~Apples and Aprons~

Slow-Cooker Cranberry Chicken

2011-11-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

So Recipe.com gets my vote this week on quick, easy kid-friendly meals. Tonight we had this recipe and again this new recipe got a thumbs-up from the kids. You have to understand that I do not put recipes on this blog that my kids don't approve of or that are too hard to do for a working mom.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 to 3 pounds chicken thighs and/or drimsticks, skinned (I used boneless/skinless)
1 16 oz can whole cranberry sauce (I made fresh cranberry sauce)
2 T dry onion soup mix
2 T quick-cooking tapioca
3 cups hot cooked rice

Directions:
Place chicken pieces in a slow cooker. in a small bowl, stir together cranberry sauce, dry soup mix, and tapioca. Pour over chicken.

Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 1/2-3 hours. Serve chicken and sauce over hot cooked rice. Makes 6 servings.

If you want to make fresh cranberry sauce (super easy and yummy):

Ingredients:
12 oz bag of cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Directions:
Rinse cranberries and pick out bad cranberries. Bring water and sugar to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add cranberries and return to a boil. Boil for 3-5 minutes, stirring the whole time.

Picante Beef and Bean Skillet

2011-11-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

This is another yummy recipe that we tried new from Recipe.com. It was so good and the kids started eating before Dad got home. Before I knew it I had to tell the kids to save their Dad some because they were all going back for seconds and thirds. VERY easy and VERY kid friendly. Next time I will try to substitute the tortillas for chips, but it was still really yummy with the tortillas.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

1 jar (16 oz) salsa

1 can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

6 flour tortillas (6in), cut into 1 inch pieces

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Cook the beef and onion in a skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is well browned, stirring to break up the meat. Pour off any fat.

Stir in the salsa, beans and tortillas and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbling, stirring often. Top with the cheese.

Chicken Tetrazzini

2011-11-16T16:42:00.000-08:00

Tried a new recipe...it was a toss up on whether or not the kids liked it or not, but it came to that they liked it after they picked out the peppers and mushrooms. I concluded I would cook it with them still (this is where all of the taste comes from) and will strain out the veggies for them and just add them back into the adults portions. Overall, I LOVED this recipe! I found this recipe at Recipe.com.

Ingredients:

6 oz cooked spaghetti

1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

3/4 cup chopped red or green sweet pepper

1/2 cup cold water

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 12oz can evaporated milk

1 tsp chicken boullion

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/8 tsp salt

1 cup cooked chicken or turkey

1/4 cup shredded parmesan

2 T milk

1 T sliced almonds

Directions:

In a large covered saucepan cook the mushrooms and sweet pepper in a small amount of boiling water about 3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Drain well; return to saucepan.

In a screw-top jar combine 1/2 cup cold water and flour; cover and shake well. Stir into the vegetable mixture in saucepan. Stir in the evaporated milk, bouillon, black pepper and salt. Cook until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the cooked spaghetti, chicken, parmesan cheese and 2 T. milk.

Lightly coat a 2-quart square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spoon spaghetti mixture into dish. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake, uncovered, in a 400 degree oven about 10 minutes or until heated through and nuts are lightly toasted. Makes 4 servings.

Mom's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

2011-10-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

I have been sick all weekend and I feel like I had been run over by a bus! So, what is better when you are sick than some homemade chicken noodle soup? NOTHING! Luckily this is even easy enough to fix when you are sick. It takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients :

5 chicken breasts, diced

1 small bag of mini carrots, diced

6 celery stalks, diced

¼ cup chicken bouillon

1 small onion, diced

¼ tsp. garlic salt

Water, enough to cover all ingredients in pan by 2”

1 pkg egg noodles

Directions:

Dice all veggies and chicken and add to large stock pot. Add chicken bouillon and garlic salt and cover with water by 2”. Bring to a boil over high heat and boil until chicken is cooked and carrots are tender. Add noodles and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Serve with rolls or croissants.

Black Bean Salsa

2011-06-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

This is really good and really healthy salsa. You have to try it!

1 can black beans

1 can corn

1 medium tomato, chopped

1 jalepeno pepper, seeded and chopped

4 green onions, chopped

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. lime juice

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Mix all ingredients together and serve with tortilla chips.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

2010-11-17T02:12:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

- One 30oz can of pumpkin

- 2 Boxes Spice Cake mix

- One bag of choc chips

Stir them up, put cupcake papers in cupcake pan, heat oven to 350 degrees and fill the pan with the mix. They don't rise much, and will pretty much look the way you put them in the oven so you can fill them pretty full. Cook them for 22 to 25 minutes and ENJOY! Also, I find it helps to spray the muffin papers with non-stick spray. :) It makes a LOT of muffins... so you can take them to your friends and neighbors too.

