Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Ribs

♥ Beginner

Can we just say, "Yum, that's good!" 

This was almost so easy that it would make you crazy. Literally a dump, and forget dinner. WIN! If you don't love this, then we shouldn't be friends. (And I don't usually like proteins other than Chicken!) 

What you'll need:

* 1 Cup Water
* 1 Cup Ketchup

* 1 (6oz) Can of Tomato Paste
* 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
* 1/2 Cup Vinegar
* 2 Tablespoons Mustard

* 2 teaspoons Salt

* 2 Lbs. Beef Back Ribs

How it's done: 

1. Combine all of the ingredients in the crockpot, and then turn on low for 6-8 hours. 

Seriously, so good. Here's where I stole the recipe from.

Chicken Ranch Tacos

♥ Beginner

We've had these tacos a few times, and they have been a big hit. With only a few ingredients needed, and the prep work minimal, this is an ideal food for anyone who doesn't have a lot of time on their hands. You can find the original recipe here.

What you'll need: 
* 3 Cups of cooked chicken, cut up
* 1 Packet of Taco Seasoning
* 1/2-1 Cup of Ranch Dressing
* Taco/Tortilla Shells
* Any toppings you might want

How it's done: 

1. You'll want to prepare your chicken by broiling it until cooked through. It usually only takes 7-10 minutes. Then cut it into small cubes.

2. On medium high heat, combine chicken and taco seasoning packet. DO NOT ADD WATER! Once the chicken has been covered, and heated through, add your ranch dressing. The original recipe called for 1/2 cup, but we like the flavor so much that we add about 3/4 of a cup.

3. Prepare your shells and toppings.

4. Build your tacos and enjoy! Easy-peasy!

Baked Tortellini

Waiting for daddy to get home!

♥ Beginner

We considered this meal a win. The kids ate nearly everything on their plates, which made it a big win for me! Paired with a salad and a loaf of french bread, it was a win all around.

Everyone was really hungry, so they dug in before I got a good picture... Lol! This is where I found the recipe originally.

What you'll need:
20 Oz. of Baked Tortellini
15 oz. Alfredo Sauce (Already Prepared)
4 oz. of Prosciutto Minced
8 oz. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

How it's done: 

1. Start boiling your tortellini to perfection. and preheat your oven to 350*F.

2. Mince Prosciutto.

3. Prepare Alfredo, or get the jar open. :)

4. Pour 1/4 Cup of Alfredo in the bottom of your baking dish.

5. In large bowl, combine coked tortellini, remainder of your Alfredo Sauce, and 1/2 Cup mozzarella cheese.

6. Pour mixture in baking dish, and cover with remainder of mozzarella cheese.

7. Bake for 15 minutes.

Pair with a nice salad, and a loaf of french bread. Enjoy!

Quick Homemade Pizza

Little Pizza Maker. April 2012

♥ Beginner

In our house pizza might as well be a staple. I think it's just because it's super easy, and mostly quick - and it's a great meal for little helpers. My only problem is that I HATE waiting for the dough to rise. Who has time for that?? So I wen't in search of a great pizza recipe that I could make and bake, without waiting 90 minutes for it to get it's rise on.

Warning: It will get thicker when it's cooked (thanks to the yeast), but this definitely isn't a "pan pizza style" dough. Think thin-medium crust.

Prep Time: 10 Minute
Serves: Makes Two 12" Pizzas

What you'll need: 
* 1 Tablespoon of Yeast (or one yeast packet)
* 1 Teaspoon Sugar
* 1 Cup Warm Water (not too hot!)
* 2 1/2 Cups Bread or All-Purpose Flour
* 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
* 1 Teaspoon Salt

*Any Sauce and Toppings that you would like. (Easy route, buy jarred pizza sauce.)

What fun would it be without a
little flour on your face?

How it's done: 
1. Preheat oven to 450*F.

2. In a medium size bowl (or kitchen aid), dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy - about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in flour, salt, and oil. Beat until smooth (If you use your dough hook attachment with your kitchen aid, it only takes a minute on power level 2.).

4. Turn out dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet or cake pan, and shape. Remember it may rise some upon baking, so get it thinner than intended.

5. Top with desired toppings, and bake for 15-20 Minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

New Weekly Meal Plan!

To keep this brief, I need to be held accountable for feeding my family dinner each night. This used to be a place where you could come for sweets and treats, but our family has evolved and now dinner time has become more relevant.

I know that if I'm able to post my weekly recipes and meal plans, then I might actually be more responsible to myself and my kids. No more KFC for us!

Dinosaur Chicken Nuggets.
Yep, I need help.

So here it is, our meal plan for this week. I hope this is able to help someone else as well. (BTW, I'll be posting the recipes and pictures each night - but if you want them before they are posted, "Hey, that sounds good, I wish we could have that tomorrow!" just email me and I'll get you the recipe early.)

Sunday: Homemade Pizzas.
*These are super easy to make. The prep time is minimal, ingredients are minimal, and cook time is 15 minutes. It's a great Sunday dinner, because everyone can help (even little people) and within an hour everyone can be fed and in bed!

Monday: We're having dinner at my parents... woo hoo!!!

Tuesday: Baked Tortellini with Salad & French Bread.
*I like to make the meals that require bread as a side as early in the week as possible. It would be my luck that by Friday the bread would be moldy.

Wednesday: Chicken Ranch Tacos (Yum, thank you Pinterest!)

Crockpot Thursday: Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Ribs with Mashed Potatoes & Steamed Corn

Friday: Shrimp Scampi with Pasta & Garlic Roasted Zucchini

Saturday: Fajitas!

I hope we enjoy this week as much as I'm hoping we will...

Let me know if you have any good meals this week too! I love a good, easy recipe!