My Version of Neiman Marcus Dip

I tried this dip at a Pinterest party (which was fantastic and so much fun, by the way) and thought it was delicious. Every priesthood conference the women together and some snacks and I chose this, and as you can it was a big hit. I just took a picture of what was left for me to bring home. So here we go my knock off Neiman Marcus Dip:

8 oz package of cream cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
4 green onions sliced (really however many you want)
1 small package of slivered almonds
Garlic Powder

Cream together mayonnaise and cream cheese. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and sprinkle garlic powder. I am sure it would be good with bacon bits as well, I was just too lazy to defrost and then cook the bacon. Enjoy with crackers or bread. I made the wheat baguette which will have to be another post.

The letter Q

The Silly One was learning about the letter Q one day at school. They made a crown for the "Queens of the House." He was so excited to give it to me and I was happy to wear it. 

I often don't feel like a queen while cleaning up this and that, changing poop in pull-ups or countless other things that happen in a day. But hugs and love from my boys definitely make me feel closer to that!

Hawaiian Coconut Rice

Here is a delicious side that my family enjoyed, especially the boys! (You know it is a keeper when they love something other than hot dogs.) I don't know how much like Rumbi Rice this is because I don't really care for Rumbi and it is just what the recipe said when I got it. 

Hawaiian Coconut Rice with Red Beans (aka Rumbi Rice)

2 cup long grain white rice
2 1/2 cups water
1 (14 oz.) can coconut milk (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 tbsp. sugar
1 can red beans, drained and rinsed

Combine all ingredients in a rice cooker. Gently stir it all together so the beans are mixed in. Place the lid on and start the rice cooker. Fluff rice with a fork before serving. 
If you don't have a rice cooker: combine water, coconut milk, and sugar in a saucepan. Stir in rice and beans. Bring to boil over medium heat. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 18-20 minutes until rice is cooked. 

I used a lite coconut milk and think the regular would have more flavor. We'll be having this again.

Lemon Parmesan Chicken

It is April and I am ready for grilling season, anyone else with me? I think the hit and miss 60's days are tricking me. Here is another of our favorites on the grill. And the best part is that it is about 170 calories per serving!

Marinade:
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/4 cup lemon juice

2 chicken breasts
grated Parmesan cheese

Mix marinade ingredients and add chicken. Let sit for a few hours and they are ready to grill. Cook chicken until juice run clear. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt. Enjoy!

I've done this and other marinade meals as freezer meals. You just mix the marinade, add the chicken, label the bag and freeze!