Catz in the Kitchen - Finding love around the table.

“Pantry to the Rescue” Taco Bake

October 16, 2019 By Chelsia Rief 2 Comments

Need an easy, tasty recipe you can make ahead and finish in a hurry? This ridiculously simple taco bake’s got you covered.

This post originally appeared on Catz in December of 2013. While it’s one of the simplest little recipes you ever did see, we still make it all the time – it comes together about as quick as a “raid the fridge” nacho! We remade it, updated the recipe, and took some new photos (though it’s kind of tough to photograph), and, well, if you haven’t tried it, you should! Your schedule, wallet, and family will all thank you…

‘Tis the season for holiday parties, holiday recitals, Christmas shopping, and the general hustle and bustle that this time of year offers. My head is spinning just thinking about it. Sometimes it seems as though I only have minutes to get dinner on the table.

I’m a huge fan of a dinner I can prepare ahead of time and just keep in the fridge until it’s time to cook it. This taco bake is one of those easy dinners that just comes together with the snap of a finger.…

Weekly Menu for the Week of Oct 14

October 14, 2019 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

Oh, how I love long weekends. I know we’ve got some issues with the legacy of Christopher Columbus, but I do enjoy the extra day with my family in the middle of October!

We had such a great weekend, you guys! We went to the pumpkin patch – where Ruby found the only red pumpkin, naturally! One of my friends was in town so she joined us for a Blazer game (her first live sports game ever…and they lost…) and she stayed with us for the night and came to church and lunch the next day. It was so good to see her. The rest of the weekend, we just relaxed (watched the new Lion King movie with the kids – so amazing) and made a good breakfast at home. It was just what we needed after two weeks of especially busy schedules. …

Baked Spaghetti

October 2, 2019 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

This easy recipe for a quick baked spaghetti is perfect for a family meal at home, or better yet, bringing a meal to someone who needs one! I love dinnertime. You might say that it is my favorite meal of the day. It’s not necessarily because of what has been made, although that certainly makes…

Homemade Spanish Rice

September 25, 2019 By Chelsia Rief 3 Comments

This homemade Spanish rice is as easy as the boxed rice you buy at the store, more flavorful, and healthier. This is the perfect side to your taco nights. This post originally appeared on Catz in July of 2014. It’s been remade and rephotographed, and after five years, it seems like a good time to…

Sweet Corn & Thyme Cornbread Cake

September 20, 2019 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

This recipe for sweet corn & thyme cornbread cake is simple, perfect for fall, & rather unexpected…because it’s a dessert, topped with lemon curd & honey! Fall is basically here (a little early) in the Pacific Northwest and I’m trying really hard to get in the autumn spirit. Generally this is not a hard thing…

Grilled Shrimp Scampi

September 12, 2019 By Joshua Rief Leave a Comment

This recipe for grilled shrimp scampi couldn’t be easier. A few ingredients for a quick marinade, followed by about five minutes on the grill – delish! Okay, first of all, let’s just be clear about something. I am aware that the crostini is burnt. I really tried not to burn it, and in my defense,…

Summer Squash Caprese Salad

September 4, 2019 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

A late summer salad that is simple, healthy, colorful, and easy to make for crowds? That’s where this summer squash caprese salad comes in! I love good cooking. I mean who doesn’t, right? I appreciate people who understand flavors and enjoy creating beautiful dishes…and then there is, of course, the eating of said dishes. I…

Oven Barbecue Chicken

August 28, 2019 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

As back to school season sets in, baking up some of this oven barbecue chicken is a great, easy way to hang on to the flavors of summer! One of the things I always find myself missing after summer has departed and the cold weather sets in and it seems no longer feasible to grill…

Weekly Menu for the Week of Oct 7

October 6, 2019 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

What a week, what a week, what a very long week last week seemed to be. Haha, that sounded a bit Dr. Seuss! But in all honesty, last week felt very long to me and it had several challenging hours associated with it. Nothing bad, but I really had to be on top of my game and I’m feeling like the first part of this week is going to be a similar story.

But that’s okay. Only makes us stronger, and we are better equipped to deal with the days and weeks in front of us. Speaking of what is in front of us, we started school last week and I think it’s going to be a really good year. We’re taking a somewhat more relaxed approach to our homeschooling year for the younger kids, and I think it will be good for them and me….