Best Food on the Planet

Mama's Tater Tot Casserole

2011-11-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

Ann Mecham

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30-60 minutes

Serves 8

Ingredients:

1 lb. Ground Beef

1 Onion, chopped

1 Green Pepper, chopped

1 can Green Beans

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup

1 can Evaporated Milk

2 cups Sharp Cheese, shredded

1 pkg. Tater Tots

Salt & Pepper to taste

Steps:

Soften Onion and Green Pepper in a large skillet. Add Ground Beef and brown. Mix in Cream of Chicken Soup, Evaporated Milk and Cheese to beef. Mix Green Beans and Cream of Mushroom Soup together in a separate bowl. Pour Beef mixture into a 9x13 pan, spread Green Bean mixture on top, cover with Tater Tots and sprinkle with more Cheese. Bake at 350 for 30-60 minutes; until hot and bubbly throughout and Tater Tots are done.

Strawberry Pie Filling

2011-11-09T06:21:00.000-08:00

Aunt Ruth 1977 via Becky Parker

Prep Time minutes

Cook Time minutes

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 C Water

1 C Sugar

3 Tbsp. Corn Starch

1 small pkg Strawberry Jello

Strawberries

pre-baked Pie Shell

Cool Whip (optional)

Steps:

Mix Water, Sugar and Cornstarch and bring to a boil, boil for 2 minutes. Add in package of Strawberry Jello. Let cool. Fold in Strawberries. Pour into a pre baked Pie Shell. Garnish with Cool Whip and serve.

Variations:

Make filling as above - Butter a 9x13 baking dish. Put filling in dish. Sprinkle 1 dry cake mix over the top of filling. Cut up 1 stick of butter and place slivers all over dry cake mix. Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes, until top is golden brown. Serve hot with ice cream.

Lofthouse Style Sugar Cookies and Fruit Pizzas

2011-10-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

Justin and I were going to a friends house for dinner and games last night. We offered to bring dessert and decided on fruit pizza, individual ones, for each person. I spent about 20 minutes searching for the perfect fruit pizza recipes and then decided to work one together from other recipes online. Here is the result!

First, I found this website, with the PERFECT Sugar cookies. You know those cookies you can buy at the grocery store, Lofthouse Sugar cookies. They are the ones that are always soft and yummy frosting on top...Yeah the ones pictured on here. They are amazing, and yummy and oh, so delicious. Anyway, the link above has an amazing copycat recipe that is worth the time. I have trimmed down some of her comments in the directions and pasted the result here. Hope you enjoy!

Super Soft Sugar Cookies

1 Cup Crisco
1 Cup Sugar

1 Egg
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 tsp. Almond Extract

1 cup Whipping Cream

1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
About 5 cups Flour

(Kitchenaid mixer works well for this recipe) Using the whisk attachment Creamtogether the sugar and Crisco really well- run the mixer for a good 7-10minutes. Add the egg, vanilla and almond and mix for another minute or two. Addthe whipping cream and beat the mixture until it becomes fluffy about 3-5 moreminutes.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients.

Change your mixer attachment from the whisk to the paddleand get all the dry ingredients incorporated. The dough will not be as thick asregular cookie dough.

Use a 1 inch cookie dough scoop to roll out the dough into1- 1 ½ inch balls. Smooth out all edges and then place on the cookie sheet andflatten them, keeping edges smooth.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes. You do not want them tobrown. 8 minutes came out perfectly in my oven.

Cool while the next batch of cookies is in the oven. Whenthe next batch is about to come out, move cookies to a cooling rack and rollout and flatten the next batch of cookies.

To store, place in a plastic container or zipper bag.

Yields about 24 cookies. (I got 46 out of the recipe – depending on size youroll them)

Now, on to the fruit pizza side of things. I searched for the perfect recipe for the 'pizza sauce' for these fruit pizzas. I found this site and worked with those ingredients, but modified the amounts. So here is my Fruit Pizza Sauce recipe!

2 8-oz packages Cream Cheese

1 cup Sugar

2 teaspoons (+) Vanilla

about 12 ounces of Cool Whip

1/2 can of crushed pineapple

Cream together Cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Fold in Cool Whip and crushed pineapple. Refrigerate for a couple hours to allow it to re-thicken a little bit.

So you take your cooled Supersoft sugar cookie, top it with some yummy refrigerated Fruit pizza sauce and then top that with your favorite cut up fruit. We used Strawberries, raspberries, grapes and kiwi. Mandarin oranges are also great, along with blueberries and any other fruit.

This was a huge hit for dessert. The kids LOVED it. They keep wanting more. The Fruit pizza sauce also works great as a fruit dip. All in all, its a great dessert!

Pumpkin Dump Cake

2011-09-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

http://cookiesandcups.com/pumpkin-dump-cake/

Ingredients

1 15 oz can Pumpkin Puree
1 10 oz can Evaporated Milk
1 cup light brown sugar
3 eggs
3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup (2 sticks) butter melted
1 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers or pecans
1/2 cup toffee bits (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350
Spray a 9×13 baking pan lightly with cooking/baking spray
In a large bowl combine the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs and pumpkin pie spice. Stir to combine.
Pour into your prepared pan.
Sprinkle your entire box of cake mix on top, followed by your nuts or graham crackers and toffee chips.
Pour your melted butter evenly on top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until center is set and edges are lightly browned.

Quick notes

Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Chicken Curry

2011-09-12T06:47:00.001-07:00

http://mamaandbabylove.blogspot.com/

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons curry powder
1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
1.5 pounds chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 cups chopped peeled sweet potatoes
2.5 cups baby carrots
2 cup coarsely chopped mango
1 cup chopped onion
1 zucchini chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
chicken bouillon
.5 cup raisins (for garnish)
.5 cup peanuts or cashews (for garnish)

Dump everything into two gallon freezer bags, shake it up, seal, label and put in the freezer.

To cook, take out of freezer and set on counter for about 30 minutes, then dump contents of bag into slow cooker. Cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 8 hours.

Campers Muffins

2011-08-10T18:11:00.001-07:00

So i have a recipe that I have eaten my whole life. We always called it Campers Eggs, but the name of the recipe is actually Fabulous Eggs. Don't know who came up with that, but whatever. I am trying something new this week. Connected to this post: http://www.snackinginthekitchen.com/2010/05/mothers-day-2010-brunch.html

So I am going to make my campers eggs in little muffin cups and I think they will be great fun!

So here's the recipe:

12 eggs beaten until Fluffy
1 1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 onion chopped fine
1 1/2 cup milk
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup plain or seasoned croutons
1 lb pork sausage

Crumble and slowly brown sausage. drain fat. Gently but thoroughly mix all ingredients and bake in buttered casserole dish (9x13). Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Serves 10-12.

So my changes are I am going to mix everything but the sausage and croutons together than put some sausage and croutons in each of the muffin cups. Then pour over the egg mixture. I will try baking them at 375 for 15-20 minutes as per the link above. I am also going to top them each with some cheese.

I am going to make some tomorrow for a breakfast picnic on Friday to see how they go and then i'll make some on Saturday morning for a Kick-off brunch for a group I am a part of here in OKC. I am kinda excited, I'll let you know how they go!

Mom's Cheesecake

2011-07-31T13:06:00.001-07:00

Becky Parker

Crust:

1 & ¼ cup crushed graham crackers. (1 pkg. = 1 cup)

¼ cup melted butter

¼ cup sugar

Mix butter and sugar, add graham crackers. Press into spring form pan, bake 5 minutes at 375°, let cool.

Increase oven temperature to 450°.

Filling:

5, 8 ounce package’s cream cheese at room temperature (use high quality brand)

1 & ¾ cup sugar

3 Tbsp. vanilla

5 large eggs

2 egg yolks

¼ cup heavy cream

Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, add eggs’ one at a time, mixing in between each egg, add egg yolks and cream. Beat until smooth (the paddle attachment works best). Pour into pan, gently tap to bring air bubbles to the top and pop them, place pan on a cookie sheet and bake 10 minutes at 450° (Do not leave unattended, check often for too much browning or burning top, if needed cover with tin foil.), lower temperature to 250° and bake one hour or as long as needed. Cake will be the consistency of set pudding when done. Let cool for 2 hours and refrigerate overnight. If desired spread fruit, jello or jam on top.

Quick Southern Style Baked Beans

2011-07-31T13:04:00.000-07:00

recipe by Pam Anderson via thepioneerwoman.com

Serves up to 18

8 slices bacon, halved

1 medium onion, cut into small dice

1/2 medium green pepper, cut into small dice

3 large cans (28 ounces each) pork and beans

3/4 cup barbecue sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup distilled or cider vinegar

2 teaspoons dry mustard or 2 tablespoons Dijon

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Fry bacon in large, deep sauté pan skillet until bacon has partially cooked and released about 1/4 cup drippings. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels. Add onions and peppers to drippings in pan and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add beans and remaining ingredients bring to a simmer. (If skillet is not large enough, add beans and heat to a simmer then transfer to a large bowl and stir in remaining ingredients). Pour flavored beans into a greased 13-by 9-inch (or similar size) ovenproof pan. Top with bacon, then bake until beans are bubbly and sauce is the consistency of pancake syrup, about 2 hours. Let stand to thicken slightly and serve.

Ann’s notes: Make in crockpot and cook on low 4-6 hours.

Bacon tip: Line a cookie sheet with tin foil that has been crinkled, place bacon in a single layer and bake at 450 for 10-15 minutes until desired crispness.

Jello Sheet Cake

2011-07-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

Becky Parker

1 White Cake made on a cookie sheet.

Aprox. 1 quart of fresh fruit; washed, hulled and cut into bite size pieces.

Frosting

8 oz. Cream Cheese

1 Cup Powdered Sugar

12 oz. Cool Whip

Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar together, then fold in Cool Whip.

Glaze

1 Cup Water

1 Cup Sugar

2 Tbsp. Corn Starch

½ box Jello

Mix water, sugar and corn starch, bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often/constantly. Add in ½ box of Jello. Let cool to warm or room temperature before putting on cake…otherwise it will melt the frosting slightly and become cloudy, it tastes just great, regardless.

Layer cake, then frosting then fruit then glaze.

Refrigerate to set Glaze. Glaze is very messy by the way, make sure you clean up any drips right away or it will harden and be a bugger to get off. I usually put the cake on a hand towel in the fridge so it’s easier to clean up.

Ideas:

Make a flag cake with strawberries and blueberries.

Any fruit with any matching Jello; strawberry, strawberry/banana, peach, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, etc.

Jaidi's Mom Cinnamon Rolls

2011-07-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

I don't know where my mom first got the recipe, but she perfected the art of making them! They are better than Cinnabon and yes they use instant potatoes. I have not been able to recreate them quite as perfectly as my mom did, but they still taste good. They just don't look anywhere near as yummy!

