Tag Archives: economical meals

The Bestest Cream Cheese Frosting in the World

13 Nov

Truly, there is no other name worthy of this frosting. Really, it’s more than frosting it’s a way of life. Simple, delicious, maybe even life changing.  So simple, you’ll never buy canned stuff again!  Scroll down for recipe.

Just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes is all it takes!

Just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes is all it takes!

Light and fluffy. It has the potential to bring tears to your eyes...it's that good.

Light and fluffy. It has the potential to bring tears to your eyes…it’s that good.

Bestest Cream Cheese Frosting in the World

by Rebecca Vahdat

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Keywords: dessert

Ingredients (2 Cups of frosing)

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 Cup butter, room temperature
  • 4 heaping Cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Cream together the cream cheese and butter on medium speed.

Reduce speed to medium-low and gradually add in the powdered sugar until combined.

Add the pure vanilla extract.

Increase the speed to medium-high (setting 8 on my stand mixer) and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Simply delicious!

Makes enough frosting for 24 cupcakes or a two layer cake.

Enjoy!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

You can find me on Pinterest

Copyright © 2015 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

Lawful and Sinful

28 Jun

We have come to a place where we automatically assume because something is lawful it must also be moral.  Morality has changed a great deal just even in my lifetime. We, for some reason, think that if we wrap sin in pretty paper with a shiny bow and throw a party for it, it somehow changes how humanity and God sees it.  Because one is acting within law they automatically assume they are “a good person”(which is subjective without the moral parameters given to us by God). There has been a drastic culture change and it just isn’t within the secular world but also within the lives of believers. We are challenging people to redefine what God already defined.  Many Pastors and churches are riding the worldly train looking to attract new members by going against the very word of God-perverting the Bible in ways to make sin irrelevant to ones salvation. We have caved under pressure and are afraid of defending the word of God because we covet the love of man more than the Son of Man.

We have to learn to separate the sin from the sinner.  We can love and support people without celebrating their sin. James 5:19-20 says-  My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back,  you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

Of course I understand not everyone is a believer but we as Christians need to live a life that reflects God’s will toward them. For example in Colossians 4:5-6 it says-“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone”.  When we are asked, we need to be ready with an answer and do it in such a way that conveys truth, gentleness, and respect.

Titus 2:1 says-“You must teach what is in accord to sound doctrine”. It doesn’t end there.  There are many other verses dealing with false doctrine.

When we sugar coat, add, or purposely misinterpret for gain… Titus 1:11 says it well-“They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach–and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

I know the new popular slogan is “I want to be on the right side of history”.  While that might bring worldly pleasure, I would much rather be on “the right side of eternity”.

Love everyone fiercely, be the first to offer encouragement, always speak the truth in love, but don’t forget to be set apart.  Let’s be bold for Jesus!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

Copyright © 2015 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

You can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest

Image courtesy of [ renjith krishnan] at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Twilight of Childhood

4 Jun Twilight of Childhood

She wakes with an infectious smile that seems to chase away any lingering gloominess from my soul.  She rests her head with ease  in that little crook of my shoulder that always seems to fit no matter how she grows.  She reminds me what goodness, and loveliness, and kindness feels like and she freely shares it with anyone fortunate enough to cross her path.  She dreams of filling shelves at the book store with her writings and filling the stage with songs about her greatest love….Jesus.

Even though the twilight of her childhood is setting in she still clings to girlhood fiercely. She isn’t quite ready to let it go and I’m not quite ready to let her go. So for a moment I will relish in my little girl and all her little girl ways and I will keep loving her well. For these last few moments, I will be near, holding her hand as she dips her toes into adolescence, so when the sun sets for the last time on her childhood she will be ready to let go of me and pursue her own life with confidence. grace, tenderness, and passion. I pray that these gifts will be accepted well and would bring healing to a wounded world and hope to wounded souls.

But for now, I will enjoy her sleepy head on my shoulder with messy curls tickling my cheek. In a moment it will be over. Tonight she will say goodbye to ten and welcome eleven with great expectation…..just as she should.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

You can find me on Pinterest and YouTube!

