Rice-A-Roni Pork Chops & Rice

There are so many ways to cook pork chops, One of my favorite ways is pork chops and Rice. it happens to be one of my family's favorite foods. Now how I came to make Rice-A-Roni Seasoned Pork Chops. I was going to cook my grandmothers recipe for pork chops and rice but my day ran long and I didn't have time to cook since it takes an hour. I was going to grill the chops and cook rice for a side dish. But, when I was looking at the box of rice I saw a recipe for Chicken and rice. Went from there and thought I'd try it with the pork chops. Might I say it was really good and something I would make again. I think one thing I might do next is add the broccoli and cheese. Hope you enjoy!

      
What Ya'll Need:
1  package RICE-A-RONI® Chicken

4-6 boneless pork chops             

2  tablespoons margarine

2  cups water

1  cup small broccoli florets (optional)

1/2  cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

salt

pepper

 

What to Do:

In large skillet, sauté rice-vermicelli mix with 2 Tbsp. margarine over medium heat until vermicelli is golden brown, stirring frequently this is important make sure you don't skip this step. Then slowly stir in 2 cups of water, Special Seasonings and bring to a boil. Then add the pork chops, cover and reduce heat to low and simmer 15-20 min. or until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Let stand 5 min. before serving.

Tip* Add 1 cup small broccoli florets during last 5 min. of simmering. Top with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese before stand time.

 

My Hero, My Brother

True bravery is shown by performing without witness what one might be capable of doing before all the world.The word bravery can often be interchanged with the words of courage, or daring, but what defines courage? The Merriam-Webster dictionary states: "mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty". In other words, bravery means the defense of many things at one's own personal loss, or risk.  When the word courage is said, the image that is often seen is one that is at war. This is very true; it is very heroic to defend one's country and the freedom of that country.

Stephen Wayne Jackel Jr. 

 My brother Stephen did just that he was in the Army and served his Country and has since became a Wounded Warrior. Sometimes it's hard to understand why a soldier has to endure pain while serving to protect his or her country. But, you just have to realize a hero can be made in one act of compassion  My brother made a sacrifice, so our country could be free. I will be forever grateful and proud of him for all that he did and that he continues to do. I'm proud of my brother and I wrote this poem for him.

My Hero, My Brother

My Hero is someone I looked up to,
Who others could love to be.

My  Hero is someone, who is very courageous,

loving and brave,

My Hero has Loyalty to his friends and family

and strength beyond most.

My Hero and I have a special bond 

Who's stories are untold.

My Hero has made me laugh, made me cry

and even helped me hide some lies.

My Hero has protected me and you from the world.

My Hero has bruises in his heart and his body

all the tears and scrapes, I wish I could erase.  

My Hero A Brave and Noble Soldier he will always be. 

My Hero is my Brother, a Father, a Husband, a Son and Friend.

My Hero I pray for you that light be in your life always.

My Hero I love you and will forever Honor You!



I wrote this poem for my brother because there are things that are hard to just put in to words and say out loud sometime and I guess you never realize, how much you love someone, Until they're  put in a situation which changes them forever. I wanted my brother to know that no matter where he is or what's going on in our lives I think of him daily and he is never gone and nor will I ever forget the biggest sacrifice one could give and that was his Life to fight in a War in which he lived to see another day but only with a different out look on life. I thank God for keeping this strong man in my life. I love you Stephen and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Mini-Cupcake Pops

I love cupcakes. I also love bite sized foods. So when my friend was graduating college and having a party  and the theme was "She stuck with It!"  The idea for Mini-Cupcake Pops came to mind. You could have someone make them for you, buy them made or make them homemade... Just add them to a stick! Enjoy and If you want a homemade treat try my recipe below.

 

 

What Y'all Need: Your favorite cake mix, here's mine for chocolate.



1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

What to Do:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 24 cup mini cupcake pan. Whisk the cocoa powder and 1 1/2 cups boiling water in a medium bowl until smooth; set aside. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl until combined. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream and vanilla and beat with a mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Reduce the mixer speed to low; beat in the cocoa mixture in a steady stream until just combined, then finish mixing with a rubber spatula. (The batter will be thin.) Bake 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer to racks and let cool.

Now for my frosting I like Buttercream of course you can use yours but just incase here is my very simple and easy Buttercream Frosting.

Buttercream Frosting:
1 stick of Butter softened
5 cups of Confectionary Sugar
1 tsp. of Vanilla Extract
4-6 tbsp. of Milk (I use almond)

Cream the Butter add the Sugar, vanilla, and milk. Beat with a hand mixer until it reaches a thick consistency. Just add food coloring to change colors and top with any sprinkles or topping you want!

*Makes enough to frost one cake or 24 cupcakes.

 

Taco Stuffed Bell Pepper

I love taco's and bell peppers, well really I love all kinds of peppers. So what's better then mixing the two. My husband and I love stuffed peppers so when he had the Idea to use the taco mixture I was on board. So, here is the end results of my version to a Taco Stuffed bell Pepper. Simple and Easy!

 

What Ya'll Need:
4 bell peppers
1 pound ground beef
1/2 of a yellow onion, diced
1 can black beans
1/2 cup cheese(your pick)
1 pkg. taco seasoning
Sour cream, Lettuce and Tomatoes all for Topping it off

What to You Do:
Ground beef, drain. Add the diced onion and black beans cook 10 minutes. As that's cooking cut the tops off of four bell peppers remove stems and seeds.  Fill bell peppers with ground beef mixture and top with cheese. Cook for 45 minutes at 365 degrees. Once they are done let sit and cool for 5 minutes eat and Enjoy!

 

Taco Calzone

I'm always ready to try any new recipe. So, When I saw this one on Pinterest I knew I wanted to try it out. My husband and I love Taco's. Thought it would be great to test out a flaky crust compared to a dough crust. I would say it was quite good. I guess my husband liked it so much that before I could even take the picture for this he was coming back for more. I would say this will be made more in my future! Hope you try it out and enjoy as much as my family did.

 

 



What Y'all Need:

1lb of ground meat

1 pkg of any taco seasoning that you like(I use McCormick)

1 small onion chopped up

1 15oz can of black beans(drained and rinsed) I use ones flavored with Jalapenos

1 crescent roll original flavor

1-2 cups of cheese(I use Colby)

sour cream

lettuce

 

What You Do:

In a skillet, brown ground meat. Drain, season with taco seasoning and add the chopped onion. Let cook a few minutes then add the can of black beans. Roll out the crescent roll in the middle place the meat mixture then top with cheese. Cook in oven in a pre-heated oven at 350 for 20mins. Let sit for 5mins when completed and Enjoy!