When Felicity was born, my friend Ann and I made these with my mom (who at the time was suffering the ill effects of cancer.) She has since passed on, but I have that great memory of her teaching Ann and I together how to make them! So, to let others enjoy my moms wonderful master piece, I share here, the World's Best Cinnamon Rolls, AKA: Jaidi's Moms Cinnamon Rolls! :)

Hope you all enjoy!

World’s Best Cinnamon Rolls

2 cups thick instant potatoes (prepared per box directions)

2 cups scalded milk, cooled

1 cup sugar

½ cup shortening

2 tsp. salt

3 eggs

2 Tbsp. yeast in ½ cup warm water

flour to make soft but not sticky dough (about 9 2/3 cup)

Mix all ingredients. Knead for 10 minutes. Let rise to double. Punch down and let rest for 5 minutes. Make into rolls or cinnamon rolls. Let rise until double and bake.

For cinnamon rolls: roll ½ of the dough into rectangle. Spread with butter then sprinkle with sugar and a lot of cinnamon sugar. Roll tight. Cut into ½ inch slices using dental floss (it’s the best I swear). Put into baking pan and let rise until double, then bake at 375 for 20 to 25 minutes.

For orange rolls: roll ½ of the dough into rectangle. Mix orange peel shavings, butter and sugar together and spread over dough.

Cream cheese frosting or Orange Glaze for topping.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Mix 1 - 8 oz. package of cream cheese, 2 Tbsp. butter, and enough powdered sugar to frosting consistency.

Orange Glaze

Mix orange juice with powdered sugar to frosting consistency.

Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken

2011-07-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com

--1 whole chicken, skinned (4-5 pounds)

--2 tsp kosher salt (if you'd like it as salty as the ones in the store, add another 1 tsp.)

--1 tsp paprika

--1 tsp onion powder

--1/2 tsp dried thyme

--1 tsp Italian seasoning

--1/2 tsp black pepper

--4 whole garlic cloves (optional)

--1 yellow onion, quartered (optional)

The Directions.

I used a 6 quart crockpot for a 5 pound bird. It fit nicely.

Skin the chicken and get rid of the neck and other stuff from the cavity. This takes a while, and is gross. Keep small children away so you don't freak out about salmonella. I skin whole chickens because I hate the idea of the chicken fat simmering all day in the crock---it also looks disgusting when the chicken is cooked because it's all slimy and icky.

I get it that I'm weird. If chicken skin makes you happy, then by all means, ignore me.

In a bowl, combine all of dried spices. Rub the spice mixture all over the bird, inside and out. Plop the bird breast-side down into the crockpot.

If desired, shove 4 whole garlic cloves and a quartered onion inside the bird.

Do not add water.

Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or on low for 8. The meat is done when it is fully cooked and has reached desired tenderness. The longer you cook it, the more tender the meat.

Crockpot Lasagna

2011-07-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

1 lb. ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves minced

29 oz. tomato sauce

1 cup water

1 6 oz. can tomato paste

1 tsp salt

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. Italian Seasoning, or to taste

1 package 8 oz. lasagna noodles (not cooked)

4 cups mozzarella, shredded

1 & ½ cup cottage cheese

½ cup parmesan cheese shredded

Cook beef, onion and garlic, drain.

Mix tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, salt, oregano, italian seasoning together.

Mix cheeses together.

Layer 3 times: sauce mixture

Noodles

Meat mixture

Cheese mixture

Cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Note: I mix the sauce and meat together so my layers are: noodles, sauce/meat mixture then cheese mixture. Put a little sauce in the bottom of the crockpot before placing the first noodles to prevent them from being too dry.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

2011-07-06T16:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2009/07/chocolate-whole-wheat-zucchini-muffins.html

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup oil

1 1/2 cups white sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 1/2 cups grated zucchini, I used the smallest side of my grater b/c I like it small. ( I did not really measure this. I used 1 med zuch.)

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Place grated zucchini in a strainer and drain as much liquid off as you can. Set aside.

Cream together butter, oil and sugar. Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Blend well. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients together. Mix dry ingredients into the butter mixture well. Add grated zucchini, and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Scoop into muffin pan lined with paper liners or greased well. Bake at 325 degrees F oven for 18-20 minutes. Makes 24 muffins.

Ann's notes: I make them in mini-muffin pans; it's the perfect bite of awesomeness. You really want to use the whole wheat flour because they are so moist and delicate you need the extra power of the wheat.

Computer illiterate

2011-07-06T11:42:00.001-07:00

I tried to copy and paste the excel spreadsheet that I use for my monthly dinner and lunch menu's....it didn't work, sorry. illiterate

Chick Fil A Chicken Nuggets

2011-07-04T10:26:00.001-07:00

2 Cups Chicken Breast (Boneless, Skinless, Cubed)

1 Cup Flour

1−1/2 Cups Cracker Meal

1/4 teaspoon Paprika

2 Cups Water

2 Chicken Bouillon Cubes

2−1/4 teaspoons McCormick Season−all

Place cool water in bowl, add 1/4 teaspoon season−all and

dissolve bouillon cubes in mixture. Place cubed chicken in

water, mix, cover and place in refrigerator for 12 hours or

next day. When ready to cook nuggets, mix flour, cracker meal,

2 teaspoons season−all and paprika in bowl. Heat oil for deep

frying. Drain chicken. Coat nuggets in flour, cracker mixture

and fry until golden. Chicken will be flavorful and juicy.

I got this recipe from online, but didn't document where :(. I've had it a while and just barely gave it a try...they are excellent!

Sloppy Lentils

2011-06-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

This is made to be a vegetarian version of sloppy joes, although I like adding a little extra liquid and eating it as a soup as well. It is SO easy to make. Just dump in a crock pot and go! Delicious!!

1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 small red or green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 1/2 cups dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed
One 14.5-oz can crushed tomatoes
3 cups water
2 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce
1 Tbsp mustard
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
Black pepper to taste
Toasted rolls or buns (if eating as a sandwich)

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, coverand cook until softened, stirring often, for about 5 minutes. Add the chili powder, stirring to coat.

Transfer onion mixture to a 3 1/2 - 4 quart slow cooker. Add the lentils, tomatoes, water, tamari, mustard, brown sugar, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours.

Serve on toasted rolls with a fresh batch of coleslaw. Serves 4-6

Mexican Casserole

2011-06-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Adapted from Kelly Jones

4 cups rice, cooked

3 ½ cups Salsa, divided (replace ½ the water with salsa for the rice.)

1 large can Refried Beans

1 can Black Beans

1 can Corn

1 lb. Ground Beef, browned

Taco Seasoning

1-2 cups Cheese, shredded

Onions, diced *optional

Bell Peppers, diced *optional

Carrots, shredded *optional

Sour Cream *optional

Guacamole *optional

Cook rice, replacing half the water with salsa or picante sauce.

Brown beef and add taco seasoning.

If using onions, bell peppers and/or carrots, sauté them for a minute or two, until just softened.

Layer in a 9x13 pan: rice – beef – optional veggies - refried beans – black beans – corn – salsa – cheese.

Bake at 375 degrees until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve with Guacamole and/or sour cream on top and use tortilla chips to eat it.

*Make meatless, just season either the rice or beans with taco seasoning instead.

Kids love to eat this with chips!

Potato Onion Frittata

2011-06-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

This is from:

http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/03/potato-onion-frittata.html

Ingredients
4 – 5 potatoes, baked, cooled, peeled, and cubed or sliced
3 tablespoons of oil
1 onion chopped finely
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 eggs, whisked
½ cup sour cream

Directions

In an oven proof skillet, cook onion in oil until tender. (I like to use my cast iron pan.) Add potatoes and stir until potatoes are slightly browned. Remove from heat.

In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, sour cream, and cheese. Pour over the potato onion mixture.

Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes or until eggs are done. Cool about 5 minutes and cut into wedges and serve.

I was surprised how easy and yummy this was!

Bran Muffins

2011-06-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Bran muffins? Oh yes. Not just for Grandma anymore. :) These are SO good, and very good for you! This recipe makes a LOT, but cooked muffins can be frozen and uncooked batter can be kept for up to 6 weeks in an airtight container in the fridge.

Pour 2 cups boiling water over:
4 c Bran Buds cereal*
2 c All Bran cereal (*sometimes I just do 6 c. All Bran instead of adding Bran Buds)
1 c shortening

Using electric mixer, mix well with the hot water.

Add: 1 quart buttermilk
2 c. sugar
5 c. flour (white or wheat)
5 tsp soda
2 tsp salt
4 eggs
1/4 c ground flax seed (optional - reduce flour by 1/4 c.)

Grease muffin tins very well. Fill tins 2/3 full. Bake at 410-425 degrees for 15-20 minutes (adjust depending on whether batter was refrigerated or at room temperature)

Makes 48 muffins

Swedish Cream

2011-06-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe that a good friend shared with me and I love it! It is super easy and so good!

1 cup vanilla Yogurt

1 1/2 cup milk

1 package 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding

Mix and chill

Top with berries, all kinds are great, strawberries, raspberries, anything!

YUMMY!

Stroganoff Sandwiches

2011-06-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

A twist on stroganoff - now as an open-faced sandwich! This is one of our favorites!

1 lb ground beef (cooked with onion, dry minced or fresh chopped)
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp garlic salt
pepper to taste
grated cheddar cheese
tomato, sliced(optional)
green onions (optional)
1 loaf french bread*

Brown hamburger with onion. Drain off grease and add sour cream, Worcestershire, garlic salt, and pepper. Heat until slightly bubbly, turn off heat and set aside. Cut a loaf of french bread* in half lengthwise. Butter both halves and broil until golden. Take out and spread meat mixture on both halves. Add optional toppings if desired and top with grated cheddar cheese. Bake in oven at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Slice for individual servings

Serve with a steamed veggie

**Growing up my mom always made this with french bread and no additional toppings, just meat and cheese. Since I've started making it for myself, I usually buy hard rolls from the bakery and make individual servings instead of the entire loaf of french bread. That way I can make a fresh sandwich with the leftover meat and not have a soggy sandwich the next day. It is probably still easier to make it on french bread if you're feeding a whole family.

I still eat mine plain, but Paul really likes the optional toppings on his. In fact, most of the time I will add a small scoop of salsa over his meat instead of the tomato and green onions.

Sour Cream-Thyme Rolls

2011-06-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

These rolls are made in a muffin pan - delicious with soup or other savory dish!

1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 envelope (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
2 Tbsp sugar
4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin and set aside. Stir together yeast, water, and sugar in a small bowl and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.Stir until yeast dissolves

Whisk together flour and salt in large bowl. Cut in butter pieces until mixture resembles a coarse meal. Stir in yeast mixture. Stir in sour cream and thyme until combined.

