Houston's Restaurant Copycat Spinach Dip

 If you have ever been to Houston's Restaurant and got their spinach dip appetizer, you will have experienced the heaven that is a cheesy warm deliciousness contrasted with salty tortilla chips. YUM! This is my attempt at copying them and, I think I did pretty well. I serve these in individual ramekins or in a french onion soup bowl.

You can freeze the leftovers. I spoon the spinach dip into muffin tins for individual servings and freeze them. When frozen, remove from muffin tins and wrap well in cling wrap and then aluminum foil and put in a bag. Pull out a serving or two and put in a ramekin and microwave until bubbly and hot. This is also delicious with eggs (don't knock it till you have tried it!)

1 bag frozen chopped spinach2 cartons frozen chopped spinach
1/2 onion, chopped1 onion, chopped
1/2 jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped1 (14-oz) jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cloves garlic, minced2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 stick butter1 stick butter
1/2 of an 8-oz brick cream cheese1 (8-oz) package cream cheese
6 to 7 Tbsp heavy whipping cream¾ cup heavy whipping cream
4-oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese (I used Pepper Jack)8-oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese (I used Pepper Jack)
2-oz shredded Swiss cheese4-oz shredded Swiss cheese
2-oz shredded mozzarella cheese4-oz shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper½ tsp cayenne pepper
salt & pepper to tastesalt & pepper to taste
2 oz shredded fresh parmesan cheese (I like Trader Joe's romano asiago cheese)


Steps
Cook and drain spinach; squeezing well until all water is completely removed.Cook and drain spinach; squeezing well until all water is completely removed.
Melt butter in large skillet; saute onion until tender.Melt butter in large skillet; saute onion until tender.
Add garlic to onion mixture.Add garlic to onion mixture.
Stir spinach and artichokes into sautaed onion mixture, mixing well.Stir spinach and artichokes into sautéed onion mixture, mixing well.
Beat cream cheese with mixer, gradually adding whipping cream until smooth.Beat cream cheese with mixer, gradually adding whipping cream until smooth.
In large bowl, stir all ingredients (except parmesan cheese) together until well blended.In large bowl, stir all ingredients (except parmesan cheese) together until well blended.
Put in microwave safe baking dish or oven safe baking dish.Put in microwave safe baking dish or oven safe baking dish.
Refrigerate at least two hours.Refrigerate at least two hours.
Top with parmesan and microwave until hot or bake at 350 F until bubbly (20 minutes or so).Top with parmesan and microwave until warm or bake at 350 F until bubbly (20 minutes or so).
Serve with tortilla chips, or to use as a dip, I add cauliflower and carrots (although the chips are DELICIOUS)

Sunday Chat: Prayer

 

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13 

Yet you don’t have what you want 

because you don’t ask God for it. 

And even when you ask,

you don’t get it because your motives 

are all wrong you want only what 

will give you pleasure.

James 4:2-3

“So I say to you: 

Ask and it will be given to you; 

seek and you will find; 

knock and the door will be opened to you. 

Luke 11:9 

Therefore I tell you, 

whatever you ask for in prayer, 

believe that you have received it, 

and it will be yours. 

Mark 11:24 

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, 

so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 

You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. 

John 14:13-14 

 

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, 

ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 

John 15:7 

 

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” 

Matthew 21:22 

If you, then, though you are evil, 

know how to give good gifts 

to your children, how much more 

will your Father in heaven 

give good gifts to those who ask him! 

Matthew 7:11 

Search me, God, and know my heart; 

test me and know my anxious thoughts. 

See if there is any offensive way in me, 

and lead me in the way everlasting. 

