What's Cookin'

Hootenanny and Buttermilk Syrup

2011-09-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hootenanny is kind of like a french toasty pancake you bake in your oven. It's super easy and really yummy, especially with homemade buttermilk syrup! You could also add cinnamon.

Hootenanny:
1 cup white flour
1 cup milk
6 eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
Mix and pour into a greased 9x12 pan. Then pour 1/2 cube melted butter on top. Do not stir. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until knife comes out clean. Sides will puff up and rise out of pan (my favorite part to eat!).

Buttermilk Syrup:
1 cube butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 TBS. corn syrup
In a deep pan bring above ingredients to a boil. Then add 1/2 tsp. baking soda. Keep stirring and watch heat so it doesn't boil over. Cook for 7 minutes. Then add 1 TBS. vanilla. Enjoy!

Grilled Orange Thyme Pork Kabobs

2011-07-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

Ready in: 30-60 minutes
Serves/Makes: 4

1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
orange wedges for garnish
5 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh thyme, plus sprigs for garnish
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/4 pound boneless pork loin, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes

PREPARATION:

Whisk together orange juice and zest, garlic, thyme, mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Whisking constantly, pour in oil in a slow, steady stream; whisk until emulsified. Add pork; toss to coat. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and let pork marinate 20 minutes at room temperature

Heat a grill or grill pan until medium-hot. Thread 5 or 6 cubes of pork onto each skewer; season with salt and pepper. Discard marinade. Grill pork, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred, about 12 minutes. Garnish with thyme sprigs, and serve with orange wedges.

Sausage & Rice Casserole

2011-07-18T15:14:00.001-07:00

4 c. water
2 grated carrots
2 celery stalks, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 lb. sausage, browned (we really like Jimmy Deans Sage sausage, we use it in everything!)
1 c. minute rice
1 pkg. Lipton noodle soup

Brown sausage with onion. Boil water and add rice, carrots, celery, and soup mix. Pour mixture & sausage in 9x12 pan. Bake at 350 for 45 min.

Apple Pie Crescents

2011-07-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know what these are really called so I made the name up. Call them what you want, but go make some now! I usually don't like baked apple things, but I absolutely love these (must be the cube of butter :). And they're easy!

1 apple, peeled and sliced into 8 pieces (I used Fuji)
1 can refrigerated Pillsbury crescent rolls
1 cube butter
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 can Sprite

Roll 1 apple slice into one triangle crescent roll. Pinch sides together and place in a greased baking pan. In saucepan melt 1 cube butter, then add sugar and cinnamon. When it comes to a boil, remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour over rolls, then pour Sprite on rolls. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Serve hot with vanilla ice cream!

Cream Cheese Chicken Over Rice

2011-06-05T17:09:00.001-07:00

Place 1/2 cube butter and 3-4 chicken breasts in a crock pot and cook on low for about 3 hours. Then add 2 cans cream of chicken soup, 8 oz. cream cheese, and 3/4 cup milk. Let cook for another 2 hours. Then shred chicken to bite size pieces and add 1 pkg. dry Italian dressing mix (like the dry Ranch packets, but Italian) and cook for another hour. Serve over white rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
So easy and yummy!

Home Made Reese Peanute Butter cups

2011-04-06T22:48:00.001-07:00

Step 1: Grab your peanut butter, chocolate chips, and a muffin cup. Make sure your peanut butter is "all natural" so you can console yourself that you're really eating a "healthy" snack here.

Step 2: Fill that muffin cup full of chocolate chips.

Step 3: Microwave for 30 second intervals stirring after each interval. (Picture below is after two 30 second intervals.) A full muffin cup will take about 1-1 1/2 mins. Be sure to stir every 30 seconds. Chocolate burns easily.

Step 4: Place a blob of peanut butter into the center of your melted chips.

Step 5: Smooth chocolate from sides over the blob of p.b.

Step 6: Place in freezer for 5 minutes. (10 if you're feeling really patient.)

Step 7: Remove from freezer and peel off the cupcake liner.

Step 8: Nom nom nom!

