Caprese Pasta Salad

I love this time of year when I can finally enjoy some of the fresh herbs and vegetables I am growing and go to Farmer's Market's. This recipe is adapted from Caprese Salad, which I like but sometimes I want it to be more of a meal. On these days where it seems too hot to cook I really enjoy salads. If you aren't a fan of basil, this probably won't be the salad for you, but add what you like and what you have on hand. You don’t have to be exact with the measurements just taste it along the way until it's how you like it.
Here's what you need:

• fresh basil, I just picked a small handful of leaves and cut them into small pieces
• med to large tomatoes, 1-2 diced, you can use canned I would use about 1/2-1 c drained or cherry tomatoes halved
• 3 c pasta, I use rotini or penne, but anything about that size works
• Simply Homemade Olive Garden Italian Dressing (optional) or you could drizzle it with olive oil or use your own Italian Dressing
• fresh Mozzarella cheese, I buy the BelGioioso brand, I use about 1/2 of the ball and cut into cubes
• salt and pepper to taste

 You can add olives or any veggies you like, or make it with Gluten-free rotini.
 Enjoy!

~Simply Angie

White Chili Chicken Cheese Soup

It is a perfect day to make soup in the Midwest! It’s April and tomorrow is supposed to be snowing, windy and cold. This yummy recipe is adapted from our Aunt Joanne. We adjusted a few things to shorten the prep time. 😀

Ingredients:
8 c chicken stock
2 c rotisserie chicken, diced or shredded
2 cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 c salsa
1 1/2 c corn
2 c shredded Colby-Jack cheese

Mix all ingredients except the cheese in a crock pot. Cook on high for two hours.
Or you can cook it on the stove in a large pan over medium heat for about 30 minutes.
Add the cheese during the last 10-15 minutes.

I serve this with crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of plain yogurt (or our Simply Homemade Creme Fraiche) and an extra pinch of shredded cheese. It’s delicious!

Love and peace,
~ Tammi and Angie

White Chocolate Coconut Easter Nests

White Chocolate Coconut Easter Nests

Every year around this time of year, I make these nests for the coconut lovers in the family. They are so easy, fast to make, and even if you don't like coconut, they look pretty on a tray! The kids can even help with this recipe.
Ingredients:
2 cups flaked coconut
1 bag white chocolate chips
2 drops green food coloring
pastel color M&M candies or jelly beans to use for the eggs in the nest

• Melt white chocolate chips in a glass bowl (I used my Pampered Chef batter bowl). I melted the chips for 2 minutes on 50% power in the microwave. You can use any flavor chips if you don't like white chocolate.
• Stir the chips after they have melted and add 2 drops of green food coloring. 
• Add coconut and stir until it is coated with the white chocolate. 
• I use a small cookie dough scoop to form a ball and place the nests on waxed paper or parchment paper. Poke your thumb in the center to make a small dip in the nest. 
• Place your candies in the middle of each nest and cool about 30 minutes. 
• These freeze well or you can store them in tightly sealed container. Depending on the size of your nests, this makes about 20-30. I vary my sizes from big to small.

Love and peace,
~ Simply Tammi and Angie

Homemade Gift Ideas Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of our Simply Homemade Gift Guide! You can check out the Part 1 Food Gift Ideas if you missed it - Food Gift Ideas.

1.  Memo Picture Board
2. Tile Coasters 
3. Homemade Lotion 
4. Homemade Cookie or Cupcake Platter 
5. Coconut Sugar Scrub 
6. Brown Sugar Scrub 
7. Simmering Holiday Potpourri 
8. Bath Salts 
9. Display In a Jar 
10. Ball Jar Soap Dispenser 
11. Lotion Bars 
12. Jewelry Magnets 
13. Simply Sewing Drink Mats 
14. Paper Flowers 
15. Powder Laundry Soap  
16. Liquid Laundry Soap 
17. Spiced Sink Scrubber 
18. Cute Cupcake Decoration or Ornament  
19. Play Clay For the Kids Can Be Dried for Ornaments Too!
20. Beautiful Bows for Gifts
21. Make Your Own Tote Bags - Great for Groceries or for the Kids 
22. Simple Cloth Napkins  
23. Homemade Air Freshener in a Jar 
24. Simply Homemade Soap 

Have some fun ideas of your own? Please share with us in the comments below!

~Simply Angie and Tammi