_She likes to say "Arrrrr I a pirate" and "I'm a princess" while running in circles.  The perfect costume was obvious...a princess pirate!

This was her first time trick-or-treating.  We went to a handful of neighborhood houses and she insisted on carrying "my candy" the entire time.  Her "trick-or-treat" and "thank you" usually took place at the end of driveways.

On the way home she said "Is that my house?  No, that's a tree".  And then we went home and let her hand out candy.

AHOY!
 
 
 
 
_I liked it.  I know that doesn't sound very enthusiastic and/or convincing...  But really, it was good. Here's what I learned:

  1. Season it up!  It needs it.
  2. Makes a ton.
  3. If you like olives they would be a yummy addition.
  4. Leftovers were great!
  5. Half went in the freezer. Guinea pigs are eating it this weekend.  Hope it froze well!
_Recipe can be found here:  Baked Spaghetti
 
 
_Penelope's new favorite phrase is "come watch me".  This usually means take me outside now or I will cry.  One of my friends is an amazing photographer and helped me edit the first two pictures.  After that I gave it a try and did the rest!
 
 
_I found this recipe for crispy chicken and pasta on Pinterest (yes, Pinterest again).  I decided to make the crispy chicken portion of it.  Here's what I learned:
  1. This is so delicious and pretty simple!
  2. I added seasonings (Italian and garlic powder) to the flour mixture.  I recommend doing this.
  3. Instead of making the sauce in the recipe I used a jar of Classico's Roasted Poblano Alfredo Sauce and it was good!
  4. Served it over pasta of course.
  5. Plenty of flexibility to add in whatever suits your tastes.
_Recipe can be found here:  Crispy Chicken
 
 
_I thought anything with "blue ribbon" in the title has got to be worth a try.  Here's what I learned:

  1. I used Pace medium picante for a little kick.
  2. After cooking the beef I put all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it go all day on low.
  3. Served it with sour cream and shredded cheese.
  4. Makes a ton!  We filled the freezer with leftovers.
  5. Overall, pretty good chili and very easy to make!
_Recipe can be found here:  Blue Ribbon Chili
 
 
_This is another Pinterest find.  The family loved it!  Penelope kept saying "mmmmm" as she ate.  Here's what I learned:

  1. Make sure to season up your chicken.  The recipe calls for no seasoning whatsoever.  I used chipotle pepper powder, cumin, garlic salt, and a dash of paprika.
  2. Next time I may try shredding the chicken or use rotisserie.
  3. The filling was enough for 6 tortillas.
  4. I folded them like burritos to keep everything inside during the baking process.
  5. I put out guacamole, salsa, and black olives for toppings.  Served them with multigrain tortilla chips and black beans.
_Recipe can be found here:  Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
 
 
_We love this recipe for homemade chicken fingers.  It's simple to put together and bakes in 15 short minutes!  Here's what I learned:

  1. I make a half recipe and it is plenty for the three of us.
  2. I use Honey Bunches of Oats or a generic version of it.
  3. It really only takes 15 minutes to cook through.  They come out perfectly moist!
  4. Serve with your favorite honey mustard, ranch and/or BBQ sauce.
  5. I have also used them to make yummy grilled chicken tender and cheese sandwiches.
_ Recipe can be found here:  Honey Nut Chicken Sticks