Turkey Taco Mac

So what do you do for dinner when you are really tired from school, getting up early, working and exercising? Well in my case I decided to try a new recipe courtesy of Sandra Lee and Food Network. It was easy but I did make some modifications to make it more flavorful.

Turkey Taco Mac (my version)

1 Package of Macaroni and Cheese, cooked as directed, I used Annie's shells and cheese because we get them by the case at Costco and they don't have as many preservatives as other choices

1 pound ground turkey

1 tsp crushed garlic

1 tbsp Mrs. Dash Southwest chipotle seasoning

1 (4-ounce) jar pimentos chopped

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

1 cup plain greek yogurt or sour cream

1 cup shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. While cooking macaroni and cheese according to directions on package, brown the turkey with garlic and seasoning in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once turkey is browned add pimentos, corn and yogurt or sour cream and turn skillet to low. When mac and cheese is completely made, mix turkey mixture with mac and cheese and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Put in a 9x13 cake pan (sprayed with Pam) and bake for 20 minutes. Then add the other 1/2 cup of cheese on top and bake for 10 minutes. Cool and enjoy!

Here are some thoughts of modifications to the recipe for those who may need some ideas:

Taco Seasoning instead of Mrs. Dash

Chopped green chiles instead of pimentos

Any veggies would be good if you don't like corn

Substitute canned black beans for the turkey for a vegetarian meal

This came out with just the right spice and was really yummy -cheesy. My husband was first worried about this recipe when we saw it on Food Network but is converted to its yumminess now. We both had seconds it was so good. Plus there were leftovers for lunch which I am looking forward to today.

Utah Part 5 - Heather's house

This is the first time that I visited Heather's beautiful new house. They moved into it in January but it was so nice to have a place big enough for us to eat dinner together. Becky, Susan, Ansley and Ethan helped put the dinner table together.

We enjoyed dinner and chatting. My neices and nephew are growing up so fast. We talked about school and how they are sad that school is almost over but are excited for summer.

Heather definitely has her hands full! 4 kids, a dog and a cat! At least the dog was helping cleaning the dishes.

While we were invited outside to play on the swing set and see the baby birds.
Then Emily put on a concert.

It was so much fun to see the family and enjoy the great weather. I froze Sunday night in Midway - 40 degrees brrrrr.... but I made it home safely on Monday and it was so nice to be welcomed back by my husband. I sure did miss him!

Utah Part 4

For dinner on Saturday we went to Bajio and then headed to the hotel for an intense night of game playing. We started out with Quiddler a card game. I guess all my studying and school work paid off because I won the game. No spell checker needed.

But then as payback, my brother picked the teams for Pictionary Man and put Becky and him against Mom and me. Becky and Mike definitely won this game but we all agree that it is hard maybe even too hard to really enjoy it.

Sunday morning came way too fast and it was time to say goodbye to Mike and St. George. Mike was headed back to Las Vegas but Becky was coming back to Utah with us to visit her family. I hate saying goodbye and even my McDonalds Happy Meal didn't help - oh it was because I didn't have the happy meal I had the Sausage Egg McMuffin!

The drive from St. George went by pretty quickly with a stop at Carls Jr for lunch. When we made it to Provo, I called Dad to let him know we were about an hour away.

The drive up Provo Canyon was wonderful. All the snow has made the plants grow and there were so many different shades of green.

It is always so beautiful in Midway and it was nice to visit with my dad for an hour before heading up to Heather's new house for dinner. The only picture I nabbed was of Tiger and my new watch that I bought in St. George. Seeing my dad's cats made me homesick for my own cat.

Utah Part 3 - Crazy Mike

My fun loving brother decided to not take the way down that had the stairs carved. Instead he decided to go down the way the Indians did ( his words). There were little holes carved into the rock face from years of rain and wind. He started out ok. Yes, his feet fit into the holes....

Ok this isn't so bad....

But then he got to this point and the rock ran out...so he had to jump from here. A good three foot jump - he is a lucky guy and made it safely back to solid ground.

Then Becky decided to join in the fun and jump into my brother's arms except my brother's arms are on the short side and he couldn't reach her.

So plan B was implemented.

And Becky got a piggy back ride....

Utah Part 2

Friday morning I was up at 7 am ready to hike. Thank goodness my mom is an early riser as well and we headed out the door to go up Snow Canyon. I decided that I wanted a challenge and so I chose the Three Ponds 3.5 mile hike. It was listed as a moderate hike but this was difficult - the up and down red rock I can handle but the 1 mile in sand up to your ankles -pain inducing. Although my legs got a great workout. Below is the picture we took after finishing the hike. It was beautiful but I can't say I would do it again any time soon.

After getting ready for the day, all four of us went to breakfast at the Bear Paw Cafe. I had a great waffle and coffee. Then the rest of the day was shopping and hanging out at the pool. I didn't take any pictures! Such a slacker! But it was so much fun to be with the family and relax. For dinner that night we went to a Brazilian steakhouse called Made in Brazil. All I can say is you HAVE to go hungry and make sure to try the pineapple which is my favorite. We started off with the salad bar, feijoada (black beans and rice), then came the different meats. It was so good. I love the small portions and being able to try everything. Needless to say after the huge meal, I crashed and burned.

