Category Archives: Nico in the Kitchen

Aug 4

July’s Tasty Treats

July went by in a blur. I spent a lot of time in the kitchen. I made some family favorites, and tried a few new recipes too. Here’s what was going on in my kitchen….

Even though we are right in the middle of Summer, I missed Autumn. Nothing says Autumn comfort foods like Chicken and Noodles complete with Pumpkin Pie. I also made a big pan of Cookie Bars. The kids love them.

I made some Noodles from scratch too.

Our Autumn meal also included a big batch of Butter Rolls

When the Fourth of July Rolled around, I made a few pies.

I made an Apricot, in my Great-Grandmother’s pie tin.

I also made a Cherry pie inspired by Twin Peaks.

I think it was worthy of the Double R, and it has become James’ new favorite too.

This Summer I’ve been wanting to sneak in new recipes, and try a few new skills out. I decided to teach myself how to grill, and also how to make a mean batch of wings before Football season.

I accomplished my goals, and the family approved too.

I baked a ton of cookies. Some were for the crew working on our house, some were for my hubby’s workplace, some were for home, and somehow I used 10lbs of flour in a week.

I made a Strawberry Pie that nobody tried.

I also made some Mini Cherry Birthday Pies for a friend of ours.

I had a few leftover ingredients, so I made a batch of Cherry Pie Bars for us.

They were buttery, messy, and so delicious.

Lastly I tweaked a Bread-stick recipe, and made dinner rolls instead.

They were a big hit with the family. They are a quick side dish too.

Now that August has arrived, it is time to get to the store and stock up the kitchen. Dylan has put in a request for Chocolate Whoopie Pies, so I had better get to it.

Aug 2

Monthly Menu: August

Hello August, and hello to the last month of Summer break. One more addition to August’s menu is one that I am happy about, take-out Friday’s! We’ve stumbled across some pretty awesome coupons, and I really don’t mind a night out of the kitchen. The kids are pretty happy about it too.

I’ve been working on trimming our weekly grocery budget, and I hope to stay on track this month with August’s monthly menu.

  • 8/1/2014: Take-out night: Sugarfoot and Peaches, local super-tasty BBQ
  • 8/2/2014: Cinnamon Rolls, Bacon, Breakfast Potatoes, and Scrambled Eggs
  • 8/3/2014: Pot Roast with Potatoes, and Butter Rolls
  • 8/4/2014: Tacos, Homemade Salsa, Cheese Dip, and Tortilla Chips
  • 8/5/2014: Panko Chicken Tenders, Hominy, and Mashed Potatoes
  • 8/6/2014: Chicken Burritos, Tortilla Chips, Homemade Salsa, Cheese Dip, and Re-fried Beans
  • 8/7/2014: Panko Popcorn Chicken and Tater Tots
  • 8/8/2014: Take-out night!
  • 8/9/2014: Pancakes and Bacon
  • 8/10/2014: Chicken Noodles, Mashed Potatoes, Dinner Rolls, and Chocolate Bundt Cake
  • 8/11/2014: Quesadillas, Tortilla Chips, Homemade Salsa, and Cheese Dip
  • 8/12/2014: Salmon Bites, Salad, and Homemade Garlic butter Rolls
  • 8/13/2014: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, Homemade Salsa, and Cheese Dip
  • 8/14/2015: BBQ Wings, Pizza Rolls, Chips and Dip
  • 8/15/2014: Take-out night!
  • 8/16/2014: Biscuits, Scrambled Eggs, and Cinnamon Rolls
  • 8/17/2014: Panko Chicken Tenders, Spaghetti, Hominy, Green Beans, and Homemade Bread
  • 8/18/2014: Beef Soft Tacos, Tortilla Chips, Homemade Salsa, and Cheese Dip
  • 8/19/2014: Panko Popcorn Chicken and Curly Fries
  • 8/20/2014: Chicken Burritos, Tortilla Chips, Homemade Salsa, Cheese Dip, and Re-fried Beans
  • 8/21/2014: Spaghetti, Black Olives, and Homemade French Bread
  • 8/22/2014: Take-out night!
  • 8/23/2014: Pancakes and Bacon
  • 8/24/2014: Homemade Pizza: Pepperoni and Cheese
  • 8/25/2014: Quesadillas, Tortilla Chips, Homemade Salsa, and Cheese Dip
  • 8/26/2014: Salmon Bites, Salad, and Homemade Garlic Butter Rolls
  • 8/27/2014: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, Homemade Salsa, and Cheese Dip
  • 8/28/2014: BBQ Wings, Pizza Rolls, Chips and Dip
  • 8/29/2014: Take-out night!
  • 8/30/2014: Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Fresh Fruit, and Oatmeal Muffins
  • 8/31/2014: Pot Roast with Potatoes, and Butter Rolls

I’ll be baking lots of homemade goodies for the kids, and it looks like a lot of homemade breads too. I had better stock up on flour. Time to make some shopping lists, and get to it.

 

 

 

Jul 11

Sneak Peek of July’s Tasty Treats

There has been a whole lot of baking going on in my kitchen this month. I need to bake a few extra goodies for the weekend too. Here are a few sneak peek photos of what’s been going on in the kitchen.

I guess I had better get to it. I’ve got a cinnamon cake request from my biggest kid.

 

Jul 8

Home Cooking: Autumn in Summer

I do enjoy Summer. I like the lazy days, and the laid back meals. Sometimes I miss the tasty Autumnal meals though. I decided to bring back an Autumn favorite right smack dab in the middle of Summer.

What was on the menu?

Homemade Chicken and Noodles, with real Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Butter Rolls,  and Pumpkin Pie for dessert.

While the pie was cooling. I rolled out a big batch of Egg Noodles. It is easy to make pasta from scratch, it just takes a little bit of extra time. I’ve tried out several recipes for noodles, but my favorite is the classic Betty Crocker (in the red cookbook) recipe. I think it is the tastiest, and I always have everything on hand.

Once the big kitty smells chicken, he heads to the kitchen. Of course I give him a bit with broth. I love how he sticks both paws in the plate, so the plate doesn’t get away from him.

A full stove-top makes me extra happy.

I like to use the bread maker to start my Butter Roll dough. These are always Thade’s favorite.

Last but not least is Dylan’s favorite, Pumpkin Pie. My little guy loves it, and it is a great reminder of comforting Autumn dishes that are just around the corner.