Top 50 Mom Food Bloggers

For the Love of Cooking was recently awarded one of the Top 50 Mom Food Bloggers on Babble.Com - how cool is that? Anyway, if you feel like voting for me, hop over to the link and click on the thumbs up. Hope you are having a great weekend!

Southwestern Roasted Chicken

I am in love. This is my new very favorite roasted chicken. If you read my blog you know I love Mexican food and I can't believe I never thought to put these flavors on a roasted chicken before. I can't tell you how amazing the cilantro and lime smell wafting from my oven was - my entire house smelled so good. The meat was tender, juicy and really flavorful. My husband and children loved it as much as I did. I roasted it slow and low like usual and it turned out perfect. I highly recommend making this chicken - the leftover meat makes wonderful tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, chimichangas or burritos.

Note: I didn't measure any seasonings, I simply sprinkled them all over the bird.

Southwestern Roasted Chicken:
Recipe and photos by For the Love of Cooking

• 1 4-5 lb free range chicken
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Sea salt
• Freshly cracked pepper
• Oregano
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• 1/2 sweet yellow onion, quartered
• 1 lime
• 6 cloves of garlic
• Handful of fresh cilantro

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Clean chicken and pat dry. Squeeze half the lime juice on the outside of the bird and the other half inside the cavity. Sprinkle all of the seasonings evenly over the entire bird. I season the back first then flip it over and season the breast side. Place onion and garlic inside the cavity along with the cilantro and used lime halves.

Place chicken on a roasting tray in a tinfoil lined baking dish. Place the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch bone. Roast uncovered for 3 1/2 - 4 hours or until the meat thermometer reads 180 degrees. I start basting my bird after 2 hours and repeat every 1/2 an hour after that. My chicken turns out sticky and slightly crispy. If you want crispy skin then don't baste for the last hour and turn the heat up to 350 degrees for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove from the oven and let the bird rest for AT LEAST 10 minutes before carving. Enjoy!

Click here for a printable version of this recipe - For the Love of Cooking.net

Awards:

A quick note to say thank you to The Blonde Duck for the Renee Award - I really appreciate it. Make sure you check out A Duck in Her Pond for wonderful stories and recipes.

Another thank you to Jenn for the Premio Meme Award. Thank you very much Jenn! Please check out Bread + Butter for really, really delicious recipes.

Thank you ladies.

Turkey, Swiss and Vegetable Sandwich

I was craving a healthy lunch filled with fruits and vegetables. I had some turkey, low fat Swiss cheese and loads of veggies in the fridge so I decided to make a tasty sandwich filled with good things. This was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. The flavors were fantastic. It was hearty, filling and delicious. I served with fresh grapes and strawberries for a very satisfying lunch.

• 2 pieces of good whole wheat bread
• 3 thick slices of roasted turkey breast
• Roma tomato slices
• Cucumber slices
• Avocado slices
• Handful of sprouts
• Handful of baby spinach leaves
• Thin slices of red onion
• 1 piece of low fat Swiss cheese
• Low fat mayonnaise
• Deli mustard (optional)
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Add the mayonnaise and mustard to the slices of bread. Add the turkey, spinach, tomato, sprouts, cucumber, red onion, Swiss cheese and avocado. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Click here for a printable version of this recipe

Awards:

I received the "Your Site Measures Up" award from Magnolia Mom. Thank you so much for the award, I really appreciate it.

I recieved the "Blogging with a Purpose" award from Teresa at A Blog About Food. Thanks Teresa, you made my day.

Please check out both of these food blogs - they have terrific recipes

Eggs Benedict

This is one of my very favorite breakfasts. I actually prefer bacon instead of ham on my eggs benedict, so I made it that way. There is something so amazing about lemony hollandaise sauce with the creamy yolk and salty bacon. I used the leftover hollandaise sauce I recently made and my husband and I had a delightful breakfast. This was the best eggs benedict I've ever had.

