Gut healthy with me

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

16/06/2025

One of the best father's days ever!! Church in the morning, relax all evening and then dessert and bacci ball with friends. Much needed time all around!! Oue hearts are so full!!

04/11/2024

-------Costco Chicken Bakes--
1 lbs pizza dough
3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
¾ cup water, or more as needed
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, or as needed for surface
½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded Italian cheeses (such as mozzarella and provolone), divided
¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
Prepare the Pizza Dough:
Let the pizza dough rest at room temperature for about 1 hour before using.

Cook the Bacon:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lay the bacon strips in a single layer. Bake until browned and crisp, about 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels, crumble when cool, and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Cook the chicken, seasoned side down, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook for 1 more minute. Add just enough water to fill the bottom of the pan, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 17-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Assemble the Chicken Bakes:
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle flour onto a large work surface and divide the dough into 3 portions. Roll each portion into a large circle, about 12-13 inches wide.
Spread Caesar dressing evenly over each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then top with chicken, bacon, green onions, and shredded Italian cheese.
Fold the outer edges slightly over the filling, then roll the dough from the bottom to the top to form a log shape. Pinch the edges to seal, then place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Chicken Bakes:
Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with the reserved cheese. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Serve:
Let the chicken bakes cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce.

04/11/2024

4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
– 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
– 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. **Cook the Broccoli:**
– If using fresh broccoli, steam or boil it until tender, about 5 minutes. If using frozen broccoli, cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. **Prepare the Mixture:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix well.
– Add the cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked broccoli to the mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
– Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
– Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. **Optional Topping:**
– If you like a crunchy topping, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.

6. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

7. **Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

04/11/2024

Oreo Balls for Christmas
Ingredients
1 package (14 oz) Oreo cookies, finely crushed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
12 oz white chocolate, melted
12 oz milk or dark chocolate, melted
Red and green sprinkles or colored icing for decoration
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreo cookies and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until it becomes a dough-like consistency.
2. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball with your hands. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Refrigerate the Oreo balls for about 30 minutes, or until they are firm enough to handle.
4. Once the Oreo balls have chilled, dip them in the melted white chocolate or milk/dark chocolate. Use a fork to lift them out, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the baking sheet.
5. Before the chocolate sets, drizzle with red and green icing, or sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles for a festive look.
6. Let the coated Oreo balls set at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.
7. Store the Oreo balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and serve when ready.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: About 24 Oreo balls

04/11/2024

Non-Alcoholic Christmas Sangria

Ingredients:

4 cups cranberry juice
2 cups pomegranate juice
2 cups apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
1 cup sparkling water (for a little fizz)
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 lime, thinly sliced
1 apple, thinly sliced
1 pear, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
2 cinnamon sticks
A few sprigs of fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, and apple cider.
Add the sliced orange, lemon, lime, apple, and pear to the mixture. Toss in the cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon sticks.
Let the sangria sit in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld.
Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water for a touch of fizz.
Pour into glasses, garnish with fresh rosemary, and serve chilled.
Makes: Approximately 8 servings

Note: This sangria can be made a day in advance and will taste even better as the flavors infuse! Just add the sparkling water right before serving.

Enjoy this festive, non-alcoholic treat with family and friends! See less

04/11/2024

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps ‼️
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large flour tortillas
1 cup fresh spinach or lettuce (optional)
Olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
Assemble the Wraps: Take a tortilla and lay it flat. Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture into the center. If you like, add fresh spinach or lettuce for an extra crunch. Fold in the sides and roll the tortilla tightly to secure the filling.
Cook the Wraps: Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the wraps seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Slice the wraps in half and serve them warm. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or a refreshing side salad for a complete meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4