Cafe Rio Pork Burrito - Enchilada style

2011-04-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Sweet Pork:
2 pounds pork (I used boneless pork ribs)
3 cans Coke (NOT diet), buying the 2 ltr. is cheaper
1/4 cup brown sugar
dash garlic salt
1/4 cup water
1 can sliced green chilies
3/4 can enchilada sauce (I use Old El Paso brand mild spiciness, but any will work)
1+ cup brown sugar
1/4 onion, diced

Cilantro-Lime Rice:
1 c. uncooked white rice
1 tsp. butter or margarine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
1 can (15 oz) chicken broth
1 cup water
1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tsp. sugar
3 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro

Cilantro Ranch Dressing:
1 packet TRADITIONAL Hidden Valley Ranch mix
1 c. mayonnaise
1 c. buttermilk
1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic
juice of 1 lime

Black Beans:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/3 c. tomato juice
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro

Sweet Pork
Marinate the pork with about a can and a half of coke and about 1/4 c. of brown sugar overnight.

Drain marinade and put pork, 1/2 can of coke, water, and garlic salt in crock pot on low for 6- 8 hours.

Tip: I love to use slow cooker liners to make clean up easy.

Remove pork from crock pot and drain any liquid left in the pot. Shred pork.

In a food processor or blender, blend 1/2 can Coke, chilies, enchilada sauce and remaining brown sugar (about a cup, you can add a little more or less to taste). If it looks too thick, add more Coke little by little.
**If you like yours "enchilada style," reserve some sauce (I took about 1/2 cup of the blended sauce and added it to the 1/4 can left of enchilada sauce)

Put shredded pork, onions, and sauce in crockpot and cook on low for 2 hours.

Cilantro-Lime Rice:
In a microwaveable bowl combine rice, butter, garlic, 1 tsp. lime, chicken broth and water. Microwave for 15-20 minutes, until rice is tender. In a small bowl combine lime juice, sugar and cilantro. Pour over hot cooked rice and mix in as you fluff the rice

Cilantro Ranch Dressing:
Mix all ingredients together in the blender. That's it!

Black Beans:
In a nonstick skillet, cook garlic and cumin in olive oil over medium heat until you can smell it. Add beans, tomato juice, and salt. Continually stir until heated through. Just before serving stir in the cilantro.

Tortillas:
I doubled my recipe here. I wanted big, round tortillas this time so I did things a little differently. I let the dough rest for an hour, rolled it out, and used a bowl to cut out large circles (it was like using a giant cookie cutter). It worked very well, and I was able to make 12 large, round tortillas.

Assembly:
Layer rice, beans, and pork in tortillas. Lay burritos seam side down in pan. I like mine "enchilada style," so I poured some of the reserved sauce over them and sprinkled some cheese on top. Broil for 2 minutes.

From Sisters in the Kitchen blog.

Cheryl's whole wheat bread

2011-03-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

My sister Cheryl said not even I can mess this recipe up. Her bread is amazing and beautiful. The above picture is not of her bread - her's looks better than that. I'll post a picture when I make mine (if it turns out).
3 Cups of HOT water (microwave)
1/4 Cups of Honey
1 T salt
1 T yeast (instant)
1 Cup Apple Sauce (from fridge so it's cold)
4 Cups whole wheat flour
4-5 additional cups of whole wheat flour

Mix all ingredients together in mixer and let sit for 5 minutes - after five minutes add an additional 1 cup of flour at a time until it pulls from the side of bowl - about 4-5 cups more wheat. . .just enough to clean bowl. Let mix for 15 minutes. Let sit for 15 minutes. While sitting, spray counter with Pam - dump dough and make circle cut into 4 pieces. Shape each piece into a loaf and put in pans. Put in a lightly warm oven with a dish towel over the top. Let raise to double it's original size. Take dish towel off. Cook at 350 degrees for 1/2 hour or until it's pretty brown on top. Take immediately out of the pans to cool.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

2011-03-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

4 ounces linguine pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, sliced into thin strips
2 t Cajun seasoning
2T butter
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
4 fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 green onion, minced
11/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 t dried basil
1/4 t lemon pepper
1/4 t salt
1/8 t garlic powder
1/8 t black pepper
2 T grated Parmesan cheese
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add linguine pasta, cook 10/8 minutes. Drain.
Place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl, to coat.
In a large skillet over med heat saute chicken in butter till no longer pink (about 5-7 min) Add green/red bell peppers sliced mushrooms and green onions. Cook 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat stir in heavy cream. Season the sauce w/basil, lemon pepper, salt, garlic powder, ground pepper, Heat through.
In a large bowl toss linguine, w sauce sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Baked Ziti

2011-03-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

One of my sweet friends brought me this dinner the other day and I told her I had to get the recipe, it was so good!