Copyright © 2015 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

Taco Soup

18 Sep

The lazy days of summer are just about over. Soon enough the weather will change, the trees will showcase their brilliant colors, and the days will become a little more hectic.  One of my favorite ways to warm-up and to solve the mad dinner rush is to dig out my slow-cooker and make soup.  One of our family favorites is Taco Soup.  Easy, economical, and so yummy! Throw this on in the morning and dinner is done!  I want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite family recipe or maybe an easy and quick go to meal?  I would love to see it. Leave a recipe or a link in the comments below I would l love to see what you’ve got cookin!

What you will need to get started (scroll down for full recipe).
Fry up your ground beef, onion, and garlic until cooked through.
Here, Broukie demonstrates proper ground beef crumbling.
Alison finishes up.
Add the cooked ground beef to your slow-cooker.
The next step is easy-add everything else and give it a good stir.
I needed someone with a little muscle for this step;)
Voila! Turn it on low, cover, and go about your day.
Don’t want to crock pot it? You can add all the ingredients to a
stock pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes and serve.
This is how it looks, mama style. Sharp cheddar cheese,
sour cream, green onion, and Frito’s. What will you add to yours?
If you’re so inclined, enjoy it with a nice glass of chocolate milk!

Taco Soup
-1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
-1 large onion, diced
-1 clove of garlic, finely minced
-1 12oz bottle of green taco sauce
-1 can beef or chicken broth (14-16 oz)
-2 (15oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed (optional-if you don’t mind the off color)
-15 1/4 oz can of corn, drained
-4 1/2oz can of chopped green chilies
-15oz can of tomato sauce
-1oz packet of taco seasoning
-3-4 Cups of water
-your favorite garnishes

 In a large skillet over medium heat cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the ground beef is no longer pink.  Add the beef mixture to your slow-cooker and add the rest of the ingredients, stir. Cover and cook on low until ready to serve.  Simmer 15-20 minutes for stove top method.
   Add a salad some corn bread muffins for an even heartier meal.  This recipe feeds my family of 5 with leftovers for lunch the next day. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.  Thanks for visiting!
~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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It’s a Wrap

13 Sep

When we are wanting to whip up something quick but delicious, you will usually find a wrap on our dinner plates. Tortillas are so versatile, you can’t go wrong (well except for that one time…but we won’t talk about here). With a little prep work you can have dinner ready in a jiffy! This recipe will make 6-8 wraps.

You are going to need 1 large green pepper, 1 large onion, 2-3 Roma tomatoes, 
 1 8oz package of fresh mushrooms and 3 cloves of garlic. Chop pepper, onion,
 tomato and mushrooms into bite size pieces and finely chop the garlic. Set aside.
 1 package (8-10) of your favorite tortillas. *You'll want to turn your oven on warm now
 and add your tortillas if you are not microwaving them*
I have chopped up 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite sized pieces.
For spices you are going to need 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder,
1 tsp of black pepper and 1 tsp turmeric.
In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over med-high heat.
When pan is hot add your chicken breasts and seasonings. cook
6-8 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same pan heat another tablespoon of olive and heat over med-high heat.
Add the green peppers, and onions. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until they are starting to get tender.
Add the mushrooms and tomatoes and cook another 2-3 minutes or until the veggies are
tender add the garlic and cook a minute longer. *Please note that you may have to adjust the cooking temperature of your
stove top*
Add the chicken back in and stir well.  Turn your heat down to low.
Get your tortillas ready.  *If microwaving your tortillas do it now. I add 2-3
at a time and heat for 15-20 seconds and repeat until all tortillas are warmed*
Add filling to center of tortilla and sprinkle on your favorite
cheese ( I used a Mexican 4 cheese blend).
Wrap up like a burrito and enjoy! Makes 6-8
burritos.

Ingredients
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 large green pepper
1 large onion
2-3 Roma tomatoes
1- 8 oz. package fresh mushrooms
3 garlic cloves
olive oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp turmeric
6-8 of your favorite tortillas (burrito size)
Your favorite shredded cheese
Instructions

-Chop green pepper, onion, mushrooms and tomatoes into bite sized pieces.Finely chop the garlic set aside
-Chop chicken breasts into bite sized pieces. In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of olive    oil     over 
med-high heat. When pan is hot add the chicken and spices. Cook 6-8 minutes or until cooked 
through. Remove from pan.
- In the same pan add another Tablespoon of olive oil and heat over med-high heat. Add the green pepper and onion. Cook 4-5 minutes or until they are starting to get tender. Add the mushrooms and tomatoes and cook an additional 2-3 minutes or until the veggies are tender. Add garlic and cook a minute longer.
-Add the chicken back in the skillet and mix well. Turn heat down to low.
-Prepare your tortillas by heating them up a bit (if you desire) in the microwave 15-20 seconds
or in a warm oven for 5-10 minutes.
-Add a heaping spoonful in the center of the tortilla and sprinkle on your favorite shredded cheese.
-Wrap up like a burrito and enjoy! Makes 6-8 wraps.