Sweet and Sour Pork

2010-10-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe I got off the back of a Kikkoman Sweet and Sour Sauce bottle...

Ingredients:

1 lb. boneless pork, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 T. Cornstarch

Kikkoman Soy Sauce

2 T. oil

1/4 cup water

2 carrots, cut into thin slices

1 onion, cut into 1 inch squares

1 green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch squares

1 lg. can of pineapple chunks

Kikkoman Sweet and Sour Sauce

Rice

Directions:

Coat the pork with mixture of corn starch and soy sauce. Brown slowly in oil in skillet. Add water, simmer covered 20 minutes, stirring twice. Stir carrots, onion, and peppers into skillet with 1 cup Sweet and Sour sauce. Simmer, covered 10 minutes, stirring frequetnly. Add pineapple chunks, heat through. Serve with rice.

Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana

2010-09-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe at http://twopeasandtheirpod.com. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite food blogs to follow. Here is the recipe...

Zuppa Toscana Soup

1 pound Italian sausage

1 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 large white onion, diced

4 slices bacon chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 cups chicken broth

2 cups Water

1 cup Heavy cream

3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped

3 cups Kale, washed and roughly chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

1. In a medium skillet, saute the Italian sausage with the red pepper flakes. Drain excess fat, set aside.

2. In a large soup pot, saute the bacon. When the bacon is half way cooked, add the onions and garlic. Saute until the onions are tender-about 5 minutes.

3. Add the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil.

4. Add the potatoes and cook until soft, about 30 minutes.

5. Add in the heavy cream and sausage and cook until the soup is heated.

6. Stir in the chopped kale. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Serves 8

Beef Chimichangas

2010-08-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe from my sister-in-law Nicole. I haven't tried it, but I will soon... they look delish!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 can refried beans

1 tomato; diced and skin removed

vegetable oil

flour tortillas

toppings (sour cream, cheese, olives, guac, etc)

¼ tsp crushed rosemary

1 Tbsp paprika

1 tsp chili powder

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1 ½ tsp parsley

1 Tbsp onion powder

2 Tbsp fresh cilantro

3 Tbsp brown sugar

1 can diced or whole green chilis with juice

1 tsp salt

Directions:

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet.

In a food processor add the following: (fyi the amounts are just guesstimates. Add more or less according to your taste)

rosemary

paprika

chili powder

garlic powder

parsley

onion powder

fresh cilantro

brown sugar

green chilis with juice

salt

Puree seasonings. Ten minutes before the beef is done, add the seasoning mix and tomatoes & simmer

While the meat and seasonings are cooking, in a pot heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil to about 320 degrees.

Once the meat is done add the can of refried beans. Cook until warm.

Warm your tortilla shells for a few seconds in the microwave so they don’t break when you roll them. Add cheese and the meat filling. Roll up and fry each side in the oil until brown. (Make sure you roll them up tight so nothing comes out in the oil)

Add toppings and enjoy!

Chicken and Rice Soup

2010-08-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

This recipe is so good...it is one of my favorites! I added thyme this time because I have seen quite a few recipes that had thyme in them. It definately added a great flavor. This one is easy and yummy!

Olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 medium carrots chopped
4 celery stalks chopped
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
2 quarts chicken broth
3 cup of water
3 cup long grain white rice
5 cans chicken breasts

In a pot over medium heat add the olive oil and vegetables and thyme. Cook over medium heat for 6 minutes or until veggies are tender. Add chicken broth and water and bay leaf. Bring to a boil then add the rice and chicken. Turn to low and cook for an hour. Enjoy!

Macaroni Grill Chicken Cannelloni

2010-07-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

I actually ate this at Macaroni Grill a few weeks ago and I am telling you, this copy cat recipe is so close it is amazing! You have got to try this. Allyson doesn't like Alfredo sauce, but she loved this! I served it with Olive Garden's Bruschetta al Pomodoro (recipe below).

Cannelloni Filling

8 ounces chicken breast (about 2), cooked thoroughly

1 ounce fresh spinach, chopped

1 ounce sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

16 ounces ricotta cheese

3 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 teaspoon table-ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

12 lasagna pasta sheets, approximate size of 5 x 6 inches

Cannelloni Sauce

16 ounces Asiago cream sauce, or your favorite Alfredo sauce

16 ounces Macaroni Grill tomato sauce, or your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce

3 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated

Once the chicken breast has been cooked thoroughly, allow it to cool to an internal temperature of 45 degrees F.

