Lemon Orzo Primavera

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 cup orzo pasta
1 clove minced garlic
1 medium zucchini, shredded
1 medium yellow squash, shredded
1 medium carrot, shredded
1 (14oz) can chicken (or vegetable) broth
1 lemon, zested
1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

I didn't have a lemon and had to use lemon juice...it worked well.

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Stir in orzo and cook 2 minutes until golden. Stir in garlic, zucchini, squash, and carrot and cook another 2 minutes.
Pour in the broth and mix in lemon zest. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 miutes, or until liquid has been absorbed and orzo is tender.
Top with Parmesan and serve.

A Great Summer Supper

Last night was one of those nights where I had in my head the menu for supper, but things quickly changed along with the menu. I had this grand plan to make stuffed shells, salad, and bread. It's a crowd pleaser around this house, and all I wanted was a peaceful dinner.
Well, we didn't have anything mentioned above, we had a totally summer supper including fresh veggies...yum!
I scored some fresh vegetables when picking Hunter up at his friend, William's house. Sue (William's mom) is a friend of mine from preschool. She is so wonderful and creative. I'm always impressed by the things she does. So, when she said, "hey come look at our little garden we planted", I didn't know what to expect, but I knew it would be good. Let me just tell you, she had the biggest vegetable plants I have ever seen. She proceeded to load me up with green tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and zucchini, the biggest zucchini in the world. I wish I had taken a picture of it, but didn't.
So, when I realized I didn't have the noodles for stuffed shells, I quickly changed the menu plan for dinner. I'm one of these people who like to "make up" recipes as I go along, and sometimes I'll look at a recipe and find ways to change it. It's like my little science experiment.
I made a huge mess in the kitchen, but that's the fun of cooking, right. And, I didn't take all the pictures that I wanted because I was in a hurry to get it on the table for two hungry kids and a very hungry husband. But, here's the menu:

Lime Tortilla Crusted Chicken Strips
Lemon Orzo Primavera
Fried Green Tomatoes
Corn

It was so good and very summery. Here's a quick look at the recipes for the chicken...the orzo recipe is under recipes...they are so good!

Lime Tortilla Crusted Chicken Strips
1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
2 cups crushed Lime tortilla chips
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp lime pepper
1 egg + water
1/2 cup milk
olive oil

Set out four separate plates like an assembly line. In the first, place in the milk. In the second plate, put in the flour and carefully mix in the lime pepper. Lightly beat the egg and water and place it in the third plate. On the third plate, place in the crushed tortilla chips.
In a skillet (I prefer an iron skillet), heat olive oil on medium to medium-high heat. Now for the dredging. Take the chicken, one tenderloin at a time, and start dipping and covering in plates 1-4. Place in the hot oil and cook until brown on both sides and done in the middle (usually about 4 minutes on both sides).

Chili Salsa Beef

My family LOVES this meal, so I thought I'd share:

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb. round steack; cubed
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 cup salsa
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp soy sauce (I use light)
1 clove minced garlic
2 Tbsp. lime juice
1 1/2 to 2 tsp cilantro
1 cup cooked white rice

Brown beef and onion in olive oil. Add salsa, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic.

Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
Add cilantro and lime juice before serving

Serve with white rice and vegetable (we love broccoli)

The Fun Never Ends...

As I sit here taking a break from the laundry and packing up the beach house, I ponder what a great week we've had.
The kids loved the beach, and once again we made some wonderful family memories that are etched in my brain forever.
I remember childhood vacations to Daytona Beach with my family from a very early age. We always had fun...went fishing on the pier, played in the sand and waves, and had some great times. I truely hope that my children will remember our family vacations and think of them so fondly as I do my own.

Tomorrow we pack up and leave, and I'm a little saddened to know that the giggles and cackles we've had this week will stay in these walls. However, they all warm my heart and even though I can't bottle them up and pack them in our suitcases, I will remember them always. I just hope that the next family who stays here will make the same happy memories as we did, and catch a little glimpse into our paradise of a week.

So, we leave tomorrow with our suitcases in hand, and hopefully a lighter load...remember how packed the Jeep was???

the backseat when we arrived.

But, not to fret because the fun never ends here...we are not going home. We are heading to Delaware to Eric's parents. It's going to be a little longer of a drive than normal...9 hours...oh my. But, we're excited because we get to take Grammy and Poppy to a Phillies game, and you all know how much we love baseball. I think I'm more excited than the kids. I've been wanting to go for like 2 years now! And just think...I might even get to see Chase Utley -*sigh* - and we get to see Halladay pitch...woo hoo!
The only bad thing is that we can't all go as a family, including Eric's brother and his family. Eric scored these awesome tickets through work and they offered him 6, and he thought it would be in bad form to ask for more. We are so bummed...maybe next time.
So, stay tuned for another exciting adventure from the Lentz family, because you never know where we'll end up or what adventures we'll get in to. Now, off to pack these last few things...it's going to be a long day tomorrow.

The Beach, Putt-putt, and Mermaids!

