Recipe #20: Pineapple Whip

Brian and I love finding recipes on Pinterest and added them to our snacks rotation.  So far we have added Banana Ice cream, Muffin Pan Meatloaf, Crockpot Mac and Cheese (Yummm!), Fried Bananas and Apple Ice cream.  After trying these recipes, we usually adapt them to our liking.  Two weeks ago, we found Pineapple Whips on Pinterest!

Recipe from Detoxinista.

Also called "Dole Whip,"  this dairy-free pineapple sorbet can be found at Disneyland or the Dole Plantation in Hawaii.  I've never had the opportunity to try this, so I thought this would be pretty cool to make the homemade version.  The original homemade recipe calls for 3 ingredients; one being 1/4 cups of sugar.  What I love about Detoxinista's recipe is that she substitutes the sugar with honey.  Also, I already had almond milk and pineapples in my refrigerator, so it made me want to try it even more.

Here is her recipe:

Pineapple Whip

Author: Detoxinista.com

Serves: 4-6

 

A creamy, fruit-based soft serve dessert!

Ingredients

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and chopped
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for authentic sweetness)

Instructions

1. To get started, you’ll want to freeze the pineapple chunks. I chopped mine a day ahead of time, and froze the chunks overnight. You could also purchase frozen pineapple, if you prefer. As you can see from the picture below, the frozen pineapple reached the 6.5 – 7 cup mark on my blender pitcher.
2. This recipe works best in a high-speed blender, like the Vitamix, because you’ll need to be able to pulverize the frozen pineapple into an ice-cream-like consistency. A normal blender will most likely not work, but a food processor might.
3. Combine the frozen pineapple with the almond milk and honey, then blend until a frozen sorbet texture is achieved.
4. For an authentic Dole Whip presentation, transfer the frozen dessert to a large plastic bag, and cut off the tip to create a piping bag. Pipe the pineapple whip into 4-6 dishes, and serve immediately!
5. Any leftovers can be frozen in an ice cube tray, and used in smoothies later.

Annnnd here are my results:
When I originally tried this, I didn't have frozen pineapples.  I tried it with chilled pineapples and froze the leftovers .  Later, I actually brought frozen pineapples and tried it Detoxinista's way.  The third try was way yummier.

First try: (with chilled, non-frozen pineapple)

This tasted like slushie.

Second try aka Brian's version: (with orange sherbet)
We tried it with orange creamsicle ice cream to try it frozen.

We over blended this one, but I love orange and pineapple together.

Third try: (with frozen pineapples)

This yummy treat was fun to make with Brian and I can't wait to try it again!  Next time, I might add mango.

Recipe #19: Superbowl Snacks

This year, Brian and I decided to make some snacks for the Superbowl.  It's just the two of us so we made two of our favorite snacks: fries and nachos.

For my dish, I revisited my copycat Chili's Texas Cheese Fries.  Last year, I didn't take pictures of the results; so Superbowl gave me the opportunity to do so.  Also, I LOVE FRIES!

Homemade Texas Cheese Fries (from Chili's)
Ingredients:
-Bag of frozen french fries
-Jar of jalapenos
-Sprinkled sharp cheese
-Bacon bits
-Ranch dressing

Directions:
-Cook fries using the directions from the bag.
-Pour sprinkled cheese, peppers and bacon bits over the cooked fries.
-Put it in the oven for 2 minutes, or until cheese has melted.  You can also microwave it for 15-20 seconds.
-Serve with ranch dressing.

Results:
I made two pans of these and we could barely get through the first batch.  They filled me up so fast that I couldn't enjoy the next dish like I wanted.  It was still yummy.

Brian dish was based off a recipe he saw on the Today show called the Nachos Nirvana.  This recipe is a casserole of layered yumminess.  Brian cut the recipe in half since it was the two of us.

Nachos Nirvana
Ingredients:
-1 bag of Sprinkled sharp cheese
-1 Bag of nachos
-1 bag of cooked pulled pork
-Black beans
-Sour cream

Directions:
-Preheat the oven to 350.
-Top a pan of nachos with cheese, pulled pork and black beans.
-Repeat.
-Put the casserole in the oven for 20-30 minutes.
-Top with cold toppings: sour cream, guacamole, etc.

Results:
Another dish that was A LOT of food for both of us. 

Aside from the two dishes, we also made pizza rolls!

Enjoy the game everyone!

Married Monday: Weekend Recap 7/30 & Recipes

This weekend, I was on a cooking spree.  In between looking at the Olympics, I had eggs and casseroles on my mind.  Over the past couple of days I found a couple of egg casserole recipes and came across Crock Pot Mac and Cheese!  Every time I made mac and cheese, my recipe always came out overcooked.  With the slow cooker, the noodles were able to slow bake and become super cheesy.  I started off a little late on Saturday, so I couldn't make the salmon that I planned, but I added leftover BBQ chicken and it was awesome.  I think Brian loved it too.  Here are the results:

On Sunday, I finally got to make my Salmon.  I really thought I posted this recipe before, but I guess I will post it again :-).