Spoon a heaping 1/3 cup of dough into each muffin tin. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake rolls 10 minutes. Remove from oven and lightly brush with melted butter. Bake until golden brown, 16-18 minutes. Immediately invert and un-mold rolls onto a wire rack. Serve warm.

White Sauce Spaghetti

2011-06-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

1 lb. Mild Italian Sausage, browned
2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 can Evaporated Milk
1-2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, optional
1-2 cups of Milk
1 lb. Spaghetti noodles, al dente
Brown sausage, add soup, evaporated milk, cheeses and milk. Stir until hot. Thin with milk to get consistency wanted.
Serve over spaghetti.

Bagel Pizzas

2011-06-21T11:19:00.001-07:00

4 Bagels, split in half
Pizza Sauce, 1 small jar will do aprox. 16 bagel halves.
Mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni.

Spray cookie sheet with Pam.
Place Bagels with split side up and spray with Pam.
Spoon Pizza Sauce onto bagels and spread around.
Sprinkle Mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Place 4 Pepperoni's on each slice.
Sprinkle more Mozzarella cheese over the Pepperoni's.
Bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Mac & Cheese

2011-06-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

I've started to make my own Mac & Cheese. It is way yummier than the box kind and cheaper for my large crowd. But the kids are having a hard time transitioning from the bright orange color to the very muted home made version. I'm going to mix it with a cooked and mashed sweet potato to add color, flavor and nutrition!

Cook elbow noodles, al dente. (About 6 cups cooked)
Sauce:
melt 1/4 stick of butter
mix in 1/4 cup of flour to butter, stir constantly for 1 minute.
add Milk, aprox. 3 cups, whisk together until mixed thoroughly.
add a couple of shakes of ground black pepper.
add in 1&1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
add in 1&1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Add in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
Add 1 mashed/cooked sweet potato
Add salt if needed, wait until cheese is mixed in before adding salt.

Mix together until cheese is melted and it is the consistency you desire. You may need to add more milk to thin it down.
I'm guessing on the amounts since I make this without any real measurements, just until it looks right.

Optional: crush Ritz crackers over the top. If making to freeze, put mac & cheese in your casserole dish then melt 1 stick of butter and mix with 1 package of crushed Ritz crackers, spread over top then cover and freeze. Or bake until crackers are browning and it's bubbly throughout.

Note: If you are getting a strong flour taste from your rue, just mix in a little ground mustard and it will come out just fine. Thanks Jaidi's sister, this is a great tip!

Creamy Beef over Noodles

2011-06-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna try this next Wednesday. Probably with changes, I'll keep you posted. Just click on the title to get original recipe.

Pin Wheels

2011-06-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

6 Tortillas
12 slices lunch meat
12 slices cheese
shredded carrots
Baby Spinach
diced Tomato
Ranch Dressing

Spread Ranch Dressing on tortilla.
Layer: Spinach, lunch meat, cheese, carrots, tomatoes down tortilla, slightly to one side.
Wrap up tightly then cut 1&1/2 to 2 inches.

BBQ Beef Pot Pie

2011-06-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

2 cans Pillsbury Pizza dough
Leftover BBQ Beef
2 Carrots, peeled and diced
2 Celery stalks, diced
1/2 onion, chopped and saute
3 potatoes, diced
1 can green beans
2 cups baby spinach
Salt and Pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Spray a 9x13 pan with Pam.
Shape one can of dough to bottom of pan, coming up the sides.
Mix all the other ingredients together, season to taste.
Pour mixture in pan over dough.
Place other can of dough over the top and then shape down the sides to "seam" the top and bottom crusts together.
Cut a couple of venting slits in the top crust.
Bake 30-40 minutes or until the crust is done and vegetables are fork tender.

Crockpot Applesauce Chicken

2011-06-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna try this on Friday. Again just click on the title to go the recipe.

Crockpot Shepherd's Pie

2011-06-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna try this on Thursday. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Click on the title and it will take you to 365Crockpot's page.

Quick Beef lo Mein

2011-06-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I got this off a blog/internet but didn't document from where. I've made it a lot and really like it.

3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Oyster Sauce
1 Tablespoon Chili Paste with Garlic
1/4 teaspoon crushed Red Pepper Flakes
4 Cups cooked Whole Wheat Spaghetti noodles
2 teaspoons Dark Sesame Oil
1 Tablespoon fresh Ginger, peeled and minced
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
3 Cups frozen Broccoli Florets
1 medium Onion, cut in half and thinly sliced
1 lb. Flank Steak, trimmed and cut across the grain into long, thin strips
thinly sliced Green onions to garnish
toasted Sesame Seeds to garnish

Directions
In a small bowl combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, chili paste and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Combine pasta and sesame oil, tossing well to coat.

While pasta cooks, heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ginger, garlic, broccoli and onion and saute for 5 minutes. Add the steak and saute for 5 minutes or until done. Add pasta mixture and soy sauce mixture and cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated, stirring constantly.

Serve garnished with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

I don't use Chili Paste or Red Pepper Flakes because I don't like spicy food.

Amish Friendship Bread Starter

2011-04-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

If you have never enjoyed the wonder that is Amish Friendship Bread, then you have never truly lived...okay, maybe you have, but really, Amish Friendship Bread is about the best ever. So in the spirit of being a good friend, I am sharing the starter recipe that I just typed up for my brother, with all of you!

Creating an Amish Friendship Bread Starter

Ingredients:

3 Cups Sugar

3 Cups Milk

Day 1: In large plastic baggie, combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk. Keep on your counter. Do NOT refrigerate. (You can use a glass or plastic bowl covered with a towel or plastic wrap, and mix it with a plastic of wooden spoon. Never use a metal bowl or metal spoons to mix, as this will kill the yeast.

Day 2-Day 4: Stir mixture once each day (open bag and close it. Then mix it with your hands through the bag.)

Day 5: Add 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, 1 cup Milk and mix.

Day 6-Day 9: Stir mixture once each day.

Day 10: Add 1 Cup Sugar, 1 cup Flour, 1 cup Milk. Mix thoroughly. Take out 3 cups and place 1 cup each into three separate plastic baggie. Use the balance (a little over one cup) of the batter, and see the recipe at the bottom of this post.

For your first starter, you can use the remaining in your baggie to make 2 loafs of bread (see recipe below) and then keep 1 more starter on your counter. Share the remaining two with your friends. You can cut the second loaf of bread in half and share it with the directions and starter for your friends.

The info below is what you will pass on to your friends with their baggie of starter.

Amish Friendship Bread

Day 1:

Do nothing with the starter.

Days 2-5:

Release air from baggie, reclose and mix mixture.

Day 6:

Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk. Reclose the bag and mix the mixture thoroughly.

Days 7-9:

Release air from baggie, reclose and mix mixture.

Day 10:

Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Stir. Take out 3 cups and place 1 cup each into three separate plastic containers. Give one cup and a copy of this recipe to two friends. Keep 1 cup on the counter to keep your bread supply coming.

To the balance (a little over one cup) of the batter, add the following ingredients and mix well.

1 cup oil
1/2 cup milk
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

In a separate bowl combine the following dry ingredients and mix well:
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 - (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup nuts

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Grease 2 bread pans and coat with sugar. Pour batter into bread pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

Homemade flour tortillas

2010-12-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

So I made these tonight:
http://www.cooking-mexican-recipes.com/flour_tortilla_recipe.html

and thought they turned out more like gordita shells than tortillas, they were super yummy! Just thought I would share! Oh and I missed it all in my kitchenaid! LOVE IT! I have used it more in the past 2 weeks, than I have used my hand mixer in the past 2 years! :) I don't know how I ever survived without it! Now I want to get all of the attachments that go with it! ALL OF THEM! Anyone want to start the collection! :) Just kidding!

2010-11-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

Updated the Potato Cheese Soup I posted to include using half sweet potatoes, adds some nice flavor and makes it a really pretty orange/yellow color.

Turkey Leftovers

2010-11-28T10:53:00.000-08:00

So after eating Turkey Thursday, Friday and SAturday, I am kinda over the leftover turkey thing...So tonight I am going to do something different.

I am doing Turkey Rolls:
http://bestfoodontheplanet.blogspot.com/2008/09/chicken-rolls.html
I will be substituting turkey for Chicken, and trying out some Butter crisco instead of regular crisco. I am also using my new kitchenaid to mix it! :)

So what are you doing with your leftovers...or can you still stand to eat the same old leftovers?!

Jaidi's Thanksgiving Feast

2010-11-19T11:09:00.001-08:00

Well, since Ann went and posted her menu, here is our lovely Thanksgiving Menu, just in case you didn't see it over on my other blog...I cannot wait! Oh and we are having Thanksgiving on Friday not Thursday...that is what happens when you are married to a doctor! :)

Breakfast Menu:
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting (mom's rolls)

Dinner Menu
To Be Served at 4 pm
Cider Glazed Turkey
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
With Cream Cheese Cool Whip Center
(part of this recipe)
Marinated Mushrooms (Sautéed)
Craisin Salad
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Butterhorn Rolls
with Honey Cinnamon Butter

Dessert Menu:
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Marie Calendars Razzleberry Pie

Jaidi's Moms Cinnamon Rolls

2010-11-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

Since Ann referenced them, and I am making them too, I thought I would post the wonderful recipe! The recipe is actually from a friend in Chicago, but Mom made them so much that they came to be known in Vegas and Utah as hers, at least by all our friends and family! Enjoy!

World’s Best Cinnamon Rolls (Jaidi's Moms Cinnamon Rolls)

2 cups thick instant potatoes (prepared per box directions)

2 cups scalded milk, cooled

1 cup sugar

½ cup shortening

2 tsp. salt

3 eggs

2 Tbsp. yeast in ½ cup warm water

flour to make soft but not sticky dough (about 9 2/3 cup)

Mix all ingredients. Knead for 10 minutes. Let rise to double. Punch down and let rest for 5 minutes. Make into rolls or cinnamon rolls. Let rise until double and bake.

For orange rolls: roll ½ of the dough into rectangle. Mix orange peel shavings, butter and sugar together and spread over dough.

Cream cheese frosting or Orange Glaze for topping.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Mix 1 - 8 oz. package of cream cheese, 2 Tbsp. butter, and enough powdered sugar to frosting consistency.

Orange Glaze

Mix orange juice with powdered sugar to frosting consistency.

Ann's Thanksgiving Line Up...

2010-11-19T10:31:00.001-08:00

I'm going whole hog this year, trying some new things. First I'm going to get a fresh turkey and try my hand at brining. I'm going with Pioneer woman for the brining, baking and gravy for the turkey:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/my-favorite-turkey-brine/

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/10/roasted_thanksgiving_turkey/

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/10/turkey_gravy_baby/

I'm making the rolls I love:
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/03/rolls-and-orange-rolls.html

Green Bean Casserole
http://www.campbellskitchen.com/recipedetail.aspx?recipeId=24099

Sweet Potato Casserole
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/soul-sweet-taters-step-by-step-recipe/

A green salad,

stuffing (I like the Stove Top with cranberries),

Grape Drink: Mix grape juice with Sprite or ginger ale or Fresca...note: mix carefully, when adding the ginger ale it will make the grape juice foam quickly, so it's a slow process.

