Perfect Apple Pie

This is the apple pie I made for Christmas....so yummy!

Ingredients:
1 box Pillsbury pie crusts
6 c. thinly sliced apples (6 med.-I like to use green apples)
3/4 c. sugar
2 T. flour
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1 T. lemon juice

Directions:
Heat oven to 425.  Place 1 pie crust in ungreased 9-inch pie plate.  Press firmly against side and bottom.  In a large bowl, gently mix all ingredients and spoon into crust.  Top with second crust.  Wrap excess tope crust under bottom crust edge, pressing edges together to seal.  Cut slits or shapes in several places in top crust.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown.  cover edge of crust with 2 to 3 inch wide strips of foil after first 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning.  cool on cooling rack at least 2 hours before serving.

Overnight Blueberry French Toast

So, I decided to try yet another new recipe and again, it was a total success.  The whole family loved this dish and it tastes a lot like stuffed french toast at IHOP.  And let me tell you, this is one of the easiest meals I have ever made...

Ingredients:
12 slices day-old bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 cup fresh blueberries
12 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup maple syrup

1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon butter

Directions:
1. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange half the bread cubes in the dish, and top with cream cheese cubes. Sprinkle 1 cup blueberries over the cream cheese, and top with remaining bread cubes.

2. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and syrup. Pour over the bread cubes. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.

3. Remove the bread cube mixture from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

4. Cover, and bake 30 minutes. Uncover, and continue baking 25 to 30 minutes, until center is firm and surface is lightly browned.

5. In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring to a boil. Stirring constantly, cook 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in the remaining 1 cup blueberries. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, until the blueberries burst. Stir in the butter, and pour over the baked French toast

Orange Cranberry Pecan Sandies

This is a recipe sent to me by a new member of our blog...Cordi

2 cups Jiffy bisquit mix
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup orange juice
orange zest
1 small pkg crazins
1 cup chopped pecans
36 pecan halves

Glaze mix 2 cups powdered sugar with 2 Tbsp orange juice.

Mix cookie ingredients and drop by spoonfulls onto ungreased baking sheet. Top with pecan half. Bake 8- 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool on wire rack and drizzle with glaze. Enjoy!

Hamburger cassarole

I got this recipe from a Betty Crocker cook book that my mother used in her high school cooking class. I LOVE that cook book. This is my "go to" recipe when we are in a hurry.

1 lb Hamburger

1 small onion chopped

1 glove garlic minced

1 can french style green beans

1 can tomatoe soup

4 potatoes (or instant mashed potatoes)

shredded chedder cheese

brown hamburger with onion and garlic, drain return to pan.

boil potatoes and make mashed potatoes or even easier and faster use instant mashed potatoes. i make enough for 6 servings.

to hamburger mixture add drained greenbeans, and tomatoe soup, salt and pepper to taste.

spray a cassarole dish with cooking spray and add hamburger mixture. top with mashed potatoes, bake in a 350 oven until heated through about 30 minutes. top with cheese and melt.

this is good when you are in a hurry and who doesnt love tomatoe soup.

Peaches and Cream Cake

1 pkg (3 oz) cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
3 eggs
3/4 tsp.. salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbl peach syrup

Cream together cheese and 1/3 cup sugar. Beat in sour cream. Add one egg and 1/4 tsp. salt. mix well, set aside

Cream together butter with remaining sugar. add remaining eggs, beat well. combine flour, baking powder and remaining salt. add to cream mixture. mix well

Stir in vanilla and peach syrup. spread evenly on bottom and sides of 10-inch pie plate. spoon in cheese mixture. bake in a 325 degree oven 30 to 35 minutes. remove from oven

TOPPING

1 can (29 0z) cling peach slices

1 cup sour cream
2 Tbl brown sugar

Drain peaches, arrange peach slices on top of cake. blend sour cream with brown sugar, spoon over peaches and return to oven for 5 minutes. Chill before serving.

