Southern Creamed Corn

My kids have ALWAYS loved corn. Always. In all forms. Even when my kids had braces - they loved corn - if we had it on the cob, I would cut it off the cob for them.

Every time we go to a steakhouse, if corn is on the menu - they order it. ESPECIALLY if it's creamed corn. Biz's current best of all time is Texas Roadhouse. Jack says Goodwood's is a great contender. So, I thought I'd try it at home.

We did a blind taste test. The recipe below (I used canned corn) OR canned creamed corn. I've never had creamed corn from a can and I can honestly say that it isn't bad. It's not amazing or anything, but none of us spit it out. It was unanimous - everyone loved this Southern Creamed Corn - even Piper (pickiest eater EVER) had seconds and said "this is so addicting."

Southern Creamed Corn
8 ears corn, husked *or 4 cans corn, drained
2+ tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup cold water
2 tablespoons butter
Sugar to taste - I added a sugar spoonful

In a large bowl, cut the tip off cob. Cut the kernels from cob with a small paring knife. Using the back of the blade, scrape against the cob to press out the milky liquid.
Whisk together sugar, flour, and salt and pepper, to taste. Combine with corn. Add the heavy cream and water. Mix.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter. Add corn mixture and turn heat down to medium-low, stirring until it becomes creamy, about 30 minutes.
Add the 2nd helping of sugar 5 minutes before serving.

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Got this from Maisie - I'll do anything to make my kids happy!!

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Mix together 

1 c heavy cream

1/2 c maple syrup

4 eggs

1 tsp cinnamon.

Then cut three packages of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough into bite sized pieces.

Place the cinnamon rolls in a 9x13 baking dish. Pour the mixture on top and stir to make sure every bite is covered. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes. Top with icing and enjoy!!

Kids liked this! I did not. Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of sweets - especially for breakfast. It was really fast and easy to make.

Breakfast Egg Bites

I've been making these for the kids the last couple of weeks and they love them!! They just grab one or two, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 1 minute.

Breakfast Egg Bites
14 eggs
Shredded cheese

Ham
Salsa
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray (the heavier you spray, the less it will stick) or use thick muffin liners. I just ordered some silicone muffin cups to make my life easier!

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs. Add in remaining ingredients and mix together.

Scoop 1/3 cup of mixture into each muffin liner.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the center of the muffin is completely cooked.

*You can use anything you want really. The first time I made them I made them with ham, spinach and cheese. The next time I used crumbled up bacon, cheese and salsa - YUM!!

I also tried to make these individually, in a small bowl I cracked one egg, beat it and added the other ingredients, then poured it into the tin. This way you can customize them as per their liking - but it is MUCH more labor intensive!

**UPDATE: It's easier to fill each muffin cup individually (I have silicone liners) with each ingredient. Whisk eggs, salt and pepper together then add the egg mixture into the cups. Streamlines the process!

Pad Thai Peanut Bowl

Pad Thai Peanut Bowl
2 x 12 oz. noodles *I used spaghetti

1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

Garlic powder to taste
2 bottles of Sky Valley Organic Thai Peanut Sauce

* optional Chicken (we used 1 can of chicken for our protein guy and air fried chicken nuggets for some of us)

Peanuts, Green onions, lime juice for serving

Cook noodles according to package directions until just tender. Heat 1 tablespoon oil, add the bell pepper  and cook for 1-2 minutes until pepper is just softened, stirring the entire time. Add garlic powder to taste.
Add in the noodles, peanuts and sauce then toss to combine. Stir in the scallions, squeeze with fresh lime juice and serve.

This was a HIT!!! Even Piper ate it!

Disneyland's Loaded Potato Soup

I saw this recipe on Six Sister's Stuff - I have a lot of potato soup recipes - but why not give this a try?

Disneyland's Loaded Potato Soup
1 pound bacon roughly chopped
1 medium yellow onion diced
1 large carrot peeled and diced
¾ cup diced celery
2 bags frozen cubed hashbrowns

¼ cup flour
3-4 cups chicken stock
salt and pepper to taste
4 cups heavy cream
1 can corn drained
Optional garnishes chopped chives, bacon bits, sour cream, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese

In a 6- to 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp.
Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving half for garnish. In bacon fat, cook onions, carrots, and celery until the onions are translucent. Add potatoes and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Whisk in flour and stir constantly over low heat until the flour is cooked and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add chicken stock and half of the bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
Over medium-high heat, bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Mash some of the potatoes for thicker, creamier texture. Add whipping cream and corn and simmer for 5 minutes.
Adjust thickness by adding water or stock. Soup should have a creamy consistency.
Season to taste, and garnish with toppings.

*You REALLY have to season this. Season at every step.