5 Recipes I Wonder How I Lived Without

If there's one thing life as a parent never lacks, it's the opportunity to be a hypocrite. Last night I was complaining to my husband that Em wants to eat ALL DAY LONG, while shoving food into my mouth. Hmmm. 

Yes, food and I get along. I don't profess to be an expert culinarian. The only way I will end up on the Food Network is as a taste tester. But occasionally I come across recipes that fool people into thinking I'm a good cook. And because deceit is oh so fun, I wanted to share them with you.

1. Roasted Chicken Penne

A friend made this for me, and I knew after one bite that I would go to any length to get the recipe. Luckily she handed it over willingly, and nobody got hurt. In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit it took me about a year to get up the courage to make it. Not that it's terribly difficult--I was just a woefully inexperienced cook at the time (my husband and I were surviving on Pasta Roni and Taco Salad), and had never purchased things like olive oil or kosher salt. This recipe makes enough for about eight people, but I never half it, because it tastes great leftover, too. (Warning: do not forgo the feta cheese. It makes this recipe!)

2. Truly Tropical Smoothie

Confession: sometimes when I drop off our recycling, I go through the magazine recycling bin (if it's stacked high enough that I don't have to jump in :). And one time I scored an outdated issue of Health magazine, in which I found this smoothie recipe. I believe fate brought us together. I make it about every week (sometimes more) and have not yet tired of it.

3. Roasted Red Pepper and Ham Sandwich

There's not much of a story here. Girl meets sandwich. Girl falls in love with sandwich. Girl and sandwich live happily ever after.

 4. Buttermilk Syrup

I got this recipe from my sister-in-law, who made it to lure information out of me (not really, but I would've told her anything she wanted to know). This syrup is a sneaky way to have dessert for dinner. I would honestly take a bath in it.

5. Beef Stew

My grandma gave this recipe to me at my recipe-themed wedding shower. I don't think I attempted it until after she passed away. Now it is a sentimental and delicious dish, that will heat you up from the inside out on a cold day (though I've been known to make it in the summer). 

(Print all 5 recipes)

I hope you enjoy this random collection of yum! Sorry there aren't any pictures. Food doesn't seem to hang around our house long enough to be photographed. What are the recipes you can't live without?