Blogger Buffet

Easiest, Slow-simmered Spaghetti Sauce

2011-06-09T17:40:00.002-06:00

1 lb. ground turkey
olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 med onion, minced
2 carrots, peeled and finely processed
3 tsp italian seasoning
1 tsp beef bullion
3 14.5oz cans tomatoes, process them down to crushed
1 6oz can tomato paste
1 8oz can tomato sauce

In a large, oven proof pot with a lid, brown ground turkey, then remove to a plate. Saute onion, seasoning, and garlic in olive oil. Add all the rest of the ingredients to onions and garlic. Stir together, then cover with the lid. Put in the oven at 300 degrees for 3-6 hours, or whenever you are ready to eat. The longer it cooks, the better it is! This way you don't get your kitchen all splattery!!

Caramel Thumbprints

2010-12-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite cookies!

I can't hardly part with them to give them as part of the Christmas Gift Tray!

Caramel Thumbprints

from Family Fun Magazine

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2/3 cup brown sugar, packed

1 large egg, separated

3 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup finely chopped pecans

26 chocolate-covered caramel candies, such as Dove or Rolo

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder and set aside.
Using an electric mixer set on medium-high speed, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla and mix until blended, about 1 minute. Add the flour mixture in two batches and beat until combined, about 1 minute. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
Heat the oven to 350º. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, beat the egg white with a fork. Set aside about 1/4 cup of the pecans; put the rest on a plate. Roll 1 tablespoon of the dough into a ball, coat it with egg white, and roll it in the nuts. Repeat with the remaining dough. Put the cookies on the sheet, leaving about 3 inches between them. With your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each cookie, then reshape the outside edges, if they crack.

Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, then take them from the oven and gently press a caramel candy into each cookie. Bake until the chocolate and caramel soften, about 4 minutes. Grease the tines of a fork with butter and press on each candy to flatten it slightly. Sprinkle on the reserved nuts, then cool the cookies on a rack.

Holiday Candy Wreaths

2010-12-21T15:21:00.001-07:00

Holiday Candy Wreaths

1/2 c. butter or margarine

1-10 oz. pkg. marshmallows

1 tsp. green food coloring

6 cups corn flakes

Red Hots cinnamon candies, for decorating

Melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Add marshmallows and melt until soupy. Remove from heat and add food coloring. Stir in corn flakes that have been slightly crushed. Spray a 1/4 c. measuring cup and press cornflake mixture in it. Turn out onto wax paper. Continue with the rest. There should be 16. Using buttered hands press a thumb in the center and begin to shape the balls into wreaths. Immediately put the red hots on them (after you wash your hands!). If they don't want to stick, try "glueing" them on with a dot of peanut butter or melted chocolate

Chris Tomlin - I Will Follow w/Lyrics

2010-12-07T16:06:00.001-07:00

Sorry Shally!! I posted this to the wrong blog and can't figure out how to delete it....great song though :)

Chocolate Chip Bars/Cookies

2010-05-31T16:02:00.001-06:00

1 c. margarine, softened

1/2 c. sugar

1 1/2 c. packed brown sugar

2 eggs

2 1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 3/4 c. flour

3/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 bag of milk chocolate chips

In a large mixing bowl, beat margarine until creamy; add sugars. Beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time until well incorporated. Add vanilla and mix well. Blend flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a medium bowl. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture; mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Bake in a 15x10x1 baking sheet (I line my sheet with nonstick aluminum foil) at 375 for 12-15 minutes.
**If you choose to make them into cookies just drop by spoonfuls and bake at 350 for 8 minutes. Let set on sheets for 5-7 minutes. They will look underbaked when coming out of the oven. Don't be tempted to bake longer! Don't do it!! Walk away from the oven door! They will finish up on the sheets.
Adapted from our Ward Cookbook titled A-Ward Winning Recipes contributed by Jenny B.

Cookie Dough Brownies

2010-05-27T10:15:00.001-06:00

Prepared Brownies in 13x9 pan

1/2 c. butter, softened

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

1/4 c. granulated sugar

3 Tbs. whipping cream

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. all purpose flour

1 c. mini chocolate chips

Cool prepared brownies completely and leave in pan. In stand mixer beat on medium speed the butter until light and creamy; add sugars, cream and vanilla. Beat until nice and fluffy. Add salt and flour; beat on medium high for about 10 minutes. Fold in chocolate chips. Spread the cookie dough on top of brownies. Wrap or put a lid on the pan and place in refrigerator until thoroughly chilled.

2010-03-21T18:54:00.006-06:00

Mexican Pot Roast Tacos

2010-03-09T21:51:00.001-07:00

3 T. extra virgin olive oil
3 lb. Shoulder of beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 large onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 28oz. Can crushed tomatoes
3 drive red chilies
1 T. ground cumin
1 T. ancho chile powder
½ bunch cilantro
1 T. red wine vinegar
corn tortillas
shredded romaine lettuce
½ bunch fresh cilantro leaves
fresh limes
1-3 lb. Cotija cheese

1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based pot over medium high heat.
2. Season beef shoulder with plenty of salt and pepper; then sear all over until you have a nice brown crust.
3. Add onion and garlic to the bottom of the pot and stir so they caramelize a little.
4. Add tomatoes, chilies, spices and cilantro. Then add about 2 inches of water, cover the pot, and simmer for about 2 hours until the meat is tender and comes apart with little resistance. Add more water as it cooks down, if necessary.
5. Once cooked, break the meat apart with a wooden spoon, season with salt and pepper, and add red wine vinegar.
6. Serve with warm tortillas.

Autumn Pancakes

2009-10-25T09:37:00.003-06:00

Autumn Pancakes

This is a great alternative to regular ol' pancakes! Double the recipe and put half of the batter in the freezer for another time!

1/2 c. quick cooking oats
1 1/2 c. boiling water
1 1/2 c. flour (can use whole wheat also)
2 t. baking powder
1/8 t. salt
3 T. sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1 egg, beaten
1 c. milk
1 apple, cored, peeled and coarsely chopped
1/4 c. chopped walnuts
3 T. butter, melted

Place oats in small bowl. Pour boiling water over oats and let stand 5 minutes; set aside. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and cinnamon in large bowl. Add oat mixture, egg, milk, apple, nuts and butter; mix well. Cook on a lightly greased skillet like regular pancakes. Enjoy with whatever yummy topping you like.

Witches' Brew

2009-10-17T08:40:00.000-06:00

One of our favorite Halloween activities for classroom parties is making a brew from all sorts of snacks and candies with gruesome names. You can either ask the children to provide a baggie of one or two ingredients, or gather them yourselves and hand them out the day of the party. It's especially fun if you or the teacher dresses up as a witch and has a big cauldron to mix it up in. We usually do this at the beginning of the party so that while the kids are at their other stations you can bag it for them to take home. Little ones love hearing the names of things and adding it to the brew. You just need about a cup of the number of items that you have people to give it to... so if there are 25 kids in the class, pick 25 items.

Ghost Guts (Mini Marshmellows)
Witches' Warts (Chocolate Chips)
Withered Animal Carcasses (Animal crackers)
Earthworm Knots (Pretzel Twists)
Hollowed Out Fish (Goldfish Crackers)
Bloated Ants (Raisins)
Bugs and Beetles (Bugs Fruit Snacks)
Shrunken Teddy Bears (Teddy Graham Crackers)
Candied Spider Eggs (Gum Drops)
Owl Eyes (Kix or Cheese Puff Balls)
Chocolate-Dipped Houseflies (Chocolate-Covered Raisins)
Compressed Cobwebs (Honeycomb or Chex Cereal)
Crumbled Bat Wings (Blue Tortilla Chips)
Dehydrated Dragon Wings (Doritos)
Flatted Slugs (Fritos)
Goblin Belly Button Lint Balls (Skittles or M&Ms)
Plops of Pigeon Poop (Yogurt Covered Raisins)
Rat Claws (Shelled Sunflower Seeds)
Shredded Lizard Gizzards (Shredded Coconut)
Vulture Toenails (Candy Corns)
Warts from the White Witch (White Chocolate Chips)
Dried Scabs (Craisins)
Caramelized Mothballs (Caramels)
Vampire Veins (Twizzlers)
Goblin Fingers (Cheetos)
Baked Skeleton Bones (Pretzel Sticks)
Bat Brains (Popcorn)
Splintered Turkey Bones (Shoestring Potato Chips)
Tasted Cat's Eyes (Blanched Almonds)
Dirty Shoelaces (Black Shoestring Licorice)
Dried Seaweed (Chow Mein Noodles)
Freeze Dried Drops of Blood (Red Hot Candies)
Roasted Eyes (Peanuts)
Boiled Lady Bugs (Red Jelly Beans)
Braised Beetles (Milk Duds)

Of course you can come up with your own spooky ideas if the foods listed above aren't found in your pantry... If you have kids in the class with allergies to peanuts or other nuts you'll want to avoid those things too. The kids love it!

Oreo Cookie Pops

2009-09-27T15:39:00.004-06:00

1 pkg. regular oreos

1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

Chocolate Bark

Sprinkles

Sucker Sticks

Process oreos in Food Processor until finely ground. Place in large mixing bowl. Add cream cheese. With a spoon blend the two together real well. (It didn't go well for me when I blended the two in my processor.) Form into balls about the size of large walnuts. Place in wax paper lined pan and put in the fridge to chill. Meanwhile melt the chocolates (I used Wilton milk chocolate and the pink white chocolate) with a little bit of shortening, like 1 to 2 teaspoons to thin it out some. Dip chilled balls in the chocolate. To make like above just let the balls sit for a while and then spoon some of the pink chocolate on top. Add sprinkles. Let set and then pick up and poke a sucker stick underneath. Super cute and fun to do with the kids!

Chicken Lo Mein

2009-09-18T15:40:00.002-06:00

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. spaghetti, uncooked
1/4 cup Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen bell pepper and onion strips, thawed, drained (or prepared stir-fry veggies)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce

COOK spaghetti in large saucepan as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and garlic; stir-fry 3 min. or until chicken is no longer pink. Add peppers, onions, andbroth; stir-fry 3 to 4 min. or until chicken is done.

DRAIN spaghetti; return to pan. Add chicken mixture and soy sauce; mix well. Spoon onto platter.

Adapted from Kraft foods

Crock Pot Italian Chicken

2009-09-18T13:55:00.001-06:00

Definately a kid favorite.

