Part two of our weekend in California for Seanna's shower. The next day started with a stop at Crepeville for breakfast. We had walked past it the night before and knew we wanted to try it before we left town. It was fabulous! So good in fact we went back on Sunday morning too before leaving town.

I could kick myself for not taking pictures the second day since we ordered different food but that is what happens when you are too excited to eat something you just can't wait.

The french toast was presented beautifully with fresh fruit on a large platter like plate.
How can you not eat something that looks this good!?


The crepe we tried was strawberry. The whipped cream topped with cinnamon along with the fresh berries and berry sauce made this feel like a dessert for breakfast. Rich and delicious.


We also ordered a side of eggs at this meal but the side of scrambled eggs just didn't steal the show. We thought we probably needed some protein though-wise move.

This was a great breakfast treat and I am looking forward to our trip in November for the wedding so I can eat there again.

I said in my menu plan post that I would share pictures from Seanna's beautiful shower and also some of the other delicious meals we had while in California. This evening I decided sooner rather than later would be good with these yummy photos and got to work. I realized as I was loading all the photos that this had to be a three part series. So here is post one of our California weekend.

The first night after a long day of driving we went to dinner at a cool restaurant called Zocalo. The food was incredible. We ordered several dishes so we could sample everything.

We started with the shrimp ceviche. So fresh- a great way to start the meal. I especially loved the avocados.


Next up was tacos. Don't these just look beautiful?


Then there was the guanajuato enchiladas. I think this was one of my favorites from the meal. The green sauce was super good.


They also brought us a sample tray of different meats and specialities. On this tray we got to try the carne asada, pork, tamal, and stuffed mushroom. Out of all those foods what do you think my favorite was??? It was the mushroom! I don't know why since I don't even like mushrooms but this one was incredible. Great flavor.


To finish the meal we sampled two desserts. Brownie con nieve and Churros. The brownie was served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and coffee sauce. The churro, however, was my favorite. This was like no other churro I have ever tried. It is filled with vanilla ice cream and coated with cinnamon sugar. It is then served with more vanilla ice cream and a caramel sauce. What a way to end the night!


As you can imagine we left the restaurant completely stuffed and had to do stairs at the hotel to try and burn some of the delicious dinner eats off.

If you are ever in the Sacramento area this is a must do.

I just got back from the most fun weekend. We were in California for Seanna's wedding shower. I got to meet all of her friends and family which was so much fun! The shower was amazing and the food was fabulous. I took lots of pictures which I will share sometime this week. It was a major food weekend and for that reason I am feeling like simple meals this week.

Here is the plan for our week. I hope you had a great weekend!

Dinner

Monday: Mom and Dad's

Tuesday: Pulled Pork, coleslaw, fruit

Wednesday: Zucchini Quiche, fruit, biscuits

Thursday: MY BIRTHDAY!! No cooking for me-a meal out with the family.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday- I am not sure how this weekend will play out. We are going to try to go out just hubby and I for a birthday dinner date, we want to see some friends before we leave for vacation next week, and it is also my brother in-laws birthday so we will probably see him too. If I cook at home my plan is seafood bake and stir fry but I am not confident we will get to either.

Breakfast

Monday: Egg McMuffin (homemade version)

Tuesday: Muffin

Wednesday: Monkey Bar

Thursday: Smoothie

Friday: Cinnamon Roll


And after a very long day of driving that is all I can muster up the energy to plan for our week. Thanks for stopping by!!

To see more menu plans visit I'm An Organizing Junkie.

This is another recipe from my favorite cookbook, Robin Miller Quick Fix Meals. I make this recipe when I have leftover pork. It is a very simple process but filling the wontons does take some time. I usually can get in the groove and whip them out quickly once I get going.

Wonton Soup

6 Cups Chicken Broth
1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
1 Cup Shredded Coleslaw Mix
1 Cup Shredded Leftover Pork
1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
24 Wonton Wrappers
1/4 Cup Chopped Scallions

Place broth in a large saucepan, set over medium-high heat, and bring to a simmer.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the slaw mix and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the pork and soy sauce and cook, stirring, until the cabbage wilts, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Arrange the wonton wrappers on a flat surface. Spoon 1 teaspoon of the filling onto the center of each wrapper. Wet your fingers with water and run a wet finger along the outer edge of the wrapper. Pull up the edges of the wrapper and pinch together, making a beggar's purse shaped wonton. When you run out of filling, place the stuffed wontons in the simmering broth and simmer until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the scallions, and serve.

So good! You will not be disappointed!

It is that time again...time for Menu Plan Monday! Where did the week go?!? This next week will be a short one for me because I am headed to Sacramento for my soon to be Sister-in-Law's shower. I am excited to go on a little trip. My hubby will be on his own but with all the food we have in the freezer I think he can survive.

Dinner

Monday: Mom and Dad's as usual

Tuesday: Pesto Mozzarella Toasted Cheese, tomato soup, fruit (quick dinner because I am getting my hair cut and colored in the evening and I have to get a crown put on my tooth during the day)

Wednesday: Zucchini Pizza, garlic bread, fruit, salad

Thursday: Grilled Steak, buttermilk biscuits, zucchini, cantaloupe

Friday: Off on my trip!