• 1 egg, poached
• 2 slices of crispy bacon
• 1/2 an English muffin
• Hollandaise sauce
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cook the bacon and reheat the hollandaise in a double boiler (add a bit of water to thin it out).

A lot of people poach eggs directly in water but I always put mine in a ramekin. In a large skillet with high sides, add 2 inches of water and bring to a boil. Add a bit of butter to a ramekin then crack the egg inside. Place the ramekin in the boiling water. Reduce heat to medium and cover with a lid. Cook for 4 minutes then remove ramekin from pan. I use a butter knife to slide around the edges of the poached egg to loosen it.

Toast the English muffin while the egg is poaching. Place the bacon on top of the toasted English muffin, add the poached egg then pour the hollandaise (as much as you want) on top. Garnish with a bit of fresh parsley and serve. Enjoy!

Click here for a printable version of this recipe

Award:

I was given this award from Hema at Adlak's Kitchen. Hema is a stay at home Mom in India and has a terrific blog with really great recipes. Make sure to check out her site. Thanks Hema - it means a lot to me.

Also, a quick shout out to The Blonde Duck who awarded me the Proximity blog award. Thanks Duckie! Visit her site for wonderful stories and great recipes.

Open Faced Turkey Sandwich

This is my new favorite sandwich! We had friends over for leftovers after Thanksgiving and I made these sandwiches for dinner. They were unbelievably tasty. I layered my mom's rolls with cranberry jelly, stuffing, turkey and gravy. I didn't have any homemade gravy so I used a packet of turkey gravy and it tasted great. The combination of flavors and textures was absolutely delicious. Our friends really loved them and so did my husband and I.

• Mom's rolls
• Cranberry sauce
• Stuffing
• Turkey
• Turkey gravy (I used a packet mix), prepared per instructions

Prepare gravy per instructions or warm up leftover homemade gravy if you have it. Cut the roll in half and spread each side with cranberry sauce. Layer with warm stuffing then turkey. Cover with gravy. Enjoy!

Click here for a printable version of this recipe

Awards:

I was given two awards recently. The Butterfly Award from Colleen at Cooking This and That. Thank you for passing this award on to me Colleen, you made my day.

I'll be passing this award on to Heather at Diary of a Fanatic Foodie. Heather's site is filled with wonderful recipes and great pictures...check it out.

I also received the Proximity award from Michelle at Chocolate and Marmalade. Thank you Michelle - I really appreciate it.

"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I was supposed to nominate 8 blogs but it's late and I am tired - sorry.

I'll be passing this on to Mary at One Perfect Bite. I recently found Mary's blog and I love it. Not only does she share great stories and memories but she also has fantastic recipes with amazing photographs. Be sure to visit her site.

Oyster Stew

My father makes an amazing oyster stew that is rich, creamy and unbelievably delicious. We always serve it at family functions and holidays. We had a small Thanksgiving this year with just my husband, my children and me. It was nice to spend time at home watching movies by the fire and making a delicious feast. I had to make my Dad's oyster stew - it's tradition. I used lower fat milk and less butter than he does but it still turned out amazing. I am not a fan of eating the oysters in the stew (I save them for my husband) but the broth is amazing with oyster crackers. My children tried it for the first time this year, my daughter just liked the broth and crackers but my son gobbled up the oysters.

Oyster Stew:

• 2 tbsp of butter (my dad uses much more)
• 1 shallot, diced finely
• 2 green onions, diced (divided)
• 1 jar of medium size oysters, chopped into pieces (reserving the liquid)
• Dash of Tabasco (optional)
• 1/2 gallon of 2% milk (my dad uses whole milk)
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Melt the butter over medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Add the shallots and half of the green onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped oysters and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes. Add the milk, oyster liquid (for a stronger oyster flavor), Tabasco, salt and pepper. Let simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours - don't let it boil. Garnish with the remainder of the green onions and serve with oyster crackers. Enjoy.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe

Award:

I was given the "Your Blog is Fabulous" award from Priscilla's Baking Adventures. Priscilla is a talented baker who happens to be 16 years old. Make sure to check out her blog for some very tasty treats. Thanks for the award Priscilla.

