Category Archives: Nico in the Kitchen

Jun 27

B.Y.O.B. Indoor/Outdoor-a-Q

This year I’m hostessing the Fourth of July BBQ, and I’m planning ahead for the weather. In Fourth of July past, it is either too hot, and we hang out indoors until nighttime, or it is raining, and we hang out indoors and play games. Either way it is always fun!

I’m keeping the menu simple and flexible. I can grill outside, or set up the grill pan indoors and still get the grilling job done. A few of the dishes I can assemble the day before, so it will make everything extra simple on the day of the BBQ. I’m also trying to stay on track with the budget ($35), by asking everyone to bring their favorite beverages.

Here is the menu for the party:

  • BBQ Chicken
  • Grilled Hot Dogs
  • Pasta Salad
  • Veggie Tray
  • Chips and Dip
  • Cherry Jell-O Cake
  • Iced Sweet Tea and Ice Cold Lemonade

I’m looking forward to the Fireworks and spending time with the family, rain or shine…

Do you have a Fourth of July BBQ planned? If so what dishes are you serving?

Jun 20

Make It or Buy It: Turkey

For Father’s Day I planned a “Thanksgiving” style meal for my hubby, Turkey with all of the fixings. I usually buy a Honeysuckle White frozen bone-in turkey breast, but Wal-Mart was out of my favorite turkey. I spotted the Jennie-O Oven Ready Skinless Boneless Turkey Breast, and I thought I would give it a try.

The Jennie-O turkey was a bit pricey for just one turkey breast, but it was easy to make. No thawing, no cleaning, just pop it in the oven and go. However, it didn’t stretch as far as my favorite Honeysuckle Turkey does. We did get 3 meals out of it, but no turkey stock for those tasty Turkey Noodles.

In a pinch for a quick meal the Jennie-O did a great job, but for the money I’ll be buying the Honeysuckle White Turkey and making a big batch of turkey stock.

Jun 17

Ramen Noodle Monday

On Mondays my hubby works open to close, and I always pack him a tasty lunch for the day. I thought Monday would be a great day to save a little time and money on my lunch too. I’ve decided to institute Ramen Noodle Mondays. To kick off the fun and easy lunch I picked up a few of my all time favorite Cheese Ramen, and a Spicy Chili Lime Shrimp Ramen.  I hope to check out a few other flavors too. Monday seems to be my busiest day around here, and I can always use a quick and easy lunch 😉

Do you have a favorite Ramen, or a quick and easy lunch recipe to share?

Jun 10

Farmer’s Market Treats

When Summertime finally arrives there is a Farmer’s Market every Saturday. Luckily the market is just a few blocks from my house. I’ve made it one of my goals (for the Summer) to take the boys as often as I can. On Saturday we loaded up the stroller with my handmade shopping bags, and we all walked to the market.

We should have gotten there a little earlier than we did, but there was still one vendor open. We picked up some very delicious Homemade Amish Bread and Cinnamon Rolls. Thade couldn’t wait to try the cinnamon rolls, but they were for a special Sunday Breakfast 🙂

I came home and made tasty Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam sandwiches for Thade and I for lunch. Thade was a little reluctant about trying the new bread, so I made his sandwich star shaped. We used the rest of the bread for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Bacon Sandwiches, but it was best toasted and smothered in Apricot Preserves.

The cinnamon rolls were a delicious Sunday Breakfast treat. I’ll be going back to the Farmer’s Market to buy those again, Thade loved the cinnamon rolls so much, he ate three 🙂

May 27

Long Weekend

I hope that everyone had a happy and safe Memorial Day 🙂 We enjoyed a nice long weekend, and a little BBQ yesterday. The weather wasn’t cooperating at all, and it rained all day, so I decided to have a little cook-out indoors.

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We had hamburgers, hot dogs, chips & dip, corn & cucumber salad, fruit salad, and vanilla cupcakes too. I served the salads in Glad Ware, just like a picnic. It was fun to have the BBQ indoors, and both of the boys were thrilled with the cupcakes 😉