Ingredients:
-Sliced Onions
-4 teaspoon of butter
-Cleaned Salmon (the number is up to you)
-Aluminum foil
-Seasoning (your choice, I usually just do pepper)

Directions:
-Preheat oven to 400 degrees
-On a baking sheet, loosely place the foil.
-Place Salmon in the middle of the foil and put a teaspoon of butter on all 4 corners.
-Place seasoning and onions on the salmon.
-Carefully seal all edges of the foil to form enclosed packets.
-Place sheet in the oven for 30 minutes and tadaaaa! (make sure the fish is cooked completely through!)

I used yesterday's mac and cheese with the Salmon and it was so yummy! 

Tomorrow, I will let you know how Mr. Tibbs liked the Olympics :-).

Recipe #17: Toasted Marshmallow Shortcake

This weekend, before my wireless internet went out, I made a dessert I found on Pinterest.  The dessert is called Toasted Marshmallow Squares.


Source: Joy the Baker

As delicious as this recipe was, we didn't have some of the ingredients to make the squares.  To improvise, I used the shortcake recipe I found on the back of a bisquick box and used the toppings Joy suggested on her recipe.  With this recipe, I was surprised that she didn't turn it into smores and use Nutella.  I was kinda hesitant about using jam and marshmallows together...but I didn't know what kind of yummy treat I had waiting for me!

Ingredients:
Strawberry Jam
Marshmallows
1 cup of Bisquick
2 tablespoons of sugar
1/3 cup of milk

PicMonkey finally has a collage feature!

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  In a medium bowl, mix the bisquick, milk and sugar.
2. Drop 4 spoonfuls of the mix onto an ungreased pan.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Cut the shortcake in halves.
5. Top the shortcake with jam and marshmallows.  I used the marshmallows that were already precut and used for smores.
6. Set the oven on broil and toast till the marshmallows are lightly toasted.
7. Enjoy!

Results:
Mines came out realllllllly sweet!  Next time, I will cut out the sugar in the shortbread because the jam and marshmallows make up for it.  Also, when cutting the shortbread, make sure you cut it evenly.  Some of my halves came out small.  Other than that, the recipe was delicious!

Thanks Joy for the yummy recipe!

Weekend Recap - The life of a bird owner

This weekend, Brian and I did nothing special.  On Saturday, we realized that we had one more month till our first anniversary, so that was pretty awesome.  Even though our weekend was boring, Mr. Tibbs made sure that he provided enough fun for TibbyTV!

I found out what Mr. Tibbs usually does after we cover him up for bed.  He plays with his toys and then sits there.

Mr. Tibbs hates being the smallest one in the house, so he sits on top of his cage when we get near his cage.

Sitting on my hand after flirting (well whisting) at the sound of my mother-in-law's voice.  He loves the ladies.

And he let us take a nap without doing this!  Since I didn't get to see him before I left for work this morning, I will be giving him a big treat when I get home.  Go  Mr. Tibbs!

Recipe #16: Chicken Potato Casserole

On Friday, Brian went to an event with our church, so I decided to surprise him with a Chicken Potato Casserole.  I'm too lazy to put the recipe up here right now but the recipe called for cream of mushroom.  At the time, I only had cream of celery in the house so I replaced it.  I also used leftover curry chicken we had and added after I poured the cream the celery over the casserole.  We were able to eat off of it for 2 days.  Go me!

Results:

TibbyTV - The Weekend Series:
Also, I had the opportunity to bond with Mr. Tibbs a little more.  Not only did I achieve to get back on his good side, I managed to brighten his day.
 

Mr. Tibbs on his window perch.

Even Brian spoiled him a bit.  Brian singing his bedtime song to him.

   

Recipe #15: Banana Fritters

No work + Meeting in 2 hours = Blogging time.

On Monday, I was on a fruit kick.  We had just did groceries and I wanted dessert badly.  During lunch, I had probably found 5 different ways on Pinterest on how to make a banana and apple dessert.

I emailed Brian the recipes and by 630pm, we decided on which recipes was going to be ours...

Banana Fritters

http://www.marthastewart.com/349036/banana-fritters

Ingredients:

• 6 ripe bananas
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions:

1. "In a large bowl, mash the bananas and blend in the eggs. Stir in the flour. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Drop spoonfuls (2 to 3 inches in diameter) of the batter into the hot oil. Reduce the heat to medium. When bubbles begin to appear, turn and cook the other side until golden brown. Repeat the process until all the batter is used up, keeping the cooked fritters in a warm oven. Serve them with maple syrup or honey."

Results:

We didn't have honey at home because I left it at work, so we topped ours with cool whip.  We had a total of 16 fritters and they were gone within 10 minutes.  It was really good!  Too bad we ran out of bananas :-(.