Ingredients:

12-14 chicken tenderloins
1 pkg. cream cheese (8 oz.)
1 pkg. dry Italian season mix ( I use the zesty one)
1can cream of chicken soup
½ c. chicken broth
Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

Place the chicken into the crock pot. Mix the other ingredients together for the sauce and pour over the chicken. Cover and cook about 3-4 hours on high, 6 hrs. on low. Serve over rice or noodles.

Taco Pizza

2009-09-18T13:52:00.003-06:00

An Easy Twist for Taco Night

To prepare: Preheat oven to 400.

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef
Taco Seasoning
Taco shells or tostito chips
1 prepared pizza crust (12 inch)
1 cup Mexican style shredded cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 large tomato, chopped
Sour Cream
Salsa

Directions:

Cook meat with Taco Seasoning mix. Spread evenly onto pizza crust. Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake 8 -10 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Top with lettuce, tomatoes, crushed taco shells, salsa and sour cream. Cut into ‘pizza’ slices.

adapted from kraft foods

Non Fried Fried Ice Cream

2009-09-18T13:51:00.000-06:00

To prepare: Preheat oven to 425. Leave ice cream out while preparing first portions so it is easier to spread.

Ingredients
2 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup melted butter
1 cup coconut
½ gallon vanilla ice cream
Chocolate/ caramel sauce

Directions:
Mix first five ingredients for topping.
Cook at 425 for 10-15 minutes. You want to stir it every 5 minutes and cook only until the brown sugar is melted. Be careful, it burns.
Put half of the topping mixture in a 9X13 pan. Place vanilla ice cream on top. Put other half of topping mixture on. Freeze.
Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce before serving.

Blueberry Crumble

2009-08-20T10:28:00.003-06:00

This dessert is so delicious and easy, you wouldn't guess that it is low in sugar and has healthful ingredients. I've been making it like mad while the blueberries are in season. I eat it topped with whipped light cream.

1 pint blueberries, picked over, washed and stems removed
2 T sugar

For crumble topping:

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, diced

Spread blueberries in an 8x8" glass baking dish and sprinkle the 2 T sugar over them.

Put crumble ingredients in mixer and mix until dough looks moist and sandy with small lumps. Spread crumble evenly over blueberries. Bake 45-50 min at 350.

Brown Sugar Brownies

2009-08-15T12:04:00.002-06:00

I got this recipe off the back of the bag of brown sugar that I normally buy at Walmart. When making the batter I was worried that they would be too cakey, because I prefer fudgier brownies. They raised fairly high while cooking and it looked exactly like a chocolate cake, but when I pulled it out of the oven and let it cool, it fell a little and they were so fudgy and delicious! We shared these brownies with company and got rave reviews! Ice cream was the perfect side to balance out the richness!

Ingredients:

1 cup packed DARK brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 eggs
2 ounces (2 squares) unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup coursely chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 325. Grease 8x8x2-inch baking dish. In large bowl beat sugar and butter until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in chocolate, then flour. Stur in nuts. Pour into pan. Bake 25 minutes. Cool in pan and cut into bars. Dust with powdered sugar. (I made a double batch and did it in a 9x13 pan and just cooked it a little longer)

Corn Salsa Dip

2009-08-13T12:53:00.003-06:00

Here is a super easy and yummy "face lift" to boring old salsa and chips

1 can of southwestern style corn (it's right by the canned corn and has beans it in)
1 or 2 avocados (depending on how much you want in your dip)
Container of fresh salsa (Rojo's or Costco's works best, don't use PacePicante)
Garlic Salt to taste
1 lime
Mission Chips, or any other chips you like

Instructions:
Half and slice your avocados and cut into smaller bits (just a bit bigger than the corn kernels)
Mix all ingredients in a bowl together and add your garlic salt to taste
Squeeze your lime over salsa just to keep your avocados from browning

Will make enough for about 4 to 6 people
Enjoy!

Zucchini Cookies

2009-08-09T22:22:00.003-06:00

I wanted to let everyone know about "whole wheat PASTRY flour"! It's made from soft summer wheat instead of the usual hard winter wheat. It's not so rough as reg. whole wheat and you can substitute it for all-purpose white flour in recipes using baking powder or soda as leavening, i.e. cookies, pancakes, muffins, etc!! I found some in the health food section of Smith's. I have been having fun experimenting with it and have been really pleased. One of my tries involves this cookie recipe I got from Cooks.com and substituted the ww pastry flour. The consistency is soft and spongey, more like pumpkin cookies. They are so chock-full of healthy stuff, I let my kids have as many as they want, and I chuckle smugly as they eat...

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup whole grain old fashioned oats
1 cup shredded zucchini
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and beat well. Mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt together and add to butter mixture. Beat well. Stir in rest of the ingredients. Drop by teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool on rack. Makes 24 large ones or 48 small ones.

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

2009-08-06T08:41:00.002-06:00

2-4 chicken breasts, cooked and cut up
1 tube Ritz crackers, crushed
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
8 oz. sour cream
1 Tbs. poppy seeds

Topping:
1 tube Ritz crackers, crushed
3-4 Tbs. butter, melted

In large bowl, combine all ingredients except for topping. Pour into a casserole (I use a 11x7) dish. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle on top of casserole. Bake at 325 for 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Grape Salad

2009-08-06T08:37:00.002-06:00

3-4 c. green grapes
3-4 c. red grapes
1 c. sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1 Tbs. vanilla
Topping:
1/3-1/2 c. brown sugar
1 c. chopped pecans

Wash and dry grapes thoroughly. Mix other ingredients with mixer until smooth. Fold in grapes. Top salad with sprinkles of brown sugar and nuts. Cover and refrigerate 6-8 hours or overnight.

Kashi GoLean Muffins

2009-07-14T17:41:00.003-06:00

I enjoy the Kashi Go Lean Crunch cereal. It is good in milk or on top of some yogurt. Yum! Last week I decided to try the regular Kashi Go Lean cereal. It couldn't really be that different than the crunch cereal, could it? The answer is yes, it could! I barely managed to choke down a bowl that had sugar and bananas on it. So I decided to look for some recipes to use this healthy cereal in; I wasn't going to waste a whole box, and I wasn't going to be able to eat it plain! I came upon this recipe for muffins, which I tweaked a little. They aren't super amazing muffins, but with a little honey they were good, and definitely better than the plain cereal! My kids ate them happily, and didn't suspect how healthy they are.

Kashi Go Lean Muffins

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 3/4 cup Kashi Go Lean cereal
3/4 cup skim milk plus a dash of vanilla
1/4 cup honey
1 egg
1/4 cup applesauce
1 medium ripe banana

Directions

Spray muffin tin cups with cooking spray and preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine cereal and milk and let stand for 3-4 minutes. Add the honey and egg whites to cereal mixture and beat well. Stir in apple sauce and banana. Add flour mixture and mix only until dry ingredients are moistened. Fill sprayed muffin tins. Bake for 25 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

The original recipe called for light vanilla soy milk, but I don't do the soy milk thing so I used skim milk and a dash of vanilla. The original also called for two egg whites, but since I'm not on that much of a healthy kick I just used one whole egg. It also didn't call for the cinnamon, which I added (I add it to basically all of my sweet baked goods). If you have any Go Lean cereal hanging around that you just couldn't bring yourself to eat, now you know what to do with it!

Peanut Buttery Cereal Treats

2009-07-08T16:31:00.004-06:00

INGREDIENTS:

1 c. light corn syrup {i like Karo}

1 c. sugar {regular white sugar}

2 c. creamy peanut butter {i like JIF}

5-6 cups of Raisin Bran Extra cereal*

DIRECTIONS:

Bring the corn syrup and sugar to a boil. Stir it up real good now.Take it off the heat and stir in the peanut butter. Get to Stirrin! Then pour it over the cereal in a big bowl & Stir like the dickens!! Plop it by spoonfuls onto wax paper & let 'em cool. Then eat them babies up! Or You can lightly spray a 13x9" pan {with like Pam or another cooking spray} and get a little of that spray on your fingers and press the peanut buttery cereal goodness into the pan & let it cool. Then you would cut them into squares & serve.

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* you can also use basic corn flakes or just Raisin Bran... or Cranberry Almond Crunch... anything really-- AND as long as there are flakes.

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Just do not use a "sugary sweet" cereal like Cap'n Crunch, Lucky Charms, Golden Grahams, Fruit Loops, or Trix etc..... talk about sweetness overkill if you do!

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Mu husband and one of my kids don't even like Raisins or dry fruit whatsoever... but they chowed down on these treats!!!

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~Merrianne~

Fruited Moroccan Chicken and Curried Couscous

2009-05-17T10:39:00.002-06:00

1 tbsp Moroccan seasoning (or Carribean Jerk or similar)
1 lb chicken breast tenders
Cooking spray
1 tsp olive oil
16 dried apricot halves
1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream

Sprinkle seasoning on chicken. Coat large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; add oil. Place over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken; cook 3 min on each side or until chicken is lightly browned.
While chicken cooks, cut apricot halfs into slivers. Place in a glass measure; add water to cover. Cover with lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 2 min., drain well.
Remove chicken from heat; stir in apricots and sour cream.

Curried Couscous with Walnuts

1 can (14 1/2 oz) fat-free chicken broth
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp curry powder
2 tbsp chopped walnuts
1/2 cup sliced green onions
10 oz couscous

Combine broth, water and curry powder, bring to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover, remove from heat and let stand 5 min. Fluff with fork and stir in walnuts and green onions.

Of course you can use any side dish, but these go very well together with a salad on the side....very quick and yummy! Came out of the 5 Ingredient 15 Minute cookbook from Cooking Light...a great buy!

Parmesan Chicken Noodle

2009-05-11T13:20:00.004-06:00

My friend brought this meal over after I had my baby (almost 2 years ago!) and we loved it. I finally got the recipe from her. This is a great weeknight meal and very kid friendly.

Parmesan Chicken Noodle
8 oz Angel Hair pasta, cooked
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cup milk
1/2 - 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped

Place cooked noodles in bottom of casserole dish. In saucepan melt butter, add flour, add chicken broth. Cook until thick & bubbly. Add milk, stir in Parmesan cheese and chicken. Pour sauce & chicken over noodles. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. (This recipe makes a lot of sauce, so you could easily get away with cutting it down a bit.)

