Home Maid Simple

Tag: Recipe

  • Dove Blueberry Milkshake

    Dove Blueberry Milkshake

    *I received an Influenster Box with Dove Fruit. All opinions are my own.
     
    A couple weeks ago when our temps hit the mid 80’s I was dying! Suffice it to say, I’m not a warm weather gal. This Dove Blueberry Milkshake came at the right time to cool off just as the weather started to cool off too. 
     
    Dove Blueberry Milkshake
     
    Ever since Dove came out with their Real Fruit Chocolate, I have been hooked! We found some snack bags for 10cents one day at our local Walmart and practically bought them out. They made great incentive treats for the kids. 
    As great as these are to just snack on, I knew I could really indulge if I tossed them in a milkshake. We’ve done a lot of smoothies this year, but milkshakes are new to the kids. They weren’t sold on the idea until they learned it included ice cream
     and chocolate.

    Dove Blueberry Milkshake

    Dove Blueberry Milkshake
    No excuse needed to cool down with this Dove Blueberry Milkshake
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    Ingredients
    1. 1 bag Dove Real Fruit Blueberries
    2. 2 cups Vanilla Ice Cream
    3. 3/4 cup Frozen Blueberries
    4. 1 cup milk
    Instructions
    1. Combine the ice cream, milk, blueberries and Dove in a blender.
    2. Blend until smooth.
    3. Top with a few Dove Real Fruit Blueberries and enjoy.
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
     
    Enjoyed this recipe? Check out this Homemade Horchata
     
     
  • Malagasy Vanilla Fruit Salad

    Malagasy Vanilla Fruit Salad

    Enjoy a bowl of fresh fruit flavored with vanilla bean and transport yourself to the island of Madagascar. 
    Malagasy Vanilla Fruit Salad
     
    Well I’m a week late getting this up, so I apologize about that. I had it all made and ready to go last week, but it was one of those high stress times in my life. Not much got done except around the house. I’ve been doing some huge purging everyday, and then I repurge the same room a few days later. When did we collect so much stuff?
     

    I would love to move to some tropical island, where we live off the fruit that grows abundantly, and a small garden. Our toys would be the sand, and the kids would enjoy working and playing outside all day. Ah that would be the life. 
     
    This month Food of the World is visiting Madagascar. The cuisine there is referred to as Malagasy, which I learned came from the old country name of Malagasy. They eat quite a variety of foods, as they have influence from many countries. When it comes to dessert’s though, it’s usually a bowl of fresh fruit. I was quite excited when walking through Walmart and found a papaya. Here in the frigid north I did not expect to ever find fresh papaya! Sadly it was not the most flavourful fruit I’ve had, but it worked nicely in this mix with mango and vanilla bean. 
     
    Malagasy Vanilla Fruit Salad
     
     
    Malagasy Vanilla Fruit Salad
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    Ingredients
    1. 1 Papaya, cut into chunks
    2. 3 mangoes, cut into chunks
    3. 1 vanilla bean
    Instructions
    1. Mix the papaya and mango together.
    2. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise.
    3. Using the back of your knife, scrape out the seeds, and mix with the fruit.
    4. Enjoy a bit of Madagascar.
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
     
    Fun Fact! I use Rodelle Vanilla beans which are considered “Bourbon” vanilla beans. This is because they come from Madagascar, not because they use Bourbon. 


     
    Join us next month when we visit Cuba
    on July 14th
     
    Linky Party on June 9th :
    Please visit their blogs and follow their sites!
     
