Sunday, February 10, 2013

NOMNOMNOM NOM!!!!


Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.

Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
Here’s what you need: butternut squash, black beans, enchilada sauce, grated cheese, a jalapeno, some corn tortillas (I used a wheat-corn blend), an onion, cumin, chili powder, garlic cloves, and heat-safe oil (like coconut or grapeseed oil).



Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
First, dice the onion.




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
Chop the garlic and half the jalapeno. (Save the rest for later!)




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
Pour the oil into a large, oven-proof skillet and bring to medium-high heat.




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
Throw in the chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeno.




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
Saute for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
Add that gorgeous squash. You can find butternut squash pre-diced, which isn’t a bad idea, considering the manual labor it takes to peel and chop one.




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
Add the chili powder and cumin, as well as a few generous pinches of salt and black pepper.




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
At this point, you’re supposed to cook it for 8-10 minutes until the squash is fork-tender. I may have diced my squash too large because after 4-5 minutes, it was still rock-hard.




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
Here’s where some improvisation may be handy. If this also happens to you, add the enchilada sauce, cover the pan, and bring the temperature down to medium-low. Add a little water if too much evaporates. The squash will cook perfectly without sticking to the pan or burning before the center is cooked!




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
While the squash is simmering away, cut the tortillas into strips. I used a wheat-corn blend, which were slightly thicker than regular corn tortillas. I only used 6, but I will reduce the number even more when I make this again.




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
Add the tortillas and beans to the skillet. Oh, and most of the cheese!




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
Stir it up, and cook it for a couple more minute until the tortillas get softer and everything is combined well. Taste, and season with salt and pepper if necessary. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over top, and stick it under the broiler for a few minutes.




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.
Sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro on top, and dig in!
We loved this with homemade guacamole, sour cream, and some lime wedges. (Most things in my life can be improved with those three things…)




Tasty Kitchen Blog: Butternut and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet. Guest post by Natalie Perry of Perry's Plate, recipe submitted by TK member Monique of Ambitious Kitchen.

Recipe

5.00 Mitt(s)4 Rating(s)4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 54 votes, average: 5.00 out of 54 votes, average: 5.00 out of 54 votes, average: 5.00 out of 54 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5
Prep Time 
Cook Time 
Difficulty Easy
Servings 6

Recipe Description

Put a spin on Mexican night with this healthy, vegetarian skillet dish. Ready in 30 minutes!

Preparation Instructions

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-proof skillet. Add onions, garlic, and jalapeno and cook 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and garlic is fragrant. Add cubed squash, cumin and chili powder and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is slightly tender, 8 to 10 minutes. You want the squash to be fork tender, but not so tender that it starts to fall apart and become mush.
Next add the black beans, corn tortilla pieces, and can of enchilada sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and sprinkle in 1/2 cup of cheese. Stir again and simmer for a few minutes until everything is nice and melted.
Turn your oven broiler to high. Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of cheese over the top of the enchilada mixture and place in the oven under broiler for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and tortilla edges become a bit golden brown. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Serve with sour cream, cilantro, guacamole, or hot sauce!

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
  •  Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
  • ½  Jalapeno, Seeded And Diced
  • 3 cups 1/2 Inch Diced, Peeled Butternut Squash
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • Salt And Pepper To Season
  • 1 can (15 Ounce) Can Black Beans, Rinsed And Drained
  •  Yellow Corn Tortillas (taco Size), Cut Into Thick Strips
  • 1 can (15 Ounce Can) Red Enchilada Sauce
  • 1 cup Reduced-fat Colby Jack Or Mexican Cheese, Divided
  • Cilantro And Low Fat Sour Cream, For Servin
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Friday, February 1, 2013

GRILLED CORN, AVOCADO AND TOMATO SALAD WITH HONEY LIME DRESSING



When looking for a tasty salad on the Internet I came across this one from Jehan Can Cook. It sounded perfect. I love all the ingredients and flavors used so I was really excited to try it. It was so quick and easy to make and tasted fantastic. We all really loved this salad. The dressing was delicious and the salad was filled with great textures and flavors. I will make this dish over and over again.
Grilled Corn, Avocado and Tomato Salad with Honey Lime Dressing:
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 2 ears of fresh sweet corn
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Remove husks from corn and grill over medium heat for 10 minutes. The corn should have some brown spots and be tender and not mushy. Cut the corn off the cob then scrape the cob with the back of your knife to get the juices. Set aside and let cool. Slice the tomatoes in half. Dice the avocado and chop the cilantro.
Honey Lime Dressing:
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Dash of cayenne pepper
Add all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
Combine the sliced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro and grilled corn and honey lime dressing and mix gently so everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the avocados. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to let flavors mingle. Enjoy.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Rotel Corn dip


Rotel Corn Dip, aka cowboy crack.. One drained can white corn, 1 block cream cheese, and 1 almost drained can of Rotel. I put it in a glass bowl and microwave it one minute at a time till hot and melted. Serve with Scoop Fritos and keep warm in a small crockpot.
Rotel Corn Dip, aka cowboy crack.. One drained can white corn, 1 block cream cheese, and 1 almost drained can of Rotel. I put it in a glass bowl and microwave it one minute at a time till hot and melted. Serve with Scoop Fritos and keep warm in a small crockpot.