Psalm 139:23-24 

Sunday Chat: Election Results / Lessons From Daniel

Young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. Daniel 1: 4-5

When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him. Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven Daniel 2:14-19

Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. Daniel 3:15-20

‘This is what the dream means, Your Majesty, and what the Most High has declared will happen to my lord the king. You will be driven from human society, and you will live in the fields with the wild animals. You will eat grass like a cow, and you will be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses. But the stump and roots of the tree were left in the ground. This means that you will receive your kingdom back again when you have learned that heaven rules. Daniel 4:25-26

“‘King Nebuchadnezzar, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Break from your wicked past and be merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.’ Daniel 4:25-27

So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.” Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human except to you, Your Majesty will be thrown into the den of lions. Daniel 6:5 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Daniel 6:10 Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament. Daniel 6:14

Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night. Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “Long live the king! My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God. Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den. Daniel 6:18-24

So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Daniel 6:28

Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Psalm 2:1-4

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:1-6

Pray without ceasing! 

Caesar Chicken In The Air Fryer

 I make my caesar dressing the day before. The day of, I throw the chicken in a ziplock bag with the dressing. Then you just bake in the air fryer. Super simple and tasty! You can also add panko bread crumbs if you desire.

Caesar DressingCaesar Dressing

1 egg1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dijon mustard


1 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 C parmesan cheese¼ C parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tsp anchovy paste1 ½ tsp anchovy paste
3/4 C olive oil¾ C olive oil
 
Boneless skinless chicken breast or you can use any kind of chickenBoneless skinless chicken breast or you can use any kind of chicken
¼ cup Shredded Parmesan cheese or to taste¼ cup Shredded Parmesan cheese or to taste

Steps

Caesar Dressing (I make the day beforehand)Caesar Dressing (I make the day beforehand)
Combine all except olive oil till smooth (in food processor or immersion blender). Slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuing to combine till smooth and thick.Combine all except olive oil till smooth (in food processor or immersion blender). Slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuing to combine till smooth and thick.
Trim and clean up boneless skinless chicken breasts, put in a ziplock bagTrim and clean up boneless skinless chicken breasts, put in a ziplock bag
Add a couple of dollops of the Caesar dressing until chicken is coated. Shake or stir everything together to coat the chicken. Let marinate at least 30 minutesAdd a couple of dollops of the Caesar dressing until chicken is coated. Shake or stir everything together to coat the chicken. Let marinate at least 30 minutes
Air fry at 380 °F for 10-12 minutes. Check and flip halfway through cooking.Air fry at 380 °F for 10 to 12 minutes. Check and flip halfway through cooking.
Chicken is done cooking when the internal temp is 170 °F.Chicken is done cooking when the internal temp is 170 °F.
During the last couple minutes of cooking, top each chicken with parmesan cheese to taste.During the last couple minutes of cooking, top each chicken with parmesan cheese to taste.
If desired, add a bit more of the dressing on top of the chicken before serving.If desired, add a bit more of the dressing on top of the chicken before serving.
This is a perfect recipe that you can prep at the beginning of the day then cook once you are ready

Brussel Sprouts with Parmesan and Balsamic

These are super easy and delicious - especially if you are able to use the Balsamic Glaze which really adds a lot. I think 'pre cooking' is a must to have them tender. If you aren't able to use your air fryer, the oven works as well but just be sure to cook long enough to get some crunchiness.

Ingredients

2 lbs Brussels sprouts2 lbs Brussels sprouts
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (I use this one)½ teaspoon salt (I use this one)
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese (fresh, not the stuff in the can), plus more for topping¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for topping

Steps

Trim the ends off the sprouts and remove any damage or wilted leaves. Slice them in half length-wise and place in a mixing bowl.Trim the ends off the sprouts and remove any damage or wilted leaves. Slice them in half length-wise and place in a mixing bowl.
Microwave the brussels to precook. I usually do this in two batches for about 5 to 6 minutes each, stirring every couple of minutes. This step can be done the day beforehand.Microwave the brussels to precook. I usually do this in two batches for about 5 to 6 minutes each, stirring every couple of minutes. This step can be done the day beforehand.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Add brussels to the rest of the ingredients in a bowl, and toss.Add brussels to the rest of the ingredients in a bowl, and toss.
Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes until softened and browned. Stirring at half way point.Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until softened and browned. Stirring at half way point.
Remove from the oven, drizzle lightly with a bit more balsamic vinegar (or Trader Joe's balsamic glaze is great YUM!) and a sprinkle of parmesan and serve warm.