    Mireille: http://www.theschizochef.com/blog/
     
     
  • Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

    Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe

    Two weeks left in May, which means 2 more Strawberry recipes for National Strawberry month! Today’s is probably going to be my favorite to share, because oh em, you guys! This Strawberry Ice Cream will melt in your mouth and be gone all too quickly. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you click on and purchase through these links. 
    Strawberry Ice Cream. Lower Sugar Option

    I only received a complaint from 2 people in the family and that was that it lacked sugar, because guess what?! Yeah, I cut the sugar down for a healthier (no health claims, just less sugar) strawberry ice cream option. I found it delightful, and the perfect afternoon refresher. I’m accidentally in love with this ice cream, and kind of sad I made such a small batch. Baby, I surrender to the Strawberry Ice Cream (bonus points if you can name that tune!)

    Right now I”m seeing some great sales on strawberries as they are currently in season. Stock up and make more than just ice cream. You’ll need at least one jar of this Strawberry Curd to add to the ice cream. It may sound intimidating, but I promise it’s so worth it to make. You’ll be adding it to more than just this Strawberry Ice Cream. 


     

    Strawberry Ice Cream
    Less sugar makes this treat a superb treat as you transition from spring to summer.
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    Ingredients
    1. 1/2 pint whipping cream
    2. 1/2 cup milk
    3. 1/4 cup sugar
    4. 1/3 cup Strawberry Curd – http://www.homemaidsimple.com/strawberry-jam-and-strawberry-curd/
    Instructions
    1. Mix all ingredients together.
    2. Add to your ice cream maker, and freeze up.
    3. After the ice cream machine does its thing, put it in a bowl, covered with plastic wrap and place in the freezer overnight.
    4. Top with fresh chopped strawberries, and enjoy!
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
    After you try this Strawberry Ice Cream, why not make one of these other Strawberry Recipes while the prices are prime for the picking. 
     
     

    What’s your favorite flavor ice cream?


  • Chicken and Broccoli Curry

    Chicken and Broccoli Curry

    Chicken and Broccoli Curry
     
    We’re headed to southeast Asia this Food of the World party, and down to Indonesia. As always, I came across a number of recipes I’d love to try, but life is too busy! So I went with the simplest dish I could find, and made it my own. Curry is a common food in Indonesian culture, and as it happens, a dish I’ve never actually made before. 
     
    My mother in law had the chance to visit Cambodia recently, and sent me a number of their spices, like Lemongrass, Turmeric, saffron, and red and green curry’s to name a few. Along with the spices she also sent a Cambodian cookbook – but I’ll save that for another Food of the World party! Cambodia does sit close to Indonesia so I would venture to guess they use many of the same spices in their cuisine.  

     

    Chicken and Broccoli Curry Ingredients from Cambodia
     
    Aren’t those fun! I can’t wait to give more of them a try. For this recipe, I wanted to keep it simple, with ingredients we had on hand, and a mild flavor for the kids. So we went with the green curry powder. I found it a little lacking in flavor, and wish I’d added another layer, or used coconut milk. Alas, maybe next time.

     

    Chicken and Broccoli Curry Recipe
    Chicken and Broccoli Curry
    Taste the flavors of Indonesia in this Chicken and Broccoli Curry
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    Ingredients
    1. 1 broccoli floret, chopped in bite size pieces
    2. 2 chicken breasts, cut in 1″ pieces
    3. 6 pearl onions, quartered
    4. 2 cups milk
    5. 2 TBS Green Curry Powder
    6. 2 TBS flour
    7. 2 TBS Butter
    8. dash of salt
    9. 4 cups rice, cooked
    Instructions
    1. Begin melting butter in a medium sauce pan.
    2. Add flour, and curry powder. Mix.
    3. Add milk and whisk until smooth.
    4. Bring to a simmering boil.
    5. Add chicken and cook until done.
    6. Stir in broccoli and onions.
    7. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
    8. Serve over rice.
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/

     

    Join us next month when we visit Madagascar on June 9th. 
     

    Share any Indonesian Recipes below!

  • 3 tips for a Perfect Date Night at Home

    3 tips for a Perfect Date Night at Home

    I received product for review. All opinions are my own.
     