Saturday: California!

Sunday: Heading Home


Breakfast

Monday: Pancakes

Tuesday: Zucchini Muffin

Wednesday: Monkey Bars

Thursday: Smoothie

Friday: Cinnamon Roll

A quick week for me! Hope you have a fantastic week!

See more menu plans at I'm An Organizing Junkie.

One of my favorite things to do with cucumbers this time of year is to make Onion Cucumber Salad. I grew up with my Grandma serving this at family gatherings and it always tastes very light and refreshing. A perfect side dish to almost any meal.

Since I don't have my Grandma's recipe I have always used the one in the 1964 Betty Crocker's New Dinner for Two cookbook. It makes a small recipe since the book is meant to provide meals for two but I usually just increase the amount. It tastes just like I remember.

Onion-Cucumber Salad

1/2 Cucumber
1/4 Medium Onion
1/4 Cup Vinegar
1/4 Cup Water
2 to 3 Teaspoons Sugar (I always use the higher number because I like sugar)
1/8 Teaspoon Salt
Dash of Pepper

Peel and thinly slice cucumber. Thinly slice onion, separating rings. Combine remaining ingredients. Pour over vegetable; marinate at least 1 hour.

Enjoy!

Since it is still so hot here and we are without A/C there was no cooking at our house. I thought I would share with you instead this feast for the eyes. I recently had this at California Pizza Kitchen for my mom's birthday. It was spectacular but the hot fudge cooled and became very thick very fast so I think I could make an even better version at home.

This would be a fun and easy dessert to serve to guests on a hot day. I think the mini M&M's make it look so summery!

Well it should be cooling down soon and then I can get back in the kitchen. Until then enjoy your night!

We had a wonderful weekend and even got to meet Seanna's parents! My mom made a fabulous dinner for all of us complete with homemade ice cream. The meal was so good I ate way too much!

As for my cooking, it has been very hot the last two days and unbearable in our kitchen without A/C. Tonight we actually had smoothies and popcorn for dinner. I joked with my husband I should blog about it. Everyone would be impressed with my culinary abilities. To make it even less impressive I have to admit I didn't even make the smoothies, they came from McDonald's. We had two coupons for free smoothies that expired today.

This next week it is supposed to cool down so I can actually make real meals. The theme for this week is using stuff up in our freezer. I cleaned the freezer out yesterday and made a list of what needs to be used up.

I wish you a wonderful week full of delicious food!

Dinner

Monday: Mom and Dad's

Tuesday: Fried Rice, fruit, jello

Wednesday: Fair and Rodeo!

Thursday: Mexican Lasagna, fruit, zucchini

Friday: Street of Dreams

Saturday: Pizza, salad, chocolate chip cookies

Sunday: Zucchini Pizza, green beans, fruit

Breakfast

Monday: Pancakes

Tuesday: Zucchini Muffin

Wednesday: Healthy Smoothie (these ones will actually be homemade)

Thursday: Quick Oatmeal

Friday: Cinnamon Roll

I also plan to make Corn Dog Muffins this week to freeze for quick lunches as needed.

To see more menu plans visit I'm an Organizing Junkie.

I know this isn't the best picture but when the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven at 9:30 PM you don't get the best light. These cinnamon rolls, however, were the best tasting rolls I have ever made.

I whipped these up for my husband and his friends to take camping and wasn't planning to eat one. When they came out of the oven all gooey and fresh with frosting dripping into every little crevice I couldn't resist.

The recipe is from All Recipes.com and is called Clone of a Cinnabon. The name says it all and they are definitely right on with the Cinnabon taste. My husband and I were both shocked at how similar they were. They immediately won a place in my "binder of favorites" and I plan to make them for special occasions only because they are dangerously good.

If you are looking for a killer cinnamon roll recipe give this one a try and you will not be disappointed.

Last week I decided to throw together a simple pasta salad to serve with our dinner. It turned out perfect and was super easy! I liked it so much I even ate leftovers the next day which I almost never do.

I was also happy about this side dish because it used up several items that had been lingering in my pantry and fridge.

There are no measurements with this recipe just add as much or as little as you like. Feel free to add other ingredients too-this is very flexible. Have fun!

Simple Pasta Salad
Orzo
Cucumber
Zucchini
Onion
Green Pepper
Avocado
Italian Dressing

Cook the orzo according to the packed directions. Drain, and run under cold water to cool quickly. Dice all remaining ingredients to desired size. Toss the cold orzo, veggies, and Italian dressing to taste. Chill until ready to eat.

Oh how I love summer! I spent the day mostly outside with a friend and then washed the car and read a magazine. Perfect relaxing Sunday!

My hubby is home and his camping trip went well from what I can tell. I am so glad to have him back. I didn't sleep well at all with him gone.

On the plan this week are lots of new things that I have been wanting to try but never get around to. I am hoping I can convince my husband to let us stop at the grocery store on the way home from a family dinner tonight so I will have everything I need on hand without having to shop this week. We will see, he is pretty tired and ready to be home.