And pumpkin pie with cool whip. Because Ben prefers Sam's Club's pie I don't bake them anymore...and I'm still holding a grudge about the whole thing and probably will until I die.

I'm also going to make cinnamon rolls on Wednesday for breakfast on Thursday, of course using Jaidi's Mom's recipe. I'm going to portion them out for the second raising into aluminum tins and freeze them for later too see how well they do. I'll keep you posted. Because that recipe makes A LOT of rolls and wouldn't it be nice to have them to bake any old time, yum!

I'm dropping a few classics this year (broccoli and cheese casserole and Pineapple Whip) because well it's a lot of work and I am cooking for toddlers and a husband who will and does eat anything. So mostly this is about me and I wanted to try a few new things, but not get overly stressed, so that's my plan.

To make it more focused and aware for the kids I plan on having some crafts and coloring pages with a Thanksgiving theme. Ben doesn't know it, but running those will be his job :D.
Making hand turkeys
Thanksgiving coloring pages
Thankful leaves
Turkey, Turkey, Axe (Duck, Duck, Goose)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope it is filled with family, fun and plenty to be grateful for!

Yummy(and cheap) Rice and Beans

2010-11-14T12:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I made this recipe up, I have never seen something for it, but it is SO good!

4 cups uncooked Rice
2 cans Ranch Style Beans (there is a link in case you aren't near Texas and have NO CLUE what these are!)
1-2 cans on diced tomatoes, drained (petite Diced are best, and amount depends how much you like tomatoes)
Ranch Dressing (I used a homemade packet)
Lettuce
Tortillas (optional)

Cook the rice as directed (I used a rice cooker). In a large pot warm the beans and tomatoes. Add in the cooked rice. Mix thoroughly. Add in about half a bottle of ranch dressing and mix. Serve topped with lettuce and a little more Ranch dressing.

This can also be served in a flour tortilla. Add a little bit more Ranch dressing and lettuce on top and roll up in tortilla and enjoy.

**the first time I made this I was actually just doing burritos. I had marinated some Chicken and baked it. and then put the Rice, the beans everything into a tortilla. The mixing it all together happened with the leftovers and I loved it! So you can add some baked or grilled chicken and it is good that way too!

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

2010-11-02T12:12:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

Ingredients

2 small Graham cracker crust-(9 inch) or 1 large graham cracker crust

Filling

3-8 ounce packages of Cream Cheese Softened.

1 cup sugar, divided

1 tsp vanilla**

3 eggs at room temperature.

1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) or 1 cup of pumpkin puree.

1 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

dash ground cloves

Instructions

Filling:

Beat Cream Cheese, ¾ cup of the sugar and vanilla with electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs 1 at a time, missing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Reserve 1-1/2 cups of the plain batter. Stir remaining ¼ cup sugar, pumpkin and spices into remaining batter. Spoon ½ of the batter over each crust. Top with spoonfuls of the reserved plain batter. Cut through with knife several times for marble effect, taking care not to break crust.

Bake at 325 degrees F for about 40 minutes for the small crusts and 45 to 50 minutes for the large.

*I always put in extra Vanilla, I used about 2.5 tsp.*

**The last time that we made it we mixed all of the pumpkin in with the cream cheese batter and it turned out great. It was a little bit easier than doing the whole spoonful thing. But we really liked it that way!

***This also makes a GREAT plain cheesecake if you use only the first 4 ingredients. I made mini cheesecakes, about 18 to a recipe, and put a strawberry on top.

Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Butter

2010-11-02T12:10:00.001-07:00

Found this recipe at the link at the bottom---Yummy!

Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Butter

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk, chilled

1/2 teaspoon corn syrup

3/4-1 teaspoon cinnamon, to taste

Directions

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until mixture is smooth.

Serve with hot rolls or muffins.

This may be stored in the refrigerator.

Pasted from <http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51288120.tip.html>

Christmas Raspberry Crunch

2010-11-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

This is one of my mom's recipes, though I am fairly certain she got it from somewhere else, I do not know where that was, and since she is no longer with us, I can't ask her. But it is wonderful!

Christmas Raspberry Crunch

2 cups crushed pretzels

3 tbx sugar

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 8oz package of cream cheese softened

1 cup sugar

1 12oz carton whipped topping

1 16oz can crushed pineapple, drained

1 6oz package Raspberry Gelatin

3 cups boiling water

1 10oz package Frozen raspberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Crush pretzels with rolling pin. Mix with sugar and melted butter. Press into bottom of 9X13 baking pan. Bake 5 minutes. Cool. Beat cream cheese and sugar uintil fluffy. Mix in whipped topping. Fold in drained pinepple. Spread mixture onto colled pretzels crust. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Mix in frozen raspberries. Place gelatin in refrigerator till syrupy. Pour over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate till set. Garnish with whipped cream.

Makes 12 servings

Clayton Family Stuffing

2010-11-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

This is Justin's dads recipe for stuffing and we love it!

1 loaf bread

4 cups celery (w/ leaves)

medium onion minced

onion and celery simmered in butter or marg. (stick and a half) (NOT cooked, just softened)

add sage and poultry seasoning to dry bread (1 1/2 - 2 TBSP sage, 1 TBSP poul., salt and pepper)

chopped pecans

slow boil neck in 4 qt water, 2 bay leaves, salt and pepper, parsley

use the broth to add moisture

Change to recipe

2010-10-29T14:11:00.000-07:00

I've been using Garlic Powder instead of Garlic Salt in my Dad's Chili and I like it a lot better. So I changed the recipe to reflect this.

Pineapple Whip

2010-10-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Pineapple Juice
2 eggs, beaten
3 Tablespoons flour

Mix the above and bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes.
Add 2 Tablespoons of butter
Chill.

Mix in:
8 ounces of Cool Whip
1 bag miniature marshmallows
Sliced bananas
Maraschino Cherries, cut into quarters if desired.
Decorate the top with Maraschino Cherries

This is a family recipe and I basically had to figure it out, so sorry about not having better measurements. Just use as many bananas as seems to fit your mood. I'm guessing about two. But we usually quadruple this recipe, so it's hard for me to figure and we put bananas in until it "looked right". We also made the "sauce" part a day or two ahead and then mixed it all together just before eating. The bananas will turn brown rather quickly, but it's still yummy! We always cut the Maraschino cherries into quarters for the part that was mixed in and then halved them to lay on top for decoration, usually making a star pattern. Not sure why we cut them up, not exactly necessary so do whatever pleases you! Again not sure of the amount, just until it looks right? hehe. I would think one regular sized jar for the above amounts. I'll make it this year and pay attention to the amounts and update you all.

I need Help!

2010-10-26T06:17:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving

Take a look at the above post and send over your responses! I need help!

Chicken Marsalis

2010-08-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe that I came across while I was blog hopping one day and somehow lost the link...But it is so yummy! And not the least bit healthy!

Chicken Marsalis-

4 chicken breast grilled & chopped

2 C. sliced mushrooms

3 T. Butter

1 C. tomatoes soaked in olive oil with 3 tsp. garlic salt

2 T. Italian Seasoning

Sauté Mushrooms in Butter then add rest of ingredients & simmer while you prepare pasta & sauce.

1 Package of Pasta boiled till soft

Sauce:

1 C. Butter melted

1 1/2 C. parmesan cheese

1 1/2 C. whipping cream

Combine all ingredients & cook on low until cheese is melted.

Combine pasta with mushroom & chicken mixture. Then pour over pasta and toss. Serve immediately.

(I cooked Chicken in Olive Oil and Garlic powder and salt, and then added them to the mushrooms and tomatoes. I was too lazy to start the grill! I used Portobello mushrooms. I got the ones that are pre-sliced from Wal-Mart and then just cut them up into smaller pieces)

Craisins Salad

2010-08-29T11:04:00.001-07:00

This is another recipe that I got from Ann and it is wonderful!

Craisins Salad

1 head red leaf lettuce

1 head green leaf lettuce

1 head iceberg lettuce

1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese

1 (8 ounce) package shredded parmesan cheese

1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 (8 ounce) package craisins

1 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1 recipe Craisins Salad dressing

Break red and green leaf lettuce into bite size pieces, shred iceberg lettuce, toss together with the other ingredients just before serving. Pass dressing with salad.

Makes 12 srevings.

Dressing

½ cup red wine vinegar

1 cup sugar (3/4 sugar)

½ onion, chopped (1/3 onion)

1 ½ teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons mustard

1 cup salad oil

In blender, mix all ingredients, except oil. Add oil and blend again.

Italian Pink Sauce

2010-08-29T11:03:00.001-07:00

Italian Pink Sauce

Ingredients: Onion, Carrots, Celery, Cerano Pepper, Cilantro, Italian Sausage, Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Alfredo Sauce, Zucchini, Chicken Bullion, Broccoli, Olive Oil, Pasta

I intentionally did not put amounts because when I am really cooking, I don't really measure stuff unless it will make a significant difference (like with my apple pie recipe which I will also post if requested).

All of the following is done in the same large fry/sautee pan.

Sautee 1/2 a medium onion, finely chopped, in olive oil

Grind two handfuls of baby carrots and add to the pan

Add 3 chopped celery stocks

Add ground Italian sausage

Sprinkle the sausage with 1 finely chopped cerano pepper and brown

Add 1 thinly sliced zucchini

Puree 3-4 medium tomatoes and add to the pan

Add half a small can of tomato paste (enough to thicken the sauce)

Add half a bottle of alfredo sauce (just to add an accent of cheese)

Add 2 finely chopped chicken bullion cubes

Add enough fresh, chopped cilantro to cover the palm of your hand

Boil a pot of water, some olive oil, and salt for the noodles.

Add one stalk of chopped broccoli (mostly without the actual stocks) BEFORE the noodles. The broccoli needs to cook for about 3 minutes before adding the noodles (~500 grams).

Combine the cooked noodles/broccoli with the sauce and mix well.

I recommend using a noodle like penne or maybe rotini. Angel hair or spaghetti doesn't work as well, not to mention it is just a boring noodle.

The main thing in this recipe is that all ingredients are in amounts you like and cooked well enough. The onion doesn't need to caramelize, but it should start to brown and the zucchini should be tender. I have a recipe for a good alfredo sauce too that you can use, but this takes long enough to cook as it is, so I usually just use store-bought Alfredo. Ask for the recipe for my Alfredo if you want it. To adjust the spice, you can use mild or spicey Italian sausage and you can use more or less cerano pepper. I don't recommend adjusting the cilantro very much, but hey, if that's what you like, go for it.