    When you are short on time, money, or just looking to mix things up a bit – having a date night at home is the perfect way to go! Recently I made our night a little extra special instead of our normal couch cuddling with a movie. Here are 3 steps to take to ensure you have a perfect date night at home.

    Dress Up

    Just because you’re not going out on the town, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look nice for your partner. I tossed on my custom fit dress from eshakti (affiliate) for this date, and really felt like I was on the town!

     

     

    Date Night at home doesn't mean you don't dress up

     

    Fancy Dinner

    Who says gourmet can only be found at high end expensive restaurants? I whipped up these Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignons over a bed of pan fried potatoes in 30 minutes! When you have kids at home, and try to have a home date night, quick meals are key, but you don’t want to skimp on taste or presentation either.

    Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

     

    Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
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    Ingredients
    1. 2 Filet Mignons
    2. 2 thick slices bacon
    3. 2 red potatoes
    4. 1-2 TBS Butter
    Instructions
    1. Peel and dice the potatoes.
    2. Toss them in a frying pan with a little butter over medium heat.
    3. Next prep your filets. Pat them dry, then wrap each with a slice of bacon.
    4. Add to a frying pan over medium/low heat.
    5. Cook for about 10minutes per side, or until done through.
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
    Bacon Wraped Filet Mignon Medallions

    Do Something Fun

    We picked up this Dance Lessons Starter Kit from Amazon (affiliate). I personally love to dance, and Mark will go along with me. We both took ballroom in high school, so it was a way we could reconnect to our past, and share it with each other. Men – ladies want you to dance with them at home! If dancing isn’t either of your thing though, find something that is. It could be a movie one or both have been wanting to watch, or a book read out loud. Maybe your husband wants to teach you how to play Zelda or Mario. Pick something that one or the other enjoys, and get to know them better doing it with them!

    Date Night at Home

  • 2 Classic Recipes with Campbells Soups for Easy Cooking

    2 Classic Recipes with Campbells Soups for Easy Cooking

    This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WeekNightHero #CollectiveBias
    2 Classic Recipes, 1 Classic Brand! Get the recipes for Chicken Noodle Soup and Portobello Mushroom Beef Stroganoff with Campbells Soups for Easy Cooking #WeekNightHero #Ad

    Last week my aunt sent me a letter with an old picture inside. It was my sister and I holding a plate of decorated cookies. That sure got me reminiscing; after school snack, bread making with mom, Saturday morning pancakes at my aunts, and good old Campbell’s Soup!

    Perhaps it was my trip “home” to New Hampshire, or living so far from any family for the first time ever, but I’ve found myself extremely nostalgic lately. Dropping the kids off at school, I’ll catch a memory of my own elementary days of tag, cooties, and rhyming hand games. When the rain and thunder hits (which it did this week!), I head back to nights counting between lightning strike and thunder to calculate the distance with my dad.

    Spring weather has come to North Dakota (Finally! Check out this meme to understand). It’s a bit more windy then winter was, but also much sunnier. It’s the perfect weather for running around outside, and overbooking yourself because you’ve been stuck inside a bit too long….or perhaps that’s just me. With us more on the go, I need quick and easy meals, but that are still tasty.

    In my food reminiscing, I couldn’t help but think about the cans of Campbell’s we always had in the pantry. There were 3 specifics we could always count on – Chicken Noodle Soup, Tomato, and Cream of Mushroom. Then it dawned on me – I’ve never made Chicken Noodle Soup for my own kids, or my personal fave of Beef Stroganoff (the perfect Cream of Mushroom recipe).

    With that in mind I headed out to Walmart to grab some Campbell’s, when lo and behold – Campbell’s Soups for Easy Cooking! Even better I thought, since one can isn’t quite enough to feed our family, and I prefer cooking mostly from scratch. I was excited to see they had the 3 perfect blends to match my childhood pantry – Creamy Herb and Garlic with Chicken Stock, Savory Portobello Mushroom, and Mexican Style Tomato.