Salsa Chicken

My friend Kristie told me about this recipe yesterday and so I decided to try it tonight for dinner.  I didn't write it down, so this is my own version out of my head plus an extra ingredient.  We really liked it (well, except two of the kids).  The amount of each ingredient is versatile.

Ingredients:
Chicken
Black Beans
Frozen Corn
Salsa
Cream Cheese

Directions:
Put the chicken in the crockpot and cook for 4 hours.  Add the remaining ingredients and cook for another 2 hours.  Serve over rice.

Pan Fried Meatloaf in Tricolor Peppers

1 green bell pepper

1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground turkey ( i have used ground pork too )
2 slices white bread, cut into cubes
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes with basil, ( i have used crushed with garlic too)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 small onion chopped
1 TBL chopped sage leaves, plus 6 to 8 whole leaves, for frying if you choose
a few dashes Worcestershire sauce
a few dashes hot sauce
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 TBL oil, for frying

preheat over to 400 degrees.

Remove core and seed from peppers, slice into 1 inch rings and place on non stick baking sheet. you should get about 3 rings per pepper. In a large bowl mix together beef, turkey, break, 1/2 cup of the tomatoes, garlic , egg, onion, chopped sage, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and season with salt and pepper. press meatloaf mixture evenly into pepper rings. in a skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, saute meatloaf rings on both sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Add remaining tomatoes to skillet and bake until cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes, meanwhile in a Small saucepan, heat 1-inch oil until a deep fry thermometer reaches 325 degrees. drop sage leaves into oil and fry until golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish meatloaf rings with fried sage leaves.

Smokey Cheese Ball

If you have never had this, you have never tasted heaven.  Talk about the best cheese ball ever!  I made this a few years ago and it was a hit, so this year for thanksgiving, I made it again.  I just can't believe how good it is.  I put it out and before I could get a picture, it was being eaten.  I got a picture of this....

Need I say more....It was a hit again this year!

1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 (7-oz.) round smoky Gouda cheese, shredded
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 (2.25-oz.) jar sliced dried beef, rinsed, dried, finely chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

Line 8-inch pie pan with plastic wrap. Set 6-oz. custard cup upside down in center.

In medium bowl, combine cream cheese, Gouda cheese and mayonnaise; mix until well blended. Stir in dried beef and onions. Spoon cheese mixture into pie pan around custard cup, smoothing and packing firmly with rubber scraper. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate several hours or until firm.

To serve, uncover ring; turn upside down onto serving plate. Remove plastic wrap and custard cup. Cover top of ring with parsley, pressing in lightly. Garnish with pimiento pieces. Serve with crackers.

Moist and Savory Stuffing

We were in charge of the stuffing this year, and I am tired of the same old Stove Top stuffing.  I went in search of a good recipe and found this one.  It was really good.  I cooked it uncovered because we like ours a little more crunchy.  It was really good.

2 1/2 c. chicken broth
Generous dash ground pepper
2 stalks celery, coursely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 large onion, coursely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 pkg (16 oz) Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing

Heat the oven to 350.  Heat the broth, black pepper, celery and onion in a 3 quart saucepan over medium-high heat to a boil.  Reduce the heat to low.  Cover and cook for 5 mintes or until the vegetables are tender.  Remove the saucepan from the heat.  Add the stuffing and mix lightly.

Spoon the stuffing mixture into a greased 3 quart casserole dish.  Cover and bake for 30 minutes or until hot.

Serves 11 (1/2 cup each serving)

Cranberry Mold Salad

This has got to be one of my all time favorite holiday salads.  My mom and dad have made it for as long as I can remember and I have carried on the tradition in our family. 

1 c. ground raw cranberries

1 c. granulated sugar

1 c. hot water

1/2 c. red grapes (halved)

1 c. ground apples

1 3oz pkg lemon jello

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (drain juice and save)

1/4 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

combine cranberries, apples, pineapple and sugar.  Mix hot water and pineapple juice to make 2 cups, heat and dissolve jello in it.  Pour into a bowl and chill until partially set.  After it is partially set, add cranberry, apple, pineapple mixture, grapes and nuts.  Chill until firm.  Enjoy.

