12/31/13

13 Most Wanted Recipes of 2013

13 Most Wanted Recipes of 2013, Enjoy in just one post a variety or recipes, from #appetizers #maindishes #sides and #desserts of 2013 featured on the blog #bestrecipes
Hola Amigos!!!! Wishing you all a happy, healthy and peaceful last day of 2013! What a year it has been! So many happy memories, tasty recipes from fellow bloggers, fun crafts but above all, priceless new friendships made all over the globe!
It was a lot of fun at the blog too!  with a fairly good amount of cooking and calories gained here and there, lol...looking forward to do it all over again, God willing, this new year almost knocking at our door! Here are some of the most popular of 2013













My Favorite Recipe for 2013

Thank You friends for a year full of fantastic moments I will always share deep in my heart for the rest of my life! Even though lately I haven't been around much, I always carry your sweet thoughts and comments with me to get me through everyday unexpected challenges! 

Hope your New Year is full of Happiness, Love, Family Union and Health! From my family to yours HAPPY 2014!!!! and keep in mind this new year that everything tastes better with a Pinch of Love!
Besitos,
Lizy

Sharing my Most Wanted at these Fabulous Parties:

12/21/13

DIY Snowman Christmas Paper Napkin Wreath

DIY Snowman Christmas Paper Napkin Wreath, done in 15 minutes or less and for less than $5 dollars, this is the wreath to go for a quick festive touch for any season! #wreath #holiday #snowman #Chirstmas
Hola Amigos! I just realized that I've made one paper napkin wreath for every occasion but Christmas, what??? No way, lol...so here it is, the Christmas edition of my favorite 15 minute, all season, dollar store decor!

As usual everything came from our local dollar store. This time I didn't even had to go out and actually buy anything. I had it already at my house.
DIY Snowman Christmas Paper Napkin Wreath, not just for Christmas but for the entire Winter, this wreath would bring a smile to your guest when they are greeted by it's bright colors and festive cheer! #snowman #cheer #holiday #winter #wreath

The colorful napkins I got as part of the items my son's teacher asked for their Xmas party. The few ornaments are the ones at bottom of the ornament bin...you know, the ones that have lost the little top hook thingy through the seasons...these particular ones, also from the dollar store and a little strand of battery operated lights that I discovered this year for just $1!
DIY Snowman Christmas Paper Napkin Wreath, the easiest, cheapest but prettiest way to bring color and festive cheer to your door is this colorful wreath, not just for Christmas but the rest of winter with the friendly snowman as the center of attention and smiles! #winter #snowman #wreath #paper #holiday

The only new addition was the snowman hat that I also bought at the dollar store for my son to wear at his school party. Put it all together and here is your wreath!

I love a quick project! I didn't have a wreath for my outside door this year, I guess it slipped my mind with all the other things I had going on, but that is not the case now!
Thank you for your visit today friends! Hope you are having a wonderful official first day of Winter! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
DIY Snowman Christmas Paper Napkin Wreath, wish your guests a Happy Holidays with this Winter paper napkin wreath! Put together in only a few minutes it lasts all season long bringing cheer to all!

Besitos,

12/20/13

Smothered Fiesta Chicken Recipe

Smothered Fiesta Chicken Recipe, a party in your mouth with every bite with just a few ingredients and flavorful and economical cuts of chicken. #chickendinner #casserole #chicken
Hola Amigos: This is an easy chicken recipe that will set your taste buds on  a party mood! It's tender, juicy and spicy, just like a festive meal should be!

It also uses very inexpensive chicken quarters, but certainly you could use any chicken cuts you have handy! I think that is why we all love chicken! it's so versatile!
Smothered Fiesta Chicken Recipe, beans, corn and jalapenos combined in this easy recipe bringing new fun life to your usual chicken dinner! #chickendinner #chicken #casserole

When it comes to the ingredients, there are very few, corn and black beans take center stage, highlighted by a few spices and a whole lot of flavor! It's smothered in a delicious tomato based sauce where all the ingredients combine and become one with the chicken! You can hardly see the chicken...but it's there, under all that goodness!

