Easy Homemade Guacamole!

“Food, to me, is always about cooking and eating with those you love and care for.” – David Chang

This is by far one of our favorite appetizers and snacks. Dave’s recipe is super delish & incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you can have the best homemade guacamole around.

Watch Dave & I make this at my YouTube Channel below!

For full list of ingredients & directions, check it out below~

Our Favorite Recipes

Ingredients: Yields about 2 cups of finished guacamole!

2 to 3 ripe avocados, peeled & pitted

2 Roma tomatoes, diced

1 small red onion diced~ about ¼ cup 

1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced

¼ cup fresh cilantro minced

1 fresh garlic clove minced OR 1 tsp jarred

2 TBSP lime juice or lime from 1 large lime

1 tsp pink Himalayan salt

1 tsp dried cilantro

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp fresh ground pepper

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp cayenne pepper

Watch the video to see how Dave removes the pit and fruit from the avocado!

Check out how I mince fresh cilantro as well!

1. Cut Avocado in half as shown in video; remove pit and discard.

2. Using a sharp knife, cut a checker board pattern into the fruit, and then simply press the outside skin to press out the fruit into a bowl! Watch Dave demonstrate in the video.

You can also simply use a spoon and scoop it out.

3. After you’ve cut the avocado’s and placed fruit in the bowl, begin adding each ingredient one at a time, making sure to blend each ingredient in thoroughly.

a. seasonings
b. lime juice
c. minced garlic
d. onion
e. jalapeño
f. tomato
g. fresh cilantro

You can eat right away with your favorite chips!

If you choose to wait, be sure to cover the guacamole with plastic wrap snugly so the wrap is hugging the mixture. Try not to leave any air pockets so it doesn’t turn grey.

I then add a second piece of plastic wrap over that one.

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I then add a second piece of plastic wrap over that one. 

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden! 

Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in either a spiral bound soft cover OR NEW, a Downloadable PDF version. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a happy day,
Jean


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All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.

Chicken Shawarma with Mediterranean Garlic Dip

“Cooking is an art, but you eat it too.” – Marcella Hazan

Many of you know I worked in Dearborn, Michigan for almost eight years. Dearborn is known for its incredible culinary delights ranging from incredible Thai & BBQ, burgers galore, and of course several Mediterranean spots. I grew to love a few items, and shawarma was definitely one of them.

You may not realize how easy it is to make, so let me show you how you can enjoy this pallet tantalizing sandwich right in your own kitchen! 

If you recall, I just showcased my shish-kabab with marinade recipe a couple weeks ago. Well Dave thought that marinade would be perfect for this recipe… so that’s what I did.

Our Favorite Recipes

Ingredients: Yields 8 Shawarma Wraps

4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 Pita wraps

Lettuce and tomato to top with

Mediterranean Garlic Dip

Marinade Recipe~ See my shish-kebab with marinade recipe

Mediterranean Garlic Dip:

1 cup canola oil

½ cup peeled garlic cloves

3 TBSP scant lemon juice

½ tsp salt

In a blender or mini food chopper, pulverize garlic with salt until completely mashed.

With the blender on high, drizzle alternately the lemon juice and the oil until completely smooth, about 3-4 minutes.

1. Wash and chuck the chicken; set aside

2. In a gallon size zipper style storage bag, make the marinade; add the chicken, seal the bag; blend the marinade with the chicken by gently compressing the bag.

3. Set the bag with chicken and marinade into a bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, but overnight is best.

4. Remove chicken from marinade onto a foil lined baking sheet with sides.

5. Bake chicken in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes until chicken is cooked. You can cut into a few of the largest pieces to check for doneness.

To construct the shawarma:

  1. Warm pita if desired.
  2. Spread about 1 TBSP of the garlic dip up the center of the pita; add more or less to your tasting.
  3. Line chicken chunks along the center of the pita.
  4. Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.

Serve with rice or a Lemon Rice Soup! Keep posted for that recipe coming soon!

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If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden! 

Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in either a spiral bound soft cover OR NEW, a Downloadable PDF version. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a happy day,

Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.

How to create a fun Taco Bar for the whole family!

“Cooking with kids is not just about ingredients, recipes, and cooking. It’s about harnessing imagination, empowerment, and creativity.” – Guy Fieri

As you all know I love cooking with my boys! It’s generally a family affair and we have lots of fun. In addition to having taco nights, we also do a nacho & pizza night. You can see those blog posts here. Having the kids help in preparing the meals makes it a lot more fun, & they feel like they get a say in the matter as well. 

