Who's Afraid of Tuna Casserole

I've never liked tuna casserole. Coming up, the only way my mom prepared tuna was, tuna salad. When I met my husband, one of his favorite dishes his mom made was tuna casserole. In almost 22 years of marriage, I've never made tuna casserole, because I didn't like it. The truth is... I never tried it.

Recently, I watched Food network's Sunny Anderson make her version of Tuna Noodle Casserole.

In the past two years, I've cooked and eaten dishes I've never eaten for Project What's For Dinner. It was time to try Sunny's Tuna Noodle Casserole.

After planning my menu for the week, I went shopping and got everything including necessary ingredients for tuna casserole. Excited, I tweeted "Making tuna noodle casserole tonight #whatsfordinner." Receiving a few retweets, and positive replies excited me even more. That night came and went, and no tuna noodle casserole.

I was scared. It sounds crazy, but it's much like being afraid of the dark, not knowing what's lurking.

Forging ahead, I would not be intimidated by a tuna casserole. Following the recipe, I left out a few ingredients my family isn't fond of thyme, horseradish, and peas. I also substituted Sunny's recommended cheeses, for a fiesta blend. An adaptable recipe is very important.

The key component of this dish is the homemade cream of mushroom. It pulls all the flavors together in creamy goodness. After adding panko bread crumbs for the topping, it was a masterpiece, and I couldn't wait for it to come out of the oven.

My fear was unnecessary. It was delicious, and my family enjoyed it. I served it with Parmesan zucchini chips.

Are there any dishes you're afraid of cooking or eating?

Sandwich Night At Big Daddy's House

I ended a week long project, cooking from Chef Aaron McCargo, Jr.'s new cookbook Simply Done, Well Done, with his Marinated Chicken Club With Pesto Mayo and Sun-dried Tomatoes. To accompany the sandwich, fried pickled okra using Chef McCargo's Deep Fried Artichoke Hearts recipe.

This was my very first time cooking with, or using sun-dried tomatoes, although I've had them before. It won't be my last. They gave the sandwich an extra zing, that complimented the marinade of the chicken perfectly. I left out the pesto mayo, the kids aren't fond of mayo at all.

Chicken clubs are one of my favorite sandwiches, mainly because of bacon, it makes everything taste better. I used Petit Jean Meats smoked bacon, cooking some for the sandwiches, and a few pieces to nibble on.

Originally, the plan was to make deep fried artichoke hearts. I had everything needed, but marinated artichoke hearts. Looking through my pantry, I spotted a jar of pickled okra, and immediately remembered watching Paula Deen fry whole pickled okra. It was worth a try.

I mentioned in a previous post, how adaptable these recipes are. This one was no different! The Panko bread crumbs, paired with the tangy okra was crunchy and delicious! I'm not big on frying, but it was worth it!

After a very busy week I was happy to unwind, kick my heels up, and relax. This sandwich was a perfect finish to that week. Great no fuss food, and quality time with the family.

Pizza Night At Big Daddy's House

This week was super busy. So far we've had two basketball games, a choir Christmas concert, and play practice at church. And we're not done! Wednesday night dinner was a little late, but Chef Aaron McCargo, Jr.'s Savory Taco Chicken Pizza, with Guacamole and Chipotle Salsa was a snap to make and get on the table without a lot of fuss.

Chef McCargo's recipes being so easily adaptable, is  I like most about thi Because of our schedule, instead of grilling the chicken, I prepped it per directions, put it in the oven to bake, while I was away. Mr. Husband, my reluctant sous chef, was in charge of making sure it didn't burn.

Because my family is large, I made a double batch of packaged pizza dough. Instead of dividing and making indivual servings, I made one large pizza. My extra large pizza pan was perfect.

While the pizza was in the oven, I made the guacamole, and attempted something a little different than we're used to, fried hominy. Last week on Top Chef Texas, one of the contestants made it for a progessive dinner party. An impulse decision after seeing two cans in the cabinet, I had to make it. Instead of fried hominy, it was more like smothered hominy. Either way... I think I stumbled across something... something only I ate.

Finally, the moment we were waiting for. Although there was no sauce, my family was receptive to Taco Chicken Pizza. Three of us topped our pizza with the quacamole, and we all dug in. I left the chipotle salsa out this time, again adaptability is very important.

