We are into the second trimester now though, and everything is going great so far! We found out that we're having another BOY and couldn't be more thrilled! Chet James Hatcher will hopefully be making his grand entrance around July 6th!
This pregnancy I have been craving CARBS, CARBS, and more CARBS! Which is wonderful since I'm a pre-diabetic and was told by my doctor that I should only gain 10-15 pounds this pregnancy…. But hopefully now that I'm feeling better, healthier foods will taste better. For now, I thought I'd share some of my favorite "comfort foods" that have been my taste buds' best friend for the past few months. I've been loving starch, cheese, and spice, and these 3 dishes I'm going to share have hit the spot every time!
Cheesy Potato and Sausage Bake
I know it doesn't LOOK the most appetizing, but trust me when I say that it is wonderful! (Although the last time it looks like I may have gone a little overboard with the cheese… Whoops). And I've made this a LOT because it's incredibly easy.
You'll just need a package of smoked sausage, potatoes, olive oil, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. You can probably guess, but all you do is chop up your potatoes (however many your heart desires. I usually do around 4-5 medium potatoes), slice the sausage into rounds, and drizzle all with olive oil. Put on a greased, foil-lined cookie sheet and sprinkle with seasonings. Bake at 400 for 45 minutes to an hour, turning every 15 minutes or so. Sprinkle with cheese and then put back in the oven until cheese is melted. Soooo YUM!
The Best Chili Ever
For years I've been missing the perfect chili recipe in my life. But I finally found it when I found this incredible recipe on Pinterest from Jaclyn at Cooking Classy! I've made it for chili dogs, I've put it on a baked potato, and I've just eaten it in a bowl with some Saltines. It is SO good! The only thing I changed in the recipe is I omited the ground coriander (only because I forget to get it every time I go to the grocery store) and I discovered that I love the tomatoes with JALAPENOS instead of green chiles, just to give it a little more kick! (I did this by accident the first time, fixed it the second time, and went back to the jalapenos the third time).
My Mom's Taco Soup
I don't have a picture of this one, but I'm sure I'll be making it again soon, so I'll add one then. I love this stuff because it's easy, great, and brings back childhood memories. You'll need:1 pound ground beef
2 cans white shoepeg corn
1 can black beans
1 can dark red kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can Rotel
1 package dry Ranch seasoning mix
1 package taco seasoning
2 cups water
Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, and corn chips or tortilla chips
Really, all you do is brown some beef and open a few cans. Mix all together and simmer on the stove for a couple of hours, and voila! You have an easy meal for your family. (It also freezes well so you can save the leftovers for later!)
And there you have it! A few comfort meals for your family for these cold winter nights! Enjoy, and just don't turn me in to the Diet Police!! ;-)
