Peppermint Cookie Milkshake

In a blender combine:

• 2 cups of vanilla icecream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 2 chocolate mint wafer cookies

Balsamic Blue Cheese Chops

Pork Chops can be so boring- here's a fun way to eat them!

Blue Cheese Sauce:

• 2/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• pinch of pepper
• pinch of onion powder

Combine all ingredients in skillet on low until thick and melted.

Serve on top of lightly seasoned pork chops!

Mocha Nut Brownies

• 1.5 sticks of softened salted butter
• 1 teaspoon boiling water
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• Shredded coconut (optional)
• Glass of milk (mandatory!)

Preheat oven to 350

Mix instant coffee and boiling water together. Let cool.

Combine all ingredients except pecans and coconut

Top with coconut and pecans

Bake for 25-30 minutes

Garlic Pepper Steak with Chipotle Lime Compact Butter

I had bought steak but forgot to buy any topping for it. I whipped together this compact butter which contains all of my favorite things. This butter can be served on anything you like and makes plenty of extra!

For the Steak:

• Flat Iron Flank Steak
• Garlic Pepper
• Olive Oil
• Kosher Salt

If you have time, dredge both sides of the steak in kosher salt and let sit at room temperature for at least an hour. Then rinse in cold water and pat dry. Cook or grill to your liking with garlic pepper on both sides. You won't need any salt or seasoning since it has already penetrated the meat. I do medium high skillet heat for about 4 minutes per side to get it nice and crispy and medium in the center.

For the Compact Butter:

• 1/3 Cup butter room temp
• 1 head roasted garlic
• 3 chipotle peppers
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup cilantro

Blend these together in the food processor and then roll into wax paper and chill until ready to serve.

This will make your week night so much butter... I mean, better. ;)

-C

Scrambled Western "Omelette"

I love omelets, but I am not a morning person so when it comes to breakfast I am all about fast and easy.  This has all the flavor without all the prettiness.... but let's face it. Pretty is my last thought at 7 AM when my baby girl wakes me up.

• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup hot rotel
• half jalapeno diced
• 1/4 cup diced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper to taste

Whip all the ingredients together and poor into a greased hot skillet. Cook until scrambled. Enjoy!

Christina

"Pina Colada" Spinach Smoothie

 

I wish I loved spinach. But I don't. I have to find very creative ways to get it down.

 

This smoothie was SO good and I didn't even taste the greens!  I felt like I was laying on the beach with the wind in my hair, a good book in my hand, and sand on my toes.  Then I woke up and realized I was still in my pajamas and my baby girl had pooped on me again. Anyway.

 

• 1/4 cup pineapple (canned or fresh)
• 1 small banana
• 2 cups of fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup of coconut milk
• 1/3 cup of greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chai seeds

Blend all of these together and it's a tropical vacation for about 5 minutes. ;)

 

Christina

Picnic

 

This photo melts my heart. Nothing like a daddy's love for his daughter. This was Tessa's first picnic. :)