The last couple of days have been so much fun with the kids, my hubby, and some sand between our toes.
Yesterday we set up camp on the beach in front of our house and settled in. I'm not sure if it's a compliment or if it's the fact that our kids just can't do anything without us, but they want to be with us ALL the time. They always seem to "need" us to play or do anything. I know I should feel flattered, and a lot of the times I do, but at times it gets a bit frustrating and we wish they'd spread their wings a little bit. So, Eric and I decided to take a seat and encourage (or force) them to play with each other in the sand and water. Dallas took off towards the ocean and started jumping in the waves, but she was quick to come back up "needing" someone to go down with her. Hunter was perched on his daddy's lap and he was not moving. I went to play a little with her and then went back for a rest.

After A LOT of coaxing and encouraging, and pretty much refusing to go back with them, Hunter got bored and went to meet his sister. Halleluiah....they were playing together and not needing us. We were elated and quickly grabbed the camera. They were having a ball; jumping and riding the waves, and even running from the waves. They were cackling with laughter and we were sitting, relaxing...for once!

We went back to the house for lunch and Dallas was pretty much done with the beach. She was exhausted and decided she wanted to watch TV and not go back to the water. Fine with me, I curled up with my book and laid on the deck reading while she curled up in her daddy's lap and took a nap....that NEVER happens. Eric and Hunter then wanted to go back to the ocean, so Dallas and I stayed behind and took showers and I started dinner.
After an early dinner, we took the kids to play putt-putt. The air was hazy, hot, and stagnent, but by granny we were going to play some putt-putt. Hunter even had to wear his "putt-putt" shirt.

Dallas aiming for a good shot.

Hunter taking a stop to pose with Mommy.

Mommy showing them how it's done.

Hunter was a bit confused when his ball went down the shoot on hole 18.

Let's just say Mommy was on fire. I got the only hole in one, and out of 18 holes shot a 39...yep I'm bragging a little because I won...that just.doesn't.happen. Ok, so the course was pretty easy, but hey I still won and I will take a win anyway I can get it.

We finished up the game and then went for ice cream at a local homemade ice cream joint that was right across the street. I love ice cream, but having acid reflux hinders me from eating it that much, but last night I didn't care, I got a cone with my favorite...strawberry! It was so delicious.

What a fun day!!!
Today we decided to break the week up and head down to Myrtle Beach and go to Broadway on the Beach. Thanks to our good friends, Amy and Alan who gave us so many things to do, see, and places to eat, sent us there for some "good family fun". What a great place. It's like a huge boardwalk with games, shops, and restaurants. Only problem...it was H.O.T. When I say hot, I mean Florida hot...hot, humid, and very sticky. Thank goodness I decided to wear a visor today b/c there would be no good hairday out there today.
We ate lunch at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, and it was delicious!

We let the kids ride some rides, and I must admit that walking around out there brought back so many memories of the traveling fair that would come to my home town every year. The smell of the funnel cakes and the screeching sounds of the brakes on the rides, just took me right back to being a kid...love those memories.

Beep-Beep

A little boat ride

Daddy and Hunter on the carousel ride



The kids loved the upside-down house



Love the tea cups

We all got really hot and decided to visit the Ripley's Aquarium. We were told it was worth the money and boy was it ever. We were there for over two hours. They have a brand new shark exhibit which is very hands-on for the kids. Hunter was in awe...he's our shark lover (just like his daddy).

Watching the diver

We saw a scuba diver feed some fish, and walked around looking at all the fish and sharks.

Our beautiful pearl

But the highlight of the trip...mermaids. Dallas got to meet a "real" mermaid (no, we didn't buy the picture for $15.00 - I know, terrible mommy and daddy). Then we got to watch two mermaids swim in the sting ray tank. It was really cool and both kids were in awe! I have to admit that since Eric and I just saw the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, I look at mermaids in a whole new light...to say the least.

Mermaids putting on a performance.

The trip back to the beach house went well. We thought the kids would pass out, but after making the mistake of buying them "Roo Juice" - which I found out later that it contains 0% juice...oops - the kids just got really giddy and were acting insane in the backseat. Then I had to be the crazy person keeping them awake as we got closer to "home".

Beware of Roo Juice...it makes your kids crazy!

I love vacation. It's a time to relax and enjoy family, and the cackling of kids makes the memories burn into my brain...and mermaids, no one can have a good vacation without mermaids.

The Beach, The Family, and Father's Day

Yesterday we packed up the Jeep, (yes, the kids insisted that we take Eric's new Jeep Wrangler to the beach...and I must admit, we didn't put up much of a fight) and headed for a week at the beach - vacay time. We were a tad bit cramped - to say the least. But to pack up four people, groceries, and beach items, and cram them into a 4-door jeep wrangler, let's just say it's not as roomy as the van. But we fit everything in and off we went.


We were a bit cramped, but pumped to head to the beach.



We had a great afternoon on the beach, a quick dinner here at the house, and put the kids to bed. Eric and I then enjoyed some time on the deck with the sound of the waves crashing, a drink in hand, and good conversation.
The kids actually slept later than we had expected especially with them sharing a room. I made Eric's favorite breakfast for Father's day - well partly all of it.  After breakfast we got ready to hit the beach.
We played in the sand, rode the waves, and built tunnels and sandcastles all morning. It was such a great time.

