Hello Fall!!!

Back when I was younger, I hated fall. I'm not a huge fan of it getting super cold but that's really more winter anyways but fall meant no more summer. No summer meant no more long days where I could sleep in and chill by the pool. Fall meant back to school, back to everything and I just didn't like that. Summer was always my favorite season because of course it's my birthday season. But now as I've grown older, I've come to LOVE fall. I love all the vibrant colors and how the trees change. Sadly we don't get much of that here in Southern California and that makes me kind of sad but maybe someday I will live in a place that has all four seasons....someday :)

So today I was talking with some people I know about how I love fall and how I LOVE pumpkin. I actually said "I'm a die hard pumpkin fan" which they thought was pretty hilarious. Ok, not everyone has to LOVE pumpkin like I do but I seriously stock up on pumpkin puree so I can make pumpkin things all year long. I personally don't think there is anything wrong with that. Some might, but whatev it's my life not theirs! Don't worry I'm still friends with them even if they aren't die hard fans like me ;)  Today was the most "fall" like day we've had since the Fall season has officially begun. So in celebration, I made Pumpkin French Toast. Yes, you read that right... pumpkin French toast :) And it was soooo good. So I've decided to share it will all of you. I can't take ALL the credit though. I got the recipe from allrecipes.com but I actually tweaked it into my own version (kind of).

Pumpkin French Toast:

What you need:
Bread- I prefer wheat but my brothers like white
4 Eggs (I used egg whites)
1/4 cup pumpkin puree (I like organic but regular is just as good!)
pinch of nutmeg (I totally guestimated)
1 tsp of Cinnamon (I actually did 1 1/2 but I like cinnamon so use it how you like it best)

Mix the eggs, pumpkin and spices in a bowl. Dip the bread into the mix and cook on a skillet until sides are golden brown. ** I actually cooked them in the oven at 350 for like 5 min each side but skillet works as well :)

And there you have it!! It's simple, easy and sooo good. If you have family members that are not so great pumpkin fans then this is a great recipe! My little brother couldn't even taste the pumpkin in it! Even if he had though he still would've ate it because our family loves it! Anyhow...hope you all enjoy! Let me know if you like it! :)

Chocolate Chip Cookies & Ritz Chicken

So I finally have a kitchen back and have been making some good stuff!!! I want to share some recipes with you that I absolutely LOVE!!
(Carissa if you read this... yes not the healthiest recipes but in moderation...definitely worth it! love you! xoxo)


Ritz Chicken

6 Chicken Breast halves
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs ( I use egg whites)
2 rolls of Ritz crackers crushed (maybe three... I've only used this recipe for 4 chicken but there is plenty of the Ritz so I would stick with two!)
1/2 cup Butter (melted)
paprika to taste

Wash and pat dry chicken. Mix the milk and eggs until smooth. Put the Ritz crackers in a shallow bowl. Dip the chicken in the milk/egg mixture and then in the crackers. Place in a baking pan (that is greased--- I use olive oil spray). Drizzle butter over the top and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

**I use only about 1/4 of the butter. The crackers already have enough butter in them so you really don't need a lot extra. I also would season your chicken before you use it. We have some pre-packaged already seasoned chicken so I skip that step but you definitely want some seasoning for the chicken besides the paprika so use whatever your family likes best! Definitely one of my favorites now and it's not even that unhealthy (I don't use a ton of Ritz crackers so I think that's I say it's healthy haha). Pair with some vegetables and voila... you have a main course! Enjoy! ***


Chocolate Chip Cookies

3 sticks of softened butter
4 eggs
3 cups Brown Sugar
1 cup White Sugar
1 T. Vanilla

Blend together until well mixed and smooth. Then add:

5 cups White Flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3 cups chocolate chips

Bake at 350 for 8 minutes

**First of all, I know all of you are like WOW three sticks of butter.... crazy I know but this recipe is AMAZING! Also, I divided the cookie dough in half and half was all chocolate chips and then the other half I mixed in peanut butter chocolate chips. Do whatever suits you best though! I also like to stick my dough in the fridge for a couple of hours before using. I find that makes it better, why I have no idea but that's how I do it. Maybe because it's easier to roll it into balls or just makes me think it's like the prepackaged...whatever the case, these cookies are awesome! Enjoy!! ***

Recipes Anyone??

As most of you know we did a remodel downstairs. While most of it is finally done, there are still a few touch ups left and then it will be complete...finally! Anyhow, the week after Christmas we had some windy, stormy weather and had a power outage. Didn't think anything of it until we tried to use the oven which, surprise surprise is broken. It's brand new! So I call the guy from the company, he sends out the parts and then we have this other company come to fix it (a company I did not like one bit, rather rude). Anyhow, apparently we were sent the wrong parts and so now we have to wait until new parts are shipped in order to have our oven completely fixed. Thank goodness we can use the stove top, otherwise I would go crazy!! Anyways, the reason I'm telling (well actually writing) this is because I'm running out of Crockpot recipe ideas and stove top recipes as well. Having soup, tacos, and pasta are getting a little old. I'm all for trying new stuff so if you have any good recipes will you PLEASE send them my way. Don't ever take your oven for granted! And I'll share a few of my recipes on here once I get them typed up :) And don't worry I haven't forgotten about posting pictures of the remodel. Maybe by this weekend they will be up :)

And on a happier note, Cafe Rio just opened in Redlands!! So excited! Although I think Chipotle is still my favorite but maybe they're tied... I'm excited to go eat there soon!! Have a fabulous weekend!! Love you all!