The first bite, everyone was very quiet... then I got the nod of approval, followed by chatter about how good it was. Dinner as usual, eating... laughing... and a lot of talking. My 15 year old daughter said it's like something that would be at Larry's Pizza. We both love that place!

Rating: 4 Fork

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book as swag gift, at a conference. I have not received any compensation for my posts about the book or recipes. My thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

Barbecue At Big Daddy's House

After Chef Aaron McCargo Jr.'s breakfast demonstration at Blogalicious11, I was able to interview him about his favorite recipe in his new cookbook. He had this to say...

 

Special thanks to Krystal Grant for her camera work!

Although I didn't make the short ribs first, the barbecue beef (made the same way) fell right in place on Tuesday! It was one of those days. I planned a sandwich night knowing our schedule would be hectic. After work, both Mr. Husband and I had to play taxi to our three youngest daughters. Since I'm still working on that clone thing, dinner had to be easy breezy, and literally cook itself.

Chef McCargo's Barbecue Beef recipe is ideal for the crock pot. The title of the book, Simply Done Well Done, is dead on!

Instead of searing, and simmering as the recipe dictated, I mixed all the ingredients together, added the beef, and let the crock pot do the rest. When we returned home, I whipped up the pickle slaw, added chips and dinner was served.

Before making Chef McCargo's barbecue beef, I always added my favorite barbecue sauce, after the meat was done. The combination of the ketchup, vinegar, broth, along with other simple ingredients makes the barbecue sauce, while cooking. I didn't miss my bottled sauce at all.

This is a great meal for entertaining friends. They'd be so impressed with your skills. Shhh, you don't have to tell them how simple it was.

Rating: 4 Forks

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book as swag gift, at a conference. I have not received any compensation for my posts about the book or recipes. My thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own. 

Sunday Dinner At Big Daddy's House

After Saturday's Spicy Cheeseburger Soup was a hit with my family, I was excited about Sunday dinner. The second menu item on my Dinner at Big Daddy's House project, from Chef Aaron McCargo, Jr.'s  cookbook 'Simply Done, Well Done,' Herb-Yogurt Chicken.

Before leaving for church, I got the ball rolling by starting the marinade process for the chicken, as well as, making the Herb-Yogurt sauce. Everything needed time for all the flavors to marry, (That's something Chef McCargo says.) Greek yogurt was a new ingredient for me. I was surprised at how much it taste like sour cream. I did deviate from the recipe of the yogurt sauce slightly. Not being able to find fresh dill, and forgetting to buy dried, I used green onion instead.

To prepare the chicken I grilled it, then finished by roasting it in the oven. The aromas from the lemon and garlic in the marinade made my mouth water.

Finally ready for plating, I had to taste the zesty chicken, before adding the yogurt sauce. It was as tasty as I imagined. A little dry... I should have left the chicken covered while in the oven, and maybe taken it out a little sooner.

The yogurt sauce, with the chicken is really good. It reminded me of the sauce on gyros, creamy with the flavor of cucumber. I must admit, I was a little nervous about what my family would think. They're more hot gravy type, instead of a cool sauce.

Mr. husband, said nothing about the dinner, he ate it in silence. My more adventurous middle daughter ate it with the yogurt sauce, and like it. The others bypassed the sauce altogether, but they did enjoy the chicken.

Day 2 - Leftovers

The next day, the tangy chicken took on a new purpose as lunch. Cutting it into smaller strips, I stuffed it in a pita with lettuce, and tomato along with the yogurt sauce... (ahem) extra sauce! I think I was making noises it was so good!

Mr. Husband finally made it known... he didn't care for the sauce. He thought it needed a little something extra. Later, I realized as much as I liked the creamy and cool cucumber taste of the yogurt sauce, it didn't like me back. I think I over did it on the garlic.

Rating: 3 out of 4 forks!

Next up on the menu, barbecue beef with pickled slaw!

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book as swag gift, at a conference. I have not received any compensation for my posts about the book or recipes. My thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

Dinner At Big Daddy's House

Picture credit - Carol Cain @NYCMama - Blogaliicous11

This week, my family and I are having dinner at Big Daddy's House. Okay, so we're not actually going to Aaron McCargo Jr.'s house for dinner. Instead, this week I'm cooking from his new cook book, Simply Done, Well Done.

