Fun Foodie Family

Try The World- Moroccan Chicken and Couscous

So I recently signed up for Try the World http://www.trytheworld.com/ It is one of those boxes delivered straight to your door. It is pretty awesome. Every 2 months they send you a box of 5-6 small samples from a different country. If you LOVE something, you can buy the bigger version (or try to copy it and make your own). This month it was Marrakesh. Pretty awesome.

So the first thing I decided to make was a Moroccan Chicken. I used these 3 ingredients, plus chicken thighs and salt and pepper…

I patted the Kefta Rub by Villa Jerada (mix of Cumin, Paprika, Pepper, Mint, Coriander, Cilantro, and Cinnamon) on the chicken thighs. Then I cooked the chicken in a cast iron skillet for 45 minutes. These were actually pretty thick, so I ended up cooking them for almost an hour. In the last 10 minutes, I took out the chicken and poured the Couscous sauce in the pan. I put the chicken back in and cooked it together for the last 10 minutes. I plated the chicken and sauce over the couscous.

I served with a side of broccoli and crusty bread. Everyone LOVED the dinner! We all loved the rub…a little bit goes a long way, so I have lots left for a couple more recipes =)

Also got these gems…Palmiers Pure Beurre…Um, that just means a sweet treat made out of flour, butter, sugar, and salt. PERFECTION!!!

Weekend Wrap Up, Taco Night, and Meal Planning

Mexican, Weekend Wrap-Up, Weekly Meal Plans

I can’t believe another weekend is coming to an end! Why does it always have to go by so fast???
Our weekend was pretty awesome. The girls went to their grandparents and had a blast! The hubby and I went to a cabin in the mountains with a few of our best friends. It was super relaxing and lots of fun.

We went to Helen, a cute little tourist town, with lots of shops and restaurants. We went to a little restaurant on the river and ate outside. The rain held up for the day and it was so beautiful. After that, my friend and I got a tattoo. I never really considered getting a tattoo, but after Lizzie passed away, I decided I wanted to get a small one in her memory. I decided I wanted it to say Lulu, my nickname for her. I got it on my wrist, so I could see it all the time and think of her. My friend decided to get one as well. These friends are so close, they are like uncles to the girls, so it was very meaningful to me that he did this. They are perfect.

Later that afternoon and evening we played lots of board games and had a blast together. I made everyone tacos for dinner, and they turned out perfect. I made ground beef, shrimp, and salmon for a bit of variety. I basically just put my homemade taco seasoning on all 3 proteins.
https://funfoodiefamily.com/2013/07/23/homemade-taco-seasoning-mix/

I added it to the beef and cooked that first, since it takes the longest.
Then I added the rub to both sides of the salmon. I added the salmon, skin side down, to a cold pan with a bit of olive oil. This helps the salmon get a crispy skin. If you put it in a hot pan, the skin will most likely shrivel up and separate from the fish. I cooked the first side the longest, about 5 minutes, then flipped it and cooked it about 3 minutes on the second side. You still want it to be a little pink in the middle, so if it starts to turn white, it is overcooking.

I added some shrimp to a bowl and massaged it with the taco seasoning. Then I added a little more olive oil in the pan with the salmon . I finished cooking the salmon and shrimp in the same pan. Less dishes!

Here is what is up for the rest of the week… Cleaning out the fridge and freezer and trying not to go to the store. We will see how long that lasts =) See ya later tonight for a new chicken dish!

Sunday- Moroccan Chicken and Couscous with a veggie
Monday- Veggie Fritatta
Tuesday- Fish Sticks, mac and cheese, veggie
Wednesday- Bean and Beef Burritos
Thursday- Miss Mandy over for dinner- Chinese?
Friday- Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Throwback Thursday- Steak and Potatoes

Beef

Today I got to eat lunch with the girls, so I brought them Zaxby’s. I asked Becca if she wanted to order pizza for dinner on our last night of the kitchen being closed. She said, “No, I want you to make your steak and potatoes.” Hmmmm…..apparently she is ready for a home cooked meal. Ok, then! I had a few days off, but I guess I am ready for a home cooked meal as well. The kitchen is back open for tonight!

https://funfoodiefamily.com/2015/02/15/steak-twice-baked-potatoes-and-pan-steamed-broccoli/

The Kitchen is Closed

Misc. stuff, Weekly Meal Plans

Hey guys! Super busy week! Sorry I haven’t checked in for a while, but I have decreed our kitchen to be closed! This week it is all about the microwave, toaster oven, fast heat-ups, and take-out. Here are some of the eats we have been enjoying this week so far…

Also, picture a rotisserie chicken with leftover mac and cheese, lots of sliced cheese with our crackers, and a few peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. =) The girls are trying to talk me in to Zaxby’s for tomorrow; I may do Indian for me =) Be back next week with some new recipes. It is nice to take a break from the kitchen every once in a while!

What is your favorite take-out, fast food, or convenience meal?

Family Favorite- Spaghetti with Mushrooms and Meat Sauce

Breads and Muffins, Pasta

Hey guys! I made this tonight and it was soooo yummy! Instead of dried herbs, I used herbs from my garden!!!! Woohoo! Basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Happy spring! Summer is just around the corner!

https://funfoodiefamily.com/2013/09/30/spaghetti-with-mushroom-and-meat-sauce/

Garlic Toast- I added 2 heads minced garlic to a few tablespoons of soft butter. I spread it on and toasted until perfection!