• bacon makes this party dip ROCK!

    One week from today is the SUPER BOW!!  What do you have planned?  Are you starting home with just the family? Planning on having a big party? Maybe going to a party? Well, whatever your plans this dip would be a great treat that everyone is sure to love. A classic…updated So why this dip…well every party we have we always have the Ranch Party Dip.  The little dip packet you find in the salad dressing aisle.  And we love it, just as it is. As much as I love it I know I could take it to the next level and what better to do that than to add bacon.  In my family bacon…

  • Roasted Balsamic Veggie Goodness

    Over the last few years I have learned to LOVE veggies.  I love them raw, grilled & steamed but my favorite is roasted.  And these roasted veggies are my ALL TIME FAVORITE!! Good for you… Now we all know that veggies are a good choice but when you make them extra yummy they become a GREAT choice.  The key to make them even better than normal is all in the seasoning.  Just a little goes a long way.  So with a little extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and chili powder you can take ordinary and make it extra-ordinary. Since the veggies are loaded with goodness for you splurge…

  • Grill the weekend away…

    What are your plans this weekend?  Are you taking a little time away?  Hanging out with friends and family?  Are you grilling?  In my house we will be grilling for sure…and who knows what else. Whats on the grill? Are you doing burgers (like these sliders)?   How about those fries I posted yesterday?  Maybe some BBQ chicken or fish?  The possibilities are really endless, including the beginning of a delicious dessert like these grilled pineapples. This last week The Hubby branched out a bit and threw some veggies and sausage links on the grill…and it was AMAZING!! Sausage? The Hubby and I love Costco.  We get everything from meat…

  • couscous like never before

    A coucous salad is a must have for me in the summer.  Anytime I go to a restaurant that has a couscous side dish option it is always at the top of my list, only behind mac-n-cheese. Why Couscous? First, couscous is little pasta balls.  They have a delicious texture and can mixed with a variety of flavors making it a perfect ingredient for almost anything. Couscous is also delicious warm or cold.  I served this salad warm the first night and then ate it cold for lunch the next 2 days and it was DELICIOUS either way!! Veggies AGAIN? Yesterday I posted a new favorite grilled recipe…Grilled Veggies.  Now…

  • Grilled Vegetables like never before

    We love to grill here in the sparkles n sprouts house.  As I am sure you have seen we grill everything from burgers, to pork to fish….but these grilled veggies are a new favorite. Grilled Vegetables, Really? OK, I know what your asking.  Veggies are really a favorite?  YES, these veggies are loaded with so much flavor they are a new favorite for sure. Not only are they loaded with flavor but they are also not so bad for you either.  It doesn’t get much better than that. Loaded with flavor, Really? Yes!  That is the short answer…these veggies are loaded with TONS & TONS of flavor. So where does…

  • zucchini for everyone

    I have found that zucchini is one of those veggies that people either love or not love…but I have found a solution with these zucchini spears. OK I know you maybe asking yourself…a spear for dinner made out of zucchini?  Yes, I made spears made out of zucchini coated in a  crispy crust that will make everyone a zucchini lover. The very first time I had zucchini (that I can remember) was in Missouri close to my grandparents farm.  There was a restaurant on top of the hill and we would eat there A LOT!  Every time we would go there we would always order the fried zucchini for an…