October 25, 2017

Nutritional Chocolate Drink

This is one of our weekend favorites. Like most children and adults everyone loves a cold glass of chocolate Milk! I use Skim Milk (1/2 Gallon-cold), 6 heaping tablespoons (sweetened) Cocoa Powder mix, 2 tablespoons whey protein powder. Mix all ingredients well and refrigerate overnight for best results. Stir well and serve! Enjoy!

October 22, 2017

Difficult Roads

It is good sometimes to just take a ride with some soft music-alone and just enjoy the scenery and a final destination that fulfills that feeling that sometimes you can not describe. Try that it may enlgihtened you and a new discovery is fun!

Orlando Espinosa

Sometimes traveling through difficult roads will lead to beautiful destination.

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October 15, 2017

Classic Red Truck with Christmas Tree

Ha-Ha seems Jodi is in a hurry for Christmas and Halloween is not even here-too funny! Adorable pic! I know this Christmas will be special for everyone!

the creative life in between

Classic Red Truck with Christmas Tree Watercolor - 11x14 - 140lb Fabriano Artistico Classic Red Truck with Christmas Tree Watercolor – 11×14 – 140lb Fabriano Artistico

Classic Red Truck with Christmas Tree.

Is anybody else starting to think about Christmas?

When my boys were young, I loved getting ready for the Christmas holiday.  I would often start playing Christmas music in October… much to Hubby’s dismay.

We prepared letters to Santa, and I shopped and put carts full of toys on “lay-away” months ahead of winter.

My best friend and I went to craft shows and stores and bought santas and snowmen and other holiday decorations, as well as things to make decorations – often while pushing strollers and carrying diaper bags.

I would prepare for “Sammy” the elf to make his arrival at our house and plan out his adventures each night when the boys went to bed to surprise them in the morning.

I created homemade Christmas cards for the boys…

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October 11, 2017

Shrimp Scampi and Taters

This recipe is so easy and a great standby for a quick lunch or supper. Using 4 large Russet potatoes rinse and dry, you can microwave them 10-12 minutes on high (covered with paper towels) or if preferred to bake @ 400 F 45-50 minutes. Once Baked potatoes are done allow to cool to touch and remove flesh inside. to a bowl. set aside.

In a sauce pan add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 stick of butter, once garlic and butter are combined and are fragrant lower heat and add shrimp (16 ounces medium to large shrimp), cook just 2-3 minutes (turning shrimp once while cooking), remove from heat. Add sautéed shrimp into potato flesh and gently stir, scoop into each potato skin half until full and place each half on a rimmed baking sheet pan, pop into a 400 F oven for 2-3  minutes. Garnish with herbs and devour!

Serve and enjoy!

We love these and I hope you will too!!!

Cheryl “Cheffie Cooks” Wiser.

 

September 11, 2017

On The Run baby-GO IRMA!

Direction here, there and everywhere, coming up the Coast to visit Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee? Leaving a mess behind! Power outages, flooding, downed trees, rolled over vehicles, boats, planes, roofs. Oh my goodness.

Schools closed in many States (good idea!). We have no rain yet but it is bound to come overnight!

Florida I am thinking about you! Stay inside!

September 10, 2017

Naughty Irma!

In the US and unless you’ve been living under a rock you know all about Irma-Wreaking havoc in Florida I-75 corridor northbound

inundated with jammed traffic, motels along the way at full occupancy, its a mess. As most hurricanes of Irma’s magnitude will

change directions several times. Not taking any hurricane seriously is a huge mistake-what price do you put on safety?

I read oh it’ll miss us we are in Tampa not south Florida (Miami), no miss us we are in Orlando-really? I dread to see this full impact in

the next few days with Jose on its heels.

Did we not just have a Hurricane Matthew in October, 2016? What is up? Sure, it is scary but then so are minus temps. and blizzards!

not too mention Houston, Louisiana.

Never take your safety for granted it can change in a minute.

My thoughts are with you all.

 

 

September 6, 2017

You don’t say-Irma?!

As we always stay ahead of impending weather, Irma is no exception! Nasty Hurricanes.

We are taking all precautions and heading out of town; the blogs will be down during this time.

To anyone near its path be safe and better yet, evacuate! Only days away do not wait until the last minute. Gas prices are sky high, supplies limited for many already, not for us we are out of here.