Saturday I awoke feeling much better and although sore from yesterday's hike was ready for another. Mom was the only other one awake so we headed back to Snow Canyon and did the Pioneer Names trail and some of the main trail that is paved and follows the road. We figure we did about 2 to 2.5 miles. But again I didn't take any pictures so now I have to make up for it.

After getting ready for breakfast we headed out to get some yummy Cracker Barrel. I took this picture of everyone leaving our temporary home because everyone had something new on - Mike's shirt, Becky's shorts and my mom's shirt. All new. Yes we did a lot of shopping!

After breakfast, we went up to the look out of St. George and did some hiking/walking around. There are tons of trails up there that we have never explored! I had no idea there was so much walking up there. Below is a picture mom was taking of us so I thought I would take a picture of her!

A great picture of Mike and Becky. Full and happy and such a cute couple.

I was wearing flip flops so I didn't dare climb up on the rocks so I stayed below and took pictures. The other three climbed the rocks to get a better view of St. George below. Now if any of you know my brother, you know he is an adventurer and therefore the next post on his descent down should not surprise you....

Utah Visit Part 1

On Wednesday May 13th I flew out to Utah for a visit. I hadn't been to Utah since last June so I was way over due for a visit. My mom picked me up at the airport and I was hungry for some Cafe Rio so on the way to Orem we stopped and had a huge salad and burrito. The best part about going with my mom is that we share everything so I get the best of both worlds. I also got a horchata - I need to find someplace in Florida that makes this great drink! We visited for a while but we had an early breakfast plan and I was tired so it was off to bed.

Thursday morning we woke up and went to pick up Grandma Davis for a breakfast meetup at One Man Band Diner. This was my mom's birthday present from Grandma. We met with my Aunts Barbara and Carolyn for a good old fashioned talk/catch up session. As we were sitting there, my Uncle Scott stopped by too. So I got to see quite a few members of my family and catch up on all the goings on in their lives. It was also fun to share some show and tell items that I brought - mostly school items and some pictures of Bruce and I.

After breakfast we took Grandma home and visited some more. I got this great picture of Grandma Davis and I thanks to my mom. I love my Grandma so much. She is my inspiration for going back to school and I owe her a lot for being such a great example. I know if I set my mind to do something I will accomplish it.

After saying good bye to Grandma, mom and I packed up her Jeep and headed down to St. George for the weekend. It was a long drive but we never once listened to music - we talked the whole drive down. Yes we had a lot to talk about! I don't think I have done so much talking in one day in forever. On the way done to St. George we stopped for some squeaky cheese or cheese curd at the Beaver cheese factory. It was warm and squeaky. I love cheese. I could never give it up. Our first stop in St. George was for Nielsen's Frozen custard. I ended up with a chocolate scoop since I love it fresh made. It was the perfect treat to cool off and pick me up for a quick trip to the jewelry store - M&S Turquoise. My mom has been shopping here for years and it is always fun to go and see the beautiful jewelry. I was careful not to buy anything the first trip because I knew we would be back and I wanted to think about it. After checking into our hotel (mom's timeshare) it was time for dinner. I had pizza on the brain and most importantly- Papa Murphy's pizza. After getting our pizza we settled in to watch the season finales of Earl, Parks and Recreation, Office (Pam is prego! what a twist!) and 30 rock.

All week long I had been keeping a secret from my mom. She thought Mike and Becky were going to come to St. George on Friday but they had decided to come on Thursday night and suprise her. So in perfect timing fashion their is a knock on the door at 9:07 and suprise it is Mike and Becky. We ended up staying up till after midnight talking and catching up. It was so good to see them and my mom is always so happy when she is with both of her children.

The Columbia Restaurant

I had to go buy my book for my summer class yesterday so while we were in downtown St. Petersburg we decided to have dinner at The Columbia Restaurant at The Pier. The restaurant has glass windows all the way around and sits right on Tampa Bay. We started with Mojitos (the best we have ever had) and enjoyed splitting a salad and Paella. We watched sailboats and the cruise ship that we were on last December sail by. It was a great date night.

Nothing says I love you

On Thursday morning I was busy working when our mail room guy made a special delivery. Bruce sent me flowers at work! It was to celebrate me rocking the first semester of school but all the mothers were jealous. I got the first delivery. My husband takes such great care of me.

In other news... For the last month, Bruce and I have made an effort to hit the beach. On Saturday we went to Sand Key Beach where we had our engagement pictures taken. I never blog about it because I feel like it is kind of boring without a picture. Well I finally took a picture of Bruce collecting seashells for our neices in Utah and to prove that I was there I stuck my foot in the picture. It was a beautiful day and the water was warmer then it has been the last three times so it is much more enjoyable now to go to the beach. I shall miss our walks on the beach next weekend as I will be in Utah but we have already discussed braving the crowds and going to the beach memorial day weekend.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

I had a crazy week at work this week but Bruce was kind enough to put together a great feast to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. We had these awesome Chile Rellenos from Costco with black beans and rice. Healthy, vegetarian and yummy! Thank you honey for taking such good care of me.

This is the second time we had these Chile Rellenos and I have to admit they are great. If you see them and love mexican grab them for yourself!