Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup and Tasty Tuesday Linkup

Who doesn't like their broccoli smothered in cheese? When I was younger, I thought cheese was the only possible way to muscle through broccoli. My tastes have grown up since then, but I still love the combination.
As I was looking to try my own version of broccoli cheese soup, I wanted to stick with ingredients that I normally buy and not force myself to get a processed log of velveeta. Not that I'm completely against the cheese, I just prefer less processed varieties.

 

Estimated cost: $6-7
Ingredients:
2 C skim or low fat milk
4 C chicken broth
1/2 onion, petite diced
24 oz frozen broccoli
3/4 tsp pepper
3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 C shredded mozzarella cheese

Stir together milk, broth, onion, broccoli, pepper, and nutmeg in a 6 QT slow cooker. Heat on low 5-7 hours until onions are transparent and soft.
Add cheese and allow to melt. The cheese will stick to the broccoli and not absorb into the broth. Carefully wisk (avoid scrapping the bottom of the stoneware with metal wisk) or use immersion blender to break up and distribute the cheese throughout soup.
Serve with rolls or biscuits and enjoy!

Note: This is a thinner (skinnier) version of broccoli cheese soup, the texture is different but the taste is delicious!

This recipe originally appeared on oneincomefamilyliving.blogspot.com on 12/12/11. I wrote, updated, and transferred it here.

Tammy from Creative K Kids is the host of this party every week! This month, Anna from Family Living on a Budget and Sydney from Tastefully Frugal are also running this party on their blogs!    

 

We would love to have you link up to three of your old or new food posts!   Here are  just a few requests for this linky

• PLEASE follow the hosts and co-hosts of this party through one of their social media listed below.  They visit your post, leave a comment, and pin your post.  Just pick one (or more) of the options below and please follow them.

**Tammy at Creative K Kids (Blog)** Pinterest/Facebook/Google+/Twitter/Instagram **Anna at Family Living on a Budget (Blog)** Pinterest/Facebook/Google+/Twitter/Instagram **Sydney at Tastefully Frugal  (Blog)**  Pinterest/Facebook/Google+/Twitter/Instagram

• Try to visit a couple of blogs and leave a comment or share their posts.
• Please make sure you link up only food-related posts that have never been linked up here before or they will be deleted.  Non-food posts can always be linked up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party!
• Place this button or a link to this post somewhere on your site--either on the actual post or on your sidebar or on your party page.

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• As a thank-you for linking up, we will pin your recipe to the Tasty Tuesdays at Creative K Kids Pinterest board.  Please follow the board to see all the great food recipes!  
• By linking up, you agree to let any of the hosts or co-hosts  use your pictures and links if they decide to feature your post.   Your photo may also be used for promotion on any of their social media outlets.
• If you include your e-mail in the linky form below you will be added to a weekly reminder e-mail when the link party goes live. Your e-mail will not to added to any other lists or given out.

An InLinkz Link-up

Meal Plan Monday: Easy and Fun Dinners 9/29/14

I have my first several tests in school this week, so I tried to find a balance between easy and fun foods. I also tried to sort of reward myself with some of my favorites (like the sushi and tortellini soup).

California rolls
Pizza with homemade whole wheat crust
Tortellini Soup
Chicken and Broccoli Quesadillas
Enchilada Ravioli
Burritos
Leftovers

What are you having for dinner?

this post is linked to orgjunkie.com

Firehouse Spinach Meatloaf

David was at our local Station 1 Firehouse shortly before dinner one day and they were making spinach meatloaf. He came home excited and wanted me to recreate it, so on my second attempt I came up with this recipe.

You'll need: ground turkey (or beef), spinach, diced onion, grated Parmesan, oats, eggs, and garlic.

Blend everything except the meat until mostly smooth.

Add meat and blend some more. You'll need a 9 cup or larger blender or you'll want to separate into smaller batches.

Bake for an hour and a half at 350 F and don't be surprised when it comes out looking kind of ugly. It tastes much better than it looks. Ketchup isn't required, but does compliment it nicely when serving.
Click here for the printer friendly version.

How do you eat your spinach?

Chicken and Sweet Pepper Quesadilla and Tasty Tuesday Linkup

I love quesadillas. I mentioned in my Chicken and Broccoli Quesadilla recipe, that I made and ate them a lot back in college. These days, I make them when we need a quick meal. The kids usually love them and I can sneak in quite a few things without anyone really noticing or caring. I finely diced the peppers in these and it took several bites before David (aka: Mr. I don't like peppers) noticed and he ended up not even minding. Score one for me (aka: Mrs. eats peppers like candy).