1 jar your favorite spaghetti sauce

8 oz tub sour cream

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

1.5-2 lbs browned ground beef

1/2 of a 1 lb box ziti noodles

1-2 cup mozzarella grated

8 slices provolone cheese

1/2 6 oz pkg of parmesan grated

In a large bowl mix spaghetti sauce, tub of sour cream, spices, and stir until mixed well. Next stir in the drained cooked noodles and drained browned ground beef and mix again. Next put a layer of noodle mixture in bottom of pan. Next put a layer of provolone cheese. Add the rest of the noodles. Finally top with mozzarella & parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and cook on 350 degrees for ~45 minutes until heated throughout.

Fruit

2011-03-10T17:12:00.001-08:00

I think this is such a cute idea for St Patricks day. I found it on THIS blog.

Corn Chowder in the Crock Pot

2011-03-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

Corn Chowder in the Slow Cooker

* 2 (14.75 oz) cans creamed corn
* 1 (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
* 2 1/2 cups skim milk
* 1 cup diced ham
* 2 cups frozen southern style hash browns (the cubed typed)
* 2 Tbsp butter
* salt and pepper to taste

1. Place creamed corn, cream of mushroom soup, and milk in a crock pot. Whisk until soup is well blended into the mixture.
2. Add remaining ingredients to crock pot and stir well.
3. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally. You can add more milk if needed when finished cooking to reach desired thickness.

Make your own Taco Seasoning

2011-03-03T11:05:00.001-08:00

Have you ever wanted to make taco's but ran out of seasoning. Here's so it can be made at home.

Make your own Taco Seasoning.

Combine:

* 1 Tbsp Chili powder
* 1/4 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes and oregano
* 1/2 tsp paprika
* 1 1/2 tsp cumin
* 1 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp pepper
* 2 Tbsp of flour

Here is a great salad dressing to make at home if you need to.

Combine approximately equal amounts of your favorite sweet chili sauce and some good balsamic vinegar. Add a splash of white vinegar. Taste and adjust quantities until it has your preferred balance of zingy, sweet and delicious.

Cheesy Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Quesadillas

2011-02-20T21:30:00.000-08:00

4 medium-sized flour tortilla shells
1 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
salt and pepper
1/2 cup scallions, diced
8 strips of bacon, cooked & crumbled
1 avocado, diced
mild cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbsp butter

Arrange bacon on a cooling rack (like for cookies) and set it on top of sheet pan. If you don’t have a cooling rack, you can just put the bacon straight on the sheet pan. Or in a 9×13 baking dish. Either way will work. Place bacon in a cold oven, turn heat to 400, and cook 15 mins per side.

Add 1/2 tbsp bacon drippings to a skillet over medium heat. Add the scallions and saute about 2-3 mins until softened. Add the chicken in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 mins or until chicken is golden and cooked through, flipping just once during cooking. Remove the chicken and scallions to a plate and rinse out the skillet.

Add about 1/2 tbsp butter to the skillet over medium heat. When foamy, add a tortilla and swirl it around to get it nice and buttery. Layer one side of the tortilla with chicken, bacon, avocado, and a little cheese. Use tongs to flip the other half of the tortilla over and press down. Cook the tortilla for about 1-2 mins on each side or until golden brown and crispy.

Repeat with the rest of the tortillas, adding a little more butter for each tortilla as needed. Eat & enjoy!

Makes 4 quesadillas.

Recipe by Kevin and Amanda - Here is the link to this and lots more. . . click HERE.

Orange Poppy Seed Muffins

2011-02-17T17:19:00.000-08:00

I found this on the blog called Make It Do.

Orange Poppy Seed Muffins
2/3 cup granulated sugar
zest and juice of 1 orange
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
For the glaze:
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease 12 cup muffin pan or line with paper cups.

Melt 1/2 cup of butter and set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, zest the orange and add sugar. Using your hands, rub the orange zest and sugar together until well blended and fragrant. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and poppy seeds. Mix until well blended.

In a separate bowl whisk together sour cream, eggs, vanilla, orange juice, and melted butter until well blended. Pour liquid mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Do not over mix, a few lumps are fine.

Spoon into muffin pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 – 18 minutes, or until golden brown and cake tester comes out clean.

While the muffins are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons orange juice until smooth.

Remove muffins from pan, place on a cooling rack with a cookie sheet beneath to catch the overspill. Allow to cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze over muffins.

Apple Salad

2011-02-13T22:56:00.000-08:00

I needed to take this to a party the other day and couldn't find the recipe. I decided I better post it here. This is an awesome easy salad that will compliment any get together.

This can easily be doubled for a larger crowd.

8 oz sour cream
2 T Milk
1/2 Cup powdered sugar
1/2 Cup coconut - shredded
1 t Almond Extract
5-6 Apples. Quartered and cut up into bit size pieces. Do not peel.

