Hi,
Did you just discover how amazing the Instant Pot can be?
Help With Dinner Time For Back To School Days!
Summer went by soooo quickly this year! It’s so crazy that it’s September already!
I know a lot of kids are back to school already, I’m avoiding it a little bit longer over here. 😉 But, the schedules are already filling up for fall time!
Most of us are looking for help with dinner time for these back to school days.
And these are the crazy days I’m so thankful to have dinner packed away in the freezer. I mean seriously, with piano lessons and Lego class (my guy is super excited about that one), homeschooling, and chasing around our 1-year-old. Rushing us all off to Awana classes and MomStrong Bible Study… The last thing I can do is spend loads of time prepping and cooking dinner every single night!!!
So, in case dinner time is crazy for you too, I thought I’d share how we use our membership with Once A Month Meals to help!
Here’s how it we use it to Help with dinner time for back to school
I love love love using my Instant Pot with my freezer meals.. guys, you don’t even have to remember to thaw your dinner!!!!! If you use your crock pot as much as I use to, you know that it’s a super bummer when you forget to get out your meat or whatever for your crock pot to be able to cook it all day long for you…. so in comes the joy of the Instant pot! Seriously, from the freezer.. some of my meals are as quick as 20 minutes from freezer to table! I’m not even kidding! This has been a game. changer. over. here. 🙂
So, Here’s what I do.
Smothered Beef Burritos – Instant Pot Conversion
Today I am excited to share with you another family favorite recipe!
Smothered Beef Burritos now converted to the Instant Pot!
I’ve been really trying to convert some of our old crock pot recipes to be prepared in the Instant Pot. We have a lot of crock pot recipes, I use to grab my crock pot 2-3 times a week. and Now thanks to the Instant Pot I haven’t touched a crock pot in about a year and a half!
So, we have really been missing this Smothered Beef burritos recipe and I’m so excited that it is now ready in under 30 minutes instead of 4-6 hours!!!
Instant Pot Smothered Beef Burritos
Instant Pot Smothered Beef Burritos
Enjoy instant pot smothered beef burritos
Rate this recipe!
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | people |
Ingredients
- 1 TBsp Oil Olive or vegetable
- 1 - 2 lbs Stew Meat
- 19-28 ounces Red enchilada Sauce We like Old Elpasso brand because it isn't to spicy for our kiddos
- 1 tsp Beef bullion better than bullion brand is the best!
- 16 ounce refried beans
- 6 tortillas burrito size
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded (or use mexi-blend shredded cheese)
- 1/2 cup Sour cream optional
- 1 bag Tortilla chips optional
Ingredients
| Rate this recipe! |
Instructions
- turn your Instant Pot on to Saute and allow to heat up a minute. Add Oil and swish around, add meat. Allow the meat to brown, stirring frequently to brown all sides. Be sure to scrape up any bits on the bottom of the pot.
- Add bullion and enchilada sauce, stir and secure the lid Make sure the valve is set to seal and press pressure cook Adjust time to 12 minutes. This came to pressure in under 10 minutes because the pot is already hot.
- Let the meat Naturally Pressure Release for 5-10 minutes. Then release the remaining pressure manually.
- Meanwhile, heat up the refried beans (using the microwave or a saucepan on the stove top.)
- Place Tortillas on your plates ( I like deep dish plates for all that yummy sauce) Spoon some beans on each tortilla and a spoonful of meat roll up the tortilla.
- Pour sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese. ( If you are making this right away the cheese will melt but if not, you can stick this under the broiler for a minute or two) We love to finish this off with a dollop of sour cream and dip tortilla chips in the sauce!
Recipe Notes
We hope you enjoy this conversion of an old favorite to the amazing Instant pot. If you are new to the Instant Pot please search here on Love and Scribbles for some tips, tricks and learn why we love it so very much! 🙂
Share this Recipe
Finished Kitchen concrete counter tops with pictures
I realized that I never really posted some “after” pictures of the whole kitchen remodel. So I thought I would post some pictures of our finished Kitchen Concrete Counter Tops for you today.
I don’t know why we didn’t post these last year… Maybe because we just started using the kitchen right away. Maybe because the counters are NEVER clear enough to take a pic. Maybe because the kitchen really isn’t done and there’s a few things we would like to finish, someday. But the truth is, we LOVE our Kitchen and our remodel is the best thing ever. 🙂
The counter tops are arguably the best part of the whole project… I really love the way they look, how easily they wipe clean and seriously, they are made of concrete so, like I can’t hurt them (they have hurt a head or two before the boys figured out they shouldn’t bang their heads while running under them.. but everyone is fine) 🙂
We will need to re-seal them every 18 – 24 months but it’s a pretty simple process.. when we remember to order the seal ( Ryan: since you are reading this, can this count as a reminder to order that? 🙂 ) And that’s all the maintenance these counter tops require.
