Easy Mexican Pile-Up Recipe: A Quick Family Dinner from My Mama’s Kitchen
Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner your whole family will love? This Mexican Pile-Up is straight from my mama’s kitchen—simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights. Packed with seasoned beef, beans, and all your favorite toppings, it's a build-your-own bowl of comfort and crunch. Bonus? It’s easy enough to throw together when you don’t feel like cooking. 😉
So… Am I Bringing Back Recipes?
Kind of! 😄
Lately, I’ve been back to blogging and it’s been so fun. A few of you have asked if I’m going to start sharing meal plans and recipes again. The honest answer?
No to the meal plans—because it turns out, I actually don’t enjoy cooking that much. Who knew?
BUT… I do love it when I stumble upon a recipe that’s quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing. And when that happens, I believe in the sacred rule: sharing is caring. 💛
My mama, Irene, was an excellent cook. Some of her dishes are more involved than others, but this one is a go-to because it’s simple, hearty, kind of healthy, and perfect for busy school nights when you just don’t have it in you to whip up anything fancy.
Irene’s Mexican Pile-Up
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 can pinto beans (undrained)
½ onion, chopped
Garlic salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste
Toppings (build your bowl your way):
Shredded lettuce
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Avocado, chopped
Shredded cheese
Crushed tortilla chips
Picante sauce
Sour cream
Diced jalapeños
How to Make It:
Sauté the chopped onion until soft.
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Season with garlic salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste.
Stir in the undrained pinto beans.
Let simmer for 30 minutes to an hour to let the flavors marry.
How to Build Your Bowl:
Start with shredded lettuce.
Add a generous scoop of the meat and bean mixture.
Layer on your favorite toppings: tomatoes, avocado, chips, cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and picante sauce.
Done and Delicious!
So easy, so satisfying—and so full of flavor. This is one of those throw-it-together dinners that never disappoints. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something easy on a Monday night, this one hits the spot.
Let me know if you try it—and if you have a favorite family “pile-up” version, I’d love to hear about it!
Bon appétit, friends! 🧡
The Infamous Jennifer Aniston Salad
Have you heard the buzz? There is a salad that Jennifer Aniston “supposedly” ate every day on the set of “Friends”. I don’t personally think that is possible because they were on set for 10 years, but hey, maybe she is one of those people who really does not mind eating the same thing over and over.
The truth is, this salad is REALLY good, but to eat it everyday might get old in my honest humble opinion.
Nevertheless I did try it and I will say it is a total winner! Winner because it has all the components of a good meal. It is light and flavorful and a huge bonus you can whip it up fast!
Everyone in my family loves it and when I make it for friends they love it too! So give it a try and tell me what you think.
INGREDIENTS:
1 roasted chicken from the store chopped up
1 cup of cooked quinoa (I cook mine in chicken broth)
1 cucumber chopped up
1 small red onion chopped up
1 can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans drained
Pistachios and I just pour them in. I don’t really measure
Feta crumbles (again I just pour the feta in to our liking)
Juice from one or two lemon
PREP:
Pour all these ingredients in a bowl and mix well. I add salt and pepper for taste.
Other ingredients you can add, but I never have:
Chopped parsley
Chopped mint
Olive oil
Pecans or any other nut in place of pistachios
You cannot go wrong with this salad! It is a total crowd pleaser.
Bon Appetit!
Amy
aka~Worthy
SCHOOLS IN SESSION
Summer is officially over and School is officially back in session. I don’t know if I should be doing a happy dance or crying in my cereal!
Dancing because routines are back and crying because my boys are growing up! Man time flies when you are having fun!
With school back, I have to really coach myself on getting back to a stricter routine. What do I mean? Well, being the mom of three boys I mean meals…..You know what they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through food.” And that is so true in this house.
School started back on a Wednesday here which is weird to start mid week, but I feel it gives me time to adjust.
Baby steps!
Baby steps in that this week I focused only on breakfast. I like to make sure Graeme has more protein and less carbs in the morning and zero sugar. His brain thanks me and so do his teachers! So today I am dedicating my post toward a few things I do to ensure he has just that, a healthy start. Trust me, the world is happier and so is he!
Three of these recipes you can make ahead (I usually do them on Sunday and preserve them in the fridge. All of them you just pop in the microwave for 30-60 seconds when reheating….easy peasy).
First up: I have blogged about these and they are a huge hit in my house. Sausage Balls….So good, so easy, and great for packed lunches!
Second: Have you ever heard of Protein Pancakes? You get this mix at the store, but I buy it in bulk at Amazon because we love them. You add an extra egg or two for protein when mixing it, blueberries or chocolate chips and they freeze nicely so you have them all week! And if you want to add extra fun, if it is the first day of school or a birthday, add some sprinkles and boom shaka laka you have birthday pancakes chalk full of protein!
Third is my mother’s egg cups! So good and so easy and all you do is plop one in the microwave for 30 or so seconds add some Cholula and boom you are set to jet!