Pasta Bake

2010-08-29T10:58:00.001-07:00

Nice, simple recipe for Baked Pasta!

Cook 1 lb ground beef

Cook 1 box penne rigate noodles by directions (16 oz)

Drain both and mix with 1 jar of spaghetti sauce and 1/2 c Parmesan cheese in 13x9 baking dish. Top with 8 oz Mozzarella cheese and bake at 375 for 20 minutes.

Mushroom Chicken

2010-08-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

Got this recipe from a friend and it sounds so yummy!

We put however many pieces of chicken we need in the crockpot. We tend to use thighs and drumsticks, but always with the bone and skin.

Add 2 sticks of butter (we prefer salted) you can use one (we like it better with 2), 1 lb chopped or sliced mushrooms, and 1 large chopped onion, salt and pepper to taste.

Crock on low heat for about 3 hours (Basically until the chicken is almost done)

Add 2-4 TBSP cornstarch or flour (we use our homeground whole wheat flour), mix until smooth

Crock on high for 10-20 minutes. until it thickens up a bit.

Optionally you can remove the chicken from the crock, and pour all the juices, mushrooms, and onions into a sauce pan and turn it into a thick gravy.

Add Sour Cream and Serve over rice.

We do remove the skin from the chicken after cooking but before eating.

-------------------

Its not a fixed recipe, but by crocking the chicken in the butter and veggies the flavors blend really well, so adjust to what you like. Also, optionally you can use a couple of cans of cream of Mushroom Soup, but the last time I read the ingredient label I swore I would never use it again. Alex loves our home version.

Hope you enjoy adjusting it to your family's taste.

Ann's Dads Chili

2010-08-29T10:55:00.001-07:00

This is actually Ann's Dads Chili, I am posting it though, cause I am making it this week!

Dad’s Chili

2 lb. hamburger

2 medium or 1 large onion chopped

2 cans Garbanzo Beans or Chili Beans

2 cans Kidney Beans

2 cans Pork and Beans or Bush Beans

2 quarts diced tomatoes

1 shredded carrot (regular sized, not baby carrots)

Salt and Pepper

1 Tbsp Chili Powder (increase or decrease according to your personal preference for heat, if children are going to eat the chili cut the chili pepper in half)

Garlic Salt to taste

Cook 2-3 hours

Brown hamburger and onion, drain garbanzo and kidney beans, mix together in crock pot or large pot and cook 2-3 hours. If using fresh tomatoes, do not drain off the beans.

Pasta Carbonara

2010-08-29T10:53:00.001-07:00

I got this from a good friend and it is SUPER yummy!

Carbonara-

1 box pasta

1 med yellow onion, or half big onion, or the whole dang thing if you love

onions

olive oil

about 1 cup of cubed ham- i just buy it pre cut

between 1-2 cups of peas

3-5 eggs (usually one per person or so, i usually do 4)

1 bottle of alfredo sauce (i usually get the kind with extra parmagianno)

pepper, salt, basil

so, fry up the onions in the olive oil. when the onions are almost done

toss in the ham and peas and just heat that up. at the same time get the

pasta boiled and ready. when the pasta is done leave the oven on but turn

it down to to a medium (or med-low) heat, drain the water in a colonder then

toss the pasta back into the pot and put it back on the stove. once on the

stove crack all the eggs in and start stirring the pasta and eggs around

until the eggs are cooked a bit (it'll look like scrambled eggs). then get

the pasta off the heat, dump in the peas-onion-ham stuff then the bottle of

alfredo. after that put some pepper and basil and salt to taste.

Weiner Schnitzel

2010-08-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from some website years ago. Unfortunately, when I copied it, I didn't copy the website down. I have since learned to use One Note and it records the website automatically. But alas, I did not get the website...So sorry if I stole your recipe. Let me know and I will make the proper notation on the post! But its Yummy!

Wiener Schnitzel

from the Siegfried Deli

Ingredients:

6 pork cutlets

3 egg whites

1/4 cup water

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup bread crumbs

Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Tenderize the pork cutlets. Mix the water, the egg whites and the salt and pepper together in a bowl. Dip and coat the cutlets in the egg-water mixture. Then coat the meat with flour and dip it back into the egg-water mixture. Then dip the coated cutlets in the breadcrumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the refrigerated cutlets for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Serves about 6.

We eat it with some Bavarian Style Bratwurst that we buy in a can at Walmart...It's yummy!

Poppy Seed Chicken

2010-07-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

I love this recipe...It is super easy and I love it!

Poppy Seed Chicken

3 to 4 C Cooked chicken - cubed or pieces

1 can Cream of Chicken soup (large Family Size)

1 container (16oz) sour cream

1 stick of butter

2 tbsp poppy seeds

1 pkg Ritz crackers to make crumbs

Put cooked chicken in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Mix sour cream & soup then 'spread' over chicken. Mix cracker crumbs, poppy seeds & butter & spread over top. Bake at 350 for 30 mins.

***I cut the chicken up and fry it in a little olive oil with some garlic and onion powder, a little salt and pepper. Then spray the pan with Pam and put the soup and sour cream in the pan an d mix it well. Then I add in the chicken and mix it all together.

I put the crackers in a large baggie and crush them, and then add the poppy seeds and melted butter and mix it up and pour it over the top of the chicken and sauce.

Serve over rice.

Sometimes, when I am feeling less frugal, I will buy the pre-cooked chicken that is already seasoned and grilled and then just dump them all together in a pan! Even EASIER!

Rice recipes!

2010-07-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

This is not a recipe post, but rather a call for recipes. Justin and I have a TON of rice and right now we need to use it! If you have any recipes using rice that you just love, please post them in the comment section of submit them as recipes on the site!

I look forward to experimenting with some new recipes! Can't wait to see what everyone has to share! Thanks!

My New Challenge

2010-06-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

I have started a new adventure and I am attempting to blog about it! Take a look at my new Blog--- Jaidi's Menus

I look forward to this new adventure and hopefully I will be learning to save a bunch!

LIme-Cilantro Rice with Pineapple

2010-06-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the wonderful ladies over at Our Best BitesI have this lovely new recipe to try! Doesn't it look just delicious! They have wodnerful pictures on the website too, so you should definitely jump over their and take a look! One of my new favorite sites!

Lime-Cilantro Rice with Pineapple

Like I said, you really can just make this to taste, but here’s the basics.
1 cup dry white rice, cooked in 2 C water.
2 T real butter
Juice from 1 large lime, or two smaller ones (taste as you go, I add a lot!)
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained. (You may want 2 small cans)
½ - ¾ C chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook rice. As soon as it’s done, toss in the butter and stir to melt. Add lime juice, pineapple, and cilantro. Stir to combine, and then add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

* You’ll want to serve this right away, if you don’t, the flavors tend to mellow a bit and you’ll probably need to add more lime juice because the rice kind of sucks it up. If you’re not quite ready to eat when your rice finishes cooking, just toss in the butter and keep a lid on it so it stays warm. Then right before you serve it, toss it all together.

HAWAIIAN HAYSTACK OR CHICKEN SUNDAE

2010-06-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

HAWAIIAN HAYSTACK OR CHICKEN SUNDAE
-----------------------------------

Pineapple tidbits
Chopped green onions
Chopped green pepper
Chopped celery
Diced tomatoes
Cooked chicken, cut into bite size pieces
Cooked rice
Sliced water chestnuts
Grated Cheddar cheese
Chow mien noodles
Coconut
Toasted almonds (slivered)

Put rice on your plate then some chicken, cover with chicken
gravy and then top it with any or all of the above
ingredients. You can put more gravy on.

CHICKEN GRAVY:

2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 soup can of milk

Heat.

Pie In a Jar idea

2010-06-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

Just ran across this and have loved everything on their site, but thought this was definitely worth passing along:

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/single-serving-pie-in-jar.html

Love that you could do a bunch of these and freeze them to give as gifts whenever needed. Or take as part of a meal to someone; how excited would they be to get homemade pie?!

Hope you are all well fed and happy!

Pantry Tacos

2010-06-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe that I threw together for lunch today. I call them pantry tacos because it is all stuff that in theory you could have in your pantry! :) They are yummy.

Pantry Tacos

1 Can of chicken (large)
1 can of corn
1 can of black beans
I can of mushrooms (small)
I can of Rotelle (small)
Ranch Dressing
Fajita Seasoning
Tortillas
Cheese Shredded

Open and drain all canned food. Dump into a pot and turn on med-low heat. Sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Add ranch dressing. (I used about 1/2 bottle). Warm up tortillas and add a couple scoops of mixture and top with Cheese and enjoy!

You can also add some Spanish Rice and Guacamole if you have some on hand!

Thank you Pioneer Woman!

2010-04-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/the_best_chocol/

Super addictive, super good!

Leftover Stroganoff

2009-12-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

Leftover pot roast, thinly sliced or cut into bite size pieces
Onion, diced
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Butter
Tarragon
Nutmeg
Salt & Pepper
Milk
Sour Cream, Chives, Bacon, frozen peas (optional)

Saute onions in 1-2 Tbsp butter until they just begin to brown. Add pot roast and stir around a bit to warm up the meat. Add the cream of mushroom soup, add in a dash of milk to thin if you want. I like it on the creamy side, so I just used a splash of milk. Add 1/2 tsp Tarragon and 1/8 tsp of Nutmeg, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir and heat through. If adding peas, add them at the end just before serving, allowing just enough time to warm up.

Serve over buttered egg noodles, potatoes, rice, a thick/crusty bread or anything else that hits your fancy.

Throw a dollop of sour cream on top and chives and bacon if you are so inclined.

This is one of those throw together meals with what you have on hand, so amounts will vary. I had a half of a roast, and used one family size and one regular size cans of cream of mushroom soup. After making it I decided that chives, bacon and peas would really be excellent with this as well. I could have eaten the buttered egg noodles all by themselves. You will want to use a more substantial noodle, etc. because the sauce is heavier and meaty. This ain't delicate, it's filling and yummy and warm on a cold night.

P.S. The 3 year olds loved it!

Changs Style Lettuce Wraps

2009-09-16T13:26:00.001-07:00

At the request of many on Facebook today, I am posting the recipe for my Lettuce Wraps. They taste just like PF Changs and are so yummy!!!

Special Sauce:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
2 Tbsp. Rice Vinegar
2 Tbsp. Ketchup
1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
1/8 teas. sesame seed oil

Chinese Hot Mustard
Chili Garlic Sauce

Mix sugar, water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Refrigerate until you're ready to serve the lettuce wraps. You will add desired amount of Hot Mustard and Chili sauce then. Add a little at a time so you don't get it too spicy.