Black Bean & Sweet Potato Flautas


Black Bean & Sweet Potato Flautas


Number of Servings: 8

Ingredients

6 sweet potatoes
30 oz vegetarian refried black beans
4 tsp chili powder
2 c frozen corn
2 medium tomatoes
 

juice from 2 limes
16 corn tortillas
 
Directions
Preheat oven to 425. Wrap peeled sweet potatoes in foil, pop them in the oven for 40 to 60 minutes. Remove from oven and leave the oven on. Let them cool. While those are cooking, in a medium-sized bowl, mix refried black beans, corn, and tomato with chili powder and lime juice. Cut sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks and, using potato masher or fork, mash them until chunky. Spray a cooking sheet with olive oil spray. Assemble flautas by filling the first third of each tortilla with 2 - 3 tablespoons of the mixture each. Roll closed and close with a toothpick. Arrange side-by-side on a cooking sheet and spray lightly with the olive oil spray. Bake for 10 minutes.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

PINK Method 7-day shred soup

Ingredients: 
1.5 tbsp olive oil 
1 c chopped onion 
1 clove garlic finely chopped 
1 handful fresh spinach 
.5 tsp fresh ginger (I use powdered) 
.5 tsp cumin (I use tbsp) 
.5 tsp dried basil (I use 1 tsp fresh) 
pinch salt 
.5 c chopped carrots 
.5 c chopped potatoes 
3 large tomatoes, chopped (I use can of diced) 
3 c low-sodium veggie broth 
1 c water 
1 c lentils (trader joes has fresh) 
black pepper to taste 

Directions: 
In large pot, heat oil, add onions & garlic. Once transparent & tender, add ginger & stir well for 1 minute. Add in cumin, basil, salt & cook 2 minutes more stirring constantly so it doesn't burn. Add in carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, veggie broth, water and lentils and bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer for 30-45 min until carrots & lentils are soft. Before serving, add the spinach and cook just until lightly wilted. Add salt & pepper to taste. (recipe can be doubled) 


Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower 'Wings'
1 cup water or soy milk
1 cup flour (any kind will work—even gluten-free!)
2 tsp. garlic powder
1 head of cauliflower, chopped into pieces
1 cup buffalo or hot sauce
1 Tbsp. olive oil or melted vegan margarine
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  • Combine the water or soy milk, flour, and garlic powder in a bowl and stir until well combined.
  • Coat the cauliflower pieces with the flour mixture and place in a shallow baking dish. Bake for 18 minutes.
  • While the cauliflower is baking, combine your buffalo sauce and olive oil or margarine in a small bowl.
  • Pour the hot sauce mixture over the baked cauliflower and continue baking for an additional 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Serve alongside vegan blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Monsterland Grand Opening Friday the 13th, April!

Because it is near and dear to my heart I figured it was time to dust off the cobwebs from my blog!!!  AND it pleases me greatly to say the menu will include vegetarian options!  I can hardly wait to eat here myself!!!  BUT here is the press release, be sure to watch the  Website for the latest events and information!




For Immediate Release
Venue/Event Information: www.monsterland.com
Kristy Smith 480-461-3300

Monsterland Bar & Grill Grand Opening April, Friday the 13th!!!!

Join us in celebrating the Grand Opening of the most uniquely themed hot spot in Arizona!  We have made our home in Downtown Mesa and plan to open our doors with scary good times for al!!!  Grand Opening night, NO COVER CHARGE!

What to expect:
·         Signature Menu & Drink Specialties
·         20 Arizona Microbrews on tap including daily, weekly, and seasonal specials
·         State of the art sound system
·         Huge dance floor
·         Beautiful outdoor patio
·         Hours:  Wednesday & Thursday 11am – Midnight.  Friday & Saturday 11am – 2am.  The Monsterland Bar & Grill is family friendly until 9pm so bring the whole family for lunch or dinner, but after 9pm patrons must be 21 or older.
·         Wednesdays – Country/Southern Rock Night
·         Thursdays – Team Trivia 7pm – 9pm & Karaoke 9:30pm – Close
·         Live music on 1st & 2nd Fridays of each month
·         Costumed theme nights on the 4th Saturday of each month, live music and no cover for the ladies!
·         Let us help plan your special events, private parties, ceremonies and meetings.
·         Free parking year round.
·         Cover charge will vary depending on events starting at 10pm most nights.

In October, Monsterland will transform into our 2nd Annual, two story haunted house that boasts Hollywood quality sets, animated props and costumes.  Our giant outdoor patio will feature live video footage of all our victims cringing in horror through our maze of creatures and monsters while you laugh and relish in a frothy beverage or grub from our signature menu. Watch your friends and family run out screaming!  Our patio is family friendly until 9pm, and will be available on a first come first serve basis.  Seats will be limited so please plan ahead.  Your adrenaline infused experience inside the haunted house includes an experience that will give you spine tingling thrills!   Our performers will take you to a different time where only the best of horror classics lurk!  Be sure to watch our website for special events and lights on experiences for all the little goblins!! 

EXPERIENCE THE ONLY MONSTER THEMED BAR & GRILL IN ARIZONA THAT FEATURES AN ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE!!

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