Fall Fruit Stuffing and Chops

I haven't posted any recipes for a while, so here's a fun fall recipe. We had a bunch of apples given to us from a neighbor, so I modified a recipe I already had to create this one. Enjoy!

6 pork chops (1/2 inch thick)
6 oz. package of your favorite herb stuffing
2-3 medium tart apples
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 green onions, sliced
2/3 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter

Brown the chops on each side in a saucepan on the stove, season with salt and pepper. Mix the remaining ingredients. Place half the stuffing mixture in a medium size slow cooker. Place browned chops on top of the stuffing. Then put the remainder of the stuffing on top of that and put the lid on. Cook on high for 2.5 hours. Yum! Serve with fresh steamed broccoli.

Chase and Keaton are becoming very good pianists. They recently were involved in Duet Federation where they each received the highest rating (Superior) on both of their songs. I wanted to post these videos, so their favorite piano teacher (in Africa) can see their progress!

Family Pictures

While in Washington state, we couldn't pass up taking some pictures on the picturesque railroad tracks. Here are my favorites...

Family Vacation

Each year one of my personal goals is to plan a fun, adventurous vacation for our family. It's such a great time to bond as a family and really enjoy each other. We always come back closer as a family, so I feel it's a worthwhile tradition. Some of our previous adventures have included Sai Pan, Australia, San Diego, and fishing the awesome lakes of Minnesota. This year, over fall break, we adventured to the Great Wolf Lodge in Washington state! I cannot possibly do justice to how amazing this place is! A grown up kid with a lot of money was definitely the mastermind behind this place. Let's start with our room...there was an adult space, with a nice bed, couch, fireplace and TV, and then within the room there's a cabin built for the kids with bunk beds, their own TV, game system, and wildlife art everywhere. Next, is the giant indoor waterpark....amazing! All indoors is a waterpark with about 10 different slides, a giant torpedo ride, a wave pool, a kiddie land (even equipped with jet skis), a HUGE water dropping bucket, and more. So much fun! Then they have an interactive quest throughout the lodge that takes the kids on a scavenger hunt to collect different tokens to earn different adventures (all of the older boys became Master Magis). The older boys loved the gr8 gaming room complete with wiis, nintendos, play stations, and every game you can think of, as well as a huge screen where they show movies at different times of the day. Landon loved the cubs corner, where he was the Bingo king. I loved the enormous candy counter :) where they make their own fudge, cinnamon coated nuts, homemade cookies, cupcakes and ice cream. And I think Jud just liked having a few minutes to call his own (he was also a fan of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice hot chocolate). Our last day in Washington we stayed in Seattle where we enjoyed the sights of the big city. Mmmmm...loved the fish and chips and clam chowder. All in all, I'd have to say our adventure was a success! Maybe I'll give it a few months, and then start thinking of next years trip..... I'd love suggestions!

First Day of School

The first day of school was a first for all the boys this year. I thought I might have a stress attack as I sent all of my boys to new schools. Keaton started Jr. High, Chase and Brooks moved over to our boundary school, and Landon started pre-school. They have all adjusted amazingly well...why did I doubt??? They're all great kids and make friends so easily. Here are the first day of school pictures, such handsome boys!

Parmesan Tilapia

Okay, it's been a while since my last post. We're having one of my favorite dishes for dinner tonight, so I finally remembered I have a blog! Here's a great recipe for fish lovers. Tilapia is such a mild fish. My dad, who is not a fish lover, even likes this recipe. In fact, I got it from my mom! Enjoy!

Parmesan Tilapia
4-6 Tilapia loins (or other white fish)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. fresh basil
dash garlic salt

Combine all ingredients, except fish. Set aside. Rinse and pat tilapia dry. Place tilapia on greased broiler pan. Broil for seven minutes. Turn tilapia over, top with a couple of Tablespoons Parmesan mixture and smooth over fish. Broil for seven minutes more or until done. Serve with colorful foods such as spinach salad and couscous with roasted red peppers.

Pizza Rolls

Michelle, this one's for you...(and whoever else might want to try it!). Indeed, this is one of those easy family pleasing recipes. I included a good bread dough recipe, but sometimes it's easier to just thaw some Rhodes bread! I usually need two loaves to
feed my family. Great served with a spinach salad and smoothie!

Torta Rustica with Rosemary Bread--YUMMMY!

Okay, so I have been trying a few new recipes. In the past two weeks the only one that has made the cut to come onto the blog is the new bread recipe I tried with my Torta Rustica. I'm sure some of you already have my torta rustica recipe--as it's one of my very favorites--but you must try it with this bread. The crust is crusty and the inside is so soft and flavorful. Loved it! Here are some of the things I've tried that didn't make the cut: Ratatouille (made it last night-smells heavenly, but I had serious texture issues with it), Sweet Potato Soup (fine, but nothing special), and Saffron Chicken Kabobs (I am definitely not a saffron fan). Hope you enjoy the Torta Rustica with Rosemary Bread. It's so easy and so tasty!

Make a Smilebox recipe

Make a Smilebox recipe

Baked Salmon Recipe

Make a Smilebox recipe

Master Shifu

We had a funny night at the dinner table on Monday! Since Landon has turned on his "talking button" it is a rarity that we can turn it off. He was so funny on Monday night. He stuck a piece of spaghetti across his nose and then announced, "I am Master Shifu." For any of you who have seen Kung Fu Panda, Po pretends to be Master Shifu with spaghetti whiskers. Apparently, Landon liked that part...

Greek Pizza Recipe

Here's another fun recipe that I've tried. I made it for our tailgating party for the the College National Championship game...Go Gators!!! Everyone loved it, my brother Matt thought it was "especially delightful." I used it as an appetizer and cut each pizza into four wedges. It would be great as a tasty side dish to grilled chicken. Oh yeah, I had a few pieces left over and ate them cold the next day. Yum!

Snowmobiling Adventure!

Judson and I had a fantastic weekend celebrating our 13th anniversary! He surprised me by taking me to a quaint snowed-in cabin high in the Uintah mountains. We snowmobiled into the cabin on Thursday evening, and then explored all day Friday on the snowmobiles, basking in the beautiful sun and amazing surroundings. The snow looked diamond studded as it gleamed in the sunlight. It was pristine and beautiful. Lyman lake was beautiful, but I did have a bit of a panic attack as we crossed it on the machines. But no ice cracked and we made it! We came home on Saturday renewed and ready to face real life again. Don't I have a great husband? What a perfect anniversary!

I fixed it...now you can leave a comment!

I'm so glad that Keaton could come to my rescue! He helped me figure out my comment section problem. So, now you can leave a comment--and please do!

So, here I am. After much contemplating I've decided to venture into the world of blogging. I've had a few avid supporters (ie Jenni & Vicky), and a husband who loves it when I find some new use for the Imac he gave me--so thank you and here I go....
I have a LOVE TO COOK theme in my kitchen, because I really do love it! I especially like to try new dishes, specifically with an International flair. Indian food has been my passion as of late, and luckily I have a great fan base at home. They love it when I try new recipes, even though we have had a few taste disasters! My thoughtful husband gave me hundreds of dollars worth of international spices this year for Christmas, so I have had a great time! My goal is to cook one new recipe each week this year, and post the best of them here! I'd love it if you tried them out, cooking is the most fun when you share it!
My first dish isn't much to look at, but if you like curry you will love this soup! My family gave it a five out of five. Enjoy...

Make a Smilebox recipe