Ingredients:
1 dozen eggs
1 lb. ground sausage
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup to 1 cup diced veggie (my family loves diced red bell peppers and green onions)
salt and pepper to taste
Prep:
Preheat oven to 400
Brown your sausage
In a large mixing bowl add all 12 eggs, cheese, veggies if adding veggies, sausage, salt and pepper to taste. Mix it up well.
Lightly spray a 12 count muffin tin with cooking spray.
Carefully pour your mixture into each cup. (I personally use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to spoon it in.)
Place in an oven on 400 for 15 to 18 minutes ( I like mine a little golden on top.)
Allow to cool for minimum of 5 minutes before serving.
Serve immediately or you can freeze them in a freezer bag or keep in the fridge and just microwave when you are ready!
And Last up Graeme’s personal fav is Avocado Toast. Now this cannot be made ahead of time but it is quick and healthy.
Grab a slice of bread and butter and place in the toaster. While your bread is toasting, take 1/2 of an avocado, add garlic salt, pepper, a little juice from a lemon, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. Once your toast is done spread this on top and if you want even more protein, slice a hard boiled egg and place that on top of your avocado mix. Another fun thing to add is Everything but the Bagel!
So good and so hip! Ha!
So there you have it. My four go to’s to ensure Graeme gets off to a great start and honestly having them already makes for an easy, stress free, morning! My kind of morning!
Happy Back to School All!
XO,
Amy
aka~Worthy
Macaroni and Cheese To Truffle For
I have been on a mission for quite some time!
The Mission to The BEST Macaroni and Cheese Truffled out there!
I think I nailed it!!!!!!
How about this….why don’t you try for yourself and if I did, tag me on social or leave a comment below! I will be anxiously awaiting your results!
Macaroni and Cheese Truffled!
Ingredients:
16 ounces of some sort of little noodle (elbow, bowtie, twizzly! Point is your choice!)
2-4 tsp truffle oil (I may have used a little more)
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (We love Kerry Gold over here)
1/3 cup all purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cups sharp white cheddar shredded
2 cups Gruyere cheese shredded
1 cup of parmesan shredded
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
Salt and Pepper (Salt for the water to boil and salt and pepper for taste)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375.
Lightly grease a large 3 to 4 quart baking dish.
In a large bowl combine your cheddar and gruyere cheeses.
Cook pasta until not quite al dente, about 1-2 minute less than the package instructions.
Drain and transfer to your pan. While the pasta is still warm, drizzle with the truffle oil and stir well.
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat melt your butter. Add the flour and paprika. Whisking until no visible flour remains. 1 to 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in your bowl of cheese until smooth.
Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir well. Add salt and pepper per your liking. Top with as much parmesan as you like.
Bake until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbly. 25 to 30 minutes.
Let sit for about 5 minutes then serve this deliciousness up!!!!!
Bon Appetit!
Amy
aka~Worthy
Sana Italian! (Healthy Italian)
Happy Monday Friends! Or as the Italians Say
“Felice Lunedì!"
Ha! I don’t know Italian, but I love how the words sound! So romantic!!!! Do you agree?
I have never been to Italy, someday…God willing. However, I am afraid I would gain 50lbs because I LOVE PASTA! But, I am told over there you walk a lot for starters and their pasta is healthier…something about their pasta is fresh from flour, water, and eggs. They do not get it from a box. They literally make it homemade and it is made from 100% durum wheat, called semola di grano duro in Italian. Basically, it is higher in protein and stands up to the rigors of cooking.
There is your lesson on why Italians can eat pasta daily and not blow up like we American’s. Just sayin….
However, today I don’t have a traditional lasagna recipe. I have a healthy version of lasagna that I think you will love. Full disclosure. Two of my four boys love this and two hate it. Oddly it is my youngest, Graeme, and Trey who love it. My two college boys are like, “Mom, seriously? Add some noodles!”
Back story: Trey decided to go Keto back in late April and lose a few pounds. It has been GREAT for him, but hard for me now with my diagnosis. Keto, if you do not know, is high (healthy) fat, adequate protein, and low carbs. There is a lot of good research on this diet, but when you are fighting high LDL the verdict is out. My motto is: EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. But, while trying to get my LDL levels down I need to watch my fat. So it has been a balancing act over here.
I am happy to report my husband is down 26lbs and feels and looks GREAT!
But, like any diet, check with your doctor before you go “balls to the wall with it.” I will do a post in the future on the benefits of Keto because we have learned a lot.
One thing that we have learned is that it is a very good diet for Veterans who suffer from PTSD. Fascinating right!
More on that in the future!
For today, if you are thinking of going Keto, if you are Keto, or if you are just trying to limit your carbs but love Italian….LOOK NO FURTHER!
KETO LASAGNA
I got this recipe from LOW CARB YUM 5-INGREDIENT KETO and I tweaked it because 5 ingredients was a little bland for us.
Ingredients:
1/2 of a yellow onion chopped
2- 3 garlic cloves minced
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 lb. ground meat (or turkey)
1 lb. ground Italian sausage
1 tub of ricotta cheese (1 and 12/ cups)
1 ball of mozzarella (8 ounces) sliced
1/2 cup to 1 cup grated parmesan (we like cheesy!)
