orange pineapple fruit salad

This is my absolute favorite fruit salad. I grew up eating this, and I could eat massive amounts of it at one sitting if I didn't feel like people would look at me funny. :) It's SO easy and so delicious! This recipe serves about 6, so just cut everything in half if you don't want that much.

ingredients:

2 cans pineapple chunks (or tidbits)

2 cans mandarin oranges

8oz. container sour cream

1.5 cups mini marshmallows

directions:

1. pour all the fruit into a colander and drain very well. you do not want this to be soggy.

2. in a large bowl, mix everything together.

3. let chill for at least an hour before serving. enjoy!

roasted potatoes and carrots

This isn't so much a recipe... just an idea for a fabulous side. I am not kidding when I say I could eat these for every meal of the day. I am currently eating the leftovers for lunch as I type.

ingredients:

small red potatoes, chopped

carrots (i use whole), chopped

1 onion, chopped

olive oil

salt and pepper

your favorite herb(s)

directions:

Chop all veggies to make them bite-size. In a large bowl, toss with a little olive oil (It depends on how many veggies you are roasting, but to make enough for our family I used about 1/4 cup oil). Add spices... as much as you like! Rosemary, garlic, thyme... the possibilities are endless. Bake at 375 in a dish covered with foil, for at least an hour. The longer, the better. The veggies get soft and caramelized... OH so scrumptious. And healthy! :)

cheesy smashed potatoes

I think all I have to say right now is YUM. I like mashed potatoes, but I like them even more if they're cheesy. This is a great fancied-up side to have with regular ol' chicken and veggies.

ingredients:

2 lbs baby yukon gold potatoes

1/4 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

chopped chives (optional)

salt & pepper

directions:

1. cut potatoes in half and place in a pot.

2. cover with water, add a pinch or two of salt, and bring to a boil.

3. boil until tender. (this will vary in time, depending on the size of your potatoes. pierce with a fork every couple of minutes to check when tender.)

4. drain and return to pot.

5. smash potatoes and add sour cream, cheese, chives, and salt & pepper.