Author: Anna

Avocado Cilantro Dressing

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avocado-cilantro-dressing

 

Feelin’ a bit “saucy” today, so you get two sauce recipes a week apart.  It’s been that kind of week and these are quick and easy to do–lucky for me since I am trying to post these ahead of time so I can do all the other stuff I have  get to do this week.  ’nuff said, let’s get crazy with this delish, multi-purpose dressing!

Avocado Cilantro Dressing
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Ingredients
  1. half of an avocado
  2. 1/4 c. Greek yogurt (plain)
  3. 1/2 c. water (more if needed for consistency)
  4. 1 c. cilantro leaves & stems
  5. 1/2 t. salt
  6. 1 small clove of garlic
  7. squeeze of lime juice
Instructions
  1. Blend together and enjoy over salad, on sandwiches, with tortilla chips...
Adapted from 71 Toes
Adapted from 71 Toes
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Italian Meatloaf

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italian-meatloaf

 

In my opinion, one of the ultimate comfort foods is meatloaf. Seriously, thinking about making a meatloaf for my family just makes me think of being a kid again and watching Mom fixing meatloaf for supper, pouring ketchup on top–and did you know there are about 3 different spellings that are pretty much considered correct on that one word?– and popping it in the oven . 

I remember enjoying the smells of good, homemade food coming from her kitchen.  I have her recipe taped in my family cookbook, and that is my go-to recipe, but I saw this one in a newspaper supplement and thought I would try it out.  Made it tonight and I must say I was impressed.  It’s pretty dang tasty.  Even someone else, who must remain nameless, had seconds after we got back from taking a couple of plates of supper to a friend’s house down the road.

Italian Meatloaf
Serves 6
Tasty version of a family favorite.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 1/2 slices of white bread, torn into small pieces
  2. 3 T. milk
  3. 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  4. 8 oz. button mushrooms, chopped
  5. 1 1/2 lbs. ground chuck
  6. 1 egg
  7. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Asiago Cheese blend
  8. 1/2 t. salt
  9. 1/4 t. black pepper
  10. 12 grape tomatoes, cut into halves (that's what I had, but cherry tomatoes is what the recipe calls for)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Combine milk and bread in a large bowl. Soak for 5 minutes.
  3. Combine bread mixture, onion, mushrooms, beef, egg, cheese, salt, pepper and half the tomatoes. Mix with your hands, then shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish. Scatter the rest of the tomatoes over the top.
  4. Bake about 50 minutes, or until meat reaches 160 degrees F.
Adapted from Relish newspaper insert
Adapted from Relish newspaper insert
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Fast & Creamy Polenta

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fast-creamy-polenta

 

Ever have one of those weeks where you feel like you just can’t breathe, but you know you have to get certain things done come heck-or-high water?  This week.  Yep.  Pretty much.  For today’s post I thumbed through my magazine clippings for a quick and easy recipe to share with you and found one that I have been wanting to try for quite a while.  How do you feel about polenta?  I have had some yummy versions over the past couple of years and found this recipe in our local paper supplement. Hope you enjoy it!

Fast & Creamy Polenta
Serves 4
"Creamy polenta (cornmeal) is to Italians what mashed potatoes are to Americans." -- relish.com
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Ingredients
  1. 4 cups water
  2. 1 t. coarse salt (I used sea salt on hand)
  3. 1 cup instant polenta
  4. 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese (where in my store is the mascarpone? I used Neufschatel)
  5. Chopped parsley
Instructions
  1. Bring water to a boil in a heavy saucepan. Add salt.
  2. Whisk in the polenta in a steady stream until well combined.
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese. Top with parsley.
Notes
  1. Okay, so this doesn't look so creamy. Apparently I thought that the tube of polenta was the instant. LOL! There is obviously another version of polenta that I did not see, and the Walmart guy and I searched everywhere! But this was still good. See how we learn as we go?
Adapted from relish.com
Adapted from relish.com
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Enchilada Sauce

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enchilada-sauce

So, this beach trip my son-in-law wanted me to mentor him in making Chile Rellenos from scratch.  I was glad to do it, since no one realizes how much work that is and having another family member aware of that will score more points for me on Christmas Eve when I am in the kitchen all day preparing our traditional Mexican meal.  I told Allen I would provide the sauce if he would do everything else.  I found this recipe on my Thrive website and I already had all of the ingredients, so it was easy to take the ingredients to the beach and make the sauce there.

