pumpkin lush pie

Let fall commence!

In college, my chocolate version of this tasty dessert was my go to. When I discovered pumpkin pudding last year, I transformed my recipe and the outcome was scrumptious.

Pumpkin Lush Pie

2 packages of pumpkin pudding mix
1 graham cracker crust, extra filling
1 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 cup of milk
1 package of whipped topping
nutmeg to sprinkle on top

For the first layer, mix cream cheese, 1 cup of whipped topping and powdered sugar. Add the powdered sugar as you go to avoid bathing in it. You could also add more or less sugar based on your preferences. Once the first layer is mixed, spread in the bottom of the graham cracker crust.

For the second layer, combine the pumpkin pudding mix and milk until thickens. I gradually add the milk to obtain my desired consistency. Sometimes I add a little less milk. Once this layer is mixed, spread over cream cheese layer.

Finally, use the remaining whipped topping to cover pumpkin layer. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Chill for 1-2 hours and then serve.

Note: You could use any pudding flavors you like year round.

This recipe is so easy to pull together and quite tasty! Enjoy.

Happy Fall Y'all!

Tailgate Special: Shrimp Skewers

Christine and I at tailgate

We enjoyed our second home game this season against FAMU. I had some shrimp in the freezer so I decided to try out a new marinade.

Herb-Marinated Shrimp Skewers
3/4 cup fresh cilantro
3/4 cup fresh basil
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 lime, juiced
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
pinch of salt and pepper
2 garlic cloves
12-24 shrimp, peeled and deveined

Combine all ingredients (except shrimp) in a food processor; process until smooth. Place shrimp and marinade in bowl, tossing to coat. Marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Thread shrimp on wooden skewers for cooking.

Cook shrimp in a grill or broil in the oven for 2 minutes on each side. Note: The citrus will cook the shrimp so be sure to cook immediately. I let the shrimp marinade too long and the shrimp got a little overcooked. 

Hanging out with Little Bro Joe

Tailgate Special: Chicken Kabobs & Guacamole

This weekend marked the first home game for the USF Bulls! I was pretty excited to break out my delish guacamole recipe and try a new chicken marinade. Both were a hit!

Guacamole

Ingredients:

2-3 avocados
1 lime
1/2 red onion, chopped
2-3 tbsp fresh cilantro, stems removed
salt & pepper
1 roma tomato, chopped & seeds removed
tortilla chips

Start with your avocados. I run my knife from top to bottom on the exterior to create a cross section of the avocado. Stab your knife into the pit and then remove it using a paper towel (to prevent slipping). I then cut vertically and horizontally to create small squares on each side. With a spoon, run it around the skin to remove the yummy avocado inside. Once you have scooped out the inner goodness, mash it with a fork.

Add the juice of a lime, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and chopped tomato. Salt and pepper to taste. You can enjoy immediately or refrigerate to before serving with chips.

Note: Guacamole has many uses. This recipe would also be delicious as a relish on burger or piece of chicken or on top of a salad.

Chicken Kabobs
Adapted from Epic Health

Ingredients:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 bell pepper
1 purple onion
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tsp ground mustard
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
kabob skewers

Note: Add any veggies you like

Mix the worcestershire sauce and ground mustard, avoid clumping. Mix in soy sauce, water and vegetable oil. If you would like to use the marinade for basting later, set aside 1/3 cup.

Cut the chicken, bell pepper and onion into pieces. To ensure that everything cooks correctly, try and make all of your kabob items about the same size.

Thread the chicken and veggies alternately on skewers. I chose to use the smaller 6 inch skewers to make it easier to eat at the tailgate. The smaller skewers also allow you to create more servings to share.

Pour the marinade over the skewers and chill for 2-3 hours. Grill for about 10 minutes on each side or until the chicken is done.

I placed my skewers in a large tubberware dish and had them marinate in the cooler until it was time for them to go on the grill. You could also marinate the chicken before threading.