Banana Berry Oatmeal in the Oven

Christmas morning (ok every morning) is crazy around here.  I made this oatmeal casserole because it is quick and easy to put together and it can easily be reheated so we can eat as we are hungry.  I have also made this on Sunday and reheated throughout the week for a delicious breakfast.  The chocolate chips and bananas make this a hit at my house!

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups of Quick Oats
• 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Cup Raspberries (or sliced strawberries)
• 2 Cups of Milk (I used 1%)
• 1/3 Cup Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1 Egg
• 3 Tablespoons of Butter (melted)
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 1 Ripe Banana

Preheat oven to 375.  Spray an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.  In a bowl combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, half of the raspberries, and half of the chocolate chips.  Pour that mixture into the baking dish.  Then arrange the remaining berries and chocolate chips on top.  Slice the banana and place it on top of the oatmeal.  In a bowl, whisk together egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.  Pour mixture over top of fruit and oats.

Shake the baking dish side to side to help the liquid settle and cover all of oats.  Bake for 30 minutes.

Follow the Magical Moms on Facebook and Pinterest for weekly menu ideas, crafts, and Disney Magic.  

Sweet Garlic Chicken Legs

Sometimes when I don't know what to make for dinner I look into my freezer and pick something out at random.  I knew I had to figure out something to do with the chicken legs that took out to thaw and I knew it had to go with the green beans that I had put in the slow cooker.  At about 4:30, I decided on this.  The sauce was great and the chicken was super moist.  This recipe is made with very basic ingredients that can be found in almost anyone's pantry.  I had chicken legs on hand, but feel free to use thighs or whatever you have!    

Ingredients:

• 6 Chicken Legs
• 1/3 Cup of Honey
• 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Ketchup
• Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a glass baking dish with foil (for easy clean up).  Place chicken legs in dish and sprinkle with pepper.  In a small bowl combine the remaining ingredients and whisk them together.  Pour mixture over chicken and bake for about 35 minutes.

 Remove chicken from oven and flip it over (so the other side can get a chance in the yummy sauce).  Raise the oven temp to 425 and bake for additional 10-15 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and begins to caramelize.

I served with Fried Noodles and Fresh Green Beans I made in the slow cooker.  

Follow the Magical Moms on Facebook and Pinterest for weekly menu ideas, crafts, and Disney Magic.  

Russian Chicken with Rice

I got this recipe from a close friend.  When she told me that she had a recipe that her whole family would devour, I told her that she had to share the recipe with me.  She has three growing boys so I trusted her recommendation. The funny thing about this recipe is that I had intended on making it in the crock pot, but at 3:45 I realized that I had forgot to put it together so in the oven it went!  Sometimes I am very organized, other times I think I am losing my mind!!!!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 Cup Apricot Preserves
• 1 Cup Russian Dressing
• 1/2 Packet of Onion Soup Mix
• 3 Chicken Breasts

The original recipe was for double the amount of sauce, but I did't have that much Russian dressing on hand so I decided to cut it in half and see what happened.  I only used 3 chicken breasts.  I pounded them a little bit and cut them in half and it was plenty for feed my family.

 Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Combine first three ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.  Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour sauce mixture over top.  Bake for about 40 minutes.  This time will vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

I served with Rice and Steamed Broccoli.  I cooked the rice in chicken broth and seasoned with a little bit of salt and pepper.  My family loved drizzling some of the sauce on the rice.

This recipe can also be made in the slow cooker.  Place chicken in bottom of slow cooker.  Combine remaining ingredients and poor over chicken.  Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.

Follow the Magical Moms on Facebook and Pinterest for weekly menu ideas, crafts, and Disney Magic.  

Mom's Meatloaf

I have been trying various meatloaf recipes for the last few years.  This one is by far the front runner!  My oldest son even said "huh, I didn't even know I liked meatloaf."  I will take that as a compliment and mark it down as a keeper.  I know that most people say they just throw whatever in to make a meatloaf, but that doesn't work for me here. Most of the time I can throw things together and it turns our great, meatloaf is a whole different ball game...until now!
Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs of Ground Beef
• 1/2 tablespoon Dried Parsley
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 cup stove top
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

Glaze

• 1/2 Cup Ketchup
• 2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard

Serves 6

In a small food processor place about a 1/2 bag of Stove Top stuffing mix and pulse a few times to make it so the crumbs are a little smaller.  In a large bowl combine parsley, egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, onion powder and Worcestershire sauce.  When those are mixed together, stir in the Stove Top crumbs.  Last, add in the ground beef and gently mix it all together with our hands.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients.  Divide glaze in half and reserve one half for dipping after it has been cooked.

Place ground beef mixture into loaf pan and lightly brush on glaze.  Bake for 35-40 minutes at 400 degrees.

I served with Mashed Potatoes and Peas of course!

Follow the Magical Moms on Facebook and Pinterest for weekly menu ideas, crafts, and Disney Magic.  

Classic Pork Tenderloin with finishing sauce

If you want more magical mom stuff, please like us on Facebook here!