Poaching Chicken
I finally learned how to poach chicken perfectly. Before, it always turned out a little on the tough side - No matter how many different ways I tried it. Everyday Food Magazine taught me the trick. (If you already knew how to do this to perfection, good for you! If not, this will help you so much!!)

Place chicken in a large, shallow skillet or pot. Add water to cover and season with salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a bare simmer; cook 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and let chicken stand, covered, until cooked through, 12-14 minutes. Remove chicken from liquid and let cool completely. The chicken stays moist and tender - perfect for this dish and also for cold salads.

Pulled Pork with Root Beer Sauce

2009-04-21T15:58:00.003-06:00

1 2 1/2 - 3-pound pork sirloin roast
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 TBS cooking oil
2 medium onions, cut into thin wedges
1 cup root beer*
2 Tbs minced garlic
3 cups root beer*
1 cup bottled chili sauce
1/4 tsp root beer concentrate (optional)
Several dashes bottled hot pepper sauce (optional)
8-10 hamburger buns, split (toasted if desired)

*Do not use diet root beer

1. Trim fat from meat. Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper. In a large skillet brown meat on all sides in hot oil. Transfer meat to 3 1/2 - 5 quart slow cooker. Add onions, the 1 cup root beer, and garlic. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8-10 hrs or high-heat setting for 4-5 hrs.

2. About 30 minutes before roast is done, for sauce, in a medium saucepan combine the 3 cups root beer and the chili sauce. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Boil gently, uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes or until mixture is reduced to 2 cups. If desired, add root beer concentrate and hot pepper sauce.

3. Transfer meat to a cutting board or serving platter. Using 2 forks, pull meat apart into shreds. If desired, use slotted spoon to remove onions from cooker to serve on top of the meat. If desired, line buns with lettuce leaves and tomato slices. Add meat and spoon on sauce.

I made this for my family last night and we all loved it, including the kids. The sauce is not too strong, and doesn't taste like root beer at all. (I didn't use the optional ingredients) This was really easy, as well. Just throw it in the crock pot early in the day and dinner is ready to go!

Wheat and Honey Pitas

2009-04-17T09:52:00.001-06:00

I got this recipe from a Bosch cooking class. I have tried it for pizza crust, pita bread and bubbly bread. All of them have been delicious!
2 cups warm water
1 TBSP honey
1 tsp salt
2 TBSP Saf Instant Yeast
2 cups Whole Wheat Flour Unbleached White Flour (approx 2 cups)

Combine first five ingredients in Bosch bowl with dough hook. Mix thoroughly, continue to add unbleached white flour until mixture cleans sides of bowl. Continue kneading until smooth and elastic. Divide dough into 24 pieces for small pitas or 12 pieces for larger pitas. Roll into ⅛" thick circles on a floured surface. (Any creases in the dough will cause the pita to stick together and not form a pocket.) Cover with plastic wrap. Let rest 30 minutes. Bake on pizza stone that has been preheated to 500 degrees for 3½ to 4 minutes. Watch carefully. Remove from oven when pita puffs up and is slightly golden. Place in a large bread bag to soften and flatten.

If you want flatbread, turn over before they poof up.

For pizza crust, I let my dough sit for about 20 minutes or so and then divide in half (or thirds depending how big your pizza stone is). Roll out your dough with some flour on a wood pizza board. Preheat your oven with pizza stone to 450 degrees while preparing your pizza with toppings. Add your toppings without the cheese making sure that the pizza dough doesn’t stick to the board. Once the oven is preheated, slide the pizza onto the hot stone. Cook for about 6 minutes or so and then add the cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and to your liking.For bubbly bread, roll the dough like you would for your pizza. Add grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and bake on a preheated stone at 500 degrees for about 5-6 minutes. Be sure to check so the cheese doesn’t burn.

12 grain bread

2009-04-17T09:51:00.001-06:00

I got this recipe from a Bosch cooking class. I really love it! This recipe is also fantastic for pizza crust, dinner rolls, and sandwich buns.
6 cups warm water
2 cups Nine grain cracked cereal mix OR 3½ cups 12 grain blend (Bosch store)
¼ cup Millet
1 cup Raw Sunflower Seeds
¼ cup sesame seeds
½ cup Vital Wheat Gluten
⅔ cup Honey⅔ cup Canola Oil
2 TBS real salt
3 TBS Saf Instant yeast
3 TBS Dough Enhancer
2 Tbs Lecithin (optional)
12-14 cups freshly milled whole wheat flour

You will not need the millet, sunflower seeds or sesame seeds if you buy the 12 grain blend from Bosch ($3)Combine water, Cereal Mix, Millet, Sunflower Seeds and Sesame Seeds in a Bosch mixing bowl. Cover with lid and let rest for 5-10 minutes to soften grains. Add oil, honey, Real Salt, Dough Enhancer, Gluten, about 6 cups flour, and SAF yeast to grain mixture. Mix at speed one until a smooth batter is formed. Add remaining flour one cup at a time until dough cleans the sides of the bowl. (You will want to turn your mixer to speed two as the mixture gets heavier but do not go over speed two.) Continue to knead until dough is smooth and elastic, the total mixing time is generally 10-12 minutes. Divide dough into loaves and allow to raise until doubled in size. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Applesauce Muffins

2009-04-16T21:08:00.005-06:00

The girls found this recipe on NickJr.com the other day, and asked me to make it with them. Super easy and fun for the kids to help! The girls loved it!

Ingredients
2 C flour
3/4 C sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 lg egg, lightly beaten
1 C unsweetened applesauce
1/2 C (1 stick) butter, melted

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease or line with cupcake liners a muffin pan.
2. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in a med. bowl. Whisk to blend.
3. Add the egg, applesauce and melted butter. Stir just until blended. Spoon into the prepared pan. Bake until puffed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; 18-20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool 5 minutes. Invert and cool completely.

We put some mini chocolate chip sprinkles on top before baking and they were YUMMY!

Easter Treats

2009-04-07T16:35:00.001-06:00

Little Nests:
1/4 cup butter (Mama bird melts in sauce pan)
1 cup marshmallows (baby bird measures and adds to melted butter, Mama bird stirs until melted smooth, then removes from heat)
1 cup bran flakes (baby bird adds to pan and Mama Bird coats it in marshmallow mixture)
coconut, dyed green
candy eggs
Shape 'em out, let them firm up a little, then eat 'em up!

CROCKPOT CHICKEN ALFREDO

2009-04-07T15:22:00.002-06:00

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; cubed
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
1 c. parmesan cheese
1/2 c. melted butter
1/4 c. whole milk {not fat-free or 2%}
16 oz. sour cream
1 envelope of Italian dressing mix
1 lb. fettuccine noodles

Stir everything together in a crockpot except for the noodles. Cook on LOW for 6 hours. Then make the pasta according to package directions then drain. Stir the pasta into the crockpot and serve.

Delicious and so very easy!

-

*Merrianne

Rice Crispy Chicken

2009-04-06T10:19:00.002-06:00

This was my childhood favorite. Now my kids and husband love it.

Dip chicken in melted butter, then in crushed rice crispies. Place in casserole dish. Don't crowd the chicken, or it takes longer to cook. Pour left over butter into left over crushed crispies and mix together, then sprinkle over chicken in dish. Bake at 350, uncovered, about 20-30 min for bone/skinless tenderloins or breasts, and about 1 hr. for bone-in chicken.

I serve this with mashed potatoes and a microwaved steamed vegetable.

Biscuits and Gravy

2009-03-17T05:46:00.005-06:00

I grew up eating this for breakfast in Tennessee. It is delicious and a real Southern treat for kids and husbands. We usually had the hot country sausage but you can use whatever suits your taste.

1- 12 ounce roll of bulk Pork Sausage
2 to 3 Tbs. flour (try 2 Tbs. first)
2 cups milk
Salt and Pepper to taste
Homemade or Frozen Biscuits, baked and kept warm

Fry sausage in a cast iron skillet. Remove sausage and leave drippings in pan. Add flour and mix with a whisk until incorporated. Add milk, salt and pepper. Whisk over medium heat until bubbly, thick (but not too thick) and lump free. Crumble sausage and add to gravy. Serve immediately over warm homemade biscuits split and patted with butter.
Note: If the gravy seems way too thick, just add a little more milk.

Deluxe Chocolate Marshmallow Bars

2009-03-13T16:35:00.003-06:00

I found this amazing recipe on a random recipe blog and I had to try it out. It got rave reviews from friends!

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter
1-1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/3 cups all purpose flour
3 tbsp baking cocoa
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts, optional
4 cups miniature marshmallows

Topping:1-1/3 cup chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter
3 tbsp butter
2 cups crisp rice cereal

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until fluffy. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts if desired. Spread in a greased 15 x 10 x 1" pan. (Can also use a 13 x 9)

Bake at 350F for 15-18 minutes. Sprinkle marshmallows evenly over cake; return to oven for 2-3 minutes. Using a knife dipped in water, spread the melted marshmallows evenly over cake. Cool. (I didn't spread the marshmallows out, I just used enough to cover the whole thing in a single layer of marshmallows)

For topping, combine chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and well blended. (I just did mine in the microwave) Remove from heat; stir in cereal. Immediately spread over bars. Chill

I didn't let the marshmallows cool enough after I put them in the oven, so when I tried to put the topping on it didn't work out so great. It ended up being a little bit of a marshmallow/topping swirl. But it looked fine and still tasted great! I kept them in the fridge because they were so gooey!

Breakfast Burritos

2009-03-13T09:44:00.004-06:00

My husband loves breakfast burritos, but I've never been a huge fan. I came up with this simple and easy recipe that my whole family enjoys.

Ingredients:

1/2 package bacon
6-8 eggs
3 medium sized potatoes
Shredded cheese
Tortillas
Salsa

Cut bacon into pieces and cook in skillet over medium heat until fat renders. While bacon is cooking, peel and shred the potatoes. Rinse them off, then boil them in water for just a couple of minutes until they are pretty tender. Drain fat from pan, give the eggs a good stir in a bowl and add to bacon. Scramble the eggs. Remove eggs and bacon from skillet, drain potatoes and add to skillet. I add some seasoned salt and pepper to the potatoes and let them cook a little in the skillet. Add eggs and bacon back in and stir it all up. Warm up your tortillas, put on some of your egg/bacon/potato mixture, add shredded cheese and salsa to your tastes.

