Smashed Potato with Avocado - Little Man's Lunch Choice

As Little Man gets older, he shows more and more interest in the preparation of meals. He grabs his stool and joins me to "wook"...which really means, I do the cooking and he does the tasting.

 

He's recently started having preferences so I allow him to choose what he'd like to eat. Some days it's cottage cheese, other days it's apple pie...he keeps me on my toes.

 

This day, he selected potato and avocado. To encourage his creativity, I channeled mine...and this is what we made. He enjoyed helping...and surprisingly...we both enjoyed eating!

 

I encourage you to try it, this toddler has good taste! Look out, Bobby Flay!

 

Pardon the blue fingers, he chose berries for a snack and well, three days later...they're back to normal.

 

Ingredients:

1 red potato, washed

1/2 avocado

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons ranch dressing
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Pepper to taste

Diced ham (optional)

 

Once potato is rinsed, drizzle with olive oil (about a tablespoon) and rub to coat.

 

Sprinkle both sides with garlic salt. Pierce all sides with fork. Bake in 350 degree oven for 35-45 minutes (longer if the potato is extra large). If you're in a time crunch, you can also microwave for 7-10 minutes (rotating every two minutes).

Once potato is cooked and tender, slice avocado in half (horizontally). Scoop 1/2 out with spoon and placed sliced side down on hot skillet or griddle for about 1-2 minutes. Flip and do the same on back (this is to slightly heat the avocado and make it creamy).

While avocado is heating, in small mixing bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing until well blended (it will take a little persistence but you can do it).

Once potato is slightly cooled (not scalding "hot potato, hot potato" hot), smash to about 1 inch thick. I used the bottom of a mason jar because I've yet to find something it can't be used for (weird sentence alert)!

Place potato on plate with 1/2 of avocado.

Drizzle ranch mixture generously over potato (this will act as your moisture instead of half a stick of butter...which makes everything better in my book).

Top with salt and pepper, finish will a sprinkle of diced ham (completely optional).

Maybe I should let him choose my lunch because this was sinfully easy and wonderfully delicious!

Disclaimer: Even though this seems like world's strangest recipe, the point of this post is to inspire you to get creative. Take a few unlikely ingredients and see what you can create. See cooking through the eyes of a child and I promise, it will be so much more fun!

I give you permission to play with your food...ready...set...GO!

Inspired to cook!

Back in December, I shared with you the next chapter of S&S would be Cooking with Courtney classes. I made the decision to partner with North Texas Farm & Ranch Magazine and share with other busy women, the joy of cooking.

 

The first class was held in January and it was nothing like I planned. Another illustration of God doing what He does best. I envisioned an instructional class, where we discussed recipes and tips. The ladies attending had other ideas, they wanted to COOK!

 

Cue the hand to the forehead.

 

With recipes in hand, I stepped aside and let them take the kitchen reins. I was present in strictly a supervisory capacity and loved every minute of it.

 

With two months under our belts, new friendships are being formed.

 

 

New recipes are being mastered.

 

And laughter always fills the room...so much laughter.

 

Watching the seed that God planted in my heart become a harvest has been priceless. Cooking ruts, be gone...these ladies are ready for anything (even the burned dessert we repurposed from strawberry shortcake stacks to strawberry shortcake crumble...it was delicious)!

 

Teaching, sharing, cooking, and let's not forget...eating...with each other has inspired a new love of cooking...even in me.

 

As if that wasn't enough, I also get to exercise my "giving" muscle and send every class attendee on their merry way with one of my favorite kitchen items. You get a spatula, you get a spatula, you get a spatula!

 

If you want more information on classes, email me or follow S&S on Facebook.

 

Cooking doesn't have to be hard...just inspired!

 

2014 stretched me!

I read a quote once that changed my life..."A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions." (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. )

This week marks my one year anniversary in the blogosphere. One whole year, sharing my life...and its beautiful chaos...with you.

Whether you've been with me from the start, or are just tuning in, this blog has exposed me to a multitude of new experiences (and many firsts). Here's a look back...

