Trying to be a modern day Betty Crocker

I'm the first one who will say I cannot cook for anything. I can bake, and I've always enjoyed that but I simply cannot cook. But since being domestically unemployed I've since tried to take up cooking. And of course I want to be able to cook for my family, because my mom always had dinner on the table for us when I was growing up. Even if it was just hot dogs and Mac and cheese. But there was always something to eat. I want to be the amazing mom who cooks extraordinarily great things for dinner, that look amazing. But it take true talent for that to happen.

So I thought, maybe if I find simple recipes that do not include many ingredients cooking wouldn't be too bad. So I started looking through my grandmas recipe books that she gave me. And I cut out all the recipes that looked good, and something I can handle. I made a binder with all my recipes and sorted them out by appetizers, soups, dinners, desserts, and breakfast.

Of course being on a budget it cannot be a super expensive meal. And since I'm cooking just for two and a half, and mostly just two it cannot be a large quantity. Unless its okay to be reheated and eaten as a left over (this is good for my husband so he has lunch or dinner for work the next day). To save even more money go through all your food stores ads for the week, and see what's on sale and you can use this as a guideline for what you make for dinner. I also use couponmom.com to coupon. It shows you what stores have what one sale and what coupons to use to get an even bigger discount. Since I use a lot of cream of chicken soup I try to get it when it's on sale. One time at Publix I got 4 soups for 1 dollar. They were b1g1 and I had a coupon on top of that.

I will share some of my recently founded recipes. They turned out great!!! I was very proud of myself. They are fairly quick and easy, and do not take many ingredients to make. Hopefully this will help you out to make some new dinners for your family. Some of the recipes I cut in half to make half a batch, because if not we would have left overs for days!! Thank god for Siri who tells me what half of a 1/4 cup is lol. We mostly eat chicken and beef, but I'm hoping to expand our meat variety some day.. :)

One of my most used ingredients is cream of chicken soup!! I also like to use onion powder instead of onions, I don't like the texture of onions in my food.

I've cooked every one of these recipes, I hope to cook many more different/new dinners and I will blog about those recipes in the future.

This first recipe isn't quite for dinner, but it can be used as a snack during the day, or dessert at night. I know I've had this at parties and get togethers. When I made it, it turned out pretty good I was eating it by itself without the fruit! My son also liked it, he thought it was whipped cream.
Dreamy Fruit Dip:
1 package of cream cheese softened (8 ounces)
1/2 cup butter or margarine softened
1/2 cup marshmallow cream
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed (cool whip)
In a bowl beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then beat in marshmallow cream. Then mix in whipped topping. This makes about 4 cups. Store in refrigerator. This can be served with fruit; apples, grapes, strawberries, pineapples.






This next recipe has to be one of my favorite soups ever!! I get this at panara bread, and chilis. I made this, and I thought to myself "omg, it tastes like panara bread!" Lol. I'm sure you could cook this in a crock pot, but I made it how the recipe says.
Easy Baked Potato Soup
3-4 medium baking potatoes
2 cans condensed cream of potato soup
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
3 1/2 cups milk
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Peel and dice potatoes, set aside. Add the soups, milk, garlic powder, onion powder together in a pot and stir. Add in diced potatoes. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes or heated thoroughly. Stirring occasionally. Then stir in sour cream. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Do not boil. Garnish with cheddar cheese. You can also garnish with bacon, or bacon bits. Makes about 10 servings (2 1/2 quarts)

I made this next recipe a couple of times. The first time I made it I was thinking, omg I am not going to like this because the rice smells weird, but I ate it and I thought it was really good!! It's easy to make, and it makes a whole pan so there is plenty, and are good leftovers.
Chicken Ham Casserole
1 package (6 ounces) long grain and wild rice mix (I get uncle bens 90 second rice)
2 cups cubed cooked chicken (I usually use canned chicken, the bigger can)
1 cup fully cooked ham (I usually use either spam, or the can of ham in the aluminum tin)
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can evaporated milk (12 ounces)
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Colby cheese
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for the top of casserole (not necessary)
Cook rice, transfer to greased baking dish (I usually flatten the rice out over the bottom of the dish) top with chicken and ham. In a bowl combine soup and milk, then the Colby cheese and pepper. Pour over chicken, ham, and rice. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes on 350 degrees. Makes about 6 servings.