Blogalicious11 attendees received a copy of Chef McCargo's book, in our conference swag bag. We also had the opportunity to meet him during an autograph session, and cooking demonstration. I love Chef McCargo, and have been a fan since he was a contestant, and  won The Next Food Network Star. Immediately I knew would cook from his book, and write about it, similar to Julie & Julia, the blog and movie.

I started this project with the Spicy Cheeseburger Soup, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday's dinner. After grocery shopping Saturday, the weather was cold and damp, and I wanted something warm and comforting. This soup it was!

I did everything by the book, except for one little thing... the diced jalapeno chile peppers. My family is not fond of spicy. I substituted a can of mild, Rotel.

Not only was this soup comforting, it was delicious!

When cooking something new, I can't tell my family what it is. They'll turn their noses up, and say "I don't like that," even before trying it. Mr. Husband is a meat, beans, potato, and rice man. He's not interested in creativity and experimenting, when it comes to food. He thinks I use them as guinea pigs. Although he always eats what I cook, doesn't mean he likes it. But this recipe, he loved!

"Now this is good chef," Mr. Husband complimented. Calling me chef was his way of letting me know just how much he liked it. I was beaming!

Not only did he get seconds... he ate it after church, while I was making dinner, and announced he'd be having it for lunch on Monday. And he did. It's safe to say, we (Chef McCargo and I) hit it out of the park.

Rating: 4 Forks

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book as swag gift, at a conference. I have not received any compensation for my posts about the book or recipes. My thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

Cooking Up Flava

Me & Chef Aaron McCargo, Jr., at Blogalicious

This weekend was our family's annual Soup & Salad dinner. Each year one aunt makes chili, and my mother makes her chicken ala-king. We can always count on the hosting aunt to make her bread pudding for dessert, and her sister can not show up without her broccoli bread.

My cousin and I always make a different soup every year. We're more adventurous when it comes to food. 

One of my favorite swag items from Blogalicious was a cookbook. Not any cookbook, Food Network star, Chef Aaron McCargo Jr., of  "Big Daddy's House," first cookbook, 'Simply Done, Well Done.'

Excited, I thoroughly went through the pages, one by one. His Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe, jumped out at me. Immediately I knew it would be my soup for this year's gathering! 

I tweeted about making the soup, and the Twittersation went as follows...

latonyarich: Going to make @ChefMcCargo's loaded baked potato soup for the family #SoupandSalad dinner tomorrow. So excited!

kathysykes: @latonyarich @ChefMcCargo I am making the loaded baked potato soup for Christmas Eve dinner!

latonyarich: @kathysykes My @ChefMcCargo loaded baked potato soup is delish!!! I'm just tasting, and haven't put cheese or scallions in yet.

ChefMcCargo: @latonyarich glad you diggin my flava! Just had some last week tried to take it on plane but didn't want to risk the guards taking it.

He was so right, that soup was so full of flava! It tasted like I stood over the stove, stirring for hours. It was delicious! It has become one of my new comfort favorites.

The first week in December, I'm spending a full week at Big Daddy's House. Not really... The plan is to cook from Chef McCargo's cookbook one full week, blog and vlog about it. Similar to Julie and Julia the blog, and movie. I'm so looking forward to it! 

I've watched Chef McCargo, since he won The Next Food Network Star, and was so excited to meet him. And he autographed my book! 

For more about Chef McCargo, and Aunt Jemima at Blogalicious, read my MyBlogalicious post.

Slow Cooker To The Rescue

I pride myself on cooking a wholesome dinner for my family, most of the week. Every now and then, it's not possible to get dinner on the table in a timely manner. My children are multi-sport athletes, and this week marks the start of basketball season. That means, I have to make adjustments in order to feed my family.

Until now, I've used my slow cooker every now and then, for a pot of beans, and an occasional roast. After a Twittersation (a conversation on Twitter) with San Tara, also known as @TheGorgeousBlog, I decided this weeks dinner would be all about the slow cooker. I've found a few slow cooker meals/recipes, and the following is this weeks menu.

