{taste this} easy Asian noodle & chicken lettuce wraps

Can you believe it?  A {taste this} post that is not a dessert?!  So you know this recipe for easy Asian noodle & chicken lettuce wraps has got to be good!

Okay, so I wish this photo was better.  Because it does not begin to capture the divine awesomeness of this dinner.  That even my pickier Bigger Bug devoured in minutes!  BUT it was all I could do to even get a few pictures before we scarfed these down!!  So one picture ... and my overly exclamated post!!!

easy Asian noodle & chicken lettuce wraps
Yield:  8 lettuce wraps, served 4 (with a side of steamed broccoli)
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 packages any flavor ramen noodles
finely minced garlic (about 1 teaspoon) or garlic salt/powder
1 tablespoon sesame oil
splash or two of soy sauce
splash or two of rice wine vinegar
1 cucumber
1 carrot
8 large romaine lettuce leaves
Kraft Light Done Right Asian Sesame dressing

Slice/dice chicken to about 1 inch pieces.  Saute in a large skillet with sesame oil and minced garlic (or sprinkle with garlic salt/powder).  While chicken is cooking, prepare two packets of ramen noodles - do not use the flavoring packets! - just boil the noodles until tender and drain.  When the chicken is nearly cooked, splash some soy sauce and rice wine vinegar on it and stir to coat and allow to caramelize.  This is not an exact science recipe, if you can't tell ;) 

Using a mandolin (we bought the one from Walmart that Rachel over at Bubbly Nature Creations recommended on her FB page and we LOVE it!) or your awesome knife skills, thinly slice cucumbers and carrots.  And hot peppers if you live dangerously.

Prior to serving, drizzle cooled ramen noodles with 1 or 2 tablespoons of the Asian sesame dressing.

Now, build your wraps!  Layer noodles, veggies and chicken in a large romaine lettuce leaf.  Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of additional dressing and a few drops of soy sauce and dig in!

These were seriously SO GOOD!!  Crunchy lettuce, warm chicken, lightly dressed noodles, crisp cool cucumbers and carrots and just the right amount of sesame goodness from the dressing!  This is the perfect dinner for a hot Florida night!  My oriental coleslaw with no mayo would be the perfect side dish, too!

Want to stay connected?  Want to share your latest and greatest shared at this week's {what's shakin' link party}!  Want to know the skinny on everything going on around here?!  See my sidebar for details!

Enjoy your day ... come again real soon!

If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple,  The Sweet Spot, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, Two Yellow Birds, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, It's Overflowing, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, Little Becky Homecky, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Family Ever After, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, Sew Can Do, I Heart Nap Time, Family Ever After, Naptime Crafters, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Cups by Kim, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Just Us Four, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, The Winthrop Chronicles, Cheap Crafty Mama,  delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures

 

{taste this} mini chocolate nutella popovers

If you are a long-timer here at shaken together, you might remember these mini chocolate nutella croissants that I made last year.  They were delicious and decadent.  And gone in two seconds ;)  Well, this past Saturday, the Bigger Bug's baseball team moved forward in their end of season tournament and we had to be at the fields at 8:15am!  So, I volunteered to bring a little something for breakfast.  And if you know me, I was SO not bringing fruit and yogurt, ha ha!
I put a little twist on the croissants and these mini chocolate nutella popovers were born!  This {taste this} recipe is my breakfast of champions!

 

When Cheryl over at Tidy Mom shared her garlic butter buns using refrigerated biscuits (which look amazing and are on my to-do list, too), I just knew I could use that same method to make something sweet!

mini chocolate nutella popovers
Yield:  24 bite-sized popovers or 8 large popovers

• 1 can Pillsbury honey butter Grands refrigerated biscuits (8 biscuits)
• Mini chocolate chips
• Nutella

Roll out each biscuit until it is about 1/4 inch thick and spread with nutella to the very edge.  Then sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.  Roll up each biscuit like a burrito and cut into three pieces.  Place each piece (with the spiral cut side facing up) into a compartment in a mini cupcake pan.  (To make 8 larger popovers, place all 3 cut pieces in one compartment of a regular sized cupcake pan.) 

Bake according to the package directions.  While the popovers were hot, I stirred together a little powdered sugar, milk and a smidge of vanilla to make a glaze to drizzle on these sweet little mouthfuls!