I'll be passing this award on to:

Kimmie from KimDeC. I have recently found Kimmie's blog and absolutely love it! She makes incredible food and takes fantastic photos. Make sure to check out her site.

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

I wanted a simple side dish for a roasted chicken. I had some baby Dutch yellow potatoes and Parmesan cheese so I decided to roast them together. Not only was this extremely easy to make it tasted great. The Parmesan was salty and crisp and made these little potatoes taste wonderful. My kids both really liked them and my husband and I loved them. I can't believe I haven't made these before.

• 9-10 small baby Dutch yellow potatoes
• 3-4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil a large pot of water and boil the potatoes for 4-5 minutes. Remove from water and let cool. Once cooled, slice into quarters and combine with olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt and black pepper as well as the Parmesan. Mix thoroughly and place in a baking dish that has been sprayed with olive oil cooking spray.

Place into the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and taste, re season with sea salt, cracked pepper, or garlic powder if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe

I received a couple of awards and tags...

Thank you to Jennifer from Jennifer's Cooking and to Emily from The Open Pantry for tagging me to to say 6 random things about myself. Here goes.

• I could eat potatoes every day of my life.
• I am originally from Idaho (probably why I love potatoes so much).
• I would pick a cinnamon, coconut or lemon dessert over chocolate.
• Cat Stevens is my all time favorite singer.
• I want to backpack through Europe with my husband and children.
• I love tent camping - can't get enough of it.

I also received the Superior Scribbler Award from Shelby at The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch. Thank you so much Shelby - you know how much I love your blog. I really appreciate you passing this on to me.

And the Uber Amazing Blog Award from The Blonde Duck at A Duck in Her Pond. Thank you Duckie - you always put a smile on my face with your writing. I really appreciate this award.

I will pass these awards on soon, but I must head to bed. My terrible cold returned this weekend and I am exhausted.

Greek Style Minestrone with Turkey and Feta Meatballs

I got this soup recipe from my friend Heather a long time ago. My husband, children and I have been fighting a nasty cold so I thought this soup would be great because it's filled with a lot of veggies. It's a vegetarian soup but the recipe notes that it's great with Italian sausage too. I went to two different grocery stores looking for linked turkey Italian sausage and they were out. I decided to make turkey meatballs with feta so I grabbed some ground turkey. The recipe called for eggplant, but I forgot to get one at the store, so I used a yellow squash instead. The soup was delicious with a hint of dill, full of garlic and veggies. The meatballs were amazing! I really loved how moist and flavorful they were. I cooked my meatballs in the skillet before I threw them in the soup. I realized after doing this that most meatballs (for soup) are cooked in the broth, I will try it that way next time. Either way, the meatballs were great and added a wonderful flavor and texture. We all, kids included, loved this soup. I served it with a Greek salad and fresh hot bread. I had leftovers for lunch the next day and it's flavor was even better.

Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 lb of ground turkey meat with Italian seasonings
• 2 tbsp sweet yellow onion, diced finely
• 2 tbsp feta cheese (I used reduced fat)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup of garlic and herb bread crumbs
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
• 1 tsp olive oil (for cooking meatballs)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and gently combine with fingers until thoroughly mixed. Roll into very small meatballs.

Add the olive oil to a skillet over medium heat, once the pan is hot add the meatballs and cook for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside.

Soup:

• 1/2 cup sweet yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, coarsely chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, coarsely chopped
• 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 6 cups of chicken stock
• 1/3 cup of long grain brown (or white) rice
• 1 15 oz can of diced tomatoes
• 1-2 tsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp of oregano
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• 1 zucchini, chopped into bite size pieces
• 1 yellow squash, chopped into bite size pieces
• 1 can small white beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cups sliced fresh spinach (about 3 ounces)
• Turkey meatballs
• 1/2 cup of feta cheese for topping

Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, stock, rice and tomatoes in a large Dutch oven, over medium heat. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium low and simmer, covered, until the vegetables and rice are tender, about 25-30 minutes.