Smile everyone we are use to this, as it is a part of Florida living.

See YOU all soon!

August 31, 2017

A sweet Cold Salad for your BBQ (Pineapple-Jicama-Carrot)

Year round salad!

"Cheffie Cooks" Favorite Original Recipes

WIN_20160409_20_06_25_Pro (2)This is an easy recipe and a favorite for any Holiday-the 4th of July, Labor Day, etc. I use fresh pineapple (canned is fine to use the chunks), one Jicama cut into thin sticks, 2 carrots peeled cut into sticks, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, one fresh lemon juice only, stir well. Refrigerate one hour before serving.

Stir again when ready to serve. Its a great flavor combination and super refreshing!

Delicious with any grilled meat or fish option.

Enjoy! Cheryl  “Cheffie Cooks” Wiser.

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August 29, 2017

Onion Baked Pork Chops

Yum- I hungry!

"Cheffie Cooks" Favorite Original Recipes

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A new Favorite: Using any Onion Soup Mix (1/4 cup), 1/2 cup Seasoned Bread crumbs combine the two on a large plate. Coat the pork chops and place on a non stick baking sheet pan, sprinkle with S & P, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375 F for 40 minutes (undisturbed) the oven does all the work.

They smell wonderful, we love zucchini and squash-carrot sticks sautéed with this dish, you choose whatever side dishes you love.

Easy and delicious!

Enjoy!

Cheryl “Cheffie Cooks” Wiser.

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August 19, 2017

Creamy Broccoli And Fettuccine Pasta — cheffie cooks easy 1-2-3

All that is left to do is add the sauce. Boil the Fettuccine noodles to al dente, remove pasta from water using a pasta utensil, I add the broccoli florets boil next for 4 minutes, drain well, mix the two in a large bowl. In a sauce pan add 2 cups parmesan, 1/2 stick melted butter, s […]

via Creamy Broccoli And Fettuccine Pasta — cheffie cooks easy 1-2-3

August 17, 2017

Cucumbers to Pickles!

The baby cucumbers (as I love to call them) have been so plentiful in my garden. I have been making pickles, some more pickles and pickles! LOL These are seasoned garlic ones (with sliced sweet white onions) and are they ever delicious! Pickling juices of many varieties are so fun to make. I like sweet and sour bread sliced pickles as well. They’re great on a sandwich.

They stand well in the refrigerator, tightly jarred for a few weeks!

Make yourself some you’ll be happy you did!

August 16, 2017

Flank Steak (Broiled)

Steak tonight?

"Cheffie Cooks" Favorite Original Recipes

win_20161106_14_33_40_pro-3A really reasonably cut of beef that we just love. I use a season mix of onion salt, garlic powder, black pepper, cumin and rub the outside of the Flank Steak (about 5 pounds), place on top of an aluminum foil  lined baking pan, drizzle with olive oil and worcestershire sauce and place under the broiler, keeping the oven door ajar. we love new red potatoes with rosemary butter as a side dish, and a slaw salad. Make any side dishes you love!

Cut the Flank Steak (after it rests) on the bias (against the grain) with a sharp knife.

Its a truly flavorful meal! Hope you enjoy.

Cheryl “Cheffie Cooks” Wiser.

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August 15, 2017

Citrus Frozen Fruit Pops

I made a huge batch of popsicles and every single one is gone! The are so refreshing in the hot months. I made lemon-lime-orange, cherry and pineapple.

They are so inexpensive and easy to make. The molds are ones my mom used years ago and I bought the wooden popsicle sticks and just let them freeze overnight. Tart, sweet and delicious!

Give them a try you’ll love them too.

August 14, 2017

Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Ever wonder how many dishes go with creamy mashed potatoes? I do! They are a favorite here. Add butter, sour cream or cream cheese, milk, cream, s & p, whip them until fluffy. They disappear in no time!

I have tried every pre-packaged mashed potato on the market and nothing compares to the real thing. Take the time to peel, dice and boil. you’ll be glad you did!

August 10, 2017

Brownie Whoopie Pies

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yummy-For all the chocolate lovers! Woo-Hoo!

cheffie cooks easy 1-2-3

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These are so delicious and fun to make. I use a box brownie mix, form patties on a non stick baking sheet pan (rimmed) and bake 22-24 minutes @ 350 F until done. Allow to cool. Make whipped cream for the center (or buy store bought whipped cream) fill, add second brownie round and voila-whoopies!!!