Another great add to these wraps is fresh flat leaf Italian parsley. It gives it such a fresh summery taste! Have fun and experiment with different spices and ingredients. It is fun to get the little ones in the kitchen and let them "design" their own. Our children are more likely to try something new and enjoy it if they had a hand in helping to make it.  Thanks for visiting!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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~Luvmybebebugs~

Copyright © 2013 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

Meatloaf Muffins

27 Aug

What did you have for dinner tonight? I made for my family my meatloaf muffins. They take about 15 minutes to put together and you can customize them depending on the tastes of each family member (no whining when everyone can make their own). Use your favorite meatloaf recipe or you can give mine a whirl.

My basic meatloaf recipe is easy peasy-I start with 1 1/4 pound lean ground beef
and 1 small onion grated (using a box grater).
I add in about 14-18 crushed saltines (yes, saltines), 1 egg beaten, a few
splashes of milk, salt, pepper, and a little onion powder.
Mix Well.
This made exactly 12 muffins. From left to right-Row 1 topped with BBQ sauce
 and sliced onion. Row 2 made a well and put American cheese slices. I sealed the beef
 over the top and topped with ketchup and onion. Row 3 topped with ketchup and
 onion. Row 4 made a well and put in Colby-Jack cheese sealed it up and topped
 with BBQ sauce. Use your imagination! Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes and
 voila! Dinner is done! The meatloaf cooks through without drying out.
Here is what you get (American cheese stuffed topped with ketchup).
We serve ours with some mashed potatoes and salad.
What are your favorite easy go to meals?  If you’re a food blogger (or have a food blog you love) leave me a link in my messages, I would love to see what’s cookin’ in your neck of the woods.
~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Homemade Corndog muffins

21 Aug

I have been inspired by many Pinterest recipes some with and some without success.  Here is my version quick, easy, and delicious.  Keep reading for the printable recipe.

This is all you need!
My lovely assistant is demonstrating putting the hot dog pieces into the muffin pan.
Cover each hot dog piece up with some batter and bake for 15 minutes.

                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                 Voila!   Let cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to avoid them becoming a crumbly mess .  Was it a success?  Let’s find out…..                                                 Two enthusiastic thumbs up from my boy-o-boy.  He prefers it with no cheese.  As for my Mells?…..

                                                                                                                                                  

She gives it two thumbs and two toes up! She prefers hers with cheese.
Like it spicy?  Add some chopped Jalapenos to the batter.  Want it more meaty? Go ahead and add more hot dog to each cup.  Have fun making it your own!
 
 This recipe is economical, healthier than the fried alternative especially if you use turkey dogs.  It is quick, and easy enough the kids can help!  Makes a great on the go meal.   Thanks for visiting!
~ Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Dreamy Creamy Chicken Burritos

3 Aug
 

This is easily one of our favorite meals and it is the most requested by my extended family and friends. Simple, delicious, and slow cooker friendly! Keep reading to get the printable recipe.

You will need: 1-10.5 Oz can of cream of chicken soup, 3/4 C salsa,
3/4 C sour cream, 1/3 C milk, 1-4oz can chopped green chilies and 1 C shredded cheese.
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
I sprayed a Pyrex baking dish with non stick spray and added a little
salsa on the bottom of the pan, this keeps the tortillas from sticking
to the bottom of the baking dish.
 
 
Cook up the chicken and add the sauce.
Spoon chicken mixture onto tortilla and sprinkle with a little more cheese.
.
Add the rest of the sauce evenly over the tortillas and add the rest
of the cheese over the top.
Let rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
That is if you can wait that long! Enjoy!

Printable Recipe

This is also an awesome dip- I put the chicken mixture in a slow cooker and serve with tortilla chips.  Serve with shredded lettuce, fresh diced tomatoes and extra sour cream or salsa!  Serve this at your next potluck or dinner party and I promise everyone will want to leave with a copy of the recipe!
~Be Blessed and Be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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