Dice the cooled chicken breast into 1/2-inch pieces and place into a large mixing bowl. Add spinach, tomatoes, ricotta, mozzarella, pepper and salt, and mix thoroughly.

Arrange precooked pasta sheets on a cutting board and place two or three rounded tablespoons of filling mixture down the center of each pasta sheet and carefully roll pasta around filling in a cigar fashion. Place the rolled cannelloni, side by side, into an ovenproof shallow baking dish. Place Asiago sauce (or Alfredo sauce) and tomato sauce in bowl and mix until well incorporated. Pour sauce over cannelloni covering completely. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over top of sauce. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 20 minutes.

Remove foil and continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees F is reached. Remove from oven and serve family style or on individual plates garnished with fresh diced tomatoes, and basil or Italian parsley.

Serves 6.

Olive Garden's Bruschetta al Pomodoro

2010-07-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

I really liked this, although I would have cut the fresh basil back a bit. I am just not used to that fresh taste. The kids weren't as excited about this, but they still liked it enough to eat it.

Here is the recipe (straight from the Olive Garden website)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 8

Ingredients
2 lbs Roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 garlic cloves, cut in half
Black pepper to taste
Salt to taste
20 medium fresh basil leaves, chopped
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
16 slices crusty Italian bread
Extra virgin olive oil (to drizzle)

COMBINE diced tomatoes and chopped garlic in a mixing bowl. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Add half of chopped basil and 4 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.

DRIZZLE both sides of bread slices with extra virgin olive oil. Grill bread lightly on both sides.

RUB grilled bread with cut half of garlic clove to infuse with flavor. Top each slice with tomato mixture.

GARNISH with remaining chopped basil and serve immediately.

Fruity Rice Crispy Treats

2010-07-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

YUMMO! Enough said!

Ingredients:

3 T butter or margarine

1 pkg regular marshmallows

6 cups rice crispies

In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

Add rice crispies and stir until well coated.

Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13x9 pan coated with cooking spray. Cool.

Italian Chicken and Pasta

2010-07-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

This is a great fall-back recipe when you are in a hurry or just don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. My kids love this recipe and never complain when we have it. I used rotisserie chicken, but you can just boil chicken and shred it if you want.

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded

2 pkg pasta, cooked (I have used all kinds of pasta)

Italian dressing

Cook pasta, according to directions. Add chicken and Italian dressing and toss. Serve with bread, if you want.

It is as easy as that. . .Enjoy!

Grandma's Chicken Curry

2010-07-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe that my kids beg grandma for. They absolutely love it!

Ingredients:

Cooked, diced chicken
1 batch cooked brown rice, (white will work if you don't)

2 stalks diced celery

1 small diced onion

1 1/2 tsp. curry powder

1 clove garlic, minced

1 can cream of mushroom

1 can cream of celery soup

Saltine crackers or potato chips, crumbled

butter

Cook the chicken until no longer pink inside. Dice up chicken and set aside. Saute celery and onion in three tablespoons butter. When vegetables are tender add curry powder, garlic, cream of mushroom and cream of celery soup. Stir and heat. Add chicken and rice and stir. Put in casserole dish and top with cracker crumbs dotted with butter, or crushed potato chips. Bake on 350 degrees until bubbly or crackers are slightly browned. If the chicken and or rice are cooked with salt don't add salt to casserole. The cream soups also have plenty of salt.

Chili Relleno Casserole

2010-07-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

A recipe I found at Pantry Friendly Cooking. You should really check out this website. There is a book for sale on her webite for a Mexican Cookbook. I cannot wait until mine comes. Her recipes look so good! And her recipe for Chili Relleno Casserole did not dissapoint! I fixed spanish rice from scratch to go with it (not a recipe from this website), but it was not very good.

1 lb. or 2 cups shredded chicken (I used canned chicken)

1 large onion

1 lb. cheddar cheese (chopped into cubes) divided

3 small cans green chiles

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1/4 cup flour

pinch of salt and pepper

Cook onion until it is tender. Mix onion with chicken. Place chiles, chicken, and cheese in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Reserve some of cheese to spread on top. Mix together eggs, milk, flour, and seasonings and pour over the top of the chicken mixture. Top with the extra cheese. Bake in oven for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees. Until the egg mixture is set. Serves 8-10

Annie's Guacamole

2010-07-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

I have to start off by saying that I have NEVER, EVER liked guacamole or anything else with avacados. Vince is constantly trying to get me to like guacamole, but to no avail. Then, a few months ago when Annie, Eugene and their family came, Annie fixed her guacamole. I tried it and admitted that it wasn't too bad, but I only took a few bites on chips. Well, when we were back in Alabama she made it again, and you know what? I couldn't stop eating it. I could not believe it. It is so good. So, tonight, since I was making mexican for dinner, I decided to make it again and I loved it just as much, if not more, tonight! I thought I would share the love.

