Our new "Favorites" at our table...

Easy Southwest Chicken

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 jar Salsa
5 boneless, skinless frozen Chicken Breasts
Mix the soup and salsa together. Pour over chicken in greased slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over rice and sprinkle with shredded cheese. It would even taste good with black beans and corn mixed in. This is very YUMMY and will quickly become a family favorite.


Mexican Manicotti

1 lb. Ground Beef
1 16 oz. can Refried Beans
2 1/2 tsp. Chili Powder
1 1/2 tsp. Oregano
1 8 oz. pkg. Manicotti
1 19 oz. can Enchilada Sauce
2 cups Sour Cream
2 cups Mexican style shredded cheese
Cook Ground Beef. Boil Manicotti according to package (suggestion: cook them on the tough side, easier to fill and they will continue to cook in the dish). In a bowl combine beef, beans, chili powder, and oregano. Spoon into shells and arrange in a 9x13 baking dish. Pour Enchilada sauce over top. Cover and bake at 350* for 30 minutes. Uncover and spoon sour cream over top (personally we didn't like the sour cream cooked on it, we would prefer to spoon on top after you melt the cheese) and sprinkle with cheese. Bake additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted. Other toppings: diced green onions, tomatoes, sliced olives, etc.
This reminds me a lot of Mexican Lasagna just not all the work. We absolutely love this...especially Dalton who gobbled it up and had 3 more helpings. :)


Slow Cooked Mac and Cheese

1 16 oz. pkg Elbow Macaroni
1/2 c. Melted Butter
2 Eggs, beaten
1 12 oz. can Evaporated Milk
1 can Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 c. Milk
4 c. shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/4 tsp. Paprika
Cook Macaroni according to pkg. directions. Drain and place in Crock Pot. Add melted butter. In a bowl combine eggs, evaporated milk, soup, milk, and 3 cups of cheese. Pour over top of noodles and stir to combine. Cook on low for 4 hours. Sprinkle with reamaining cheese and cook additional 15 minutes till cheese melts. Sprinkle with paprika. So yummy and reminds me of good homemade mac and cheese.


Chicken Spaghetti

4-5 Chicken Breasts, cooked and cubed
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 cans diced Italian Tomatoes
1 lb. Velveeta Cheese
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can Mushrooms with Juice (Thanks to my husband we don't add this but still tastes good)
Combine above ingredients in Crock Pot and cook about an hour on Low.
Then Add:
1/4 tsp. Garlic Salt
1 tsp. Dried onion
1/4 tsp. Pepper
1/4 tsp. Season Salt
1/2 tsp. Salt
Cook an additional hour. Serve over Spaghetti Noodles.
OoOH this is so so good. Very creamy, flavorful, and delicious!!

My thoughts EXACTLY----

So I came across this on "Cooking on Clover Lane" and it is my philosophy to a "T"!! Just thought I would share...

I abhor when people (anyone!) complains about food. Especially people in this house. It does not fly, let me tell you. I grew up in a house where you ate what was put before you, and you liked it. We finished our plates and went out to play. I can't remember EVER hearing any talk of whether what we were served was "good" or not. It was food! It was made for you! You are lucky! There are people that are starving, STARVING!, all over the world. Too bland? Don't care. Think mushrooms are gross? No one cares but you, so push them aside and zip it! Did your nose just wrinkle up? How incredibly rude! I just can NOT tolerate pickiness or analysis of any kind.
Sensitive palate? Oh, please! I think all food issues are all CONTROL issues. That's my inner psychologist coming out, but I'm right and you know it.
My mom had a rule about pickiness. My brother Andy knew it well. If you simply could not stand what was being served, help yourself to the Saltines. By the way, Andy is the youngest. I have no recollection of that option till he was born. For a couple years, he ate row after row of Saltines. I don't think he ever complained about it. He'd just go get the box after prayers and crunch away at the dinner table. I'm sure it crossed my mother's mind that he might acquire a good case of scurvy one day, but no, he's a strapping 6'5".
My rules? Ritz crackers. A little better than Saltines. I stepped it up a notch. I do try to avoid all that trouble by really cooking food everyone loves. Or at least likes. Or tolerates.
And the more people around your dining room table, the harder that gets.
I do not cook Halibut Steak with Eggplant Sauce. Or Borscht Horseradish Terrine. I'd go through a whole box of Ritz in one dinner if I did that.
So, I guess what I'm saying is I do know that recipes that require Campbell's Condensed Soups are NOT appearing anytime soon in the pages of Bon Apetit. I do know that it is slightly Midwestern (and not in the good way) to use your Crock Pot at least 3 times a week.
I also don't have the time or the inclination, truthfully, to spend hours in the kitchen preparing some fancy dish that requires my concentration. Not right now. I'm concentrating on getting one kid working on his Algebra 1 and finding the other one's shin guards for soccer practice. The halibut would be charcoal in a minute. I also cook almost EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. I'd burn out fast if I tried something new every night.
So until my life slows down a bit, my idea of a good meal is "home-made and liked by most."
One day I might get to Beef Cheeks Braised in Red Wine with Orange Zest, but right now, I'd rather have to time to kiss my sweet little baby's cheeks. Wasn't that cute? I was thinking of saying something about his other cute little baby cheeks, but then thought, this is a blog about food, and mind my manners, darnit!

