Watermelon Gorgonzola Salad

August 5, 2018 by 2 Comments

 

Watermelon is undeniably a summer staple.

I love to serve a bowl of diced watermelon with our weekend breakfasts that are less hurried and roll more into brunch.

Or with juicy beef ribs and a big green salad.

Or try something new like adding cheese and basil.

I have seen different variations on this, some with bacon, some without.  

Some have grapes or dried pieces of fruit too.

I thought I would keep it as simple as possible and incorporate a couple sweet things, something a little tangy like the Gorgonzola. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Recipes, Salads, Summer

Big Mac in a bowl-low carb recipes

March 19, 2014 by 14 Comments



I have had great success in the past not only with weight loss but increasing my energy and stamina by following a
low carb, sugar-free diet.  I know, I love me my sugar, but it’s not loving me so much anymore.  So without boring you
with the details, I was about one batch of scones away from a Type II Diabetes diagnosis, with my 90 day blood sugar
average being way to high.  Since both of my parents are also Diabetic (Type I and II) I decided I would much rather
regain some control over my sugar habit and drop some unwelcome weight as well.

I am not a dietician, or fitness guru by any means.  But about 15 years ago I was able to lose 125 pounds in 18 months
without one diet, pill, or book.  I am going to share with you how I did it then, and how I am going to get back there
after letting my weight go the last few years.  I had three babies between the age of 35-39 , and I just stopped
keeping track of what I was eating.  More about that in the weeks to follow, it’s a long story.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Low Carb Recipes, Recipes, Salads, Weight Loss

Inspiration Monday Party | Wer’e Inspired By 12 Fabulous Summer Recipes

July 14, 2013 by 14 Comments

Greetings Party Friends! 
Thank you guys so much for stopping by to link up last week! 
We had a fantastic 1st party, with over 500 link ups.
i should be mopping the floor | scattered thoughts of a crafty mom | twelve o eight
Don’t forget, your links are seen simultaneously on THREE blogs at the same time,
 so that is triple the exposure for you.
 (And quadruple exposure when choose a guest hostess on the 4th Monday of every month.) 
It’s certainly not required, but we would love it if you would take a moment 
and add the party button or link to your linky party page or list.

Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
twelveOeight

Browsing through last weeks links,
 I was very inspired by the amount of scrumptious looking summer recipes 
and decided 12 Fabulous Summer Recipes would be our features today.
Be sure to grab a button for your blog if you were featured:
Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
twelveOeight
There were so many to choose from, but I had to go with this  
(I have already been digging through my scrap bin to put together a few quilt blocks.  
Thanks Robin, for the inspiration.) 
Please keep in mind:
  • Be sure to mingle with other party guests {that’s what it’s all about, right?}. It’s always fun to click on a few other links to see what fellow bloggers are up to.
  • Link up all of your creative fun, including recipes, crafts, printables, DIY projects and other fabulous things you’ve been up to on YOUR blog. Please do not link Etsy stores, giveaways, or other link parties {Bummer, huh? But there are lots of specific parties out there just for these fun things!}
  • By linking up to Inspiration Monday you are giving the three blogs, listed above, permission to feature your project and/or photos on our SM outlets and blogs.
  • While certainly not required, we’d love for you to follow along on social media with the hostesses {links on each of our blogs}: i should be mopping the floor | scattered thoughts of a crafty mom | twelve o eight
Are you ready?  Lets link up!

Filed Under: Baking, Blogging, Craft Ideas, Decorating, DIY, How To Decorate, Recipes, Salads, Thrifty Finds, Thrifty Living

Shrimp Coleslaw Salad Recipe

May 27, 2013 by 4 Comments

Shrimp with coleslaw? That is what I thought too until I tried this AMAZING salad
recently.  And just when you are wondering if the two would taste crazy good together,
WE ADD BLUE CHEESE!  The dressing balances out the cabbage and shrimp perfectly.
We made this recently for friends who came over for an evening BBQ, to say that it 
was a hit would be an understatement.  This is so easy and delicious we have been making
it at least once a week lately. 
If you are looking for a new recipe for summer cookouts, BBQ side dish, or potluck,
look no further.  Your friends will call you Martha, ask for the recipe and ask you to
bring this next time.
And the best part? It’s EASY, otherwise I wouldn’t make it. Click below for the recipe…
Shrimp & Blue Cheese Coleslaw Recipe
makes 4-6 servings as a side dish
One 16 oz bag of prepared coleslaw mix (red and green cabbage, carrots)
2/3 cup coleslaw dressing
2/3 cup blue cheese dressing
1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese
dash of cayenne pepper
1/2 pound of small salad shrimp (pre-cooked)
Combine first four ingredients along with pepper in a mixing bowl and combine well. 
Pour into a serving dish and top with shrimp.  Chill until ready to eat.
You may also add red grapes, chopped apple, cherry tomatoes, or crumbled bacon
as well.
It’s that easy! 
I told you I wouldn’t keep you in the kitchen long.
Now pour yourself some iced tea and put your feet up
while the BBQ does the work, and enjoy a wonderful,
fresh summer meal.
Thank you as always for reading friends, and I will see you tonight for another 
fun Pretty Things Party & Features from last week party.
I am having SO much fun going through all of your projects.
You are ROCK stars, if no one has told you recently!
Filed Under: Recipes, Salads

Southwest Chicken and Spinach Salad

July 11, 2012 by 5 Comments

Get a healthy summer dinner on the table fast with my Southwest Chicken and Spinach Salad! I don’t know about you, but I try to avoid turning my oven on until September if I can help it.  Quick and healthy meals that I can pull together in minutes on busy summer days are a must.  If you are not a fan of spinach, feel free to substitute Romaine lettuce as well.  If you are feeling extra daring, a few slices of avocado would be so yummy on top of this tasty dinner salad.

Southwest Chicken & Spinach Salad
Makes 4 generous dinner sized servings

16 oz baby spinach (I like to use pre-washed organic spinach)
4 green onions, finely sliced and set aside for garnish
4 chicken breasts cut into 1″ chunks
15 oz can of black beans rinsed and drained
16 oz can of whole kernel corn drained
3 T. taco seasoning mix (I like to use a gluten free taco seasoning)
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. sour cream
1/4 c. milk
1 T. dried parsley
1 t. prepared mustard
1/2 t. minced garlic
1 t. Worcestershire sauce
2-3 t. chili powder
A few pinches of Cayenne to taste

Evenly distribute the spinach into four large salad or pasta bowls and set aside

In a nonstick pan saute the cubed chicken in a few teaspoons of olive oil under golden and no longer pink in the middle.  Add the taco seasoning, 1/3 cup of water, corn, and black beans.  Mix well and simmer until thickened , about 15 minutes.

In a small mixing bowl combine remaining ingredients except the green onions.  I like to use an immersion blender (blender or food processor works great too) to blend the dressing ingredients together well.  Serve the warm chicken and bean mixture over each bowl of spinach, top with dressing and garnish with green onions.

I like to serve with warm corn tortillas and butter, along with tall glasses of fresh lemonade for a easy summer dinner that comes together in less than thirty minutes!

Wishing you a summer full of good memories and time with family and friends (and hopefully a little less time in the kitchen 🙂 
xoxo, Tanya
Filed Under: Gluten Free Recipes, Salads, Thrifty Living
Thank you so much for reading, and as always, may your heart and home be full of everything you love! xo, Tanya         linking up to: http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/ And these awesome parties: http://www.twelveoeightblog.com/awesome-link-parties