food for thought

Plus, you are so gorgeous when you smile  :o)

I've had to do more smiling than usual this week to keep from crying and creating mad/worry wrinkles.  This first month has been very frustrating for me at work, and I haven't always shown love.  When I realize that I haven't, I smile, get up, and take a short break.  I know that we all can't do that, but we can all stop, take a deep breathe, think of something that makes you smile, and smile.

I'd much rather have smile/happy wrinkles.

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peanut butter yogurt dip

So I have one more healthy recipe to share with you in January.  February will be all about chocolate, but we will get to that next week ;o)

I whipped this up one day because I only had a few tablespoons left of peanut butter, and I didn't want to go to the store just for that so I stretched it. so it lasted an entire week of mid-morning snacks!

 {peanut butter yogurt dip}

 {I love mine with my favorite apples-honeycrisp!}

 {So delicious and healthy for you!}

peanut butter yogurt dip

makes 1 cup

1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons peanut butter
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1-2 tablespoons honey (local and optional)

1. Mix yogurt, peanut butter, and cinnamon together.
2. Taste; depending on how sweet the yogurt you use is, add honey to taste.
3. Serve with fruit or graham crackers.

What are some of your favorite snacks?

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pleasing your palate | Superbowl

As many of you know, this weekend is the Superbowl!  I am not much of a sports person, and to be honest, I completely forgot about it!  Luckily, I was at a store and saw some game-day merchandise so I came home and whipped this together because I have the perfect recipes for your game-day party!

Since it's New England Patriots versus the Seattle Seahawks, it's only fitting you make food from those areas right? 

          Clam Chowder               VS         Chipotle-Coffee Pot Roast       

Okay-so maybe I don't really have something from Seattle, but that's where Starbucks first started right?  So coffee-something it is!  You can make this pot roast into sliders by serving it with some rolls and mustard!

Now what's Superbowl without the typical snack foods?  Here are some recipes and inspiration:

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Baked Beans

Baked Potatoes (crock-pot)

Lazy Pizza Dough

Shredded Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

Steak and Beer Cheese Nachos

Of course, there's beef tacos, chili, guacamole, hummus, sloppy joes, and numerous other foods to make!  Head over to my recipe index for a list of all the recipes on this website for more inspiration!

Who are you rooting for and what are you serving?

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Hungarian Goulasch

I can say that in the winter, I crave hearty, warm foods.  I save the salads for summer.  I have a soft spot for a good goulasch, and this recipe did not disappoint especially since it can be made in my favorite crock-pot!

 {Hungarian Goulasch}

 {Hungarian Goulasch side view}

 {Set in a crock-pot and go!}

 {I boiled potatoes separately because I have to agree with The Hubby on this one--potatoes in the crock-pot cook and taste weird}

Hungarian Goulasch
from a farmgirl's dabbles

3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1" cubes
5 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2" diagonals
16 oz. whole fresh mushrooms, quartered
1 large onion (local), chopped
3 large cloves garlic (local), minced
2 cups low sodium beef broth
1-6 oz can tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Hungarian sweet paprika
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard (or 2 teaspoons dry mustard)
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooked potatoes, egg noodles or bread

1. Place beef, carrots, mushrooms, onion and garlic in the crock-pot. 
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients, and then add to the slow cooker. 
3. Stir a bit to combine. 
4. Cover and turn heat to low. Cook for 6 to 7 hours, or until beef and veggies are very tender. 
5. Serve in bowls with steamed potatoes, egg noodles, or a warm loaf of fresh crusty bread.

How about you-do you crave heavier foods in the winter?

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