1 (25 ounce) jar marinara sauce (low carb) we use Rao’s
Salt and pepper to taste and if you like add your favorite Italian seasoning
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375
In a large skillet, heat your olive oil on medium.
Add your chopped onion and cook until the onion is translucent.
Add your minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add your sausage and cook it through.
Then add your beef and cook it through.
You can add your seasoning here or mix it in your marinara sauce.
Remove from the heat and drain off any excess fat.
Transfer the meat mixture to the bottom of a 9 x 9 inch deep baking pan.
Spread the ricotta on top, followed by the Parmesan.
Then pour the marinara sauce over the layers and top with the mozzarella.
Bake for 25 minutes and maybe for the last 2 to 3 minutes put it on broil and get that mozzarella nice and toasty brown in some spots.
*You can add an egg to the ricotta before mixing and it will be easier to spread and the egg will add a little more protein!
Serve with a Salad and if not staying Keto add some garlic bread!
Bon Appetit!
Amy
aka~Worthy
Almond JOY Mocktail/Cocktail
It’s HAPPY HOUR WEEK and this week our mocktail/cocktail is so yummy! It’s a little more on the dessert side, but hey, it’s so good!!!!! Last week, I opened the refrigerator searching for something sweet to eat. I found some coconut, coconut milk, and dark chocolate and thought….OHHHHH Almond Joy and started playing around! Here is what I came up with:
Ingredients:
3 ounces of chocolate milk dairy or nut milk
7 ounces of almond, coconut, or almond/coconut blend milk (You can do whole but I was “trying” to keep it on the lighter side.)
Chocolate syrup
Unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions:
To rim the glass and make it fancy, pour some chocolate syrup into a bowl. Pour coconut shreds into a second small bowl.
Place the rim of your glass into the chocolate syrup and twist to coat the rim. Lift and allow it to drip.
Place the rim into the coconut shreds and twist and allow it to cover the chocolate syrup on the rim.
Fill a glass with ice, about ¾ way full. Then fill your glass about ⅓ to ¼ way with chocolate milk and the rest with your nut milk.
Add a straw and stir.
Another option is to blend it and make a shake and if you would like spirits. I’m thinking of Kahlua and vodka or Baileys Irish cream. I think you can’t go wrong with whatever you add because this drink is so dang good! And who doesn’t love a bit of chocolate syrup and coconut fringe?!
Blood Orange Strawberry Mocktail/Cocktail
This month the topic in our SOUL GOAL’S SISTERHOOD was LOVE!!!!! When I think of LOVE I think of the color red…so I decided to do something with red strawberries and blood oranges for our Sisterhood Happy Hour! You might ask, why blood oranges…to remind you that you are covered in the blood of Christ…God loved you so much He sent His one and only son to die on the cross for you my beautiful friend! Here is to LOVE!!!!!! And here is to our SisterHood Happy Hour!
June 30, 2021 at 6:30 PM CST!
Will I see you there? Don’t know what I am talking about? Message me for details! Or Join our SisterHood here: SOUL GOALS
BLOOD ORANGE STRAWBERRY MOCKTAIL/COCKTAIL
Ingredients:
1 Cup of Strawberries, stems removed and sliced (but save one for a pretty garnish)
1 can of grapefruit sparkling water or 1/2 cup of grapefruit juice
1/4 cup or a little less of juice from and orange or some orange juice
3 tablespoons honey
Top with Ginger Beer
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS
Sliced Strawberries
Sliced blood orange
mint leaves (IF like minty drinks muddle some of the leaves with the strawberries below)
NOW, IF ADDING SPIRITS
One shot of vodka or tequila
DIRECTIONS
In a bowl or pitcher, add together some of your fresh strawberry, your orange and grapefruit liquids, and mull everything which is basically crushing the strawberries until they are full broken down. (Add mint leaves here to if like minty flavoring).
Next add your honey and stir together well.To make your mocktail get a glass and add crushed ice and 1-2 strawberries at the bottom of the glass and muddle them down. Add your strawberry citrus mixtured over the ice But if adding spirits add your shot of vodka or tequila then add your citrus mixture. For additional garnish, add sliced strawberries, sliced blood oranges, and mint!
To make your mocktail get a glass, add crushed ice, 1-2 strawberries at the bottom of the glass, and muddle them down. Add your strawberry citrus mixture over the ice, but if adding spirits add your shot of vodka or tequila first, then add your citrus mixture. For additional garnish, add sliced strawberries, sliced blood oranges, and mint!
Sip and Enjoy!
Simple Supper Suggestions #23
Super Simple Meals for your week!
Happy Monday! I am so sorry I am a day late, but unfortunately I have been under the weather with some weird GI issues. Hoping to get back to normal this week, but I am not gonna lie, this was a hard one for me to do because food just sounds blah to me! But I did it! A day late and a dollar short….But by God I did it!
So here is what I THINK I will make this week. Who really knows as I am just not in the mood.
