Balsamic Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
3 cloves of minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste

Place chicken breasts in a zip-top plastic bag. Combine balsamic vinaigrette, garlic and crushed red pepper and pour over chicken. Seal bag and refrigerate for 1-4 hours (the longer, the better). Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove chicken from bag and place in a baking dish. Pour remaining marinade over chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until juices run clear. Alternately, grill chicken over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side.

* Who doesn't love a super easy dinner dish? I prepared the marinade the night before so the chicken could soak up the flavors extra long. It was so fast to put together! The chicken had a wonderful flavor! I cooked it in the oven with the extra marinade and it came out so moist. Next time I am going to switch it up and grill it. I served it with mixed vegetables and buttermilk rolls.

Recipe & photo from Let's Dish

Sweet and Sour Meatballs and Fried Rice

1 to 1-1/2 lbs ground beef (I used 1 lb and it made 14 meatballs)
3/4 cup oats

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Mix ingredients and form into 12 2-inch balls. Place in casserole dish, cover with sauce (recipe follows) and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Sauce for meatballs

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup vinegar

1 tsp mustard

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Fried Rice

1/4 lb. bacon

1 cup diced onion

3/4 cup diced celery

1 bell pepper, diced (I used 1/2 each of a red and green pepper.)

3 Tbsp soy sauce

3 cups COLD, cooked rice (I cooked mine before I started everything else so it was warm and turned out fine when heated through with everything.)

Cook bacon until crisp. Remove from pan and sauté vegetables in bacon fat. Add rice and soy sauce until heated through. Crumble bacon on top and stir all together.

* We were a bit hesitant to try this in our house since we are not fans of meatballs but they were simply amazing! The meatballs and sauce had such a delicious flavor. The rice was so simple to make and it turned out incredible. Neither my husband or myself could get enough of this meal! This recipe is a keeper for sure!

* Photo and Recipe from See Jane Cook!

Mom's Award Winning Banana Bread

2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter or shortening
1 cup (2 medium) bananas - mashed (I always use the mixer on them first to get them smooth and it is best if they are going bad)
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup milk and 1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Combine dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and bananas. Blend well. Combine milk and lemon juice. Add dry ingredients to banana mixture alternately with milk. Stir in nuts. Spread into 2 greased loaf pans (8" or 9" square pan works too). Bake at 350* for 60-70 minutes (check at 50 minutes) or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

* I have never found a better banana bread recipe before! My mom won numerous state and county fair awards for this delicious bread and it is a family & neighbor favorite.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

Sugar Free Hot Cocoa (only 25 calories!) or you can use a regular hot cocoa mix
Skim Milk
Ice
Chocolate Protein Powder, optional

1. Place all ingredients in the blender.
* I usually put in a handful of ice cubes and cover the ice with skim milk. You can adjust this to your liking.
2. Blend for deliciousness.
3. Enjoy!

* This was yummy, refreshing, and light. I loved how simple and healthy it was and a great way for me to feel like I am having dessert and increasing my fluids at the same time. I love how it gets frothy on top. I made this for my daughter with a normal hot cocoa packet, 2% milk, and a little squirt of chocolate syrup for added chocolate flavor and she guzzled it down. This has quickly and easily become a favorite in our house!

* Photo and Recipe from Just Cook Already

Famous Rotel Cheese Dip

1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cut into 1" cubes.
10oz can diced Rotel tomatoes & green chilies

In a saucepan, combine ingredients; stir over low heat until cheese spread is melted.
Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables.

Microwave: Place ingredients in a covered casserole. Microwave on HIGH until
cheese spread is melted, about 5 minutes, stirring once.

* I have never been a big fan of queso and it's almost never made in our home but this is the one queso recipe that I will always eat if it's in front of me. The Superbowl was the perfect excuse to make this super easy and yummy dip!