Turkey Sweet Potato Apple Bake

Sweet Meets Savory 

in this Turkey Sweet Potato Apple Bake

Ingredients:

2 Sweet Potatoes (Chopped)

2 Green Apples (Chopped)

1 Package of Frozen Carrots

1/2 a Sweet Onion (Chopped)

1 lb. Turkey Breast Cutlets (Chopped)

Seasoning (to taste)

1 Stick Butter (Sliced)

3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

Handful of Raisins and Pecans (Optional)

Directions:

Preheat Oven to 375 degrees.

Boil Sweet Potatoes 5-7 minutes until tender.

Grease a deep 9x13 glass casserole dish.

Add Green Apples.

Add Sweet Potatoes.

Add Carrots.

Add Onions.

Add Turkey 

Season to taste. 

I used these two seasonings: 

Weber® Kick'n Chicken Seasoning & Weber® Roasted Garlic & Herb 

Gently stir up ingredients.

Add Butter slices and sprinkle on the Brown Sugar.

Top with Raisins and Pecans.

Bake at 375 for 45 minutes. 

Enjoy.

Chile Verde Smothered Burritos--My Aunt's Recipe

My aunt is a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen and last week she made us a delicious dinner.

Her homemade chile verde sauce puts these smothered burritos over the top!! 

On the Facebook page I asked "fans" to "Like" this post if they wanted me to share my aunt's recipe. 

Check out the Homemade is Better Facebook Page  https://www.facebook.com/homemadefoodtastesbetter?ref=hl

Like and share to stay up to date on Homemade is Better!

Well folks, the fans have spoken. 

With my aunt's permission, I am posting the secret family recipe and as usual the secret is in the sauce. 

After you try this fresh chile verde salsa you will never go back to the stuff in the jar.

Chile Verde Smothered Burritos

You'll need:

Boneless Pork

Seasoning: Salt, garlic, cinnamon, cumin.

Refried Beans: (Homemade refried beans recipe--on the blog soon!)

Salsa Verde: 

Fresh Tomatillos

Serrano Chilies

Fresh Garlic

Onion

Cilantro

Lemon Juice

Salt

Here's how:

Chop pork into bite sized cubes, season and sear it on high heat, 

Reduce to medium and cook until done.

For the Salsa Verde blend the fresh tomatillos, serrano peppers, garlic, onion, cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and cumin. 

IF it seems too thick, add a splash of water.

Add ingredients to taste and make it as spicy as desired.

You may be thinking, "What on earth are tomatillos and serrano peppers and where do I find them?"

You'll find these tasty peppers in the grocery store in the produce section next to the jalapenos! 

Here's what to look for: 

photo credit: Urban Food Guy

Mix salsa verde with pork  

Now it's time to build those burritos! 

1. Warm up a tortilla

2. Spread  beans & cheese in the middle

3. Wrap burrito 

4. Top with pork salsa verde mix & sprinkle with cheese.

5. Microwave or broil on low to melt cheese if desired. 

Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Craisin Muffins

These muffins are crazy good!

Who doesn't love Craisins?! 

They're so good. 

I love to put them in salads, 

trail mix, or just eat them by the handful.

When I was at the grocery store yesterday

and my four-year-old dragged me to the bakery

to ask politely for a cookie, 

I had my eye on these cranberry muffins...

But we all know, Homemade is Better!

So today I decided to whip up a 

small batch of tasty homemade muffins.

Chocolate Chip Craisin Muffins

Makes 6 regular size muffins

Ingredients:

1 cup Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/8 teaspoon Salt

1/2 cup Sugar

1 Egg

3/8 cup Milk

1/4 cup Vegetable Oil

1 teaspoon Vanilla

1/4 cup Chocolate Chips

1/4 cup Cherry Craisins

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
2. Grease pan and dust with flour.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, salt
4. In a separate bowl whisk sugar, eggs, milk, oil, vanilla
5. Fold in flour mixture.
6. Fold in chocolate chips and craisins.
7. Fill muffin cups.
8. Bake for 20 minutes.
9. Let cool in pan for 4 minutes.
10. Remove from pan and cool on baking rack.

ENJOY!

Pinterest Review: Baked Chicken, Potatoes & Green Beans

I love Pinterest, don't you? 

This recipe is kind of famous on Pinterest.

I've seen it so many times, 

and every time I tell myself, 

I have to try that!

Well, tonight I did! 

So here's my review:

This Pinterest recipe receives a 

9.4 out of 10 

Based on the following categories:

10/10 for Difficulty 

Really it doesn't get much easier than this:

1. Wash, Peel and Quarter Potatoes
2. Season Ingredients with Italian Dressing Packet
3. Arrange in Casserole Dish and Top with Pats of Butter
4. Cover with Foil and Bake at 350 for One Hour.

10/10 for Ingredients

There are a total of FIVE tasty ingredients.

1. Chicken
2. Red Potatoes 
3. Green Beans
4. Italian Seasoning 
5. Butter

10/10 for Time

This takes about 5 minutes to prep and bakes in one hour.