Increase the heat to medium and add beans, meatballs, zucchini and squash. Taste and re-season if needed. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes, stirring once. Stir in spinach and simmer, uncovered, until spinach is wilted and all vegetables are tender, about 2 minutes longer. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with feta cheese. Enjoy.

Note: If not serving immediately, add the spinach just before serving to retain the bright color and prevent overcooking.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe

Award and a meme:

I've been tagged to do a meme from Annie at Yes, I want to see the dessert menu. Thanks for passing it on to me Annie.

I am to write 6 random things about myself:

1. I used to do a cooking show while doing dishes when I was a kid. I only did it when no one else was home.

2. I have a lot of freckles.

3. I met my husband at one of my best friend's wedding. He was a groomsman and I was a bridesmaid.

4. I have two very small tattoos. I got my first one when I was 21 - it's a Chinese symbol that means "to dream". I got the second one when I was 36, with 6 of my girlfriends. We all got the Chinese symbol that means "friendship".

5. I have two cats that don't get along. Sophie, our younger cat, would love to be our older cat's friend, but Casey just yowls, hisses and growls at her. Poor little Sophie.

6. I have two really great kids. They are funny, sweet, kind, silly and smart. I feel like the luckiest mom in the world.

Here are the rules:

• Link to the person who tagged you
• Post the rules on the blog
• Write 6 random things about yourself
• Tag 6 people at the end of your post
• Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog
• Let the tagger know when your entry is up

So let's play tag!

I am tagging:

• Lisa at Jersey Girl Cooks
• Paula at It's all Gouda
• Michele at Life, Lightly Salted
• Stacey at Stacey Snacks
• Heather from Diary of a Fanatic Foodie
• Cheryl at Cooking, Dunkin Style

I also got The Superior Scribbler award awhile ago from Soulchocolate at My Gourmet Kitchen. Thank you so much for passing the award on to me. Be sure to check out her website for beautiful photos that will leave you drooling.

I will pass this award on to the most talented writer I know... Miss Blonde Duck from A Duck in Her Pond. I know you already have this award but you are such a talented girl, I wanted to give you another one. ;-)

Chili

There is nothing more comforting and delicious than a big bowl of chili on a cold rainy day. I have been perfecting this recipe for 12 years. It took me many batches to find just the right combination of flavors but I think I've finally done it. My family and friends love this chili and so do I. I start cooking the chili in the morning because I love slow cooking in my Dutch oven on the stove top or inside the oven all day. Cooking slowly gives the flavors time to mingle, the meat will be tender and shredded and your house will smell wonderful! I serve this with fresh corn bread and honey butter.

• 1 1/2 lbs of stew meat (I use round steak because it's lean) diced into chunks
• 1-2 tsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 stalk of celery, diced
• 6 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1/2 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 jalapeno, diced (optional)
• 2 16 oz cans diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1 7 oz can of whole green chiles, diced
• 2 15 oz cans of tomato sauce
• 1 16 oz kidney or black beans
• 2 16 oz can chili or pinto beans

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Once the pot is hot, add beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally then add onions, celery, pepper, garlic and jalapeno (if using). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes before adding tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chiles and beans. Add all spices and vinegar, stir and either cook covered on low heat on the stove top,on low in your crock pot; or at 250 degrees in the oven. Cook all day stirring throughout the day if you can. Don't forget to take out the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy!

Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sliced green onion
• Sour cream
• Saltine Crackers
• Hot sauce

Click here for printable recipe

Awards:

I am feeling so honored by all the awards I have been given lately. I received the Kreativ Blogger from Nicole at Test Kitchen Recipes. I love Nicole's blog because she has tasty food that's always comforting and good. Thanks Nicole, I really appreciate it.

I will pass this award on to:

Aggie from Aggie's Kitchen and to Stacey from Stacey Snacks

These are two of my favorite blogs...they both have wonderful recipes and pictures.

