Tasty Tuesday: "Sweet Potato Cheesecake!"

Every year for the holiday I like to find something different to introduce to the family.  Last year we busted out some caramel cheesecake bites and this year we're going to attempt sweet potato ones.  Since I can remember, my family has always had sweet potato's for Thanksgiving in the form of pies and a soufflé.  When my grandmother from Georgia passed away she handed to sweet potato baton to my younger sister who generally cooks very traditional meals. 

These little golden nuggets of fantastic-ness can't be described any other way.  The sweet potato flavor balances the sharp cream cheese flavors nicely and the hint of cinnamon gives a warmth that is perfect for cold weather. After a big holiday meal, it is always good to have something sweet, but I don't want a huge piece after I've already stuffed myself into silliness  on dinner. These bites are great because people can have as much or as little as they want. Also, no slicing. You could make them in normal sized cupcake tins instead of mini muffin tins - just add more time in the oven. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups ginger snaps
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese
• 2/3 c. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 eggs

Directions

• In food processor combine crushed wafers and butter.
• Press 1 tsp. of the mixture firmly into very well greased mini muffin tins and chill for 1 hour.
• Cover each sweet potato with foil and roast in the oven at 350 for an hour, until the inside is very tender.
• Puree cooked sweet potatoes in the food processor until smooth.
• Whip cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon together until fluffy.
• Beat in eggs just until combined.
• Stir in pureed sweet potatoes and sour cream.
• Scoop smooth, cream cheese mixture into the mini muffin cups. They won't really rise or fall so you can just fill the cups to the top.
•  Bake the cheesecakes in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes until cheesecake is just set.
• Cool in pan on wire rack and allow to cool completely in the fridge (20-30 minutes) until you try to remove them from the muffin pan.

Keep covered in plastic wrap in the fridge until you are ready to serve them!

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday: (GUEST POST) - Oriental Salad

This is a guest post by my fabulous foodie friend and co-mom Joyce Cunningham of Pthirty1.  A thirty-something, happily married, entrepreneur, blogger , accountant and working mother of 6 beautiful children (ages 10 months to 21 years). Her passions are faith, family, food, fashion, flying and fun – all with a touch of frugality. As a self-certified foodie, she loves to cook, explore new restaurants, cuisines, cooking styles, cookbooks, recipes, etc.  Additionally, an avid DIYer that loves to sew, craft, build, fix and create at home, for the home, family, friends and anything or anyone in need.

 

When trying to figure out different dishes for family fun or upcoming events its easy to draw a blank.  Be sure to try this one, I guarantee you, your family and friends will enjoy it. *Toodles*

 

~

 

I always promote how much of a foodie I am and that I’ll eat just about anything at least once, but I have a secret to tell you. There are certain foods I just absolutely hate…despise even!  Cole slaw is one of them. I don’t know what happened in my childhood that scarred me from eating cole slaw for life, but I simply won’t touch the stuff. I’ve never attempted to make it myself and I always skip it if it’s offered elsewhere.

 

The problem with my distaste for cole slaw is my love for entertaining. I absolutely loooove having folks over and feeding them something so scrumptious they won’t leave without the recipe. Well, naturally, at any summer BBQ, people expect certain staples with their grilled bites. Cole slaw, my friends, is one of them. You see my dilemma?

 

So this recipe came about as an alternative to that wretched, loathsome, cole slaw I refuse to serve at my home. It is made with a vegetable I love – broccoli – and it’s so flexible as a recipe. You can make it savory as is or sweeten it up or even make it “savorier” (yep, I just made that up) ;).

Every time I serve this, I’m always asked for the recipe. My 12 year old loves it so much, she’s learned to make it herself. She loves to take it to school for lunch.  Substituting the sugar with splenda or stevia makes this a healthier choice, but either way , it doesn’t substitute on taste. This slaw is YUMAZING! Enjoy!

 

You will need:

2 pkgs broccoli slaw
1 pkg broccoli, chopped (or 1 small crown of fresh broccoli)
1 cup roasted sunflower seeds
1 cup sliced almonds (I use Wonderful Almond Accents honey roasted)
½ bunch green onions, chopped
2 pkgs Ramen noodles, uncooked

Optional add-ins
1 cup bacon bits
1 cup dried cranberries

For vinaigrette:
¾ cup oil (I use canola)
½ cup sugar (or sugar substitute)
2 flavor packets from Ramen noodles

Directions:

1.       In a large bowl, mix slaw, broccoli, nuts, and onions. If using, mix in add-ins.

2.       Crush noodles over slaw and mix well.

3.       In a small bowl, mix vinaigrette ingredients well.

4.       About 1 hour before serving, pour vinaigrette over slaw and mix well (I mix this with my hands).

5.       Cover and chill until ready to serve.

6.       Enjoy! ;)

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday: "Crockpot Potatoes"

Nothing like a crock pot to save the day for a working wife and mompreneuer!  This delicious crockpot recipe is good alone for me but I needed meat for the other folks in the house.  If you're on any type of DIET, this isn't the meal for you but if you're a busy bee absentee, this will save your LIFE.. lol ... enjoy.

