CrystalandComp.com

Dallas Mom Blogger sharing homeschooling solutions, activities for kids and resources for moms.

Walking Tacos Recipe

By Leave a Comment

We love eating tacos at our house. If you’ve followed me for any number of years you’ve noticed we eat tacos at least twice a month. They are a staple on our meal plan. 

Taco recipes are great for feeding a crowd and also something that is budget friendly. It’s also a great way to allow people to customize their dinner. 

This walking tacos recipe is super easy and a fabulous dinner to add to your menu when you want something easy, with little cleanup and feeds a crowd. These are great for parties and get togethers too! 

For the 4th of July we had Grandma and Grandpa Lopez over and Kelsey and our grandkids. This means I had twelve people to cook for. I knew tacos inside a bag of Fritos were a great idea! 

This recipe will feed 8 people. Double or triple as needed. 

Ingredients for Frito Bag Tacos 

  • 16-20 individual bags of Fritos, I buy a 50 pack box at Sams in bulk
  • 2 pounds of ground beef (I actually cooked up 10 pounds and froze the rest.)  
  • taco seasoning (2 packets or buy in bulk or make your own taco seasoning mix) 
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (I use the jarred stuff) 
  • minced onion
  • 2 cans of pinto beans OR make a pot of beans in the slow cooker 
  • favorite taco toppings: lettuce, tomato, salsa, sour cream, etc. 
  • salt
  • pepper 
  • 2 T olive oil 

 

I use my electric skillet to cook my ground beef. 

Add the olive oil to the bottom of the skillet over medium heat. I cook beef at about 250 degrees. Most electric skillets go by degrees not low, medium and high. 

Add to the olive oil the onion and garlic. You can chop up a small onion or use 2-3 tablespoons of minced onion which I have started buying in bulk at Sams. It’s cheap- less than $4 for 15 ounces. I just buy the store brand Member’s Mark. 

Add in your beef.

I use this meat chopper as I brown the meat. This allows me to get the ground beef super fine. 

 

Add in your taco seasoning and salt and pepper. 

Cook, using the chopper, until the beef is 100% brown and done. 

 

Here is how I batch cook taco meat. 

Meanwhile, warm your canned beans in a sauce pan on the stove. 

Personally, I prefer to make a pot of beans. I buy pinto beans dry and in bulk. I soak 1-2 pounds overnight in the fridge in a bowl of water. 

Drain them the next morning and rinse. Pick out any bad beans. Cover them in water in the slow cooker and cook on high for 5-6 hours. I just salt and pepper them. That is is. 

Freeze what is leftover. They make for a great chili starter or great for your next round of tacos. 

Get your small bags of corn chips together and set them out on the table. I like to use a small basket or bucket to make them easy for everyone to reach for. 

Prepare your taco toppings. 

I love this sectional serving container that I have had for years from Tupperware. Makes it super easy for everyone to serve themselves. 

Display everything on the table or on the counter where everyone can make an assembly line and serve themselves! 

Here is our pot of beans. 

Tear open your bag of chips and top them with taco meat. 

Add beans on top. 

Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy! 

It’s like a taco in a bag! 

Some like to dump the contents of the bag onto their plate. 

How perfect are these single serve bags? Great for camping, football games, or dinner at home! 

 

Check out our slow cooker creamy chicken tacos. So good and perfect for keeping the house cool. 

 

Patriotic Poke Cake

By Leave a Comment

We love poke cake recipes at our house and we knew we needed one that was patriotic and helps us celebrate Independence Day. 

This Red White and Blue Poke Cake is perfect for your family gathering! If you’re on the hunt for great 4th of July desserts, you want to add this one to your list! 

If you love cakes like this, check out our list of over twenty-five poke cake recipes that are perfect for any occasion! 

Ingredients for Red White and Blue Jello Poke Cake 

  • 2 boxes of white cake mix
  • 8 egg whites
  • 1 c  vegetable Oil
  • 2 1/2 c water
  • 1 (3.4 oz) box of Cherry Jello
  • 1  (3.4 oz) box of Blue Raspberry Jello
  • 2 c boiling water, divided in half
  • 1/2 c powdered sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese, at room temperature and divided in half 
  • 16 oz container of Cool Whip, store brand is fine 
  • Patriotic sprinkles
  • 2 baking squeeze bottles

How to Make a Fourth of July Jello Poke Cake 

This recipe is great for any of the patriotic holidays, but we especially love it for Independence Day! 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grab your 9×13 baking dish and spray it with cooking spray so the cake does not stick.  

Using a standing mixer, this is the one I have, combine the cake mix, egg whites, oil, and water.

Mix them together until well combined and smooth. 

Pour the cake mix into your baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a butter knife comes out clean when inserted in the middle. 

Once done, allow the cake to cool completely. 

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the the cake.