We were supposed to go to the local high school football game this evening, but it looks like it is going to rain so we are going to be stuck inside tonight.  I guess I will make dinner... I thought I had the night off:) What do I have to work with.... a pork tenderloin... fresh green beans... and potatoes. I can do this!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb Pork Tenderloin
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/3 Cup Soy Sauce
• 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
• 1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dry Mustard
• 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of Butter
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 2/3 Cup of Chicken Broth

Serves 6

To make the marinade whisk together Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Minced Garlic, Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce, dry mustard, and pepper.  Reserve a 1/2 cup of the marinade for sauce.  Pour marinade over pork and place in the fridge for about 3 hours

Preheat oven to 350.  Place pork tenderloin in Cast Iron Dutch Oven (link for the one I use) or other stove to oven safe pan.  Sear on all sides.  Leave tenderloin in Dutch Oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.  Remove from oven.  Place pork on platter and cover with foil.  Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.  Place Dutch Oven back on the stove.  Add the reserved 1/2 of marinade and 1/3 cup of chicken broth.   The marinade and the pork juices and bits will form the sauce for the pork.  Whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in the remaining 1/3 cup of chicken broth.  Add that along with 1 tablespoon of butter to mixture in Dutch Oven.  Bring mixture back to a boil stirring throughout.  Slice pork and drizzle sauce on top.  

I served this with Lawry's Potato Squares and Oven Roasted Green Beans

Garlic Rosemary Potato Wedges

As I have said before, potatoes are a staple side dish at the Lewis House.  This is just one more variation that I can throw together in minutes and it goes well with so many things.  

Ingredients:

• 3 Russet Potatoes
• About a Tablespoon of Fresh Rosemary (or a little less if you don't use fresh)
• 1/2 teaspoon Minced Garlic
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• Sea Salt
• Pepper

Preheat oven to 350.  Wash potatoes and cut each potato into about 6 wedges.  

Place potatoes in single layer in baking dish and drizzle olive oil over them and then sprinkle with minced garlic.  Add salt, pepper, and rosemary.  Toss with spatula.  Bake for about 30 minutes or until crisp.

Tracy's Taco Pie

We have always called this dish "taco pie" because it is made in a pie dish,but after making it this time and actually taking a picture of it I realize that we should call it "taco pile" because it doesn't always come out looking like a pretty piece of pie.  My family doesn't care though they eat it up every time!

 Ingredients:

• 1 lb of Ground beef or Ground Turkey
• 1/2 cupQueso
• Taco Seasoning
• 3-4 Burrito size Flour Tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups Shredded Cheddar

Toppings

• Lettuce
• Sour Cream
• Tomatoes

Brown ground beef and drain.  Put back in skillet and cook with taco seasoning directions as indicated on seasoning (including water).  Once that is done add in the queso and mix well.

Preheat oven to 350.  Next, in a greased 9 inch pie plate place one of the flour tortillas.  Add a layer of ground beef and shredded cheese.  Repeat until all layers are complete.

Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes.  Let stand for a couple minutes then serve.

We served this with the Tufano Salsa Dip and Tortilla chips.

This recipe was featured on our Appetizing April Menu. Check out the entire April menu for a variety of dinner ideas!

Apple of My Eye Chicken Thigh

This is such a great recipe. If you like BBQ, then you'll really enjoy the sweetness the apple butter brings to this chicken dish. And the chicken thighs are so moist and tender, they practically fall apart.

Ingredients:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
• 3/4 cup apple butter
• 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs-rosemary, sage, parsley

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine the apple butter and vinegar in a bowl. Salt and pepper the chicken thighs. Coat the chicken thighs in the apple butter mixture. Cook in oven for about 40 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Sprinkle fresh herbs before serving.

This recipe was featured on our April Menu.

This recipe was featured on our Appetizing April Menu. Check out the entire April menu for a variety of dinner ideas!

Southwest Pasta Bake

Spicy.  Cheesey.  Pasta.  This is a variation on a Rachel Ray recipe I think that she calls Southwestern Chili Con Queso Pasta Bake.  The first time I made it the feedback that my husband gave me was that he wanted it to have a little more kick, so I add some red pepper flakes and a little more Chili Powder.  

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Milk
• 2 +1/2 Cups of Shredded Cheddar
• 2 Tablespoons of Flour
• 2 Tablespoons of Butter
• 1/2 cup fresh Cilantro stems removed (didn't have fresh on hand so I used the kind from the tube)
• 1 Tablespoon Cumin
• 2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
• Medium Onion chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
• 1 Jalepeno with the seeds and stem removed- diced (I didn't have either so I used about 1/4 cup jalepeno slices
• 1- 14 oz can Fire Roasted Tomatoes
• 1 1/2 lbs of Ground Beef
• 1 lb box of Pasta- I used Penne
• 1 Tablespoon Parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper flakes 
• Salt

Start a large pot of water to boil.  While the water is starting to boil, brown ground beef.

When beef is almost cooked add in onion and jalepenos.

  When onions are cooked through, drain off the grease from the mixture.  Return to the skillet and add in cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes.  In a sauce pan melt the 2 Tablespoons of butter.  When butter is melted add in the flour.  Cook for 1-2 minutes continuously stirring with wooden spoon.