Enchilada Sauce
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Ingredients
  1. 2 1/2 c. water
  2. 1 t. chili powder
  3. 1 t. cumin
  4. 1/8 t. cayenne (or chipotle powder)
  5. 1/4 t. THRIVE Chef's Choice
  6. 1 T. THRIVE Chopped Onions, Freeze Dried (I had to use fresh onion this time)
  7. 1 T. minced garlic
  8. 1 t. THRIVE Tomato Powder
  9. 2 T. THRIVE Green Chili Peppers, Freeze Dried
  10. 1/3 c. THRIVE Espagnole (Savory Beef Gravy)
  11. 1 1/2 t. lime juice
  12. 1 T. THRIVE Cilantro
  13. 14 c. sour cream
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a small pan, except sour cream, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 4-5 minutes.
  2. Puree sauce in blender until smooth.
  3. Return to pan and heat to a simmer. Turn off heat and fold in the sour cream.
  4. Use as a sauce for enchiladas or chile rellenos.
Adapted from Thrive Recipes
Adapted from Thrive Recipes
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Cake Mix Cookies

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cake mix cookies

 

If you know me at all, you know I love simple ideas with great results.  This cookie recipe fits the bill.  You can take just about any cake mix, add eggs and butter, and then just about any add-ins that you can imagine.  Here’s an idea:  yellow cake mix, macadamia nuts, white chocolate chips.  Yep, that easy. Wait, here’s another one:  Spice cake mix, walnuts, Craisins.  Oh my gosh, I can’t stop.  Enjoy.

Cake Mix Cookies
Easy, peasy cookie.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix
  2. 2 eggs
  3. 1/2 cup butter, melted
  4. 1/2 cup quick oats
  5. 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients and mix until well-blended.
  2. Use a cookie scoop to transfer dough to a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
  4. Hide from everyone until you are ready to serve.
Notes
  1. Have fun with add-ins and different flavored cake mixes!
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Ham & Veggie Skillet Dinner

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ham and veggie skillet

 

I am forever throwing stuff together into a skillet and seeing how it cooks up.  Seriously.  Do you do this, too?  I had some produce I needed to use up and some Thrive Ham Dices that I needed to use, so I just kind of cut it all up and came up with today’s post.  It was really good!  And filling!  And healthy!  The meal trifecta.  

Ham & Veggie Skillet Dinner
Delicious, healthy, quick way to use leftovers.
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Ingredients
  1. Fresh Zucchini, cut up
  2. Fresh Red Bell Pepper, cut up
  3. Fresh Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  4. Thrive Ham Dices or any diced ham
  5. Olive Oil
  6. All Purpose Seasoning
  7. Sea Salt
  8. Feta Cheese
Instructions
  1. Heat up olive oil in a medium to large skillet. Add all ingredients except cheese. Saute until veggies are cooked, but not mushy. Add in Feta Cheese and stir to combine. Serve.
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Chocolate Raspberry Shortcakes

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chocolate raspberry shortcakes

 

 

If you like a light, not too sweet dessert, this one is for you–Be forewarned:  this is not a sweet, fudgy cookie. Super easy to put together, this recipe uses Thrive Foods right from your home store.  I made the whipped topping earlier in the day and put the rest of the dessert together after work–along with making the rest of the meal–just in time for supper with friends.