In two small bowls, combine the cherry Jello and 1 cup of boiling water into one bowl. Repeat the same process for the  blue raspberry Jello using the other cup of boiling water. 

Whisk well in the boiling water until dissolved. 

Carefully pour each Jello mixture liquid into their own squeeze bottle.

Squirt the Jello into the holes alternating red and blue. 

 

In two bowls, add 8oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup of cherry Jello and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar into a bowl and whisk until combined and smooth.

In the second bowl, repeat the same for the blue Jello. 

Spread the red mixture over the cake and then the blue. You can layer them on top of each other or do half of the cake in red and half of the cake in blue. 

Top it with whipped topping  (Cool Whip) and add sprinkles. 

Place in the fridge to soak up the Jello overnight or for at least 6 hours. 

Enjoy! It’s best when served cold. 

Love cakes like this? Try our traditional Jello Poke Cake recipe. 

Easy Crockpot Summer Meals

By 5 Comments

It is too hot to cook right now and you will not find me turning on my oven. Instead, I am all about the easy Crockpot summer meals right now. 

How many slow cookers do you have? I have five in my home right now. Multiple sizes and shapes. 

Actually, if you include my Instant Pot, that makes six, because it doubles as a slow cooker. 

The next time you’re trying to figure out what to put on your meal plan, choose one of these slow cooker recipes. 

 

Summer Crockpot Recipes 

  1. Slow Cooker Ratatouille
    A delicious slow cooker ratatouille with summer vegetables. Serve as a side, over rice or quinoa, with a grilled protein or even in an omelet.
  2. Crockpot BBQ Chicken– this is the easiest way to make BBQ chicken. Low and slow all day long. 
  3. Crockpot Casserole Chicken Green Beans and Potatoes
    This is the perfect summer comfort meal and it will not heat up your kitchen.
  4. Summer Slow Cooker Pot Roast
    A summer slow cooker pot roast slowly simmers a generous beef roast with hearty potatoes and summer’s fresh vegetables in a broth swimming with garlic, onion, thyme, and oregano. Keep cool and let your crock pot do all the hard work!
  5. Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew
    This summer beef stew is made in the slow cooker so the house stays cool. Enjoy this classic dish with a summer vegetable twist!
  6. Slow Cooker Summer Chicken Chili
    A chili may seem out of place in hot weather, until you remember that all the ingredients are at their peak in the summer. Slow Cooker Summer Chicken Chili is a hearty, yet light, version of the winter classic.
  7. Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe
    This easy to make and delicious Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe is perfect for serving a crowd without much work.
  8. Easy Crockpot Ravioli
    This dish has a super short ingredient list and that you throw it in the crockpot frozen! Store bought pasta and sauce work perfectly. It pairs well with a dinner salad, fresh fruit and rolls.
  9. Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil
    This easy Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil is the perfect busy weeknight dinner recipe! Made with just a handful of ingredients and exploding with delicious, fresh flavor!
  10. Taco Chili
    This taco chili is a super easy freezer recipe, just throw in the crockpot when ready!
  11. Slow Cooker Italian Turkey Meatballs
    These meatballs are spiced just right, easy to throw together and perfect to use in so many summer recipes!
  12. Crockpot Chicken and Zucchini Bowtie Pasta
    Here is a great way to incorporate summer vegetables and cook dinner in the crockpot which is perfect for a busy family. Chicken thighs or breasts work great for this recipe. 
  13. Slow Cooker Peach Pork
    This is one of the best ways to enjoy a sweet and savory summer meal. The pork melts in your mouth and is bursting with flavor.
  14. Summer Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches
    These sandwiches not only provide big flavor, but also freedom from the kitchen!
  15. Slow Cooker Sausage and Vegetable Ratatouille
    This is ridiculously easy, loaded with vegetables, dairy free, paleo and can be served alongside a simple side salad, over cauliflower rice, regular rice or even some zucchini noodles!
  16. Slow Cooker Spicy Baby Back Ribs with Blackberry Preserves
    Baby back ribs made effortlessly in a slow cooker to keep the kitchen cool, create pork ribs that are falling-off-the-bone delicious!
  17. Mexican Crockpot Chicken
    This delicious crockpot meal is so versatile. You can enjoy it alone or in a burrito or over white rice.
  18. Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tacos
    This is a great dump and go recipe in the summer – just throw in frozen chicken and you’ll have a delicious taco dinner at the end of the day!
  19. Crock Pot Baked Ziti Easy and Cheesy
    Keep the house cool and enjoy dinner with this easy Crock Pot Baked Ziti recipe. Crock Pot Baked Ziti is one of our favorite holiday crock pot recipes.
  20. Crock Pot Summer Squash Soup
    This Crock Pot Summer Squash Soup recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free and serves two adults.
  21. Mexican Zucchini and Beef Skillet
    This low carb Tex Mex zucchini and ground beef recipe is a simple dish made with low cost ingredients. It’s an easy low carb high fat dinner recipe perfect for summer.

