Pinterest finds: Favorite Dinner Recipes

So apparently my last post was my 600th! Wahoo. Here's to 600 more? We shall see.

Onto today's topic-- Pinterest. I really avoided the craze for a long time for a few reasons: 1) I am already plenty immersed in social media between Facebook, this blog, and Instagram, and 2) I thought that it would probably do nothing more than make me feel bad about myself because I am NOT crafty, I am NOT into decorating, and I have survived 27 years knowing very little about fashion. However, I am happy to report that Pinterest has been a good addition to my life because if you look at my Pinterest page, the majority of what I pin are recipes. I am always on the hunt for good recipes and this is a gold mine. I also am happy to report that my self-esteem is still intact after being a part of Pinterest for some months. :) I think I even missed the huge wave of when it was super popular and that it is dying down now, yes?

Anyway, because I have had some major successes in finding recipes on Pinterest, I thought I would share our family favorites in case you need some new recipes to try. Here are some that we have tried and that have received our stamp of approval.

10) Homemade beef and broccoli
http://rainydaygal.com/2011/02/03/beef-with-broccoli/

My sister told me about this recipe. Her husband gives it 5 out of 5 stars, which is a really big deal for him. We have only had it once, but it was really delicious. The marinade makes the meat really tender and yummy.

9) Copycat Rumbi's Mango Chicken Salad
 http://jamiecooksitup.net/2010/01/rumbis-mango-chicken-salad/

We try to have salad as a main dish once a week (doesn't always happen-- try is the key word!) and this one is hands down my favorite. It is realllly good. I love the dressing, which is a big because I am really picky about salad dressings. I tried substituting greek yogurt for the mayo last time and it was just as good.

8) Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Braid

 http://frugal-farmhouse.blogspot.com/2011/08/broccoli-cheddar-chicken-braid.html

This was a huge winner with the kids. When all three eat every bite on their plate, you know it is good! It was something different and fun and we really enjoy it. Mine was much uglier than this picture, but I am sure the taste was the same and that's what counts!

7) Chicken Ranch Tacos

http://pedersenfood.blogspot.com/2011/05/chicken-ranch-tacos.html

This is probably Devin's favorite recipe on this list. These tacos are as simple as they come, but have a different twist and are really tasty. 

6) Sweet and Sour Chicken

http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2008/07/sweet-and-sour-chicken-updated.html

We have tried a lot of sweet and sour chicken recipes in our day and this one is the best.  See what Pinterest can do? Give you a better version of something you are already making! This one is super delicious, most chicken, great flavors...what else can I say? :)

5)  Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

http://realmomkitchen.com/287/ranch-house-crock-pot-pork-chops-with-parmesan-mashed-potatoes/

Seriously delicious Sunday Dinner right here. Let's be honest- I am not a huge fan of pork and I am also not a huge fan of canned soups in recipes. This has both and it is still quite up there on my list. The potatoes could probably kill ya they are so good, but hey, every once in a while is okay, right? Crockpot recipe which is a bonus. :) The pork basically shreds it is so tender at the end.

4) Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

 http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2009/03/skillet-creamy-macaroni-and-cheese.html

I am a huge fan of macaroni and cheese. I think it stems from childhood when we had various versions of macaroni on almost a daily basis (the "mac family" we called them). My mom and her sisters learned a few key recipes from their mom and so my cousins and I all grew up eating the same macs- Mac-n-cheese of course, mac-n-hamburger, mac-n-tuna, and mac-n-tomatoes. Yeah, some might be as nasty as they sound, but I won't lie-- I kinda like them all still. :) Anyway, thoughts on this recipe-- I have tried many a mac-n-cheese and this is hands down my favorite. Great flavors and kid friendly as well as adult friendly. Mmmm...I could use some now. 

3) Copycat Costco Turkey Provalone Pesto Sandwich

 http://jamiecooksitup.net/2012/07/costco-turkey-provolone-pesto-sandwich-melt/

There are no words for this. Just pure deliciousness. When we make these, we try to double the recipe and freeze half for  easy lunches/dinners for Devin and I when we work. Super convenient and did I mention how good they are?

2) Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2012/05/copy-cat-panera-bread-broccoli-cheese-soup-recipe/

Along with salad, I try to throw a soup into the weekly meal rotation too and this is hands down, THE BEST. Hallie requests this soup often and I don't blame her. It is really simple to make and super yummmmmmy. My only recommendation is to double the recipe if you are anything like us and like to eat. :)

1) Hawaiian Haystacks

 http://picky-palate.com/2012/04/01/homemade-hawaiian-haystacks/

Oh gosh, I am drooling just thinking about these and I just ate dinner. I could eat this dinner at least once per week...This recipe is not the only recipe for Hawaiian Haystacks I have had, but this is by far the best. I recommend getting the toppings she suggests as well-- they are just perfect that way. 

And, that's all. You're welcome. :)

Any favorites that you have that I am missing? I would love any links! I am always on the lookout for new and fabulous recipes!