Enjoy this easy economical treat!

cheffie cooks easy 1-2-3

See YOU!

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August 8, 2017

Some of my Favorite Original Recipes! Just Click.

A few recipe ideas for you!

"Cheffie Cooks" Favorite Original Recipes

WIN_20160408_19_51_55_Pro (3)Phyllo Tomato~Cheese~Herb Tartlet-New Recipe (to be posted in May  13, 2016)

WIN_20160329_22_10_00_Pro (2)Apple Zoodles Dessert-

www.https://thewisercook.wordpress.com/2016/4/12/zucchini-zoodles-with-apples-and-walnuts/

WIN_20160413_16_25_03_Pro (4)Strawberry Mousse-www.https://cooking1allthingscitrus2.wordpress.com/mousse-/2016/04/13/strawberrylime-mousse-dessert-cups/

WIN_20160326_05_48_33_Pro (2)Bacon & Egg Frittata

www.https://clwiser.wordpres.com/2016/04/14/bacon-egg-frittata/

 

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August 5, 2017

Asparagus~Pancetta Parmesan Fettuccine

Pasta, yum!

"Cheffie Cooks" Favorite Original Recipes

win_20161021_21_47_39_pro-2Scrumptious Pasta! 16 ounces thin asparagus, 16 ounces Fettuccine, 1/2 pound pancetta diced, one teaspoon basil, s & p, to taste, garlic and onion powder. 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 cup grated parmesan cheese.

Boil Fettuccine in salted water (as per package instructions), drain set aside. In a small frying pan saute the diced pancetta remove from saute pan onto paper towels to drain. Boil asparagus halves in salted water for 4-5 minutes, drain. Melt butter slowly add parmesan cheese, stir well.

In a large bowl add cooked fettuccine melted butter/parmesan cheese, asparagus, seasonings, toss gently, add cooked pancetta and toss again.

Plate and serve!

Enjoy this new favorite of ours!

Cheryl “Cheffie Cooks “Wiser”

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August 4, 2017

Traditional Greek Salad

Have a weekend with BBQ Steaks, make a great Greek Salad to go along with the dish-its so delicious and easy!
Have a wonderful weekend!

~The Wiser Cook~

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I love salads and eat one almost everyday a favorite of course is The Greek Salad. Crisp Romaine lettuce, Iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Greek oregano, salt and black pepper to taste. Feta Cheese Crumbles, Kalamata olives. Simplistic ingredients with wonderful flavors. I make a light dressing using Greek olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, dash of red pepper flakes, shake well in a cruet and drizzle over Greek Salad. Toss, plate and devour! 

Just perfection!

Hope you enjoy if you to love salads.

This one ranks right up there at the top of my favorites!

Cheryl “Cheffie Cooks” Wiser.

The Wiser Cook.

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August 3, 2017

Light Asian Peanut Sauce Noodles

Light Lunch!

"Cheffie Cooks" Favorite Original Recipes

WIN_20160405_05_39_13_Pro (2)Easy and a fun dish especially delicious for lunch and one of my favorites! You can use any type noodles that you like in this dish. I always prepare them al dente. For the Asian Light Sauce I use 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root, 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter sautéed together for 12 minutes on low heat and continuing to stir to combine.

Add noodles and gently toss. Optional to add green onions/scallions as garnish, if desired.

Enjoy!

Cheryl “Cheffie Cooks” Wiser.

See YOU!

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August 1, 2017

Yogurt Covered Blueberries

Easy summertime treat!

cheffie cooks easy 1-2-3

Terrific*easy* new fruit snack for the summer months! 2 cups plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt), 24 ounces fresh blueberries rinsed well and dried on paper towels in a colander. Add yogurt to a bowl and using a slotted spoon dip several blueberries at a time into the yogurt, allow to drip and place coated blueberries on a parchment lined platter(s) or sheet pan(s). It will take a few minutes to do this but the reward afterwards makes in worthwhile!

Place the platter(s) or Sheet pan(s) in the freezer shelf for several hours to freeze. Once frozen place in freezer safe baggies or airtight container . Keep frozen and when ready grab a handful or bowlful and have at it! I am telling you they are scrumptious on a hot day! Cool and refreshing.