Summer Meal Planning on a Budget

By 2 Comments

This time of year can be hard for mamas. We spend more at the grocery store because we are making three meals a day at home since the kids are out of school. Unless you homeschool like us, and you’re making three meals a day every day all year long. 

Summer meal planning on a budget can be done without all of the stress.

And it’s simple…. always have a plan and map things out.

Large family meal planning is my specialty. As a family of eight it is how we save money when it comes to your grocery budget. 

Let me show you how to use one pot meals, like your slow cooker and your electric pressure cooker, to keep the house cool while you cook and avoid the drive-thru lines. 

And, if you are interested in freezer cooking, so that you’re that much more prepared, I really encourage you to preassemble meals and toss them in the freezer. It makes dinnertime so much easier!

Want to take a look at what weeknight dinners look like this week at our house? Here is our weekly meal plan and what we are serving our family of eight. 

Summer Meal Planning with Freezer Meals 

Grilled Bratwursts– this is a new meal that we just love. I know they keep making a debut on our weekly menu. We buy them in bulk at Sam’s and toss them on the grill. We buy them in packages of 16 and it feeds an army. This was Lenny’s dinner request for Father’s Day Dinner. We had a spread with chips, dips, sauerkraut and baked beans. 

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken– this recipe is super easy to make and it is one of the meals we assembled ahead of time. We share the recipe in our downloadable cookbook that helps you beat the heat.  I served it with homemade Spanish rice (I buy rice in 50 pound bags) and I buy my chicken in bulk at Sam’s because I can get chicken breasts for $1.88 a pound. This slow cooker dump recipe is so delicious.

This meal costs roughly $6.60 to make for my entire family of eight. I get my chicken for $1.88 a pound at Sam’s. I use two pounds for this recipe. I get Salsa Verde at Walmart for $1.98. I buy Rotel in bulk at Sam’s and I end up paying $0.81 per can. The cumin, chili powder and minced garlic are bought in bulk at Sam’s and cost less than a nickel combined for this recipe. If you want to serve rice as the side, it is bought in bulk at Sam’s and costs about $0.14 per cup to make. I generally do about 2 cups at dinner time if it is just our family of eight. 

Santa Fe Chicken– this is another one pot recipe that is from our downloadable cookbook for summer.  Cook it in your slow cooker or your Instant Pot. It’s packed full of vegetables and I love the chicken and black bean combo. So delicious. The next day for lunch we reheat the shredded chicken over chips and top with cheese to make nachos. Save any other chicken you have left over in the freezer and add it to a Tex-Mex casserole or soup in the coming months. 

Southwest Beef and Black Bean Sweet Potatoes– this recipe is from our March freezer meal plan. I am going to substitute the chicken for ground beef. I will cook the sweet potatoes all day in the slow cooker. Super easy! This is a great meal idea when you’re wanting to eat real food that is clean and good for you. Add the ingredients to your shopping list! I will serve cut up fresh fruit on the side. 

Chicken and Gravy over Rice– this is a delicious comfort food meal that is very similar to my Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles recipe, except this version is a little thicker and served over rice and topped with green onions. We are going to make fresh green beans to go with this.

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta– this one pot pasta meal is delicious! I am going to make this in my electric skillet. We will have a side salad as well. 

Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken– this is another meal from our summer recipes downloadable cookbook that is linked up above. This is so flavorful and served with steamed white rice on the side. Add some fresh pineapple slices too. 

All of these meals are perfect for large families. 


 

Make Ahead Freezer Meals for Summer

Here is what it looked like as we assembled even freezer meals a few weeks ago. 

I did a FB Live video over in our Get Dinner on the Table group. Click the link to request to join and I will get you approved. Then watch the video and assemble the meals for your fridge or freezer as well. 

Don’t be intimidated by freezer meals. It is a great way to spend an hour putting meals together so that dinner is a breeze for busy week nights. 

And remember, if you don’t want to make them as freezer meals or make ahead meals, that is ok! Just make them as you go, one night at a time. 

(Ignore the mess on my kitchen table.) 

See how compact and perfect it is when you prep the meals ahead of time? They take up hardly and space. 

Make sure you use a permanent marker to label the front of the bags and you are all set. 

Two of the meals I tossed in the fridge and cooked them in the slow cooker over the next two days. 

The five remaining meals I tossed in the freezer for another week. 

These are all meals that can been cooked in the slow cooker, pressure cooker, electric skillet or on the grill. You choose the way that is best for your family’s needs. 

Grocery List Items to Buy in Bulk

Here are some of the items I bought in bulk at Sam’s for this meal planning trip. 