Black Beans, Chicken and Rice

This is another new recipe we have tried.  Everyone loved it and the kids even wanted to take the leftovers for lunch.  We doubled it and it was perfect for us to be filled up and then we had enough leftovers for all of the kids.  The recipe says it is 4 servings.  This is also another fast meal to fix.  Very good!

Ingredients:

2 tsp vegetable oil

1 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice

1 1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

2 cups cubed cooked chicken

2 cups frozen bell pepper and onion stir-gry, coursely chopped

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained, rinsed

1 3/4 cups porogresso chicken broth

2 T water

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.  Cook and stir rice, cumin and chili powder in oil 1 minute.  Stir in all remaining ingredients except cheese.  Heat to boiling, reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

Remove skillet from heat.  Uncover; fluff mixture with fork.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Cover; let stand 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted before serving.

Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

Even though we live in a 5th wheeler with limited counter space this was not that hard to make. It is very good.

Recipe:
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 c. seasoned bread crumbs
2 t. minced onion
1-1/2 t. brown sugar
1 t. salt
1/4 t. ground nutmeg
1/8 t. pepper
SAUCE:
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
2 T. cornstarch
1 can (20 oz.) pineapple chunks, undrained
1/3 c. sliced green onions
1/3 c. vinegar
1 T. soy sauce
1 green pepper, cut into strips
Hot cooked rice, optional
In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients; mix well. Shape into 1 in. balls. Place in a greased 2-qt. casserole dish. For sauce, mix brown sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Add pineapple and juice, green onions, vinegar and soy sauce; cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. cook and stir 2 minutes more. Pour over the meatballs. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Stir in green pepper. Return to the oven, covered, for 10 minutes. Serve over rice if desired. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Coconut Cookies

Recipe:

1 3/4 c. sifted all-purpose flour

1/2 t. baking powder

1/4 t. salt

1/2 c. soft butter

1 1/2 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

1 can (3.5 oz.) flaked coconut

1/2 c. finely chopped almonds (optional)

1. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.

3. Add flour mixture. Stir just until combined. Chill 1 hr.

4. Drop dough by slightly rounded tsp. onto coconut mixture; roll to coat completely. Using hands, roll dough into balls. Place 2" apart on lightly greased cookie sheets.

5. Bake 12-15 min. @ 400 degrees. Watch carefully.

Delicious

Creamy Italian Pasta

I was desperate for a meal tonight because we got home so late and have to be somewhere later.  I threw a few things together and it really wasn't that bad.

Ingredients:
Penne Pasta
4 oz Cream Cheese
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 cup italian dressing
1/2 cup milk
1 sm. pkg frozen carrots and peas

Directions:
Cook pasta and carrots and peas per package instructions.  Meanwhile, mix together the soup, dressing, and  milk.  Cut the cream cheese into pieces and put in the bowl.  Pour hot, cooked pasta over it and stir until cream cheese is melted.  Add remaining ingredients and stir.  If I would have had more time, I would have added chicken, but I didn't have time for that.

Taco Salad

This is another family favorite.  It is simple and you can make it with or without meat.  Just add extra beans if you don't want meat.

Ingredients:

1 bag of salad (any variety)

2 roma tomatoes, diced

1 can kidney beans

1 can black beans

1 pkg. taco seasoning

1 lb hamburger

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Catalina dressing

tortilla chips or frito chips

Directions:

Brown the hamburger and follow taco seasoning directions.  Meanwhile put salad, beans, tomatoes, and cheese in large bowl.

When meat mixture is done, add to the salad mixture and toss with Catalina dressing.  Serve over chips.  Enjoy.