The ingredient amounts are suggestions. When I make quesdaillas, I just grab the ingredients and put them on until it looks good. I rarely measure anything.

2 8-inch tortillas
1/2 C shredded colby jack cheese
1/4 C chicken, shredded or diced
1/4 C sweet pepper, finely diced
1 T medium taco sauce 

Preheat a 10 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Place 1 tortilla on a clean, flat work surface.
Sprinkle half the cheese evenly over tortilla.
Evenly sprinkle chicken, peppers, and taco sauce.
Top with remaining cheese and 2nd tortilla.
Place on skillet and allow cheese to melt.
Flip the tortilla after 2-3 minutes or when bottom tortilla is lightly browned.
Quesadilla is done when cheese is melted and both outer sides of tortilla are lightly browned.
Enjoy!

Tammy from Creative K Kids is the host of this party every week! This month, Anna from Family Living on a Budget and Sydney from Tastefully Frugal are also running this party on their blogs!    

 

We would love to have you link up to three of your old or new food posts!   Here are  just a few requests for this linky

• PLEASE follow the hosts and co-hosts of this party through one of their social media listed below.  They visit your post, leave a comment, and pin your post.  Just pick one (or more) of the options below and please follow them.

**Tammy at Creative K Kids (Blog)** Pinterest/Facebook/Google+/Twitter/Instagram **Anna at Family Living on a Budget (Blog)** Pinterest/Facebook/Google+/Twitter/Instagram **Sydney at Tastefully Frugal (Blog)**  Pinterest/Facebook/Google+/Twitter/Instagram

• Try to visit a couple of blogs and leave a comment or share their posts.
• Please make sure you link up only food-related posts that have never been linked up here before or they will be deleted.  Non-food posts can always be linked up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party!
• Place this button or a link to this post somewhere on your site--either on the actual post or on your sidebar or on your party page.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://creativekkids.com/category/tasty-tuesdays/" title="Creative K Kids"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE86aXOEGliJ_vu07dkN1pQLUPBiDyc3ORKQLxK5YEHerZlYFU6odNLQNrPe9aFWwrAtxvuKCwT6UIeGWPoMM3rR_k87YOaFIFdsLrwOUknmiaMFGZoJj690ScMWAbhH6uR4b6SAzxK52/s1600/tasty+tuesdays.jpg" />" /></a></div>

• As a thank-you for linking up, we will pin your recipe to the Tasty Tuesdays at Creative K Kids Pinterest board.  Please follow the board to see all the great food recipes!  
• By linking up, you agree to let any of the hosts or co-hosts  use your pictures and links if they decide to feature your post.   Your photo may also be used for promotion on any of their social media outlets.
• If you include your e-mail in the linky form below you will be added to a weekly reminder e-mail when the link party goes live. Your e-mail will not to added to any other lists or given out.

An InLinkz Link-up

20 Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

 I realized last week that my new schedule with school is a little nuts, so I need quick and easy meals. I compiled this list as both a reference for me and a list for any of you needing quick meals too. Honestly, not all of these recipes would appeal to my family at this time, but I included them anyway, because they might be your thing.

 Quick and Easy Chow Mein

 Pizza Sticks

 Enchilada Ravioli

 Creole Chicken

 Strawberry Salad w/ Balsamic Vinaigrette

 Chicken and Broccoli Quesadilla

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Quick N Easy Chicken Parmesan (from Three Different Directions)

Tomato and Macaroni Soup from (from Seven Thirty Three)

Pasta with Bacon and Brussel Sprouts (from Suburbia Unwrapped)

Thai Coconut Soup (from Turning the Clock Back)

Chicken Pasta Florentine (from Thrifty Jinxy)

Parisian Sweet Pea Soup (from Lavende & Lemonade)

Taco Cups (from A Mitten Full of Savings)

Shephard's Pie (from A Mitten Full of Savings)

Easy Chicken Casserole (from A Mitten Full of Savings)

Tator Tot Casserole (from Become A Coupon Queen)

Chuckwagon Wraps (from The Gracious Wife)

Pizza Bagel (from Just 2 Sisters)

Tuna Burgers (from Just 2 Sisters)

 What are your favorite 30 minutes or less meals?

