Real life with Lar

Chicken  Burritos I know I have said this before but it is worth mentioning again. Nothing helps make the weekday dinners go smoother than a little meal prep. The #1 tip is to bake a big pack of chicken. You can make casseroles, throw it shredded into salads, and the list goes on and on. Today I am going to share the  recipe for the most delicious Chicken Burritos.  Literally takes less than 15 minutes to make and your family will love them.  Here's what you need: 2-3 cups Cooked shredded Chicken Breast 2 T of Butter 1 T Garlic Powder Cayenne Pepper (to taste) Package of Flour Tortillas (you could use Corn if you wanted tacos instead) 1 15 oz can of Fat Free Refried Beans (we are going to add in our own fat) 4 Slices Bacon/Pancetta  ( you could also use Chorizo) Toppings: Sour Cream Avocado Cilantro Salsa Green Onion Lime  Shredded Cheese To make... In a pan over med heat add the bacon or choriz...

Creamy Curry Butternut Squash Soup I know what you're thinking, “I am not a squash fan”. Believe me when I say I'm right there with you, but this soup is so warming, so decadent, so GOOD you will change your mind about butternut squash. The ingredients are few and the process is simple. It’s a healthy soup and perfect for a cold winter day. You’ll need… 2 lbs of diced butternut squash (Most Costcos carry 2lbs diced Butternut Squash) 1 T Curry Powder 1 1/2 tsp Ginger 1 1/2 tsp Cumin Salt and Pepper to taste 3-4 C Chicken Broth (you could also use vegetable broth) 2 Shallots, minced 1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 can 15oz Coconut Cream (not milk) Heavy whipping Cream(optional) In a large pot add the olive oil and shallot, sautee for 2-3 minutes or until softened Add the chopped Butternut Squash as will as the spices Mix well so the squash is cover evenly by the spices Pour Chicken Broth over the squash till covere...

Momma's Beef Chili  Perfect to celebrate the beginning of Winter This by far the easiest tastiest chili I have ever made.  It makes quite a bit and with cornbread, it truly hits the spot on a cold, winter day. 2 lbs lean ground beef (@least 93% lean 7% fat) 1 large, diced onion 1 large jar (24-32oz) Salsa medium heat (I prefer the white corn and black bean salsa) 1 T Cumin 2 T Chili powder 1 tsp Red pepper flakes 1 T Garlic powder 1 large and one small Bush’s Chili Beans ( they are gluten free) Siracha to taste I use about 1-2 T because we love the heat and flavor. In a large pot over medium heat combine the onion and ground beef, cooking till the meat is almost cooked through. Add the spices and mix well. Let it cook another 2-3 mins. Add the jar of salsa and mix well turning the heat to low. Add the cans of Chili Beans (if you want, add more cans of beans.  I just like a meatier chili) Let simmer for about 30 mi...

A Tribute to My Mom Today is my mom’s birthday. I hope you don’t mind but I wanted to share a little insight to the kind of lady my mom was. As a little girl mom would make peanut butter sandwiches… cut off the crust and make them into finger sandwiches. I would set up my stuffed animals, tea set, and Mom would join me. Together, with my shaggy brown bear and my Barbie (who had no clothes), we would have the best time sipping 'our tea' and practicing our manners.   When I had my daughters it was mom who gave them their first tea set. She would have tea with them the same way she had tea with me. I loved how they were smiling and laughing together. She would tell them stories of woman in the Bible.   Bringing the women to life and encouraging her granddaughters to become the very best they could be. Mom used our tea parties to teach us what being a true lady was... Generously kind Compassionate to others An encourager  A nd above all, repres...

The Thanksgiving Day Dance My Thanksgiving day cooking schedule is something I've tweaked and perfected over time. Its like a well choreographed dance; flowing and moving towards a great ending of...well... making us feel as stuffed as the Turkey. 😉 One of the best decisions I ever made was to start my prep work on the day before. This way I can enjoy my family more on Thanksgiving day itself. So here is my order of prep and cooking... Wednesday I start with my pies. I usually make a few pecan pies. I just double the batch and split the filling in half between the 2 pie crusts. While the pies are in the oven I start on other deserts. This year I'm making Paula Deen's "Oooey Gooey Pumpkin Cake" and some of my fudge brownies. All in all, this takes just a few hours from start to finish. Once I am done with desserts I clean up and then I work on some prep for the actual meal. I will... Chop onions and celery for the stuffing Tear the bread ...

Lar’s Homemade Stuffing This recipe is truly an act of love. About 25 years ago, my husband (aka Smokin) was wanting homemade stuffing.  I went searching for what makes a good stuffing and this is what I came up with. My husband loves it and so does everyone else. And, although I still love me some Stove Top Stuffing, nothing beats homemade.  My stuffing is easy to make and delicious which is the best kind of recipe.  Here's what you will need... 6 c Stale Bread (just tear up regular white or wheat bread(about 12-16 slices.) Leave out over night to dry out some) 2 Sticks Butter (one melted) 6 Stalks of Celery, diced (leaves included) 1 Lrg. diced Onion (White or Yellow) 1 tsp Pepper Salt to taste(I use between a ½-1 tsp) 1 T Rubbed Sage 1 ½ T  Thyme 1 C Applesauce ⅔ C Chicken Stock To make the stuffing… Put the bread pieces in a large bowl In a skillet or pot melt 1 stick of butter Add the diced onion and celery ...

Lar's Sweet Potato Casserole It's Supercalifragilisticeexpialidocious! This is a super easy side dish that could also be a dessert. It is sweet, flavorful, and oh so decadent. If you have family or friends who are gluten-free just omit the bourbon and replace with a tablespoon of Vanilla Extract.  Here's what you need... Allspice is not shown  Part 1~ The Casserole Base 6 medium peeled and diced Sweet Potatoes 4 T Butter 2/3 C Orange Juice 1 T Cinnamon  2 tsp Nutmeg 1 tsp Salt (taste after its mixed to see if more salt is needed) 1 (or 2) shot of Bourbon (Omit this and add 1 T of Vanilla Extract for a gluten free recipe) Place the peeled diced potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Boil until fork tender then drain in strainer and return to pan Put all the rest of the casserole base ingredients into the pot and mash together. (This step helps to take out any stress you may have when smashing the potatoes w...