Deep South Eats: Bacon Cheddar Crock Pot Potatoes

While I love the crock pot for main dishes, it is wonderful to stretch my capabilities of crock pot cooking and try a side dish. The first time I attempted this recipe, I followed the directions and ended up with so-so results. It was a little disappointing, but I was determined to try, try again. I think the fault of the original recipe was not cooking the bacon before putting it in the crock pot. The texture was underwhelming as you were expecting a bite of crisp bacon and ended up with a rubbery texture. Second go around, I crisped the bacon in the microwave for a few minutes and then crumbled it. I was much more pleased with the crunchy bits of bacon and the overall flavor was excellent. These potatoes pack a good amount of flavor, so serve them with a more mild main dish. Rotisserie chicken, grilled steak, or some barbecue pork chops would be an excellent choice to accompany.


Ingredients:

• 1/4 pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 8 slices of cheddar cheese
• 2 Tablespoons of butter, cubed
• salt and pepper
• Green Onions, sliced (optional)

Directions:

• Line crock pot with foil, overlapping the edges with enough foil to cover the tops of the potatoes.
• Layer: half each of bacon, onions, potatoes and cheese in crock pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper and 1 Tablespoon of cubed butter. Repeat layers with remaining half of ingredients.
• Cover with remaining foil and place crock pot lid on top.
• Cook on low for 10-12 hours.

Original Recipe from Moms with Crock Pots.

Stuck at home next week on Spring Break? Check out these fun Pinterest Spring Break Ideas!

Ever have cooking questions or want to request a recipe, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!  

The Sweet Life: Spring Break Fun

With spring break for our area starting at the end of this week,

I have perused Pinterest for non-everyday fun.

While we will spend most of the time building sand castles and swimming,

There is always the chance of a rainy day needing some fun new activities.

Whether travelling or staying at home, 

There is a plethora of spectacular fun for you and your kids.

Outdoor Fun

1. Pull out some odds and ends from your garage for an awesome backyard obstacle course.

2. A little extreme but AWESOME. Your very own backyard "blob".

3. Take a night and have a backyard campout with the whole family.

4. Don't worry about making a mess with back porch finger and foot painting.

5. Freeze some little trinket toys in water and have fun excavating.

6. Win major parent points by building an incredible car wash for bikes, trikes, and even little tikes!

Indoor Fun

1. Involve your kids in the ideas for fun with a big spring break to-do list.

2. Have a little meal time fun with food painting.

3. What is better for a rainy spring break day than a drive-in movie complete with cars?

4. Build a table fort and have a day of reading and pretend.

5. Are these blow paint monsters not the cutest thing?

6. Grab a cheap tension rod and old sheet for a doorway puppet show.

What have you pinned for spring break fun?

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!

Deep South Eats: One Dish Chicken

Is there anything quite as satisfying as throwing everything together in one dish, tossing it in the oven, pulling it out an hour later, and having a complete meal ready to put on the table? On busy weekdays, quick and easy is the capstone to making the day complete. It provides me that extra hour of time playing outside with my sweet girl and cherishing those extra minutes of daylight.

Often flavor is thrown to the wayside in the land of quick and easy or things are drowned in a cream of something. This is packed full of savory, but does not overpower the simplicity of the ingredients. While this doesn't top the list of health foods, it is quick, elegant, and flavorful. Slice some fresh fruit to eat on the side and I promise your satisfaction.


Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 2 large baking potatoes, sliced thinly
• 1 package of steam in the bag fresh green beans or 2 cans of french style green beans, drained
• 1 package of Good Seasons dry herb and garlic dressing mix
• 4 Tablespoons of butter, melted
• Shredded Parmesan cheese
• Seasonings of choice (Black Pepper and Tony Cachere's Cajun were my seasonings of choice)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place chicken tenderloins down the center of a 9x13 casserole dish.
• Place green beans along one long side of the casserole dish and sliced potatoes down the other.
• Season chicken and vegetables using seasonings of choice.
• Combine melted butter and dressing mix, and pour over chicken and vegetables.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 180 degrees.

Original recipe from Annalee at Out on a Whim.

Ever have cooking questions or want to request a recipe, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!  

The Sweet Life: What's on the Menu?