This recipe can easily be adjusted for more or less people. You could probably use frozen hash browns instead of doing your own potatoes, but I've never tried it. You can put this in the fridge for a few days and it reheats really well.

Sugar Cookie Cutouts

2009-02-24T12:22:00.002-07:00

I absolutely hate making Sugar Cookies cutout but i've learned to love these because they stay soft!!!!!! (must be the whipping cream)

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 3/4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Sift together the flour and baking powder, stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the heavy cream. Cover dough and chill for 2 to 3 hours.

Roll out dough (the thicker the better) Cut into shapes

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes.

Tip---best with homeade frosting!!!!

Pumpkin Bread

2009-02-17T23:12:00.001-07:00

I love pumpkin things, especially during the fall and holiday months. The other day though I had a hankering for this yummy bread and thought, what the heck, who cares if it's February, I can make it again.

Pumpkin Bread

Preheat oven to 350 F.

1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Cream together butter, sugar, and eggs. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Alternate mixing in dry ingredients and pumpkin until it's thoroughly mixed. Stir in chocolate chips. Spray pans with Pam and bake two large loaves for 60 to 65 minutes (5 small loaves for 50-55 minutes or muffins for 20-25 minutes).

I love making this bread in small loaf pans so I can use a few for our family and take a few others to friends.

Easy Homemade Bread

2009-02-17T23:08:00.003-07:00

I was so excited when my sister-in-law Kristen gave me a fabulous book of her best recipes for Christmas which included her bread recipe, aptly titled "Best Bread Ever." We've made it several times, and we've always had success. The thing I love best is that it's super simple and it takes just over 2 hours, start to finish. We have LOVED having fresh bread with our dinners and for toast in the morning. With her permission, here's the recipe.

Best Bread Ever1 1/2 Tbsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 Tbsp honey
3 Tbsp oil
2 cups water
3/4 cup milk
6 to 8 cups flour (You can use all white flour, all wheat flour, or a blend of white and wheat. I have loved it with about 2 cups of white flour and 5 cups of wheat flour, freshly ground.)

Put all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl (I put the dry ingredients in my Kitchen-Aid). Put liquid ingredients into a microwave safe bowl and heat in the microwave until it's very hot to the touch. Pour liquids into the dry ingredients. Knead with hands or mix in mixer for 10-12 minutes. If dough is sticky, add flour sparingly. Let rise for 45 minutes. Punch dough to flatten. Remove from bowl and divide in half. Shape two loaves and put into greased bread pans. Let rise for 40-45 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.

Apple Cider Pork

2009-01-24T13:13:00.002-07:00

1-2 lb. pork loin roast
4 cups apple cider (or apple juice)
4 cubes bouillon
2 Tbsp. ground dry mustard

Place all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (or on high for 4 to 6 hours).

Note: If you don't have a crock pot, you can do this on the stove top as well. Sear all sides of the roast in a large frying pan. Add the cider and seasonings and simmer on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Caramel Popcorn...just adding to your love handles! :)

2009-01-20T14:48:00.003-07:00

I promise this is one of the best I've ever had. It must be the sweetened condensed milk. You won't be disappointed.

Summer Gollhofer’s Popcorn
By Lauren L. Shumway

2 cups brown sugar
2 cubes butter
1 cup karo syrup
Pinch salt
2 bags popcorn, popped--no old maids

Melt together 3-5 minutes on stove stirring often. Remove from heat and add 1 can sweetened condensed milk.

For 2 people, ½ the recipe!!! (so 1 bag of popcorn)

****I did mine in the microwave, stirring occasionally until the sugar is all dissolved.

Buttermilk Syrup

2009-01-11T20:17:00.003-07:00

So I thought I'd add this recipe to complement the one below. :) It's so yummy!!

1 Cup Butter
2 Cups buttermilk
2 Cups Sugar (I've always used white- but says you can use brown too... both would be yummy!)
2 Tbs light Karo Syrup
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla

Use a Large Saucepan (it will foam and grow) and bring the first four ingredients to a boil while stirring constantly. Boil for 7 minutes (still stirring). Remove from heat and add soda and vanilla (will puff up again).

*Note- Probably will want to half if for a small family
*Note 2- if you let it boil a few minutes longer, it will be thicker. Great on ice cream too!

Buttermilk pancakes

2009-01-07T18:27:00.004-07:00

Once you make these, you won't want the mix anymore. Unless it's the Lehi Roller Mills Mix, I got that for Christmas and it was really good.

2 eggs, beaten
1/3 c oil
2 c buttermilk
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 T sugar
1 1/2 c flour (you can use whole wheat, or 1/2 and 1/2!!)

Add everything in the above order and whisk just until smooth. Makes about 18 pancakes, so enough for a family of six.

Linguini with vegetables

2009-01-07T18:17:00.003-07:00

1/2 lb. linguini
2 T oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 green onions, sliced
2 small zucchini, sliced
1/4 lb. mushrooms, sliced
1 med tomato, chopped
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup provolone or mozzarella, grated
3 T parmesan
2 T fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cook pasta. Heat oil in large fry pan on med heat. Add garlic, gr onion, zucchini, and saute 2 min. Add mushrooms and cook for 1 min. Add tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 min or until tender-crisp. Add vegetables to drained pasta, add cheeses and mix until cheese melts. Sprinkle with parsley.

I serve this with sauteed chicken tenderloins. It's simple, but really, really good.

Chicken Tortilla Soup (in the crock pot)!

2009-01-06T16:41:00.006-07:00

Yum, yum and perfect for a cold, winter's day!

1 can black beans
1 can corn
1 can diced tomatoes (southwest style, if possible)
1 packet enchilada sauce mix (or if you can't find this, mild taco seasoning works well too)
1 1/2 C water
1 can tomato sauce
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 C milk
3-4 boneless chicken breasts

In crock pot, mix the enchilada packet together with the water and tomato sauce. Add cream of chicken soup and milk and wisk together until smooth. Add chicken. Pour drained black beans, drained corn and diced tomatoes on top of that.
Cook on low 6-8 hours.
Before serving, take out chicken and shred or dice, then put back and stir it all together.
Serve with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, lime, avocado, or tortilla chips. (Use any or all of these - I think it's the best with everything!).

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

2008-12-13T08:29:00.004-07:00

This cheesecake is my husband's favorite dessert. I like it because I don't have to bother with a springform pan and it tastes just as good! I also toyed with it using the 1/3 less fat cream cheese and there is absolutely no taste difference.

3 pkg (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. mini semi-sweet chips
1 extra serving size (9 oz.) graham cracker crust
2 Tbs. whipping cream

1. Preheat oven to 450.

2. Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Stir in 1 2/3 c. chocolate chips; pour into crust.

3. Bake 10 minutes. Without opening oven door, reduce temperature to 250; continue baking 30 minutes or just until set. Remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

4. Place remaining 1/3 c. chocolate chips and whipping cream in small bowl. Microwave on high 20 to 30 seconds or just until melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Cool slightly and spread over top of cheesecake. Refrigerate 15 minutes or until topping is set. Enjoy!

Fruit Pizza Cookies

2008-12-09T10:22:00.007-07:00

Ingredients:

Store bought Refrigerated sugar cookie dough
Store bought cream cheese frosting
fresh fruit

-Bake the sugar cookies as direction say ( I like to undercook them by like a minute or two so the cookies are more chewy)- You can use homemade sugar cookies but I find the store bought kind to be tastier and easier than making the dough from scratch.

-When cool- spread on the frosting then add fresh fruit to the top so they set in the frosting before the frosting dries. I love to use strawberry slices (you can also use peaches, kiwis, raspberries, blueberries,... you get the picture)

I love these! They are so pretty/easy and make good treats for a bridal shower, baby blessing, or holiday snack.

Baked Vegetables

2008-12-03T11:10:00.002-07:00

Husbands love this...

In a casserole dish, add

small bag of frozen broccoli
1/2 chopped onion
2 cubed potatoes
2 large carrots, cut on bias
(and any other veg you want, asparagus, cauliflower, zucchini, etc.)

season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, dot with butter. Cover with lid or foil. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 45 min until carrots are tender and veg is nice and caramelized. This goes with any kind of meat you want, and isn't it great to only have to make one side?

TORTELLINI SOUP

2008-11-25T15:54:00.005-07:00

Saute : 1 Tb butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
**Add and bring to a boil: 2 cans chicken broth or 4 c. water and 4 bouillon cubes
**Add: 1 (10oz) pkg. cheese torellini
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1 c. stewed tomatoes
**Cook for 5 minutes.
**Add and let simmer for 5 minutes: 1/2 bunch spinach, lightly steamed and chopped (I just use the frozen boxes)
6 fresh basil leaves, chopped ( I just add a pinch of basil)
salt and pepper to taste
** I've also added chicken to this soup to make it "meaty". Costco chickens work great!

Have you ever seen a "de-boned" turkey??

2008-11-19T08:36:00.009-07:00

Last night cooking class was a "Non-Traditional" Thanksgiving Dinner.

Chris started out the evening showing us how to de-bone a turkey. He really had to wack and cut and pull. It was enough to convince me I will never attempt that stunt at home! After he de-boned it, chopped off the legs and wings....he beat the breast flat, (the class toook athe recipe over at this point) turned the dark meat into burger, added sausage and seasonings, wrapped the turkey up, tied it, seared it, baked it for Turkey Roulade. I took some home and Mike LOVED it!

After we're grouped into teams. Rob sends us to our stations and gives us a recipe to do. This is what our stations look like BEFORE....And AFTER! Space gets small! I was with Kay Neves last night. We got Pumpkin Flan as our recipe.

Chris was showing us different toppings for Pizza appetizers.

As you can see, it gets pretty crowded in the kitchen! They had a pretty aggressive menu for us last night. We start class at 6:30 p.m. and I got home at 10:00 p.m. As you know, a lot of Thanksgiving dishes have to be baked, and we were all jockeying to get the oven and stove top!

These pizza's were sooo yummy!!AND WAAAA-LAAA! THE FINAL PRODUCTS!!!Toasted Hazelnut Salad with Dried Cranberries & Hazelnut Vinaigrette (I am so making this!) Deviled Eggs
Spiced Cranberry Bread Pudding
(CAN YOU SAY YUM-O!!! This WILL become a tradition at my house for Thanksgiving from now on!)