    Campbells Soups for Easy Cooking at Walmart #WeekNightHero #Ad

    Walmart COUPON

    Valid for 1 month from 3/13

    I had such a fun time whipping up these recipes to share some of my childhood classics with the family, and of course you!

    From Scratch Chicken Noodle Soup with Campbells Soups for Easy Cooking #WeekNightHero #Ad

    From Scratch Chicken Noodle Soup

    Ingredients
    • 2 cups dry egg noodles
    • 1 box Campbell’s Creamy Herb and Garlic with Chicken Stock
    • 14oz water
    • 2 celery stalks, chopped
    • 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
    • 3 small carrots, peeled and chopped
    • 3 cups cooked chicken

    Directions
    Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. 
    Combine Campbell’s and 14oz water in a medium pot. cook over medium-low heat. Add celery, onion, carrots, and chicken. Simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm! 


    Portobello Muhsroom Beef Stroganoff with Campbells Soups for Easy Cooking #WeekNightHero #Ad


    Portobello Mushroom Beef Stroganoff

    Ingredients
    • 7oz Egg Noodles
    • 1 1/2lb cooked ground beef
    • 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
    • 1 box Campbell’s Savory Portobello Mushroom

    Directions
    Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

    In a skillet, combine beef, onions, and Campbell’s. Simmer for 15 minutes. Serve over noodles.

    30 minutes to 2 weeknight dinners with Campbells Soups for Easy Cooking #WeekNightHero #Ad

    What classics will you recreate with Campbell’s?
    Check out more easy homemade recipes from Campbell’s Soups for Easy Cooking
    Stay connected with Campbell’s

  • Homemade Horchata for a #DelimexFiesta

    Homemade Horchata for a #DelimexFiesta

    This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertisers. All opinions are mine alone. #DelimexFiesta #CollectiveBias
    Homemade Horchata #DelimexFiesta #Cbias #Ad
     
    Are you still watching any Basketball? Did your team make it through, or have they been eliminated already? We don’t actually cheer for any one team, but we have a lot of fun letting Dad watch the games while we play around him. Easy snacks and a yummy drink were exactly what we needed to round off our weekend. 
    I wanted to let Mark relax with the games so I grabbed up some of his favorites – Delimex Taquitos and Tamales! 
     
    Grab Your Coupon and save $1 on any 2 Delimex (excluding Fruit Taquitos)
    He’s been wanting to make some Horchata at home as well, so we browsed some recipes and then did some experimenting. I’ve not been a fan of this cinnamon drink before, but I actually enjoyed our homemade version. Although a bit time consuming, it is easy to make! 
     
    Have a #DelimexFiesta with Taquitos, Tamales and homemade Horchata #Ad
     

     

    Homemade Horchata
    Homemade Horchata is a refreshing cinnamon drink you’ll love
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    Ingredients
    1. 1/3 cup Jasmine Rice
    2. 1 cup sliced Almonds
    3. 1 vanilla bean, sliced open (leave seeds inside)
    4. 5 cups warm water
    5. 2 cups cold water
    6. 2 TBS Cinnamon
    7. 2 cups sugar
    8. 1 cup water
    9. *cheesecloth
    Instructions
    1. In a food processor or blender, pulverize the rice to a fine powder (we used the blender, and got more of a chunky sand texture). Set aside.
    2. Blanche the almonds, drain.
    3. Toast over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
    4. Combine rice, almonds, vanilla bean and 5 cups warm water.
    5. Cover, and let sit over night.
    6. Remove the vanilla bean from rice mixture, scrape out the seeds, and add them back in.
    7. Combine rice mixture, and 2 cups cold water into blender.
    8. Blend until smooth.
    9. Add Cinnamon.
    10. Strain through cheesecloth, or a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher.
    11. Discard leftover rice and almonds.
    12. In a saucepan combine sugar and 1 cup water.
    13. Dissolve sugar over medium heat.
    14. Add to the rice/almond milk.
    15. Chill.
    16. Serve over ice.
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
     
     
     
     
    It was a pretty cloudy weekend, so to keep the kids entertained while we watched some ball, we made our own indoor stadium. A little blue painters tape on the floor, and stacked couch cushions, they were entertained the whole afternoon!
     