Sunday  Pinto beans, smoked turkey necks, and sauteed collard greens.
Monday Short ribs, cole slaw, baked beans
Wednesday  Jambalaya
Friday Sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, California vegetable blend
 I
I've learned, there's more to slow cooking than just dinner. There's a movement going on, and I've been missing out. I can use my slow cooker for breakfast, dinner, and dessert. Why didn't someone tell me about this before?

I have two slow cookers and we're going to be very acquainted. I just might have to give them names. How do you get dinner on the table when life is hectic and busy?

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Check these resourses for more slow cooker recipes.

• Better Homes & Gardens
• All Recipes
• My Recipes
• Taste Of Home
• Cafe Mom

Top Chef Inspired

One of my favorite reality shows is Food Network's, Top Chef! Between Top Chef, Top Chef All-Stars, and Food Network.com, I've pulled off more than a few Project What's For Dinners.

Season, after season chefs have made gnocchi. And each time I've wondered what it was. During the 2011 season of Top Chef All-Stars Mike Isabella made it as well. That was it, I had to know more about gnocchi. After only a little research, I found it's a potato dumpling.

I was intrigued, but very intimidated. Almost every chef who made it, did so  poorly, so said the judges. And I'm a long way from being a Top Chef!

Recently, my mother and I went to Olive Garden for lunch, and chicken and gnocchi soup was on the menu. I tried it, and liked!  It reminded me of chicken and dumplings, which is one of my family's favorite dishes. It was time for me to face my fear, and make it.

I found a recipe for gnocchi, as well as the Olive Garden Style Chicken and Gnocci Soup, and got busy!

I felt good about my first attempt at a dish I've watched trained chefs bomb at. Surprisingly, my family ate it without complaint. And they ate it all! I must confess, initially I did tell them it was chicken and dumplings. All's fair in love and food!

Note: When making the gnocchi dough, it can use salt.

"Cross posted on MyBlogalicious"

Just Peachy!

I would show you a picture, but there was nothing left to show, NOTHING!

Last night, I tried Carly Klock's Peach-Slathered Chicken Wings, for Project What's For Dinner. Of course I made a few adjustments, using more than wings, and baking instead of grilling. I grilled Saturday, and there was no way I was doing it again on Monday! Anywhooo...

My family likes food, but if they see what I'm doing, and think the ingredients are odd... they automatically decide they don't like it. The recipe called for peach preserves (to them, it's just jelly), and had they seen the jar on the counter, they wouldn't have eaten it. But I was careful.

Excited about using ginger for the first time, I was also very nervous. All I could think about was ginger snap cookies, and its strong flavor. Surprisingly, it was nothing like that at all. 

Everyone wanted to know, "What is this?"

Only after they'd tasted the chicken did I tell them what it was. A couple of the kids turned up their noses, but no one stopped eating!

I forgot to ask them to rate it, but judging by the way they ate it up... I'm giving myself 4 Forks! This recipe can easily become one of my family favorites.

Eat Your Heart Out

Last weekend while preparing my menu, and shopping list I came across Betty Crocker's Website. It's a treasure of recipes. I was in heaven!

I printed a few quick and simple recipes, to get my family through the very busy days of spring. That brings me to today's Project What's For Dinner - Easy Ravioli Bake! Growing up, I never liked ravioli, sorry Chef Boyardee. And now, only my son really likes it.

Since the objective of Project What's For Dinner is to cook 1) something my family has never had before, (2) something I've never cooked, or (3) a new spin on an old favorite. Ravioli falls under #2.

This recipe was so simple! Of course I had to make a few adjustments, I added ground turkey to my sauce. The recipe calls for one jar of sauce, but it actually needs two. I forgot to put sauce in the bottom of the of the dish, and could have used more. Had I followed exact directions, I wouldn't have had enough sauce for the top layer.

I served it with a tossed salad, and Texas toast. My family, and I loved it, and they rated it - 4 Forks! Eat your heard out Chef Boyardee.

She Liked It, She Really Liked It!

Today's almost Wordless Wednesday, is last night's Project What's For Dinner, Chicken Martini. I found this recipe shortly after I became a member of The Pioneer Woman's, Tasty-Kitchen. My very picky daughter who would rather eat cereal gave it 4 Forks = Delicious, cook it again!

This recipe is quick and simple, but taste like it took a lot of effort. It's a keeper!