Pumpkin Flan.
Rob and Chris said if they were to give me a "grade," it would be an "A"! Of course because I made it, I had to pick it apart and not be satisfied!

POTATO HEAVEN!!! My favorite section of the buffet!

Red potatoes with bacon and cabbage

(left in back--Great St. Patty's day dish! )

Purple potatoes with cream and salt and pepper

(they taste just like regular ones.)

Sweet Potatoes with Sweet Compound Butter

(Another Thanksgiving WILL DO this year! Try to imagine whipped butter with crushed red pepper and syrup! Sounds odd?? DIVINE!)

The Turkey Roulade.

My top picks for the night were: salad, bread pudding, all the potatoes, and the pizza! Try eating all of that at 9:45 at night! It was like eating Thanksgiving Dinner! And they going right to bed....or should I say, right to my THIGHS!! GOBBLE! GOBBLE!

I feel silly! I posted this on the wrong blog!! BUT! Since it does relate to recipes and cooking...if you'd like any of these recipes...leave a comment!

Spiced Cranberry Bread Pudding

DO AHEAD! Can be made up to 4 days in advance!

In a large saucepan, bring to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves:

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. Frozen Cranberry Juice Cocktail Concentrate

1/2 c. orange juice

2 tsp finely grated orange peel

Mix in 3 c. Cranberries (12 oz--thaw if frozen) and return to simmer.

Reduce to med/low heat; gently simmer 3 minutes (cranberries should not break).

Pour cranberry mixture into strainer set over bowl and drain.

Return syrup to same pan.

Boil until very thick and reduced to a generous 1/2 c. (about 7 min).

Fold berries into syrup. Cool to room temperature. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.

Spray 2 quart deep baking dish (see pic) w/ cooking spray. Line with parchment paper.

Cut crust off of 12 slices of white sandwich bread. Place one layer on bottom of dish.

Spread 1 tsp. of Apricot Preserves on each slice and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Spoon 1 Tbsp cranberries (with as little syrup as possible-reserve syrup) on each slice.

Top with another layer--PRESERVE side down. Repeat layers.

With reserved syrup in a medium bowl, Whisk until blended:

4 large eggs

1 Tbsp Grand Marnier (I don't use)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1/2 c. sugar

Add and stir until sugar dissolves:

2 c. heavy whipping cream

Pour custard over dish. Let stand 15 min to an hour, occassionally press bread to submerge. Preheat oven to 350*

Place pudding in a cake pan. Add about an inch of lukewarm water to cake pan.

Bake until puffed and firm to touch, about 45 minutes. (Insert knife, should come out with a little egg on it...don't overcook!)

Remove from water. Let cool 10 min. Serve warm with some reserve syrup drizzled over portions.

Sweet Potatoes with Sweet Compound Butter

Bake sweet potatoes. Whip 1 c. butter. Stir in 1 Tbsp crushed red pepper, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 c.-1/2 c. maple syrup. Serve over potatoes!

Chicken and Broccoli Braid

2008-11-18T14:44:00.004-07:00

This recipe was posted on my friend Jill's blog. I thought it would be fun to try!

Uncooked:

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 cup broccoli, chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1 garlic clove, pressed
4 oz. (1cup) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp. all-purpose dill mix
1/4 tsp. salt
2 pkgs. (8oz. each) refrigerated crescent rolls
1 egg white, lightly beaten
2 tbls. slivered almonds

Directions:Preheat oven to 375F.
Chop chicken and broccoli using food chopper; place in 2 qt. batter bowl. Chop bell pepper using 5" utility knife; add to batter bowl. Press garlic over vegetable mixture using garlic press. Shred cheese using cheese grater and add to vegetable mixture; mix gently. Add mayonnaise, dill mix, and salt; mix well using scraper. Unroll 1 package of crescent dough; do not separate. Arrange longest sides of dough across width of 12" x 15" rectangle baking stone. Repeat with remaining package of dough. Using roller, roll dough to seal perforations. On longest sides of baking stone, cut dough into strips 1 1/2 inches apart, 3 inches deep using a pizza cutter (there will be 6 inches in the center for the filling). Spread filling evenly over middle of dough. To braid, lift strips of dough across mixture to meet in center, twisting each strip on turn. Continue alternating strips to form a braid. Tuck ends under to seal at end of braid. Brush egg white over dough using pastry brush. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake 25-28 minutes or until deep golden brown.Substitute 1 tsp. dried dill weed for The Pampered Chef Pantry All-Purpose Dill Mix, if desired. Yield: 10 servings Approximately 410 calories and 27 grams of fat per serving

Baked Cream Corn

2008-11-14T15:54:00.002-07:00

This is a wonderful side dish--especially good for Thanksgiving!

3 to 4 cups frozen white corn
2 to 3 cans corn (yellow)
1 cup cream or evaporated milk
1 to 2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar

Heat all ingredients in a large saucepan. In a separate pan, make a roux with 4 Tbsp. butter and 1/2 cup flour. Add to corn mixture and stir. Simmer until it is thickened. Put into a greased 9X13 pan and cover top with shredded parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 F for 15 minutes or until browned on top.

Crockpot Ribs

2008-11-14T14:28:00.002-07:00

I got this recipe from the blog "A Year of Crockpotting" and they were delicious!! A friend of mine tried them too (since our local grocery was having a buy one get one free deal on ribs) and have rave reviews as well! It is John McCain's recipe.

4lbs of ribs (I used baby-back)
1 T kosher salt
1 T pepper
1 T garlic powder
4 lemons

Mix dry ingredients and rub over meat. Squeeze the juice from 4 lemons over the top. Cook on low 8-10 hours in the crockpot.

These were super simple and the meat fell off the bones...very yummy. I'm excited to eat the leftovers tonight!

Homemade Granola

2008-11-14T12:05:00.002-07:00

OK. I made this yesterday and it turned out very yummy. The house smelled great too!

8 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups wheat germ
1 1/2 cups oat bran
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup chopped almonds
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup honey
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups raisins

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment or aluminum foil.
Combine the oats, wheat germ, oat bran, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, sesame seeds and walnuts in a large bowl. Stir together the salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then pour over the dry ingredients, and stir to coat. Spread the mixture out evenly on the baking sheets.
Bake until crisp and toasty, about 20 minutes. Be careful not to burn. Stir once halfway through. Cool, then stir in the raisins. Storing in an airtight container.

Crock Pot Chicken Stroganoff

2008-11-13T15:57:00.003-07:00

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 (12 ounce) container sour cream
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 pkg dry onion soup mix
* I also added a splash of milk

Place chicken in crock pot. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or until chicken is tender. Serve over cooked noodles or rice.

Peanut Butter Cookies

2008-11-05T10:53:00.004-07:00

submitted originally by Melanie from the Sisters Cafe (recipe from Kitchen Cafe)
1 ¼ cup flour
¾ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¼ salt
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter¾ cup sugar
½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 Tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
½ cup peanut butter chips
½ cup chocolate chips
Sugar in a bowl for dipping

Preheat oven 350 degreesIn a large bowl, combine the flour, the baking soda, and the baking powder, and the salt. Set aside.In a large bowl, beat the butter and the peanut butter together until fluffy. Add the sugars and beat until smooth. Add the egg and mix well. Add the milk and the vanilla. Add the flour mixture and beat thoroughly. Stir in the peanut butter chips and chocolate chips. Drop Tbsp size rounded cookie dough into bowl of sugar to coat. Place on ungreased cookie sheet leaving several inches between for expansion. Slightly flatten cookies with back of fork. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will look underdone. Cool for 1 minute on pan then remove to a rack to cool completely. These are DELICIOUS.. and can be blamed for my recent 3lb. weight gain.

Spaghetti with Zesty Bolognese

2008-11-03T16:45:00.002-07:00

(Adapted from Kraftfoods.com)

This is a great twist on the classic spaghetti. Tastes alot more fresh than the ragu:)

Ingredients:

1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
1 lb. ground beef
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 Tbsp. Cream Cheese
12 oz. spaghetti, uncooked
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan

Optional: oregano, basil, and bay leaves and garlic salt)

COOK onions in italian dressing in large skillet on medium heat. Increase heat to medium-high. Add meat; cook, stirring frequently, until browned. Add garlic salt and pepper to taste.

(I add garlic salt to almost every meal) Stir in tomato sauce and tomatoes (and 1/2 tsp of oregano, basil, and 1 bay leaf if you'd like). Add one tsp. sugar-- a tip I learned somewhere that you should do for any tomato based sauce-- don't know why)

Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 15 min. Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese until well blended.

MEANWHILE, cook pasta as directed on package.

SPOON sauce over pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Cheeseburger Soup

2008-11-02T21:28:00.002-07:00

I got this recipe from my friend Marilynn... I should recruit her to join this blog, but then I might not have any good recipes to share :). This soup is very kid friendly and great for fall and winter!

Cheeseburger Soup

1/2 lb. ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
4 Tbsp. butter or margarine, divided
3 cups chicken broth (2 cans)
4 cups diced peeled potatoes
1/4 cup flour
8 oz. processed American cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup sour cream

In a saucepan, brown ground beef. Drain and set aside. In the same saucepan, saute onion, carrots, celery, basil, and parsley in 1 Tbsp. butter until vegetables are tender. Add broth, potatoes, and beef and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining butter and add flour. Cook and stir for 3 minutes or until bubbly. Add to soup; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat. Blend in sour cream and serve.

2x baked potatoes and Easy Biscuits

2008-10-30T17:48:00.004-06:00

I apologize i haven't posted in a while!! But here are two of my very favorite and very easy recipes!! And the little ones always seem to love them!! Plus, i don't about you, but I get a little tired of the same old sides!!

Twice Baked Potatos

Cook desired amount of potatoes in oven, like your making a baked potato, usually i cook mine at 400 for about an hour.

Then take cooked baked potatoes and scoop out insides into large bowl.

Add sour cream and milk until potatoes reach desired consistency, then add
bacon(i usually use the pre-cooked bacon that you just put in the microwave, or my mom always used Baco's), green onion(i omit this if it is for children), cheese, garlic, salt and pepper (all ingredients are to taste).

Then top with cheese.