Monday-Amy’s Tortilla Soup This delicious recipe I got from my amazing neighbor Amy, I like to call her Pei Wei, and it is so good! I love making it on a Monday night for the family and eating on the left overs all week with a side of avocado! So good and the thought of soup with my stomach makes me happy.
Tuesday- Tuesday is always Tacos of some sort! This week they will be baked!
Wednesday-JP’s pick of Chicken Feta. Again super easy and you can even make it super duper easy by going to the grocery and getting their whole chickens that are already roasted if you are crazy busy with kid activities or if you are like me and behind or under the weather!
Thursday- we will finish the week out with one recipe that is silly easy and one that both JP and Graeme love! It is so great to use at tailgates like my friend Lyndsy does or brunches or anywhere you have a crowd! And it is B for D! Hawaiian Rolls with Ham and Cheese!!!!!!
So there you have it folks! Four meals and one that is a little bonus recipe for your future tailgates! Will we even have those this year?!
Bon Appetit!
Amy
Simple Supper Suggestions #22
Simple supper suggestions for your week.
I am so excited to report that I have been getting all kinds of positive feedback on my Simple Supper Suggestions that I have decided I am going to keep on keeping on with the the process! You guys have made it clear that this helps your home life and in reality it does help mine to plan! So I owe you all a HUGE THANK YOU! This week in the Berry Home we will be doing something a little different on Sunday simply because it is a holiday weekend and I do not want to “really” cook! Anyone feel me? If so you will totally understand, if not, I promise it is still good! What is it you ask? Check it out below!
Sunday-Stouffer’s Lasagna! You cannot go wrong with this bad boy! Just add a salad from a bag, frozen garlic bread, and the entire house will be thrilled! Trust me!
Monday-With it being Labor Day the Berry’s will be grilling, but I do have some excellent salads to go along with anything on the grill. Check them out here: Asian coleslaw that is so good and so easy! My friend Laura’s Beau Monde salad is to die for! And you can never go wrong with some Mexican Corn!
Tuesday-Taco Tuesday! Who doesn’t like Tacos on Tuesday? This recipe offers a little twist! Take a look!
Wednesday-Christmas Morning Casserole! B for D is always a hit in my house! Don’t let the title scare you! It is just what we eat every christmas morning at the Berry house!
Thursday-Day 4: Grubba’s Meatloaf: So my father in law was in the Air Force and legend has it when he would come home from being away and he would send my mother in law to her parents for a little time away to rest up after being with three crazy boys ALONE for long periods of time. 20 Years in the air force will do that! Thank you Grubba for your Service! Point is he got REALLY good at meat recipes….Boys love their meat and potatoes! This recipe right here is super easy, super good, and if you have children that are scared of meat in a loaf, trust me it is a thing, just call it meatball meat! For some odd reason wording it differently does the trick! Who knew?
That is what I will be cooking this week! What will you be cooking?
OH! BIG NEWS!
I am also cooking something else up! My JOURNAL is finally going to print and my pre order link is up and working! Here is the deal….it has not printed yet so I have zero examples to show you, BUT what I do have to show you is the cover! The art was done by Will! My oldest son! This mama could not be more proud!!!!!! Take a look! And the first 50 to order will be invited to a night with me and some of my favorite gals! It will be zoom of course so even if you are in Africa, you can still join us for some fun, wisdom, love, and a little dance party! Are you in? If so, order here The Good Life Journal Pre Order link!
Until Next Time!
Bon Appetit!
Amy
Simple Suppers #21
Simple meals for the busy family.
Day Late and a Dollar Short! But I am here with Simple Suppers for your week….better late than never! As always we started with Spaghetti Sunday! If you missed last week you do not know that the rule in the Berry Casa is mom cooks Sunday-Thursday and takes Friday and Saturday off! It really works well for us and it is super easy for me because 99% of the time we have Spaghetti Sunday which is quick, easy, and everyone loves it! If I ever get my act together I will get this post out on Saturday and you guys too can partake in Spaghetti Sunday! I promise the kids love it and Trey really loves it! It literally has been a tradition for Trey and I since our dating days back in 1992! He said it feels like home to him. I love that! What meal feels like home to your family? Maybe you guys can start our tradition! I promise it is a tradition that really promotes conversation….something lacking in this world of electronics!
So what are we cooking this week?
SUNDAY: We cooked Spaghetti Sunday It is simple, quick, and a huge crowd pleaser!
MONDAY: Chicken and Rice Soup I really like making soup, sandwiches, and salads on Monday nights because what that does is it leaves me with soup to eat on all week at lunch- which is a lot healthier than any drive through. I don’t do it every week because I like to keep the family on their toes, but I think I would if someone told me they LOVED having soup! Ha!
Tuesday: Tacos via the crock pot which is always a life saver especially on those busy sports nights!
WEDNESDAY: This Wednesday is the amazing Audresha Lynn and I’s cooking show! Tune in live at 5:30 PM CST to see what we will be cooking up! I don’t know what it is yet so I do not have a recipe for ya yet! But I do have you covered! Why don’t you try my Turkey and Squash? This along with my feta chicken is one of JP’s favorite meals I make. It is so easy and so good and do you want to know what else? It is super healthy! #winning
THURSDAY: Steak Burrito Bowl This is such a delicious bowl I make. Graeme really loves it! I think your kids will too and you will love how easy it is and versatile!
