Tater Tot Casserole Recipe with Allens Veggies as I am a Proud Allens Ally

I decided to let everyone know this month that sometimes I love to eat things that taste awesome and may have a “few” extra calories in the ingredients. Hey I am a proud Allens Ally but, I am human too! I don’t always cook the healthiest meals, but that is okay. Especially if I chose wisely and don’t over indulge all the time. What can I say….I am a rebel…and bend the rules every now and then.

But even some of these indulgences contain healthy veggies thanks to Allens. By the way, how many of you knew that Allens also packages veggies under other labels? Have you ever seen these brands at your local grocery store?

Princella, Sugary Sam, Trappey’s, Veg.all, Wagon Master, Freshlike, Popeye, Alma, Royal Prince, East Texas Fair and Crest Top to name a few. Yes these ARE Allens products!

Okay one more fun and important fact about Allens. They are an American family-owned and operated company that has been making safe and quality vegetables since 1926. Wow! Thank you Allens for supporting LOCAL American farmers and helping our economy!

Back to me falling off the health wagon…One of my recipes that my family and I love to indulge in is my Tater Tot Casserole. But this is not your mother’s casserole. I need to WARN all the readers right now…..If you try this recipe you will never go back to boring old flavor less Tater Tot Casserole.

Well if you are still reading here is my recipe:

Ingredients:

Large bag of frozen tater tots

1 ½ pounds browned ground beef

1 can Allens green beans - drained

1 can Allens peas - drained

1 can Allens corn - drained

1 – can condensed cream of mushroom or celery soup

1 cup chopped onion

1 – 16oz container sour cream

12oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon season salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan.

In a large mixing bowl add all ingredients except the frozen tater tots. Mix well.

Place mixture in the prepared pan. Line the frozen tater tots on top of the mixture.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Now that I have shared my deep dark secret, I think it is time to work out (yes, my knee is still gaining strength and I have been able to slow start working out again!!).

Hearty Allens Minestrone Soup Recipe - Allens Ally Post February 2011

I am a Allens Ally and do monthly posts on their veggie site. Here is my post for February and one of my recipes for Minestone Soup.

It is hard to believe we are already a month into the New Year.  So how is everyone doing with any New Year's resolutions?  Is everyone eating healthier and trying to get fit?  What are you going to do this year to positively affect someone?

I am pleased to report that I reached one of my goals already...I donated ten inches of my hair to help make wigs for women cancer patients. 

It was such an awesome and moving experience.  I was fortunate during my battle with Cervical Cancer, I did not suffer any hair loss.  But being a survivor makes you realized not to take the little things in life for granted.  To cherish each and every moment and try to leave a positive impact on your family, friends, community, county and world.  I felt by donating my hair it would give a cancer patient the chance to have some normalcy back into her life...to walk proud during her battle of a lifetime..and feel beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

I am still getting use to having very short hair and so is my family.  It was neat explaining to my young boys why "Mommy" was getting her hair cut off.  They seemed to understand how important it was to help others who are sick.  They are very in tune to that concept after my battle, and how others helped us in many different ways.  I love that I was able to give a part of myself to help another.

My knee continues to get stronger and stronger.  It will not be long and I will be able to start working out again.  I am looking forward to that day.  Working out helps me distress from a busy day and makes me feel better physically and emotionally.  It is so important to stay physically active and eat a healthy diet...it can make a huge different in your over all health...and reduce your risk for cancer. 

Allens products makes it easier for my family and I to eat healthier.  I love having a lot of their canned veggies and beans on hand.  They are easy to store and have a long shelf life (which is not an issue at our house).  I am one of those types of cooks that LOVES to "sneak" veggies into dishes without people knowing they are in there.  And I enjoy fixing meals that are full of Allens healthy and delicious products.

Because it has been very cold here I continue to make a lot of soups and stews. One of my family favorites is Minestrone Soup.  I have included my recipe, as I finally measured it out this time.  I will admit this recipe changes from time to time on what I have available in the pantry...so get creative and enjoy your Allens today.

