Pepperoni Pizza Soup

Who doesn't love pizza? Who doesn't love pizza with pepperoni and cheese? I know I could pretty much eat pizza at any time - its a perfect lunch or dinner, mid-morning stack, and it always hits the spot when I get the midnight munchies! Several years ago, I was flipping through a Maxim magazine (gimme a break, that was all that was available) and came across a recipe called Pepperoni Pizza Soup.  My husband (who was my boyfriend at the time) is really picky, and this sounded like something he might actually enjoy! After several years of tweaking, I think I have this recipe down to a science! It really does taste like pepperoni pizza in soup form! And the best part is, it is SO easy! I promise, this will be a hit for anyone that enjoys pizza (so... everyone?).  Enjoy!!!

Ingredients (to make four servings -- doubles easily):
- 2 cans condensed tomato soup
- 3 cups water
- 2 Tbs. minced garlic
- 3 green onions
- 1.5 cups uncooked shell pasta
- 2 tsp. crushed oregano
- 1/2 heaping cup diced pepperoni (I substitute turkey pepperoni when I make it for myself)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (I use low-fat or fat-free when I make it for myself)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (I use low-fat or fat-free when I make it for myself)


I started by pre-heating my broiler to high.  I then combined the soup, water, and garlic in a stock pot, and bringing it to a boil.  Meanwhile,  I diced the pepperoni and green onions.  Once the liquid was boiling, I added in 2/3 of the green onions, pasta, oregano, and pepperoni.  I allowed it to continue to boil until the pasta shells were almost done.  I then transferred the soup into oven proof bowls, filling almost full.  I then topped each soup with 1/4 cup of each cheese.  I stuck it under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese was hot and bubbly! I waited a few minutes before serving because it gets really hot, (although I'll warn you, its really hard to wait... it smells so good!).  Tell me this isn't amazing? 

Notes: For a really indulgent, full pizza experience, serve up the soup in crusty bread bowl! I promise, it is completely worth the extra calories! Also, when I am making it for people other than Mr. Picky, I add in diced onions and green peppers - which I think is very yummy!

Cute DIY dry erase board

I've been trying to be less wasteful in all aspect of my life, like trying to convince myself it is okay to use a bath towel more than once (to cut down on electricity used for laundry), to reusing to-go containers (which I was always afraid to do).  A few months ago I got in the habit of typing up our menu and schedules for the week, printing them out, and sticking them on the fridge.  This has been so great for me - its completely cut down on wasted food! I always hated having stuff go bad in the fridge simply because I forgot I had it...


*sidenote* By the way, if you don't meal plan, you should! It saves a lot of time and money too! You can always check here for new recipes for great meal ideas!


Anyway, so since I started printing these lists out, I've done a really good job of sticking to them.  However, I've noticed how wasteful it is to print it out every single week.  I was thinking about buying a dry erase board for the fridge to write the list up there, but there were quite a few drawbacks to that.  1) I would have to spend money to purchase one, and I avoid that when possible.  2) I'd have to re-draw the chart every week because when I erased the menu, I'm sure I'd end up erasing half of the lines.  3) They are not very pretty... I like pretty!


So, I set to brainstorming how I could make my own that would meet my needs.  I looked around my house for something that you can use dry erase markers on.  In case you didn't know, you can use dry-erase markers on glass.  When I used to do home-care OT, I ended up having to take down a lot of phone numbers inevitably while sitting at a red light when you don't exactly have a pen handy... A friend had told me to carry a dry-erase pen, and just write it on the window.  That was a great trick!  Anyway, I found a picture frame (brand new, mind you) that had been given to me in a gift exchange, or for a wedding present, or something along those lines... But the point is, I wasn't using it. I decided I could totally make this pretty AND make it meet our needs, all the while doing my part to be a little more "green".  


- Sidenote: I see myself repeating this project with other un-used frames (of which I have many): For grocery lists (also to be posted on the fridge so that when my  husband uses the last of something, there is no excuse to not write it down so I know!), for calendars, for "to-do" lists in my home office... the list goes on and on.  If I had kids, I would use this idea to add their picture on the left column, and then write their chores across the row.  I don't know, there are no rules! Just be creative, and have fun!