    Home Court #DelimexFiesta #Ad

     

    The kids actually came up with the stands, by stacking our oddly sized couch cushions. Of course the put it right next to the Delimex and Horchata, making the perfect time out break space.

    Stacked Cushions make an indoor stand for the fans, and a timeout area to enjoy a #DelimexFiesta #Ad

    You can find all the ingredients for the Horchata and many different varieties of Delimex at your local Walmart!

    Delimex at Walmart #DelimexFiesta #Ad

    Find more great inspiration on the Delimex website! I’d love to hear what your favorite game time snacks are. 

     
    Homemade Horchata and Delimex Taquitos for the WIN! #DelimexFiesta #Ad
     
  • Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Ice Cream

    Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Ice Cream

    Peanut, Peanut Butter! I love the sweet and salty flavor mix of this Peanut Butter Ice Cream. I received Pic’s Really Good Peanut Butter in exchange for this post. All opinions are my honest thoughts. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you click on and purchase through the links. 
    Really Good Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Ice Cream #picsrgpeanutbutter #icecream
     
    I bought myself an ice cream maker this month. It’s been on my wishlist for pretty much ever, but Mark claimed he doesn’t like home made ice cream. So I put it off. Well one day Mark comes home and is all “I saw an ice cream maker on sale today, you should get it”. You don’t have to tell me twice! Besides I had just gotten some Pic’s Really Good Peanut Butter that I knew would make some flavorful ice cream.
     
    Before I get into the recipe, let me tell you about Pic’s Really Good Peanut Butter. The first thing you should know, it really is Really Good! It also is all natural consisting of Peanuts and Salt (less than 1%). When compared to my regular peanut butter, I was baffled – 7 ingredients vs 2 ingredients. Why do we add sugar to our peanut butter? Pic Picot was also annoyed when sugar was added to his Peanut Butter – so he did what one would, and began making his own. Without all that added stuff.  

    Pic's Really Good Peanut Butter makes a really good Peanut Butter Ice Cream #icecream #recipe

    Really Good Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Ice Cream

     
    Really Good Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Ice Cream
    A delicious combination of sweet and salty with natural peanut butter
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    Ingredients
    1. 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
    2. 1 Cup Milk
    3. 3/4 cup sugar
    4. 1/4 cup Pic’s Really Good Peanut Butter, Crunchy
    5. 1 cup milk chocolate chips
    Instructions
    1. Mix the cream, milk, sugar and peanut butter well.
    2. Add to your ice cream maker and mix according to manufactures directions.
    3. About halfway through the cycle, add chocolate chips, and continue churning.
    4. Store in the freezer.
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
     
     
    Connect with Pic’s
     
    We also tried my No Bakes with the Pic’s Peanut Butter, and oh my! Better than ever. What will you try Pic’s Peanut Butter on?
     
     


  • Strawberry Coconut Green Smoothie

    Strawberry Coconut Green Smoothie

    This post is sponsored. I received product for review. All opinions are mine alone.
    Strawberry Coconut Green Smoothie

    Strawberry Coconut Green Smoothie

    Ingredients

    1 cup frozen spinach
    1 can coconut juice
    1 banana
    1-2 cups Strawberries, sliced

    Directions
    1. Begin by placing the Spinach alone in your blender. Pulse it a couple times to chop the spinach up. I’ve found this helps the spinach incorporate better into smoothies without missing chunks of the leafy green. 
    2. Add half the Coconut Juice, puree. 
    3. Add banana and strawberries, blend until well mixed, while slowly adding the rest of the Coconut Juice.
    4. Serve and Enjoy!
    Strawberry Coconut Green Smoothie

    Do you ever go through food phases? I’ve always loved smoothies, but recently have started making them more frequently. I just love how much goodness can be packed into a smoothie, and usually the kids love them as well!