  • Hot dog buns
  • Sandwich bread 
  • Bananas
  • Onions
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Taco seasoning
  • Canned Rotel tomatoes 
  • Canned corn 
  • Canned black beans 
  • Chicken breasts 
  • Chicken Thighs 
  • Bratwurst
  • Instant mashed potatoes 
  • Chips
  • Lunch meat 
  • Sour Cream
  • Cookie Dough 
  • Olive oil 
  • Toothpaste 
  • Juice 

I love to use the online shopping feature for ordering my bulk groceries from Sam’s. 

The rest of my groceries are ordered using Walmart’s online grocery ordering service (my affiliate link allows you to get $10 off your first order of $50 or more). I also use the online service from HEB. I like to buy my beef and some product from HEB which is a Texas grocery chain. 

Quick and Easy One Pot Meals for Breakfast Lunch and Dinner 

Last week I did a segment back in Dallas for the local morning show.

They asked me to help moms, just like you, beat the heat and prepare one pot recipes for their families for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Of course I said yes. We love doing segments on their show and have been doing them since October 2014. 


We made chorizo and egg in the electric skillet for breakfast. 

We made Egg Roll in a Bowl in the Instant Pot for lunch. 

We made Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore for dinner. 

You can watch the Good Morning Texas One Pot Meal segment and see exactly how you can do it too! 



 

Dinner does not have to be hard. Learn how to meal plan and you will be on your way to getting dinner on the table every night for your family which will save you money! 

Red White and Blue Smoothie Recipe

By 1 Comment

It is hot here in Texas and something cold and full of fruit is perfect for breakfast. Smoothie recipes are a great way to use up what you have on hand like yogurt, frozen berries and milk (even coconut milk). 

This triple layer 4th of July Smoothie uses blueberries, strawberries and bananas to make three different layers of deliciousness.

And you know what? You don’t have to do the layers if you don’t want to. You can just mixed it all together and a cold, refreshing fruity drink!

It is super easy to create and hits the spot. Let me show you just how easy this is to throw together.

 

One of the great things about this recipe is it uses frozen blueberries and frozen strawberries. 

What I love about frozen fruit is it makes your smoothie thicker and no matter the time of year it is in season.

Usually you can get frozen cheeper per unit than fresh product too, so that is always a plus. 


How to Make a Layered Smoothie 

Ingredients for the Blue Layer:

  • 1 c ice cubes 
  • 6 oz blueberry yogurt 
  • 1 c frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 c coconut milk

Ingredients for the Red Layer:

  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 6 oz Strawberry or Vanilla Yogurt
  • 1 c simple syrup 

Simple syrup is super easy to make. It is one part water to one part granulated sugar. 

Ingredients for the White Layer:

1/2 c coconut milk (you can use almond milk if you prefer)

1 large banana (you can use the equivalent in frozen bananas if you prefer) 

1 cup ice cubes

6 oz vanilla yogurt 


How to Layer a Smoothie

Before you put this smoothie together, I want you to remember the order that you create the smoothie in when you’re mixing it together is really important for the best results. 

Here is the order you want to layer the smoothie in the blender when you’re making it. 

Always put your liquid in first. 

Second is your protein powder and any sweetener. 

Third is any leafy greens if your recipe calls for it. 

Fourth is your soft ingredients like yogurt or nut butters. 

Fifth is any fresh fruits and seeds or nuts. 

And last is anything frozen- fruits, ice, etc. 

Follow these steps when putting this smoothie together. 

How to Make a Red White and Blue Smoothie

Combine all ingredients in the mixer for the WHITE smoothie following the order listed above. Blend until smooth. 

Pour it into a mason jar or pitcher and place in freezer for 15 minutes so it will firm up a bit. 

Rinse out the blender and combine all ingredients for the RED smoothie and layer it in the order I mapped out above. 

Pour the red smoothie into a mason jar or pitcher and place in freezer for 15 minutes to also let it firm up a bit. 

Wash out the bender and follow the same process for the BLUE smoothie. Pop it in the freezer too just like you did for the other two layers. 

Once all of the layers are firmed up a bit, take the three different colors and layer them into the cups with blue on the bottom, white in the middle and end it with the red on top. 

There is enough smoothie to make three to four smoothies. 

These are perfect for any healthy breakfast, for your 4th of July get together, Memorial Day or Labor Day festivities. 

Do you love smoothie recipes? Try our blueberry velvet cheesecake smoothie, our breakfast smoothie recipe and our strawberry mango smoothie. All of them are excellent! 


Cheap Meals for Large Families

By 1 Comment

We have six kids at home plus my husband and me. Together that makes for a blended family of eight. We live near my in laws as well as my husbands grown daughter (who is married with two kids).

At any given time I have eight to thirteen plus people that I am cooking for on any given night. Cheap meals for large families is what I am always on the hunt for!

I have learned some tips and tricks for making my way through the kitchen while large family meal planning takes place so we stay on a budget.