I hope you’ll enjoy these-we sure do! In closing I wish you Good Health. cheffie cooks easy…

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July 31, 2017

20 Minute Baked Ricotta Eggplant

Quick night Pasta Dish!

"Cheffie Cooks" Favorite Original Recipes

WIN_20160514_21_58_35_Pro (2)We Love Eggplants in our home. This dish is so quick to prepare you can serve with a side salad, side of pasta, some crusty bread to soak up all the juices. One Large Eggplant, sliced  coat in olive oil, salt and black pepper, to taste, add some garlic powder and place each slice on a non stick rimmed baking sheet pan(s), pop into a 425F oven for 10 minutes (eggplant has a high water content). Lay baked eggplant on paper towels to absorb any liquids. In a large baking dish add homemade chunky marinara sauce (or your choice), Lay baked eggplant on top of sauce, add ricotta (1 cup mixed with one cup mozzarella cheese) and evenly layer on top. Cover the dish with foil and return to the hot oven and bake 10 additional minutes. Garnish with fresh Basil leaves.

Remove from oven, and serve! We love this with…

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July 30, 2017

Baked Halibut with Tropical Fresh Fruit Salsa

Something light and refreshing! Perfect summer meal.

"Cheffie Cooks" Favorite Original Recipes

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We love Halibut (or Cod) for this recipe. 4 Filets coated in honey placed in a baking dish with 1 cup fish or vegetable stock, place in hot oven (400 F) and bake 8-10 minutes or until fish begins to flake. I use 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, 1/4 cup pineapple chunks, one kiwi chunked, 1/4 cup pure Orange juice, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, dash of nutmeg, stir fresh fruit salsa well, optional onions diced.

Remove Halibut add a few scoops of fresh fruit to the top, scrumptious!

Enjoy!

Cheryl “Cheffie Cooks” Wiser.

See YOU!

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June 25, 2017

Summer Scallops and fresh Corn

Great Summer Seafood Dish!

"Cheffie Cooks" Favorite Original Recipes

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This is a light and flavorful dish the entire family loves. It is one of my personal favorites too. One pound fresh Sea Scallops, 4 ears of fresh corn on the cob (cut kernels and corn milk off cob), 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and parsley chopped, salt, black pepper, garlic and onion powder to taste.

In a saute pan add a bit of canola oil on medium high heat, add corn kernels (cut off the cobs) and tomato halves, saute gently several minutes, add sea scallops, seasonings-herbs, and cook 3-4 minutes to lightly brown sea scallops and cook through.

Serve and enjoy!

Super easy and delicious!

Cheryl “Cheffie Cooks” Wiser.

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June 23, 2017

Spinach & Tomato & Cheese Baked Pie

Easy and scrumptious Dish!

"Cheffie Cooks" Favorite Original Recipes

Fun dish we just love a new favorite. I had a pastry deep dish pie shell (thawed) available, some tomatoes and fresh spinach! I always have a chunk of parmesan cheese ready to grate. So, I came up with this recipe on a whim and it was so good and easy to make. I pricked the pie crust a few times and place into a pre heated 400 F oven for 6 minutes. I used 4 fresh tomatoes  diced, 1-1/4 cup baby spinach, one half onion diced finely, 2 cloves of garlic minced, one teaspoon black pepper, pinch of salt or two and mixed together in a large bowl.

Transfer to the pie shell, cover with 1-1/2 cup grated parmesan and 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter and evenly spread on the top of pie.

Place into the 400 F hot oven and bake 20 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

We love…

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June 21, 2017

Delicious Baked Beans with Bacon & Cashews

Add these to your BBQ! Yum.

~The Wiser Cook~

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One can 15-ounce butter beans, drained, one can 15- ounce baked beans, one can 15.5 ounce light kidney beans, 1/4 cup ketchup, squirt of brown mustard, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, one half diced finely shallot, one minced clove garlic, 4 cooked crispy bacon slices cut, 1/4 cup cashew halves.

In a stock pot (lidded) add beans, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, shallot, garlic, on low heat, stir well, cover and cook on low heat 30 minutes, add bacon and cashews, stir and serve in individual bowls.

So delicious and easy!

Enjoy.

Cheryl “Cheffie Cooks” Wiser.

The Wiser Cook.