These bite-size popovers were incredibly easy and so, so tasty!  The melty chocolate and rich Nutella are perfectly complimented by the subtly sweet biscuits and somehow, the glaze just seemed right!  I used this same method to make cinnamon rolls and I'll share those this week, too! 

How do you stay connected with shaken together?  Check my side bar for options to follow by GFC or email, like it on Facebook and pin with me on Pinterest!  You would totally make my day :)  And if you have a tasty recipe, crafty DIY tutorial, sewing project, amazing tip/trick or most anything else, I'd love for you to share it at the {what's shakin' link party} ... click on the button in my side bar for this week's party!!

Don't be a stranger ... popover some time ;)

If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple,  The Sweet Spot, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, Two Yellow Birds, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, It's Overflowing, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, Little Becky Homecky, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Family Ever After, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, Sew Can Do, I Heart Nap Time, Family Ever After, Naptime Crafters, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Cups by Kim, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Just Us Four, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, The Winthrop Chronicles, Cheap Crafty Mama,  delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures

 

 

{what's shakin' link party} #8 & party faves

Our family spent Saturday morning cheering on the Bigger Bug's baseball team who came all the way from last place in the tournament to 3rd place - totally a heart-in-your-throat few games!  And this is a great weekend for a party, right?!  Whether you are a mother or celebrating a mother, hope you are enjoying your weekend!! 

And you, YOU awesome party goers ... YOU linked up over 50 of your most awesome things and made me one super duper happy hostess!!!!  Hope you found some inspiration and added a few things to your to-do list ... I sure did!  Let's keep this party growing!!

But before we get the link party started, here are this week's party faves!!  Grab a button if you want one ... they are pretty and free of charge ;)

Something like Susie Homemaker linked up sweet DIY Mod Podge Coasters and these awesome looking lemon bars ... you know I am a sucker for all things pucker :)

And if you're like me ... and Sassy Style interior redesign ... and don't have a mantle, learn how to fake it (gorgeously!)!  You will love her eye for detail, her tips and tricks and a chubby white owl that you'll have to stop by to see! 

Chocolate Chocolate and More linked up these Cream Cheese Bacon Bites!!  Super easy and who doesn't love bacon?!  These just scream breakfast and brunch and any old time, really!

And you'll have to see Alecia's unplanned birthday surprise to believe it ... I won't ruin it by adding a picture, but you need to duck on out and head over to Chicken Scratch ... so sweet!

Gwen over at The Bold Adobe shared her bold wall art for a friend ... stop by and be inspired!  Loving the blinged out "bolder" and the song lyrics!!

Finally, let's ruin dinner and eat dessert first!  Preferably, this buttery cinnabun cake from The Wednesday Baker!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who linked up and shared what's shakin' at your place ... you made my week!!  I may not be able to comment on each and every post but I appreciate every last one of you ... you make this party awesome!!

If you want to pin any of these fabulous ideas, please pin from the original source!

And now, let's get right to {what's shakin' link party} #! 

This'll work like most link parties but it's even more awesome because you're here!  Here's the plan:

1. Link up recipes, parties, ideas, DIY tutorials, projects, tips & tricks ...  basically anything other than another link party, giveaway or your blog's main page.
2. We all browse, leave gushing comments, marvel, pin, share on Facebook and drool over your talent.
3. I will pick out some party faves and feature you and you grab a button.
4. Wash, rinse and repeat!!

Two quick things:  I'd love for you to follow shaken together in some way, shape or form.  I'm not picky - check out my side bar for options!  And then grab a button from my button page to add to your party page/blog or link back with a text link.  Pretty please!  Not required but it sure is nice and a great way to get the word out!

Next week, I'll share my party faves and we'll start this whole wonderful thing all over! 

{taste this} fluffy cookies & cream frosting and guilt free cupcakes

If have have spent any time here at shaken together with me, you know that this girl loves - I mean LOVES - cupcakes!  And nothing goes better with cupcakes than frosting!  But, I have a cupcake secret.  I am not a huge frosting fan.  Hold on ... don't leave just yet!!!  Maybe I should clarify that I am not a huge buttercream frosting fan.  Which may be an even worse cupcake crime, I know.  (One of my best friends, The Bakerista, is probably choking on her coffee right now!)  And maybe I should clarify further that I really just don't like making buttercream frosting.

Now, I do have my reasons:  I don't like Crisco.  Butter is expensive.  Powdered sugar is messy.  But we can't have nekkid cupcakes running around, now, can we?! 