 

Since we have been a larger family for over thirteen years, I’ve had to learn ways to save money on our grocery bill.

I work hard to find ways to feed our large family on a budget.

Each week when I meal plan I am mapping out breakfast, lunch and dinner for seven days a week. That is a lot of food!

I work hard to pack my meal plan with cheap easy meals on a budget.

 

I do utilize online grocery shopping to make meal planning easy.

These pictures are from my Walmart order and HEB order for last week.

One Week Meal Plan for my Family of 8:

Loaded Fries– this was made using 1.5 pounds of ground beef I already had in the freezer. These are easy to make and are a perfect dinner after an afternoon at the pool. This also makes a great freezer meal and the recipe is from one of our freezer meal packs from last summer where you can make 7 meals in an hour for your freezer.

Chicken Spaghetti– in the middle of May I made two large rotisserie chickens in the slow cooker for Luke Henry’s birthday dinner. We ended up with a lot of leftover chicken. I deboned it and froze the leftovers to use later in the month of other dinners. I used about 2 cups of the chicken to make this super easy and creamy chicken spaghetti. A nice variation from the traditional red variation.

Tacos– always an affordable standby on our meal plan.  I batch cook taco meat and use what I need for the first night and freeze the remaining for a night later in the month.

Broccoli Chicken Ring– I used to make this years ago when the twins were little. It is so easy and another great way to use up leftover deboned chicken.

Chicken Black Bean Bowls– this is an easy meal that can be done in the slow cooker or in the pressure cooker depending on the time of day you start dinner.

Ground Italian Sausage Spaghetti- honestly, spaghetti shows up on our menu a lot. It is just so easy to make and super affordable. I know we are having it two different ways this week, but they really are very different recipes. I have shared many cooking videos with you guys where I show you how I make my red sauce spaghetti with Italian sausage. In my grocery order I purchased two packs of spicy Italian sausage links. I will use one for this week for this spaghetti and one for next week when I make lasagna. These sausages have a longer shelf life in the fridge that ground beef, so if you’re using them in a week or two they usually are still good. Just always check your expiration date. Usually when I buy the expiration date is two to three weeks out. Its nice to have ready to cook meat in the fridge that does not require thawing on days where you forget to lay something out. I also like to use my electric skillet for making my homemade spaghetti sauce. The one I use is a 16×12 with a lid and has held as much as 100 ounces of spaghetti sauce when we’ve hosted large gatherings.

If you like watching cooking videos here is how I made this spaghetti sauce with the Italian Sausage. Forgive me. I am a real mama with kids running around underfoot. I have not showered in this video, but kids gotta eat.

 

Bratwursts on the Grill– these are so easy and keep you from heating up the kitchen. We had chips and baked beans with our brats. No recipe needed for any of this!

How Much Should a Family of Eight Spend on Groceries 

Each month I spend about $1,000 on groceries for our family of eight.

This includes toilet paper, paper towels, disposable cups and plates, diapers, wipes, trash bags, toothpaste, mouthwash, soaps, etc.

I shop at three different stores; Walmart, HEB and Sam’s Club.

I use online grocery pickup for each of these places. This keeps me out of the store as much as possible, sticking to my budget and not impulse shopping.

I buy a lot of stuff in bulk at Sam’s each month. Here is a list of the things I regularly buy there each month which gives me a lower cost per unit per item. I am able to do this now that we have a home with enough storage space.

Grocery Items I Buy in Bulk for my Big Family: 

  • cheese (5 lbs at a time)
  • eggs (5 dozen at a time)
  • flour (25 pound bag)
  • white rice (50 pound bag)
  • Basatmi rice (25 pound bag)
  • granulated sugar and brown sugar (10 pound bags)
  • dry pinto beans (depending on what is in stick 12 pounds to 50 pounds)
  • chicken breasts ( I can get them for under $2 a pound, generally $1.88 a pound or less in bulk.)
  • chicken thighs (I do boneless and skinless so these are about $2.00 a pound in bulk.)
  • bread
  • dry potatoes (I can get a box that is 65 servings for less than $7.00 in bulk… I know raw potatoes are cheaper but we love the instant potatoes.)
  • canned vegetables
  • canned black beans
  • olive oil
  • minced garlic
  • lunch meat
  • cheese slices
  • cereal
  • pancake mix
  • chicken broth base
  • seasonings
  • juice (cranberry grape juice, orange juice, powdered lemonade that I make by the gallon)
  • dog food (35 pound bag) and dog treats
  • bottled water
  • diapers
  • wipes
  • paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, cups and plates)
  • trash bags (this means I only have to buy them twice per year)

I save money on groceries  by purchasing each of these things in bulk!

I buy all of my beef from HEB and some of my fresh produce. I also like to get fresh tortillas from HEB.

Everything else I buy at Walmart using Walmart’s online grocery shopping.