1 clove garlic

1 slice onion

1 jalapeno

1 1/2 tsp lemon juice

2 avacados

1 sm. tomato, chopped

A little less than 1/4 cup mayo

Salt to taste

Chop the garlic, onion, and jalapeno in a food processor (or chop finely by hand). Smash up the avacados in a small bowl with a fork and add the garlic mixture. Add the mayo, lemon juice and mix well. Add in the chopped tomato and salt to taste.

Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

2010-07-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

I found this is a recipe at www.copykat.com So good! The kids even loved it. And it tasted VERY close to the real deal. I served it with baguettes and salad with Olive Garden dressing (I have to admit I have made this dressing too, but it takes a ton of time. I now just buy it from Olive Garden. Price is worth it). Here is the recipe...

Ingredients:

1 cup chicken breasts, cooked and diced (I used a rotisserie chicken).

4 T. butter

4 T. flour

1 quart half and half

1-14 oz can chicken broth

1/2 cup celery, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup carrots, finely shredded

1 cup onion, finely diced

1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped

1 T. extra virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. thyme

1/2 tsp. parsley

1 lb gnocchi (you can buy this in the pasta section)

Preparation:

I started out by chopping the onion up in my food processor. Then I dumped into a bowl and pressed the garlic through my garlic press and adding it to the onion. I then cut the carrot and celery into big chunks and then chopped it in the food processor. I then dumped it into another small bowl. After that I chopped the rotisserie chicken in the food processor. Last, I chopped the spinach.

Directions:

Saute the onion and garlic in the butter, when the onion becomes translucent, add the flour and make a roux. Let the butter and flour mixture cook for about a minute before adding the half and half and stir until clumps are gone.

After adding the half and half, start the gnocchi, cooking according to the package directions.

Into the roux add in the carrots, celery, and chicken. Once the mixture become thick add the chicken broth and olive oil. Once the mixture thickens again, add the cooked gnocchi, spinach, and seasonings

I hope you will try this recipe. This is my favorite soup to get when we go to the Olive garden, and now I don't have to wait for date night to have some. This is by far the easiest from-scratch soup (or scratch soup as Gabe calls it) I have EVER made.

Beef Stir-fry with Fried Rice

2010-07-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

DING! DING! DING! WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!

I fixed a new recipe again tonight and it was voted on by the fam as a 4.75 out of 5. the stir-fry recipe is one I made up years ago and can be used with pork or chicken just as easily. Here are the recipes.

Beef Stir-fry

Ingredients:
2 T. Olive Oil
Beef tenderloin cut up into small pieces
1 red bell pepper diced
1 green bell pepper diced
1 sweet onion diced
6 medium carrots diced
1/2 cup Kikoman's stir-fry sauce
2 T. Soy sauce

Directions:
Stir together the stir-fry sauce and soy sauce. In a wok or skillet, add 1 T. olive oil and then add the beef. Stir-fry the beef and thentransfer to a bowl. Add the remaining 1 T. olive oil and half the vegetables and stir-fry and then add them to the beef. Stir-fry the remaining half and then add all back in. Stir in the sauce mixture and continue stirring until the vegetables are as tender as you like (we like ours a little crunchy). Can be served with plain rice or the fried rice below.

Fried Rice

Ingredients:
1 cup chopped meat (if desired)
2 T olive oil
3 cups cooked, cold Rice (white, brown, or instant)
3 green onions, sliced
2 tsp. soy sauce
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, cooked
1 packet Sun Bird Fried Rice Seasoning Mix (found in the isle that has the oriental foods)

Directions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat oil. Stir-fry the rice and green onions. Add seasoning packet and soy sauce and stir-fry 1 minute. Push rice to side and add the eggs. Scramble the eggs and then stir the rice into the eggs. Add the peas and carrots and meat, if desired.

I hope you enjoy this recipe, I know we sure did.

