blogging my way...Back To The Land: Let's Get This Party Started!!

blogging my way...Back To The Land: Let's Get This Party Started!!: I'm sooo excited to be back to blogging and what better way to begin than with a HUGE giveaway?! I've been planning this for months and now ...

KitchenAid Mixer Giveaway!

Check out this great KitchenAid Stand Mixer Giveaway! You can actually even pick your color

@ hey what's for dinner mom. Head on over and enter and wish her a Happy Blogiversary!

Ultimate Easy Bake Oven Giveaway!

Yes, there is a new easy bake oven -the ultimate one- with NO lightbulb!

This would make a wonderful gift for someone on your list and there is a chance to win one!!!
Go to the Not So Blog to enter the fantastic giveaway!!

Fantastic Kitchenaid Mixer Giveaway

I have always wanted a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer and now there is a chance to win one! What a wonderful surprise for Christmas! I feel I would be a much better baker with an actual mixer rather than my hand mixer (which is rather weak and left me with a stuck mess when I last attempted to make pizzelles as the mixer literally got stuck in the batter). This mixer is a 7 quart and worth $550. Go to Momspotted to win this incredible Kitchenaid Stand Mixer. Be sure to share the giveaway!
Good Luck.

Fantastic Baked Pesto Chicken

www.kalynskitchen.com

Always looking for more chicken recipes, and this is so easy and wonderful I had to share! I love pesto and if you have left over basil from the garden this is a perfect way to enjoy it. I found this scrumptious recipe at Kaylns Kitchen,so head over to get the recipe and start cooking!

Make Ahead Greek Pasta Salad

This is my favorite pasta salad. It is called "Make Ahead Greek Pasta Salad" because you really do need to make it ahead. This is best served after having chilled for 24 hours. It is a simple and oh so flavorful salad that is great as a side dish or even as a meal. Note: if you don't like vinaigrette type dressings, then you will not like this salad because the vinegar taste really comes through (Which is what gives this pasta a great kick and Greek flavor). I love it! 
Ingredients:
1/2    cup             olive oil

• 1/4    cup             red wine vinegar
• 1/4    cup             white balsamic vinegar (be sure it is white or will discolor your salad)
• 1 1/2 tspns          garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tspns          dried basil
• 1 1/2 tspns          dried oregano
• 3/4    tspn           ground black pepper
• 3/4    tspn           white sugar
• 1       box            tricolor rotini pasta
• 3       cups           fresh sliced mushrooms
• 15                      grape tomatoes, halved
• 1       cup            sliced red bell peppers
• 3/4    cup            crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2    cup            chopped scallion
• 1 (4 ounce) can    whole pitted black olives
• 
  
• Directions:
• In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegars, garlic powder, basil, oregano, black pepper, and sugar. 
• 
• Add cooked pasta, mushrooms, tomatoes, red peppers, feta cheese, scallion, and olives. 
• Toss until evenly coated. 
• Cover, and chill overnight, occasionally stirring.
• Enjoy!
• 
  
• 

Turkey Meatloaf "Cupcakes"

These "cupcakes" make meatloaf worthy of entertaining. You can switch in your personal meatloaf and mashed potato recipes and follow the outline or use the recipes below.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf "Cupcakes":
1 -1/2    pounds ground turkey
1          cup milk
1          tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1          teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves or 1/4 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/2       teaspoon salt
1/2       teaspoon ground mustard
1/4       teaspoon pepper
1          garlic clove, finely chopped, or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1          egg
3          slices bread, torn into small pieces or 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1          small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
1/2       cup ketchup, chili sauce or barbecue sauce
Mashed Potato "Frosting":
1           lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
2           large garlic cloves, peeled and halved
1/2        tbsp olive oil
1/4        cup sour cream
2           tbsp chicken broth
2           tbsp milk
1           tbsp butter
salt and pepper to taste
fresh chives

Directions

Slice potatoes and garlic.

Bring the potatoes and garlic to a boil in a large pot with salt and enough water to cover.
Cover and reduce heat; simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. 
Drain and return potatoes and garlic to pan. 
Add butter and remaining ingredients.
Using a masher or mixer, mash until smooth. 
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°. Line a muffin tin with liners.
In a large bowl, mix the all of the meatloaf ingredients.

Place meatloaf mixture into muffin tins filling them to the top, making sure they are flat at the top.

Bake uncovered for 18-20 minutes.
Meanwhile pour mashed potatoes into a bag for piping. If you don't have a piping kit, place mashed potatoes in a plastic bag and cut a tip off to pipe out.

Take the meatloaf cupcakes out and pipe the mashed potatoes on top, chives can be added as a garnish. Enjoy!

JillyBee's Famous Lettuce Wraps

A light, wonderful recipe you are sure to love. This recipe is my husband's favorite and my most requested. I am sure you will love these wraps and enjoy them on a regular basis! 

Happy cooking!

Ingredients:

1 lb Ground Turkey

1/4 cup Tamari (preferred) or soy sauce

2 tblspns Balsamic Vinegar

Scallion

1/2 Green Cabbage head, chopped

1 head Boston lettuce or iceburg

Directions:

Chop cabbage and steam/microwave until cooked (usually 9-10 minutes).

Meanwhile, brown ground turkey in a large skillet.

Mix cooked cabbage into turkey in pan and add Tamari and Balsamic vinegar.
Let simmer 5-10 minutes for flavor to set.

Before taking off stove add chopped scallion.

Separate lettuce leaves. 

Turkey mixture can be wrapped in lettuce leaves.
Serve with brown rice.

Enjoy!