Whisk in milk.  

When the mixture begins to bubble slowly add in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, and parsley.  Once cheese is melted pour in tomatoes.

After the pasta is cooked, drain and add it back to the large pot.  Dump in meat mixture and stir.

Next, Add in cheese sauce and mix well.

Preheat oven to 400.  Pour Pasta mixture into 9x13 baking dish top with additional 1/4 cup of Cheddar cheese and bake for about 15 minutes.

This recipe was featured on our Appetizing April Menu. Check out the entire April menu for a variety of dinner ideas!

Jamaican Me Hungry Jerk Chicken

If you've read any of my previous recipe posts, you know I love the combination of sweet and spicy. This jerk chicken does just that. I want to preface that you may need to alter this recipe to meet your perfect combination between the sweet and spicy.  Cooking this in the slow cooker first makes it "fall off the bone" tender, but broiling it in the oven gives it the nice crispness this dish needs.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs bone-in, skin on chicken (I used breasts)
• 1small chopped sweet onion
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2-3 habanero peppers, seeded and chopped (leave in some seeds for extra spice)
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp kosher or sea salt
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped

Directions:
Mix all ingredients except chicken in a food processor and purée. Rub the mixture from the food processor onto chicken (it will be more of a paste than a rub). Place chicken in large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Let marinade overnight. Place chicken and mixture in slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours (make sure chicken is fully cooked).
Set your oven to broil. Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place in baking dish. Broil for 5-10 minutes or until lightly charred and crisped. Turn over and repeat on other side. Broil the side with the skin last so it's freshly charred when served. Serve with lime wedges and squeeze additional lime juice as needed to curb the spice.

This recipe was featured on our Appetizing April Menu. Check out the entire April menu for a variety of dinner ideas!

Creamy Corny Rice

This is a creamy rice dish that has just enough spice!  My family likes to scoop it up with tortilla chips, put in on their tacos or burritos, or just eat it with a fork!  

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup uncooked Long Grain Rice
• 14 ounces of Chicken Broth
• 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese (divided)
• 3/4 Cup Sour Cream
• 1 Cup Corn (frozen or canned)
• Salt and Pepper
• 1- 4 ounce can of diced green chili peppers
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (if you look closely at the picture my cilantro is in the shape of an ice cube.  I took advice from a friend and froze some left over herbs)

First combine rice and chicken broth is pot.  Bring to a rolling boil and then let it sit.  Be sure to let it sit for 20 minutes to absorb all of the liquid.  Next preheat the oven to 350.  Combine all ingredients in 1.5 quart baking then add in rice and top with remaining pepper jack cheese.  Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.  I have found that the baking time is less when I use can corn instead of frozen corn.  This is a great side dish to serve with any Mexican inspired dish.  I served mine with the Crispy Crunchy Oven Baked Tacos.  

This recipe was featured in Two Magical Moms March Menu Madness.  Check out the entire menu and try out some of our other YUMMY recipes!

Grandma's Green Beans

 I had made a big breakfast for my family this morning and there was a couple of pieces of bacon left over so I decided to throw them in the fridge until dinner time to make these Green Beans.  I have only ever made this dish for a large group, but I am going to scale it back a lot so that I can make it for just my family.  This sweet and salty side dish goes great with just about anything, especially BBQ!

Ingredients:

• 1 can French style green beans (drained)


• 2 slices of bacon 


• 1 1/4 teaspoons Soy Sauce


• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar


• 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Salt


• 1 Tablespoon Butter

Preheat oven to 350.  I usually make these when I already have the oven on for something else so I just throw them in at whatever temp the oven is already set to. Combine all ingredients in an oven safe bowl and bake for about 20 minutes stirring them halfway through.  

I served them with the Maple Dijon Chicken and Broccoli and Cheese Rice (recipe to come soon!)

This recipe was featured in Two Magical Moms March Menu Madness and our 30 Days of Dinners June Menu.  Make sure to check out all of the other great recipes the menus!

Green Beans are a family favorite veggie so I make them often...

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Grilled Green Beans


B.B.B. Bacon Bean Bundles

Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken

This is something that can be thrown together very quickly with ingredients that you probably have on hand. The blend of the sweet and spicy gives perfect flavor. This recipe is extremely easy to adjust based on the number of people that you need to serve. I can make a small amount for just our immediate family or for a large group. Either way, everyone LOVES it!

Ingredients:

• Garlic Powder
• Chili Powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Chicken Breasts
• Bacon
• Brown Sugar

First, cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Then sprinkle each side with chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

After that, spiral wrap each piece of chicken with a piece of bacon and roll in brown sugar. Place chicken in baking dish and bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

Serve with your fave side dish. I am sure that there won't be ANY left over!

This recipe was featured in Two Magical Moms March Menu Madness and our Appetizing April Menu.  Check out the menus and try out some of our other YUMMY recipes!

Follow the Magical Moms on Facebook and Pinterest for weekly menu ideas, crafts, and Disney Magic.