Side note: I purposely left out the Vodka, and artichokes, and forgot about the tomatoes. My kind of recipe, when it still taste great without a few ingredients.

Chicken Pai - Who?

Chicken is a staple in my house! My family thinks I've cooked it every way possible, but there are still tons of chicken recipes to try.

Last week while menu planning, I came across Grilled Chicken Paillard with Lemon and Black Pepper , from Food Network's Bobby Flay. Just a few days before, I watched Worst Cooks In America, prepare Pork Paillard. I had to try it.

Paillard: pronounced (pa yar); A slice of veal, chicken, or beef that is pounded until very thin, and cooked quickly. 

I was all for pounding that chicken! The kids thought I was losing my mind, maybe I was having a little too much fun. The recipe was super simple, quick, and very tasty. I made one adjustment... instead of grilling, I cooked it in a pan.

When my girls came in from basketball practice, I was in full swing, and aromas were swirling all over the house. They were tasting dinner before it hit the table.

My rating for this meal: 4 Forks, of course!

Soup's On!

Project What's For Dinner is officially back on, and in full affect!

While planning my menu for the week, I scour through recipe websites, as well as the websites of cooking shows, blogs, Twitter... you name it!  I can spend hours looking for new dinner ideas that are affordable, interesting, and most importantly, that my family will eat!

One of my favorite sites is Foodnetwork.com. With so many chefs and shows, there are a ton of recipes, and different types of cuisine (I love that word) to chose from. Last nights dinner was Paula Deen's Taste Like Lasagna Soup.

I absolute love Paula Deen, and as always, her food never disappoints my family. I had no complaints what.so.ever! When planning my menu, our weather was unseasonably warm, in the mid 60s and sunny. I had no idea it would be so cold a few days later. When the kids left the house for school yesterday morning, it was 54 degrees. By the time they came home, it was 32 and dropping. That soup was right on time, and hit.the.spot!

Although, no one thought it taste like lasagna, they did like it.

When I started Project What's For Dinner, around this time last year, I was trying to cook three new meals a week. That was a strain! This go around, it's only one new meal a week.

My rating system hasn't changed...

Fork Rating System:

1 - Don't Ever cook that again

2 - Not bad, not good, just okay

3 - Pretty good, I ate it all

4 - Delicious, cook this again

My family gave the Taste Like Lasagna Soup... 4 Forks! I'm off to a pretty good start!

What's On The Menu

Just about everyday, I ask my self, and lately Twitter, #WhatsForDinner? I am forever looking for the next idea to cook for my family.

Out of desperation, February, of this year, I started Project What's For Dinner, to get out of the cooking rut I found myself in. I had this grand idea to bring more variety to my family's dinner experience. I would  cook (1) we'd never had before, (2) I had never cooked, or (3) a new spin on an old favorite.

I even allowed my family to rate the meals. Brave I know. My family can be BRUTALLY honest.

Although I was having a ball looking for ideas to cook, yet I'm still in that place. Sometimes it's easier than others. I started a Twitter Paper, #WhatsForDinnerDaily, this has opened up a world of recipes and ideas! Each day many chefs, cooks, foodies, and foodie wanna-be's like myself are featured in the #What'sForDinnerDaily.

Several times a week, @MommyHatesCooking is featured, and has GREAT recipes and ideas. On Monday's, she and Money Saving Queen, have Menu Plan Monday. This weekend, I went through a dozen or so of their Menu Plan Monday post. I rounded up a few items for this weeks menu to try out on my family.

Saturday night, we made Meaty Calzones. My girls and I had a great time making them. Ours weren't so pretty, but they were delicious!

When it came time for rating it, I got 3 forks = Pretty good, I ate it all, as well as 4 forks = Delicious, cook it again!

Thanks @MomHatesCooking, so far you're a big hit at our house!

What's For Dinner - Petit Jean Ham Giveaway

I can almost smell Thanksgiving cooking! *Sniff - Sniff* Do you smell that?

My Thanksgiving would NOT be complete without a ham. I like a good turkey, but for me, ham is the star of my dinner!  

I'm giving away a Petit Jean spiral cut ham on my other blog LaRich Media. Get over there and sign up NOW!

