Open Face Southwest Sandwiches

I guess I'm on a recipe kick lately. This is one of our favorites. I think with the weather getting warmer I like to make these more. I usually make a few of the slices with just turkey and cheese so accomodate the picky eaters.

1 large loaf french bread, sliced about 1/2 inch thick
1/2 cup olives chopped (opt)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup chopped green onions
3/4 to 1 pound turkey , thinly sliced deli style
2 medium roma tomatoes, sliced
2 large avocados, sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, colby jack)

Place sliced bread on ungreased cookie sheet. (Line the sheet with foil to make melted cheese easier to clean up). In a bowl combine olives, spices, mayonnaise, sour cream and onions. Spread half of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon on each slice) on bread slices. Put turkey, then sliced tomatoes on bread. Top with rest of mayo mixture. Add a slice of avocado then shredded cheese. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

TIPS We discovered the cibatta bread from Costco and started making these on that instead. I always leave out the olives, too. And I have used ham when I didn't have turkey on hand. The picture was taken before baking, aren't they pretty?!

Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake

I got this recipe from another blog, so I can't really take credit for it. BUT, I can tell you that it was easy, delicious, and defintely one I will make again. Enjoy!

8 oz. uncooked rigatoni
1 TBL Olive oil
1 Cup finely chopped onion
1 10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach THAWED
3 Cups cubed chicken breast
1 14 oz. can of Italian style tomatoes (undrained)
1 8 oz. chive and onion cream cheese
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 cups Mozzarella


Spread oil on bottom of 11x7 baking dish. Bake onions at 375 for 15 minutes. Drain and press spinach. Cook rigatoni and chicken. Dice chicken and mix all ingredients together, including cooked pasta. Spoon into baking dish. Top w/ cheese. Bake 375 covered for 30 minutes and then 15 minutes uncovered. ENJOY!!!!

The Game We Almost Saw

After a completely crazy morning, we finally made it to Provo for the Spring Scrimage...a little late. Okay, so we actually totally missed the game but the kids had a great time running around on the field playing with the balloons people left behind. I guess we'll have to try harder next year!

The "Smooth Over"

Nathan has recently become obsessed with fixing his hair (we all know what parent this gene comes directly from). He fixes it 4 to 5 times a day and has even excused himself from preschool to refix his do. He doesn't use any product or special comb, just good old water and the palm of his hand. I got him to demonstrate this highly skilled techinique we like to call the "smooth over."

The Case of the Missing Sucker

Easter Weekend

We had a great Easter weekend. Nate & Luke looked so cute in their matching ties. They weren't really up for tons of pictures however. We had an amazing dinner at my sisters with each of us contributing some dishes. I will share some of the recipes in another post. But the best news of Easter came when my sister Karen announced her pregnancy! We all excited to have another little cousin/niece/nephew join the family.