Here is how I did it: 

Supplies:
- 12 x 12 picture frame
- 12 x 12 cardstock
- 12 x 12 vellum
- Scrap-booking sticker letters
- Card-making embellishments (cardboard flower; metal brads/flowers)
- Glue dots
- Cutting board, cutter, and ruler
- Permanent markers (non-bleeding type)





First, I picked a lightly patterned paper and vellum.  You want to pick something that won't be too busy so that whatever you write on the glass will show up! After I picked my paper, I wanted to leave a 2" margin at the top so that my title would be displayed prominently! I measured down 2" on the vellum, and then used a scrap-book cutter to make sure I had a straight edge! I then used glue dots to affix the vellum onto the cardstock.



Next, I picked a cardboard flower embellishment, and stuck that on with a glue dot too.  I then picked my sticker letters (green GLITTER, of course... because you can never have too much glitter!).  If you are new to scrap-booking, the best way to center your letters if find the middle letter or space, and start there.  Once you place your first letter, work backward to form the beginning of the work, and then forward to form the end of the word.  I know, I should have taken a picture, but here is an example: My title was "our schedule" - 12 characters.  So my middle was split between c and h.  I placed the c and h, and then added the s, space, r, u, o, and then added the e, d, u, l, e.  Comment if you have questions!

I then planned my grid and how I wanted to organize it.  I used a blank 12 x 12 sheet of paper to plan it on there.  I used a ruler to make sure everything would be all even.  I decided to have 8 columns, and 4 rows.  The top row having the 7 days of the week, and the left column having "appointments", "menu", "to-do".  Once everything was measured, I sketched it very lightly with a super-fine pencil.   I then used a straight edge and a permanent marker to draw the chart.

I decided to use the bottom space for a "notes" section.  I always need to jot down notes.  Always.  Now I know where to go to do it, and I won't lose them!

I then wanted to balance the 'notes' by adding two embellishments (flowers with brads) to the bottom right corner.  Brads are fun! You know those brass pins, that have two bendable pieces that you can stick through a paper and then separate? Those are brads.  In scrap-book world, they come all dolled up. I chose two green ones, and two metal flowers.  I simply pushed the brad through the center of the flower, and through the paper.  I think they turned out pretty cute!

Next, I decided to hand write my column and row headings, because I didn't have any stickers small enough to fit.  It crossed my mind to print them off of the computer on colored paper in a cute font, but I didn't want black text, and my colored printer isn't working right now.  But if it was, I would have done that.  Instead, I tried to use my "bestest" hand writing! I think it turned out fine!

I then opened the frame, and stuck my work of art behind the glass! Once it was all set, I filled in the rest of this week's schedule with a dry-erase marker, and hung it on my fridge! When I get a chance, I am going to try to find a few different colored dry erase markers so I can color code our appointments for each member of the household.  I like organization... To hang, I used a suction cup hook I found in my desk.  It works great! I then used a magnetic pink chip clip to hold the marker! Now I feel organized, and accomplished! Let me know what you use your DIY dry erase boards for!

Soup's On: Mexican Chicken Chili

Okay... I know that it is January 4th, but we had our second to last "Christmas" today.  Since we were going to family member's house for dinner, I was trying to think of something to bring that went with what the hostess was serving, sandwiches and potatoes.  As I sat shivering under a blanket, looking outside and dreading going out into the 15 degree weather... undoubtedly having to scrape the ice and snow off of my car and then shiver until the engine warmed up just to go to the store to pick up whatever items I would need, I finally decided just to use whatever I had sitting in my house already, and try to make something delicious from that.  

I had been cold all day - the kind of cold that you just can't seem to shake, so I figured what warms you up better than a nice hot bowl of soup? After browsing my cupboards to see what I had on hand, I decided to make a chicken chili, Mexican style.  And guess what... it was really good! Everyone loved it, and went back for seconds! And the best part? It is super easy!  