Stir Fry Sauce:
2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 teas. rice vinegar

Mix together in small bowl then set aside for chicken mixture.

Chicken Mixture:
4 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil
2 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
4 Tbsp. Chopped green onion
1 cup water chestnuts (chopped)
1/2 cup peanuts (chopped)
1 teas. minced garlic

1 cup fried Maifun Rice sticks (follow package directions for frying)
4-5 iceberg lettuce cups
1/2 carrot shredded

Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in wok or skillet. Cook chicken breasts until done, remove from pan to cool. When you can handle the chicken, cut it into small pieces. Add remaining oil to pan and heat then add chicken, water chestnuts, green onion, peanuts, stir fry sauce (previously set aside)and garlic. Saute for a couple of minutes then spoon into a bed of rice noodles and shredded carrots.

To serve:
Remove special sauce from fridge. I use small sauce bowls and let people mix up their own sauce. I pour about 1/8 cup of special sauce in to the bowl and let others add their own hot mustard and chili sauce according to their own taste.

Spoon a bit of chicken mixture including rice noodles and carrots onto your lettuce leaf, sprinkle with sauce and roll up in the lettuce like a burrito.

Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo

2009-09-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

This is a great Olive Garden Knock Off recipe. I no longer need to go spend a fortune on dinner at Olive Garden. It really tastes like the real thing!

So here is the recipe!

Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo

FOR THE MARINATED STEAK:
1 1/2 cups Italian dressing (I used Newman's Own Up Italian)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
1 (2 1/2 lb) boneless beef top sirloin steaks, cut in 1/2-inch cubes

FOR THE PASTA AND SPINACH GORGONZOLA SAUCE:
ALFREDO SAUCE:
1 1/2 cup(s) White Milk
1 1/2 cup(s) Heavy Cream
1/2 cup(s) Imported Parmesan Cheese, grated
1/2 cup(s) Imported Romano Cheese, grated
6 Egg yolks, fresh jumbo eggs
Salt and black pepper

4 cups chopped fresh spinach
1/2 cup chopped green onions
5 tablespoons gorgonzola, crumbled, divided use
1 lb uncooked pasta (fettuccine)

TO SERVE:
1 8 oz. bottle balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
chopped fresh parsley leaves, for sprinkling

TO PREPARE THE MARINATED STEAK:
Mix the Italian dressing, rosemary and lemon juice, if using, together. Add the marinade to the beef toss and let marinate for at least 1 hour.

WHEN READY TO COOK:
Cook pasta according to package directions.

For Alfredo Sauce:
Heat the milk and cream in a heavy bottom saucepan until it comes to a simmer.
Slowly whip in all the cheese, then remove from heat.

In a separate bowl, place the egg yolks and slowly whip in a portion of the hot milk and cream mixture.

Slowly add the egg yolk mixture back into the remaining cream mixture.
(This will increase the temperature of the egg yolks which is called tempering).

Season to taste with the salt and fresh cracked black pepper.

Add spinach, onion, and 3 tablespoons of the gorgonzola cheese.

Grill steak to desired doneness (about Medium is good).

Place drained pasta in saute pan with heated alfredo sauce. Toss pasta with sauce.

For Balsamic Glaze:
Take the bottle of balsamic vinegar (it doesn't have to be the most expensive either) and pour it into a saucepan with about 1/2 cup of sugar. Heat, stirring constantly for about 20-25 minutes until the sauce reduces to about half and coats the spoon. Don't allow to boil as the sugar will burn. You'll know when it's the right consistency when you take a little dab (about the size of a pearl) and put it on a chilled plate, and it holds it's shape pretty well. Cool and store in a covered container.

TO SERVE:
Place pasta on a large platter(I used a casserole dish). Place grilled beef on pasta and sauce. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons gorgonzola cheese, sun dried tomatoes and parsley leaves.

*I actually left out the parsley leaves, I didn't care to pull them out of the fridge and bother with them. It turned out great!
Thanks to Recipe Link for the great recipe

Shepherd's Pie Ann style

2009-08-07T09:22:00.001-07:00

6-8 potatoes
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup butter
1 lb. hamburger
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
2 cans green beans
Worcestershire Sauce
Ketchup
Mustard
Salt and Pepper

Chop the onion and garlic, cook until tender in a bit of olive oil. Add hamburger and brown. Add Worcestershire sauce (to taste, aprox. 1 Tbsp.), ketchup (I squirt enough out to cover the hamburger, aprox. 1/4 cup), mustard (to taste, aprox. 2 Tbsp.), salt and pepper to taste. Mix and let simmer on low while you do the potatoes and green beans.
Peel and cut up potatoes; boil until tender; mash with sour cream and butter, season with salt and pepper.
Heat up green beans.
To serve: Put a mound of mashed potatoes, then the hamburger mixture, then the green beans.
Using potato pearls, or any instant potato mix you like, makes this an even faster dinner.

Question...

2009-07-31T09:25:00.001-07:00

What's your cheapest dinner recipe? Well really any recipe, looking for new and fresh cheap meals....
Some of mine are:
Potato Bar
Breakfast for dinner, i.e. scrambled eggs and pancakes or french toast
Spagetti
So let's hear it....

Kielbasa Sausage with Carmalized Onions and Skillet Potatoes

2009-05-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

1 Kielbasa Sausage, thinly sliced
3 large onions, thinly sliced
3 large bell peppers, thinly sliced
2 cups beef broth
2 tsp. garlic
2 Tablespoons honey
1 cup dry sherry, or cooking sherry
Salt and Pepper
Butter
Olive Oil
4 potatoes, washed and cut into 1 inch pieces

Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. Add onions and peppers, cover, and cook 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove cover, add garlic and honey, and continue to cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until onions are caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and a generous amount of pepper. Remove pot from heat and add sherry. Return to heat and stir to remove browned bits from bottom of pan. Reduce sherry by half, then add beef stock and cook until almost all liquid is evaporated. Remove from heat.
Place potatoes in a microwave safe container, drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper, cover the container tightly with either the lid or plastic wrap. Microwave for 3 minutes, take out and shake around, then microwave again for 3 minutes. Careful the container will be very hot.
Heat 3 tablespoons of the butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy pan (cast iron works best). Put potatoes in skillet and press down to make an even layer. Let them cook, and don’t move them, for 10-15 minutes, check to see if getting a crust on the bottom, if not keep cooking.

Potato Cheese Soup

2009-05-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

6 medium potatoes – peeled and diced
1 medium onion
2 chicken bullion cubes
2 cups sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese
Garlic Salt
Salt and Pepper to taste

Put the potatoes, onion and bullion in a pan and cover with just enough water to cover the potatoes. Boil until tender. Do not drain.
Take a potato masher and mash, but leave some of the potatoes chunky. Add the sour cream and cheese. Stir until blended. Top with grated cheese and chives.

Note: I've been using 2 or 3 sweet potatoes in place of some of the "regular" potatoes and it turns out really yummy and a very pretty yellow/orange color.

Steak Salad

2009-04-29T10:43:00.001-07:00

1 Steak
1 tomatoe, cut into wedges
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 onion, thinly sliced
1-2 tbsp. Butter
Olive Oil
1 tsp. Molasses
Spinach or lettuce of choice
Dressing of choice, We really like Vidalia Onion Vinegarette by Virgina Brand, or as I call it the Sam's Club dressing.

You can make the steak two ways...the first is to cook it under the broiler on high to your preference. Rub with olive oil, place in pan as close to broiler as you can get it without touching. Cook for 4-6 minutes, turn and cook another 4-6 minutes, again depending on if you want it rare, medium, well done. Remove and season with salt and pepper. Let rest for 5 minutes then slice thinly.
Or you can slice your steak and brown in a skillet with olive oil, remove and set aside. Heat butter up in skillet, thinly slice onion and add to skillet. Saute until beginning to brown, add 1 tsp. of molasses (or more depending on how sweet you want it) and continue cooking for a minute or two more. Add steak back in and heat through.
Place spinach on plate, add steak and onions, tomatoes, red onion, and walnuts drizzle with dressing.
I've made this with and without the caramelized onions, I really prefer it with, but it is just great without too.
Makes 2 servings.

Strawberry and Spinach Salad

2009-04-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Spinach
Strawberries, hulled and cut up
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

This was a surprisingly great combination and perfect for this time of year when strawberries and spinach are in season and cheap! Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Taco Salad

2009-04-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

1 lb. hamburger, browned and fat drained
2 cans kidney beans, drained
2 bags Lettuce (I like spinach)
2 tomatoes, diced
2 carrots, shredded
1-2 Cups Shredded cheese
Catalina dressing
1 bag Nacho Cheese Doritos
Taco seasoning

Brown hamburger, drain off excess fat and then add Taco seasoning, following package directions. I also add the kidney beans to the meat, but you don't have to.
Then layer your salad with what you want and then crush the Doritos over the top and add dressing.
This makes enough for 8 really big salads (Adult size)
Other topping ideas: avocado, cilantro, black beans, refried beans, rice cooked with salsa, salsa, tomatillo dressing, ranch dressing, chopped olives, cucumbers, corn, really anything goes. The Doritos and the Catalina dressing are really what makes this a bit different and yummy. It's also an easy recipe to make a lot or a little.
Stuff all the yumminess in a pita bread and you now have a yummy portable taco salad.

Cheesy Chicken Bake

2009-04-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

3 lbs. Chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 pkg. frozen mixed vegetables
2 cups rice
4 cups water
Cheese Sauce *
1 & ½ Cups Ritz Crackers, crushed (one pack)
1 stick butter, melted
Salt
Pepper
Chicken seasoning
Boil chicken with seasonings 15-20 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mix chicken, cheese sauce, rice, water, vegetables and seasonings together. Spread thinly in greased 9x13 casserole dish.
In separate dish mix together crushed crackers, melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture on top.
Bake at 350 degrees for 3 hours.
*Cheese Sauce
4 Tbsp. butter
3/4 Cup flour
Saute until play doh consistency
1/2 to 1 Cup milk, add a little at a time until desired consistency.
Add cheddar cheese until desired, aprox. 1 & 1/2 cups
Mix until melted.
Notes:
Precook rice to speed up bake time, bake for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until hot and bubbly.

Meatloaf Cupcakes

2009-03-04T14:34:00.001-08:00

1 pound hamburger
1 onion, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
4 eggs
3 slices Bacon, cooked crispy
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Ketchup + for topping
1 tsp. Mustard
1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
Grated Cheese, aprox. 1 cup

Cook onion and hamburger, drain off fat. Mix meat and onions with eggs, celery, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, mustard, ketchup and bacon.
Fill cupcake cups ¾ full.
Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
Cover with ketchup and grated cheese and bake for 5 more minutes.