Monday: Leftovers (Clean out the fridge night)

Tuesday: Sweet and Savory Flank Steak (didn't get to make it this weekend), Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans

Wednesday: Homemade Pizza with Chopped Salad

Taking dinner to my cousin this night who had a new baby and between my mom and I they will be enjoying Chicken Teriyaki, Rice Casserole, Green Bean Bundles and Fresh Fruit

Thursday: Breakfast for Dinner

Friday: On the Road to the Beach

Saturday: Beach

Sunday: Beach

Monday: Weekly Menu

Tuesday: One Dish Chicken

Wednesday: Spring Break Fun Pins

Thursday: Crock Pot Bacon Potatoes

Friday: Bloom Book Club: You're Already Amazing

Random Musings...

- I finished sewing this Easter Outfit for Belle Friday. Unfortunately, being the first time I made ruffle pants, they turned out a little short. When life gives you short pants...just pretend you meant to make culottes!

-Mark and I somehow got roped into going to the Moody Blues concert at the Fox Saturday night with his family. It was high entertainment to watch people our parent's age rocking out in suits and ties. Let's just say there were some pretty serious fans. Made me wonder if Belle will think our music is weird when she is older. Must be the reason I blasted the 90's on Pandora while cleaning yesterday.

-Thankfully we got to try a fun restaurant we have never been to before...Ecco. The atmosphere was awesome and the service impeccable. I thoroughly enjoyed my Chili Braised Pork with Garlic and Pappardelle. I wish we had time to enjoy dessert because the options looked fantastic. Instead, Mark and I opted to make the four block walk through midtown to the Fox. The weather was perfect and breezy.

-After a patio lunch at Cinco, dinner at Ecco, and Sunday lunch at PF Changs, we may have been going for an international (American-international) weekend of meals.

-My sweet girl had picture day today at school. She told me exactly how she wanted her hair and what she wanted to wear. That girl cracks me up. The other night before bed, I was whispering some of these precious words from You're Already Amazing to her, and she looked up at me and whispered in my ear "mommy you are amazing to me and I am so glad God chose you for me". Melt my heart! (of course as soon as I have bragged on my child I pick her up from school only to find out she bit a child today...time for a little "come to Jesus meeting" in our house - humbling you know).

-Any women looking for a phenomenal bible study in the North Atlanta area, the Community Bible Study I attend is having open house this Wednesday, the 28th at 9:45. This will be a time to sign up for the fall. While there will not be childcare for open house, the bible study has an amazing bible program for children that you can sign your kids up to attend. Please comment or email me if interested! Even if you can't attend, I will get you a registration form. We are studying Ephesians and Mark next year.

What went on in your weekend?

I want to hear from YOU! What recipes, tutorials or projects would you like to see  next week?

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!

The Sweet Life: Bloom Book Club - You're Already Amazing

I cannot wait to hear what you think of this book.

I am getting ready to start reading chapter two, and already I am amazed at how God is using this book to change and shape my heart.

I hope you will think about joining me and the thousands of women in Bloom Book Club as we journey through You're Already Amazing.

You're Already Amazing Reading and Video Schedule

Get to know the author Holley Gerth

I hope you enjoy this printable from Chapter One!

(right click and print it off)

So...take a trip to your bookstore and invest in this life-changing read! Grab an extra copy for a friend too!

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest! 

Deep South Eats: Barbecue Baked Beans

These Barbecue Baked Beans really are THE BEST barbecue baked beans. They have such a nice smoky, sweet flavor while the mustard and onion give strong savory notes. They will compliment grilled burgers or hot dogs very well. I promise that the next time you are invited to a barbecue at a friend's house (or your own) you will immediately be signing up to bring these beans. The best part....they taste like you spent a ton of time when in reality your prep took just a few minutes.


Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14-ounces each) baked beans, drained (for testing purposes I used Bush's Original Recipe)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon dry minced onion
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 cup sweet, thick barbecue sauce
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled, reserve the bacon fat

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Mix all ingredients together including bacon fat (this is the only time I will allow you to do this). Make sure your beans are drained as the first time I made this I didn't realize I needed to drain and had some awfully runny beans.
• Pour bean mixture into a 2-quart, casserole dish coated with nonstick cooking spray.
• Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.

Original recipe from Confessions of a Kitchen Diva.