It goes in the oven leaving you plenty of time while it cooks to get some things done around the house.
I personally love the bright colors, the combination of textures and of course the flavors!. Serve it with some white rice or flour tortillas and dinner would be memorable!
Smothered Fiesta Chicken Recipe, have a fiesta with every bite from this juicy and tender chicken! Not your ordinary casserole, try it! #chickendinner #casserole #chicken

Thank you so much for your visit to the blog today. I hope you are able to prepare this flavorful and frugal recipe and bring share with your family this festive meal! Remember my friends everything tastes better with a Pinch of Love!

Besitos,
Lizy

Smothered Fiesta Chicken
Ingredients
4 Chicken Leg Quarters
1 Can Black Beans
1 Can Sweet Corn
1 Can Diced Tomatoes with Jalapenos
1/2 Can Chicken Broth
1 1/2 tsp Minced Onion
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Ancho Chilli
Pinch of Coriander
1 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
Oil for browning
Directions:
Season chicken with salt & pepper or seasonings of your liking. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes. (marinating overnight is always better). 
Preheat your oven at 365F . 
In a large very hot oiled  sauce pan, brown the chicken, skin side down. Once all the pieces are browned transfer to a baking pan. In the same saucepan add chicken broth to deglaze it, scrapping all the bits and juices left from browning. Add diced tomatoes, corn, beans and spices. Cook for 5 minutes and cover chicken with this sauce. Cover you baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese and let it melt.
Serve with white rice or flour tortillas. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes                                           Cook Time: 35 minutes                  Serves 4
Smothered Fiesta Chicken Recipe, a few steps for a delicious out of the ordinary chicken casserole!

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12/17/13

Holiday Chocolate Flan Recipe

Holiday Chocolate Flan Recipe, if you love chocolate cake and homemade custard, this is the recipe for you! Easy to make with 2 of your favorite holiday desserts #holiday #chocolatecake #flan
Hola Amigos: One of the best things about the Holiday season is food! Ham, Turkey, Pork, Rice the sides you name it, but what I really love is something I always bake no matter what right around this time, Flan! It's a typical dessert for Christmas and celebrations in many Latin American  countries and the best part is that is super easy to make.
Holiday Chocolate Flan Recipe, chocolate cake and flan come together in one sweet and easy to make dessert! #flan #chocolatecake #holiday

This time I decided to try friend's recipe for chocolate flan that I knew it was going to be a hit since it combines the best of the best, chocolate cake and flan! yumm!!! It takes a little time in the oven, but at the end you get rewarded for your patience with the best dessert ever,  a spongy chocolate cake topped with smooth and sweet custard! oh boy!

Don't worry about perfection with this dessert! It's a rustic one, meant to be eaten in a few bites and believe me, it will!. Since it's a cake you can make it pretty for the few minutes it will be at the table with your favorite icing or whipped cream.

I also added more "manjar" or dulce de leche to mine..you can't never have enough of this good thing!
When slice it's just pretty and delicious, a bite of flan and a bite of chocolate cake! Nothing else to say, just enjoy the goodness.


Now tell me if this dessert is not the perfect holiday and festive ending to a great family meal? To my family is what we all look forward to have sometimes even stealing a slice before dinner is ready!

Do you have a family dish you bake or prepare for the holidays by popular demand, something that reminds you of your hometown, of your childhood or that your family just love when you make it every holiday? I would love to know!
Holiday Chocolate Flan Recipe, a perfect combination of 2 favorites, chocolate cake and flan. Easy to make and with a pretty presentation! #flan #chocolatecake #holiday

Thank You for visiting the blog today! Hope you give my chocolate flan a try and enjoy it as much as we did! Remember my friends, everything tastes better with a Pinch of Love!
Holiday Chocolate Flan Recipe, a classic dressed up for the holiday season!  Chocolate cake and flan together in one tasty and easy to prepare dessert! #flan #chocolatecake #holidayrecipe