Ingredients
1/4 pound bacon, diced (I cook it first in the oven so that it is “done” and browned)
2 medium onions thinly sliced
4 medium potatoes
1/2 pound cheddar cheese (
salt and pepper
butter
Green Onions (optional)

Instructions
Line crockpot with foil, leaving enough to cover the potatoes when finished – this will help to not stick and to steam the potatoes
Layer half each of the bacon, onions and potatoes in the crockpot. Season to taste with salt and pepper and butter. Repeat layers of bacon, onions, potatoes and cheese. Dot with butter. Cover with remaining foil. Cover and cook on low for up to 6 hours (check at 4 hours – depending on your crock pot). Add cheese for the last 20 – 30 minutes

" Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday: "Not Your Regular Chicken Parm"

I am one busy mompreneur!!! I work a full time job, plan weddings/events, design stationery, drive a cab.. I mean transport children AND find time for a husband.  Needless to say some days the meal choices aren't that great, the cab needs gas and the hubby... well, he's understanding MOST days.  However, every once in a while I figure out a way to do something pretty darn cool. 

On Saturday I did some grocery shopping and due to getting some bad news that knocked me off my square, I completely forgot to freeze the chicken breasts in addition to some other things.  Well, it's Sunday! I've attended two church services, had a bridal meeting, steamed the floors (again), started a load of laundry, cut paper for invitations, and no matter how I try to avoid it - I must cook - cook what?  THE CHICKEN!

When I looked at the chicken I had every intention to simply grill or fry it and keep it moving.  Then I had a great idea of making chicken parm.  Half way through prep I realized I didn't have enough sauce, nor did I have enough tomatoes to make it from scratch.  What's a girl to do?  IMPROVISE!!! 

When  your 14 year old says you rocked, you ROCKED!!!  Here is my version of Chicken Parm and Garlic Mostacholi with bacon and mushrooms.

Ingredients
-Chicken Breasts
-Italian Bread Crumbs
-Seasoning Salt
-Pepper
-Olive Oil
-Prego Garlic Sauce
-Stewed Tomatoes
-An Array of shredded cheeses
-Mostacholi
-Bacon
-Spinach
-Mushrooms
-Garlic
-Butter

Directions
Pre-heat over to 350.  Season thawed chicken breasts and cover with bread crumbs.  Lightly brown over medium heat in olive oil.  Place browned chicken breasts into a foil pan and cover with Prego and stewed tomatoes.  Be sure to leave a few tomatoes for the mushrooms.  Cover and bake for 45 minutes, add an array of shredded cheeses and re-cover.

In a separate pan, add 2 pats of butter, seasoning salt, pepper, garlic and mushrooms.  Sautee until almost done and add a few stewed tomatoes.

In a pot, boil your mostacholi until done.  Once done, add a stick of butter, the mushroom mixture and any left over cheese.  Serve hot!!

"Live & Love"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday: "Crockpot BBQ Chicken Breasts"

The holiday is suppose to be a time of rest and relaxation in my book.  Therefore, to ease the pressure of grilling everything I tried this recipe for the family.  Not sure how well it went over but as with all recipes, this too is good for a small or medium size event.

Ingredients
4-6 Chicken Breasts
1 bottle BBQ Sauce
1/4 cup vinegar
some minced garlic
1/4 cup brown sugar
some red pepper

Directions
In a medium sized bowl mix the BBQ Sauce, vinegar, garlic, brown sugar and red pepper stirring until mixed well.  Take the chicken breasts and put into the crock pot and pour the sauce over it.  Cook for 4-6 hours. DONE!

This was really good with corn on the cob and some other sides as well as on a hamburger bun for a snack.

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Tasty Tuesday Recipe: Teriyaki Salmon Salad

Week five of the weight loss challenge with ChiTown Moms has been in a word CHALLENGING.  True enough I've worked out but clearly lifting cake to my mouth hasn't been as successful as I'd hoped for. 

Even with my busy schedule I try and make at least one really healthy dish for the family.  As with anything I do, I see it as an "event" and making this simple dish was no different.  Baked or Grilled Teriyaki Salmon Salad with walnuts and craisins satisfied my appetite and didn't send my jeans screaming at the thought of having to be worn.