Dinner

Monday: Dinner at Mom and Dad's

Tuesday: Stuffed Pizza Rolls, salad, watermelon

Wednesday: Caribbean Chicken, Corn Bread, watermelon, green beans (from our garden!!)

Thursday: Johnny Marzetti, green beans, cucumbers and dressing, fruit

Friday: Perfect Pulled Pork, coleslaw, watermelon??

Saturday: Cornbread Cobb Salad, fruit

Sunday: One Dish Turkey Bake, salad

Snacks/Other
Peanut Butter Cup Popcorn
Zucchini Bread in the bread maker

Breakfast

Monday: No Cook Muesli

Tuesday: Cinnamon Roll (these are leftover from what I made for my hubby to take camping and they are amazing! They taste just like Cinnabons!

Wednesday: Pancakes

Thursday: Muffin

Friday: Cereal

See more menu plans at I'm An Organizing Junkie. Have a great week!

I just had to give everyone a quick update and say I almost got everything done on my list for my husband's camping trip! The cinnamon rolls are rising right now, the Chex mix is packed, the monkey bars are packed, caramel corn bagged and ready to go, cookies packed, and I am so happy! By the way the monkey bars are very good so I will be sharing that recipe soon!

Usually I create these daunting lists and NEVER have time to actually do all I plan to. This time I am feeling good. He did decide to buy a loaf of bread because he thought it would be easier to pack and I skipped the peanut butter and jelly bars because I decided they would have too many sweets.

The kitchen is a mess, I am hot, and ready for an hour of relaxation before I go to bed!

Have a great night!

We have fresh green beans right now growing in our garden!! I was excited to make them the way my Grandma makes them when we go to the beach in the summer. I tried to call to get her recipe but she was out and about. Bummer.

I turned to the next best thing, Food Network's website. I did a quick search and saw this recipe from Emeril Lagasse. It looked magnificent and had lots of great reviews.

I made it and all the reviews were right they were amazing. Probably not as healthy as they could be but amazing none the less.

Bacon Braised Green Beans

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
6 Slices Bacon, diced
1 Cup Thinly Sliced Onion
2 Tablespoons Sliced Garlic
2 Pounds Green Beans
1 Cup Chicken Stock or Water
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Pepper

Set a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is well browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally , until the onions are translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the green beans and toss to combine with the bacon and onions.

Increase the heat to medium high and add the chicken stock. As soon as the stock begins to boil, place the lid on the pan and cook the beans for about 6 minutes. Remove the lid, season the beans with the salt and pepper, and toss well. Replace the lid and cook until the beans are tender, 1 or 2 minutes longer.

Remove from the heat and transfer the beans to a serving dish or small platter.

I was flipping through an old issue of Taste of Home and saw this recipe for Basil Pasta. Since I had just purchased a nice big basil plant at Trader Joe's earlier that day the recipe went on my list for that week. They ended up being very easy to put together and so delicious. I love homemade pasta and I love basil so really how could I go wrong?!?

Basil Noodles
Taste of Home August & September 2008

1 1/4 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves
3 Cups Flour
3 Eggs
1/2 Cup plus 1 Tablespoon Water
2 Teaspoons Olive Oil

Place basil in a food processor; cover and process until finely chopped. Add flour, process until blended. Add eggs , water and oil. Process for 15-20 seconds or until dough forms a ball. Turn onto a floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes. Divide into fourths.

On a floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/16 in thickness (I dream of having a pasta press for this step). The recipe says to roll up jelly-roll style and cut into 1/4 in slices. This didn't work for me though so I just sliced them all rolled out.

Hang to dry or let stand on a clean towel for 1 hour. Cook noodles in boiled salted water for 4-5 minutes or until tender, drain.

Eat and enjoy!

To see more great dishes visit Good Cheap Eats.

This looks like it will be a VERY light cooking week for me. My hubby will be on a camping trip Friday-Sunday so I plan to meet up with friends and family. We also have plans to meet other friends for dinner on Wednesday night to see their boat for the first time. Should be a perfect summer evening!

Monday: Dinner at Mom and Dad's

Tuesday: Kabobs on the BBQ, pasta salad, Cheesy Garlic Bread Swirls (don't these look amazing?!?! I can hardly wait!), green beans

Wednesday: Picnic

Thursday: Stuffed Zucchini (can you tell which blog I love?!?), marinated cucumbers, leftover rolls from Tuesday, fruit

Friday: Out with Family

Saturday: Family Picnic

Sunday: Out with Friends


In place of my breakfast menu this week I will share my goal of what I want to send with my hubby and friends camping:

Homemade Bread- for sandwiches
Cinnamon Rolls
Chex Mix
PB&J Bars
Carmel Corn
Monkey Bars

Also on the list for this week is this recipe I found for Blueberry Focaccia. It looks amazing! I will definitely share if it comes out looking good.

Ambitious much?!?

See more menu plans at I'm An Organizing Junkie. Have a great week!