Anyways, the other day I cleared the counters and snapped a few pictures so I can share them with you!
But first, here are some before pics, So crazy
to think this use to be my kitchen….
some fun in process pics….
  
The boys had so much fun!
Now for the photos you’ve all been waiting for…..
Want to see more of the remodel?
I posted about it all as it was happening here!
Are you prepping for a kitchen remodel? Considering concrete counter tops here’s what we did.
Sale on Once A Month Meals Membership Today ONLY!
Once A Month Meals is having a Cyber Monday Sale on their Memberships, TODAY ONLY!!
This post contains affiliate links! Thanks for your support
Most everyone knows how much I love my Once A Month Meals membership! And how much it has changed the way I prep food for our family!
Once A Month Meals is having a sale on their memberships for Cyber Monday!!
Today ONLY!!
You can get a whole year membership for 40% OFF! And guess what? Even if you have tried them before, maybe you tested it out on a one month membership… You can get a year membership at the SALE price!!!
Click here to Join!  Use Coupon Code: CYBER17
Only a few hours left to Save $70. 00!
*Making a whole year of membership only $8.33 a month!!!! (if you aren’t ready to jump in for a year.. you can still try it for on a month to month membership for $10 a month.)
You’ll have access to tons of tips and tricks for Freezer cooking. Choose from thousands of menus and recipes that can be customized to fit your family.
Select any type of prep, cooking, and serving. (our favorite are the Instant Pot meals that are ready straight from the freezer on busy nights) choose from Oven, Stove, Easy assembly, Grill, Crock pot, Instant pot.. and more. You can search for specific Dietary needs like allergen, Dairy free, Gluten free, real food, Paleo and vegetarian.
They have Recipes for Breakfast, lunch, Dinner, side dishes, snacks and Dessert! All to be prepped and frozen for when you need them!!
Did you get a new Instant Pot this week?
Or did your grocery store have a crazy deal on Chicken breast this month?? Now you have a ton and don’t know what to fix? You can select a menu to utilize that deal even more!
There are so many reasons why I love Once A Month Meals. We have been using them for about 9 months already and really enjoy the resources they provide.
If you want to read some of our reviews of Once A Month Meals here’s a couple of things to read:
Home Made Chewy Granola Bars
Home Made Chewy Granola Bars
When looking for a granola bar recipe I knew I needed it to be incredibly easy since I’ll have to make it often, also I needed it to be something that the boys can still grab on their own while I’m either still in bed or getting ready for the day or whatever!
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Purchases Through Them May Result in Compensation From The Company at No Extra Cost To You.
These Granola Bars can be individually wrapped and stored in the fridge.
We used peanut butter instead of almond butter, mostly because I had peanut butter. But ether works great in these.
This recipe does have honey in it. At this point, I think I’m ok with local honey for the boys, in moderation. I did add a little less than the recipe calls for, mostly because I’m trying to change the boys expectations of things being so sweet!
And for the next batch I think I’ll double the recipe and use a sheet pan instead of an 8 x 8. I don’t think the boys would mind them being thinner (the first batch came out really thick)  and my oldest wished they were shaped like the store kind  (more rectangular) ?
Anyways, after getting over the shape of them, the boys loved them!
I forgot to take a picture and the first batch is already gone!!!
But we just made the second batch so here’s some pics of the process!
This time we used sunflower seeds instead of almonds (because that’s what we had).
Now that they are thinner.. I did notice they crumbled pretty easily.. so I want to figure out a way to bind them a little better.. next batch! ?
Follow our Face Book page to keep up with our future posts! Â Love and Scribbles
Rate this recipe!
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Passive Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | bars |
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats
- 1 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 cup nuts or seeds (choose your favorite) we like almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup Sugar Free Chocolate Chips
- 1/4 cup Honey
- Cinnamon (optional)
Ingredients
| Rate this recipe! |
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Add more honey if needed.
- Line your pan with parchment paper. You can use an 8x8 pan or a sheet tray with an edge if you want thinner ones. Another option is to just roll them in balls.
- Place in freezer until solid, about an hour. Once frozen cut into bars. wrap each one with parchment paper to keep from sticking together. Store in the fridge or the freezer.
Share this Recipe
- Update: We have made these a lot! The best thing about them is you can change this recipe around in lots of ways.. just use whatever you have in the kitchen today! And as for shape, we’ve tried thicker, thinner, we even rolled them in granola balls (big hit around here) they are all great!
For more articles from our kitchen check out these recent posts:
- A Journey Through NutritionÂ
- Once A Month Meals
- Walmart Groceries — $10 coupon code!Â
- Pineapple Whip
Chewy Granola Bars
I’m always on the look out for healthy easy snacks for my boys. And these Chewy Granola Bars are a favorite!!
