Category Archives: Snacks

April 16, 2012 · 7:30 am

Taco (or whatever) Seasoning-Make your own!

Seriously, friends, those little taco/fajita/whatever seasoning packets are such a waste of money.

Also they kind of taste like…I don’t know…preservatives?

I get it.  They’re easy and convenient. Fine.

But pretend you want a taco.

Like…now.

((It happens. Don’t act like it doesn’t.))

Now pretend you have everything you need EXCEPT the darn packet that makes it a taco.

(Because the vast majority of foods could become a taco when placed in a tortilla, ((which you can make at home anyway)) this happens often)

Should you run to the store, pay more in gas than the packet costs, wait in line, wait in traffic wait wait wait wait wait

OR

Make your own and have tacos now.

I choose the second one. Always.  Because those little packets are gross. Also, I’m impatient when I’m hungry.

The same rule applies, maybe even more, for sudden fajita cravings.

Plus I have all the seasonings that go in taco seasoning in my pantry right now.  They don’t have to be mystery ingredients. They aren’t difficult to find.  They’re spices for delicious real life. Get with me here.

All you need is: [love] and…

Now, I’m calling this taco seasoning because that was its original purpose but let’s get real here…

it goes on anything.

Sprinkle it on things you’re gonna roast, toast, saute, scramble, slow cook, soup or sandwich and anything else you can think of.  It tastes just as delicious on vegetables or beans as it would on meat.

Maybe keep it away from ice cream, though.

If you throw together a bunch of it and keep it in a little jar/tupperware container/plastic baggie (I don’t care) you’ll save a step and some brain power when dinner time sneaks up on you.

Seasoning dinner doesn’t take long but this way you don’t have to think about it and that’s just one delicious container you need to reach for.

I know they already did this “blend of spices in one container” thing.  But do it yourself and it’s cheaper, tastier and gives things a vague Mexican flavor.  What’s not to love?

This isn’t really a recipe.  More like an idea. You’re allowed to change the spices and proportions to suit your needs and tastes.

In fact, please do.

I would be lying if I told you I followed the measurements I listed in the recipe every time…they’re close enough, though.  Basically it’s just nice to have a favorite blend of spices on hand.

  So uh…try it and stuff.  Bet you’ll like it better than a foil envelope.

Enjoy!

❤ Ellen

p.s. homemade ketchup coming up next. DIY FTW!

Seasoning Blend for Tacos…and so much more!

I’m giving you the guide I used…it’s a great base to adjust to taste!

1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika1 1/2 HEAPING teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Mix it all together (and you feel better).

….lime and coconut? anyone

((3 tablespoons to a packet))

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April 1, 2012 · 10:07 pm

I Made Peanut Butter Cups!

…and it was too easy.

If you know me at all it won’t surprise you that I love and adore peanut butter cups above all candy.

Chocolate.  Peanut butter.

I mean really…no contest.

Lately I have been on quite the DIY kick.. and I’m loving it.

You will too.

These are SO. EASY. I’m amazed.  I was fully prepared for some ridiculous complicated process but no sir!

I’m cheating a little because I have these little treasures in my cabinet

I got these little silicone cups for Christmas one year. My friends know me well.

(Thanks, Laura!)

Also…they obviously became peanut butter cup molds because mini cupcakes would be the obvious choice and way too easy.

Never fear…mini cupcake tins work too.  Or you could make giant peanut butter cups in a regular cupcake tin.

((Giant peanut butter cups are 100% happening.  Just for you, brother bear))

(((Actually, in real life I’m making him a single enormous peanut butter cup using my giant cupcake mold.  Because…I own one of those.  How do I end up with this stuff?)))

This is a picture of happiness.

Chocolate.  In a sunflower bowl.  There’s blue involved.

It gets better…

Melty chocolate.  Be still, my heart.

The first stage of filling begins!

Now pop them in the fridge to set up…it really doesn’t take long

At this point I looked up to see that man o’ mine hard at work…creating something, too.

He has a hammer and I have chocolate.  Neither of us could possibly be happier.

Anyway…you’re gonna need peanut butter too.  Slightly sweetened if you wish.

In case you’re wondering, yes.  I made that peanut butter.  You don’t actually have to do that but I think it’s pretty cool.

I’m telling you…DIY kick.  Join me.

Now distribute!

And fill

Another brief stop in the fridge and they’re finished!

Daniel’s done too!

A hummingbird feeder!

He rocks.

(AND he’s cute!  Sorry, ladies.  I’ve got dibs ;).)

Now go immediately shove a peanut butter cup in your face.  Because really, you have already shown remarkable restraint by letting them set completely.

Enjoy!

❤ Ellen

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

I used this recipe almost exactly except that I used semi-sweet chocolate chips, made my own peanut butter, and used only about 1/4 cup of confectioner’s sugar in my peanut butter.  I have big plans for different versions, too.  Stay tuned!

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March 4, 2012 · 5:16 pm

Banana: The renaissance fruit.

Ok,ok.  I’ll play along.

This little trick has been everyyyywhherrree lately and I finally gave it a try.

I was suspicious at first.  It sounds gross and impossible.

Then…these little guys got me thinking it could work.

It’s chocolate soft serve!

It’s Fro’ Yo’!

Nope….it’s a banana.

(Moo.)

((My brother is the only one who will get that))

(((Hint for the rest of you: Rugrats.)))

That’s right! That glob of creamy chocolate deliciousness is just a banana!

Frozen and blended.

Is there NOTHING a banana can’t do!?

I’m glad I tried it.  I really enjoyed it.  It definitely has the texture of soft serve ice cream and it will be AWESOME this summer!

[[Warning: At least the way I made it, (with no sugar and just the slightest touch of chocolate)…you can tell it’s a banana.  I don’t want you to get too excited thinking it tastes EXACTLY like your favorite Dairy Queen concoction.  It definitely tasted like a banana.  As a banana lover, I kinda liked that.]]

BUT!

I bet if I added some sugar or more chocolate or some other add in…those flavors would overpower the banana flavor.

So…don’t write it off.  It’s completely worth a shot.

I scream, you scream we all scream for…bananas?

Ok, so we’ll have to write another song.

Enjoy!

❤ Ellen

Banana Soft Serve

Not really a recipe, more like an idea. If you have ever been on pinterest I promise you’ve seen this before.

1 banana (for one person)
About a tablespoon of the chocolate sauce from this recipe

1. Peel a banana and wrap it well. I would recommend using two Ziploc bags. Place in the freezer overnight or until completely frozen through

2.  Break into chunks and blend in a blender (or food processor) until it resembles the texture of soft serve ice cream.

3.  Add the chocolate (or peanut butter or cinnamon or whatever flavor you want!) and give it a pulse or two to combine.

If you want mix-ins like chocolate chips,  remove the soft serve from the blender and stir those in with a spoon.

Enjoy immediately or stick it back in the freezer for later!

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