Tag Archives: Pinterest

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
Let’s be Pinterest friends!
Linked up with

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

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
Follow me on Pinterest

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

He Sees You

19 Aug

glowing cross

As you begin a new week and you’re feeling the days are mundane and daunting remember…..

To the tired mama’s who watched the sun rise trying to rock a baby back to sleep-He sees you.

To the husband who works tirelessly to support his family but feels unappreciated at home-He sees you.

For  the toilet, tub, and floor that need to be cleaned again-He sees you.

For the person sitting in the exam room wondering how they are going to handle this diagnosis-He sees you.

To the teen mom who is watching all her friends pack and leave for college-He sees you.

For the weary parents who are praying for a miracle-He sees you.

For weary children struggling, caring for their aging parents while caring for their own children-he sees you.

For the single moms wondering how to make your paycheck stretch even further-He sees you.

To those who feel weary, tired, and broken-He sees you.

Our Heavenly Father sees and loves His children.  You’re not alone, Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged”.  God is there, with you.  The enemy’s whispers will fill you with doubt and his lies will make you feel like a failure but stay strong and courageous.  The Lord is your peace (John 14:27) ,stronghold (Psalm 27:1), and your comforter (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). 

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

Follow me on Pinterest.  It’ll be fun!

Linked up with-

Welcome Home Wednesdays

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

Can you Relate?

13 Aug

For much of my life my weight determined my quality of life.  What I mean by that is, the heavier I was the less social I became. I would whole myself up hoping to  just become a name without a face. I would slowly draw away from the circle so it would slowly swallow up my gap.  I would become a whisper and a wonder.  I truly felt my self worth was wrapped up to what the number on the scale dictated.  With curtains drawn tight I spiraled into a pit of self loathing.

I have spent my whole life in a death spiral of one crash diet after another. Those consuming diets that steal all your thoughts and leave you watching the hands on the clock tick, tick, tick, ever so slowly waiting for the miserable days to pass. When a diet would finally stick, slowly the sun would begin to shine and I would again emerge vibrant much like a caterpillar breaking free from its cocoon.  Life was mine to enjoy once again.  I would seize every opportunity until it was time to repeat the cycle again.

I really needed proper perspective in order to reclaim my life and find joy regardless to what the scale said.  Psalm 139:4 says, I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful.  If God’s works are wonderful than so must I be. I am God’s workman, created to do good works, which Christ prepared in advance for me (Eph. 2:10). How am I to follow Christ if I am unable to allow His will on my life?  I must recognize the voice of the enemy when he is whispering his sweet lies in my ear and remind him that I don’t walk of the flesh but of the spirit (Romans 8:1).  For God has plans for me to prosper (Jeremiah 29:11).  Do you see, there are no conditions to that.  He doesn’t say I will prosper when I am 110 pounds, He says I will prosper because He says so! I  just have to be a willing vessel for His love and goodness.

Being at a place right now where I would normally hide, I am pushing myself to keep letting the sun shine on my face.  Letting God work through me for His glory. I am grateful that God’s grace is given to me in abundance.  I pray for victory!

Can you relate?  I would love to hear from you!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

Be a peach and follow me on Pinterest

Linked up with

Welcome Home Wednesdays

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

Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

7 Aug

I know in a bid to make healthier food choices many people are jumping on the low carb wagon. I saw a similar recipe online and tweaked it to suit my families taste.  Keep reading to see their reaction and to get a printable recipe.

What you’ll need.
In a large skillet heat butter and oil.
Caramelize the veggies

Remove pepper shells from oven and pour out excess water in each shell.

 
Place a slice of Provolone cheese at the bottom of each pepper.
(One left cheese less for my son who sometimes doesn’t like cheese)
Fill each pepper with filling.

Top each with another slice of Provolone.

 Place in 400 degree oven for 15 minutes and voila! Cheesesteak
                    stuffed peppers. And the verdict is………………..

Thumbs up for the cheese less wonder.

And an ‘eh’ from the Broukie Bear. Hubby really liked it but he missed
the bread.  I really enjoyed it and I will be making this again!
*Prebaking the green peppers allows them the chance to become a little more tender but it also allows some of the moisture to cook out. This prevents it from being mushy and soggy.
*Salt draws moisture out of the onions and mushrooms and waiting to salt the veggies at the end of cooking allows the veggies to caramelize quicker.
I hope you enjoy!
~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
Follow me on Pinterest
rhm

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

Giving Up on Perfection

5 Aug

 

stain glass

In the age of Pinterest and similar social media, It is easy to feel the inadequacies of others seemingly perfect lives. I know that there are moments in my day that I hope nobody stops by for an impromptu visit. I will admit that I have heard a knock at the door at a time my house wasn’t looking so hot.  Scooping my children to the floor and giving them the “look” that would make an angry bear stand still. Have you been there?  It’s OK to not live in perfection and it’s OK to invite others to be a part of your imperfections. To most, it would probably be a sigh of relief.  I will say that I don’t think it is OK to live in filth and utter chaos but crumbs on the floor from lunch and toys strewn about the living room shows that their is life and a family in that home, and they are living life and enjoying it and hopefully willing to welcome others into it.

