onion Archives - Simply Happenstance

Classic Tuscan Soup

January 21, 2015

Classic Tuscan Soup //

It’s winter… but I live in Southern California, so it’s not reallllllly winter! I surely can’t relate to those of you shoveling snow and bundling up in your cozy cold-weather gear. Where I live, we’ve had a few days of cooler weather, some rain, and even one day of random snow {can you believe it?}… but for the most part, we’ve had many days in the 70’s. {I’m not complaining, I assure you!}

Despite the warmer weather we’ve had this past week, I do still crave cups of soul-warming food and steaming hot beverages! This Classic Tuscan Soup completely takes care of those seasonal cravings. It’s filled with earthy, satisfying vegetables and hearty white beans. It’s a healthier soup, so for those of you eating clean… this one’s for you! [Read more…]

Healthier Spinach Artichoke Dip

November 13, 2014

:: Healthier Spinach Artichoke Dip ::

I’m an appetizer and dessert girl. {In fact, I could almost do away with all other types of meals. Small bites of scrumptious food, paired with some fresh fruit or a salad, is sometimes all that I want!} Trader Joe’s makes a delicious spinach artichoke dip that they sell in their freezer aisle. My husby and I have been hooked on it for a while. We love dipping spicy soy + flaxseed chips or pita wedges into the creamy mixture! Since it’s a favorite light lunch for us, I thought I would try to make my own version of the dip… only healthier {that way I can eat more of it, right?!!}.

The original recipe I found on the Food Network created by Ellie Krieger. I adapted a few items in the mixture with ingredients that I prefer {like Greek yogurt in place of sour cream}. I love how it turned out and I hope that you do, too! [Read more…]

Firehouse Salsa

July 3, 2014

:: Firehouse Salsa ::

It’s the day before the Fourth of July, and you need to make a quick appetizer… this easy Firehouse Salsa is sure to make your holiday spicy and fun! Who doesn’t love a good restaurant salsa?{Not to mention some salty tortilla chips!} They are a favorite of mine, but I have to admit I am a salsa snob. Both Sara and I are married to firefighters, and let’s just say they have to know how to cook. Yes it wasn’t something that they knew before entering the fire department, but it was something that they had to learn. When my husband was working as a reserve, the fire department he was volunteering for prided themselves on making the BEST salsa in the area and this is their secret recipe…..

[Read more…]

Cheesy Tamale Pie

June 3, 2014

:: Cheesy Tamale Pie ::

Life is a balancing act. This Cheesy Tamale Pie is the perfect example of that. I have made this recipe over a hundred times in my married life. It is epitome of Mexican comfort food, but it also can be made as a healthier version when you need to cut back on the calories. So don’t fear, you can enjoy this casserole while making your family as happy as “pie”… Cheesy Tamale Pie that is!

[Read more…]

Creamy Tomato Soup

February 11, 2014

:: Creamy Tomato Soup ::

There is nothing like Creamy Tomato Soup on a cold winter’s day. It truly can warm the soul. I myself love soup and I look forward to cold days when I can make a batch. I often like to double my soup recipes, and save half for later. It’s best enjoyed when I can’t think of what to make myself for dinner… when the kids are covered, and my husband is away for work. When I have a plan, like homemade soup in the freezer, it makes life that much more enjoyable!

I know at this point in your lives, you have tasted a million Creamy Tomato Soups. You have your favorite go-to place that you like to buy a bowl with lunch or dinner. Hey my favorites are Sundried Tomato and Paradise Bakery! This Creamy Tomato Soup tastes much like one of my favorites, and that is why I love it so! I had a severe addiction to Tomato soup during my pregnancies.

It only takes a few key ingredients and a little bit of love and you’ll have yourself a steamy bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup in the comfort of your cozy kitchen! A perfect start to any meal {such as Valentine’s Day}, or add a salad and some crusty sourdough, and you have a simple yet delicious meal on a Tuesday night.

Classic Tuscan Soup //

:: Healthier Spinach Artichoke Dip ::

:: Firehouse Salsa ::

:: Cheesy Tamale Pie ::

:: Creamy Tomato Soup ::

{Turkey Meatball Recipe}

This turkey meatball recipe is a great combination of sweet and savory.

It is a light recipe adapted from a Cooking Light Recipe that

I found years ago, but have yet to find the original online.

I use turkey meat but you can also make these with

extra lean ground beef, depending on what your family prefers.

With the sauce, I find that you can make these meatballs

lighter with the ground turkey meat and not miss

on taste.