Chocolate Raspberry Shortcakes
Rich chocolate shortcakes, raspberry sauce and whipped topping. Great combo.
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For the shortcakes
  1. 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  2. 1 cup Thrive White Flour *
  3. 1 cup Thrive White Sugar * ( Next time I will add a little more)
  4. 1 1/2 t. baking powder
  5. 1/2 t. Thrive Baking Soda *
  6. 1/4 t.Thrive Salt *
  7. 4 T. cold butter, cubed (original recipe calls for unsalted. I will do that next time.)
  8. 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the raspberry filling
  1. 3 cups Thrive Raspberries (freeze dried)
  2. 2 T. Thrive White Sugar, or to taste
  3. 2 t. vanilla extract
  4. Vanilla Whipped Topping (future post) or whipped topping of choice
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. To make the shortcakes: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter. Blend the mixture until it resembles a coarse meal. Add the heavy cream and stir the mixture with a fork until it forms a dough.
  3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface (should be 1/4 inch thick). Using a biscuit cutter, cut out 4 shortcakes (depending on the size of biscuit cutter you use, you will end up with more shortcakes than what you need for this recipe). Place shortcakes on a lightly greased baking sheet (I used a reusable parchment sheet), and bake for 12 minutes (a toothpick placed in center should come out clean). Put the shortcakes on a wire rack to cool.
  4. In a small bowl, cover the raspberries with warm water. Let sit for about 5-10 minutes until softened and rehydrated. Drain. In another bowl mash 3/4 cup of the raspberries with a fork, stirring in the white sugar and vanilla. Blend in the remaining raspberries.
  5. Carefully cut the shortcakes in half horizontally with a serrated knife--this was surprisingly easy to do. Transfer the bottom half of each cake to an individual plate. Place a spoonful of the raspberry sauce and a spoonful of vanilla topping on each bottom piece. Place the top parts on each dessert and dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Or maybe use clear sugar sprinkles! Yes, next time I am trying that idea.
Notes
  1. * I am finding ways to "Thrive-alize" recipes in order to use Thrive items from my home store. You can still use your regular store-bought items for this recipe.
Adapted from Thrive Cookbook
Adapted from Thrive Cookbook
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Chicken & Wild Rice Pilaf

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Chicken & Wild Rice Pilaf

I am all about quick and easy and this recipe is, as well.  I used one of our Thrive Life Express Meals–Wild Rice Pilaf–and added chicken to give it a little protein boost.  So delicious, so easy, so quick, so also goes well in a flour tortilla.  You could use your own pilaf recipe or boxed rice pilaf and leftover chopped chicken.  I tend to go to my Thrive Foods because I like to find ways to incorporate these items from my Home Store on a regular basis.  Either way, this is yummy and your family will enjoy it, especially if it keeps your kitchen time down during a laid back or busy summer.  Well, any season for that matter.

Chicken & Wild Rice Pilaf
Quick & easy side or main dish!
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Ingredients
  1. 1 pkg. Thrive Life Wild Rice Pilaf Express Meal (or your choice of pilaf)
  2. 1 - 2 cups Thrive Chopped Chicken, rehydrated
  3. Butter
Instructions
  1. Mix contents of package with 2 1/2 cups boiling water.
  2. Add 2 T. butter to the rice. Simmer for 5 minutes, covered.
  3. Let stand for 5 minutes, then add the chicken. Stir to mix well.
  4. Serve.
Adapted from Thrive Life Express Meals
Adapted from Thrive Life Express Meals
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Quick Po’Boy Sandwich

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po boy

 

Have you ever eaten a Po’ Boy sandwich?  I have had one in my entire life.  This past week we spent a few days at the beach and of course had to hit a local seafood joint to get me some shrimp!  I brought the leftovers back to the beach house.  Mostly I just ate the cold shrimp right out of the take-out carton, but one day I was thinking I should be a little more creative.  And here you have another tasty concoction from leftovers…

 

Quick Po' Boy Sandwich
Great way to use leftovers!
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Ingredients
  1. Hamburger Bun (or a baguette or other kind of roll of choice)
  2. Leftover shrimp
  3. Lettuce, shredded
  4. Mayo or mustard
Instructions
  1. Assemble your sandwich and enjoy.
Notes
  1. Po' Boys can be made of different kinds of items, so be creative!
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/

Tomato & Corn Salad

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Corn & Tomato Salad 2

 

Isn’t it fun to be creative with your leftovers?  Recently I served Slow Cooker Roast Beef, garden peas, sweet corn, and mashed potatoes for dinner when two of our missionaries from church joined us for supper.  Comfort food.  Real food.  Surprisingly, there were some leftovers of the vegetables so I used them for sides with my next meal which was a Thrive Express Meal of Fettuccine Alfredo.  (future post, so stay tuned).  I put the peas in with the Fettuccine.  That was yummy.  For the corn, I decided to combine that with some grape tomatoes that I needed to use up and added a few more things to dress it up.  So that is how we get this recipe.

Tomato & Corn Salad
Great way to use leftover veggies!
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Ingredients
  1. grape tomatoes, as many as you want
  2. Thrive Sweet Corn
  3. Thrive Green Peas
  4. Mozarella cheese, shredded
  5. Red Wine Vinegar
  6. Thrive Chef's Choice All-Purpose Seasoning
  7. Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients except the salt, and toss. Taste and then add salt as needed and toss again.
  2. Serve cold.
Mormon Mavens https://www.mormonmavens.com/