Go ahead and share about the meltdown your child had in the busy grocery store, or that you fell asleep and missed the bus dropping off your 4 year old child and you didn’t hear them trying to call you for over an hour,(sorry Alison), or fill in your own blank. You just might make a difference, a connection, and a friend.

I think it’sur vulnerability and imperfections that allows others to see God’s work in our lives. Isn’t that the point?  To see God where you least expect Him-in the imperfections and ugliness of life. That no matter what, “He’s not finished with me yet!” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=typAqPJ-Zn8)

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

Follow me on Pinterest

 

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

Fix it and Forget it Pork Chop Bake

30 Jul

It’s true…making homemade scalloped potatoes is not scary-in fact it is almost fool proof (trust me). This recipe was born out of my love for the potatoes but not of the strange looking dehydrated like potatoes you can buy in the box. This is a fix it a forget it meal. So versatile and you can easily add in extra ingredients and flavors to fit your likes. I will share the basic recipe and from there have fun making it your own!

Ingredients needed to get started.
First step add1-2 bouillon cube (s) to 1 3/4 C water and bring to a boil and remove from heat.
You want the bouillon cube to dissolve. Or go ahead and use equivalent already prepared stock (14 oz.)
In a large skillet  heat 1-2 Tbsp olive oil over med-high heat.
Season your chops with salt and pepper.
Add pork chops to pan and brown both sides-3-4 minutes per side.
While chops are frying prep your potatoes.
Nice and golden on both sides.
Add your sliced onions to the same pan. Let the onions cook in the drippings
Remove onions from pan.
Melt 2 Tbsp butter in hot pan.
Add the flour and whisk to make a roux.
Add in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup( and optional cheese.and any other veggie add ins).Add the onions back in and turn heat to low.
Butter a 13×9 (or whatever works for you) casserole dish. And arrange
potatoes in an overlapping stacking pattern (yes, it is OK to arrange the potatoes in 2 layers-
it will still cook evenly and thoroughly).
Pour sauce over potatoes-no need to mix.
Lay pork chops on top of potatoes. No need to press them down.
Cover with foil and bake in a 350 oven for 65-75 minutes or for extra tender chops bake in
a 300 degree oven for 2-2 1/2 hours.
Ta-Da! Remove foil and let sit for 10 minutes to give the sauce a chance to thicken.

 

Click Here For Printable Recipe

See-easy 🙂  You can also make this ahead of time and stick it in your fridge until you are ready to cook. Just remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow the pork chop bake to come to room temperature (ensures even cooking time and keeps meat from being tough).
Try adding sauteed mushrooms, different cream soups such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery, or our favorite green beans. Season with your favorite herbs and spices to give it even more flavor.  Try adding some grated cheese to the sauce-makes the dish even more decadent! This is also an easy meal to put together to bring to a sick friend or a family with a new baby.
~ Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
Come find me on Pinterest!
rhm

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

Talking to our kids about Boston

9 Jul

This was something I wrote and shared on our MOPS blog right after the Boston bombing. My thoughts on talking to our children about such things

It seems more and more we are having to be so deliberate to shield our children from never ending bad news. Shooting, war and now a bombing.

I still remember the morning more than a dozen years ago when I turned on the TV just in time to watch live as a plane took out the second tower. It was the first time I knew that I couldn’t hide the bad news from my then five year old, Alison. Minutes later my nightgown wearing barefoot daughter made her way sleepily to the living room. As she snuggled down deep next to me she knew that this morning was different. You don’t necessarily think when you are cradling your baby in your arms that one day you would have to explain evil to them. You are not prepared and I don’t think you can be. It is just one of those jump in head first and pray that what comes out is sufficient enough to be truthful and satisfying without ruining the innocence and wide eyed curiosity that only childhood can yield. How do you remind them the that here and now in my arms or at school or at grandma’s they are safe? I know we need to filter but most of the time it is unavoidable.

Several months ago. Another school shooting. This time it was Brouke’s turn to see what evil looks like. And now, an all American wholesome activity marred by destruction and devastation is plastered everywhere. The horror and destruction is all over the TV and on the lips of every adult.

It is a fine line and letting your kids steer your conversation will generally give you parameters to work with. Kids usually ask great questions and beyond what they ask is most of the time unnecessary. They will clue you in to what is in their heart and how much they can handle. With the little ones be selective, you don’t want to compromise their sense of safety. Older kids will be able to process more but all children will need extra love and reassurance. Speak scripture to them. Remind them not be worry or be anxious (Matthew 6:27) that God will deliver us from our fears (Psalm 34:4). Tell them that God will give them peace and that He is in control (Phillipians4:6-7). Remind them for every bad person their are thousands of good people. Let them get involved in making the world a better place by giving them opportunities to serve others and their community. It helps channel all their fears and gives them a sense of control over their environment. Mostly, trust your instincts. God gave you the children you have for a reason.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

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