6/10 for Healthy. 

Butter and I have a love/hate relationship.

Alternative-
Substitute "Smart Balance" or an olive oil spread 
and serve a side salad in lieu of rolls or bread. 

10/10 for "Hubby and Kiddo Approved"

I received an enthusiastic 

"Yes! Make this again" from the whole fam.

There you have it folks, 

I hope this review has been helpful. 

I do suggest giving this recipe a shot, 
if you like tender flavorful chicken, 
perfectly cooked potatoes packed with flavor,
and juicy green beans that even the pickiest eaters will eat.

All-in-all it's a good "meat & potatoes" dish 

for those busy fall weeknights.

Homemade Street Tacos

Sure you could stand in line for 30 minutes

for some tasty street tacos... 

OR,

You could let your slow-cooker do all the work 

and serve up a plate of 

shredded pork tacos

and fresh salsa right at home. 

Here's what you'll need

One Boneless Pork Roast (Butt)

For the Rub 

Cumin, 

Ancho Chili Powder

Cinnamon

Ground Cloves

Paprika

Oregano

Red Pepper Flakes

Onion Powder

Garlic Powder

Salt & Pepper 

Mix spices in a bowl

Rub all over the roast

Slow-cook for 8 hours

Shred 

Then put all the shredded meat 

back in slow-cooker to 
soak in all those tasty juices.

For the Salsa

Rotel 

Onion  

Chopped cilantro

Cumin

Ancho Chili Powder

Salt & Pepper

Sugar

Lime

Puree half of the rotel 

and  the onion

in the food processor

Mix with all the other ingredients

(I only puree half of the rotel because

I like chunky salsa.

So if you prefer smooth salsa, 

puree it all.)

*Season to taste*

I strongly encourage you 

to try alternative citrus juices,

Orange Juice 

is one of my family's favorites.

Also add any fresh ingredients you like

Pineapple is a huge hit in our house too.

You really can't go wrong with salsa so be courageous!

Let it chill in the fridge until serving.

Don't Forget

Corn Tortillas

Shredded Cheese

Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onion

Sour Cream

Build your tacos just like they do at the food truck.

Heat corn tortillas on a griddle or comal.

Add shredded pork,

Top with shredded cheese, 

lettuce, tomatoes, onion, 

sour cream and salsa.

Enjoy!

Baked Caprese

Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil and Balsamic Vinegar, doesn't that sound like a match made in heaven? Add it to the top of garlic ciabatta bread and now I am drooling! 

The other day Mr. Q and I had a late lunch date at our favorite Vietnamese restaurant and so when dinner time rolled around we were still pretty stuffed. The kiddos did their usual homemade pizza Friday night ritual, but later I decided to whip up this amazing late night snack just for the two of us.

Baked Caprese

This is so easy to make, yet it looks fancy and tastes amazing, 

so I thoroughly recommend serving it up as an appetizer 

to wow your guests at your next dinner party! 

Here's what you'll need: 

Ciabatta bread 

butter

garlic

mozzerella 

balsamic vinegar

tomatoes

basil

Instructions:

Cut your bread in half. 

Since we weren't all that hungry I saved half of my baguette 

but if you're feeding a larger crowd use both halves 

or double the recipe if needed. 

Just know that you'll need about 8 oz. cheese and 1 large tomato per half loaf. 

Next mix softened butter and minced garlic and spread it over the bread.

Then sliced Mozzarella and place it on top. 

Bake the bread @ 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.

Bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil on the stove, then let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to reduce. 

Slice tomatoes and chop basil.

Take the bread out of the oven, top with tomatoes, basil, and drizzle with balsamic reduction. Cut into slices. 

Enjoy!

This was adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod

Baked Oatmeal Muffins

It's that time of year again...

Back-to-School!

For us that means sack lunches, crock pot dinners, 

and quick and easy breakfasts.

The quicker and easier, the better!

But that doesn't mean it can't be homemade. 
Now this all goes without saying, 

but did you know...

breakfasts made at home with whole foods 

are much healthier, 

contain less sugar, 

and are much more affordable

than packaged store-bought breakfast foods. 

So before you pass out the PopTarts,

think about how much better you'll feel about

sending your kids off to school with one of these:

Baked Oatmeal Muffins

The perfect 
make-ahead back-to-school 
Breakfast-on-the-Go!

Here's what you'll need:

2 EGGS

1/4 CUP BROWN SUGAR

1/8 CUP COCONUT OIL (or veg. oil)

1/2 CUP APPLESAUCE

1 1/2 CUP COCONUT/ALMOND MILK (or reg. milk)

1/8 CUP PEANUT BUTTER

2 TSP. VANILLA

1/2 TSP.SALT

1 TBSP.CINNAMON

3 CUPS OATS

2 TSP. BAKING POWDER

1/8 CUP FLOUR

TOPPINGS: 

FRESH OR DRIED FRUIT, NUTS, CHOCOLATE, CAROB CHIPS, ETC... 

