Paint and Play

Finger Food Fun

For cryin' out loud people, sometimes you just have to set aside manners and etiquette and have FUN! Right? Of course I am right! You all know food tastes better when you eat it with your hands. 

I am a big fan of creating experiences that make wonderful memories for your kiddos. Moments that they will randomly remember when they are older and make them smile. :) :) :) So lay aside your inhibitions... and your forks and have fun with your food! 

 ~For all of you who eat finger food with a fork, take a deep breathe before you read this post. *inhale slowly*~

 Who said food can't be fun? Not me! I say, who is it hurting by letting the munchkins play a little?

Here is C-belle demonstrating how to eat rigatoni the best way! So convenient! Just pop them on your fingers! Who needs a fork? 

Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs

Okay, so this is a recipe adapted from Food Network's Ina Garten. It intrigued me because you can actually eat the whole lemons that you roast with the chicken, rind and all! Which of course is the only reason I made this chicken. Heck, I just wanted to say, " I ate a lemon, stinkin' rind and all ya'll!" (That was my inner Paula Dean coming through!)  So now that I can say that... I can cross one more thing off my bucket list. :P 

 It is most certainly a recipe that is worth the try! 

The differences in my recipes and Ina's, is that she uses a whole chicken which she stuffs with whole garlic and lemons. I sprinkled garlic seasoning on the chicken and squeezed lemon over top of chicken legs.  She also uses white wine in the sauce, I used vinegar instead of the white wine. 

Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs

Chicken Legs

2 lemons

1 onion (I used vidalia)

salt and pepper

canola oil

1 TBSP flour

1 can of chicken broth or 1 cup or so of chicken stock

2-3 TBSP of white vinegar (If you use white wine, use 1/4 cup)

Drizzle chicken legs with oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic. Squeeze juice of half a lemon over top. Cut onion and lemon into large chunks. Toss with oil and S&P. Toss them in with the chicken. Cook for 45-60 minutes at 425 degrees. I turn the broiler on the last few minutes, because I like a crispy skin. Remove chicken, onion and lemon from pan. Put pan with broth to the stove top and heat on high. Add flour and whisk until sauce thickens. Add chicken broth or stock and vinegar (or white wine). Let boil for a minute whisking constantly. Serve over potatoes or egg noodles. 

***Note: The onions are AMAZING! I could have just eaten those! The whole lemon can be eaten... and it is interesting, sorta bitter, but not bad! Something exciting to try!*** Have fun! 

Easy, Yummy Meatloaf

First I would like to apologize for the lack of pictures. Sorry. It seems we horked down the meatloaf before I remembered to take pictures. :(

Don't let the lack of pictures deter you from trying this super simple supper. It is so yummy! One of the favs of the fam!

*NOTE: I usually at least double the recipe.

1 pound of ground beef... ( I use 85/15)
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup ketchup
1/2 cups rolled oats
1 beaten egg
1.5 tsp seasoned salt
a few dashes pepper

Mix it all together in a mixer. Form into loaf. (I bake mine on a broiler pan so that the fat drips through)
Make topping:

1/4 cup ketchup
3 TBSP brown sugar
1 tsp ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Mix topping in a bowl, put topping on meatloaf and bake at 350 for 45 minutes! Easy! Yummy! You won't be sorry you tried this! The nutmeg makes an awesome topping!

Stuffed Peppers

I love me some stuffed peppers! I prefer red or yellow peppers stuffed. But, we went with what we had in the garden, which made for a bunch of green peppers that would not stand up on their bottoms. Oh well. They were still yummy in the tummy! :)

Stuffed Peppers
 6 or so Bell Peppers
1 pound ground sausage
1 pound of ground hamburger
1 Cup of rice
2 cups of water
1 plus jar(s) of spaghetti sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
Some shredded cheese
Chop the tops off the peppers and seed them. Brown meat in skillet and drain and rinse. Mix rice and water together and microwave for 8-10 minutes stirring halfway through. When rice and meat are done, mix them together with the spaghetti sauce. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning and Worcestershire, mix thoroughly. Fill peppers to the top, Place on a baking sheet or baking dish (If you can cram them in a baking dish together, it works best to keep them upright. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Remove and sprinkle some shredded cheese on top.  Put it back in to the oven for 5 minutes. :) Enjoy! :) :) :)

***Note: My peppers would not sit up right... who cares? they turned out fine!***

Paint Chips and Seashells!

Paint Chips = FREE
Seashell cuts outs = .79 for a pack at Michaels.
Through in some scissors and glue... and you have a super simple craft project for the kiddos! But hey, what adult wouldn't want to join the fun! :) :) ):

Roasted Veggies!

If you are not a fan of veggies, you have GOT to try them this way! I don't care for sweet potatoes or cooked zucchini... however, these roasted veggies are TO DIE FOR!

Just cut up some veggies in large pieces. Toss them with 1-2 TBSP of olive oil add some S&P. Put in a baking dish and cook at 350 for about an hour... you can stir half way through. 

I used sweet potatoes, sweet onion, and zucchini. You could add white potatoes, squash, carrots, mushroom... anything you like really! :) Try this! I promise you will love it. So Simple!