Heroin Wings

2009-02-19T12:29:00.000-08:00

4 pounds chicken wings or boneless, skinless thighs
1 Cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons dried parsley
1 Tablespoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 Cup butter

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Cut the wings into drumsticks, (will not need to do if you got the boneless, skinless thighs).
Combine the Parmesan cheese and the parsley, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper in a bowl.
Line a shallow baking pan with tin foil.
Melt the butter in a shallow bowl or pan.
Dip each drumstick in butter, roll in the cheese and seasoning mixture and arrange in the foil lined pan.
Bake for 1 hour.

This recipe is from 500 Low-Carb Recipes by Dana Carpender

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches

2009-02-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

2-3 lbs. Thinly sliced or shredded beef
1 Large Onion, thinly sliced
1 Container of Mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 Large Green Pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 Cup Worcestershire Sauce
8 slices Provolone Cheese
4 Hoagie Rolls/Deli Rolls
Lawry's Seasoning Salt
Butter

Melt 1/4 stick of butter in a heavy skillet. Add onions, green peppers and mushrooms, saute until caramlized. Remove from pan.

Melt 2 more TBSPs of butter in pan, add beef, season with Lawry's Seasoning Salt to taste, cook until nicely browned and cooked through or as desired.

Add 1/2 cup of Worcestershire sauce and 2 TBSP more butter and the onion/peppers/mushrooms, mix together. Cook down a bit

Halve and butter the rolls, brown them in another skillet.

Pile the beef/onion mixture onto the roll, layer generously with Provolone Cheese and microwave for a few seconds to melt the cheese. Or put under the broiler until bubbly and brown. Put on top half and enjoy.

Additions:
After browning the rolls, spread with cream cheese then assemble as above.
Add a layer of cheese in the middle of the meat/onions and then again on top.
I make a chuck roast in the crockpot so it's nice and tender and then use a 1/4 of it shredded for aprox. 4 hoagies.

Fried Pickles

2009-01-25T16:01:00.000-08:00

I know, that is what I said the first time I heard of them too! But they are amazing!

2 egg yolks
1 cup water
1 1/2 cup flour
1 Jar of Dill pickles slices (I used the hamburger dill Ovals)
Deep Fryer/oil

Heat your deep fryer to 375 degrees. beat egg yolks and water. Slowly mix in flour until smooth.

Drain pickles, then place on a paper towel and remove excess liquid.

Dip pickles in batter until well coated and then fry in the fryer, being careful not to over crowd the pickles.

They are amazing! Try them once you will ask for them everywhere you go!

Hope you enjoy!

Pasta something or other

2009-01-13T20:04:00.000-08:00

It as been a while since the last post on this blog...you'd think people were busy with Thanksgiving and Christmas...

I decided that I would post one of my favorite recipes. It is an easy one, but takes a little bit of time.

Ingredients:

1 pound of ground beef or mild italian sausage
1 pound pasta (Rotini, butterfly, or like noodles)
1 pound of cheese
1 can of corn
2 cans of diced tomatoes or stewed tomatoes

Boil past first. Drain and return to pan. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Add in the corn and tomatoes. Mix. Add the meat in and stir. Serve hot.

Last week when we made this, we used the sausage for the first time. It was amazing and much better than the ground beef. If you use the ground beef, I would highly recommend adding some of your favorite beef seasoning.

Hope you enjoy it. It is great, and if anyone can come up with a good name for it...Kudos for you. I'd make it a give-away, but lets be honest, I have no money and no means to do it as a give-away...So just Kudos to whoever comes up with the best name...We have called it Cheesy beefy mac stuff. That doesn't work with Sausage.

Enjoy~
Jaidi

Dad's Chili

2008-11-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

2 lb. hamburger
2 medium or 1 large onion chopped
2 cans Garbanzo Beans or Chili Beans
2 cans Kidney Beans
2 cans Pork and Beans or Bush Beans
2 quarts diced tomatoes
1 shredded carrot (regular sized, not baby carrots)
Salt and Pepper
1 Tbsp Chili Powder (increase or decrease according to your personal preference for heat, if children are going to eat the chili cut the chili pepper in half)
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 tsp. Garlic Salt (optional)
Cook 2-3 hours

Brown hamburger and onion, drain garbanzo and kidney beans, mix all ingredients together in crock pot or large pot and cook 2-3 hours. If using fresh tomatoes, do not drain off the beans.

Ingredients:

This filled my 6 quart crock pot! mmmmmm can't wait!

Party Pita Pizza

2008-11-06T15:38:00.001-08:00

Pita's
Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
Pizza Sauce or
Tomato Sauce
Basil
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
Any other toppings you desire.

Ingredients:

Mix seasonings with tomato sauce.

Place Pita on plate.

Spread sauce over pita.

Sprinkle lots and lots of Mozzarella over top. (Add any other toppings as desired)

Put in microwave, cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, watch it, it bubbles fast.
To entertain the kids let one "blow up" by cooking it a few seconds too long :).
(It won't really blow up, just get puffy like a marshmallow)

This is what you'll have!

Cut into pizza slices.

Feed to kiddo!

Have a party because dinner just took like 2 minutes!

Note: if you cooked them under a broiler or in a toaster oven you would get that nice brown toasty topping with the cheese.

Alrighty Friday

2008-10-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will be making the trek to the great U.S. Postal Office of mailing happiness and the reason you care is because if you are one of the following (Kristen, Jaidi, Michelle, Fidfam, Choopes), it means dish cloths are on their way. So thanks for playing my veggie game and please judge me lightly on the workmanship, I get distracted alot while making them (two year olds, who knew?!) and so consistency is a bit hard to keep up. But I hope you get lots of use out of them and think of me often with love in your hearts...or not, whatever. Happiest of Friday's!

Bestest Fettucine Alfredo with Broccoli and Chicken

2008-10-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

1 8 oz. pkg. Cream cheese
6 Tablespoons butter or margarine
1 ½ cups milk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Pepper to taste

Cook cream cheese and butter on med-low heat and add milk slowly.
Continue stirring until thoroughly blended. Add Parmesan cheese, garlic and pepper. Continue stirring until cheese is melted.

1 lb. Fettuccine Noodles, cooked al dente
1 bag frozen broccoli florets, heat through
2 Chicken breasts, grilled and cut into bite sized pieces (season with garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste)

Toss noodles, broccoli, chicken and sauce until coated.

This recipe is originally from Kristen Lindorf! And as always, you will love it, it's from Kristen after all :)!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2008-10-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

Already the FAB FIVE are in:
Kristen
Jaidi
Michelle
Carlee
Fidfam
So if Michelle, Carlee and Fibfam would email me your address to pokeyann at gmail dot com, I will get your prize in the mail in the next week or two.
Thanks for all your recipes and ideas!
Pokeyann

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

2008-10-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

3 lbs. chicken breasts
1 (16 oz.) carton sour cream
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cups rice
4 cups water
1 pkg. Frozen mixed vegetables
1 1/2 c. crushed Ritz crackers (one pack)
1 stick butter
2 tbsp. poppy seeds
Curry

Boil chicken 15 to 20 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. Mix chicken, sour cream, rice, water, vegetables and soup together. Spread thinly in greased casserole dish.
In separate dish mix together: crushed crackers, melted butter and poppy seeds. Sprinkle this mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 3 hours.

I actually grill the chicken and season it with salt, pepper and curry powder. I also precook the rice and then heat until bubbly, about an hour to hour and half.

Kielbasa Sausage and Caramelized Onions

2008-10-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

1 Kielbasa Sausage, sliced into bite size pieces.
1-2 large yellow or white onions, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp. Honey
1 Tbsp. Garlic or to taste
1 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
4-6 servings Hash browns

Add oil and butter to skillet over medium-high heat add onions. Cook until beginning to turn brown, stir in honey and garlic. Cook until nicely browned. Add Kielbasa and heat through.
Cook hash browns according to package directions.

Serve Kielbasa and onions over hashbrowns.

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

2008-10-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

I had a friend request this recipe, so here it is! It is SOO Much better than Pumpkin Pie!

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

Ingredients

2 small Graham cracker crust-(9 inch) or 1 large graham cracker crust

Filling

3-8 ounce packages of Cream Cheese Softened.
1 cup sugar, divided
1 tsp vanilla**
3 eggs at room temperature.
1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) or 1 cup of pumpkin puree.
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
dash ground cloves

Instructions

Filling:

Beat Cream Cheese, ¾ cup of the sugar and vanilla with electric mier until well blended. Add eggs 1 at a time, mising on low speed after each addition just until blended. Reserve 1-1/2 cups of the plain batter. Stir remaining ¼ cup sugar, pumpkin and spices into remaining batter. Spoon ½ of the batter over each crust. Top with spoonfuls of the reserved plain batter. Cut through with knife several times for marble effect, taking care not to break crust.

Bake at 325 degrees F for about 40 minutes for the small crusts and 45 to 50 minutes for the large.

**I always put in extra Vanilla, I used about 2.5 tsp.**

Santa Fe Chicken, Veggies, and Rice

2008-10-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons butter
2/3 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (5 ounces each)
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish with:
chopped cilantro
1/2 c. diced tomatoes
1/4 c. sliced olives
1 diced avacado

Directions:

In a skillet, saute onion in butter until tender. Add broth and salsa; bring to a boil. Stir in the rice and garlic powder. Place chicken over rice; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Turn chicken over; cook 10-15 minutes longer or until chicken juices run clear and rice is tender. Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro, tomatoes, olives, and avocado. Yield: 2 servings.

Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad and Dressing

2008-10-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
1 egg
2 T. milk
2 cups saltine or ritz cracker crumbs
1/2 t. garlic powder
1 t. pepper
1/2 t. salt

Combine crumbs and seasonings in a ziplock bag. In a separate bowl, combine egg and milk. Coat chicken pieces with egg and shake in ziplock bag with seasoned crumbs. Saute in frying pan coated with oil until cooked thoroughly.

Salad:
4 c. chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 c. grated carrots
1/2 c. purple cabbage
1 c. green cabbage
dry chow mein noodles as garnish- optional, but tasty:)
Toasted almonds- optional, but even tastier:)

Combine together and top with chicken, garnishes, and dressing

Dressing:
6 T. honey
3 T. rice wine vinegar
1/2 c. mayonnaise
2 t. dijon mustard
1/4 t. sesame oil

Mix and refrigerate for 15 minutes- then spread over salad and love it!

Vegetable Smorgasbord

2008-10-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Y'All!
I'm sending out a request for your best vegetable dish.
Rules: It has to have a vegetable in it, the end.
And because I loves y'all soooo much, the first 5 entries get a set of dishcloths...
like these:
(And by set I mean two of these bad boys. Trust me, you really, really want them.)
Thanks
Pokeyann

Crockpot Lasagna

2008-09-30T11:56:00.001-07:00

1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
29 oz. tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
1 tsp salt
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. Italian Seasoning, or to taste
1 package 8 oz. lasagna noodles (not cooked)
4 cups mozzarella shredded
1 & ½ cup cottage cheese
½ cup parmesan cheese shredded

Cook beef, onion and garlic, drain.
Mix tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, salt, oregano, italian seasoning together.
Mix cheeses together.
Layer 3 times: sauce mixture
Noodles
Meat mixture
Cheese mixture
Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Note: I mix the sauce and meat together so my layers are: sauce/meat mixture then noodles then cheese mixture.