They don’t take long to mix together. Have delicious and nutritious ingredients, So you don’t have to feel guilty feeding them to your kids when they are hungry.. which in our case.. is all. the. time. seriously!
If you like this recipe, search for more on our recipe page
Rate this recipe!
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Passive Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | bars |
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats
- 1 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 cup nuts or seeds (choose your favorite) we like almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup Sugar Free Chocolate Chips
- 1/4 cup Honey
- Cinnamon (optional)
Ingredients
| Rate this recipe! |
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Add more honey if needed.
- Line your pan with parchment paper. You can use an 8x8 pan or a sheet tray with an edge if you want thinner ones. Another option is to just roll them in balls.
- Place in freezer until solid, about an hour. Once frozen cut into bars. wrap each one with parchment paper to keep from sticking together. Store in the fridge or the freezer.
Share this Recipe
Frozen Pineapple Whip
Frozen Pineapple Whip
Rate this recipe!
| Rate this recipe! |
Instructions
- peel, core, and cut pineapple. lay pieces out on parchment paper on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Place in freezer until frozen completely. (any where from 10-24 hours)
- Place frozen pineapple chunks in the food processor and blend with the milk. scrape down the sides and add more milk if it isn't creamy enough.
Taste and add honey if the Pineapple isn't sweet enough on it's own!
Enjoy!
- Serve and enjoy right away!
Recipe Notes
Frozen Pineapple Whip -- my kids call it Pineapple ice cream! 🙂Â
Share this Recipe
Instant Pot Applesauce, Easy and Delicious!
Applesauce in the Instant Pot!
Applesauce could not be easier using the Instant Pot and it is soooo delicious!
This Post May Contain Affiliate links. Purchasing through them may result in compensation with no added cost to you.
First off we are blessed to live close to a lot of great Apple Orchards. The Apple Hill Growers are an annual family outing for us. And we always bring home our favorites, This year we grabbed Apple pie (to be baked later), Apple Cider, and a box of apples!
I started by peeling all of the apples.
If you don’t mind the skin you should totally skip this step!! This step was definitely the most work, but since my little guy will be eating it I decided it was necessary!
Then just a quick ruff chop and throw them in the pot! 
I had a lemon so I squeezed some juice to preserve color and brighten flavors..(this is especially helpful if you have to stop in the midst of making this, to attend to two hyper boys and a fussy babe)
Add 1/4 – 1/2 cup water
and your favorite seasonings.
Applesauce is awesome because you can really add any flavors, seasonings you want to.
Want to pack in as much health benefits as possible? Here’s some easy ideas.
Butter (healthy fats)
Pink Salt ( trace minerals)
Cinnamon
cloves
nutmeg
Local Honey (great for seasonal allergies) ** Not appropriate for little guys under a year though.
place lid on and seal.
Set on Manual for 3 minutes!  The Pot will come to pressure then cook for 3 minutes. Let it natural release completely. Turn off the pot, so it doesn’t stay on keep warm. (depending on how many apples you do at a time, this will take about 15-20 minutes) Walk away and let it cool off.
Then my other favorite kitchen appliance comes in super handy. If you have an immersion blender you can blend the apples up right in the pot!
They aren’t very expensive so grab one on amazon before you make your first batch of applesauce.
You can store your applesauce however you want. Usually I put some in a mason jar for my bigger guys. 
And my awesome squeeze station pouches for the baby ( I freeze most of these)
And there’s always the old standby ice-cube trays for the freezer, This is perfect for applesauce because I love to add applesauce to baby’s meal if what I have fresh for him needs a little more! 🙂
Either way, it is yummy and just wonderful! I have discovered I enjoy applesauce best when it’s still warm so don’t forget to pour yourself a nice helping while you put the rest away! 🙂
Happy Instant Pot to you all!
Deanna Grace
Instructions
- Peal apples (if desired) and chop.
- Place apples, water, and seasoning in the Instant pot.
- Seal lid and set on Manual (High Pressure) 3 minutes. And that's it!
- Once it's done cooking, turn the IP off and let it natural realease until the pin drops and you can open the lid. ( Or whenever you get back to it. )
- Blend until as smooth as you like it. The immersion blender is awesome for this. But if you don't have one you can transfer the apples to a blender and blend that way. Be careful if the apples are still hot.
- You can add so many things to applesauce. try: Nutmeg or cloves Butter (for healthy fats) Local Honey (great for seasonal allergies) Not appropriate for babies less than a year though. a pinch of Pink Salt ( for minerals)
Recipe Notes
Applesauce in the instant pot ~ Loveandscribbles.com
Share this Recipe