Monster Pancakes (a.k.a. Hootenanny Pancakes)

These are really easy to make and only take about 20 minutes start to finish, which makes them a really good breakfast for school days.  Most people call them Hootenanny Pancakes, but my friend from work called them Monster Pancakes because as you cook them, they grow up the side of the pan as you can see in the first picture.  Some of my kids add jam, some add syrup and one even eats them plain.  I sometimes add cinnamon and sometimes add dehydrated apples.  Today I added both.

Ingredients:

6 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons butter

In blender or large bowl mix 6 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of flour and salt. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Melt 6 Tablespoons of butter or margarine in 9 x 13 inch pan. Pour in egg mixture. Bake 18 minutes (no peeking!). Serve immediately. It is like a souffle and will slowly fall. Serve with syrup, jam or fruit.

Molasses Sugar Cookies

These are cookies that we really love. They remind us of Ginger Snaps but are soft. All three of our children won Blue Ribbons at the Utah State Fair with these cookies.

Molasses Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup light molasses

1 egg

2 cups sifted flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. salt

In large bowl, cream together shortening and 1 cup sugar. Add molasses and egg; beat well. Sift together flour, soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and salt; add to first mixfture. Mix well; cover and chill. Form into 1" balls; roll each in granulated sugar and place on greased cookie sheets about 2" apart. Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Meatloaf

Ahh, comfort food. I have always loved meatloaf and when I was pregnant with Jenecee a friend of mine told me the easy way to make it. This is very simple and can be made in either the microwave or the oven. Hope you enjoy!



Meatloaf:
2 lbs. hamburger
1 box stuffing mix
2 T. Worstershire Sauce
2 eggs
1/4-1/2 cup milk (depending on how moist you would like it to be)

Sauce:
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup favorite BBQ sauce
2 T. Worstershire Sauce
1 T. mustard
1 tsp. garlic sauce

Mix together meatloaf ingredients and place in cooking dish. If making this in the microwave, put a small glass bowl in the middle and make a ring around the bowl (this will help it cook faster). In microwave, cook on high for 20 minutes. In the meantime, mix together sauce ingredients. Check after 20 minutes to make sure there is no pink left and then top with sauce and cook an additional 5 minutes. If making this in the oven, follow the same rules only form it into a loaf and bake at 350 for 1 hr. Put sauce on during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Instant Black Bean Soup

So, about 2 years ago my family discovered black beans. I always thought they looked nasty and never wanted to try them. Then I went to a pampered chef party and had a salad with them and fell in love with them. I figured I would try the recipe on my family so I made it the next week.

I sat amazed that my children picked out the black beans and ate them first. Since then, we have added black beans to many different recipes. Just the other day I found this recipe and decided to try it, and boy am I glad we did. It is just what we needed on this cold fall night. Everyone loved it!


I didn't add onions and cilantro because my kids really don't eat them well. Let me know if you try this recipe and if you add those other two ingredients. I would love to know if you like it.

Instant Black Bean Soup
Preparation time: 3 minutes

Ingredients
· 4 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added black beans, undrained
· 1 cup bottled salsa
· 2 tablespoon chili powder
· 2 (16-ounce) cans chicken broth
· 1 cup (2 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
· Sour cream
· Green onions
· Chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation:

Place beans and liquid in a medium saucepan; partially mash beans with a potato masher. Place over high heat; stir in salsa, chili powder, and broth. Bring to a boil. Ladle soup into bowls; top with cheese, sour cream, onions, and cilantro. Serve with tortillas.

Caramel Popcorn

I tried this recipe for a Halloween Party, it was delicious. The best part about it was it stayed soft for days. It is kind of a pain to mix into the popcorn, but the taste makes it all worth it.

Ingredients:
28 Kraft caramels
2 T Water
1 T Butter
2 quarts popped corn, salted

Directions:
Melt Caramels with water over low heat, stirring until smooth (or microwave on high 1 minute at a time, stirring in between each minute, continue until caramels are melted and smooth). Pour over popped corn, toss until well coated. With hands slightly moistened with cold water, form into balls (optional)

I also tossed in some candy corn before adding the caramel. You could put anything in with it like nuts or other candy.