Scoop mixture back into potato skins and bake at 375 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted!!! Yummy

Garlic Cheese Garlic Biscuits

2 cups bisquick
½ cup shredded cheese
2/3 cup milk

1 tsp or so of Garlic

Stir ingredients until soft dough forms.
Drop by spoonful onto greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 450 for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Mix tsp. butter (melted) and 1/8 tsp garlic
powder and brush over warm biscuits.
*by the way- the biscuits are not perfectly round, i usually just plop them onto the cookie sheet, and the dough is pretty sticky, but if it seems to think add a little more milk!! Sometimes i also add green onions!*

French Toast Fingers

2008-10-30T15:57:00.004-06:00

I am always looking for breakfast ideas. I found this on the Kraft Foods website.

Ingredients:

3 eggs

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

dash ground cinnamon

10 slices whole grain bread

2-1/2 cups fruit flavored sweetened rice cereal (like Fruity Pebbles)

Preheat the oven to 350. Beat eggs with milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Cut each slice of bread into 4 strips.

Dip bread strips into egg mixture, then dip into cereal turning to evenly coat. Place strips on cookie sheet.

Bake 20 min. or until golden brown.

Some of the kids wanted syrup, but they were great alone also.

Crunchy PB in a Wrap

2008-10-30T15:48:00.007-06:00

This is great for a quick lunch or after school snack. I had to use some different ingredients than the recipe originally called for because my little ones don't like granola- so I'll tell you what I used instead.

Ingredients:

*7-8 inch flour tortillas

*Crunchy peanut butter

*Chopped apple-- I used granny smith, but any would do. Just make sure to chop it into little pieces.

*granola--I used frosted cheerios here, sounds gross, but it was really yummy.

*Honey (optional) I added this to a second batch and my kids loved it.

Spread the PB over each tortilla. Sprinkle with apples and granola. Tightly roll up tortillas. Cut in half. Enjoy!!

A Twist on Tuna

2008-10-30T15:39:00.004-06:00

We love tuna sandwiches at our house. But we were getting bored. So I switched it up a bit. This is one of those recipes that you have to do to taste. I like a lot of flavor, so mine had a lot of zing.

Ingredients:
1 large can of white tuna in water. (The tuna in oil is just gross, don't ya think?)
1 cup (or more) of shredded cabbage with carrot (coleslaw mix)
Miracle Whip- or Mayonnaise to taste (I used Miracle Whip)
1 packet of dry ranch dressing-- add to taste. (I think I added over half the packet- but like I said- I like a lot of flavor.)

Mix all ingredients and spread on bread.

It was a good change for us. You can add as much or as little of the ingredients as you like!

Tomato Barley Soup

2008-10-27T09:14:00.005-06:00

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

2 large carrots, sliced (I just cut up a handful of baby carrots)

1/2 large onion, chopped

1 Tbsp minced garlic

1 large can crushed tomatoes

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup uncooked quick barley (you can use regular, you just have to cook it longer)

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp. thyme

In heavy saucepan, heat olive oul; add carrots, onion, and garlic. Cook and stir over medium heat until vegetables are crisp tender.

Add rest of ingredients and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until barley is tender. I usually add some water when I add the tomatoes to make it thinner, but you can add more or less water depending on how thick you like your soup.

My family likes to eat this soup with saltine crackers, they are fun to dip.

Serves: about 4

PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS

2008-10-26T16:11:00.002-06:00

2 c. butter
3 c. sugar
6 eggs
1 T vanilla (mix together)
1 Lrg. can pumpkin
1 t. allspice
1 t. nutmeg
1 t.cloves
1/4 t. ginger
1 T. cinnamon
1 t.salt
4 1/2 c. flour
1 T baking powder
1 T baking soda
3 c. chocolate chips
Bake at 350 deg for 15-20 minutes. I did closer to 15 minutes and let them sit in the pan to cook a little longer inside. I also only had a 2 sticks of butter (it calls for 4), so I used a cup of oil to replace the butter that I didn't have, and they still turned out perfect(I think they were more moist too). This recipe makes about 4 dozen muffins(maybe a bit more), but they are great to freeze and eat later too.

Easy Delicious Fudge

2008-10-23T14:42:00.004-06:00

1 bag of milk chocolate chips
1 bag of peanut butter chips
1 bag of butterscotch chips
1 c. peanut butter

1 c. nuts and/or mini marshmallows, optional

Put all of the chips and the peanut butter into a microwave safe bowl & cook for 2 minutes; stirring every 30 seconds. Then add optional ingredients...if using any.
Place into a 13x9" buttered pan. Cover & refrigerate. Be sure & cut into small squares before it gets too hard & difficult to cut.

{Viola!}

{store in the fridge.}

It is soooo good & creamy & easy & addicting & fattening!

YUM YUM!

It's the next best thing to bathing in chocolate!

Which I WILL DO one day!!!!

♥Merrianne

No IDEA what is happening

2008-10-23T08:08:00.003-06:00

I have gotten a few emails from lovely ladies who for some wierd reason have not been able to post. I am looking into what happened. Please let me know if any more of you have this problem so I can add you on again.

Thanks!!

Shally

Caramel Corn

2008-10-21T18:08:00.006-06:00

This is my mom's caramel corn recipe. It's not crunchy like most caramel popcorn. It stays soft and gooey and is delicious.

Pop 1 1/2 cups of popcorn and set aside (this is just an estimate. you might want to do more or less depending on how gooey you want it)

In a saucepan add:
2 c. brown sugar
1 c. Karo syrup
1 c. Butter or Margarine (I use butter)
dash of salt

-Cook to softball and stir in 1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk.
-Pour over corn-Store in an airtight container

Let's make a DEAL.

2008-10-21T11:50:00.003-06:00

Okay. We are slacking ladies. Heaven knows we are all busy- but selfishly I am needing new recipe ideas from all you wonderful cooks!!!

Let's make a deal to each post at least one recipe in the next 30 days.

We can do that right?? ☺ One little recipe???

There are 39 chefs- so that would be 39 new recipes in one month!!

I know we could all use that!!

So start thinking of your next post, okay?

Pretty please?

Oh-- and on a completely random note- if you don't already have Google Reader- GET IT. It is a great way to keep up with the new recipes that are posted on this blog! Just go to Google.com- on the top left hand corner you will see "images, maps" etc. Click on "more" and scroll down to READER. You can manage all the blogs you want to read on there. Google reader will notify you whenever a new post comes up, so you don't have to keep checking the blog to see if there is something new! It saves so much time.

I can't wait for your recipes!! Get going!

Seriously GO!!! ☺

Barbeque Beef and Potato Bake

2008-10-05T21:29:00.004-06:00

Sorry I have been such a slacker!! I have tons of recipes I want to post- we'll start with this one.

Super easy.

Super fast.

Ingredients:
1 package Betty Crocker roasted garlic mashed potatoes (2 pouches)
2 cups water
1 1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 container (18 oz) Lloyds refrigerated barbeque sauce with shredded beef (It is
in a yellow tub)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup French-fried onions (from the can) I used Cheddar flavor and it was really good.

1. Heat oven to 350. Spray rectangular baking dish. 11x7 with cooking spray

2. Make potatoes as directed on package for 8 servings, using both pouches. Spread half of the potatoes over the bottom of baking dish. Layer with beef, 1 cup of the cheese and remaining potatoes.

3. Cover with aluminum foil and bake about 25 min or until hot. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Sprinkle the onions around the edges of baking dish. Bake uncovered for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted and onions are brown.

**You can also do this with homemade mashed potatoes, and it is delicious. There are also other meats from Lloyds that may fit your family better. You can also make the potatoes ahead and refrigerate them to cut down on the pre-dinner mayhem. ☺

Baked Beef Ziti

2008-10-02T12:39:00.002-06:00

12 oz. uncooked ziti
2 tsp. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
28 oz. canned crushed tomatoes
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Cook pasta, drain and set asided.
Meanwhile, heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat; add garlic and saute 2 min. Add beef and cook until browned, drain off any fat and set pan back over medium heat.

Add herbs and salt and pepper, stir to coat beef. Cook until herbs become fragrant, about 2 min. Add tomatoes and bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

Spoon a small amount of beef-tomato mixture into bottom of 4-qt casserole dish (just enough to cover the surface); top wiht half of ziti. Next, layer wiht half of remaining beef-tomato sauce and half of mozzarella cheese. Layer with remaining ziti and then top with remaining beef-tomato sauce; sprinkle wiht remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serves 8.

FYI- for those that do Weight Watchers points, this meal is only 5 points per serving.

Easy Garlic Chicken

2008-09-30T09:45:00.005-06:00

I made this the other night and it only took about 15 minutes total.

What you need:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
3 Tbsp. butter
2 tsp. garlic powder -- I am not a huge garlic fan so I added a little less, just add to taste :)
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. seasoning salt

What to do:
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, seasoning salt and onion powder. (I mixed them all together before I sprinkled...) Saute about 10 to 15 minutes on each side, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

This serves about 4 and I think it would be really good with rice-a-roni or potatoes of some kind. I just served mine with green beans and bread and butter.... This was such and easy meal. Enjoy!

(By the way, I got this recipe from http://allrecipes.albersons.com)

Pretzel Jello Salad

2008-09-23T21:09:00.005-06:00

Ok Ladies... really... It's been over a month and no new recipes? We are seriously slacking. :)

This probably isn't a new recipe to a lot of you... But it's one of my favorites to make for when we have people over, or if I'm in charge of bringing a family a meal. It's technically a jello salad... but it's definitely good enough to be dessert! :) There's never any leftovers with this dish! :)

Pretzels (Somebody asked how many- & I don't know! :) Just enough so after you crush them, they cover the bottom of the pan... I just guess)
1 Cube Butter
1 c. Sugar, plus 4 tsp Sugar
12 oz. Cool Whip
8 oz. Softened Cream Cheese
6 oz. Strawberry Jello
16 oz. Frozen strawberries (sliced)

*Crush Pretzels in Bottom of 9x13 pan.
*Melt butter with 4 tsp. Sugar.
*Pour over pretzels and bake at 400 for 6 min.

*Cool in refrigerator (I put mine in the freezer- Make sure it's completely cooled or it melts the next layer and everything meshes together!)