Grill them alongside some BBQ Bacon Sliders and don't forget to check out the Backyard Barbecue Finds!

Ever have cooking questions or want to request a recipe, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!    

Deep South Party: Backyard Barbecue Finds

I absolutely love a great backyard barbecue.

The casualness and ability to just "hang out" cannot be topped.

There are very few weekend nights during the spring and summer where you cannot find us eating dinner on the patio,

Letting Belle run and play free,

And soaking up the sun and fresh air.

Here are a few of my favorite backyard barbecue pins floating around...

1. What a fantastic way to keep your salads bug-free. I will definitely be using this to make sure we can enjoy our meal without extra "guests".

2. I love these Slide Skewers from Williams-Sonoma. They make enjoying kabobs so much easier. (or as some people say "kay-bobs" - wink wink).

3. How fun would it be to set up a smores' bar?

4. I am all about buffalo check right now and these plates are too cute to pass up. The melamine is an added bonus so no plates will be shattered by the end of the night.

5. What an awesome way to keep drinks cool! Fill up the wagon or a wheelbarrow with ice and enjoy!

6 & 7. You have to keep the kids happily entertained and backyard bowling and getting to paint outdoors as messy as they want sounds perfect!

Not sure what to grill...

Try some of my favorites:

BBQ Bacon Sliders

Sweet and Savory Flank Steak

Miss Bettie's Zesty Grilled Corn

You can even grill some Sour Cream Pound Cake and chop with fresh fruit!

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest! 

Deep South Eats: BBQ Bacon Sliders

The weather is warming up, so it is time to dust that yellow pollen off your grill and fire it up. What better to grill out then some amazing BBQ Bacon Sliders? These sliders pack a ton of flavor and are such a fun size. They were so easy for Belle to eat with little hands and kept Mark and I from overeating! While they do take a decent amount of effort, they would be extremely appealing for a backyard party or grilling out when company is in town. I saved a little bit of the sauce to pack some extra punch in our sandwiches and wraps during lunch for the week.

Ingredients:

Crispy Shoe String Onions:

• 1 large onion, halved and cut into 1/4" slices
• 2 eggs
• 2 Tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• vegetable oil for frying

Garlicky Blue Cheese Spread:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Burgers:

• 1 1/2 pounds of high-quality ground beef (I chose sirloin)
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

The Rest:

• 8 to 10 small dinner rolls (our grocery store sells slider buns)
• 8 to 10 crisp lettuce leaves
• 8 to 10 slice of bacon cooked crisp

Directions:
Crispy Shoe String Onions (note: frying is not something done in our home on a regular basis -- way too unhealthy and messy, but every once in awhile it is nice to try something new):

• Mix together eggs and milk in a small bowl, and then mix the flour, seasoning salt, black pepper and garlic powder in a separate small bowl.
• Using a pot with sides that will keep the oil from boiling over, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees.
• Work with a handful of onions at a time and dip them into the egg mixture. Make sure to let the excess egg drip off.
• Then dredge the onions in the flour mixture and lightly toss to coat.
• Place onions in hot oil and cook until golden brown.
• Remove using a slotted spoon and place on folded towels to absorb excess oil.
• Repeat the process until all onions are fried.
• Note: this makes a lot so you may want to half the recipe.

Garlicky Blue Cheese Spread:

• Combine mayonnaise, salt, pepper, red wine vinegar, and garlic. Stir well.
• Stir in blue cheese crumbles and refrigerate until ready to use.

Burgers:

• In a large bowl, combine beef, 2 Tablespoons barbecue sauce, salt and pepper. 
• Divide and shape beef mixture into 8 to 10, 3/4" thick, patties.
• Heat outdoor grill or grill pan on stove top to medium-high heat. Grill burgers for 2-3 minutes and then flip.
• Brush the top side of each burger with remaining barbecue sauce, and continue grilling for another 2 minutes.
• Flip burgers again and brush the tops again with barbecue sauce. Continue cooking and basting until burgers reach internal temp of 160-165 degrees.

Assembly:

• Lightly spread the bottom of each bun with Garlicky Blue Cheese Spread and top with a lettuce leaf.
• Break bacon pieces in half and place two halves on top of each lettuce leaf.
• Place a burger on top and drizzle with additional barbecue sauce.
• Top with a handful of crispy shoe string onions and spread tops of the buns with remaining blue cheese spread. 
• Enjoy!

