Around the Dinner Table

My sister made a suggestion I post some of my recipes that I have been cooking lately. Well technically they aren't my recipes. Some are from friends, some from my aunt, some from pinterest, and others cook books. I love cooking these days. I try to make meal time fun for the boys. I encourage them to try new foods often. Its a struggle sometimes. I'm learning to be flexible. (well sometimes) :) They are pretty good about trying stuff though. Breakfast and lunch time are usually me running around trying to get what the boys need so we can either get Tanner off to school or Holden down for a nap. Dinner though we do try to sit down and have as family. It is chaotic, it is loud, it is often interrupted with potty breaks and food flying but hey its togetherness. Some of my favorite things to make lately are Pecan Chicken, (recipe from my friend Suzanne), Banana Bars, (recipe from my Aunt Leah), Mexican Stuffed Shells, (also from my Aunt Leah), Chicken Artichoke Pizza, (A recipe from The cook book my sister in law Elaine gave me from Birmingham), and Pretzel Crusted Chicken Breasts (pinterest) That is just to name a few. We went to Lakeland this weekend and was able to see my mom and dad and all the rest of the family. My Aunt B. had a nice party for my sister to celebrate her moving into her new home. So proud of my sister. My Aunt B. AKA Aunt Brenda or when we were little use to say Aunt Beba has always hosted things at her house. It is always so warm, inviting, and fun. She has always been a huge part of our lives. I am so thankful for her. My mom is living right behind her for now until her apartment gets finished over by my brother Seth's house. I love talking to my mom these days too. She is so thoughtful. She is always thinking of little things to send me like recipes, stickers for the boys, articles that make her think of me, and my favorite, comic strips that always have me laughing. We had such a good time this weekend. My boys love their Grammy and Papa. They love all their family. Hate that they are not in the same town but thankful they are not far away either. Tanner loves pancakes. It is his FAVORITE food these days. Holden loves cheese. ANY and ALL cheese. They are so different these two boys. Tanner could probably live on bread and fruit. AND pancakes. Holden on cheese and chicken. I really do love getting and trying new foods to make. Billy is always praising my cooking. Some things are worth praising and others NOT SO MUCH! We had dinner at the lake last night as my sister Elaine is here visiting. So glad she got some down time and a vacation. My mother in law and sister in law are amazing cooks too. I'm going to have to make my Mother in laws Avocado Salad very soon. DELISH!! Well I am posting my Aunt Leah's recipe of Mexican Shells. I need to make this one again soon. She and I love writing each other and exchanging recipes. She lives in MN and I am hoping the boys and I can get up to see her next year and they can see snow. We will see. I hope so. Mexican Stuffed Shells:  18 Jumbo Pasta Shells cooked and drained, 1 lb. lean ground beef, 12 oz. picante sauce med or mild, 1/2 cup water, 8 oz. can tomato sauce, 4 oz. can chopped chilies, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.      Brown the meat. combine picante sauce, water, and tomato sauce. Stir 1/2 cup into the beef mixture along with the chilies and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Mix well. Pour just half of the remaining sauce on the bottom of the 9x13 pan (My Aunt Leah said use glass.) (i did) :) Stuff the cooked shells with the beef mixture. Arrange shells in baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over the shells. Bake, covered at 350 degrees for one hour. Top with remaining cheese and bake for 5 more minutes. ENJOY! I made garlic bread and a salad too!