So that is what we will be cooking in The Berry home this week! What’s cooking in your world?
Bon Appetit!
Amy
Simple Supper Suggestions #20
Simple Supper Suggestions for your week.
Simple Supper Suggestions
School is back and so is my Simple Supper Suggestions!
What is Simple Supper Suggestions? Just what it sounds like! Simple Supper Suggestions to help you plan your week.
Why Simple Supper Suggestions?
My mission I am finding is to help busy people simplify their lives while also teaching lessons I am learning along the way. I am by NO means an expert, but what I am is a busy mom with ADD who loves and adores her family but does not want to sleep walk through life anymore and get caught in the rat race of life. Any of that sound familiar? If so you have come to the right place and I hope I can help and maybe you can help me! Who knows? Wouldn't that be a win/win! So if you have any suggestions, ideas, or want to see something by all means throw it out there. I am listening and open! That is how we all grow!
So back to what today is all about....Simple Supper Suggestions! You can take what you like and leave the rest. I promise I will not get my feelings hurt. Be prepared, a lot of this is on repeat because that is what makes life easy!
How does it work with my family? Trey and I along with the boys sit down, or text if I am being honest, ideas for supper the following week. What this does it is helps me to plan, shop, and be ready for whatever comes at me. Does it always work out? Heavens no! But, as I always say....Progress not Perfection and every step in the right direction is a step in the right direction!
Let’s Get Started!
Sunday Spaghetti Sunday! It is a staple in our house and super easy for Sunday night! We LITERALLY do this most Sundays! Repetition and knowing what to expect makes for a much calmer beginning to a new week. Couldn’t we all use a little bit of that about now?
Monday Healthy Chicken Feta! A winner for a Monday night!
Tuesday Sausage Stuffed French Loaf is perfect on a busy Tuesday night!
Wednesday Blueberry Salmon is so delicious and so nutritious and since Trey is in charge of the grill it gives me a night off which is sooooo GREAT!
Thursday Easy and Quick Carbonara! Perfect on Thursday night game night!
Friday and Saturday this little mama takes time off! We order in, we eat out, or sometimes it is cereal for the win! A little bit of cereal never killed nobody!
So there you have it folks! Simple Suggestions to help you plan your week!
Bon Appetit!
Amy
Amy's Version of Kazi Fried Rice
If you like fried rice, you gotta try this recipe! It is so good!!!!!
So when Will and JP were little they always LOVED to go to this restaurant on their birthdays called Kazi. Well, the tradition rolled over to sweet Graeme and unfortunately this year we were shelter in place. So I started a mission. I decided I was going to figure out how to make fried rice as close to Kazi as I could. And folks I am happy to say tonight I might have nailed it! The only thing missing was the entertainment of the hibachi chef and I had to do it. But hey it is ok because I have been practicing this entire shelter in place, researching how to get the rice perfect, and I think I got it! And yall! It is super easy!!!!! Now disclaimer, it does take at least 24 hours and I will explain why in a minute, but after you do the prep it is so easy! Promise! So give it a whirl and let me know what you think! And in case you are wondering, the kids LOVE this stuff! So try it!
Little Will and JP! Oh my how I miss these boys!
Amy’s Version of Kazi Fried Rice
Ingredients:
Rice (we like basmati)
Chicken breast (at least 2 large ones)
Coconut Amino Acids (I prefer this over soy sauce, but you can use soy sauce)
Teriyaki Sauce
Chopped Garlic or Crushed in the jar is what I used
Butter (At least 5 tablespoons), but the more the better!
5 eggs
Pam spray
Frozen corn
Frozen peas
Chopped carrots
chopped green onion for garnish
Pepper for taste
And whatever hot sauce your family likes. We like a little bit of it all!
PREP:
24 hours before you are making your meal place your uncooked chicken breast in a gallon bag and marinate them in the coconut aminos, teriyaki sauce, and 2-3 tablespoons of chopped garlic. I just made sure to coat them. I did not really measure it. And I did 6 breasts total so we had chicken for salads and to nibble on.
Make your rice and this I am telling you is the secret. Make your rice a day in advance. If your family is like mine it is a win win because mine likes to eat rice with everything so I made a HUGE Tupperware full. Keep your rice in the refrigerator for at least a day. Trust me. This is the secret to make your rice the day before….that is if you want it to be like the restaurant.
When you are ready to make dinner grill your chicken. Once your chicken is done chop up however much you want and place in a bowl. Tonight I used 2 large breasts for my family of 5 to give you a feel and I chopped it up small.
In a large skillet scramble 5 eggs until they are almost done….still a little runny and pour that over the chicken.