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350

Spray or line muffin pan.

Mix eggs, brown sugar, and oil until smooth.

Add applesauce, milk, peanut butter, vanilla.

Mix until combined.

Mix dry ingredients separately.

Slowly mix in dry ingredients until combined.

Fill muffins 3/4 full. 

Top with fruit.

Bake for 30 minutes

(Bake mini-muffins 15 minutes)

Let cool. 

Store in airtight container.

Enjoy!

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Verde

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas Verde 

Step One: Poach Chicken

Season Chicken with Cumin, 

Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Fresh Ground Pepper

and whatever other seasonings you prefer

Place Chicken Breasts in a stock pot 

Cover with Chicken broth/stock

Add one lime cut in half

and half an onion cut in half

Bring to a boil.

Cover and reduce heat

Simmer 20 minutes
until chicken is fully cooked

Step Two: Mix Enchilada Filling

Shred chicken in large bowl

Add a big spoonful of cream cheese

and a big spoonful of sour cream

Half a can of green chile enchilada sauce

1 can of diced green chiles 

season to taste.

Step Three: Roll Enchiladas

Spoon 1/8 cup of filling in each tortilla

Roll enchiladas and arrange in casserole dish

Step Four: Top Enchiladas

Cover with remainder of enchilada sauce

Top with grated cheese

Step Five: Bake Enchiladas

Cover with foil

and bake at 375 degrees

for 20 minutes.

Remove foil

Bake for 10 more minutes

Enjoy!

Chicken Salad 3 Ways

 I love chicken salad

and I'm not talking about 

canned chicken and mayo

on a boring old piece of bread.

I am talking about 

beautifully poached chicken 

salad with the works! 

Here are three wonderful ways 

to serve up chicken salad:

In a wrap:

On a bun:

Over a bed of lettuce:

To poach your chicken 

You'll need:

Chicken broth

Half an Onion

Seasoning

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast

Put ingredients into a stock pot 
and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, 

and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Then let chicken cool.

While the chicken is cooling,

assemble "the works"

Chop fruit, veggies & nuts.

Suggested ingredients:

Green Apples, Red Onions, Celery, 

Carrots, Grapes, Walnuts, Pecans, 

Dried Cranberries, Dried Cherries, Raisins...

Next shred chicken.

Then whip up your dressing.

To cut back on calories use equal parts 

mayo and plain greek yogurt.

*I like to add about a spoonful 

of honey mustard.

Finally mix it all up and

season with dill weed, garlic powder

and fresh ground pepper.

Enjoy!

Welcome Home Cookies

I bake these cookies

every time my husband returns

 from a business trip.

Sometimes I think he goes on

fakes trips just so that I will make 

these cookies.

So I suppose they don't 

have to be "Welcome Home" cookies.

They could just be, 

"Here have a cookie" cookies

or "Nice shirt, here's a cookie" cookies

or even,

"It's Wednesday, lets eat cookies" cookies

All I'm saying is,

you have GOT to try these cookies!

*Preferably with a big glass of ice cold milk

Here's what you'll need: 

1 cup butter

1/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 package of butterscotch instant pudding

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/8 cup cream cheese

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups chocolate chips

Step one: Cream together the butter and sugar

Step two: Mix in pudding mix, eggs, vanilla, and cream cheese

Step three: Mix dry ingredients in a medium bowl

Step four: Combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients. 

Step five: Fold in chocolate chips

Step six: Cover and chill in refrigerator for 1 hour 

*or freeze for 15 minutes.

Step seven: Form round cookie dough balls 
and place on baking sheet. 

Step between 7 and 8: Eat cookie dough 

(or not, because it contains raw eggs and raw eggs are bad,

 or do because come on, it's cookie dough

 it's super yummy. Hey, it's your call.)

Step eight: Bake for 12 minutes

Step nine: Cool on baking sheet for 90 seconds

Step ten: Let cool on cooling rack

Enjoy!

Celebrating a birthday? 
Skip the cake!

Make these "Birthday Cookies"

Happy Birthday

Here's a stack of cookies!

Meatless Monday: Quinoa and Black Bean Tacos

Haven't tried Quinoa? 

What are you waiting for?!

There are so many benefits of eating this  

"supergrain" 

It's affordable, extremely healthy 

can be served hot or cold, 

and is darn tasty too!

 

Quick and easy
 Meatless Monday recipe
with Quinoa:

Ingredients:

Onion

Garlic

Olive Oil

Vegetable Broth, Black Beans, 

Diced Green Chiles, Diced Tomatoes

Quinoa

Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, 

Frozen Corn, Fresh Cilantro

Directions:

Step one: In a large sauce pan

saute onion and garlic in olive oil.

Step two: Add quinoa and vegetable broth, 

diced tomatoes/green chiles, and seasoning.

Step three: Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover, 

simmer for 20 minutes.

Step four: Add frozen corn and 

simmer 5 more minutes.

Step five: Stir in black beans and cilantro

Serve with tortillas, 

cheese and sour cream if desired.

Enjoy!