Ingredients:

2 pounds lean hamburger
5 medium carrots - cut into pieces
1 large onion - diced
1 can Allens Dark Red Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can Allens Butter Beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can Fresh Like (Allens brand) whole kernel corn (drained)
1 can cut Allens green beans (drained)
1 can Popeye's Spinach (drained)
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
29oz of Tomato Sauce
64oz Beef Broth
1 Tablespoon and 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley
2 teaspoon Oregano
1 1/2 cups uncooked pasta (elbows)

Directions:

Brown Hamburger in a large stock pot.  Drain.  Add all other ingredients - less the uncooked pasta.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a gentle simmer.  Simmer approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours - until carrots are tender.  Add uncooked pasta into soup 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy a hearty bowl of this Minestrone soup with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and a piece of crusty bread.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

I hope 2011 has blessed everyone with a positive and healthy beginning.  The New Year arrived in Blizzard fashion here in Nebraska.

Allens Veggies asked me to share a Good Luck recipe on my personal blog - Sandhills Black Eyed Pea Salsa

Besides this recipe being delicious - It coud be considered a bowl of Cancer Fighting Agents.  Here is why:

*Antioxidants are essential for destroying free radicals and offers the body protection against heart disease, cancer and aging. According to some studies, Black Beans are so rich in antioxidants that it ranks in first place when calculated on a gram for gram basis, above other varieties of beans.

*Red peppers are one of the few foods that contain lycopene, a carotenoid whose consumption has been associated with lowering the risk of prostate cancer and cancers of the cervix, bladder and pancreas.

*Brightly colored bell peppers, whether green, red, orange or yellow, are rich sources of some of the best nutrients available. Peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C and vitamin A (through its concentration of carotenoids such as beta-carotene), two very powerful antioxidants that are thought to help ward off cancer.

*Consuming foods rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid found in highest amounts in red bell peppers, pumpkin, corn, papaya, tangerines, oranges and peaches, may significantly lower one's risk of developing lung cancer.

*Tomatoes carry really high amounts of betacarotene and lycopene that help fight off cancer causing cells.

*Studies show that the organic ingredient of garlic, allyl sulfur, another active ingredient in garlic, are effective in inhibiting or preventing cancer development.

Well now that I am starting my New Year off on a lucky and healthy note thanks to my new recipe - we must not forget how important it is throughout the year to make positive food and health choices. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, which I take very seriously as a proud cervical cancer survivor. I want to share a few reminders during this important month...

Pap test screening is the first line of defense against cervical cancer. Pap tests are recommended for women every other year after the age of 21. Regular gynecological Pap tests detect most cell changes due to HPV long before they become cancer. Early detection of these precancers can be effectively treated before they become malignant. Unfortunately, four out of five women do not receive their regular Pap Test. In 2010 more than half of the women diagnosed with cervical cancer either never had a Pap or were not screened in the last five years.


In recent years, breakthrough vaccines have been developed that protect against the HPV types responsible for an estimated 70% of cervical cancers.

As we all know there always are exceptions to the rules. I was one of the exceptions with how the beginning stages of my cancer were some how missed by all.  But that is why yearly exams and paps are a necessity!  If you are a woman - have you had a pap within the last 12 months? If you haven't ----stop reading this post right now!!----Pick up your phone and make what could be the most important phone call of your life. Schedule your yearly exam and pap.  If you are a man - have those special ladies in your life had their pap's completed within the last year?  Don't be afraid to ask - It just shows you care.

I am excited to show everyone how long my hair has grown.  Later this month I will be making my hair donation to help out fellow cancer patients.  I look forward to showing everyone my new hair style very soon.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Leftover Turkey Recipe Called "Delicious" Thanks Allens Veggies

I thought I would take the time to share my month blog post from the iloveallens website.  If you haven't checked it out  - you have to.  I am a Proud Allens Ally.  In turn for my monthly blog and receive coupons for free Allens Veggies - how cool is that.