Original recipe from Our Best Bites.

Ever have cooking questions or want to request a recipe, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!   

The Sweet Life: What's on the Menu & Giveaway Winners

Monday (Work Night): Leftovers

Tuesday: Broccoli Cheese Soup with Ham Rolls

Wednesday: One Dish Chicken with Fresh Fruit

Thursday: Bow Ties with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream and Tossed Salad

Friday: Out to Eat

Saturday: Sweet and Savory Flank Steak, Reduced Fat Scalloped Potatoes, and Grilled Asparagus

Sunday: Small Group Meal

Monday: Weekly Menu

Tuesday: BBQ Bacon Sliders

Wednesday: Fun Backyard Barbecue Finds

Thursday: Barbecue Baked Beans

Friday: You're Already Amazing: Week One\

The GIVEAWAY winners using Random.org:

Comment #7: Jennifer

Comment #1: Erin

Please send me an email at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com to let me know if you want a paperback copy or a copy for your kindle.

Check out this precious gown I made last week for my cousin's baby shower:

I want to hear from YOU! What recipes, tutorials or projects would you like to see  next week?

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!

Deep South Giveaway: You're Already Amazing

Awhile back, I invited you to join along with me in the study of One Thousand Gifts.

This study was truly life-changing.
I am extremely thankful to the Bloom Book Club over at Incourage for introducing me to that book.

 

Bloom Book Club is getting ready to study You're Already Amazing by Holley Gerth.

I am really excited about this book and the purpose it can have in my life.

I want to invite you along to study with Bloom Book Club.

I plan to do a weekly short entry about my thoughts from the week's reading along with the videos from Bloom Book Club.

The videos are kicking off this Monday and so I hope to get a book to two of you as soon as possible!

I am giving away TWO copies of You're Already Amazing!

Ways to Enter:

1. Leave a comment saying "I am already amazing"

2. Become a follower (make sure to leave me a comment letting me know you began following because it is easier to keep track of and gives you a guaranteed second entry or leave a separate comment telling me you already are a follower.

3. Like Deep South Sweets on Facebook and let me know by a separate comment (same as above if you are already a Facebook follower).

4. Follow Deep South Sweets on Pinterest (same as above for if you already follow).

That gives each of you a total of FOUR separate entries.

Giveaway ends Sunday, March 18, at 8:00 pm EST

The Study Schedule.

I can't wait to get a copy of this in TWO people's hands!

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest! 

Deep South Eats: Almond Green Beans

Do any of you know of a side dish that was enjoyed on a regular basis in your home growing up? If I had to name the one that we ate the most often and enjoyed the most often, it would be Almond Green Beans. These are so simple to throw together that they can be enjoyed with a variety of entrees during the busy week, but are pretty in appearance making them great for company. I hope you will add them to your weekly line-up and find that they kick your meals up a notch.


Ingredients:

• 1 can whole green beans (we also sub in french-style green beans from time to time)
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions:

• Heat beans in their juice in small saucepan over medium heat.
• In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine. Cook the almonds slowly until browned. Remove from heat.
• Add salt and lemon juice to almond mixture.
• Drain beans and place in a serving dish.
• Pour almond mixture over beans and serve hot.

Original Recipe from My Family's Cookbook.

Please Note: Picture above shows two recipes worth.

This would be wonderful served with Melt-in-your-Mouth Chicken!

Ever have cooking questions or want to request a recipe, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!  

Deep South DIY: Recent Sewing Projects March 2012

In the last few weeks, I have been in the sewing mood.

I love knocking out some projects and trying new things.

Thankfully, I have had some occasions that provided fantastic sewing opportunities.

Super cute "Love Bug" shirt for my daughter's Valentine party.

"Love Bug" Applique from FunStitch

I made this adorable onesie dress for a friend awhile back. 

Sweet Kate can finally fit and it is adorable.

Anchor T-Shirt and Easy Fit Pants for my nephew's birthday.

I have to say these Easy Fit Pants were one of the very best pants tutorials I have used.