Tasty Desserts...

Apple Pie Almost

8-9 Apples (I prefer yellow)
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 c. Water
Peel and slice apples, place in bottom of 9"x11" pan.
Sprinkle on cinnamon and pour on water.
Topping:
1 c. Butter or Margarine
2 c. Sugar
1 1/2 c. Flour
Mix to make a crumbly type mixture
Spread evenly over apples and Bake at 400* for 1 hour.
Oh so Yummy!!

Chocolate Waffle Cookies

Heat Waffle Iron and spray with Pam
Beat together:
1 c. Melted Butter
1 1/2 c. Sugar
4 Eggs
9 Tbl. Cocoa
2 c. Flour
2 tsp. Vanilla
Spoon 1 heaping spoonful into all 4 corners and heat for approx. 1 min. 50 sec. (depending on waffle iron), they should be able to lift out easily with a fork but they wont brown or be crispy. Let cool and serve with favorite chocolate frosting, powdered sugar, or make larger ones and top with vanilla ice cream and fudge sauce. Extremely Yummy and my kids favorite!!

Taco Soup....

This has become a family favorite and great to have on a cold winter night. Hope you enjoy....

Easy Taco Soup -
1 lb. hamburger browned with small onion (I sprinkle 3-4 tbls. dried onion cause doug doesn't like real onion)
Drain meat and pour in remaining ingredients:
28 oz. stewed tomatoes chopped
16 oz. kidney beans with liquid
17 oz. canned corn with liquid
8 oz. tomato sauce
1/2 pkg. taco seasoning
Bring to boil and than reduce heat to medium/low and simmer - the longer the better (about 1/2 hour). Top with toppings similar to tacos, tomatoes, sour cream, cheese, olives, and use Fritos to scoop with or crumble in soup. Enjoy!!

This is great the next day...in fact we think it's better! I usually make it the day before and heat in crock pot the next day!

Bush Family Thanksgiving Menu

Ellie’s Thanksgiving Menu

- Turkey
- Bread
- Cereal
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Taco’s
- Sprite and Root Beer
- Ice cream and Brownies


To Prepare you wash your hands and put pretty clothes on…

Turkey – Put it on the rack and than in the oven for 20 minutes.
Bread – Put sour cream on it, get a pan out and put it in the oven for 6 minutes.
Cereal – It’s the ABC’s kind with marshmallows – just put milk in it.
Mac & Cheese – Get a bowl, put cheese in it and cook for 6 minutes in the microwave.
Taco’s – Put sour cream and cheese on a taco – cook for 6 minutes in the microwave.
Ice Cream – Get chocolate ice cream from the freezer.
Brownies – Get them from the fridge and just put chocolate on them – don’t cook them.
Drink – You just get it from the fridge and put in a cup.
Enjoy!!


Dalton’s Thanksgiving Menu

- Fish
- Turkey
- Bread
- Pink Juice
- Ice Cream and Popsicles

To prepare put on a dressing thing and these on your hands (An apron and Hot pads).

Fish – Put it in a bowl and cook it in the oven for 42 minutes.
Turkey – Buy it at the store, it’s frozen so put it in the oven and bake for 8 hours.
Bread – Take the bread out of the bag and put in the oven for 40 hrs. – now it’s toast so put peanut butter on it to make a smiley face. Use grapes for the eyes and nose.
Pink Juice – Take water, milk and Strawberries – mix it and it turns pink – like pink Lemonade.
Ice cream – Chocolate and Pink Popsicles
Enjoy!!

Quick, Easy, and YUMMY...

Easy Chicken Quesadilla's

4 Chicken Breast's cut into bite size pieces and cooked
1 pkg Fiesta Blend Shredded Cheese
1 pkg Tortilla Shells
1 cup Sour Cream
1 pkg Taco Bell's Taco Seasoning

After cooking the chicken sprinkle about 2-4 tsp. taco seasoning and mix until coated. Chop the chicken - I used my Pampered Chef chopper. Place one tortilla in a pan sprinkle with cheese, chicken and top with another tortilla grill until crispy and golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted. Mix the sour cream and another 2-3 tsp. of taco seasoning - I added slowly until I got desired flavor. Cut Quesadilla with pizza cutter and enjoy with your dip. It would also taste yummy spreading the dip on the tortilla, sprinkling with cheese and chicken and than grilling it. Serve with rice - we recommend Birdseye Steamfresh Southwest rice (found in the freezer section).
These were a hit at our house last night...it was quick and easy. Enjoy!!

My Grocery Game Plan....