Biggest Loser's Main Event Marinara Sauce

2010-06-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

Olive oil spray

1 cup minced yellow or white onion

2 T freshly minced garlic

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup water

2 T. no-salt-added tomato paste

2 tsp. honey

1 T. dried oregano

2 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Salt, to taste

Directions:

Spray a medium nonstick saucepan witht he olive oil spray and place over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until just becoming tender (they should not brown), 4 to 6 minutes. Reduce the heat to low an with a wooden spoon stir in the tomatoes, water, tomato paste, honey, oregano, basil, and pepper flakes until well combined. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for at least 1 hour. Season with salt, if needed.

I served this over Healthy Heart spaghetti noodles, with green salad and french bread on the side. While this isn't as good as the Prego I usually buy, it definately was not bad. The kids loved it just as much and at least it is a little more healthy and fresh.

Biggest Loser's Grilled Chicken with Warm Mango Salsa

2010-06-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
Pam Spray
4 large boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 1 1/2 pounds
Salt and Pepper to taste
Medium red onion, diced small
Small jalapeno, chopped fine
Medium tomato, diced small
Large mango, diced small
juice and zest of 2 limes
2/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

Preheat grill or grill pan over high heat. Spray chicken thighs lightly with Pam and season with salt and pepper. Grill about 4 minutes per side, or until just cooked through.

Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick pan over med-high heat. Spray with Pam and add onions. Season onions with salt and pepper and cook until almost tender. Add jalapeno, tomato and mango to the pan. Cook tossing often, until just heated through. Add lime juice and zest and cilantro.

Serve chicken with warm salsa.

We also had it with noodles that we had just a little butter and Parmesan cheese on. This recipe got mixed reviews from my family. We had everything from a 2 (on a scale from 1-5) to a 5. Some thought there was too much lime, so you may want to adjust that if you don't like a lot of lime.

Slow-Cooked Teriyaki Meatballs

2010-06-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

This is a half made-up recipe. I used the recipe for meatballs from the Biggest Loser Family Cookbook. Then I made up the rest myself. Here are the recipes:

New Favorite Meatballs (Biggest Loser Family Cookbook)

Olive oil spray

2 egg whites

1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

1/4 cup fat-free milk

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

1 T. dried minced onion]

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 lb 96% lean ground beef

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat a large nonstick baking sheet with the olive oil spray.

In a medium bowl, using a fork, mix together the egg whites, oats, and milk until well combined. Add the parsley, onion, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes and mix until combined. Mix in the beef until well combined.

Make 32 uniform meatballs, each about 1 1/4" diameter (use a cookie scoop or 2 tablespoons for ease). Roll the balls with your hands and arrange, not touching, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until no longer pink inside.

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Sauce

1 1/2 cups low-sodium, low sugar teriyaki sauce (kikomans)

Juice from large pineapple rings can

Mix sauce and juice together.

I made the meatballs one day ahead. The morning we were having the meatballs, I put them in the slow-cooker and then poured the sauce over them and stirred until they were covered. I then put the pineapple rings on the top of the meatballs and cooked for 6 hours on low.

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I served the meatballs and pineapple over rice. This was really good. The kids loved it! Vince liked it, but he is not much of a sweet meat guy.

Grape Salad

2010-04-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

Grape Salad -- VERY GOOD

4# grapes (2# green 2# red) washed and dried

1 - 8oz cream cheese (softened)

1 - 8oz sour cream

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. chopped pecans

The sauce stickes better to the grapes if they are dry.

Mix last six ingredients together first and then mix in grapes.

Girl Scout Cookie recipes!!!

2010-03-23T21:28:00.001-07:00

For more recipes using Girl Scout Cookies visit www.gsccc.org/2010CookieSeason/cookies.html
Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Salad

1 large package vanilla pudding

1 large container whipped cream

1/2 pint buttermilk

1 package Dulce de Leche Girl Scout Cookies

4 cups fresh fruit

The night before fold pudding, whipped cream and buttermilk until well combined and put in the refrigerator. Roughly break up one package of Dulce de Leche Girl Scout Cookies and put in the freezer. The day of, combine 4 cups of fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, oranges). Just before serving combine fruit with pudding mixture. Add bananas and cookies.

-Recipe by Megan Lafevor

Thin Mint Pie

24 Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies

6 oz. cream cheese

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 8 oz. package of Cool Whip

green food coloring

1 Oreo pie crust

Crush 16 of the Thin Mints and set aside. Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk to cream cheese and beat until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip and crushed Thin Mints. Stir in green food coloring, put mixture in pie crust and freeze overnight. Before serving, decorate the top of pie with eight Thin Mints.