*Beat softened cream cheese, cool whip, and 1 cup Sugar on med/low until smooth

*Spread over COOLED pretzels. (Make sure to seal all the edges so the jello doesn't get into the pretzels)

*Mix Jello with 2 cups Boiling water. Stir until well dissolved.
*Stir in frozen sliced strawberries.
*Let Jello partial set (3 minutes or so) then pour over cream cheese mixture.
*Put in Fridge and let set for 3-4 hours.

Sandwich Fun

2008-08-15T09:45:00.001-06:00

During summer, we eat a lot of sandwiches for lunch! We're either running around outside and need something portable or I'm in the middle of a project and need something quick. Also, school is starting soon and I'm sure you'll be after some new sandwich ideas. Here are a few ideas to liven things up.

1) New Shapes. Simply use a large cookie cutter and cut out a shape from a prepared sandwich. Image from Family Fun.

2) Cheesey Face. Cut out a face shape on one slice of bread. Make a grilled cheese sandwich and add some tomato ears and chip "hair". I have no idea where this is from, I like to give credit to whoever came up with it, but I just found this pic in my files. If it's yours, please tell me! :)

3) Robot. Cut crusts off sandwich and cut into two rectangles. Add a banana smile, grape eyes, and cheese puff antennae.

4) Puzzlers. Make one sandwich on white bread and one on whole wheat bread. Cut a similar "puzzle" piece out of each sandwich. Swap the pieces and serve. (This one is great for school lunches!)

5) Cell phone Sandwiches. This one's from Denise. She's actually a soapmaker, but came up with these cuties!

6) Tic-Tac-Toe Melts from HomeBasics. To make the “board”, top a slice of lightly toasted bread with a slice of cheese. Then use thin strips of ham to divide the slice into nine squares. Decorate with playing pieces: “O’s” made from black olive rings and “X’s” made from small strips of red bell pepper. Broil until bubbly and serve.

Muffins, Muffins, Muffins

2008-08-10T09:30:00.003-06:00

This is a great "base" muffin mix so that you can add your own favorite fruits, etc. They aren't too sweet and really satisfying!

2 c. all purpose flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. sugar (add up to 1 cup if you like them SWEET)
1 egg
1 c. milk
1/4 c. vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Stir together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large bowl. In a 2 cup measuring cup, mix the egg in with the milk. Pour milk mixture and oil into the flour mixture. Mix quickly and lightly with a fork until moistened..but do not beat. Batter may be lumpy. At this point add your favorite fruit or cinnamon & sugar for "coffee cake" muffins.

Pour into paper lined muffin tins. Usually I can squeeze out 14. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden. Store in ziplock bag or tight lid container to keep fresh.

To my muffins, to make "Lemon Blueberry" muffins, I added:

2 Tbl. lemon zest
2 capfuls of lemon juice (or fresh juice if you have it- add 1 1/2 tsp depending on how "zingy" you want it!)
1 cup of frozen blueberries

Then for the topping:
Glaze: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup powdered sugar
Mix together until smooth and drizzle over warm muffins.

Balsamic Salmon

2008-08-02T10:42:00.007-06:00

My husband and I are trying to be a little more healthy so I have been making salmon more often. My husband cannot stand fish!! I decided to try and see if I could get him to enjoy it by experimenting and cooking it different ways. This is a recipe thatI made up that he actually really enjoyed! He even agreed to eat it once or twice a week!!

Ingredients:
Salmon Filet (I have been buying preportioned single filets at Albertsons and they only cost $1 each!)
Balsamic Vinegarette salad dressing

Directions:
Add fish to a frying pan with a little olive oil or butter (i used butter to mask the fish taste even more). Pour a little of the dressing on top of the salmon, let it cook (can add a pinch of garlic powder also), repeat on other side. I cooked it until it was starting to brown. Take the filet out and peel off the scales (you can cook that side a little longer if desired).

Only 5-10 minutes and you have a tasty and fairly healthy serving of fish!

As Sides:
-I steamed some broccoli (and added roasted sliced almonds)
-sliced potatoes to look like french fries and cooked them on the stove in a little olive oil and some steak seasoning. My little boy loves to dip food so he was able to dip these in some ketchup!

ENJOY!!

Luscious Banana Pudding

2008-07-31T08:13:00.002-06:00

This is Paula Deen's "Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding." It's awesome.

2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Cookies
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 - 5 oz box french vanilla pudding
1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 12 oz container cool whip, thawed

Directions:Line bottom of 13x9x2" baking dish with 1 bag of cookies and put bananas on top. Blend milk with pudding mix well with a handheld electric mixer. Beat cream cheese and condensed milk together in a bowl until smooth; fold in whipped topping. Add to pudding mixture, stirring until well blended. Pour mixture over cookies and bananas; cover with remaining cookies. Refrigerate.

Carne Asada - like you were in mexico....

2008-07-24T18:45:00.002-06:00

Carne Asada Recipe

Ingredients:
2 pounds flank or skirt steak

Marinade:

4 garlic cloves-minced

1 jalapeño chile pepper, seeded and minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 large handful fresh cilantro, leaves and stems, finely chopped (great flavor in the stems)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 limes, juiced

2 tablespoons white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 cup olive oil

Method

1 Lay the flank steak in a large non-reactive bowl or baking dish. Combine marinade ingredients and pour the marinade over the steak. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-4 hours.

2 Preheat your grill over medium-high flame (you can also use a cast iron grill pan on high heat for stove-top cooking). Brush the grates with a little oil to prevent the meat from sticking. Remove the steak from the marinade. If you are cooking indoors, you may want to brush off excess marinade as the bits may burn and smoke on the hot pan. Season both sides of the steak pieces with salt and pepper. Grill the pieces for a few minutes only, on each side, depending on how thin they are, until medium rare to well done, to your preference. You may need to work in batches. Remove the steak pieces to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice the steak across the grain on a diagonal.
(Optional) Serve with warm tortillas (flour or corn) and pico de gallo

Southern Style Biscuits

2008-07-20T07:09:00.000-06:00

GREEN BEANS

2008-07-20T07:06:00.002-06:00

Jumbo Molasses Cookies

2008-07-19T20:24:00.003-06:00

Cream:

3 c. butter-flavored shortening
4 sugar
Add and mix well:
1 c. molasses
4 eggs
Combine and gradually Add:
8 c. flour
2 Tbsp plus 2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ginger
Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours.
Shape ¼ c. dough into balls. Roll in sugar.
Four cookies per sheet.
Bake 350* for 18-20 min or until edges are set.
*Can do “normal size” cookies and reduce baking time.

Tortellini Sausage Soup

2008-07-19T20:20:00.002-06:00

In a Large Dutch oven..or pot
BROWN:
1 lb mild sausage
ADD: 2 tsp garlic
1 small onion, chopped
ADD:
6 c. water
5 tsp beef granules
1 c. chopped carrots
½ tsp basil
½ tsp oregano
3 Tbsp parsley
28 oz canned tomatoes (diced)
1- 8 oz can tomato sauce
Cook until carrots are tender.
Meanwhile…
COOK SEPARTELY:
1 bag frozen tortellini
Bow tie pasta (optional)

Bran Flax Muffins

2008-07-19T20:18:00.002-06:00

(these are my absolutely favorite muffins! Actually the only ones I’ll eat!)
Mix together in a large bowl:
1 c. flour
½ c. whole wheat flour
¾ c. flaxseed meal (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
¾ c. oatbran
1 c. brown sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
Stir in:
2 tart apples, peeled and shredded
1 ½ c. carrots, shredded
½ c. raisins (opt)
1 c. nuts, chopped (opt)
Combine and Pour into dry ingredients:
¾ c. milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
Stir just until ingredients are moistened. Do not over mix!
Fill muffin cups ¾ full. Bake 350* for 15-20 min.

Salsa Verda Burgers

2008-07-19T20:07:00.002-06:00

This a fun twist on a hamburger. I saw it on Rachel Ray!
Mash with a fork:
1 avocado
½ c. mayo
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
Salt and pepper
In a medium bowl, Combine:
1 lb hamburger
½ c. salsa verde
Form patties, but don’t squeeze too hard.
In large skillet over med-high heat. Cook patties for 4 min. on one side.
Flip and top with a slice of pepper jack cheese, cover and cook 4 more minutes.
Spread the avocado mayo on side of Kaiser roll (toasted) and sprinkle with cilantro (opt). Top with a patty and 2 tomato slices. Put on tops on serve.

Easy Chicken Bake

2008-07-14T21:03:00.002-06:00

(This is a great Sunday dinner meal and the gravy is awesome over mashed potatoes.)

INGREDIENTS
· Salt
· Paprika
· Garlic salt
· Parsley
· 6 good sized pieces of bone-in chicken (I use 10 drumsticks)
· 1 can cream of mushroom soup
· 1 c. cream or ¾ c. evaporated milk

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Mix salt, garlic salt and paprika. Sprinkle and rub into chicken pieces. Layer chicken in shallow pan. Dilute soup with cream and pour over chicken and sprinkle with parsley. Bake uncovered for 1 ½ hours.

Pork Cafe Rio Salad

2008-07-14T20:59:00.003-06:00

(This is a knock-off of the pork Cafe Rio salad. Frankly, it doesn't taste like it to me, but it's still SO good and the best thing to serve to company...yummy and people can leave off what they don't want. I know it's not simple, but I think it's worth it.)

You start with the Pork

3-4 lbs. Pork Loin
1 c. brown sugar
1 bottle red taco sauce
1 T. Cumin
1 Can Coke

Cook pork on low in crock pot with water covering ½ the pork for 6 hours or until able to shred. Three hours before serving, drain liquid off pork and add coke, taco sauce, brown sugar and cumin. Continue to cook for approximately 3 more hours.

Then you make the Rice

White rice
Chicken broth
Chopped Cilantro
Chopped white Onions
lime juice

You get to experiment on the portion sizes. Cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water with cilantro, onions, & lime juice.

Then you make the Tomatillo Dressing

1 pkg. Dry buttermilk Dressing (ranch)
3 Tomatillos
1 C. Mayonnaise
1 C. Buttermilk
1 C. Cilantro (chopped)
1 Garlic Clove
1/4 to ½ t. Cayenne Pepper

Put all ingredients in blender. Dressing will be runny at first, but thickens gradually.

This is the order I do this “salad”

Tortillas (how it’s served at the restaurant)***
Cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
Rice
Black Beans (warmed)
Pork
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Green Onions
Cilantro, Sour Cream, Salsa
Tomatillo Dressing
Crushed chips on top
*** You can buy uncooked tortillas at Costco that you cook fresh yourself. They are fabulous!!!