I thought I would share with everyone my game plan for grocery shopping and hopefully give you some helpful tips. Each month I start out with a set amount per pay check for our groceries - We get paid twice a month and I allow more for one shopping trip than the other to accomidate for other things - i.e. shampoo, cleaning products, etc. So I go shopping usually a few days after our pay days. The day before I sit down with my little calander (I have one my mom gave me that has days down the left and columns on the right - 4 boxes for each day of the week). I have only found these at a store in Farmington and I don't know who sells them - sorry. But any calander would do. I write down a meal plan - what's for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner for each day up until the next pay day. I also include on each day if we will be out of town or other appts., usually in the 4th column. So when I go to make my grocery list I will only write down what I need, it really helps with impulse buying as I go down each aisle. I don't always stick to the order of the menu but I always know I have those things on hand for that particular meal. Than comes the list. I have been typing up my lists lately cause it helps me have more room. Plus I have been using coupons and this way I can write details on what brand I have to buy and deals that are available. I usually write a C after that product so I know it has a coupon. Than I check to see in store deals and make a note next to each item where is the best deal and price so I can price match at Wal-mart. I will than include things on my list that I know are great deals to add to my food storage and this way helps me save next time on my budget.
My sister-in-law found a great website called www.grocerygame.com that does all the brunt work for bargain shopping. They compile a list of in-store deals plus coupons to save you lots of money at certain stores. The two that I have found in my area are Smith's and Albertson's (Ogden). You can join for a few weeks for only $1 so I suggest you try it out. She has saved tremendously. Alot of the deals are great for stock piling and they tell you what is good for now and what is good for food storage. I have tried it a few times but it really hasn't worked quite as well for me yet. Mainly because when I come into town it's not as easily for me to run to 3-4different stores for all that I need. I have to bulk shop enough for 2-3 weeks. I believe it would work if I was able to go shopping once a week - they publish the deals only from Sunday to Tuesday and I am not always able to go shopping on those days. I have learned to use coupons and do my own homework for what I need, plus Wal-mart will price match all competators adds. I don't get the adds though and so I still use this site to check out in-store deals. Another helpful tip - I have been shopping in Evanston because there is no food tax in Wyoming. This may not work for all of you because it is quite the drive but if you are ever that way it's good to know and helps you save a little bit.
It sounds like a lot of work to go grocery shopping but I feel that it has saved my family alot. I feel so silly handing the cashier my stack of coupons and correcting her for each price match but I walked away last trip saving myself $75 dollars and a overflowing cart of groceries for under $200 dollars. This not only included food but our personal necessities as well for 2 1/2 weeks. If any one has any questions or would like to see details (lists and menu's) of my grocery game plan please feel free to contact me. I love sharing money saving ideas with family and friends cause we can all use a little help during these challenging financial times. I hope I included something that helps you the next time you shop. Luv ya all....

3-4 Ingredient Recipes

These are three of our favorite recipes that I feel are extremely easy. Can't go wrong with only a few ingredients and a crock pot...

Creamy Crock-pot Chicken
- 4-5 Frozen Chicken Breasts
- 2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 pkg. Dry Italian Dressing
- 8 oz. Cream Cheese
Place chicken in crock-pot, mix other ingredients, and pour over chicken. Cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Serve with rice (our favorite) or mashed potatoes.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- 25-30 Frozen Meatballs
- 1 Jar Salsa (mild)
- 1 Can Cranberry Sauce
Place meatballs in crock-pot, mix ingredients, and pour over meatballs. Cook on low for about 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Serve over rice.

Crunchy Ranch Chicken
- 4-5 Chicken Breasts (1 1/2 lbs.)
- 3/4 C. Corn Flakes (crushed)
- 1/2 C. Fresh-grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/3 C. Butter - melted in bowl
- 1 envelope Dry Ranch Dressing
In shallow pan mix together the flakes, cheese, and dressing. Dip Chicken in butter and than press and coat into the corn flake mixture. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. YUMMY!!

ENJOY! Let me know what ya think?

So it Begins...

After posting a recipe on my other blog I came up with the idea to share with everyone all of my favorite recipes and shopping tips. So the Tummy Yummy blog was created!! I love finding, trying, and sharing dishes that I know my family enjoys. Since we recently moved farther away from the city we don't have major grocery stores near by and only a few resturants to eat at. So I have learned to create a food budget, meal plan, and cook more for my family. I admit we used to eat out so much - I really don't enjoy cooking and fast food was so convienant. But reality hit about a year ago when we realized we were spending alomst a third of our grocery budget eating out. We needed to start saving money and that's when I decided to meal plan and cook more for my family. Than moving out here has become my challenge to make our budget stretch to each shopping trip, create a food storage, and find fun new recipes that my family would enjoy. Cooking has become fun for me and I enjoy the way it has benefited my family.
So check back often for fun recipes, tips, and ideas to help bring cooking back to your family table. Please send me feedback and any recipes that you would love to share with me and others. Hope you enjoy our newest blog.