Next take at least 5 tablespoons of butter and put it in the skillet you made your eggs in. Once the butter is melted place as much rice as you want in your skillet. I filled our skillet up, but left room for all the goods. (The chicken, peas, corn, carrots, etc). While your rice is frying in the butter make sure to be stirring it on and off. Start putting teriyaki sauce and amino acids on your rice. Again I did not measure I just kept pouring it on top to turn the rice brown, while it was cooking in the butter. Then I added my frozen peas and frozen corn until they were bright and cooked. Next I added the carrots. Once the vegetables were bright and the rice was nice and cooked I added the chicken and eggs and put some more amino acids in and stirred. I then used pepper for flavoring and garnished with chopped green onions. That is it. I know it sounds like a lot, but it was super easy and oh so good!!!!! Try it and let me know what you think and don’t forget if you like some kick add some hot sauce. We like Franks or Cholula at the Berry house!
Bon Appetit!
Amy
Dresha's Shrimp Tacos and Cilantro Lime Rice
This is hopefully the first of many new blog post with amazing recipes brought to you by Dresha and Amy! What am I talking about? Well, my girlfriend Dresha and I have decided to start a cooking show. More like Dresha will be doing the cooking and I will be her sous chef and your entertainment. Just typing that cracks me up! But it is a true story. We have decided to do a cooking show together. Why? Well, the truth. We are both bloggers, writing books, hoping to inspire, encourage, and empower others, and the truth is we thought it would be fun to get to know our audiences. So I would love if you are reading this, if you take the time to jump onto the gram, the book of face or both, and follow my girl @audreshalynn-instagram and @audreshalynn-book of face. She has a story that will change lives….it changed hers for sure! So go check her out, AFTER, you take down this delicious recipe.
SHRIMP TACOS/ CILANTRO LIME RICE/ AND SLAW
Ingredients:
1 pinch of light brown sugar
1 tablespoon of chili powder
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
Old Bay Seasoning
2-4 tablespoons chopped garlic in a jar (I prefer 3 but Dresha said her ancestors said, “NO!”) or 4 fresh garlic cloves minced
green onions
1-2 bay leaves
Slaw Mix
4 limes
cilantro
1/4 cup of sour cream
unsalted Kerry Gold butter
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups water
frozen Artisan Red Shrimp from Trader Joes
2 cups of long grain rice
corn or flour tortillas
black pepper and salt for taste
Garnish: Lime slices, fresh jalapeno chopped, chopped cilantro
PREP:
Shrimp: Place frozen shrimp in a bowl of room temperature water and let thaw.
Rice: The secret to this is you rinse your rice in cold water before you do anything. True story. I did not understand why and still do not, but this was so delicious, I will rinse rice from here on out. Once your rice is nice and rinsed off, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in the pot you plan on cooking your rice in. Once the butter is melted add your garlic and stir around a bit. Next add your rice and mix it around really good until all of your rice is covered in the butter. Add salt and pepper for taste and lots of pepper! No lie, I was scared, but now I am a believer, and the pepper was amazing!!!!!! Once your rice is nice and coated add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of chicken broth. Add 1-2 bay leaves and bring your rice to a boil. Once your rice is boiling, reduce your heat, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Once the rice is done remove the bay leaves and add lime skin. (What is this? Just grate the outside of the lime and make some lime zest.) Next add juice from 1/2 of the lime, cilantro, and green onion. Truth be known here. This is an area that Dresha “called on her ancestors” and she adds based on her taste buds. Just add what you are feeling here.
Shrimp! While your rice is boiling drain the water from your shrimp and season REALLY GOOD with Old Bay Seasoning. I mean coat those babies and coat them good! Next add your chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir around really good. Next heat 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil in a pan and 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic or 2 cloves minced. Once the butter is melted add your shrimp, a pinch of brown sugar, and cook until cooked through. Place on a plate until ready to build your tacos.
Slaw: Take one whole package of slaw mix and add 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and mix really good.
Tortillas: Heat a skillet with ZERO oil or butter! Place tortillas on hot skillet and heat. If they are corn they will get a little “tan”. If they are flour they will bubble up a little and that is when you flip them.
To build that delicious taco all you do is take your tortilla, add your shrimp, your slaw, and garnish how you like it! Pair it with your yummy rice, and go to town stuffing your face! These are so good! So good that JP ate 6!!!!!!!
Bon Appetit!
Amy and Dresha!
PS! Don’t forget to give Dresha a follow and be looking for more of our shows in the future!!!!!
Amy's Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, Bacon Cookies
This morning I woke up and I wanted oatmeal, peanut butter, and bacon! I have no idea why either because I normally just eat leftovers from last nights dinner, but this morning I had a hankering. Unfortunately, or rather fortunately now, we did not have bacon. So I ate leftover fajitas and decided I was good.
Then I got this crazy bug up my behind and went to the store and bought what I needed to make a creation. Oh boy, Oh boy, Oh boy, Oh boy….this is some good stuff people! I made the most delicious cookies! True story, Trey was not thrilled with the idea when I said it, but then he tasted it and his exact quote was, “Damn, my baby can cook!” So why don’t you get your hands on these ingredients and try out this amazing recipe!
Amy’s Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, Bacon Cookies with a splash of Sea Salt!
Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup) softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark is fine)
2 large eggs
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups old-fashioned whole rolled oats
1 bag nestle toll house semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 package bacon
PREP:
Cook your bacon how you like but make sure to save at least 6-8 strips for this recipe. Crumble your bacon in a small bowl into bits.
Then whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl. Place that to the side.
In another large bowl mix your butter until smooth.
Add your sugar and your brown sugar and beat until creamed.
Add the eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla. Beat until combined.
Add your dry ingredients into your wet ingredients and mix until combined.
Mix in your oats on low speed, then your chocolate chips and bacon bits. Once all of ingredients are mixed well, cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes. If you leave in the refrigerator longer (say overnight which is ok, make sure to bring your dough out and get it to room temperature before baking. (At least 30 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Make balls of dough and bake for about 15 minutes. I like to dust them while they are cooling with sea salt, but if you don’t want that much salt leave this step out. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes before trying to transfer or else they will crumble.
You can store these cookies for up to a week!
I promise you these are a hit! Try them and let me know what you think!
Bon Appetit!
Amy
Sausage Biscuits from Primal Mom
Homeschooling, cleaning, cooking, dancing….that is the story of my life these days, but with it has come some amazing recipes and ideas that will only make for smoother mornings when school does FINALLY re-open! Who knows when that will be, but know that I am making recipes to share with you to keep the kids healthy and you free of stress during the morning hustle.
Today I tried a recipe from my friend Amber’s collection. Amber is the amazing primalmom. If you do not follow her and you want to bring some goodness and health into you and your family’s lives, I highly suggest you do! You can find her on the gram @primalmom and on her website( just click the name Primal Mom above in blue). She has ALL kinds of keto friendly, primal friendly recipes, and skin care ideas so I highly suggest you give her a looksie!
Today I made her Breakfast Sausage Biscuits. Now, I will say it is kind of messy, but the mess is so worth it! This recipe gave me about 16 paddies and 1-2 paddies is all anyone would really eat each morning, so you have breakfast for a week! It is so nice! And my boys all like to eat it a little differently. One likes it with Red Hot Buffalo sauce, one likes it on a biscuit or Hawaiian Roll which totally cancels the keto, and one likes it with Cholula sauce, but the point is they all LOVED them! So give this recipe a whirl and show my friend some love!
PRIMAL MOM’S SAUSAGE BISCUITS
INGREDIENTS:
2 lb ground sausage
2 cups almond flour
8 eggs
4 tablespoons butter
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons pepper
PREP:
Preheat your oven to 350
Melt your butter in a microwaveable small bowl
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, almond flour, sausage, eggs, pepper, paprika, and cheese. Knead the ingredients together. (This is where it gets a bit messy.)
Form sausage mixture into large patties. I simply made them look like hamburger patties.
Bake on 350 for 20-24 minutes, flipping halfway.
You can store all your extras in the refrigerator and when you want to eat one you simply reheat one in the microwave for 30 seconds! Makes for an easy and healthy breakfast and everyone is happy and healthy!
Until Next Time,
Bon Appetit!
Amy
Irene's Banana Pudding
So day 389,900,987, or what felt like, of shelter in place happened to me on Sunday. I hit rock bottom and the kitchen floor bad. I lost my cookies for a polite way to put it. I was angry, I was sad, I was frustrated, I felt alone, even though I have 4 boys around me, and I lost it. It was pretty ugly! I remember looking at Trey and with tears rolling down my face I said, “I just miss my mom so bad.” So what did I do to cope? I pulled out that recipe box of hers I found cleaning out with Covid and I made her banana pudding. It is actually quite famous! True story! My old World Geography/Golf Coach STILL talks about it!!!! So I channeled my mom and thought of Coach Steward and I made pudding! The BEST DAMN BANANA PUDDING EVER! And today I will share my moms recipe with you and with you Coach Stewart!!!!
IRENE’S BANANA PUDDING
Ingredients:
8 ounces cream cheese
1 can eagle brand milk in a can
1 large vanilla instant pudding
3 cups of whole milk
1 large cool whip
Vanilla Wafers and Bananas…..I used 7!
PREP:
Blend cream cheese and eagle brand milk. Add pudding and 3 cups of whole milk. Fold in cool whip. Layer your pan with vanilla wafers, bananas, pudding, repeat as needed.
Chill and enjoy!
Bon Appetit!
Amy
Irene's Vanilla Butter Nut Pound Cake
During this shelter in place I discovered a treasure. I discovered my mom’s recipe box while cleaning out a cabinet in my kitchen! What a gift! And it came at just the right time!!!!! AND now you all will benefit too! Because let me tell you, my mom, the Red Head, was quite the cook! Matter of fact, my mom’s cooking MIGHT be one reason why Trey fell in love with me. I guess he thought it was a gene! Ha! Who knows, but I do know he LOVED my Mama’s cooking!
So I have decided to start trying out her recipes and sharing the ones me and my family love with you all! And if you are reading this and you knew my mom and you remember something of hers, please comment below and I will try to find the recipe and make it happen!
