Slumber Party

My daughter is 8 years old already. Since she is such a big girl we decided she could have her first slumber party! Check out the invites, inspired by www.tinyprints.com

cousin Kerry : Turkey Burgers

No one will ever know how simple and healthy these burgers are. They look just like a burger and taste great!


Just mix ground turkey with butternut squash and cook on frying pan.


TIP: Use more ground turkey than butternut squash or they will be soggy.

TIP: Add a little worcester for  "real meat" flavor

Cousin Kerry : Tex Mex Chili

two for one: I saved a little ground turkey on the side to make turkey burgers for the kids dinner that night. My daughter really like this chili though. She topped hers with yogurt and fresh salsa (diced tomato, onion, cilantro)

• onion/garlic clove diced
• mushroom diced
• ground turkey
• red wine
• large can crushed tomatoes
• tomato sauce
• anaheim chili pepper roasted then diced
• large can of hominy (about 1/3 can)
• can of beans (pinto, kidney, black) only 1/4 of each 

TIP: freeze the rest of the beans and hominy for next time

• spices: garlic salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, bay leaf

1. sauteé onions and mushrooms in olive oil
2. season ground turkey with spices then add
3. deglaze with red wine (or beer)
4. add crushed tomatoes, peppers, hominy, beans, tomato sauce and bay leaf
5. simmer.

cousin laurie : tuna sandwich

My little boy, Hudson went on his first playdate! sidenote: My husband does not like the word "playdate" he prefers I say, Mission 1: Trays place or something like that. The mission was at my cousins' house. She served something my picky eater has never eaten before. You know how the good kinda peer pressure goes. Tray was eating it so it must be good. Tuna sandwich! I've never made it for the kids because I don't like the smell, but the way she made it sounded good.

recipe: Tuna mixed with ranch instead of mayo!

milk chocolate chip cookies with a little healthy

Make milk chocolate cookies according to chocolate chip bag directions. add the optional walnuts and a cup of your favorite granola mix.

navy beans with polenta

What to do with those thanksgiving leftovers! I made navy beans with the ham.

• ham hock with meat on
• navy beans 

1. brown the ham hock then stick it in with the navy beans while slow cooking. The meat will fall off the bone. 
2. a couple hours later when cooked, cut the ham off the bone and discard the bone
3. serve topped with a dollop of plain yogurt and a piece of polenta

cauliflower mash-potato

If your kids like mash-potatoes, these are a great way to sneak in the veggies.

• cauliflower
• potato
• butter, salt pepper
• milk or half-half

1. boil potatoes and cauliflower
2. pour out boiling water
3. when potatoes and cauliflower are dry, mash
4. add a little butter, milk, salt and pepper
5. stir lightly to mix ingredients