Simple Yet Gourmet

This is my favorite carrot cake ever!  It was given to me a few years ago by Kirsti but somehow has never made it onto the blog.  I made it last week and loved it just as much as ever.  The cake is dense, moist, and just sweet enough.  Along with a rich cream cheese frosting this is a real treat!  Plus you get vitamins from the carrots so it's a win-win!  Am I right?

We eat chicken a lot in our family.  That can get a little boring so I've been trying to break away from that.  Don't get me wrong, we'll still eat it, I would just like other options to mix things up.  Hence the last few dinner posts.  I tried out these pork chops last night and they were a hit with the whole family.  Even Brynlee liked them, and she seriously doesn't like much these days. (Side note:  I can imagine my Mom with a smug smile on her face as she reads this, because I was just about the worlds pickiest eater as a child.  What goes around comes around I guess).   Anyway, back to the Pork Chops, they turned out flavorful and juicy.  Perfect.  We'll be eating these again for sure!

 Is anybody else ready for Spring?  This winter has been so cold!  We find ourselves staying inside a lot of the time.  Such was the case a few days ago as I was trying to think of something to do other than watch TV.  When I asked Brynlee what she wanted to do she enthusiastically suggested a food craft.  I had seen these a while back and decided to give them a try.  I love the way they came together!  So bright and cheerful.  Almost like real flowers...almost.  These will have to do for the time being, but at least for a little while, we got a small taste of Spring.

Originally I found a recipe for pork carnitas on Pinterest and decided to give it a try.  Upon taking it out of the oven I tasted the pork and was disappointed to find that it was pretty bland.  Even the juice didn't have a lot of flavor to it.  Not wanting to serve up a bland and boring dinner I decided to add my own touches and came up with a deliciously flavorful and moist combination that we all loved!  I even got the head nod and raised eyebrows from the Hubby .  That means he really liked them :).  This recipe is different from other pork recipes I have tried in the past because they are flavored with oranges and limes.  The result was a sweet, citrus flavor.  Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!.  Might I suggest though, that you squeeze some fresh lime and orange juice onto the meat before eating?  Hope you enjoy these as much as we did!

I love a good brownie and let me tell you, this just may be my favorite brownie of all time!  I already posted a recipe for Devils Food Caramel Brownies a few years ago, and while that recipe is good, I have to say that these brownies are great.  These brownies are kicked up a notch by using melted chocolate chips as the brownie base rather than a cake mix, then layered with ooey gooey caramel, more chocolate chips, and toasted pecans.  If I had come up with these brownies I'd name them Turtle brownies since that is what they remind me of, but I didn't so Caramel Brownies it is.  Whatever you call them, give them a try.  Just be sure to have people to share them with.  Otherwise you might find it impossible not to eat the entire pan!    

This was my first attempt at cooking shrimp, and I have to say it was not as hard as I thought it would be.  It was actually very easy and fast to cook!  Brynlee and I love this recipe!  I included the red pepper flakes on the first try and it was pretty spicy so now I leave them out, but it's just a matter of preference.  Either way, you get a lemony garlic flavor that is sure to please!

Here is a super easy dinner full of flavor and healthy as well.  My kids were unsure of it but after eating them, they were hooked.  If you have a rice cooker, add rice and cook while making the rest.  When rice is done assemble and toast.  Feel free to add some diced chicken if you wish.  I served mine with homemade guacamole, fresh pico and sour cream.  With the left overs I made up a few wraps, put them in the fridge and then toasted them the next day or lunch.  Here's to a more healthy new year!