Modern Day Betty Crocker (Volume 1)

Alright folks! I've had quite a few people (mostly girlfriends) ask that I teach them how to cook. Granted, I don't think I would have time to set aside for everyone, so I decided to start a cooking portion to my blog in hopes it might help those who've asked for it! Or even inspire some others to try new recipes!

NOTE: My cooking techniques vary. My recipes are generally not very difficult (to myself), but could feel difficult to others. Just stick with it. It's not hard, just follow the directions! I'm pretty adventurous when it comes to cooking. I enjoy challenges, and trying new things. I love flavor. Bold flavors, spicy flavors, intense flavors. So some recipes I post, you may think "huh?", but trust me. It will taste amazing!

Meal Number One:


I was feeling a little inspired today. The weather is FINALLY feeling like fall, so I wanted to make a meal tonight that made you feel warm inside when it's wet and rainy outside. Here are the courses: (and the links will lead you to those recipes)

Whole Pumpkin Pie Soup
Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Baked Potatoes


Don't be afraid of the Pumpkin Pie soup. It is not what you expect! Here are a few pictures I took while I was cooking:

All the ingredients needed for Pumpkin Soup!

All the ingredients go inside the hollowed out pumpkin.
Which is a great idea because it also is EASY clean up!

My pumpkin is a little too big, but it sure does look yummy!

After the soup was finished, I don't own an immersion blender to puree all of the diced ingredients, so I strained them out, blended them in my "Magic Bullet" blender, then put them back in the soup. (HINT HINT: Jake, I'd love an immersion blender! Christmas is coming up! :))

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The Baked Potatoes I start while the soup is still in it's first baking phase. The soup is to bake for 1 1/2 hours for the first phase. Get your potatoes ready and put them in the over when there is still 1 hour left of the first phase. Here is a look at my prepared potatoes:

With my potatoes, I pierce them with a fork on all sides, spread a thin layer of butter over the whole potato, season with salt and pepper, then top with minced garlic. Wrap in aluminum foil and stick in the oven.

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The Parmesan Crusted Chicken is really easy to do. All the ingredients you will need:

-Chicken Breasts (4-6)

-1/2 c Mayonnaise (I used Light Mayo)

-1/4 c Parmesan Cheese

-4 tbsp Bread Crumbs

(I added about 1 tbsp Parsley, about 1/2 tsp onion powder. You can add any other seasoning you think might give good flavor)

Mix all ingredients, and coat chicken breasts.

I put the chicken breasts in the oven when the soup had only
10 minutes left of baking time. After the soup is finished, turn up the heat
to 425 degrees and bake an additional 13 minutes. (Leave potatoes in oven as well)

After everything is finished, enjoy this delicious dinner! You can also add in a salad if you like! Jake and I were entirely too full to have salad :)

Enjoy!

XO