 

Elle's Fruit Cake / Torte

This is excellent for breakfast or as a dessert. I have put the variations that I have tried below and all were EXCELLENT! Even my picky husband loved every one of them as did guests. This is a forgiving recipe and super easy to throw together the night before having a girlfriend over for coffee and then simply slicing up that morning. Love this!

Elle's Fruit Cake/Torte

Servings: 8

Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 cup sugar1 cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup unbleached flour, sifted1 cup unbleached flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt (optional)Pinch of salt (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
2 eggs2 eggs
Any fruit BUT you need to chop it up24 halves pitted purple plums or any fruit (blueberries, apples, cherries)
Sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon, for toppingSugar, lemon juice and cinnamon, for topping

Steps

Heat oven to 350 degrees.Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream the sugar and butter in a bowl. Add the flour, baking powder, salt and eggs and beat well.Cream the sugar and butter in a bowl. Add the flour, baking powder, salt and eggs and beat well.
Spoon the batter into a springform pan of 8, 9 or 10 inches or two 8 x 8 pans. Place the fruit on top of the batter. Sprinkle lightly with sugar and lemon juice, depending on the sweetness of the fruit. Sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, depending on how much you like cinnamon.Spoon the batter into a springform pan of 8, 9 or 10 inches. Place the plum halves skin side up on top of the batter. Sprinkle lightly with sugar and lemon juice, depending on the sweetness of the fruit. Sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, depending on how much you like cinnamon.
Bake 1 hour, approximately, until toothpick comesout clean. Remove and cool; refrigerate or freeze if desired. Or cool to lukewarm and serve plain or with whipped cream. (To serve a torte that was frozen, defrost and reheat it briefly at 300 degrees.)Bake 1 hour, approximately, until toothpick comesout clean. Remove and cool; refrigerate or freeze if desired. Or cool to lukewarm and serve plain or with whipped cream. (To serve a torte that was frozen, defrost and reheat it briefly at 300 degrees.)

Notes

To freeze, double-wrap the torte in foil, place in a plastic bag and seal. To freeze, double-wrap the torte in foil, place in a plastic bag and seal.
VARIATIONS: Any fruit canned or frozen or fresh. So far, I have done frozen cherries (sliced in half), apples with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top and frozen pineapple (chopped up). All were delicious! 

Elle's Smashed Vegetables

Ok, this isn't really a 'recipe' but more a slightly different way to prepare vegetables. I think that even the pickiest child (or husband) would love any vegetable prepared this way! 

Elle's Smashed Vegetables

Ingredients

vegetable (broccoli, cauliflower or brussel sprouts all work great)vegetable (broccoli, cauliflower or brussel sprouts all work great)
saltsalt
pepperpepper
garlic powdergarlic powder
shredded cheese of your choiceshredded cheese of your choice

Steps

Preheat oven to 425FPreheat oven to 425F

Microwave vegetable till doneMicrowave vegetable till done
Place vegetable on a greased cookie sheetPlace vegetable on a greased cookie sheet
Smash with a glass to flattenSmash with a glass to flatten
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and top with shredded cheeseSprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and top with shredded cheese
Bake for 25 minutes or till crispy

Sunday Chat: Unanswered Prayers: 6 Reasons & Why You Should Keep Trusting God's Plan

Trust God's plan and have faith! Pray without ceasing! ♥

 Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, 

and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. 

Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham 

in his old age, at the very time 

God had promised him. 