Of course this recipe is pretty easy. And it's even better because you can cook it in the crock pot! It's also great because you can get the pork roast on sale sometimes at Publix or Winn-Dixie for 1.99 a pound, and BBQ sauce b1g1.
BBQ Pulled Pork
1 pork shoulder roast (about 4 pounds)
2 medium onions, chopped (I prefer to use onion powder)
1 1/2 cups water
1 bottle (16 ounces) your favorite BBQ sauce
In a crock pot put half of the onions on the bottom, then add the pork roast and water. Then add the remaining onions ( or add onion powder after you put the water in). Cover and cook for 4-5 hours on HIGH. Drain liquid from slow cooker. Chop meat, and throw away excess fat. Put pork back in slow cooker. Add BBQ sauce. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours longer. Stir occasionally. Serve on buns, or eat alone. Serves 8-10.

This one is a little work. But it turns out so good when its done!! Great for kids. And they are small and easy to hold for them. I usually make half a batch because if I don't it makes 16 sandwiches, and that is too much for us.
Cheeseburger Buns
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) dry active yeast
1/2 cup warm water
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 shortening
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 - 4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
8 slices American cheese, quartered
In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast inward water. Add milk, sugar, shortening, egg, salt, and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a flower surface and knead until smooth and elastic (about 4-6 minutes). Place in greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. In a skillet, cook beef until meat is no longer pink, drain, and then stir in tomato sauce. Remove from head and set aside. Punch dough down, divide into 16 pieces. On a lightly floured surface roll out and stretch each piece into a 5 inch circle. Place 2-3 tablespoons of meat onto dough circle. And then top with 1-2 cheese quarters. Bring dough over filling to center, pinch edges to seal. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place, for about 20 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Makes 16 sandwiches.

This next recipe came from an idea my best friend Sarah gave me, she said she makes it all the time. It sounded good so I looked up the recipe and thought I would give it a try.
Italian Marinated Chicken
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (16 ounce) bottle of Italian style salad dressing
1/3 cup veg oil
To marinate chicken: poke numerous holes in chicken with a fork, place in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and cover with salad dressing. Toss to coat, cover dish, and refrigerate and marinate for 2 hours. To cook: heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and sauté in a skillet for 4-5 minutes in each side, or until cooked through. This is the frying recipe, I'm sure you can also bake this chicken for a healthier dinner.

So I love chicken and dumplings, especially Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings. So a couple years ago I googled Cracker Barrel chicken and dumplings, and I've been making them by that recipe. But it takes forever!!! There is so much involved, and so much time standing in the kitchen and actually cooking it. And now that's nearly impossible with a toddler running round like a wild animal. So I came across a crock pot recipe, and I tried it for the first time last night and boy was it good!!! I was so impressed. I was a little scared, but it was really good. And the best part there is hardly any ingredients needed! Unlike the other recipe I used that had 13 different items, plus you had to make the dumplings from scratch.
Slow cooker chicken and dumplings
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 onion finely chopped (I prefer to use onion powder)
2 (10 ounce) packaged refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces
Place chicken, butter, soup, and onion into slow cooker, fill with enough water to cover. Cover crock pot and cook for 5-6 hours on high. About 30 minutes before serving place the torn dough into the slow cooker. Cook until dough is no longer raw in the center.

This recipe I got off the frenchs French fried onion can. It looked amazing so in had to try it, and it was very very good!!
Crunchy onion chicken
2 cups (4 ounces) French fried onions
2 tablespoons flour
4 boneless chicken breast halves (1 1/4 pounds)
1 egg beaten
Crush fried onions wit flour in a bag. Dip chicken into egg, then coat in onion crumbs. Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees until cooked.

Exciting Adventures & Horrible Tragedy

I haven't posted a blog in 9 months... And yet so much has happened. I guess I'm going to have to recap what's been going on since I last wrote. It's weird to think that I am a wife. And that my last name is different. Ever since I was little I remember dreaming about what it would be like to be married, and how my wedding would be, and how perfect the day would be... And how handsome my husband to be would look. And well my day was more than I could ever have asked for.

I woke up as early as I could, given that my bridesmaids and I went out the night before. We didn't get crazy, just went out for dinner, and then a couple drinks. I got dressed and went to get my nails painted, then for my hair appointment. My hair came out great :) I was so happy with it! Then I went to belk to get my makeup done. I wanted something different so I went for a bold look! But I was happy with my decision :) it seemed like this day was dragging, not going by fast!!! I wanted to marry the love of my life already!! When we finally drove to the yacht club it was getting more and more exciting, as I was setting up last minute things, and the DJ was setting up I was thinking to myself "omg I'm getting married today" I was so blessed to be able to have a nice wedding that all my family and friends could attend. I made it look exactly the way I saw it in my head.