-Recipe courtesy Alison Hamblin

An early Girl Scout Cookie recipe

In the 1920s and 1930s cookies were packaged in wax paper bags, sealed with a sticker, and sold door to door for 25 to 35 cents per dozen, according to girlscoutcookies.org.

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar plus additional amount for topping (optional)

2 eggs

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

Cream butter and the cup of sugar; add well-beaten eggs, then milk, vanilla, flour, salt, and baking powder. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Roll dough, cut into trefoil shapes, and sprinkle sugar on top, if desired. Bake in a quick oven (375°) for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Makes six- to seven-dozen cookies.

-Recipe from girlscoutcookies.org

Dad's Potato Salad

2010-03-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

This is the potato salad I grew up on. My dad always made it and I always loved it! It is really good and really easy. The ingredients dont have amounts, just add what you think. It is really foolproof.

Ingredients:

Potatoes (I used red because then you don't have to peel them)

Boiled eggs

Chopped pickles

Mayonaise/Miracle Whip (or both)

Mustard

Lemon Juice

Pickle Juice

Celery Salt

Celery Seed

Garlic Salt

Onion Salt (I put onion flakes)

Sugar to taste

Ground Sage (just about a 1/2 tsp)

Just boil the eggs and chopped potatoes. Chop the eggs and pickles up and add them to the drained potatoes. Add the sauce and stir.

Grilled Chicken Enchiladas

2010-03-08T21:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, so for the past 10 years I have made my same chicken enchilada recipe. I used to bribe my dad with it (until he finally go sick of them), but now I have a new recipe to bribe him with. These are some enchiladas that we made last night. They were so good! We just wanted to try something new so we made up this recipe. We had mexican rice with it which the kids LOVED!

Ingredients:

Chicken breasts or thighs

Mrs. Dash Southwest Seasoning

Sour Cream

Tortillas

Enchilada Sauce

Cheese

Directions:

Grill the chicken with the Southwest Seasoning on it. When chicken is done, transfer it to a food processor to chop (or just shred it). Add sour cream (the amount depends on what you like). Roll in the tortillas and cover with the enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Carrot Bars

2010-02-19T00:47:00.000-08:00

Carrot Bars

4 beaten eggs

2 c. white sugar

1 1/3 cup oil

2 c. flour

1 tsp soda

1 tsp salt

1 Tbl cinnamon

3 small jars baby carrots

Beat well. Add nuts. Pour into 2 pans and bake for 15 - 20 minutes

(I use one 9 by 13 and another one that is 8 by 11).

Frosting

4 Tbl melted butter

1 8 oz pkg cream cheese

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 c. powdered sugar

They taste best after refrigeration!

*Dr. A’s recipe & tricks

Enchilada Chicken

2010-02-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Yet another Biggest Loser Family Cookbook recipe. As you can see we are trying to eat more healthy and I am finding that healthy doesn't always mean it has to taste like the cardboard box it came in (well, in this case it doesn't because it is all from scratch). You definately need to try this one.

Ingredients:
4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tsp. salt-free Mexican or Southwest seasoning (I used Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle)
Olive oil spray
4 T. medium, mild, or hot enchilada sauce
2 oz. finely shredded light cheddar cheese
2 T. finely chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350.

Place a large ovenproof nonstick skillet over high heat. When hot, lightly mist witht he olive oil spray and add the chicken. Cook, turning once, for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or just until the chicken is golden brown on the outsides.

Remove the pan from the heat and top each chicken breast with 1 T. of the enchilada sauce, followed by one-fourth of the cheese and one-fourth of the cilantro. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside and the cheese is melted. Serve over rice.

Szechuan Pork and Broccoli

2010-02-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

Another great recipe from the Biggest Loser Family Cookbook. In the cookbook it actually called for beef, but I happened to have a pork roast on hand. It was really yummy and the kids really liked it.

Ingredients:

Pork or Beef Roast, sliced against the grain into scant 1/4"-thick strips

1 tsp. garlic powder

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

1 (14 oz) bag frozen broccoli

1 T. freshly minced garlic

2 tsp. toasted sesame oil

1/4 cup bottled szechuan stir-fry sauce

Rice

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the pork/beef, garlic powder, salt and pepper and toss until well combined.

Place a large nonstick skillet or nonstick wok over high heat. When hot, mist with the olive oil spray. Add the broccoli and garlic and cook, stirring, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the garlic softens and the broccoli is heated through and crisp-tender, being careful not to burn the garlic. Transfer to a large bowl and cover to keep warm.