GFCF Banana Pancakes and Tasty Tuesday Linkup

My family went gluten and caesin (dairy protein) free for awhile almost 2 years ago. We were doing an experiment that proved inconclusive, but I discovered that there are some very tasty and inexpensive ways to gluten and dairy free. For the most part it was cheaper for us to just use foods that are naturally gluten and caesin free, but my kids wanted their cherished pancakes and other baked goods. I found an amazing all-purpose flour substitution, you can find that recipe here. I played around with a couple recipes and came up with these.
At the time Wyatt couldn't have any soy and since I was nursing, I couldn't have any soy either, so these happen to be soy free as well. I hope the get as rave reviews at your house as they did at mine!

If you don't need or want gluten free, simply put in your regular, white wheat or all-purpose flour flour in exchange for the rice flour and xanthan gum.

Makes about 14 medium sized pancakes

1 1/2 C rice flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp xanthan gum
1 1/4 C water
3 TBSP applesauce
2 TBSP honey
2 eggs
2 bananas, mashed or pureed

Preheat a non stick pan or griddle to 350 F.
Combine flour, powder, salt, and xanthan gum in a medium mixing bowl.
Combine water, applesauce, honey, eggs, and bananas in a small mixing bowl.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until everything is moist.
Grease the pan with a non stick cooking spray or butter substitute then laddle on some batter. Allow to cook until edges firm and air bubbles appear at the top of the batter (it doesn't bubble as much as traditional pancakes), then flip and cook an additional 45- 60 seconds.
Remove from pan and enjoy.

Tammy from Creative K Kids is the host of this party every week! This month, Anna from Family Living on a Budget and Sydney from Tastefully Frugal are also running this party on their blogs!    

 

We would love to have you link up to three of your old or new food posts!   Here are  just a few requests for this linky

• PLEASE follow the hosts and co-hosts of this party through one of their social media listed below.  They visit your post, leave a comment, and pin your post.  Just pick one (or more) of the options below and please follow them.

**Tammy at Creative K Kids (Blog)** Pinterest/Facebook/Google+/Twitter/Instagram **Anna at Family Living on a Budget (Blog)** Pinterest/Facebook/Google+/Twitter/Instagram **Sydney at Tastefully Frugal  (Blog)**  Pinterest/Facebook/Google+/Twitter/Instagram

• Try to visit a couple of blogs and leave a comment or share their posts.
• Please make sure you link up only food-related posts that have never been linked up here before or they will be deleted.  Non-food posts can always be linked up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party!
• Place this button or a link to this post somewhere on your site--either on the actual post or on your sidebar or on your party page.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://creativekkids.com/category/tasty-tuesdays/" title="Creative K Kids"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE86aXOEGliJ_vu07dkN1pQLUPBiDyc3ORKQLxK5YEHerZlYFU6odNLQNrPe9aFWwrAtxvuKCwT6UIeGWPoMM3rR_k87YOaFIFdsLrwOUknmiaMFGZoJj690ScMWAbhH6uR4b6SAzxK52/s1600/tasty+tuesdays.jpg" />" /></a></div>

• As a thank-you for linking up, we will pin your recipe to the Tasty Tuesdays at Creative K Kids Pinterest board.  Please follow the board to see all the great food recipes!  
• By linking up, you agree to let any of the hosts or co-hosts  use your pictures and links if they decide to feature your post.   Your photo may also be used for promotion on any of their social media outlets.
• If you include your e-mail in the linky form below you will be added to a weekly reminder e-mail when the link party goes live. Your e-mail will not to added to any other lists or given out.

An InLinkz Link-up

Meal Plan Monday: Transitioning to Fall

I start back to school today!! Woohoo! Actually, I'm kind of nervous. I looked over my course loads and it looks like I'm going to be busy. One of my classes wants me to log my sleep hours. That's a joke, right?

Dinner at our house this week will include:

• Pizza (made with whole wheat pizza dough)
• Easy Chicken Pot Pie
• Broccoli Cheese Soup in Bread Bowls
• No-Boil Pasta Bake
• Black Bean Quesadillas
• Chili
• At Home Salad Bar

What's for dinner at your house?

The Great American Slow Cooker Book: a cookbook review

I recently received The Great American Slow Cooker Book by Bruce Weinstein to review.

The cool thing about this book is that each recipe has exact measurements for every size machine. This means a couple and a large family can both enjoy the same recipe, they just measure the ingredients according to their machine's size. It's not like the just multiplied or divided ingredients, because that doesn't always work.

Also, you won't find cream of something soups in this book. The ingredients are suitable for clean eating.