If you’ve never placed on order online from Walmart before, you can get $10 off your first order of $50 or more. Use my link to get the $10 off your first order (affiliate).

Monthly Grocery Bill 

Here is what I spent during the month of May on groceries (which includes paper products, diapers, etc).

Sam’s Bulk Grocery Total: $524.65

Walmart Grocery Total: $376. 48

HEB Grocery Total: $146.89

May Grocery Total: $1048.02

Here is how online grocery shopping prevents me from impulse shopping and over-spending.

Need Help with Meal Planning 

I started meal planning thirteen years ago. It was a necessity.

I had just delivered twins. I had a child in first grade and a child in third grade.

I was helping take care of my aging and very ill grandmother.

We were on a budget and could not eat out all the time.

I came with a method to help make meal planning manageable in five easy steps that any parent can replicate.

How Freezer Meal Cooking Helps You Get Dinner on the Table 

Summer time is hard. Kids are home from school (unless you homeschool like me in which case they are home 365 days out of the year) and you need to be able to get three meals on the table a day.

Add to that you don’t want to heat the house up cooking… which usually happens during the heat of the day when you’re cooking dinner.

Here are 21 Freezer Meals for the Hottest Days of the Year. This means you will have three full weeks of recipes in your back pockets without repeating any meals at all.

Don’t want to make them into freezer meals? No worries. You can make them as you go- no need to freeze if that is not something you are on board with.

The great thing about these recipes is they all are dinners you can make on the grill, in the Crock Pot, in an electric skillet or in the pressure cooker. No heating up your kitchen!

You can grab this instant download here. It comes with the three weeks of recipes and grocery lists for each week!

 

Where to Eat on the Patio in San Antonio

By 17 Comments

If you are visiting San Antonio this summer, I have the perfect place you need to try. It’s family friendly patio eating and I think you will enjoy it!

As many of you know, we moved last fall to San Antonio from the DFW area. My husband learned, after having eight boys, that he conceived a daughter thirty-two years ago at the end of his senior year of high school.

She spent her entire adult life trying to find him, not knowing he was right here in Texas.

Once we learned about her, we packed up our family and moved 300 miles to be near her. She is married with two amazing children.

Since moving here we try so hard to hangout at least once a week- if not more. Her and my husband have a lifetime of catching up to do.

This past weekend we made a trip to Willie’s Grill and Ice House.  It’s the perfect place to try out if you’re in the area!

This post is sponsored by Willie’s Grill and Ice House, but all opinions are my own.

(They look like twins, don’t they?)

We wanted to eat on the large outdoor patio. They are known for their patio area. It’s a great place for parents to kick back, enjoy the sun and conversation while kids play in the sandbox within eye shot.

But guess what? Everyone had the same idea as we did for patio relaxing when we went. There was a family actually having their little girls 2nd birthday on the patio. We settled for eating inside, but will certainly be back soon for a patio afternoon with lots of people watching. Love seeing people enjoying themselves!

We decided to order fried pickles for an appetizer, with ranch on the side of course. They were so good!

Not a single pickle was left. We ate every last one of them.

Look at this sweet girl. This is Sophia, Kelsey’s daughter. She was eyeing that sandbox. Next time, sweet girl! We promise!

 

Luke is one of our thirteen year old twins. Anytime we go out to eat I can guarantee you what he will order… mac and cheese with a side of mac and cheese.

Every. single. time.

He did not disappoint.

Love this boy.

 

Luke Henry always goes for the chicken tenders with a side of mac and cheese.

All gone!

This boy quickly spotted the arcade in the back of the restaurant.

We gave each kid a few bucks each and they had a blast.

I love when places have things like arcades and games for kids to play! It’s kind of nostalgic and reminds me of my childhood.

Anytime baby back ribs are on the menu, my husband is sure to order some. He did half a rack with coleslaw and french fries.

He enjoyed them.

Their menu is really diverse and I wanted to try something different. They are known for their crawfish during this time of year. They also have some great burger options.

I was torn between the chicken fried steak, smokey brisket tacos and a loaded baked potato.

I went for the topped loaded baked potato with pulled pork. It was delicious and filling.

Underneath all of that pork was sour cream, butter, cheese, and the works.

You can choose to top with the chicken or brisket if you prefer.

 

And when you’re enjoying a sining experience like this you  have to at least try a frozen margarita.

I am far from a connoisseur but it was certainly refreshing.

Next time we go back I want to try their appetizer sampler. It’s on their menu as one of the patio snacks.

It comes with a variety of appetizers like hand battered onion rings (which look amazing!), fried mozzarella sticks, fried jalapeños and fried pickles.

If you’re visiting San Antonio this summer you should certainly stop in. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

If you are able to go between now and June 13th you can get $10 off any order of $25 or more. Go here to get the code.

We always enjoy our time with Kelsey. It’s so beautiful to see my husband grateful for the daughter he never knew he had.