Besitos,
Lizy

Holiday Chocolate Flan 
Ingredients:
1 box Chocolate Cake of your choice
Eggs, Oil, Water needed to prepare the cake according to instructions on the box
5 Eggs
1 Cup Evaporated Milk
1 Cup Condensed Milk, divided
1 Cup Dulce de Leche
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 shot Kahlua (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven at 350 F degrees.
Prepare the cake according the box instructions. Set aside. 
In a large bowl (I use my blender), add and mix well the eggs,  evaporated milk, condensed milk, vanilla and Kahlua.
Use half of the Dulce the Leche to coat a previously buttered baking dish (a 9 inch square or round). Pour the chocolate cake mix and then the flan mixture. Don't panic if at this moment you see the flan mixture sink to the bottom, that is a good thing! Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a bath Marie for about 45 minutes or until a fork in the middle comes clean. Remove from oven.
Let it cool for a few minutes and place a plate upside down over the baking dish and turn the plate and baking dish over. 
Decorate if you want with chocolate icing, whip cream and the remaining 1/2 cup of dulce de leche. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes                                       Cook Time: 45 minutes                   Serves 8

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12/16/13

Baked Cod with Lemon and Orange Recipe

Baked Cod with Lemon and Orange Recipe, a delicious and frugal recipe with tangy flavors! So easy to make, enjoy this meal in 20 minutes! #cod #orange #lemon #fish #fishmeals
Hola Amigos: Today I'm sharing with you a recipe using a sometimes overlooked fish, Cod! This mild flavored fish is so  inexpensive compared to others and rich in vitamins A, C and D as well as Omega 3's that we should all included on regular basis as part of our diets.
Baked Cod with Lemon and Orange Recipe, the flavors of summer combine deliciously in this easy to make recipe. 20 minutes and ready to serve and enjoy! #cod #lemon #fish #orange #fishmeals

Back in my country is very popular in it's dried salted version. I remember the semi lengthy process my mom used to go through every time we had it for dinner. It was well worth the effort,we loved it there,  but oh boy, you won't find this girl doing all that work  now, just thinking of trying to "fish" for all the tiny needles even before starting cooking it, makes me want to open a can of tuna instead, also there is the matter of  the "fishy" smell salted dried cod has, that alone will make all my guys run out the door in panic,lol. Don't get me wrong, it's delicious just like lox, but it takes a lot of work to prepare.

No problem with fresh cod filet though, it's mild flavor allows this fish to wonderfully take any flavors you want to add. This time we added citrus notes of lemon and orange!
Baked Cod with Lemon and Orange Recipe, Delicious, colorful and ready in only  few minutes, just what we need to make everybody happy on busy days and nights! #cod #lemon #orange #fish #fishmeals

Also as you all know my favorite method of preparing seafood is to steam it in a bag and then quickly crisp it and brown it for  a few minutes outside the bag and preparing a little sauce with the delicious juices rendered in the cooking process.

The little sauce I created has a hint of tangy ginger to complement the citrus fruity flavors already in the fish.
A super quick and healthy recipe for times when we are all busy trying to catch up with office parties, hosting our own or just trying to get from one place to another with heavy holiday traffic! 20 minutes in the oven and enjoy!
Baked Cod with Lemon and Orange Recipe, an easy recipe for busy days. Rich in omega 3's and vitamin D, this mild flavored fish will please everyone in your family! #cod #lemon #orange #fishmeals

Thank You for visiting the blog today! Hope you enjoy this quick and flavorful recipe and give it a try next time you see this nutritious and  tasty fish at a store near you! remember my friends, even the most humblest of foods taste better with a Pinch of Love!

