Tag: bay leaves

  • “Jambalaya with a Twist: How to Master this Delicious Seafood, Chicken and Sausage Recipe as a Stay-at-Home Parent!”

    “Jambalaya with a Twist: How to Master this Delicious Seafood, Chicken and Sausage Recipe as a Stay-at-Home Parent!”

    Jambalaya with Seafood, Chicken, and Sausage

    As a stay-at-home parent, I’m always looking for great recipes to make for my family. One of our favorites is Jambalaya, which combines delicious seafood, chicken, and sausage in one big pot of tasty goodness. Not only is this dish incredibly flavorful, but it also provides a great opportunity to tell stories while cooking and eating together as a family. My particular favorite story attached to Jambalaya involves my grandparents and their Louisiana roots.

    My grandmother grew up in New Orleans and was no stranger to the Cajun and Creole flavors that come with a classic Jambalaya dish. She would often tell us stories of the meals she used to eat as a child in the city and how they would include everything from shrimp to chicken to sausage. As a child, I would sit in awe as she described these meals and I couldn’t wait to try them out for myself.

    Now, every time I make Jambalaya with my family I am transported back to those days, listening to my grandmother’s stories as we all enjoy the flavors of the south together. To make this classic dish for your own family, you will need:

    Ingredients:
    – 2 tablespoons olive oil
    – 1 onion, diced
    – 2 bell peppers, diced
    – 1 stalk celery, diced
    – 1/2 pound cooked smoked sausage
    – 2 cloves garlic, minced
    – 2 cups long grain rice
    – 4 cups chicken broth or stock
    – 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
    – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    – 1 bay leaf
    – 1/2 pound cooked shrimp
    – 1/2 pound cooked chicken breast or thigh meat, shredded or cubed
    – 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

    Instructions:

    1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell peppers, celery and sausage; cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
    2. Add rice to the pot and stir to combine with vegetables and sausage. Pour in chicken broth or stock along with thyme, cayenne pepper and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover pot and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed (about 20 minutes).
    3. Add shrimp and chicken; stir gently until heated through (about 5 minutes). Discard bay leaf before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired before serving hot. Enjoy!

    This classic Jambalaya dish is sure to please everyone at your table – not only because of its incredible flavor but also because of its story! Every time I make this recipe it brings back memories of my grandmother’s stories about her childhood in New Orleans – it’s like taking a little trip down south every time we eat it! So if you’re looking for a delicious meal that will fill your home with comfort food flavors (and stories!) then this is definitely one to try!

  • “Easy Beef Stew Recipe for Busy Stay-at-Home Parents!”

    “Easy Beef Stew Recipe for Busy Stay-at-Home Parents!”

    Beef Stew with Herbs and Vegetables Recipe

    Beef stew is a classic, comforting meal that is perfect for a stay at home parent. It’s easy to prepare, and the ingredients can be adjusted to suit any family’s tastes. This beef stew recipe combines tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs for an incredibly flavorful dish. The addition of white wine in the sauce adds a unique depth of flavor that makes this beef stew truly special. Serve this delicious stew with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a meal that will satisfy any appetite.

    Ingredients:
    • 2 pounds stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 carrots, diced
    • 2 celery stalks, diced
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1/2 cup dry white wine
    • 3 cups beef broth
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

    Instructions:
    1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
    2. Add the tomato paste and stir until it is completely combined with the vegetables. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover pot with lid and transfer to preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes or until beef is fork tender.
    3. When ready to serve, garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!

    As a stay at home parent I understand just how busy life can get! This beef stew recipe is one of my go-to comfort meals that I love making because it’s so easy but still packed with delicious flavor! I like to make this recipe in large batches so that I can easily reheat leftovers throughout the week – it tastes even better on day two! Plus, it freezes well so I can keep some on hand for last minute meals when time is tight. This hearty stew is sure to become your family’s favorite too!

    One of my fondest memories of eating this beef stew was when my husband made it for me after I had given birth to our daughter two years ago. He knew how tired I was from all of my new mom duties but he also knew how much I love this dish so he decided to surprise me one evening by making it from scratch! It was so sweet of him – his thoughtfulness still brings a smile to my face every time I make this recipe! This dish has since become a staple in our house – especially now that our daughter loves it too – which just goes to show that food has the power to bring us all together!

  • Cook Beef Curry and Enjoy the Perfect Stay-at-Home Parent Night Out!

    Cook Beef Curry and Enjoy the Perfect Stay-at-Home Parent Night Out!

    Beef Curry – A Tasty, Home-Cooked Meal

    Beef curry is a classic dish that is always sure to please. It’s an easy dish to make and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Not only is it a great way to get the family together around the dinner table, but it’s also a delicious meal that can easily be enjoyed by everyone.