When it finally got down to the putting on my dress part, I was getting so nervous! I hoped everyone was starting to show up, and everything was going as planned. I finally got to wear the dress I fell in love with at David's bridal, the dress I stalked a lady for. And then when I went to another David's bridal they had it in my perfect size, no alterations needed, it was like fate.

When everyone was dressed and ready to go my heart was racing even more!! I hoped that the song I wanted played would work perfect, I hoped I wouldn't fall, I just wanted things to be amazing. When I finally gave the go ahead to the flower girls, and then my bridesmaids, I was thinking holy cow this is happening. I'm getting married, now.

And it was now time, time for my dad to walk me down the aisle and give me away to my soon to be husband, Jason Zimmerman. I was finally getting everything I've ever wanted and more. My dad looked so handsome in his tux. It seemed like forever for the que to go from the DJ. I wanted to walk down at the perfect time in the song.

As I walked down the stairs, I was shaking like crazy! The song that was playing was making me tear up, everything was perfect, just as I saw it in my mind. And as I got to the bottom of the stairs, and finally look up, and see all my guests, it was the most intense feeling ever! And a short second later I saw my beautiful husband to be, looking as handsome as ever in his white tux! I couldn't wait to be his wife.

When I finally reached him, I didn't pay attention to anyone watching, my eyes were on him, ad how amazing he looked, and of course I was thinking, "I hope he likes my dress." As we stood there hand in hand I was shaking like crazy. I kinda just wanted to skip to the i-do's.

It seemed like forever standing there with Jason, but I wish it would have lasted a little longer. I would love to relive that moment. We said out I do's, I was so nervous, but I was ready to be Mrs. Zimmerman. And when the moment of "you may kiss your bride" it was amazing. Kissing my husband for the first time was almost as good as laying my eyes on him for the first time, except now we were married.

As we walked back to where we were greeting everyone it was so nice to see everyone who came to our wedding. We were truly blessed. The only person I remember hugging and talking to was my grandmother, she looked so beautiful, and she started crying but smiling and hugged me so tight, and she said I love you. And it makes me tear up as I write this.

After everyone went upstairs we did some photos, with our bridal party, and then pictures with our families. It was super hard because we had so many little ones, that it was hard to get them all looking at once! But we got some shots in. We got a nice one of my dad, me, my brother, and my mom.

Going into the yacht club and having our fist dance was nerve racking but so much fun!! I loved holding Jason and looking at him, and getting that moment where everyone watched us, and admired the love we created.

The night flew by!!! I couldn't believe how fast it went! It was crazy how you hardly remember one of the biggest days of your life. All I know is I had a great time.


And I hope everyone who came had a great time too. I'm glad we choose the DJ that we did, he was awesome!!! And he played all the songs I wanted him to. Dancing with my husband, family, and friends was a lot of fun! It was defiantly a party.

The only thing I regret is not having a videographer, because I would loved to have watched it over and over again, so I can try and remember everything !! The day went by way too fast! By the time I knew it, it was time to go, and it was the last song. But it was a great end to my perfect day.

My mom had requested a song for my brother and I to dance to, and that was nice that we have those memories, and we got some great pictures too!

We were leaving right from the reception to drive to cape canavral to the hotel, we were leaving for our cruise the next morning. It was a long night!!! But we were not even tired.

On Sunday, we had to wake up early and get to the ship! I was so excited because it was my first cruise. I couldn't wait to get on board and see everything!!

Our room on board was perfect, it had a nice window so we could see outside. I was definitely glad we got the ocean view room. Of course as soon as we boarded we got lunch. And boy was it amazing!!! I knew I was gonna gain at least 5 pounds on this honeymoon. :)





After we ate we explored the ship. I was in awe of everything. I was so glad we got the opportunity to go on a honeymoon, and go on a cruise. The whole cruise flew by, it was so fun!! We had the best time together. The water was beautiful. The islands were amazing. We rented a scooter on Freeport, and got to explore alone. We also found an amazing beach were there was no one in site. Definitely paradise.

The next day we arrived at nassau. We explore the island a bit, but it was kinda creepy and we didn't want to go to far. I wanted to go to Atlantis but it was way to expensive. I know for sure that I waned to go to señor frogs! And that is where we spent the rest of the afternoon. That place was a blast!!! We got so drunk, but it was fun. I never seen my husband drunk before, and boy was it a site to see.