The journey began with my first post, The Reason I write Letters. It was dedicated to my sweet, letter-writing Memaw and illustrated why a handwritten note is so priceless to me. Thank You Thursday (a campaign designed to inspire people to dedicate one day a week to thank you notes) was born! It's now a recognizable hashtag! #thankyouthursday

I shared my Mom's famous Cricket Cookie recipe, which has become an outright S&S Reader Favorite. I've had more messages and comments related to this recipe than any other. Follow the recipe exactly or branch out and add a few more ingredients, it's still a testimony to the delicious simplicity in life we all seek! 

As I began to get my feet wet, I felt comfortable enough to publicly proclaim my new love of Brussels sprouts (and learned I'd been pronouncing them "brussel sprouts" all these years)! I have since joined a "sprout fanatics" support group.

And let's not forget, one of my finer moments, when I actually posted the phrase "when you're feverishly rolling your balls" while posting three days of Meatball Trifecta recipes. Mmm hmm, it's officially out there for the world to read. I've since joined a "no filter" support group.

I said goodbye to an old friend and you cried with me.

I met a few new ones and you rejoiced with me. 

I became part of the North Texas Farm & Ranch Magazine family as a monthly food columnist, which still seems surreal considering I once googled "How to boil an egg"!

In January, we kicked off Cooking with Courtney classes, which seems even more surreal considering I once added coca-cola to a recipe that called for "soda"!

In the midst of all this stretching, I continued my most important role as Super Hunk's wife and Little Man's Mom.

"A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions." 

2014 has stretched me. It redefined the parameters of my brain. Its opportunities developed me to the point where I will never be able to return to my old dimensions. Glory be to God!

I pray your 2015 is full of experiences that stretch you beyond your comprehension. Thank you for being part of my journey!

A Spot of Tea

It was a day of tea and etiquette with two of my favorite ladies. Let me clarify, it was NOT High Tea. Apparently, High Tea first began after a hard day of men plowing the fields. Tea was served with savory foods (such as sausage) while sitting at high tables. There was no fine china, delectables, or frilly hats. I prefer today's Victorian tea and glad I now know the difference.

Our table mates were four swanky ladies, oozing with society class and jewelry I can only guess were family heirlooms. My bobbles were clearance items at Dillard's but it's not what you have but how you carry it. Right? The conversation was lovely and I'm certain we have at least two new acquaintances (the other two seemed as if they had enough friends).

Why don't women wear hats more often? The room was a sea of color, bows, and feathers. In my opinion, hats make you walk a little taller (partially because your spacial recognition is distorted by the large circumference of your head).

Seeing my name next to a place setting of fine china makes my etiquette insides dance a jig!

This tray of goodness was almost too pretty to eat but I took one for the team...or three!

What is it about "steeping" that automatically elevates the caffeine consumption experience to high-class?

And we're back to "plain folks" by attempting a silly selfie. It was delightful to be transported to the Victorian era for a few hours, sharing it with my dear friends, and realizing I should never take selfies!

 

 

You're never prepared for goodbye!

It's been a week since we said goodbye to our sweet Old Man. I've wanted to post this numerous times but couldn't see through my tears. 

Today, the sun is shining and it's his favorite kind of day so this tribute only seemed appropriate.

Even though he was 16, you're never prepared for their absence. We tried to mentally accept our limited time but our heads couldn't convince our hearts.

I met this sweet face six years ago when I started dating Super Hunk. The story goes...I knew right away Super Hunk was the man for me but I fell in love with his dog first. 

Just look at this face...

He had a howl that sent chills up your spine. It was so awful, you couldn't help but love it. He was never any trouble and required very little. In fact, much like Super Hunk, he preferred to observe instead of participate.

Until it came to snuggles. He'd come, for a brief moment, to fill his love cup...

And then he was done. Just enough to say "I love you"...but not too much to be considered a nuisance.

He was the silent, strong, leader of our pack.

Happy everywhere and never met a stranger.

Like many dogs, he liked balls...even things resembling balls...like a tomato that fell from my grocery bag. "There's something not right about this round thing."