Besitos,
Lizy

Baked Cod with Lemon and Orange Recipe
Ingredients:
12 oz Cod Filet
1 TBSP Fresh Lemon Juice
1 TBSP Fresh Orange Juice
1/2 tsp Lemon Zest
1/2 tsp Orange Zest
1 tsp Seafood Seasoning
Onion Powder, Garlic Powder and Lemon Pepper to taste
1/2 Small Red Onion, Sliced
3-4 Thin Orange Slices
1/8 Cup Ginger Ale
1/2 tsp Cornstarch 
Directions:
Marinate your fish with the fruit juices, juice zests and seasonings. Let the fish marinate for 15 minutes only since we don't want to cook it in the citrus mix. 
Preheat oven at 425F. Cut a long piece of parchment paper and another one the same size of aluminum foil, to go right under the parchment one.
Remove the fish from the marinade, place on the parchment paper sheet. Add sliced red onions and orange slices to cover the fish. Wrap the parchment around the fish and seal this inner bag with an aluminum foil one. Bake for 15 minutes. When time is up, open the bags and bake for another 5 minutes so the fish browns.
Remove from oven. 
For the sauce, place rendered juice on a small saucepan, add cornstarch dissolved in ginger ale and cook for a few minutes until it coats the spoon. Serve over the fish and enjoy!

Prep Time 15 Minutes                               Cook Time 20 minutes                       Serves 2

12/10/13

Berry Passionate Lemonade Smoothie Recipe

Berry Passionate Smoothie Recipe, for those who have a sunny tropical Christmas or if you long for a tropical flavored drink while the snow is falling outside your window, this is the recipe for you! #smoothie #passionfruit #holiday
Hola Amigos! It's been a little while since I made a smoothie and even though holiday flavors like cinnamon and peppermint should be on my mind while the snow falls outside, I can't help but thinking that in other parts of the world it's sunny, toasty hot and summer is on it's way! I guess you can take a girl out of the Tropics but you can't take the Tropics out of the girl!

This is a super easy and refreshing smoothie. Something different if you want to try new sweet flavors and add a bit of "zing to your swing" this season.
Berry Passionate Lemonade Smoothie Recipe, for those of us longing for pink sands and sun rays on our face, this is the perfect drink, sweet and tangy but oh so pretty to celebrate during the holidays and at any time #smoothie #holiday #lemonade #passionfruit

The color is absolutely beautiful, reminds me of Caribbean's pink sand and the flavor delicious! It's also low in calories so you can still look amazing and in great shape for Christmas while enjoying a cool looking beverage!
Berry Passionate Lemonade Smoothie Recipe, sweet and tangy smoothie to bring a touch of festivity to the tropics to our holiday season! #passionfruit #lemonade #smoothie #holiday

Top it of with some fresh whipped cream, a few sugary sprinkles and strawberries for a festive look!
Berry Passionate Lemonade Smoothie Recipe, dreaming of sand between your toes instead of shoveling snow? well travel to paradise with this tropical holiday smoothie! You will love it! #holiday #smoothie #passionfruit #lemonade

Make it even healthier by adding some wheat germ or flax seeds! See those little specks floating around? Wheat Germ! yumm!

Before I close this short but sweet post I want to thank all the sweet comments and emails I've gotten from you my friends since around Thanksgiving and been unable to answer. Due to health problems I haven't been able to get to my computer or blog at all! I hope and pray things get better as the weeks go by and come back and have fun with all of you!. In the meantime, please hang in there with this your blog. I will try to pop a few times a week to say hi to all and drop a little recipe or two.

Keep the shopping going my sweeties and enjoying the holiday cheer always keeping in mind that everything tastes better with a Pinch of Love!

Besitos,
Lizy

Berry Passionate Lemonade Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 (6 oz) Chobani Passion Fruit Yogurt, frozen
3/4 Cup Lemonade, chilled
1/2 Strawberries, frozen
1 tsp Wheat Germ (optional)
Fresh Whip Cream and Strawberries for garnishing (optional)
Directions:
Add all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Top with Whip Cream and Strawberries for a pretty presentation if you want. Enjoy!

Prep Time 3 minutes                                                                       Serves 2 (4-6oz) Cups