We are moving!

I apologize for the lack posts lately.  The coming two weeks will be a little slow around my blog too.  We are in the process of moving (YA!!!!) and are working on emptying out the freezer and fridge as best we can so we don't have to move it because let's face it, the less we have to pack the more sane I will be.  Our meals have been a random mix match of stuff lately and definitely not blog worthy.  This weekend will be spent packing like superstars so this morning I whipped together blueberry bran muffins found here for an easy to grab breakfast and snack.

I hate packing...so much...

Jerk Update

...and I'm not talking about an update of my students...

A few weeks ago I attempted Jerk Chicken here and wasn't overly thrilled with the outcome.  I wasn't able to get a true read of how tasty or gross it was since there was a fairly significant layer of crispy burntness (that's an official cooking term, right?) on the outside.  I'm back to report that it is YUMMY!  I baked a few chicken drumsticks rolled in the dry rub for 40 minutes at 400 degrees (rotating once) and served it with a rice/bean mixture.  A true Jamaican meal. The only thing we were missing was the Jamaica sunshine and the unlimited drinks ;)  Next week I am going to try making a new Jamaican BBQ sauce. I am determined to find a recipe that tastes JUST like the one we loved while on vacation.

Yields: 6 large servings

Rice Ingredients
1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes
splash of Tabasco (to taste)
1/2 cup salsa
1 can bean medley, rinsed and drained

Method
Cover and bring everything but the beans to a boil.  Turn to low heat and simmer for 13 minutes. Stir in beans and let sit on warm burner for 5 additional minutes (burner should be turned off).

Spinach & Cheese Dip (updated recipe)

My go-to appetizer is definitely my spinach dip that I first introduced you to here.  It seems that every family get together I attend I am requested to bring this yummy dip, and this weekend was no exception. I made a few minor alterations to the original recipe and my family agreed that the changes were good ones. Here it is. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 package light cream cheese

1/2 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed & drained (or 2 handfuls of fresh spinach chopped)

3-4 tablespoons onions, diced

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup grated medium cheddar cheese

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Method
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Throw everything except a little cheddar cheese and the paprika into a bowl and mix until just incorporated. Transfer mixture to a small ovenproof dish and top with remaining cheddar and paprika. Bake for 15 - 18 minutes. Serve with baked pita wedges, tortilla chips or naan bread. SOOOOOOOOOOO delish!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!

To all of my family, friends, and blog readers, Happy Easter!  

I hope you have a long weekend filled with love, laughter and a shitload of good grub.  If you are hitting the highway, travel safely.

~Jill

Raspberry Beer

picture from
 www.lilyboutique.com/blog

Raspberry beer equals hangover headache

...but completely worth it.  This stuff will sneak up on ya if you aren't careful.  My sister-in-law also made these refreshing beverages for our family gathering last night. I will be taking advantage of these this summer! Thanks LT for all the yummy treats last night.

Ingredients
1 can of frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1/2 cup vodka
4 coronas
1 handful frozen raspberries


Method
Throw lemonade and vodka in a jug and mix.  Add corona and berries just before serving so it doesn't go flat.  Garnish glass with a slice of lemon.
to.die.for.

psssttt: This was my 200th post! Crazy, eh?

Pizza Muffins

Picture from www.foodbeast.com

Last night we got together with my husbands side of the family to celebrate a few birthdays.  His youngest sister has recently taken up crafting, baking and cooking (thanks to Pinterest!) and made an incredibly tasty appetizer.  I've mentioned more then a few times that in love with pizza so you can imagine my excitement when I saw PIZZA MUFFINS fresh out of the oven when I arrived at the in-laws last night.  They were yummy, easy to eat and apparently relatively easy to make.  My sister-in-law made them in a regular sized muffin tray but we collectively decided that they would be even more awesome as bite sized muffins.  I will certainly make these in the future :) yummmmers.

The following recipe was taken from here!

Ingredients
3/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup whole milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
I cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup pepperoni, cubed
1/2 cup pizza sauce
2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

Method
Preheat oven to 375^o. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; whisk in the milk and egg. Stir in the mozzarella and pepperoni; let stand for 10 minutes. Stir the batter and divide among the mini-muffin cups. Bake until puffed and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Microwave the pizza sauce until warmed through, then stir in 1 Tablespoon basil. Sprinkle the muffins with the remaining 1 Tablespoon basil. Serve the puffs with the pizza sauce for dipping.