4th of July Rice Krispie Treat Ice Cream Cones

By 2 Comments

Everywhere I turn I am seeing tons of red, white and blue everywhere. As summer arrives we are super excited for Independence Day and fireworks and enjoying the outdoors.

Are you on the hunt for 4th of July desserts that will make your celebration perfect?

I have something for you that the kids will just love. They will love eating them, but they will also love helping you make them.

And since summer is for ice cream cones we thought it would be perfect to incorporate them with one of our favorite treats!

These 4th of July Ice Cream Cone Rice Krispie Treats are perfect for your red, white and blue get together!

Let me show you how easy they are to make!

 

First, let’s make sure you have everything on hand to make these unique treats!

 

 

Ingredients for Ice Cream Cone Rice Krispie Treats

 


Items You Will Need to Make Rice Krispie Treats

How to Make Ice Cream Cone Rice Krispie Treats 

Grab your large microwave safe mixing bowl and toss in your marshmallows and butter. Pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until the marshmallows get puffy and the butter is melted.

Remove from the microwave and stir well with a rubber spatula.

Add in the Rice Krispies cereal and mix well until all of the cereal is coated with marshmallow. Set the bowl aside and let it begin to cool.

Grab your smaller microwave safe bowl and heat the chocolate candy pieces in the microwave for 3-4 minutes on 50% power. Take it out every 30 seconds to stir until it is fully melted.

You do not want to overheat the chocolates. If they get overheated it will become a hard ball of chocolate that will not melt.

Hold the ice cream cones one at a time upside down and dip them into the melted chocolate. Scrape away or shake off any excess chocolate.

Immediately coat the chocolate with 4th of July nonpareil sprinkles and place the cones in the freezer to harden. They should be hardened within 15 minutes or so.  (You could put them on a cookie sheet if that will fit in your freezer.)

 


Now, let’s add the Rice Krispies!

Scoop out a handful of Rice Krispies and form a ball. Press the ball into the cone ensuring it is shaped like a scoop of ice cream.

Sprinkle mote of the  4th of July Sprinkles onto the top of the Rice Krispies. Press them down if you need to.

Enjoy the perfect Rice Krispie Treats!

An ice cream option that will not melt in the heat!

Are Rice Krispie Treats Gluten Free

The Rice Krispie cereal itself is not gluten free, but they do make a gluten free version.

That said, if you choose to use the gluten free cereal, you need to ensure the rest of your ingredients for this recipe are gluten free as well. Check the labels while you’re grocery shopping.

 


 

Can Rice Krispie Treats Be Frozen

You can freeze homemade Rice Krispie treats if you are making them into traditional bars. However, for this recipe you don’t want to freeze these ice cream cone treats because when they are defrosting the cones will become soggy.

 

How Long Do Rice Krispie Treats Keep

As long as you store these in an airtight container, these treats will be good for 3-5 days.

Remember, sugar us a great preservative. ((wink wink))

 

Can I Use Jet Puffed Marshmallow Creme Instead of Traditional Marshmallows for This Recipe? 

Yes, you can. You will still use butter in the recipe you would just be subbing out the Jet Puffed Creme for the traditional marshmallows.

 


 

Can I Add Peanut Butter to my Rice Krispie Treats? 

Yes, as long as  no one has a peanut allergy adding peanuts butter is a great additional.

The flavor is smooth and nutty and it mixes well with the melted marshmallows.

Caramel would also be another lovely addition to your Rice Krispie Treats.

 


 

Can I use Peeps When Making Rice Krispie Treats 

Yes!! You absolutely can. Peeps and sugar coated marshmallows and they work perfectly.

I have a recipe here for making Instant Pot Rice Krispie Treats using Peeps.

Easy 4th of July Cookie Bars

By 1 Comment

Independence Day is a huge celebration day for our family. We love the food, the fireworks and spending time together!

If you are on the hunt for the perfect 4th of July desserts you have come to the right place!

These Easy 4th of July Cookie Bars will feed a crowd for sure. They are soft, chewy, sweet and the icing really hits the spot.

They are just perfect.

Let me show you how easy they are to make.

Everyone will be begging you for more.


 

Ingredients for Making Easy 4th of July Cookie Bars  

Cookie Base Ingredients 

  • 1 c unsalted butter (at room temperature)
  • 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature) 
  • 1 ¾ c sugar
  • 2 ½ c  flour
  • 2 large eggs, whites and yolks 
  • 1 additional egg white
  • 2 t vanilla extract
  • ½ t baking powder
  • 1 t salt
  • red and blue sprinkles, a total of 1/2 cup


Icing Ingredients 

  • ¾ c unsalted butter (at room temperature)
  • 1 t vanilla extract
  • ¼ t salt
  • 2 c powdered sugar

 

How to Make Easy 4th of July Cookie Bars 

First you want to preheat the oven to 350 degrees.


Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer set on a medium speed. You can use your standing mixer if you want. The cream cheese and butter  should come together into a creamy smooth mixture. 

Slowly add in the sugar and continue to mix using medium speed. 

Add in all of the eggs.  Add in the vanilla. Keep mixing to combine. Set aside. 

In another bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Turn your mixer back on and slowly over a low to low/medium speed add the flour mixture into the butter and cream cheese mixture.

Continue to mix until it forms into a dough-like texture. 

Turn off the mixer and grab a rubber spatula.


Gently fold in the red and blue sprinkles.

Next grab your 9×13 pan and line it with a piece of parchment paper. I like these pre-cut parchment paper sheets.

Once the parchment paper is placed in the baking pan lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray. 

Doesn’t that look yummy!

Pop it in the oven for 30 – 35 minutes or until a knife or toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle of the baking dish. 

Remove from oven and let cool completely.

While it is cooling, let’s make the icing. 

How to Make Cookie Bar Icing 

Using a large mixing bowl add the butter and vanilla and mix using a low speed.  

Add in the salt.

Slowly pour in the powdered sugar continuing to mix using a low speed. 

If the speed of your mixer is too high it will cause powdered sugar to fly all over your kitchen. What a mess!

Now let’s ice the bars.

Once the cookie is cooled, remove from baking dish which will be easy because of the parchment paper. 

Garnish with more red and blue sprinkles and cut into squares or bars.

Don’t they look delicious and easy?!?!

 


Celebrating Military Families with Johnsonville

By 19 Comments

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Johnsonville. The opinions and text are all mine.

My mom is child number nine out of ten children. They were a military family, her father was a Master Sargent in the United States Air Force. Her father retired when my mother was 11, but she spent most of her childhood traveling from state to state. From Arizona to Texas then to Alaska, then back to Arizona, to Oklahoma and then finally landing permanently in Texas.

My mother has many memories of growing up living on base and her parents entertaining other families. She remembers that being one of my grandmother’s favorite things to do- specifically having friends over to play penuckle.

My mom said one of her favorite memories as a child was going to the commissary to buy groceries. My mother said one time she told a stranger, as they were on the dog food aisle, that her mama fed them Gravy Train for dinner. She said my grandmother wanted to crawl under a rock.

Three of my mothers five brothers went on to make careers in the Marines. They all fought in Vietnam War.

One of my cousins went on to join the Marine Corps as well and experienced the Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan and is now also a military veteran just like his uncles.

Another cousin has gone on to be a recruiter for the Army after being in the National Guards.

As you can see, the armed forces run deep in our family.

I have been a long time fan of Johnsonville and when I found out they wanted to show appreciation to local San Antonio spouses and families for the sacrifices, I knew I wanted to be a part of this. Did you know the Friday before Mother’s Day is always Military Spouse Appreciation Day?

I had the pleasure of attending an event at Fort Sam Houston here in San Antonio last week where Johnsonville fed hundreds of family members using their 65 foot Big Taste Grill. They travel all over the US feeding people and giving back each year.

I love the heart they have for this country. And they are right, you can’t spell sausage without USA!

On one end they were grilling bratwursts and on the other end the Bush’s Baked Beans folks were sharing their beans… but not the family recipe. (wink wink)

And guess who I had the pleasure of meeting… “roll that beautiful bean footage”.

His name, as you likely know, is Duke. He is the Bush’s family dog and is the sweetest!

I loved seeing all of the comradely with the families. Some of them lived there on base and some of them lived within the city.

And you won’t believe who else was there!

Let me just say, in San Antonio the Spurs are a big deal.

Do you remember the now retired David Robinson? He spent his entire NBA career playing for the San Antonio Spurs. He is known here as the “Admiral” based on his reputation for being a former service as a Navy officer.

Showing his appreciation to the families was very important to him as he was also raised as a military child, his father also being in the Navy. He knows the sacrifice of military life and what each family is doing to make that happen for this country.

He spent time with the families and signed endless autographs. I love his heart for giving back to those who serve! Such an awesome man.

He also shared with us his favorite Johnsonville sausage…. it’s my favorite too.

He loves the Italian sausage and if you follow me over on my Get Dinner on the Table Facebook group, you have seen me cook with their Italian sausage many times when I make homemade spaghetti. I love the spicy version.

I love that Johnsonville is family owned with strong family values. That means a lot to me when I am choosing the brands I want to bring into my home.

I also love that over the last 25 years they have given back to the community over $4 million in charities.

If you have a family gathering this summer, or pop the tent at the camp grounds, throw some Johnsonville bratwursts on the grill. You will have smiles for days.

And remember, May is Military Appreciation Month. Thank your soldiers for their service!

crafts for kids Recipes school resources fun things for kids How to Save Money meal planning resources
Crystal VanTassel