    When I was young, my mother used to make beef curry for us on special occasions. It was one of my favorite meals and I would always look forward to it with great anticipation. It was such a treat for my family and I when we were able to come together and enjoy this tasty dish!

    Ingredients:
    -2 lbs flank steak, cut into cubes
    -1 large onion, diced
    -3 cloves garlic, minced
    -2 tablespoons curry powder
    -1 teaspoon ground cumin
    -1 teaspoon ground coriander
    -1 teaspoon ground turmeric
    -1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
    -1/4 cup tomato paste
    -2 cups beef broth
    -1/4 cup coconut milk (optional)
    -Salt and pepper to taste
    -Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

    Instructions:
    1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the steak cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
    2. In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, and turmeric and cook for 1 minute more.
    3. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and coconut milk (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
    4. Add the cooked steak cubes back into the skillet and simmer for another 10 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve over rice or naan with fresh cilantro as garnish if desired. Enjoy!

    As a stay at home parent finding time to cook nutritious meals can be tough but beef curry is one of those dishes that can be put together quickly with minimal effort! Not only does it make for an easy weeknight dinner but it’s also full of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Plus you can easily adjust the spices according to your family’s tastes so it’s sure to please everyone in your household! Eating together as a family not only gives you an opportunity to talk about your day but it also serves as an excellent bonding experience where you can share stories with each other! The next time you make beef curry don’t forget to tell your family about how much my mother used to love making this dish when I was younger – they will love hearing this story while savoring every bite of this delicious meal!

  • Cooking With Kids: Make Delicious Beef Burgundy at Home!

    Cooking With Kids: Make Delicious Beef Burgundy at Home!

    Beef Burgundy: A delicious and classic slow-cooker meal that’s perfect for busy families

    As a stay-at-home parent, I know how difficult it can be to come up with creative and delicious meals that the whole family can enjoy. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for easy recipes that can be made in a slow cooker, since it allows me to set it up in the morning and then enjoy the rest of my day with the kids without worrying about dinner. One of my favorite slow-cooker meals is Beef Burgundy, a classic dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

    This recipe has been in my family for generations, passed down from my grandmother who knew how to make a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The key to this dish is to simmer the beef with flavorful red wine and hearty vegetables until it’s tender enough to melt in your mouth. The result is a savory and comforting meal that everyone will love.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 large onion, chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup dry red wine
    • 3 cups beef broth
    • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 4 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 4 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer the beef cubes to a slow cooker.
    2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Pour in the wine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Pour this mixture over the beef cubes in the slow cooker.
    3. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
    4. Add carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking time. In a small bowl whisk together flour with 1/2 cup cold water until smooth then stir into slow cooker mixture until thickened. Season with salt and pepper as desired before serving warm over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

    As I mentioned earlier, this Beef Burgundy recipe has been in my family for generations, so it holds a special place in my heart as something that I’ve shared with my loved ones since childhood. The aroma alone is enough to take me back to all those special times we shared around our dinner table enjoying this delicious dish together—and now I get to do that same thing with my own family as well! This recipe is sure to become one of your go-to dishes for busy days when you need something that’s both easy and tasty—enjoy!

  • “Whip Up This Tasty Shrimp and Grits with Bacon Meal – Perfect for Busy Stay-at-Home Parents!”

    “Whip Up This Tasty Shrimp and Grits with Bacon Meal – Perfect for Busy Stay-at-Home Parents!”

    Shrimp and Grits with Bacon: A Recipe for Busy Parents

    As parents, our days are often filled with work, errands, and appointments. In between all of that busyness, finding the time to make a delicious meal can be a challenge. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joys of home cooking. Shrimp and grits with bacon is a hearty and flavorful meal that comes together quickly, so you can feed your family without sacrificing time with them.

    The beauty of this dish is that it provides all the elements of a complete meal in one skillet. The bacon adds a layer of smoky flavor to the creamy grits while the shrimp provides a healthy source of protein. This combination makes it so satisfying that you won’t even miss the sides. And as an added bonus, it can be made in under 30 minutes!

    So let’s get started. Here’s what you’ll need:

    Ingredients:
    • 1 lb bacon, cut into small pieces
    • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 2 cups chicken stock
    • 1 cup quick-cooking grits
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

    Instructions:

    1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon from skillet and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
    2. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until just pink and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
    3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring chicken stock to a boil then reduce heat to low. Slowly whisk in grits until combined then cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in butter and reserved bacon fat until melted then season with salt and pepper.
    4. Return skillet to medium-high heat then add garlic and green onions to remaining bacon fat and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with cooked bacon pieces then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute then remove from heat.
    5. To serve, spoon grits into individual bowls then top with shrimp mixture and sprinkle with fresh parsley (optional). Enjoy!