I received the "I Love Your Blog" award from two of my favorite blogger friends. First is Marjie from Modern Day Ozzie and Harriet. Marjie is a very talented woman... she has 9 children, she has tasty recipes and she sews beautiful clothing. The other talented lady who gave me this award is The Blonde Duck from A Duck in Her Pond. She is a very creative writer who features her stories as well as wonderful recipes on her blog. Thank you ladies - it means a lot!

I will pass this award on to:

Amanda from Amanda's Cookin' and to Dawn from Vanilla Sugar

These ladies know how to cook and bake. Amanda is always making delicious meals and Dawn will tempt you with her tasty treats. Be sure to check out their sites.

I received the "I'm a Chocoholic" from Cheryl at Cooking Dunkin Style. Cheryl has a great site filled with wonderful recipes. I was given this award for my Chocolate Éclairs recipe.

I will pass this award on to:

Grace from A Southern Grace for her Monkey Muffins and Bunny Bread and to Beth from Jam and Cotted Cream for her Mars Bar Slices

Both of these recipes are on my to do list. Grace and Beth have wonderful sites filled with delicious recipes so be sure to check them out.

Girls Weekend Away!!

I have the best husband a girl could ask for. He's handsome, charming, funny and kind. He always eats everything I make for him and usually has no complaints. He also takes great care of our kids while I leave for the weekend with my girlfriends once or twice a year. Now, every Mom (especially a stay at home mom) can appreciate what a weekend away with really good friends can do for the soul. Thank you Chad - I am the luckiest girl in the world!

I am off to Sun Valley, Idaho to visit some of my oldest and dearest friends and my two sisters. I haven't been back to my hometown, for more than a day, in many years. I am anxious to see how it has changed, visit with old friends and enjoy some of my very favorite restaurants. I am also looking forward to being in the snow, playing backgammon, relaxing, not cooking, and sleeping in. I'll be back to posting next week. Cheers!

Blog Award:

I received this award from two amazing food bloggers. First is Priscilla from Priscilla's Baking Adventures, who is 16 years old, and bakes the most delicious and tempting treats. I always leave her site drooling.

The other person who gave me this award is Emily from The Open Pantry, who always has wonderful recipes, stories and pictures. Make sure you check out their sites. Thank you girls, I really appreciate the awards!

Here are the rules for this award. Please find 5 blogs, of any kind that you love to read. Write a post about the blogs you picked, linking back to them. Make sure you let them know you gave them an award.

1. Katherine from Smoky Mountain Cafe

2. Jason from Jason Cooks

3.The Blonde Duck from A Duck in Her Pond

4. Jaime from Sophistimom
5. Pam at Sidewalk Shoes

These are all excellent blogs that feature great recipes, mouth watering pictures and fun stories. Please check them out - you will love them as much as I do.

Thanks again to Priscilla and Emily for giving me this award.

Has it really been 20 years???

Oh my. I am heading out of town for my 20 year high school reunion (yes I am that old). It will be great to see all the people I grew up with. We will then head to my husbands home town for his 20 year reunion the following weekend. It will be a fun and crazy journey. See you in a week or so... Cheers.

On a side note, I recieved my first blog award from Jan at Range Warfare and I am very honored... Thank you Jan!

The award originated in Uruguay, and is given for creativity and design, see http://arteypico.blogspot.com/ for more information.

Here are the rules that accompany this award.

1. Choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and their contribution to the blogging community.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name of and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.

4. The award winner and the one who has given the prize has to show the link of Arte Y Pico blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5. Show these rules.

It's not easy to pick five blogs because I have so many favorites but here it goes in no particular order...

• Nina at My Easy Cooking because I love her recipe ideas and she takes the most beautiful pictures.
• Elle at Elle's New England Kitchen because she tells great stories, takes lovely pictures and makes tasty dishes.
• Amy from Nook & Pantry because her blog is beautifully done and her recipes always look so delicious.
• Kristin from The Kitchen Sink because it's a well written blog with beautiful photos and great recipes.
• Paula from It's all Gouda because I love visiting her blog, reading her stories and seeing what delicious recipes she comes up with.