I couldn’t resist making another flag snack this Labor Day weekend. However, this time I wanted to change-up my old “go to” flag recipe. I envisioned a smaller flag using raspberries for my red color. It worked out great. There is nothing easier than making these kabobs. I must admit that I think this smaller version is prettier. This all American treat is always a favorite with the kids too.
A little heat and color makes these southwestern stuffed peppers oh so good! I purchased these beautiful peppers from our local grocery store that is known for its awesome produce, Dierbergs. And, of course, I doubled the recipe because we like left overs in this house. However, they did not last long.
Ingredients
6 Peppers of any color (best with four lobes, check bottom)
Rinse peppers in cold water. Cut each pepper in half lengthwise, through the stem, removing all seeds.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Brown the ground beef in a large frying pan, breaking up the meat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add taco seasoning, salsa, rice, black beans, and corn. Cook and stir all together for 5 minutes.
Fill each pepper half with stuffing. Place in large corning ware and cover.
Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over all the pepper halves. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
Enjoy these hardy peppers with a light salad or as a meal.
Once you go, You Know! Jamaica‘s tag line is so true!
The St. Louis Cooks have been away soaking up the rays, eating some awesome jerk food, and listening to some great music. It’s been over eight years since I’ve been to Jamaica. I didn’t realize how much I missed the warm Jamaican people, the awesome jerk food, and the incredible music and dance. It was the kids first visit to the island and they’re already asking to go back. Ya Mon!
Once you go, you know!
We had the pleasure of staying at the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites, thanks to my awesome mother n law for treating 15 family members. This resort was the perfect home for seven nights of fun and relaxation. I travel for both business and pleasure. I must admit this resort is top of my list for a family vacation. It offered non-stop fun and excitement especially for the kids, with beach aerobics, kids games, feeding the fish, and evening shows in the theatre. Every day at 3:00 PM, the awesome star entertainment staff danced the Cupid Shuffle and the Wobble dance, along with all the kids in our family. We didn’t have any shy ones in the bunch! In addition to the hotel activities, some family members went scuba diving for the first time. I can’t believe that my 11-year-old daughter was one of them, but she loved it.
I’m a firm believer in experiencing the culture and checking out an excursion or two. Dunns River Falls is a must see in Jamaica. If you are well and able, take the climb up the falls. It’s a bit challenging, but tons of fun for everyone. We left the older ones behind, but my son who is five years old and my nephew who is six both made it to the top. Of course, we bought the CD to help bring the experience back to life. Amstar Destination Management Company took very good care of us. Margie, our tour guide told us all about the history and culture of Jamaica.
Location is key with a larger group of people especially in Jamaica where transfer time can sometimes take 1-2 hours depending on what part of the island you are visiting. The Iberostar Rose Hall Suites has the perfect location because it’s only 20 minutes from the airport. The resort is set on a beautiful calm beach so it’s ideal for kids and all water activities. The resort also has convenient elevators throughout the property. We also had tons of options for food. They were very accommodating with our family. We were able to set up reservations every night in one of the many al a carte restaurants. My favorite though was the Japanese restaurant where they cooked and chopped right in front of our table. A special shout out to Sabrina, our cook that evening for all the fun and dancing!
When visiting another country, I have found that it’s the people who really make the vacation experience. It holds true for Jamaica as well. The people are so warm, friendly, and laid back.
I’m a city girl who just started gardening. Last year, I had so much success that I couldn’t wait for Spring of 2013. This year we tried out a few herbs, basil being one of them. I left the herbs in pots thankfully so because I have some creature taking over my garden that I planted in the ground (will give you more details about that in another post).
Back to the basil, I was craving a salad to accompany my meat loaf, conveniently so, I had a box of Near East Taboule Wheat Salad Mix on hand. I decided to follow a Greek Taboule Salad recipe that also called for fresh basil. I was so excited to cut my first batch of basil. Holy cow, it smelled so good. I cut my basil leaving the bottom leaves in tact so that I could ensure more growth in three weeks.
It’s pretty awesome enjoying the sweet success of planting your own seeds, not to mention a tasty quick Taboule Salad with fresh basil!
The St. Louis Cooks 