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June 15, 2017

Pork Loin Roast with Rosemary Potatoes

This is such a great meal for a Sunday Dinner! I love small potatoes roasted with any type of roast, add in freshly squeezed lemon juice and rosemary while baking them. I coat the Pork Loin Roast with cumin, black pepper, onion salt, garlic powder, add 1-1/4 cups vegetable stock, cover with foil loosely and bake 70 minutes in a 375 F hot oven. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. Let Roast rest 10 minutes, slice.

Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

June 8, 2017

Baked Orange~Marmalade Chicken Breasts

Light Summer Meal!

All Things Citrus Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser

Easy and delicious meal! Using 4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts, add 1 cup low sodium chicken stock to a non stick baking dish, set aside. Pre Heat Oven 375 F. I like to season lightly with garlic salt, white pepper, dash of celery seed, onion powder then add Orange marmalade on top of each chicken breast.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. We love brown rice and honey carrots as our side dishes.

Enjoy!

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June 7, 2017

Roasted Zucchini & Squash

The fresh garden vegetables are abundant and so I decided to make two of our favorites! I rinsed and cut on the bias 2 medium zucchini and two banana squash. Added them into a large mixing bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, s & p, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, gently toss and transfer to a rimmed non stick baking sheet pan.

Bake covered with foil 25 minutes @400 F.
Serve and enjoy!

May 31, 2017

Garlic Pesto Parmesan Pecan Pasta

Scrumptious pasta dish ready in minutes! 16 ounces Spaghetti (or your favorite pasta) cooked as per instructions. In a food processor add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, handful of fresh parsley and basil, drizzle of olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, s & p, run until combined. 1/4 cups chopped pecans. Parmesan shavings for garnishing.

Once pasta of your choice is drained, add pesto, toss and serve, add pecans and parmesan shavings!

Love this simple, easy dish!

May 27, 2017

Black Pepper Turkey with Swiss Cheese!

I love the Deli. I wanted to make some easy, yummy sandwiches for everyone and this Black Pepper Turkey is so good. I bought 2 pounds, one pound of swiss cheese, 2 loaves of Bakery sliced Italian bread, and of course ripe tomato slices and lettuce-don’t forget the brown mustard.

Assemble these and dig in they’re great!

Have a great weekend

 

May 26, 2017

Fresh Blueberry Cake

Delicious and super easy fresh Blueberry Cake. I love this for breakfast, warm out of the oven with a honey lemon butter cream to spread on top!

1-1/2 cups Self-rising flour, pinch of iodized salt, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2 eggs, 1/4 scant cup vegetable oil, 1-1/4 cups fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar.

Mix flour, oil, eggs, salt, vanilla until combined, add sugar, stir well, fold in blueberries. Add to a greased round cake pan and bake @375 F for 30 minutes. Serve warm!

Yum-oooo!!!

Enjoy.

May 25, 2017

Baked Avocado Fries with Lime Cream Dip

Oh my these are so yummy! I bought two (not overly ripe) Avocado the other day! I decided I was hungry for this and it is a snap to make. Remove pits from two avocado carefully, remove flesh and slice avocado. On a plate add bread crumbs (I use seasoned) and gently coat each slice of avocado!

Add coated avocado slices on a non stick baking sheet pan, put into the oven @ 400 F for 12 minutes or until golden brown. While they bake add 1/4 cup sour cream into a small bowl, one lime (juice only) and stir well.

Plate and serve.

Makes a great snack any time.

Enjoy.

May 16, 2017

Lemon Shrimp~Tomato~Asparagus Pasta

Love this dish served cold, it can be served warm if desired. Using 8 ounces large shrimp, 6 ounces thin fresh asparagus, 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, dash of garlic salt, dash of onion powder, one whole lemon (juice only). Saute shrimp in butter and 1/2 lemon until pink, remove from heat. Boil pasta (I like linguine), drain and set aside. Boil asparagus 3-4 minutes, drain and cool-cut into pieces, halve the cherry/grape tomatoes.

If choosing to serve warm add cooked ingredients into a saute pan/skillet on low heat, toss until warmed through, serve. I like mine cold so, I simply put all cooked ingredients into a large bowl, add remaining 1/2 lemon (juiced), cover and refrigerate 45 minutes. Toss and serve.

Really light and delicious!

Enjoy!