Finger Food Friday on Saturday

Hi all.

So, I think that this summer I'm going to do a little series called "Finger Food Friday". I've decided to do this for a few reasons:

1. I've become obsessed with Pioneer Woman and her cooking blogs. I love the step by step pictures that she takes- in fact, anytime I follow a recipe out of a book now I feel like I'm cooking blind. So I thought it may be fun to emulate my new blogging heroine here on Meanie Mom.

2. While I try to cook somewhat healthy the rest of the week, Friday is a fun day where I usually try to change things up at dinner. And I think "Finger Food Friday" sound more interesting than "Way Healthy Wednesday" or "Leftover Thursday".

3. Sometimes I just can't think of anything to write about. FFF is my cop out move.

By the way, Finger Food Friday will rarely be posted on an actual Friday. This is because Friday evenings are for me, Mr. C, the couch, and Netflix. But that doesn't mean that you can't try out these recipes yourself on the next Friday.

I mean, if you want.

So. Getting back to it.

This last Friday we were in the mood for something Mexican, so I decided to do a recipe from my Rachael Ray Cooking Around the Clock Cookbook. We had Chili Dog Nachos, which sound kinda gross but taste pretty good. 2/3 of my family liked them, anyway. But we'll get around to that part. Here's how you start:

Take one pound of ground beef and brown it in a skillet:

Hmmm. One thing I'm already learning here is that Pioneer Woman has cookware that is a lot newer and better looking than mine. Please excuse my old rusty skillet. And my less than appetizing camera shots.

Then, add the salt and pepper and continue browning the beef:

Don't worry. It'll start to look more appetizing soon.

Next, cut up 3 hot dogs into 1 inch slices. Watch out for babies who sneak raw dogs into their little mouths.

Kids, don't try this at home. Hot dogs are choking hazards, don't you know?

Next, cut up a red onion.

Flash was a little too bright on this one. Darn.

Add the hot dogs and onions to the pan. Then, add 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin.

See? It's starting to look a little better.

Then, add 2 tablespoons of Worcestshire sauce. (Did I spell that right? Cuz I'm feeling a little too lazy to go into the pantry and check.

And an 8 oz. can of tomato sauce.

Stir it all together. Then, you put a lid on it and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes.

Oh dear. That picture does nothing to show how yummy this smells right about now.

There you go. Maybe that helps.

Also, I'm starting to realize that Pioneer Woman is a much better housekeeper than I. Her photos never show dirty stovetops or rotting bananas. Please excuse. (P.S.- technically, bananas never go "rotten" around here- we just say that they're destined for "smoothie status".)

Anyway, the next step is to put your chips into casserole dishes.

Top with the chili...

And 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar...

And broil until the cheese melts and the tips of some chips turn a nice, toasty brown.

In the meantime, cut up some watermelon (cuz if you're like me, by Friday you're too tired to battle with your kids about eating vegetables).

Well, this pic came out nice at least.

Then, serve it up. Your nachos should look like this, except please replace the faces of Princess G and 9 with those of your own family:

Serve on paper plates. Who wants to do dishes on Friday? Also, please note the bottle of hot sauce to the left of the nachos. You see it? Yes? Good! My friend, whose husband was born in Santa Fe has got me addicted to it. I don't know what the real name of it is since all the writing on the front is in chinese, but we call it Chicken Sauce because of the picture of the chicken on the bottle. It is YUMMY. You must go out and buy some today. Your taste buds will thank you.

So, there it is. My first cooking post. Finger Food Friday. On Saturday.

I did learn a few things. Like, a) I need to become a better photographer if I want to make my dishes appear appetizing. and b) I need to become a better housekeeper if I want to make my dishes appear appetizing. But, hey, it's a start.

Also, the part about 2/3 of my family liking it.... I was a total pain at the table and continued shooting footage of the feast.

J gave it a thumbs up:

9 gave it a thumbs up and an eye roll:

PG gave it a half thumbs up, which is actually a compliment from Princess Picky.

Roo was too busy eating to give me a thumbs up.

And Mr. C said, "Put down the camera and start eating already."

But he liked it. I myself thought it was a little too dry. I grew up in the valley eating Tommy's Chili Fries. Blame Tommy, but I like my nachos super messy. Lesson learned for next time.

Thanks for bearing with me through all this! You all have a good night!