I was most eager for the breakfast section, because I haven't had a lot of luck with crock pot breakfasts and I'd really like to. The authors explained why so many don't work and offered strenuously tested options.
I picked the oatmeal w/ banana, pineapple, and coconut to try, because it was one of the few recipes that took more than 6 hours to cook and actually sounded like something I'd want to eat first thing in the morning. The recipe turned out perfect! The texture was great and the taste was good too.

Reading through the book really made me want a digital slow cooker like the one I listed at the bottom of the page, because you can set it to cook for the allotted time and it'll switch to warm when it's done.

When a book has 500 recipes, I expect that I won't be in love with every one and that held true for this book. Some of the recipes use ingredients I don't typically buy or eat, but there were plenty with family and wallet friendly ingredients.

I'm looking forward to trying more recipes from this book and would certainly recommend it. Who cares if you only use 200 of the 500, that's still 200 recipes that can be made in any size slow cooker.

If you'd like to purchase the book through random house, check out the link here.

If you prefer amazon and would like to use my affiliate link, use the following ads:

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. All opinions are my own.

Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies and Tasty Tuesday Linkup

My kids love cookies! These cookies were one of the steps I took to get my kids to actually like oatmeal and these days, I can hand them a bowl of oatmeal no problem. When I made this batch last night, the kids were going crazy asking for the cookies. Perhaps taking pictures in front of them while telling them they were actually for breakfast wasn't the nicest mommy move. I ended up caving and letting them have a couple each. Zeke even packed a few in his lunch.
This recipe is pretty flexible, so feel free to adjust the add-ins, type of milk, seasoning, etc.

For a printable copy click here.
makes 2 1/2 -3 dozen

Base Ingredients:
3 1/2 C oats (quick or rolled work, but I prefer a mix of both- the more rolled oats the runnier the batter will be)
1/2 C applesauce
1 C coconut milk
2 eggs
1/2 C honey
1/2 T baking powder
1 heaping tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt

Add-ins:
3/4 C raisins
3/4 dried cranberries

Preaheat oven to 350 F.
Mix base ingredients together until completely incorporated.
Stir in add-in ingredients.
Spoon heaping tablespoons onto parchment lined cookie sheet 1/2 inch apart.
Bake 12-15 minutes.
Allow to cool on pan.
Enjoy!

This post was originally published on 3/4/13 @ oneincomefamilyliving.blogspot.com. I wrote, revised, and transferred it here.

Tammy from Creative K Kids is the host of this party every week! This month, Anna from Family Living on a Budget and Sydney from Tastefully Frugal are also running this party on their blogs!    

 

We would love to have you link up to three of your old or new food posts!   Here are  just a few requests for this linky

• PLEASE follow the hosts and co-hosts of this party through one of their social media listed below.  They visit your post, leave a comment, and pin your post.  Just pick one (or more) of the options below and please follow them.

**Tammy at Creative K Kids (Blog)** Pinterest/Facebook/Google+/Twitter/Instagram **Anna at Family Living on a Budget (Blog)** Pinterest/Facebook/Google+/Twitter/Instagram **Sydney at Tastefully Frugal  (Blog)**  Pinterest/Facebook/Google+/Twitter/Instagram

• Try to visit a couple of blogs and leave a comment or share their posts.
• Please make sure you link up only food-related posts that have never been linked up here before or they will be deleted.  Non-food posts can always be linked up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party!
• Place this button or a link to this post somewhere on your site--either on the actual post or on your sidebar or on your party page.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://creativekkids.com/category/tasty-tuesdays/" title="Creative K Kids"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE86aXOEGliJ_vu07dkN1pQLUPBiDyc3ORKQLxK5YEHerZlYFU6odNLQNrPe9aFWwrAtxvuKCwT6UIeGWPoMM3rR_k87YOaFIFdsLrwOUknmiaMFGZoJj690ScMWAbhH6uR4b6SAzxK52/s1600/tasty+tuesdays.jpg" />" /></a></div>

• As a thank-you for linking up, we will pin your recipe to the Tasty Tuesdays at Creative K Kids Pinterest board.  Please follow the board to see all the great food recipes!  
• By linking up, you agree to let any of the hosts or co-hosts  use your pictures and links if they decide to feature your post.   Your photo may also be used for promotion on any of their social media outlets.
• If you include your e-mail in the linky form below you will be added to a weekly reminder e-mail when the link party goes live. Your e-mail will not to added to any other lists or given out.
 

An InLinkz Link-up