not want to stuff the eggs. Serve over lettuce or with crackers.

I hope you enjoy and have a Happy Easter!!

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Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

March is only four days away and the temperature this morning was “-19°” here in Southwest Ohio. The local school district, in their infinite wisdom, decided not to close or delay the start of school today. This despite the fact they we were closed everyday last week, including Thursday and Friday, when the morning temperature was a balmy -12°.

Maybe it’s the State mandated testing that needs to be completed this week and next. Don’t misunderstand me, I do not agree with “cold days”. The kids should have gone to school last Thursday and Friday. Our school board needs to figure out which criteria constitutes when it is too cold to have school. If it was cold enough Friday not to have school, why did they play the varsity basketball game that night. Go Figure!!   We are raising a bunch of wimps. But I digress….

This weather is perfect for soups and stews. There are many versions of cheeseburger soup on the web. In my version I try to lighten the recipe a little by using Kraft 2% Velveeta cheese, fat-free half & half, 1% milk and low-fat sour cream.

I love this soup and so do my kids. I like to add all of the condiments you would add to a regular cheeseburger. It amazing how close it tastes to a good old fashion grilled cheeseburger. Summer can’t get here quick enough. 25 days until spring.

Ranchera Chicken Mexican Lasagna

Ranchera Chicken Mexican Lasagna

If you have read my blog you know I am always looking for new and different ideas for dinner each night that anyone can make.  I try to think of ways to change it up.  I also like recipes that I can double and freeze for a later date. Our lives will be getting crazy starting March 1st with 3 kids in spring sports. Truthfully it never ends. Even with the craziness I try to keep home cooked healthy food on the table each night. This recipe is a great twist on Mexican lasagna. For this recipe I use split bone in chicken breast which I cook ahead of time.  I buy these mainly because they are cheap.  To reduce fat I always remove the skin.  To make your life easier a rotisserie chicken from the grocery would work fine, just remove the skin, bones and chop the meat.  I also use refried black beans which are healthier than refried pinto beans.  Refried beans originated in Mexico where they’re called frijoles refritos, or “well-fried beans.”  Actually refried beans in general are low-fat and a good source of fiber.  I hope you enjoy this recipe and pass my link with your friends.  My family loved it.

Mexican Black Bean Dip

This is the first in my Cinco de Mayo  series. Tonight appetizer. What else would be first?  Over the next week I will post a cocktail, main dish and dessert.

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This is an awesome simple appetizer dip that will wow your friends. I am a little embarrassed of how easy this is, but adults and kids absolutely love it. If you are on the west coast and still need an idea for tonight’s party, this is it.