Return the pan to high heat and add 1 tsp of the sesame oil. When hot, add half of the pork/beef in a single layer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the pork/steak to the bowl with the vegetables and re-cover. Repeat with the remaining 1 tsp. sesame oil and pork/steak. Return all the steak and vegetables to the pan and remove from the heat. Add the sauce and mix well to coat. Divide among 4 bowls and serve over rice.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

2010-02-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

Maybe I will not be lazy and post a pic.

Nah! nevermind... Love, Chief

2 whole chicken breasts.. boiled and chopped fine. (or canned chicken is OK too)
2 softened 8oz pckgs cream cheese
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese ( sharp) ( reserve 1/2 cup for topping)
1 cup franks red hot
1 tsp minced garlic ( optional)
1 cup or ranch dressing ( hidden valley is best) -

or you can switch it up like i do.. and do

1/2 cup ranch 1/2 cup bleu cheese dressing ( if you like bleu cheese ) your choice.

Mix it all together. It will be lumpy and orange .:)

Put it into a glass baking dish. Mine is usually about an inch deep or more.

Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top
bake 350 for 30 min .. hot bubbly
serve with tortilla chips

Oatmeal Scotchies

2010-02-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

I fixed these cookies the other day and everyone loved them. Jenecee even took some to her teachers at school and they all said they liked them.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or grated peel of 1 orange
3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
1 2/3 cups (11-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Butterscotch Flavored Morsels

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats and morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies or 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Hamburger Pie--Vinnie Style

2010-02-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

The kids beg for daddy to fix his Hamburger Pie if I mention that is what we are having for dinner. It is really easy and really good.

This is a picture without the potatoes and cheese on it. I left that off of mine.

Ingredients:

1 lb. hamburger
2 T. Minced onion
1 T. Minced garlic
3 T. Flour
1-1 1/2 cups milk
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 can corn
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instant potatoes

Directions:
Put hamburger, onion and garlic in a pan and brown the hamburger. Remove the hamburger from the pan once browned and leave the drippings (may need to add some oil if the meat is lean). Add the flour and cook for 30 seconds and then add the milk 1/2 cup at a time until you have a thick gravy. Salt and pepper to taste. Add the soup and corn and heat through. Meanwhile fix the potatoes. Add the potatoes to the top of the hamburger mix and spread the cheese on top. Simmer until cheese is melted and serve.

Better than kisses cake (slight name change to make it family friendly)

2010-02-07T02:37:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1 Package chocolate cake mix
1/2 Can sweetened condensed milk
6 Ounces caramel ice cream topping
3 Heath or Skor bars, chopped
1 Container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions

Bake cake according to package directions for a 9x13 inch pan; cool on wire rack for 5 minutes. Make slits across the top of the cake, making sure not to go through to the bottom.
In a saucepan over low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping, stirring until smooth and blended. Slowly pour the warm topping mixture over the top of the warm cake, letting it sink into the slits; then sprinkle the crushed chocolate toffee bars liberally across the entire cake while still warm. (I crush my candy bars into small chunks as opposed to crumbs - I like to have chunky pieces)
Let cake cool completely, then top with whipped topping. Decorate the top of the cake with some more chocolate toffee bar chunks and swirls of caramel topping. Refrigerate and serve right from the pan.

Pan-Seared Salmon

2010-01-31T13:20:00.000-08:00

Half of our family loves fish, and the other half hates it. Every once in a while we will do two different meals so those of us who don't like fish can eat something we like. Here is a simple salmon recipe that Vince likes to do.

Ingredients:
6 skinless, boneless salmon fillets
Olive oil
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Directions:
Rub salt and pepper all over the salmon.
Put enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and heat over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add the salmon in a single layer and cook until browned on both sides (about 2 minutes per side depending on how thick they are) Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, turning only one more time until the salmon is a pale pink in the middle. Serve immediately.

Orange Chicken Wings

2010-01-30T18:41:00.001-08:00

We bought some Panda Express Orange Chicken Sauce and tried it out on wings. We served it with rice. It was SO good! I forgot to get a picture before we ate, so this isn't the best pic, but it shows just how yummy they look.

Ingredients:
Chicken Wings
Panda Express Orange Chicken Sauce

Directions:
Thaw wings and spread them out on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake in 350 degree oven for approximately 35 minutes. Drain juice off pan and cook again for 15 more minutes. Take out of oven and transfer to a tupperware type bowl with a lid. Pour the amount of sauce you would like on them, put the lid on and shake the bowl. Transfer chicken back to the cookie sheet and cook for 15 more minutes.

Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Chops

2010-01-25T16:52:00.000-08:00

This is another recipe from Biggest Loser Family Cookbook and again my kids loved it. They all wanted to have the leftovers for lunch tomorrow. I tripled the recipe so we had leftovers and served it with brown rice, which is one of my favorites.

Ingredients:
8 trimmed boneless pork loin chops about 3/4" thick.
2 tsp garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1/3 cup honey teriyaki marinade and sauce
1 20-ounce can pineapple slices, drained

Directions:
Preheat the broiler. Line a small baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with olive oil.

Season the pork chops with thegarlic powder, salt,a nd pepper. Place the chops, not touching, on the prepared baking sheet and broil about 3" fromt he heat for about 2 minutes each side (be sure to leave the oven door open a crack when broiling) Turn the chops and brush or spread 2 tsp of teriyaki marinade evenly over the top of each. Top with pineapple slices. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes longer, or until the pineapple and glaze brown lightly and the pork is barely pink inside. Serve immediately.

Grilled Chicken Parmesan from The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook

2010-01-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

I didn't eat this one because I was not feeling well, but I also didn't get a picture of it because before I could dish some up to take a picture, the kids had devoured it. I am taking it that this is a "keeper" recipe. As the title says, I got the recipe out of my Biggest Loser Family Cookbook. It has some really good recipes that I plan on trying. For the sauce, I made a quadrupal batch last week and froze it in 4 different containers. This way, when I need the sauce, I just put it in a pan and thaw it. It is yummy too. Hope you enjoy it. I served it with Pasta but you can also serve with salad.

Grilled Chicken Parmesan
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Olive oil
2 cups Main Event Marinara (recipe below)
1/2 c. shredded mozzerella cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 and preheat a grill to high heat.

Lightly brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken, turning once, for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until it is no longer pink inside and juices run clear. Transfer to a baking dish.

Heat the sauce on low in the microwave until warm. Top each breast with 4 T. marinara sauce, followed by 1/4 of the mozzarella cheese. Bake the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes, or just until the cheese is melted.

Main Event Marinara Sauce
1 cup minced yellow or white onion
2 T. freshly minced garlic
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup water
2 T. no-salt-added tomato paste
2 tsp. honey
2 T dried oregano
2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste

Spray a medium nonstick saucepan with olive oil spray and place over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until just becoming tender (they should not brown), 4 to 6 minutes. Reduce the tomato paste, honey, oregano, basil, and pepper flakes until well combined. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for at least 1 hour. Season with salt, if needed.

Chicken Fettecinni or Italian Chicken

2010-01-24T15:23:00.000-08:00

1 stick butter
1 packet Italian seasoning
2 chicken breasts
1 can cream chicken soup
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1/2 cup water

put chicken, butter and Italian seasoning in slow cooker on low for 3 hours (if chicken is frozen a little longer).
Take chicken out, cut in cubes and put back in.
Add water, soup, cream cheese stir.
Cook just until it's hot again - about 1/2 hour.
Serve over cooked noodles or rice (I like egg noodles best with it)

Mom's Beef Roast

2010-01-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

2 T flour
1/4 tsp pepper
3-4 lb roast
1/4 c vegetable oil
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 c apple juice
1 envelope onion soup mix

Mix flour and pepper (and a little salt if you want); rub flour mixture on roast.
Brown beef in oil.
Mix cream of chicken soup, apple juice and onion soup mix.
Put everything in a slow cooker and cook at 225 or low until beef is tender.
(5-6 hours)

You can also add cut potatoes and carrots about 2 hours into cooking.

Easy Peasy Tri Tip Roast

2010-01-03T19:55:00.000-08:00

K... so in an effort to keep Shawna off my back here's a recipe for the blog

Go to Costco and buy a Tri-Tip roast and a shaker of Montreal Steak Seasoning.

Come home and rub the seasoning onto the roast. Do not be shy use plenty and completely cover all sides of the meat.

Heat up your BBQ grill to medium high(you might want to do this step before you apply the seasoning.

(are you still with me?)

Put the meat on the grill and turn it every 5 minutes for 45 minutes. Do not poke or cut into the meat. Just turn it over and over for 45 minutes. (make sure you have plenty of seasoning so as you turn the roast and lose some of the spices, you still have enough to make the beef yummy.

Remove the meat from the grill and let it rest 10 minutes.

Yer done and its tasty....

Perfect Apple Pie

2009-12-27T00:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-27T00:25:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-18T18:58:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T23:19:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T23:10:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-27T23:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-22T18:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-21T12:52:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-17T17:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T17:06:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-11-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-13T18:18:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

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.