So, today, {taste this} with me and make this easy, 3-ingredient fluffy cookies & cream frosting!!

I've used a variation of this frosting/topping for my perfect-for-summer creamsicle cupcakes and the divine trifectas that are my tres limones cupcakes ... it's pretty much my favorite!!  And onto the next flavor!!

cookies & cream frosting
Yields enough to frost the contents of one boxed cake mix (in my case, 36 mini cupcakes and 12 full size!)

1.  Mix together 1 cup cold milk and 1 box Oreo cookies & cream instant pudding (the box is bigger, but the serving size should still say 4 - 1/2 cup servings)

*Tip:  if you plan to pipe this frosting, break up any cookie pieces that would be too large to pass through your piping tip.  This is experience (and a big fast mess!) talking, ha ha!

2.  Fold in one tub of thawed Cool Whip whipped topping into the pudding/milk mixture.  Spoon or pipe on cooled cupcakes.

I added the bit about "guilt free cupcakes" in the title of this post because I actually did make the cupcakes from a boxed butter fudge cake mix without any butter or oil - substitute 1 to 1 with regular applesauce! - and I made the frosting/topping with skim milk and fat free cool whip!  Not that eating a cupcake should make you feel terribly guilty, but you can indulge in one of these for less calories!

And they are the moistest cupcakes ... truthfully, I couldn't even photograph the mini cupcakes because the cupcake papers just pulled right away from the cake.  Do it.  Today.  You won't even miss the butter!  Make them for your mum!  These are a delightfully light dessert that would make a brilliant finale to end a Mother's Day lunch or dinner!

If you don't like cupcakes (dont' tell me!) you could layer this fluffy loveliness in trifles, top ice cream sundaes with it, sandwich it between chocolate graham crackers and freeze it ... or just lick the bowl clean!  I won't tell ;)

If you like what you see, I'd love for you to stick around!  See my side bar for the ways to connect here at shaken together.  I also host a weekly link party - the {what's shakin' link party} - each Saturday night and I'd love for you to come show off what's shakin' at your place!  Just click on the button in my side bar!

Happy Friday, happy weekend, happy Mother's Day, happy cupcake, happy everything!!

If you have something to show off, join me at all these weekly link parties!! Craft-o-maniac, Dittle Dattle, DIY HSH Project, Polly Want a Crafter, Skip to My Lou, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Embellishing Life, C.R.A.F.T., Sugar Bee Craft Edition, Brassy Apple,  The Sweet Spot, Not Just a Housewife, Today's Creative Blog, Pinkapotamus, A Creative Princess, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Crazy for Crust, The Little Birdie Blog, Nothing But Country, DIY by Design, Type A, The Blackberry Vine, Inside Bru Crew Life, Northern Cottage, Running with Glitter, All Things Heart & Home, Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Free Pretty Things for You, Lil' Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, Two Yellow Birds, I Can't Stop Crafting, Creating my Way to Success, Someday Crafts, Creations by Kara, Southern Lovely, Sugar & Dots, Night Owl Crafting, Boufee e Bambini, Fireflies & Jellybeans, A Little Knick Knack, The Gunny Sack, Paisley Passions, Somewhat Simple, Yesterday on Tuesday/Katie's Nesting Spot, Gluesticks, House of Hepworths, Momnivore's Dilemma, The Shabby Creek Cottage, It's Overflowing, Itsy Bitsy Paper, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Delightful Order, The Kurtz Corner, Something Swanky, LollyJane, Tatertots & Jello, Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons, Bubbly Nature Creations, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Momma's Kinda Crafty, Creation Corner, Between U & Me, Stuff & Nonsense, Kojo Designs, Tidy Mom, Little Becky Homecky, 504 Main, Along for the Ride, Family Ever After, Answer is Chocolate, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Nest, Whipperberry, The Tattered Tag, Sew Can Do, I Heart Nap Time, Family Ever After, Naptime Crafters, Release Me Create, At the Picket Fence, Be Different,Act Normal, The Idea Room, Cups by Kim, Seven Thirty Three, Remodelaholic, Funky Junk Interiors, The Girl Creative, The Tattered Tag, Flamingo Toes, Under the Table and Dreaming, Petite Hermine, Just Us Four, Dragonfly Designs, nifty thrifty things, The Winthrop Chronicles, Cheap Crafty Mama,  delicateCONSTRUCTION and Cherished Treasures