If you have picky eaters or you just want to create a fun family dinner night, check out our Taco Bar options!

This is also a great dish to serve at a party!

To watch Aaron & I create our taco bar, check it out at my YouTube Channel below!

Here’s the easy how to with pics!

Our Favorite Recipes

Ingredients: Yields 8 cups of taco meat. I recommend using about ¼ to ½ cup per shell depending on size

Variety of taco shells~ We use hard & soft tortilla shells & boats, as well as corn tortillas for a street food flare!

1 pound ground beef

1 pound plain ground pork

1 TBSP olive oil

2 fresh cloves of garlic minced or 2 tsp jarred

2 packages of taco seasoning or switch it up and use chorizo seasoning packets

Toppings we use, but you can add anything your family enjoys:

Head lettuce, cut and diced
Onion
Black and green olives
Fresh cilantro
Jalapeno peppers
Roma tomatoes
Sour cream 
Taco sauce
Avocado or Guacamole~ check out my easy recipe!
Shredded taco blend cheese


Recipe for Homemade Refried Beans!

Watch my super easy how-to make homemade refried Beans!

Check out the complete blog post HERE!

1. In a skillet fry your ground meat in olive oil until about half done; add garlic and both packages of taco seasoning; blend well and cook until done & crumbled; drain off any excess grease as necessary.

While your meat is frying, cut all veggies as desired and get all other toppings in bowls for easy access.

We love Guacamole on our nachos, taco’s, and in a dip!

Check out my Easy Guacamole Recipe

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If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden! 

Added bonus: You can go to my blog at www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

Remember to eat fresh, shop local, & have a happy day!
Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content without written permission.

Watch my YouTube Video while I make my Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe!

CLICK THIS LINK to see my blog with the complete list of ingredients & descriptions!

Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in either a spiral bound soft cover OR NEW, a Downloadable PDF version. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden! 

Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in either a spiral bound soft cover OR NEW, a Downloadable PDF version. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

Get new recipes delivered to your inbox.

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a happy day,

Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.

Watch my YouTube Video on How-to Make My Delicious Tuscan Soup with Italian Brats

I made this recipe a bit ago, but didn’t have the YouTube video to go with!

Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in either a spiral bound soft cover OR NEW, a Downloadable PDF version. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

To see the full recipe and description, CLICK HERE!

Here are a few other of my yummy soup recipes to try out!

Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Gnocchi Soup

Seafood Vegetable Bisque

Italian Wedding Soup with Cheese Tortellini

Cheddar Chowder Soup

Get new recipes delivered to your inbox.

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden! 

Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in either a spiral bound soft cover OR NEW, a Downloadable PDF version. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a happy day,

Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.

Smokey Cajun Chicken Pasta

“Cooking is an observation-based process that you can’t do if you’re so completely focused on a recipe.” – Alton Brown

This is a new family favorite for sure. My family likes spicy dishes, and this one can be adjusted to be as spicy or mild as you like. Let me know how you enjoy this one in the comments below. Do you have a similar dish? What do you do with yours? Enjoy friends!

Our Favorite Recipes

Ingredients: Yields approximately 4~ 2 cup servings1~ 16 ounce box of penne pasta noodles, cooked2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized chunks2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil2 TBSP salted butter2 TBSP your favorite cajun seasoning1 TBSP dried parsley1 tsp onion powder1 tsp wood fired garlic salt~ I prefer Kinders brand1 cup diced Heirloom tomatoes or Roma type3 cloves of fresh garlic minced OR 3 tsp jarred1 ½ cups heaving whipping cream1 TBSP all purpose white flour½ cup shredded parmesan cheese

In a large skillet, heat oil on medium heat; add chicken chunks and cook until about half done; add garlic; sauté until chicken is cooked

While chicken is cooking, in a large stock pot bring water to boil and add pasta noodles; cook until done. Follow package instructions. Drain and place back in pot with

When chicken is done, remove to a bowl and set aside.

In a bowl whisk flour into milk until all lumps are dissolved.

Add cream, diced tomatoes, and all seasonings into melted butter; blend until thoroughly mixed;

Add chicken and stir in.

Once pasta is done, serve topped with chicken mixture and parmesan cheese with some yummy bread!

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If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden! 

Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in either a spiral bound soft cover OR NEW, a Downloadable PDF version. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a happy day,

Jean

Copyright Policy

All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.