Ingredients
Salmon
Teriyaki Marinade
Lettuce
Spinach
Glazed Walnuts
Carrots
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Craisins
.....and anything else you like in salad

Directions
Marinade the Salmon with the teriyaki sauce and wrap in foil prior to baking or grilling. 
Prepare Salad with fixings, bake or grill the fish and add on top.  I used Raspberry Vinaigrette salad dressing for myself and it was so yummy!

Enjoy!
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Soothing Saturday with Shay: Shrimp and Four Cheese Ravioli with Vodka Sauce

Soothing Saturday's with Shay are often planned events where I allow others into my journey, my way, and my lifestyle.  However, that isn't all it consists of!  As a wife, mother and entrepreneur, I am very busy so personal Soothing Saturday's with Shay are very important to me.  There aren't many weekends that I get to be at home with the family so it's imperative that I make good use of the time. 

Today, after making smoothies for breakfast, watching the nephew and Dayton on ESPN2 and making everyone clean up, I thought I'd try my hand at a new dish. 

Shrimp and Four Cheese Ravioli with Vodka Sauce was a fabulous choice for the family on this Saturday.  Being the daughter of Dorothy and the granddaughter of Jennie; I'm not one for measuring but here are the ingredients and how I created this Soothing Saturday with Shay dish.

Disclaimer:  I'm just a woman with a family so use your imagination on the parts you think I left out :)

Ingredients
Jumbo Shrimp (approx 50)
Mushrooms
Tomato and Basil Sauce
Vodka
Buitoni Ravioli
Minced Garlic
Lemon Pepper
Butter
Olive Oil
Cream Cheese
Pepper Jack, Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese


Once everything was sliced and peeled it was time to get this baby on the stove.  I must warn you that it took all four burners and several dirty dishes to complete, but it was well worth it in the end.

Directions
Prepare the shrimp and season with lemon pepper. Set aside

In a separate pot add water and salt for the ravioli.

In a medium sized pot mix the sauce and 1 cut of vodka.  Cook on low heat for approximately 20 minutes.

In yet another pan, add butter and olive oil.  Saute the mushrooms and then add shrimp.  Once the shrimp are pink add garlic and whisk in cream cheese until smooth.  Add the tomato sauce mixture and the other cheeses.

 Boil the ravioli for 8 minutes, rinse and add the above sauce.... bon appetite!

"Live Life With No Regrets"
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Fasting - How it Works (Day 2)

Day 1 was all about the benefits of fasting and writing down your thoughts in a custom "Your Journey's Journal" by Designs by Shay.  Today we'll go more into what fasting entails and one fast in particular.  How many of you fast for either spiritual or dietary purposes?  I'd love to hear your stories. 

What is Fasting?
Fasting, the act of willingly abstaining from all food, drink, or both, for a period of time.  Though it may not be the most practical -- or safest -- diet, some people use fasting as a way to lose weight or to cleanse the body of toxins, although some experts say our bodies are perfectly equipped with organs that already do the job. Most religions use periods of fasting as a means of demonstrating faith and an opportunity for spiritual reflection.
 

What is The Daniel Fast?
The Daniel Fast is the most "popular" fast used by many of faith and is a biblically based partial fast.  In Daniel 1 the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast: (1) Only fruits and vegetables (2) Only water as a beverage.  Then in Daniel 10 we read that the Prophet ate no meat nor any precious breads or foods and he drank no wine for 21 days. So from this scripture, we get a third guideline: (3) No sweeteners and no breads.

You may be saying, "OK, no meat, only water, no sugar; but why no bread?"  Another important guideline is drawn from Jewish fasting principles, where no leaven is used during the fast. So that's why yeast, baking powder and the like are not allowed on the Daniel Fast.

When my daughter asked about the eating plan on the Daniel Fast, I simply stated "it is a vegan diet with even more restrictions."

DISCLAIMER:  I am NOT a doctor. Fasting should never bring harm to the body. And if you have concerns, be sure to consult your health professional before going on the Daniel Fast.  Although the Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat I suggest a few modifications if you have health issues that need special attention. For example, I just recovered from the Norovirus and am taking antibiotics so I fast until 6pm and eat only chicken and fish. (if any meat at all)   My daughter and niece are athletes (cheerleading) so their eating plan is slightly altered as well

WHAT I HAD ON THIS DAY~
Breakfast - Mango, Orange, Grapefruit, Carrot, Celery JUICED juice
Lunch - Oats, Flax Seed, Banana, Raspberry, Blueberry SMOOTHED smoothie
Dinner - Corn and Potatoes
Late Night Snack- Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries..... yummmmmdelish!

~Live Life With NO Regrets
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.