    As stay at home parent I know how difficult it can be to find time during the day for your family while also getting meals made on time each night. That’s why I love this easy yet delicious recipe for Shrimp & Grits with Bacon! Not only does it come together quickly but it also has all of the elements of a complete meal all in one dish – protein from the shrimp, smoky flavor from the bacon, creamy goodness from the grits – making it perfect for busy parents who don’t have time for elaborate meal prep but still want something tasty for their families! Plus, you can make this meal any night of the week because it’s so easy to whip up in less than 30 minutes! So next time you’re looking for something quick yet tasty to serve your family try this Shrimp & Grits with Bacon recipe – they’ll thank you for it!

  • Try This Delicious Beef and Barley Soup – A Perfect Meal for Stay at Home Parents!

    Try This Delicious Beef and Barley Soup – A Perfect Meal for Stay at Home Parents!

    Beef and Barley Soup: A Stay at Home Parent’s Recipe

    As a stay-at-home parent, I am always looking for ways to make delicious and nutritious meals for my family. One of our favorite dishes is beef and barley soup. This hearty and flavorful soup is the perfect meal for a cozy night in with the family. Here’s how I make it:

    Ingredients:
    – 2 tablespoons of olive oil
    – 2 large onions, chopped
    – 2 garlic cloves, minced
    – 1 pound ground beef
    – 6 cups of beef broth
    – 1 pound carrots, peeled and diced
    – 1 cup of barley
    – 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme, chopped
    – Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:
    1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
    2. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
    3. Add the broth to the pot along with the carrots and barley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until the barley is cooked through.
    4. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper at this time as well. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until all ingredients are cooked through and heated through. Serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers!

    Now that you have the recipe for this delicious beef and barley soup, I would like to tell you a story about why I love this meal so much. When my husband was in college he had a roommate who was from Ireland. Every Sunday he would make this soup for lunch – it was one of his favorite meals! He taught us how to make it just like he did back home – with hearty beef broth, savory vegetables like carrots, onion, garlic, and lots of love! It was one of those recipes that has stayed in our family ever since! We love making it when we all get together – it’s like a little reminder of how far we’ve come since those days in college!

    Beef and barley soup is such an easy meal to make that you don’t even need to be a great cook to make it – just follow the instructions above! This comforting soup is sure to warm you up on a cold winter’s day or give you that extra bit of energy after a long day of being a stay at home parent! So grab your ingredients from the store and give this delicious recipe a try – you won’t regret it!

  • Cooking with Kids: Beef and Mushroom Soup for Busy Stay-at-Home Parents!

    Cooking with Kids: Beef and Mushroom Soup for Busy Stay-at-Home Parents!

    Beef and Mushroom Soup: A Delicious and Hearty Meal for Busy Stay-At-Home Parents

    As a stay-at-home parent, time is often scarce and there’s not always enough time to prepare a meal from scratch. This hearty Beef and Mushroom Soup is the perfect solution – it’s easy to make, nutritious, and delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to get your family together around the dinner table.

    Ingredients

    2 tablespoons of olive oil
    1 onion, diced
    2 cloves of garlic, minced
    1 pound of ground beef
    2 tablespoons of tomato paste
    1 teaspoon of dried oregano
    2 cups of beef broth
    1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
    Salt and pepper to taste
    8 ounces of mushrooms, chopped
    3 potatoes, peeled and diced
    2 carrots, peeled and diced
    1 cup of frozen peas
    Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

    Instructions

    1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

    2. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go. Stir in the tomato paste and oregano and cook for another minute.

    3. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

    4. Add the mushrooms, potatoes, carrots, and frozen peas to the pot. Simmer for another 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

    5. Taste test for seasonings before serving and adjust if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.

    6. Enjoy!

    A Story About Beef and Mushroom Soup: A Tale of Comfort Food & Family Bonding
    My mother used to make Beef and Mushroom Soup when I was growing up; it was always my favorite meal that she would make on cold winter nights. It was comforting to come home after a long day of school knowing that I would get to have a warm bowl of soup waiting for me at dinner time. Even though I’m now an adult with children of my own, this recipe still brings back fond memories of family bonding over dinner around our kitchen table; something that I cherish to this day!

  • “Easy Beef Pot Roast Recipe: A Stay-at-Home Parent’s Guide To Deliciousness!”

    “Easy Beef Pot Roast Recipe: A Stay-at-Home Parent’s Guide To Deliciousness!”

    Beef Pot Roast: A Delicious and Comforting Meal for a Stay at Home Parent

    Being a stay at home parent is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it can be time-consuming and exhausting. One of the best ways to make life a bit easier is to have delicious and comforting meals that require minimal preparation. Beef pot roast is an excellent option for busy parents who need a nourishing meal that’s easy to make and can feed the entire family.