No Bake Cheesecake

2008-07-14T20:56:00.004-06:00

You need:

a graham cracker crust (if you homemake it, it's, like, 10 times better)
8 oz of cream cheese
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/3 c. lemon juice
1 t. vanilla
berries

If you've baked your crust, make sure you've let it cool. Mix the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and vanilla. Keep in freezer till 30 minutes before serving. Top with any kind of berries.

Homemade Raspberry Ice Cream

2008-07-06T18:44:00.003-06:00

I know there are homemade ice cream recipes all over the place, but I combined a few that I couldn't decide between, and we had a tasty result! It was so flavorful and creamy. This recipe takes a little extra work, but it's worth it! This is for a 4 quart ice cream maker.

4 cups half & half
2 cups whipping cream
2 cups sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 (24 oz.) container plain yogurt (I like Activa by Dannon because it's so smooth and creamy)
4 (6 oz.) containers fresh raspberries
1 (12 oz.) package frozen red raspberries

In a large bowl, mix half & half, cream, sugar, and vanilla with a wire whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Rinse the fresh raspberries and put in the blender with 1 cup of the cream mixture. Blend for 1 minute or until the raspberries are pulverized. Pour the raspberry mixture through a fine sieve with a bowl underneath to remove the raspberry seeds (be patient, it will be very thick and might need some stirring to get it through, but you'll be so glad to get rid of all those nasty seeds). Stir the raspberry juice/cream in with the remaining cream and add the yogurt. Stir in the frozen raspberries and pour the entire mixture into the ice cream maker tub. Follow your ice cream maker's directions for layering rock salt and ice and churn until it's thick and creamy.

"Worm" Casserole

2008-07-03T16:49:00.002-06:00

1 onion
1 pound hamburger
4 cups rice
4 cups water
1 can cream of chicken soup
¾ soup can of milk
Chow mein noodles

Brown and drain hamburger. Add milk and soup together until smooth. Place 1 cup rice in bottom of casserole dish. Put some hamburger on top of rice. Add some soup mixture over that. Put chow mein noodles on top and start layers over again. Bake in microwave for 8-10 minutes. You could put in a layer of cheese or green beans or both.

Italian Breaded Chicken

2008-07-03T16:48:00.002-06:00

6-8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet of dry Italian seasoning mix
¾ c parmesan cheese (the powdered stuff)
1 cup bread crumbs or seasoned croutons, crushed
1 cube butter
1 jar spaghetti sauce, your choice of flavor
8 provolone cheese slices

Combine in large bowl, Italian seasoning packet, parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs. In separate bowl, melt 1 cube butter. Roll the chicken in the melted butter then in the bread crumb mixture. Put in a foil lined 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. At 45 minutes, take the chicken out and spoon the spaghetti sauce on top of the chicken. Then add 1 slice of provolone cheese. Put back in the oven until the cheese is melted! Enjoy! I usually serve with breaded or stuffed mushrooms, Pillsbury cheddar garlic biscuits, and Pasta Roni Angel Hair Pasta Parmesan flavored.

Chicken Alabam

2008-07-03T16:46:00.004-06:00

Another favorite. This sounds gross, but I promise it's great. You can use Pepsi or Coke product. It makes a runny, mild BBQ sauce. I usually serve it with corn or over mashed potatoes.

1-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup ketchup
1 can of Pepsi (Wild Cherry or Diet works too!)
1 teaspoon mustard
Onion flakes
Garlic salt

Season chicken breast with garlic salt. Combine ketchup, pop, mustard, and onion flakes. Mix well with whisk. Pour over chicken in 9 x 13 baking dish, usually lined with foil. Bake 1 hour on 350. It will sort of taste like BBQ Chicken. I love it!

Applesauce Muffins

2008-07-03T16:42:00.003-06:00

These are a family favorite. They are VERY easy to make and taste really good. You can freeze them, too. They are best warm, then make a little "hole" in the middle and add some butter. Happy eating!

Combine and mix well:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Add:
1 stick of margarine or butter
1 ½ cups sugar
Blend mixture well.

Add:
2 eggs
Blend mixture well.

Add:
1 cup applesauce
Blend mixture well. It will be similar to the consistency of oatmeal, pretty thick.
Put approximately ¼ cup of mixture into baking cups and bake on 350 for 19 minutes only! Enjoy!

Grilled Asparagus

2008-07-02T20:52:00.002-06:00

Asparagus
Butter
Lemon Pepper
Parmesan cheese

Tear off a piece of heavy duty foil (or two pieces of normal foil). Spread butter on bottom. Place asparagus on top, add a bit more butter on top, add lemon pepper and parmesan cheese. Cover and grill about 15-20 minutes or until desired tenderness.

Grilled Baby Carrots and Green Beans

2008-07-02T20:46:00.003-06:00

1 cup baby carrots, cut length wise
8 oz green beans
1 tbs olive oil
1/2 tsp dried marjoram leaves
1/2 tsp garlic pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 medium onion, cut into 1/2 in wedges

Heat grill on medium. Toss all ingredients except onion in a large bowl. Place in a grill basket. Cook in covered grill for 10 minutes. Add onion to oil in bowl, toss to coat, add to grill basket. Cook an additional 10 minutes shaking and turing the veges until all veges are crisp tender.

If you like to grill you have to get a grill basket, we use it all the time for potatoes or really any combination of veges and spices.

Morning Glory Muffins

2008-07-02T20:34:00.002-06:00

This is a yummy muffin recipe that when adapted is also healthy. It may be a bit of work up front (not much really), but I double the recipe, then put the dough in seperate baggies and stick them in the freezer, then pull them out whenever, stick them in the oven and you have fresh muffins. Gabe LOVES them!

2 cups flour (I usually do at least half whole wheat flour)
1 1/4 cups sugar (I usually do about half of this)
2 tsp. baking soda (I add more if freezing)
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups grated carrot (easy if you have a food processor)
1/2 cup raisins (or craisins ar fun too)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 apple, peeled, cored, grated (use food processor)
3 eggs
1 cup olive oil (i usually use half applesauce and half oil)
2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in carrot, raisins, walnuts, coconut and apple. In seperate bowl beat eggs, oil, vanilla. Stir egg mixture into flour mixture just until combined. Spoon into well greased muffin cups. Bake for 20-30 minutes. Makes ~16 muffins.

Chicken Skewers..

2008-06-30T16:20:00.002-06:00

Here's a really easy grill recipe...

chicken tenderloins
minced onions
garlic salt
soy sauce

place chicken in shallow pan, and pour soy sauce over them. shake each side of chicken with minced onions and garlic salt... let sit for 10 minutes and then grill. These cook up really fast.. you can use the wooden skewers if you'd like you just have to soak the skewers in water for at least 15 min. before putting them on the grill. When it's not summer you can bake these in the oven for 30 min at 350 degrees.

Not fried...fried ice cream

2008-06-29T17:29:00.003-06:00

So I love fried ice cream and I know how much fat is in it..so I have made an alternative that is soo good and less fat grams...

You can use frozen yogurt, vanilla ice cream or pralines and cream ice cream.

1. Make as many round scoops of ice cream that you need. Place on baking sheet lined with wax paper and keep in freezer until ready to use.

2. In a gallon size zip lock bag, crush up pecans and frosted flakes (you can use the less sugar ones), I use about 1/2 cup of frosted flakes per ball and as much pecans as you want. You can omit the pecans and use almonds or walnuts...or simply no nuts at all.

When ready, roll your balls of ice cream in the frosted flakes mixture. Drizzle with caramel and wham...not fried ice cream and it is really good!

Hope you enjoy it like my kids do!!

BBQ Season

2008-06-29T17:27:00.001-06:00

Hello ladies! BBQ season is here and I was wondering if anyone had any wonderful recipes to try out on the grill? I have my normal foil potatoes and hamburgers...but I am looking for anything wonderful and tasty! Please share if you do!!

Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Biscuits

2008-06-25T12:37:00.004-06:00

1 can of refrigerated biscuits
1 lb. bulk sausage, cooked, drained, and crumbled
1 c. shredded cheese; divided in half
6 eggs
1/4 c. milk

Flatten out biscuits and place inside greased muffin pans...each one will be shaped like a bowl. Add a scoop of sausage into each biscuit "bowl". Bake in oven according to biscuit package directions. Meanwhile, mix the eggs with 1/2 of the shredded cheese and milk. Scramble in a skillet until done. When the sausage and biscuits are done, scoop eggs into each stuffed biscuit. While they are still hot, top with the remaining cheese.

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

2008-06-24T17:40:00.003-06:00

Funny you should ask, Shally, because I've been meaning to post this recipe, but wasn't sure if anyone would be interested... We blessed our baby last week and our church got out early, so I made this for the after-church gathering at our house, and it turned out YUMMY - I got many, many compliments. ( I doubled the recipe, and it fed 12 or 15 or so...) And, the best thing is, you can make it at night, start cooking it when you go to bed, and it's ready when you wake up! Anyway, to the recipe....

Ingredients:
32 oz bag Southern Style hash browns (these are the little square kind - not the shredded ones)
1 lb bacon, fried, drained and torn or cut into pieces
1/2 C diced onion
3/4 lb cheddar cheese, diced
1 dozen eggs
1 C milk
1/2 tsp dry mustard
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
Layer frozen potatoes, bacon, onion and cheese in 2-3 layers. Finish with cheese.
Beat eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour on top.
Cook on low for 10-12 hours.

Yummy with salsa, Cholula, green Tabasco, or of course, good old ketchup!

I need ideas

2008-06-24T16:37:00.001-06:00

Okay ladies...

I need breakfast ideas! I am sick of my regualars! Breakfast is the hardest meal for me to find new recipes.

Any recipes you have will help!

Please...

I am tired of my boring pancakes.

THANKS!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2008-06-24T14:39:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I know you all probably have tons of Chocolate Chip Cookie recipes already, but this is seriously the best one I've found. (And I got it off of a generic bag of chocolate chips!)

Ingredients:
2 1/4 C flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 C firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 C granulated sugar
1 C butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 1/2 to 2 C (I do 2 cups!) chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in bowl and set aside.
Combine sugars, butter, and vanilla and beat until creamy. Add eggs and beat.
Add dry ingredients and mix well.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes.

Yummy!