But, at the end of the day, the frisbee had his heart. He loved nothing more...and could care less if others were around or not. To him, it was all he needed for complete and utter happiness.

So I dedicate this to the easiest dog I've ever loved. He and his frisbee will always hold a special, quiet place in my heart!

RIP Fitzgerald, "Old Man"

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." ~ Winnie the Pooh

The Pitiful Pancake

I love to give gifts...and you reap what you sow. Therefore, I'm surrounded by gift-givers...loving, generous, thoughtful gift-givers.

 

One of them happens to be my oldest friend, Bee...or "Aunt Bee", as we like to call her. We've been connected at the hip since we were twelve, talking on our swatch phones, jamming to my pink radio, and tight-rolling our jeans (my feet are still numb).

 

She sends packages you can't wait to open because you're sure a monkey with a tiara will jump out, playing the accordion, and holding a "you're super sparkly" sign. Giving is literally her spiritual gift...when God created her, he ran her through that line twice!

 

She recently snagged these pancake rings for Little Man and, once again, "High five, Aunt Bee"!

 

 

Anxious to see Little Man's face over breakfast, I whipped up a batch of his favorite Cinnamon Pecan Pancake batter...spritzed a little cooking spray...and began creating breakfast magic. I was so confident, I automatically crowned myself "Super Mom"!

 

Then, this happened...

 

Attempt #1: Super fail! Crucial aircraft malfunction and major automobile collision. My tiara is tarnishing.

 

 

Attempt #2: A little better. Aircraft still in flight and only minor body work repairs for the automobile. The villagers are getting restless and if I don't feed them soon, there might be a riot!

 

Attempt #3: Third time is a charm (and a little well done)! I may not be Super Mom but I'm determined to not be defeated by a pitiful little pancake!

 

The moral of this story...if at first you don't succeed, it doesn't matter. Keep trying, tasty treats are still delicious...no matter what they look like. And a boy can spot a misshapen airplane a mile away! 

 

Thank you, Aunt Bee, for another fun gift...my pancakes are pitiful no more! (To purchase a set of your own, click here for ordering details.)

 

PS. If you need a trusty, yummy pancake recipe...this is our family favorite. Enjoy!

 

Cinnamon Pecan Pancakes

2 eggs

3/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 cup flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

 

Mix it all in medium bowl, pour it on a hot skillet (or griddle), flip, and tada...breakfast is served!

Lasagna Soup

It's cold again, praise the Lord! I was mildly concerned the 60-80 degree weather was here to stay, this girl (with screaming white legs) was a donkey on the edge! 

In honor of wonderfully warm fires and sweaters with boots, I'm throwing on a pot of our family favorite...Lasagna Soup!

I introduced you to this little bit of liquid goodness in my original Let's Have a Soupapalooza post. In case you missed it, here's a step-by-step (with a few minor Courtney modifications).

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

(8) oz. lasagna noodles, crumbled (about 10 noodles)

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1/2 lb. Italian sausage, browned

1 cup sliced white mushrooms

1 cup grated zucchini 

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 can fire roasted tomatoes (this makes all the difference)

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup water

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for sprinkling on top)

1/4 cup heavy cream

Bring large pot of salted water to a boil and add noodle pieces.

While noodles are cooking, heat olive oil in skillet and add chopped onions. Sauté until slightly translucent. Add garlic, oregano, and tomato paste. Stir until combined.

When noodles are cooked, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat. Don't worry if the noodles aren't completely cooked, the boiling and simmering of the soup will finish cooking them.

Add chicken broth, water, and can of fire roasted tomatoes to pot.

Stir and add paste onion mixture. Can I just drink this?

Next, add cooked sausage, sliced mushrooms, and grated zucchini to pot.

Cook over medium-high heat for a few minutes, bringing to boil. Reduce heat to low and cover, allowing to simmer for 10 minutes.

Add cream, stir...and try not to drool in the pot.

Finally, top with cheese and fresh Basil.

The soup gave me an excuse to make garlic cheese rolls...which made my tummy very happy!

This photo, on the other hand, made me realize I'm in desperate need of a manicure.

You think I can bring my soup?