Hubbys Shrimp Noodle Soup

The first time my husband ever made this I thought he was crazy!  Why in the world would you put Ramen noodles and shrimp together.  When I think of Ramen noodles I think of my childhood and my brother, sister, and I playing Nintendo and eating it out of huge plastic cups like the ones you get at fast food chains.  My brother would always call dibs on the Iowa Hawkeys one!  I vividly remember the first time I saw someone eat Ramen out of a bowl and I was so confused.  I have no idea why we ate it out of a cup but for some reason it was so odd to me that someone would even consider using a bowl.  Anyhow, my husband surprised me on this one and to this day it is my favorite meal he makes.  Maybe because its the only one he makes but it is my favorite!!

Ingredients:

• 2 packages Oriental Ramen Noodles
• 1 lb shrimp, uncooked
• 1 broccoli floret
• 1 package sliced mushrooms
• 1 medium zucchini sliced or cut in half circles
• 1 small onion
• soy sauce, to taste
• hoison sauce, to taste
• sriracha, to taste
• 2 tablespoon butter

Directions:  In a medium pan melt butter and saute onions and mushrooms until onions are soft.  I always add a little sriracha and hoison while I saute them!  Add shrimp and cook until pink.  In a large pot boil ramen noodles according to package.  When noodles are soft add broccoli and zucchini and cook for a couple minutes.  Finally add shrimp, mushrooms, and onions.  Add one packet oriental seasoning and add soy sauce, hoison, and sriracha to taste.

Cookers Note:  The best thing about this meal is you can use any veggies you have in the fridge and you can always substitute the shrimp for chicken or tofu.  I also love to top with fresh sprouts when I have them.

Semi Homemade Potato Soup

 

Whenever the grocery store has a sale on Bear Creek soup mixes I always pick some up.  One package makes 8 cups of soup and after I add my touches to it I end up with 9 cups.  The best part is I always have enough leftovers for lunch the next day and one freezer meal for another time.  SCORE!

 

Ingredients:

1 package Bear Creek Creamy Potato Soup mix

4 oz cream cheese 

1 cup milk

1 package bacon

2 celery stalks chopped

5 small red or yellow potatoes

1/2 cup chopped green onions, more to taste

salt and pepper to taste

2 teaspoons paprika

 

Directions:  Cook bacon until slightly crispy and chop when cooled.  In a large pot boil 8 cups of water.  Add potatoes, onions, celery,  3/4 bacon crumbles, and seasoning.  Lower heat and cook for about 15 minutes stirring every couple of minutes.  Add milk and cream cheese and cook for another 5 minutes stirring frequently.  When finished top with remaining bacon and season with extra pepper and paprika if desired.

 

Semi Homemade Red Beans and Rice

 

Ever since my husband and I started dating back in 2001, he has been talking about how much he loves red beans and rice.  So, the other night I was debating what to make with some kielbasa and decided I didn't really just want to add it to my packaged jambalaya mix so I raided the pantry and whipped this recipe up.  My husband did state that he is not a big fan of whole beans, so I should make it without the beans.  I started laughing and reminded him of all the times he talked about loving red beans and rice.  He then stated, he does love it just not the beans.  Just another reason why I love him so much.  It was easy, delicious, and a change of pace.  I will be making this many times over. 

Ingredients:

• 1 package sliced kielbasa
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 small can tomato paste
• 1 can red beans, semi drained
• 1 small can diced green chilies
• 1 small onion diced
• 1/4 cup celery diced
• 1 cup minute rice
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Directions:  Over medium heat saute onion and celery with olive oil then add kielbasa.  Cook additional 5 minutes then add red beans, tomato paste, tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, and green chilies.   Stir all ingredients together and let sit for a couple minutes then add water and rice.  Again stir all ingredients and simmer on low stirring occasionally until rice is soft.

Cookers Note:  If you would like to use regular rice, steam rice and add to cooked kielbasa.  Disregard the 1 1/2 cups of water. 

Orange Sweet Roll French Toast

I had a huge craving for Pillsbury Orange Sweet Rolls and I could not resist as I walked past them at the store.  I went home and baked them and ate one and could not stand to see them go to waste.  Every Saturday my husband always asks for Pancakes, Waffles, or French Toast.  I decided I would try french toast with the left over rolls.  They were AMAZING!!!  I usually opt for oatmeal or toast but I caved and had some myself.

Ingredients:

• 1 package Pillsbury Orange Sweet Rolls with icing
• 3 eggs
• 2/3 cup milk
• Maple Syrup

Directions:  Bake rolls as directed on package.  Cool completely and cut in half.  In mixing bowl whisk eggs, milk, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup together.  Dip rolls into mixture coating completely and transfer to griddle/pan on medium heat for about two minutes on each side.  Meanwhile I heated Maple syrup and icing together in the microwave for syrup topping.  I did not give an amount of syrup because everyone prefers certain amounts.  *Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired*

Semi Homemade Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

 

I have been craving this soup for a long time now so I decided to finally make some.  I did not have much time for dinner and I had the wild rice soup mix in the pantry ,so I just added what I had around the house!  It turned out fantastic.  Definitely an easy meal to make especially as fall moves on in.  Husband approved.  This makes a ton I was able to feed 3 and take an extra cup for lunch while still freezing half for another fall day!!!

Ingredients:

• 1 package Bear Creek Creamy Wild Rice Soup Mix
• 8 cups water
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 8oz can of mushrooms
• 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables (I used carrots, peas, corn, and green beans)
• 1 lb cooked chicken

Directions:

Bring 8 cups water to a boil in large pot then whisk in soup mix.  Add all vegetables and chicken then simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes.  Add in milk and cream cheese and stir until cream cheese dissolves.  Let simmer on low for about 5 minutes and serve!

 

Fast and Easy Chili

       Chili over rice
This meal is semi-homemade, really fast, and delicious.  You can turn this recipe into an all day thing if you would like however, I opt for the fast way.  I like to serve mine over rice or spaghetti noodles.  You can also serve it in a bowl topped with cheese and onions.  It is fantastic either way.
Ingredients:

• 1 package ground meat of choice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 can chili beans
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 small can diced green chili's
• 1 package chili seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 cup grated cheese

        Chili Mac
Directions:  In large saucepan cook meat in pan with 3/4 onions and diced green chili's.  Add in chili beans, tomatoes, corn, and seasoning mix.  Heat and enjoy.  Serve over rice, noodles, or plain with grated cheese and onions on top.  If freezing let cool and add to freezer ziploc bag.