Same Ol', Same Ol'

I don't have a new recipe to tell you about. It's been more of our standards. We've been so busy lately, It's a wonder we've had dinner on the table at all! Last night we ate dinner at 10, in the p.m.

Good news has come out of Project What's For Dinner. Saturday, while planning Sunday's Dinner, and my grocery list, I asked Baby-Girl, what she wanted for dinner. "Chicken & Dumplings," she said.

A smile covered my whole face. Chicken & Dumplings was PWFD #14. That was the first repeat that anyone has requested since I started PWFD. My family rated it, four - 4 Forks, and one - 2 Forks.

Now that the winter is behind us, I'm putting comfort food recipes away until the fall. Warmer weather brings on a slew of possibilities. I'm on the hunt seasonal, quick, and outdoor recipes. That's just to get started. I'm so excited. Spring and Summer are my favorite times of year for many things, especially cooking!

I've never celebrated May Day, May 1, or Cinco de Mayo, and I'd like to do so this year, with dinner. I'd also like to cook a full dinner outside on the grill. I am very excited?

Great things are in store for Project What's For Dinner, and I look forward to sharing real soon. I even want to get you involved.

Did I say I'm excited?

Beef, And It Taste Like Beef... It's What's For Dinner

Vaca Frita - Yes, I made that, and took the picture. Looks good right?!

PWFD #16 Vaca Frita - In early March, while reading Justice Fergie's, of Mama Law, post, I was intrigued by one of her favorite beef recipes, Vaca Frita. The only thing Carribean, I've ever cooked is Jerk Chicken. And I really don't think mine measures up.

Immediately after reading that post, I went on a hunt for the recipe! Fergie's post had my mouth watering, and mind racing. I've said it before, I am very excited about Project What's For Dinner, passionate even. This recipe was a must! I was surprised, it is simple, and doable.

I didn't make Vaca Frita right away, I walked around with the recipe tucked in a folder, in my bag. At the end of the month, I finally cooked it. It was all that Fergie described, and more.

The marinade with lime juice made it... ... ... I don't even have the words. I've never had anything like it before, and it was a refreshing experience. Those are the words, refreshing experience.

Because I wasn't sure how my family would like it, I made another dish, one of their favs, Chicken-a-la-king. They ate both, and no one complained at all!

Recipe: Simple Foodie, http://www.simplefoodie.com/

Rating: Four Forks! Finally, a dish that everyone liked!

PWFD #17 - Smoked Dear Steaks

Mr. Husband was given deer steaks a while ago, before the start of Project What's For dinner. Having no idea what to do with them, I put them in the freezer. Last week my neighbor moved, and gave me her smoker. A light went off! I've never smoked anything, and I've never cooked deer steaks.

I used the methods from PWFD #4 - North Carolina House Ribs.

Those steaks were so good! They were falling apart tender. Mr. Husband poured barbecue sauce over it, and slapped it on a bun, with coleslaw. It was delicious, tasted just like barbecue beef!

Of course the kids didn't eat it! They wouldn't eat the lamb, and I knew Bambi would be a no go.

Rating: Four Forks (Mr. Husband)

Kicking & Screaming

Project What's For Dinner #14 Chicken & Dumplings

I haven't posted about Project What's For Dinner in a while. But that does not mean I'm not cooking. Every week, I'm trying something new on my family. Although I'm excited to try different things in the kitchen, my family doesn't always share in my excitement.

I was so pumped about PWFD #15 - Tuscan Chicken. I never used cooking wine before, and this recipe called for it. I think I'm more excited about using new ingredients.

Since starting Project What's For Dinner, cooking has become more of an experience than a chore. And my family... lets just say they're going to experience it with me if I have to drag them kicking and screaming!

Like I said, I was excited about cooking Tuscan chicken. I had no plans of telling the family exactly what I was preparing, or its ingredients. And no one was allowed in the kitchen!

When dinner was ready, I was beaming with pride. To accompany the Tuscan Chicken, I prepared pasta, and California blend vegetables. The gravy from the chicken was to go over the pasta. Perfect right? NOT!

Before anyone even tasted it, they were sizing it up. My comeback was quick and snappy, "You've had chicken and gravy before. Just eat it."

Upset, and frustrated, I didn't even take a picture of the meal. When they finally ate, I refused to ask them to rate it. What's funny, they ate it all!