Our time on the ship was amazing, I loved our one on one time together. We liked to sit on the back of the ship in the 21 and over place and just relax. It was so peaceful and quiet. You would just hear the water on the boat. I would love to go on another cruise!!!

It seems like yesterday we were planning our wedding, and now it's over. Now we have been married for 6 months. It's crazy how time flys. But also you must take the time you have on this earth and cherish it, because its taken away so easily.

On August 20th, 2012 my family was heart broken, when my amazing grandmother lost her 2 years long battle with ovarian cancer. She passed away early in the morning, the day before we rushed down to spring hill because my aunt said she didn't have much time left. I had to be with her, I had to see her. But I couldn't only stay that day because at the time I was working at a daycare and I was supposed to work on Monday. We drove down, and I spent the whole day with her. My uncle and aunt were also on there way down, and also my other aunt. It was so hard seeing her like that. When I first walked in the room, I cried. She looked so sad. So weak. I just wanted to take her pain away. When I first arrived she was talking, and I even got to feed her some jello and pudding. And also ice chips, she was saying her throat was dry. It was so sad, she used to be so energetic, so full of life, and now she could barely move. It broke my heart. As the day went on she seemed to be fading. I remember she said to me, "Melissa I'm so sick." I would just sit with her in her bed and look at her, and remember how amazing she was, and how much I hate cancer. I never ever wanted to imagine her not here with us. By the end of the day she was not talking, just saying random things. But she did tell me she loved me. I stalled leaving, even though I knew I needed to get up early and we still had a 3 hour trip. I didn't want to leave, I was afraid it was going to be the last time I saw my grandmother. Before I left, I went in her room and told her how much I loved her. Jason told her he would always take care of Brayden and I. I was so hard walking out of her room.

The next morning I got the call I never wanted, that she was gone, I cried, and cried, and cried. Nothing has ever hurt so bad. I was so close to my grandma. And now I was never going to hear her voice again, she as never going to give me another lecture, never see her get excited when the buccaneers got a touchdown., never have her feed me and everyone until we couldn't eat anymore, never hear her laugh and see how it lighted up the room. And still, she has been gone for 3 months and I still cry, and I still miss her so much, it seems so surreal. How can you accept that someone you have known your whole life is gone. I just don't know, the hardest part is the memories that replay in my head. It seems like she should be sitting in her chair, or cooking dinner. Or playing with Brayden, singing round balley, round balley put the penny here. Is so sad that my son will never get to know her, and my future children will never get to meet her. I'm so blessed she was at my wedding! That will always be a cherished memory of mine. Even though we rushed to have a wedding, I'm so glad we did because my grandma was there with us!!

I love and miss you so much grandma<3 you will be forever in my heart!!

First Post

This is my first ever blog post, well since I was in high school. I figured it would be a great way to write down memories of my life. The good and the bad. I have gone through a lot of things in my short 22 years on this earth. But lessons are always learned either way you look at it. And things eventually get better with time.

I'm not going to waste my time talking about all the things that I would have changed in my life. But nonetheless I got pregnant when i was 19 years old. Which made everything in my life change. I wasn't thinking about how my new found adulthood would be lost. I was so happy I was going to be a mom. Mostly i was caught up in the life i had, and the person I was with. I didn't think things could get any better. Clearly i was wrong. But anyways on September 23rd, 2009 my son Brayden Austgen was born in Spring Hill, Florida. He was the most perfect thing i have ever seen. So beautiful.

It was defiantly the most painful things in my life, but i would do it all over again. It seemed i had the family i have always dreamed about. But after the birth of my son things with my sons father started taking a horrible turn. He was hardly ever around, and i later found out that he was getting into drugs. It progressed from pot, to even worse things. Me caring for him so much i always made excuses for him, stuck up for him, and tried everything to get him help. But anything i did failed. I was exhausted from the long nights of wondering if he was alive or dead. After Brayden turned 1 his father was incarcerated for the first time since i knew him. It was hard, but i thought it would help him get the help that he needed. I stuck around, but those dreams soon crashed as he was arrested again a month later and spent 3 more month in jail. Of course i was there again. Waiting for him to get out. Thinking that THIS was the time that he changed and got clean for himself and his son. But i was wrong very wrong. The soberness lasted for what seemed like a couple days. But of course wanting my family to stay intact I stuck by his side trying to get him help and trying to get it through his head that I knew he could be a better person. I went on countless wild goose chases to find him in the middle of the night, called him 50 plus times in a row, pacing the house, I was literally beginning to think i was the crazy one. I lost my mind. I cried every single day, I dont remember a day where i didn't cry. It was a hard experience for me. I loved him ( or what i thought was love ) so much, and i couldn't let go. It was getting to be more than I could bear, the long nights were getting so hard to handle and I was tired of being sad, because my son deserved so much more than that, and he never was there more him anyways, so I decided to leave, for good. So i packed my things one last time in August of 2011 and I moved into my own apartment.. I was working at the most perfect job i could have asked for, at a psychiatric facility. And i could finally afford to pay my own bills. I was finally slowly getting my own life. It was a nice change. I was hanging out with my friends a lot, working, and taking care of my son.