Here is what I used (yields 8 servings):

- 2 large chicken breasts

- 2 tsp. cumin, divided

- 8 cups water

- 8 tsp. chicken flavored soup base (you could substitute 8 chicken bullion cubes, but I don't like their flavor as much )

- 1  16 oz. jar salsa (I used 8 oz. mild, 8 oz. medium because I didn't have one full jar)

- 1 tbs. minced garlic

- 3/4 cup minute rice (I used white)

- 1 can black beans, drained

- 1  4.5 oz. can whole green chilis, diced (my husband inadvertently bought whole - I usually buy them pre-diced)

- Roughly 1ish cups frozen corn (1/2 bag)

I first sprinkled about 1 tsp. of the cumin onto both sides of the chicken breasts, and then massaged it in a bit.  I then decided to grill the chicken on the George Foreman because it usually gets done the fastest.  (I was running short on time by this point since it took me awhile to decide what to make).  

While the chicken was cooking, I brought the water to a boil.  Once it was boiling, I mixed in 8 tsp. of chicken soup base, salsa and the garlic.  I then let it simmer on medium-ish for about 15 minutes.   Have you ever used soup base? If you haven't, I strongly suggest you give it a try! I *highly* prefer it to bullion cubes or pre-made/canned chicken broth.  It has way more flavor, and adds so much more depth to dishes than the bullion or canned.  But any of these three methods would work... But seriously, if you haven't tried soup base, try it! (For your reference, soup base calls for 1 tsp. per 1 cup boiling water - And the beef soup base is really good too!)

By now the chicken was cooked and no longer pink.  In soups, I prefer my chicken to be shredded rather than chunked or cubed, so I used a fork and knife to shred it.  I know lots of people who like to shred chicken in a food processor or blender.  I normally do this to if I have a lot of meat that I am working with, but for only two breasts, I didn't feel like getting extra dishes dirty... I know, I'm a lazy cook.  

Next, I added the remaining ingredients to the soup: the rice, chicken, chilis, beans, and corn.  I let that simmer on low for about 15 more minutes, and then it was time to run.  

As a last minute addition, I decided to bring fat free sour cream, shredded mexi-style cheese, and tortilla chips to serve with the soup.  I planned to take a picture of the soup in the bowl, with the toppings, all ready to be gobbled up, however by the time I remembered, the soup was literally all gone :(.  On the bright side, that means everyone loved it! I hope you enjoy!

Weight Watchers Points Plus Value: 4 PPV per serving (without the toppings)

Berry delight cupcakes/muffins!

Okay, I know I just posted my first post today, and I still don't have a decent camera to use for this blog... BUT forgive me for the blurry pictures... I was hungry!

So it was 10:45 at night, and I was really craving sweets.  I was searching the cupboards for something to satisfy the craving, and nothing looked quite right. So I sat back down, disappointed on the couch.  A commercial came on t.v. with a little girl eating a cupcake... *DING DING DING* And then it hit me... CUPCAKES! A while back I came across a recipe from hungrygirl.com for berry cupcakes, and have been meaning to try it for months! After revisiting her recipe, I decided to create my own berry cupcake recipe, but to try her strawberry cool-whip icing recipe with these cupcakes. Even with the icing, each cupcake is only 3 weight watchers points plus values! (If you aren't a weight watcher, 3 points = about as healthy as a cupcake can possibly get!) If you are looking for a guilt-free sweet treat, these are a must-try!

Ingredients for the cupcakes:
1 box white cake mix (I used a local store brand)
2 cups diet black cherry soda
1/2 cup egg whites (I used egg substitute)
1 cup frozen mixed berries

Ingredients for the icing:
1 tub fat-free coolwhip
1/2 pkg. fat-free cream cheese
2 packets of Truvia
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. strawberry syrup
Red food coloring

I lined two 12-cup cupcake pans with cupcake liners.  After I already had my mind made up that I was making these cupcakes, I realized I only had 20 cupcake liners.  If this ever happens to you, spray the muffin cups with a little non-stick spray - they'll be fine!  Next, I pureed the frozen berries in a food processor (and then the dog started barking, and woke my husband up... whoops!).

Next, I placed all cupcake ingredients into a large mixing bowl.  I then used a hand mixer to beat that batter on medium high speed until it was smooth and lump free.  My batter looked pink at this point (you'll see why I point this out, later!).








