Category Archives: Nico in the Kitchen

Dec 2

November’s Tasty Treats

While searching for photos for the month of November, I quickly realized that I hardly took any photos in November… I guess it really was a busy month. I do have a few to share from the kitchen. By the way, the kitchen is still a mess from Thanksgiving. I swear the next house that we live in is going to have a dishwasher, maybe two of them.

I’ve been making a lot of muffins lately. This is a tasty batch of banana ones.

Also, this happened… I have to have at least one when they are back!

Ugh, lazy Sunday morning.

In November I tried out a few new recipes. I used a breadmaker recipe for Coffee-cake.

I used the same recipe to make a quick batch of breadmaker Cinnamon Rolls. They worked out nicely, and cut down the proofing time considerably.

I also tested a batch of Wheat Rolls for Thanksgiving. I love a big pile of dough, just waiting to be made into something tasty.

The rolls turned out beautifully, and the family approved too. The Wheat Rolls were delicious.

Then Thanksgiving happened, and I cooked for four days straight. I was so stinking busy cooking, and cleaning, that I didn’t get any photos to share. I assure you it was tasty, and I made seven pies and two cakes.

Weekend breakfast, leftover Pumpkin Bundt Cake with cream cheese frosting. It was so sweet and tasty.

December is here, and I’m still tired from Thanksgiving. I haven’t started on Christmas cookies just yet, but I am stocked up and ready to go.

 

Dec 1

December’s Monthly Menu

Holy moly it is December! Seriously, just where did 2014 go… The kids have a short month at school, and a long Christmas break ahead. I just hope that the weather is kind for a bit longer. I was planning this menu during the Football games yesterday. I kept looking at the calendar, but hadn’t realized that it was the last day of the month. I’m keeping our monthly dinner menu simple, and also items that I can keep stocked up, just in case the snow arrives early.

  • 12/1/2014: Spaghetti, Green Beans, Black Olives, and Dinner Rolls
  • 12/2/2014: Turkey Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, Homemade Bread, and Chocolate Bundt Cake
  • 12/3/2014: Beef Burritos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 12/4/2014: Salmon Bites, Salad, and Breadstick Dinner Rolls
  • 12/5/2014: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 12/6/2014: Cinnamon Rolls, Toast, Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, and Orange Juice
  • 12/7/2014: Pot Roast with Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
  • 12/8/2014: Chicken Burritos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 12/9/2014: Grilled Chicken, Black beans and Rice, Hominy, and Wheat Rolls
  • 12/10/2014: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 12/11/2014: Homemade Beef Rice-a-Roni, Green Beans, Hominy,  and Breadstick Dinner Rolls
  • 12/12/2014: Quesadillas, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 12/13/2014: Pancakes and Bacon
  • 12/14/2014: Grilled Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, and Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
  • 12/15/2014: Beef Burritos, Black beans and Rice, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 12/16/2014: Homemade Chicken Rice-a-Roni, Hominy, Green Beans, and Dinner Rolls
  • 12/17/2014: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 12/18/2014: Panko Chicken Sandwiches, and Fries
  • 12/19/2014: Chicken Burritos, Black beans and Rice, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 12/20/2014: Toast, Muffins, Bacon, and Fresh Fruit
  • 12/21/2014: Chili, Saltines, and Cornbread
  • 12/22/2014: Panko Popcorn Chicken and Fries
  • 12/23/2014: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 12/24/2014: Homemade Chicken Rice-a-Roni, Hominy, and Dinner Rolls
  • 12/25/2014: Merry Christmas, and Feliz Navidad! I’m thinking after all of the Thanksgiving goodness, time to mix it up a bit for Christmas. I’m thinking a tasty buffet filled with delicious homemade Mexican foods, and desserts. I wonder if the family will be up for it?
  • 12/26/2014: Pot Roast with Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
  • 12/27/2014: Pancakes and Bacon
  • 12/28/2014: Panko Chicken Strips, Spaghetti, Green Beans, Hominy, and Homemade Bread
  • 12/29/2014: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 12/30/2014: Chili, Saltines, and Cornbread
  • 12/31/2014: Grilled Chicken, Butter Noodles, Green Beans, Hominy, and Butter Rolls

Happy December everybody! Time to make a shopping list and get to it.

 

 

Nov 26

What’s On The Menu

I’ve been planning the Thanksgiving menu for quite awhile. I love Thanksgiving, and I really do love to cook. Since we have a lot of shoppers in the family (not me ) I serve the big meal for lunch. I then make a big snack buffet for dinner. There are plenty of yummy snacks for return shoppers, or for those who want to stick around and watch the games.

I started cooking what I could on Monday. I did a little more cooking on Tuesday. Pie Baking day is Wednesday. The rest of the sides and big items will be made on Thanksgiving.

So here is what I’ve got planned for the day:

Thanksgiving Lunch:

  • Turkey, Ham
  • Dinner Rolls: breadstick rolls, cloverleaf rolls, and wheat rolls
  • Green bean casserole, and corn casserole
  • Stuffing
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes (I think I’m the only one who eats them)
  • Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
  • Chicken and Noodles (a kansas staple)

Thanksgiving Dinner: Snack Buffet

  • BBQ Lil Smokies
  • Ham and Cheese Rolls
  • Chex Mix (triple batch)
  • Chips, Pretzels, and Dip
  • Veggie Tray
  • Fruit Tray with Fruit Dip
  • Cheese, Crackers, and Meat Tray
  • Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Lemon Poppyseed Bundt cake with Orange Glaze

Desserts:

  • Black & Blue Pie
  • RR Cherry Pie
  • Dutch Apple Pie
  • Coconut Cream Pie with Meringue
  • Pumpkin Pie
  • Chocolate Cream Pie
  • Homemade Whipped Cream

 

 

 

Nov 20

One Week To GO!

I am so excited for Thanksgiving. I’ve been making my lists and prepping a few dishes ahead too. I really hope that I get everything done in time.

I tested out a batch of Wheat Rolls last night. The family approved, so they will be added to the menu.

I can’t wait to start making pies! I’m planning a snack buffet for the evening, and maybe I’ll have to sneak in another dessert there too.

I’ll be finishing up the shopping on Monday, I’m so excited I just can’t wait! What about you… What is left on your Thanksgiving to do list?