I went through some ups and down through the next couple of months. I did end up trying to help Brayden's father again, and thinking about changing everything to try to get him clean but I was let down again. Things always happen for a reason.

I remember the night like it was yesterday. It was the night before thanksgiving 2011. And i was going out to a couple bars ( Mermaids & Jerseys) with my friends. We were in total shock of how many people were up there. It was like a high school reunion. As we walked into Mermaids I looked around and realized I knew so many people there. On the left side in between the 2 doors, I seen Jason, my heart dropped to the floor, as it did every time I've seen him out somewhere. I smiled as did he. And it was so crowded, as we walked past we were in touching distance, I remember having a short conversation with him, but have no idea what was said. I was in awe of him, and all i remember saying is well i'm gonna go get a drink. And as we walked away from him, I said to my friend, OMG do you know who that is? Its Jason Zimmerman, omg omg hes so gorgeous! And I seriously did not shut up about him for the rest of the night. It was seriously the best night. We bumped into each other again, well i did it on purpose and we talked for a while, and he bought me a drink. As he was sitting there he kept giving me this look, OH how i will never forget it. So beautiful i thought to myself. I just wanted to kiss him so bad. But i knew he was drinking and I didn't want to regret the actions after. My friends and myself left the bar and walked to the other one. All i wanted to do was go back and see him again, I couldn't get him out of my mind. I eventually walked back and he was standing in the walk way, and we talked again. And eventually ended up outside talking. I was so close to him. Its something In high school i've always dreamed about. He was the most gorgeous things I've ever seen, I had zoology with him when i was in 11th grade and we worked together a couple times. But as we were standing outside he tried to kiss me and i turned my head. I knew that the person i came with who had my keys would be so upset and i didnt want to make anyone mad. I wish I would have let him kiss me. Later that night I said we should hang out sometime, and we exchanged numbers. And as soon as i got in the car i texted him and said just making sure you have my number and we texted the rest of the night. I was in lala land. I was so happy. It was surreal, and I loved every second of it. The next day we made plans for me to come to his parents house for a bon fire. I couldn't believe he was going to bring me to his families house the first time we hung out, though i thought it was amazing. I was so nervous. I had butterflies all night. And after that we went shopping for black Friday, and we hung out the rest of the night into the morning. We stayed up until 8 am. It was the best night of my life. And we talked and were inseparable the rest of the time he was in spring hill.

Long story short, those 5 days were the best days i could have asked for. We hung out as much as we could, as soon as i got off work, until i went to work the next day. And i was supposed to moving into a house and out of my apartment, Jason came and looked at it with me. And as we were inside he said don't do this. He wanted me to move to Jacksonville with him. It was completely spontaneous and crazy, but I was afraid I was going to loose him. It was a hard decision to make, I went back and forth for a while, and talked to people that I worked about it, and they said you only live one go for it. I finally decided to go for it, I thought Jason was the most amazing man I have ever met, and I didn't want to loose him or be away from him. So I moved to Jacksonville, I left my job, my family, and friends for a chance at love. And now, I have never felt more loved or cherished. I literally feel like i'm living a fairy tale. I have the most amazing man, and amazing son. Whom he loves just as much as i love him. He takes care of us. and i am truly blessed. 

Everything has happened so fast to us, but I wouldn't change it. When you know , you just know. :) and i know what I want, to spend my life with Jason Zimmerman, to have a family with him, and love him the rest of my life. So we are getting married on June 2nd, 2012. And I cannot wait to be his wife. I never thought I would feel like this after everything I've went through, but Its amazing. I couldn't be happier. 

And now my life is just beginning, and I am so happy I have found "THE ONE" at the most unexpected time and place. :)