Here is my monthly blog post for Allens Veggies - along with a new recipe I came up with to use up some Leftover Turkey.....  Enjoy!

I am so thankful this year for my health (being Cancer-free, but still healing from knee surgery) and my wonderful family. I live each and every day to the fullest hoping to make a difference in this busy world. Don’t forget to take time before 2010 is over and we all ring in 2011 – to remember what you are thankful for. Who has made a difference in your life? Have you told them lately? What are you going to do to try to leave a positive mark on society today, tomorrow and in the years to come?


Don’t forget with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to make sure you are eating healthy and getting the necessary servings of fruits and vegetables. There are always different ways you can incorporate this items into meals and especially leftovers.

I made up a new recipe for our turkey leftovers this year from Thanksgiving. My family loved it, including my 3 young boys. I think I may try this recipe out with our ham leftovers – I am certain we will have from Christmas.

Here is my recipe – I am not sure what I should call it, other than delicious! Anyone have any suggestions? My 5 year old son kept asking while he was eating it – if he was going to be strong like “Popeye”.

Ingredients:

10 slices bacon – baked crisp and crumbled

1 large onion - chopped

½ cup chopped onion

3 cups cooked rice (I like ½ brown rice and ½ white rice)

1 can Allens Popeye’s Spinach Drained

¾ teaspoon celery salt

1 can (10 ¾ oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

1 can (10 ¾ oz) condensed cream of celery soup

¾ cup Sour Cream

Enough sliced turkey leftovers for 9 people – can also dice the turkey

½ cup dry bread crumbs

1 Tablespoon melted butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook bacon until crisp in a pan. Remove bacon from pan and place of paper towels. Save 3 tablespoons of the drippings and sauté the 1 large chopped onion and celery salt – until tender.

Combine rice, bacon, cooked onion mixture, ½ cup raw onion and spinach. Combine the condensed cream of soups and sour cream. Next stir half of the mixture into the rice and vegetable combination.

Spoon the rice and vegetable mixture into a lightly greased 9 X 12-inch baking pan.

Place the turkey over the rice and vegetable mixture.

Spoon the remaining soup and sour cream mixture over the turkey.

Toss the bread crumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle around the edge of the pan.

Place in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until browned around the edges.

I know this post is shorter than some of my others – but I think it is important to make sure everyone takes the time to enjoy this holiday season and spend time with loved ones. Hey! So what are you doing reading this? Go get busy and enjoy the holidays.

Crockpot Chili and Halloween Perfect Recipe 4 a Wonderful Evening

I just finished putting my Halloween Tradition Crockpot Chili  on so it will be ready in perfect time for tonight.  I also put on a second batch so my husband can take it to work tonight for everyone to enjoy.

 It is wonderful to head in with our children after a cool night of Trick or Treating to a warm bowl of this delicious chili - with cinnamon rolls.  I is a great way to counter-act all the sweets from their exciting night.

I tried this recipe 3 years ago on a Halloween Night and it was an instant family favorite.  I am just excited to be healthy this year to enjoy Halloween with our boys.  The last to years I have been recovering from major surgery dealing with Cervical Cancer. 

This recipe is perfect as I can put it on in the morning before work and it is ready for supper when I get home after a busy day. Here is my recipe.


Ingredients:


2 pounds of ground beef (can use 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of ground turkey)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 large onion, chopped

¾ cup water

1 can (10 ¾ oz) Condensed Tomato Soup

1 can (14 ½ oz) diced tomatoes

2 cans Allens Kidney Beans

1 can Allens Carrots, finely chopped

¼ cup chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

Directions:

Brown ground beef in a skillet – pour off fat.

Mix ground beef, garlic, onion, water, soup, tomatoes, beans, carrots, chili powder and cumin in crock pot

Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours or high 4 to 5 hours.

* I love to use crock pot liners as it makes the clean up effortless*

Do you have any Halloween Recipe traditions?  If so please share.

And Happy Halloweennnnnnnnn!