    Mark brought home some Coconut Juice one day, and I immediately though Smoothie! I keep a bag of frozen spinach just for such occasions, and we’ve been buying a lot more fresh fruit. Personally I don’t think you can have a smoothie without a little banana, but the Strawberries are what make this my kids favorite.

    Green Smoothie

    My kids often like to spoon their smoothies out, making huge messes. I was so tired of cleaning up smoothie, that I found these fun Silikids Straw tops. The kids think they’re fun, and I no longer have big messes to clean up. My kids also love that mom lets them blow bubbles in their drink now, because it won’t overflow when they get a little crazy.

    Follow Silikids

    Strawberry Coconut Green Smoothie with Silikids Straw Tops
    How do you get more fruits and veggies in your diet?
  • Brazilian Beef Croquettes

    Brazilian Beef Croquettes

    Enjoy Brazilian Beef Croquettes at home with this simple recipe

    Hey, World Travelers! We’re headed to Brazil this month for our Food of the World party. Like most month, I had a hard time narrowing down what I wanted to cook up. Then as I was working on these Beef Croquettes I started worrying they wouldn’t be too photogenic, but they turned out better than I expected. So if I can make these, so can you!!

    I seem to get myself into these pickles with needing to fry stuff, but I don’t own an actual fryer. I actually prefer it that way, since a pot or pan usually works just as well, and frees up space in the kitchen for other fun gadgets.

    I found the recipe for these Brazilian Beef Croquettes over at Cuca Brazuca. I made a few changes, both in amounts and flavors (whoops, who took my Worcestershire sauce?). While browsing and learning more about the Brazilian Croquette, I found there are many different varieties including a cod croquette. That is for sure going on my list to make! 

    Brazilian Beef Croquettes
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    Ingredients
    1. Ingredients
    2. 1lb stewed meat
    3. 1/4 onion, chopped finely
    4. 3 green onions, chopped finely
    5. 1 tsp dried parsley
    6. 1/4 tsp cumin
    7. 1/2 tsp paprika
    8. 1/4 tsp pepper
    9. dash of salt
    10. 2 tsp soy sauce
    11. 1/2 cup milk
    12. 3 TBS Wheat flour
    13. 2 eggs
    14. drizzle of Olive Oil
    15. 2 cups Breadcrumbs
    16. 3 TBS cold water
    17. 1 TBS Corn Flour
    Instructions
    1. Over medium low heat cook onions until tender.
    2. Add meat, cumin, paprika, pepper, and parsley. Brown meat. Cover and cook another 10 minutes.
    3. Remove from the heat and allow slightly cool. Meanwhile, mix the wheat flour and milk together.
    4. In a food processer (or I used my blender), chop beef mixture until it makes a paste. It does not take very long at all.
    5. Return meat paste to pan, and add milk mixture, salt and soy sauce. Heat over medium heat until well combined. Refrigerate.
    6. Mix eggs, cold water and olive oil in a shallow dish. In a separate dish combine corn flour and breadcrumbs.
    7. Heat fryer, or vegetable oil in a pan about 1-2inches deep
    8. Once the meat is set enough to hold it’s shape, form into logs about 3-4 inches long, and 1inch wide. Roll meat in the egg mix, and then the breadcrumbs. Place in hot oil and brown all around.
    9. Remove to a cooling rack lined with paper towels.
    Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
     
    Traditionally it looks like Croquettes are eaten with a tahini sauce. We had ours with a side of sticky rice. 
     
    Looking for more Brazilian cuisine? Check out the linky below, or I also found this site The Amazing Flavours of Brazil you may want to check out. 
     
    Join us next month when we visit Lebanon on March 10th. Sign up for the mailing list and I will let you know when the party is live.