Genesis 21:1-2

“So I say to you, 

ask, and it will be given to you; 

seek, and you will find; 

knock, and it will be opened to you. 

For everyone who asks receives, 

and he who seeks finds, and 

to him who knocks it will be opened. 

Luke 11:9-10

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9

 For I know the plans I have for you,” 

declares the Lord, 

“plans to prosper you 

and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Parmesan Crisps - One Ingredient

The first picture below is done with putting the parmesan into a muffin tin and covering the bottom of the pan. 

The second picture below was done with little mounds of parmesan on a baking sheet. 

I MUCH prefer the baking sheet method as they are thinner and have a nice lacy pattern. I also found the crisps from the muffin tin to be too thick and chewy.

Muffin tins - too thick and chewy

Ingredients

½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese

Steps

Preheat the oven to 375ºFPreheat the oven to 375ºF
LIne baking sheet with parchmentLIne baking sheet with parchment
Place a small mount of finely shredded parmesan cheese (evenly spaced) on a lined baking sheetPlace a small mount of finely shredded parmesan cheese (evenly spaced) on a lined baking sheet
Once the oven has preheated, add the baking sheet to the ovenOnce the oven has preheated, add the baking sheet to the oven
Cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and brown. 5 minutes was perfect in my ovenCook for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and brown. In tests, 5 minutes was the sweet spot.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the parmesan crisps to cool for 5 minutes, or until they are no longer pliable.Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the parmesan crisps to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are no longer pliable.
Line a plate with paper towel, and gently transfer the parmesan crisps to the lined plate to drain.Line a plate or tray with 2 to 3 layers of paper towel, and gently transfer the parmesan crisps to the lined plate to drain.
Once the parmesan crisps are completely cooled and drained they are ready to serve and enjoyOnce the parmesan crisps are completely cooled and drained they are ready to serve and enjoy
Store in air tight container for a day or two

Deviled Eggs

I make my deviled eggs by covering the bottom of my instant pot with water, adding the trivet and eggs and cooking on high on the egg setting for 6 minutes. Then I submerge in iced water and let chill for 5 minutes before peeling. It makes it super easy to make up these delicious deviled eggs anytime!

Ingredients

8 large hard boiled eggs peeled8 large hard boiled eggs peeled
3 Tbsp mayonnaise3 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 Tbsp dijon or yellow mustard1 Tbsp dijon or yellow mustard
1 tsp white wine vinegar apple cider is a good substitute1 tsp white wine vinegar apple cider is a good substitute
1/2 tsp kosher salt½ tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper¼ tsp black pepper
1/2 Tbsp minced fresh dill optional½ Tbsp minced fresh dill optional
pinch regular or smoked paprikapinch regular or smoked paprika

Steps

Slice the hard boiled eggs in half, lengthwise, into oval shapes. Remove yolks and add to a bowl or food processor. We find the end of a small spoon works well for removing the yolks.Slice the hard boiled eggs in half, lengthwise, into oval shapes. Remove yolks and add to a bowl or food processor. We find the end of a small spoon works well for removing the yolks.
Puree, grate, or mash the yolks. Add mayonnaise, dijon mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper, and dill, if using. Stir well to combine. Mixture should be creamy, but not runny.Puree, grate, or mash the yolks. Add mayonnaise, dijon mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper, and dill, if using. Stir well to combine. Mixture should be creamy, but not runny.
Add egg yolk filling to piping bag fitted with a piping tip, or a resealable plastic bag. If using the plastic bag, snip a small corner off of the bag. Pipe filling into the hollow part of the egg whites. I frequently just use a spoon to dollop the filling in.Add egg yolk filling to piping bag fitted with a piping tip, or a resealable plastic bag. If using the plastic bag, snip a small corner off of the bag. Pipe filling into the hollow part of the egg whites. Alternately, a spoon can be used to dollop the filling in.
Sprinkle deviled eggs with paprika and serve immediately or chill in the fridge for up to two days.