Strawberry Pretzel Jello Dessert

2008-09-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

2 c. crushed pretzel sticks
3/4 c. melted butter
3 tbsp. sugar
8 oz. cream cheese
1 c. sugar
8 oz. Cool Whip
1 (6 oz.) pkg. strawberry banana Jello
2 c. boiling water
2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen strawberries, partially thawed
2 c. cold water
Mix first three ingredients and press in bottom of a 9"x13" pan. Bake at 350 degrees (metal pan) or 325 degrees (glass pan) 8 minutes. Let cool completely. Beat 1 cup sugar and cream cheese. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over pretzels. Mix Jello and boiling water until dissolved. Add strawberries and cold water. Stir into Jello, then set aside for 10 minutes. Pour over cheese mixture. Chill.

This sounds a bit odd, but it is really yummy!

Chicken Marsallis

2008-09-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

Chicken Marsalis-
(Macaroni Grill Recipe and Marc’s Favorite)

4 chicken breast grilled & chopped
2 C. sliced mushrooms
3 T. Butter
1 C. tomatoes soaked in olive oil with 3 tsp. garlic salt
2 T. Italian Seasoning
Sauté Mushrooms in Butter then add rest of ingredients & simmer while you prepare pasta & sauce.

1 Package of Pasta boiled till soft

Sauce:
1 C. Butter melted
1 1/2 C. parmesan cheese
1 1/2 C. whipping cream
Combine all ingredients & cook on low until cheese is melted.
Combine pasta with mushroom & chicken mixture. Then pour over pasta and toss. Serve immediately.

Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes

2008-09-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Following is a recipe for yummy Tiramisu cupcakes, what I need is for Nigel and/or Jaidi to Mormon this up...these look awfully yummy, but I'm not sure what to sub for coffee or coffee liqueur. Thanks! Ann

1 package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate cake mix
1-1/4 cups water
3 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons instant coffee crystals
2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 30 standard (2-1/2-inch) muffin pan cups with paper baking cups.
Combine all cupcake ingredients in large bowl; stir until well combined.
Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling two-thirds full. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool completely.

German Chocolate Cake Frosting
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup white sugar
3 egg yolk, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup flaked coconut
In a large saucepan combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, margarine and vanilla. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick. Meanwhile, toast about half of the coconut and the pecans in a 400 degree oven until they have browned slightly….about 8 minutes. Remove frosting from heat and stir in pecans and coconut. Let cool a bit before spreading onto cupcakes.

Tiramisu frosting
8 ounces cream cheese
1-1/2 to 1-3/4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur
combine cream cheese and 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar in large bowl; beat with electric mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add liqueur; beat until well blended. If frosting is too soft, beat in additional powdered sugar or chill until spreadable. Place into plastic bag and squeeze towards one corner of the bag. snip a tiny hole in that corner of the bag, then pipe the frosting onto the frosted cupcakes in desired designs.

Chicken Rolls

2008-09-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

Cara Parker

Rolls:

3-3.5 cups flour

1 pkg yeast

heat 1 ¼ cup milk, ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup Crisco until warm

1 egg

1 tsp salt

Stuffing:

1-2 chicken breasts cooked and shredded

Mix with 1 pkg. cream cheese

Sauce:

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup

1 can of milk

Roll out dough in a circle. Butter inside of dough. Cut into crescents (cut like you would a pizza). Put 1-2 Tbsp. of stuffing into each roll and wrap/roll into a crescent shape. Butter the outside of rolls and roll in crushed ritz crackers.

Bake 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.

Serve with warm sauce.

Notes:

*Add finely chopped vegetables to the stuffing, it adds color and texture.

*To save time you may use store bought roll dough.

*I use a little of the warm milk mixture to proof my yeast.

*If you don’t want to take the time to let the milk/Crisco cool then melt the Crisco in the microwave and then add it to the milk and sugar. Can substitute regular oil for the Crisco.

Variations:

Sausage Rolls: Make rolls per normal. For stuffing: brown 1 lb. sausage, mix 1 8 oz. brick of cream cheese and 1 can Rotel until cheese is melted. Prepare as above. Make a milk gravy to serve over the top.

Brownies with Marsh mellows and Caramel

2008-09-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

1/2 cup butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate (I use semi-sweet)
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Mini marsh mellows
Caramel (See Below)

Grease an 8x8x2 inch baking pan, set aside. In a medium saucepan melt butter and chocolate over low heat. Remove from heat. Stir in eggs, sugar and vanilla. Using a wooden spoon, beat lightly just till combined. Stir in flour and nuts.
Spread half the batter in prepared baking pan. Sprinkle mini marshmallows and then pour caramel over them, then spread the rest of the batter over the top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.
This recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book (The standard one that is checkered). Minus the marsh mellows and caramel, those I added, because I can :).

Caramel
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c light corn syrup
1/2 c butter
1/2 c sweetened condensed milk

Ingredients need to be at room temperature. (I microwave the butter to soften it because I never have any at room temperature). Combine all ingredients in a microwaveable bowl and cook on high for 2 minutes, stir, cook on high 2 minutes, stir, cook on high 2 more minutes, stir and pour into a greased 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan. Let cool.
For the brownies above I used a measure cup and poured enough caramel to cover the marshmallow's, about 1/2 cup, while it was still hot and runny. Then poured the rest in a pan to set. Once set I put the extra in a Ziploc bag and put it in the freezer for the next time I need some.

They turned out really well!

Homemade Frozen Burritos

2008-09-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

This goes along with the Cafe Rio recipes. I usually make the pork, rice (recipe cut in half), beans and Pico De Gallo. Which leaves me alot of leftovers, so I wrap them up in burrito sized tortillas and freeze them. I also make the rice with salsa (just replace one cup of salsa for the water) then the frozen ones already have salsa built in.
Instructions:
Put aprox. 1/2 cup of rice, couple spoonfuls of beans, meat and shredded cheese on one side of the burrito. Wrap snugly.
Place on a cookie sheet and put in freezer for 15-20 minutes to start the freezing process. This helps prevent the saran wrap from sticking to the burrito.
Take them out and wrap them up snugly and well in saran wrap.
Then place in the freezer.
Depending on your microwave you will have to play with the times a bit, but defrost for about 1 minute and then heat for about 2 minutes.

Rice Pilaf

2008-09-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

1 Tbsp. EACH vegetable oil and butter
1 cup long-grain rice
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 cups water
1 tsp. chicken base
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. EACH dried thyme and sweet basil or herbs as desired

Melt together butter and vegetable oil over medium high heat. Add rice, onion, and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is golden brown. Add remaining ingredients. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes until rice is tender. Yield: 4 servings. From BYU cooking class cookbook.

It's one of the best rices I make and super easy...hope you like it!

BBQ Cupcakes

2008-09-16T08:31:00.001-07:00

This was posted by Ann...Just so you know!

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef, cooked
1 cup bbq sauce or sloppy joe sauce, whichever you prefer
1 can of LAYERED refrigerated biscuits (not the little tiny packages, the bigger one. I use Grands.)
About 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:
Cook beef, drain, mix with bbq sauce. Set aside.

Carefully pull apart layers of biscuits, so that each biscuit is now in two pieces, like this:

Roll out layers with a rolling pin, until they make a 10-12" circle.

Spray the insides of a muffin pan. Insert one flattened biscuit into each cup, like this:

In each little pastry shell, spoon in about 1 tbsp of beef mixture. It will look this:

Afterwards, sprinkle cheese on top, because if a recipe doesn't say "sprinkle cheese on top", then you should run the other way:

Bake in a 350 oven for 8-12 minutes, take it out, and then you just tell me this isn't the cutest little thing you've ever seen:

I got this from Rocks in My Dryer, and it looked easy and awesome, so I copied it here.

World's Best Stuffed Manicotti By Michelle

2008-09-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

This is my own Original Recipe!!!

1 pkg. Manicotti
1 lb. Italian Sausage
1 pkg. Cream Cheese (8 oz.)
1 can Tomato Sauce (16 oz.)
1 cup grated Mozzarella cheese

In skillet, brown sausage. While sausage is cooking boil noodles according to package directions. Carefully drain noodles and allow to cool on aluminum foil or wax paper. Drain sausage and mix with cream cheese and spoon into cooled noodles. Place stuffed noodles into baking dish. Pour tomato sauce over top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375º for about 20 minutes.

Also good with Jumbo Shell Pasta.

Chocolate Tiramisu

2008-09-14T19:32:00.001-07:00

~~Credit for this recipe goes to Nigel...See his comment below...He did give it to me. So thanks to him, we all have this great recipe to enjoy! Thanks Nigel!~~

Chocolate Sauce

Water ¾ cup

Sugar 1 ½ cups

Cocoa powder ¾ cup

Mix water sugar and cocoa to a thin consistency rich chocolate. Make as strong or as sweet as you prefer by adding more of less sugar. (these amounts are what I have found to work the best) Mix and do not boil. Stir over medium heat until there are no more lumps and the sauce is smooth. Set aside on a low temp burner to keep warm, stirring occasionally.

Don't burn

Heavy Whipping Cream --2 pints

Marscapone Cheese --2 containers

Sugar --½ cup

Vanilla--2 teaspoons

Beat whipipng cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. (basically until it looks ready) Fold in Marscapone cheese (I usually dump it in and mix it lightly with a rubber spatula.) Will thicken

2 boxes of Nilla wafers

Assembly

Dip in Nilla Wafers in chocolate sauce. DO not let sit in chocolate sauce to long but long enough to soak up a little sauce. I usually put about 15-20 in the sauce, and start taking them out right away. Layer nilla wafers covered in chocolate on the bottom of a 9X13 pan. (you can also use any other pan, glass pans work well so that you can see the pretty layering, it can be a tall circle pan, or a small square pan. If you use an 8X8 pan cut the recipe in half) Follow the nilla wafers with a thin layer of whipping cream mixture.Repeat until you have used up all of the whipping cream ending with the whipping cream layer.Sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder (we recommend cinnamon, it brings the chocolate flavor out a whole bunch). Tap on counter to pack it all in.

Cover with Saran Wrap over night in fridge (The longer it sits in the fridge the better, we usually make it about 9 at night to eat it about 8 or so the next night. Works Great!)

~~~~Make half To try before you are making it for any big occasion to make sure that you get the right taste to it.