Hunter really loves jumping the waves.

Dallas loves riding the waves.

You can't see it, but her toes are sticking through the tunnel.

We came in for lunch and to re-apply sunscreen. By the time we got back outside, we saw that the clouds were moving in. Within a few minutes, we saw lightning and then the thunder began to roll. A storm came up and ran us inside. Unfortunately the storms kind of lingered and made us stay in the rest of the afternoon. It was kind of nice though. The kids played a little, Eric watched golf, and I read some of my new book, Summer Rentals by Mary Kay Andrews (I just love her).

The kids began to get ansty, and we knew it was time for showers. We then went to dinner at a Marina and it was delicious.

The kids were so tired that they crashed as soon as we got home. And now, I'm uploading today's pictures and writing this blog :o).

I'm sure tomorrow will bring the same adventures as today, but I wouldn't want anything more. Time with my family on the beach makes for such a wonderful day, I couldn't ask for anything better.

BLT Roll-ups

I also made these for my summer fun party. They were really good and a huge hit. I fould this one in the latest Kraft Food and Family magazine as well. Here's the recipe:

4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
8 slices bacon, cooked, and crumbled
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
2-3 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1/2 cup shredded lettuce

Mix cream cheese and mayo in a medium bowl. Add bacon and tomatoes, mix well.

Spread onto tortillas; top with lettuce. Roll up tightly.

Put in fridge for 30 minutes to cool and set. Cut into 7 diagonal slices.

Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Lemon-Blueberry Crumb bars

I made these for my summer fun party and they were a huge hit. I found the recipe in the latest edtion of the Kraft Food & Family Magazine. Here's the recipe:

1/2 cup butter
1 pkg (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
2 eggs, divided
2 tsp. zest and 3 Tbsp. juice form 1 lemon, divided
2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line 13X9 pan with foil, with ends extending over the sides. Spray with Pam.

3. Microwave butter in large microwaveable bowl on high 1 minute or until melted. Add cake mix, 1 egg, and 1 Tbsp. lemon juice. Beat with mixer until well blended. Press 2/3 of the mixture onto bottom of prepared pan.

4. Beat cream cheese and sugar with mixer until well blended. Add remaining egg, lemon juice, and zest; mix well. Pour over crust; top with berries.

5. Pinch small amounts of the remaining cake mixture and press lightly into the cream cheese layer.

6. Bake 48-50 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 1 hour. Use foil handles to lift from pan before cutting into bars. Keep refrigerated.

Summer Fun Party

I've been having an itch recently to host a party. We all know how much I love hosting parties. I love the planning, the food, the decorating, and of course the actual event. I love all kinds of parties: birthday parties, showers, adult parties, parties for no reason...I love them all. My kids have birthdays in back to back months, and as much as I love planning their parties, I feel like I get them done at Christmas time, which is the craziest time of the year, and then there's nothing. So, I decided to throw a Summer Party. School's out and what better way to enjoy summer than with a slip-n-slide and some friends, right?
I had so much fun planning this party. I quickly went to one of my favorite websites, http://www.polkadotmarket.com/, and started looking around for inspiration. I came across their cute ice cream cone napkins that had, "take a break....splish splash...kick back" written at the bottom. Perfect. I ordered them. Then I decided on my colors, orange and light blue (great summer colors), and I ordered some of their polkadot balloons - love them.
I started picking things up along the way for the party and settled on a menu. I guess I should rewind a little and tell you that one of my inspirations for having this "themed" party was a friend of mine telling me she made aquarium jell-o cups for her son's end of year party. How clever I thought, and what a great thing to make for a summer party. Yeah, they didn't get made. I ended up making beachy themed cupcakes instead.

There's the beach ones, ones with teddy grahams swimming, and can't forget the shark fins - Fins Up!

I've been working on things the past couple of nights, because if you know me and know my parties, it's all about detail and the presentation. I love to see it all presented so perfectly...yes I'm a bit of a perfectionist...you can't blame me, I get it from my Daddy.
My kids were so excited this morning and really helped set things up. I got the food together and set it on the table. I was going to have everything outside, but with it being so hot I decided to keep it inside. I loved how everything turned out.

 

Lemon-blueberry Crumb bars (From Kraft Magazine)-will post in recipes

BLT Roll-ups (From Kraft Magazine) - will post in recipes

Popcorn - just the regular microwave kind (I just liked the presentation)

I had to show off the cute napkins I got from Polkadotmarket.com.

We set the sprinkler and the kiddie pool up outside along with some bubbles...because every kid loves bubbles. I also had gotten all the kids beach balls and put their names on them. At one point there were about 5 kids and 16 beach balls in the kiddie pool...boy they were having fun! After playing in the sprinkler for a while we set up the new slip-n-slide. The kids were so good. They all formed a line and took turns so nicely. They had a ball.

Then it was time for a popsicle break.

It was an awesome party. I love to feed people and make them happy, and I can happily say that there wasn't a morsel of food left. Everyone ate until it was gone and then we popped pizzas in the oven...now that is a good summer party!

You know it's a good party when you can sleep on your Mama's chest upright!