Anchor Applique from Applique Cafe

Font: Mark from Kabo Designs

Pants Tutorial: Scientific Seamstress

A sweet newborn gown for a friend's baby shower.

Sweet boy is yet to be named so no monogramming yet...boo!

I have the most precious project in the works right now, but since it is a gift you will have to wait to see it until next week.

I am attending an Applique Conference in April with the hope of being inspired and encouraged to start my own small business!

What are you creating lately or inspired to create?

Deep South Eats: Melt-in-your-Mouth Chicken

I absolutely love a recipe that is full of flavor but weeknight friendly. There is something supremely satisfying about being able to serve a meal to your family at the end of a busy work day that is filling and savory. This recipe is very simple to put together. While not the lowest in calorie and fat content a simple ingredient substitution cut back on the need to see a cardiologist within the week. We enjoyed this with onion rice and some roasted green beans.


Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
• 1 cup low fat mayonnaise (I prefer Duke's)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (feel free to use some from a preshredded bag if pressed for time)
• 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Place chicken breasts in a 9 x 13 baking dish.
• Mix mayonnaise, cheese, seasoning salt, garlic powder and pepper together.
• Spread mayonnaise mixture over chicken breasts and bake for 45 minutes or until chicken reaches 180 degrees.

Original Recipe from Food.com

Ever have cooking questions or want to request a recipe, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest! 

The Sweet Life: What's on the Menu?

Monday: Leftover Burger Sliders with Chips and Fresh Fruit

Tuesday: Pork Tenderloin (pre-marinated), Crock Pot Bacon and Cheese Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli

Wednesday: Creamy Chicken Piccata with Penne and Charred Green Beans

Thursday (Work Night): Leftovers

Friday (Work Night): Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and Tossed Salad

Saturday (Work Night): Sandwiches for the working nurse and Mark and Belle will probably go out on a Daddy-Daughter Date

Sunday: Hot Dogs on the Grill, Potato Salad, and Baked Beans

Monday: Weekly Menu

Tuesday: Melt-in-your-Mouth Chicken

Wednesday: Deep South DIY: Recent Sewing Projects

Thursday: Green Beans Amandine

Friday: Bloom Book Club: You're Already Amazing & Giveaway

I want to hear from YOU! What recipes, tutorials or projects would you like to see  next week?

Ever have questions or want to request a recipe or tutorial, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!

Deep South Eats: Pimiento Cheese Rolls

Whenever we have soup and salad nights at our house, I am always looking for some fun roll to spice things up. I love the pretzel rolls you can get in the freezer section or even just a fresh baked Jiffy cornbread roll. Soup and salad night is used for us when we need a quick meal requiring little preparation. Thirty minutes or less puts quite a constraint in the roll making department, so I resort to ready made. I came across these Pimiento Cheese Rolls in the February edition of Southern Living. I knew they would be a hit with my family and loved the fact that they required only three ingredients. While they don't technically fall into the thirty minutes or less category, the ease of assembly and ability to use ready made ingredients makes them a winner. Add to that fact, they are incredibly good!

When making these you have the option to buy store bought pimento cheese or to make your own. I think that Paula Deen's, Bobby's Pimiento Cheese is a phenomenal homemade pimiento cheese. It is mild in flavor and texture. I love using the leftover pimento cheese with some wheat bread and tomatoes for an excellent grilled pimento cheese. It is also wonderful served with crackers as an appetizer.


Ingredients:

• 1 (26.4 ounce) package of frozen biscuits (I used Pillsbury Southern style)
• All-purpose flour
• 2 cups pimiento cheese

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• On a well floured surface, arrange your biscuits with sides touching in 3 rows of 4 biscuits each.. Let stand for around 45 minutes until biscuits are thawed but still cool to the touch.
• Sprinkle thawed biscuits lightly with flour. Press biscuit edges together, and pat to form a 10 x 12 rectangle.
• Spread rectangle evenly with pimiento cheese.
• Roll up starting at the long end away from you. Cut into 12, 1-inch thick slices, and place one slice in each of the 12 lightly greased muffin pan cups.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes and remove from pan.

Original Recipe from Southern Living

Ever have cooking questions or want to request a recipe, comment or email me at deepsouthsweets@gmail.com. You can also visit Deep South Sweets on Facebook or follow me on Pinterest!