I then started to spoon the batter into the cupcake cups.  As it was splattering all over the tops of the pan and the counter (even landing on the poor dog's head), I began trying to think of a more efficient way to fill the cups. I was looking around my kitchen, and saw my two cup measuring cup, and it dawned on me: Put the batter into the measuring cup and then pour it into each cup (NO MESS) :-)  I mention this, because if you are like me, you too have had previous struggles with the neatness of filling cupcake cups... Isn't this a neat little trick? It made me happy! Anyway... I digress.

Once filled, place in center rack in the oven for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cupcakes are cooking, I set to work on the icing.  I was skeptical of how it would turn out.  However, I figured I'd have some faith... I whipped together all of the icing ingredients until smooth, adding 2 drops of red food coloring (because if we are making berry cupcakes, I want them to be cute and pink!) and then poured the icing into a ziploc bag.  I then set the bag in the freezer while the cupcakes finished baking, and eventually cooling.  It was really runny before putting it into the freezer.  I was keeping my fingers crossed for how this icing would turn out.

By this time, my cupcakes were done.  It took exactly 15 minutes to be set but moist.  Just check to make sure a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean! I let them cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, and then transferred them to a cooling rack to cool completely.  But I was really surprised! The cupcakes turned a blueish color after they finished baking.  (I guess my berry mix had more blueberries than I realized!  If you want a pinker cupcake, add some red food coloring to the batter!)  Oh well, blue and pink are both pretty colors!

I cut a corner off of the ziplock bag, and attempted to pipe the icing onto the cupcakes.  

You can see the result - it was still really runny, and honestly, did not taste all that good.  So I threw this one away, and tasted one with no icing.  MUCH BETTER!

All in all, the cupcakes themselves are super yummy! Because they are very moist, and very berry, I almost think they should be considered a muffin.  In fact, I think I'm going to re-categorize them as a moist blueberry muffin!  Then they don't even need icing! Next time, I'll just sprinkle them with a little decorator sugar and call it a day! So perhaps I should go back and change the name of this recipe to berry delight MUFFINS? You know what... its settled: They are now officially called berry delight cupcake/muffins.  Okay - I'm done rambling.  ENJOY!

Welcome 2012!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Well, here comes another year! If you are anything like me, you still have quite a few items left on your 'to-do' list from 2011.  I know I certainly do! I started to make a list of things that I was supposed to get done in 2011, and by the time I reached my second page, I gave up.  

But then, I decided to re-write the list - get rid of what is no longer important, and instead, re-prioritize what I really want to get accomplished! At the top of my list? Make a concentrated effort to become more "domestic".  Recently, my health has pushed me to stay at home instead of being able to work.  And because of this, I decided I should use this time to my advantage to sharpen my domestic skills! I've always admired those busy women who seemed to be able to do it all - serve homemade meals to their families followed by made-from-scratch desserts, all the while wow-ing me with their DIY crafts and home projects! Well, now that I have a little (okay, a lot) of extra time on my hands, I figured I should give it a try! 

I'm a food lover.  I LOVE food. 

 My husband always teases me, because when I bite into something yummy, no matter how grumpy I am, or how bad my day was, I get a smile... A BIG smile! No matter what I'm doing... driving, working, running errands, or exercising... I'm thinking about what new delicious recipes I should try.  And I can never just *try* a recipe, I always have my little tweaks and twists that I add (usually to cut down fat/calories - I lost 33 pounds in 2011, and  my list also includes keeping that off!)  Creating culinary delights always makes me feel successful and accomplished (except of course when I fail, and my husband orders pizza instead... I am not fond of those days!).  

And of course, I've always enjoyed the creativity of DIY projects! And I've noticed that those that I share my creations with always seem to be impressed (I *assume* they're not faking it!).  My main interests with crafts lie in card-making, scrap-booking, etc, as well as cutesy jewelry or decorations... however I'd REALLY like to begin working on house-projects as well... (Another list item!).

So with all of that in mind, and my 2012 'to-do' list hanging on the wall and staring me in the face, I've decided that I figured it would be fun to share my experiences with all of you through a blog! My goal is to add a meal how-to, dessert how-to, and DIY how-to each week! If anyone has any requests for recipes or projects, please send them! I'd be happy to work on any requests! For now, I'm going to go into planning phase, and get ready for my first post!