I have to disclose one thing though, some recipes, I feel like she MIGHT have left one ingredient out, JUST to make sure no one made it better than her, (this might be a sign of where my competitive spirit comes from) because, I swear some of the recipes just don’t taste the same. Maybe it is because my mom just had that touch, but I have a feeling she left out secret ingredients on purpose.
Today I want to share a pound cake recipe of hers. This pound cake is so good, but take my word on this. NO SUBSTITUTIONS! ESPECIALLY with the vanilla flavoring! It is just not the same. Matter of fact, I tried it and fed it to my sister and she literally said, “Aim, this is awful!” No lie! So I made it again, with the correct flavoring, which I ordered on Amazon, and it was DELICIOUS!!!!! So make sure you get the right flavoring! And vanilla ice cream or whip cream on top is to die for!!!!!!!
Irene’s Vanilla-Butter Nut Pound Cake
Ingredients:
3 cups sugar
1/3 cup crisco
3 cups flour
1 small can of pet milk (if not a full cup add water to make a full cup)
2 sticks of margarine
5 large eggs
1/4 tsp salt
2 tablespoons vanilla-butternut flavoring
Prep:
Cream your butter, shortening, sugar, salt. Add your eggs one at a time. Add flour and milk alternately ending with flour. Fold in flavoring by hand. Bake In a greased bundt pan for one hour and 45 minutes at 325. START in a COLD oven. DO NOT open the door while baking. Remove from the oven pan immediately.
Remember: DO NOT START BAKING IN A PREHEATED OVEN
Serve with berries and cream or Ice cream or enjoy with your morning cup of joe!
Bon Appetit!
Amy
Simple Supper Suggestions #19
I cannot believe Christmas is less than 17 days away! Crazy!!!!! With all the parties and hustle and bustle the last thing I want to think about is cooking and I am sure it is the same for you or at least most of you. So for the next couple of weeks I can assure you the meals will be quick and easy because it is about to get busy up in here!!!!!
Sunday we will be doing our usual Spaghetti Sunday which is so easy, especially if you get into the habit of doing it every week. You can darn near do it in your sleep!!!!!
Monday is my oldest son, Will’s, 18th birthday. He has asked to go out to eat and for Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcakes! So I am off the clock!!! Probably a good thing as I will be an emotional mess thinking about the fact that my first born is 18 already!!!!!
My beautiful boy!!!!!
Tuesday I have a Christmas Party with my Dallas Country Club Students so I will be making Tacos via the crock pot which is always a life saver!
Wednesday Trey and I have a Christmas Dinner with some friends so I will be making Miss Andrea’s Kings Ranch Chicken for the kids! So easy and such a crowd pleaser!
Thursday is JP’s Holiday Concert so again I need it to be super easy so we will be having Red Beans and Rice for the hectic life! I think I will double it so we can munch on it all weekend as well!
That in a nutshell is what we will be eating this week! What will you be having?
Until Next Time!
XO,
Amy
Simple Supper Suggestions #18
Thanksgiving is behind us and if you are like our house you have tons of leftovers! And by Sunday the family is sick of them!!!! Actually by Saturday, but we all take one for the team because waste not want not right!!!! So it is time to get back on track with our regular scheduled diet!!!!! What will you be eating this week? Here is the Berry line up!
Spaghetti Sunday for the win! It is easy and everyone loves it!!!!
Monday I am making soup and if you have any leftover turkey you can always substitute that for the chicken.
Taco Tuesday this week I want to have a fruit twist with it so I will do my Mango Tacos. So good, so fresh, and you can either do a bowl or a taco.
You can make this like a taco or a bowl!!!!
This Wednesday I will be making an easy pasta dish that everyone loves AND you can make it healthy with zoodles or make it like the kids like it with thin spaghetti!!!! So good and everyone is happy!!!!!
Thursday the Berry’s will be having a delicious sausage loaf the entire family loves! Super easy and crowd pleasy!!!!!!
Friday and Saturday I am off the clock! What will you all be eating this week? Got any recipes you would like me to try and feature here? I would love to!!!!!
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
Simple Supper Suggestions #17
Well it has been brought to my attention some of you really like this…..I honestly did not think so, but I guess you do! So I will keep on keeping on. Truth is I thought it might be getting boring, but I am being told no. And the other truth is I have tons of recipes to add, but I don’t have pictures and you guys seem to think that is o.k. The REAL TRUTH is my pictures are not that great anyways so I don’t know why I worry! So I shall start adding recipes even without pictures and if you ever get a great photo of any of my recipes I would love for you to share it and I will TOTALLY give you all the credit!
So this week will be a short week because of Thanksgiving. I don’t ever make the turkey which is a real win, but I do make sides. This week I really only have to cook a meal for my family Sunday-Tuesday night so I will send you my sides and a couple of meals and we can reconvene next week! Sound like a plan?
Of course Sunday we will start with Spaghetti Sunday and I am sure my family is very excited as I have been so sick that we have not had it in a couple of weeks.
As the cook you should always test the sauce!
Monday I think we will be EXTREMELY healthy and have salmon! This recipe is amazing, my friend Elizabeth gave it to me about a year ago and I dream about it all the time!!!!!
My mouth is watering looking at this photo!