Recipe from www.allrecipes.com.

PWFD #10 - Orange Glazed Chicken

This recipe is simple, and actually pretty good. My daughter who is hesitant about eating anything not laced in sugar liked it.

Recipe from The Six O'clock Scramble.

Rating: 3 Forks

PWFD #11 - Honey Chicken

While looking through cookbooks, and magazines in Wal Mart, I ran across Sandra Lee's, Semi Homemade Magazine. And in it, I found this recipe.

Rating: Unanimously 4 forks

PWFD #12 - Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

While making my rounds reading blogs, and commenting, I came across, For The Mommas. She'd made it, and provided the recipe. I had NEVER cooked a pork tenderloin before. I was up for the challenge!

Rating: 3 Forks

PWFD #13 - Potato Crusted Fish

Because this was an unconventional use of instant potato flakes, I was very careful! As the fish came out of the pan, 14 year old middle daughter came into the kitchen. I couldn't help myself, I had to tell her. She became the taste tester, and agreed not to tell the others it was potato flakes.

The first thing they asked, "What's this on the fish?"

I refused to tell, until after they had eaten. Slowly, and hesitantly, they ate it, and liked it! Finally, I revealed the secret, and I could see the relief all over their faces. Funny!

Recipe from Jay Brooks, foodnetwork.com

Rating: 3 Forks

Fork Rating System:
1 - Don't Ever cook that again
2 - Not bad, not good, just okay
3 - Pretty good, I ate it all
4 - Delicious, cook this again

There's An Extra Bag of Cheese...

Lemony Fish Bake & Vegetable Confetti - The Six O'clock Scramble

Garlic Hasselback Potatoes w/herbed sour cream - Sunny Anderson, Foodnetwork

Yes, I'm still having a ball with Project What's For Dinner. The greatest lesson I've learned so far has to be, DON'T TO TELL THE FAMILY WHAT I'M COOKING!

PWFD # 7 - Suzie Pryor's Chicken Spaghetti.

Chicken spaghetti is one of my family's favorite dishes . I never hear, I don't want it, or we had that already. No matter how much I make, they'll eat the leftovers, till it's all gone.

My mother found this recipe, in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette newspaper. She and daddy liked it, and thought my family might, as well. And of course, I wanted to try it as a Project What's For Dinner meal.

While making my grocery list from the ingredients, I noticed a few differences. The most obvious was the cheese. This recipe called for cheddar cheese soup, grated Parmesan , and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. My recipe, is all Velveeta.

I chopped, sauteed, and boiled, following the recipe to the letter. When dinner was ready, my family came slowly with their noses turned up. They knew I was trying something different. This time, I didn't hover, waiting for their response. Instead, I sat on the couch, as if I was so tired. But I listened for their reactions.

"It's missing something..." "It doesn't taste the same..." "It's okay, I guess..." is what I heard from the peanut gallery.

Baby girl got up from the table and went to the refrigerator. "Mama, there's an extra bag of cheese, can I use it?"

That was the sharp cheddar cheese that was to go on top. It was also the reason there was something missing, didn't taste the same, and was just okay.
Rating: 4 Forks - (after adding the missing cheese)

PWFD #8 - Crepes
It was National Pancake Day, and my family loves pancakes for dinner. Crepes were the the little something special. I had never cooked, or eaten a crepes before. I found the recipe at Mr. Breakfast, and it was on!

I made a standard cream cheese filling, topping them with cherry pie filling, and whipped cream. They were delicious!

Rating: 4 Forks

PWFD #9 -Lemony Fish Bake & Vegetable Confetti, recipe from The Six O'clock Scramble, and Garlic Hasselback potatoes with herbed sour cream, Sunny Anderson, Cooking For Real, Foodnetwork. (Pictured above).

We love zucchini, but I never thought to add red, and yellow bell peppers. The kids thought it was pretty, and Baby girl, loves pretty food! Paired with the fish, I felt like I was eating out. Those potatoes are GREAT! I could eat them by themselves!

Rating: 3 Forks

Fork Rating System:

1 - Don't Ever cook that again

2 - Not bad, not good, just okay

3 - Pretty good, I ate it all

4 - Delicious, cook this again