Recipe #14: Frozen Nutella Hot Chocolate

Last night, I had the house to myself.  Brian was at choir rehearsal and Mr. Tibbs and I had to fend for ourselves.  First, I decided to eat dinner with Mr. Tibbs.  Before I was married, I use to bring my dinner up stairs and watch t.v.  I was scared to eat myself down stairs at the time, and Mr. Tibbs enjoyed the company.  Once he saw me take a bite, he would climb from his perch to his food bowl and would proceed to eat his food.  Birds of a feather flock together.

Afterwards, I picked him up and we watched t.v. together.  I don't know if it was because we were by ourselves, but Mr. Tibbs was a sweetie.  He got really close to my neck and if my hair got too close to him, he didn't bite me.  Yay!  After I put him back at his cage, I gave him a treat and washed my arms. 

Yawwwwwn!

Finally, I decided to make a treat for myself. I had 30 minutes until Vampire Diaries, and something on Pinterest sparked my interest (hey I rhymed!)...Frozen Hot Chocolate!

I combined these two recipes to make a Nutella mixture:


Frozen Hot Chocolate

Nutella Hot Chocolate

I added and took out some ingredients and here is what I came up with:

Frozen Nutella Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 3 Tsp of Nutella
• 1 pack of hot chocolate mix
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 cups ice
• Whipped cream, for garnish
• Chocolate shavings, for garnish

Directions: 

• Melt Nutella in a small saucepan. 
• "Stir occasionally until melted. Add the hot chocolate mix, stirring constantly until blended."
• "Remove from heat and slowly add 1/2 cup of the milk, stirring until smooth. Cool to room temperature."
• "In a blender, place the remaining 1 cup of milk, the chocolate mixture, and the ice. Blend on high speed until smooth and the consistency of a frozen daiquiri. Pour into a giant goblet and top with whipped cram and chocolate shavings."

Results:

Yum!  I'm making it again tonight with whipped cream toppings. :-) 

Updated pictures to come!

Recipe #13: Homemade Texas Cheese Fries (from Chili's)

Last month, Brian and I got a gift card to Chili's for our Birthday/Christmas from his parents.  Since we usually don't go out that much, we decided to go out one Saturday for lunch.  Before we went, we looked at their menu online to get a feel of what we wanted.  We decided to get their 2 for $20 meal.  For our appetizer we got their Texas Cheese fries.  Chili's Texas Cheese fries are covered with "applewood smoked bacon, jalapeños and green onions and it is served with ranch dressing."  Can we say yummy?! 

We decided to try our own after I begged Brian for some more.  After our first failed attempt, we tried it again yesterday.  I wish I would have taken pictures because it looked just like Chili's, except that we used crinkle fries.  Here is our recipe:


Pic: Chilis.com

Homemade Texas Cheese Fries (from Chili's)

Ingredients:
-Bag of frozen french fries
-Jar of jalapenos
-Sprinkled sharp cheese
-Bacon bits
-Ranch dressing

Directions:
-Cook fries using the directions from the bag.
-On a plate, pour cooked fries on it and top with sprinkled cheese, peppers and bacon bits.
-Put it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or until cheese has melted.
-Serve with ranch dressing.

Next time, I will try it using my Homemade french fries recipe!

----------------

February 3, 2013
See my updated post about how I made these fries for the Superbowl!  Click here.

Recipe #12: Nutella Mug Cake and Nutella Ice Cream

Brian and I made these recipes about two days ago.  Usually I post right away, but Brian called me out about my "hyperness" after we ate these.  He said that I was giggling and if I wasn't laying down in the bed, I probably would have been jumping up and down.  As fast as I got hyper from all the sugar, I crashed just as fast.  So here we are two days later.  But beware!  The recipe I'm about to give you is so sweet and yummy, that you might go into sugar coma ;-).

I found both of these recipes on Pinterest and since I was making turkey burgers for Brian that night, I wanted him to have dessert too.

Nutella Ice Cream

Source: rumkihn.com via Chela on Pinterest

 

Ingredients:
1 cup of Nutella
6 Bananas (I only used one)

Directions:
-Blend until smooth and freeze!

I made these the night before so I could have something to go with our...

Nutella Mug Cake:

Source: blogs.babble.com via Chela on Pinterest

 

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons self rising flour
4 tablespoons white granulated sugar (I'm removing this next time.  Nutella and cocoa are already sweet, so what is the point of more sugar?  Especially 4 tablespoons!)
1 egg
3 tablespoons cocoa powder (Hot chocolate mix worked just as fine.)
3 tablespoons Nutella
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil

Directions:
-Combine and mix ingredients in a large mug.

-Heat in the microwave for 1 1/2 - 3 minutes.

-Top with your favorite ingredients.  We used the Nutella Ice Cream for ours!

Results:
Delicious but SWEET!  I made this before, but without the Nutella and it was just as good.  Next time, we will be taking out the sugar because cocoa and Nutella are already sweet.  Also, watch for spillage when the ingredients rise out of the mug.  Below is Brian's mug.  The cake dripped all over the edge of his mug and we had to put down a napkin in the microwave to catch it.