    For this recipe, you’ll need:

    – 4-5 lb chuck roast
    – 1 onion, diced
    – 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
    – 3 stalks celery, chopped
    – 2 cloves garlic, minced
    – 1 cup beef broth
    – 2 tablespoons olive oil
    – Salt and pepper to taste

    To begin, preheat your oven to 325°F. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the onion and cook for about 4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Next, place the chuck roast in a large roasting pan and season with salt and pepper. Place the cooked onion mixture on top of the beef and then add the carrots, celery, and beef broth. Cover with foil or a lid, then place in the oven to cook for 3 ½ to 4 hours. Check every hour or so to make sure there’s enough liquid in the pan; if necessary, add more beef broth or water as needed.

    When done cooking, remove the foil or lid and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or your favorite vegetable side dish. This meal is sure to be a hit with everyone in your family!

    As a stay at home parent myself, I understand how hard it can be to manage all of your responsibilities while still providing nourishing meals for your family. Beef pot roast is an excellent option that requires minimal effort but still provides an incredibly flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, you can easily adjust this recipe depending on how much time you have – you can slow cook it all day in the oven or use a pressure cooker if you’re in a rush! Try this recipe today – your family will thank you!

  • “A Stay at Home Parent’s Guide to Making the Perfect French Onion Soup”

    “A Stay at Home Parent’s Guide to Making the Perfect French Onion Soup”

    Stay At Home Parent Recipe Blog: French Onion Soup

    As a stay at home parent, I know the importance of making tasty and nutritious meals for my family. One of our favorite recipes is French onion soup. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make and can be made ahead of time. In addition, this soup is a great way to sneak in some vegetables!

    My family’s love affair with French onion soup began several years ago when I was looking for something to cook on a cold winter night. I had heard about this classic dish, but had never made it before. After a quick online search, I found the perfect recipe and set about gathering the ingredients.

    To make this delicious soup, you’ll need: 4 large onions, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 6 cups of beef broth and 1/2 cup of white wine. First, you’ll need to slice the onions into thin strips and then sauté them in butter until they are golden brown. Once the onions are cooked, add the flour and mix together until all the ingredients combine into a paste. Next add the sugar, salt, pepper and beef broth to the mix and bring to a boil. Once boiling reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes or until the flavors have blended together nicely.

    Now comes my favorite part – adding the white wine! This gives the soup an amazing depth of flavor that you just can’t get any other way. After adding the wine, let it simmer for another 10 minutes or so until everything is cooked through and then ladle it into your favorite soup bowls. Finally top with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for a delicious finishing touch!

    This French onion soup is always a hit with my family – even my picky kids love it! Every time we eat it we tell stories about how I found the recipe online and how much fun we had making it together. It’s amazing how something as simple as a bowl of soup can bring us so much joy!

    Making this French onion soup is not only easy but also economical – with just a few ingredients you can make enough for several meals! So if you’re looking for an easy yet flavorful dinner option that your whole family will enjoy – give this classic recipe a try!

  • “Goulash to the Rescue: Simple Recipes for Busy Stay-at-Home Parents”

    “Goulash to the Rescue: Simple Recipes for Busy Stay-at-Home Parents”

    Goulash: A Heart-Warming Home-Cooked Meal for Busy Stay-at-Home Parents

    As any stay-at-home parent knows, it’s hard to find the time and energy to cook a wholesome meal while taking care of children. That’s why Goulash is such a great option for busy days. Not only is this classic Hungarian dish easy to make, but it’s also incredibly comforting and flavorful. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers in the fridge. Read on for my tried and true Goulash recipe that’s sure to be a hit with your family!

    Ingredients:

    1 tablespoon olive oil

    1 onion, diced

    2 cloves garlic, minced
    2 teaspoons paprika
    1 teaspoon dried oregano
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    1 teaspoon sugar
    3 cups beef broth
    2 tablespoons tomato paste
    1 pound ground beef
    4 cups cooked macaroni noodles
    1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, etc.)

    Instructions:

    1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

    2. Add the paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute more.

    3. Add the beef broth and tomato paste and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Add the cooked macaroni noodles and frozen vegetables and stir to combine. Simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes more.

    5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings (sour cream or shredded cheese). Enjoy!

    When I was growing up in Hungary, Goulash was one of my favorite dishes that my mom used to make for us on busy weeknights when we didn’t have time for anything else. It was always a cozy meal that reminded me of home no matter how far away I was from my family and friends back in Hungary. Now that I’m a stay-at-home parent myself with two young kids at home, I try to recreate those same comforting meals with this recipe whenever I can find the time between all of our activities! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!