Throw all of these ingredients together and you've got an easy hit.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

2011-01-05T14:08:00.000-08:00

6 Cups Water
3 Chicken Breasts
1 T chicken Bouillon or base
2 C chopped Carrots
2 C chopped celery
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup onion
1/4 t pepper
3 C egg noodles
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cold water
Bring Water to a boil in a large pot. Add chicken bouillon or base until dissolved. Cover and cook for 20 -30 minutes until chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove chicken and cut into small pieces. Return to broth and add vegetables: Carrots celery and onions. Cover and cook until tender. Add noodles and cook for ten minutes or until noodles are tender. Mix cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and spices together and then stir them into broth mixture. Whisk flour and cold water together until smooth.Stir flour mixture into soup and cook until thickened.

Delicious Pumpkin Bread

2010-12-12T21:10:00.000-08:00

In a large bowl combine:

1 large can pumkin

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ginger

1 1/2 tsp cloves

1 1/2 tsp salt

Mix well!

Then add:

5 eggs

3 1/2 C sugar

2 C oil

4 1/2 C flour

1 1/2 C chopped walnuts (optional)

3 C chocolate chips

This recipe fills 10 mini baking tins so it makes a ton! Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Brownie Covered Oreos

2010-12-09T22:49:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe over at the Picky Pallet. I think it would be a great neighbor gift.

1 Brownie mix (or use your own brownie recipe)

1 package Oreos, I used the Holiday ones

White chocolate, melted for drizzle, or Wilton White frosting pen works great

White nonpariels Sprinkles

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Leave in mixing bowl. Dip Oreos in brownie batter then place in bottom of cupcake tins that have been generously sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until brownies are cooked through (doesn’t take long). As soon as you remove, take a plastic knife and run along edges, (this is VERY important so you get the cookie out with brownies not stuck to pan :)

2. Let cool for 5 minutes, remove drizzle with melted white chocolate or the Wilton White icing pen, sprinkle with nonpariels and EAT! Enjoy :)

Makes entire package of Oreos

**Some are having a hard time getting theirs to look just like mine, so here is the exact muffin pan I used. Apparently all muffin pans are shaped different!!

Tex Mex Turkey Chili

2010-12-09T22:42:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds cooked turkey breast, chopped or shredded
44 ounce can pork and beans
14 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups chopped bell peppers, any variety
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
hot sauce, to taste
shredded cheese, optional, for garnish
sour cream, optional, for garnish

Directions:
Place all ingredients except hot sauce and garnishes into slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add hot sauce to taste. Serve with optional garnishes.StumbleUpon.com

Blackened Chicken Salad

2010-12-09T22:36:00.000-08:00

I know it's not the right season.

Blackened Chicken
Ingredients:

* 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
* 2 Tablespoons blackening seasoning
* 5 - 6 c. Romaine lettuce, chopped
* 1 cup diced watermelon, peaches or blueberries (any combination will work)

Method:

Preheat grill. Pour seasoning in a gallon size zip top bag. Dry chicken breasts and place 2 at a time in the zip top bag. Zip the bag shut and shake until chicken is evenly coated with seasoning. Place chicken on preheated grill and cook until chicken is no longer pink. Remove from grill and slice. Serve over lettuce and fruit. Drizzle with Sweet Cilantro Lime Dressing.

Sweet Cilantro Dressing
Ingredients:

* ¼ c. cilantro
* ½ c. light mayo
* ¼ c. honey
* ¼ c. cream
* 1 T. freshly squeezed lime juice

Method:

Blend all ingredients together in a blender until nicely pureed. Serve over blackened chicken salad.

Chocolate covered pretzels

2010-12-09T00:34:00.001-08:00

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
(you can substitute white chips also)
10 eight inch pretzel rods (check Aldi's, Walmart or Target)
Assorted sprinkles
Waxed paper

Melt 3/4 c. chocolate chips in microwave on medium power until melted.
(or you can melt all the chocolate chips in a double boiler)
Then add the remaining 1/4 c. of chocolate chips and stir well.

Fold a piece of wax paper in half, open it up, and pour the sprinkles down the crease.
Dip and spoon chocolate on half of each pretzel rod, and then gently roll/press the chocolate
covered part in the sprinkles. Place on another piece of waxed paper to set, and chill for
about 15 minutes in the refrigerator.

After the chocolate and sprinkles have set, place in large cellophane bags (Hobby Lobby has them in the cake decorating section~make sure you buy the extra long bags so the pretzels will fit) and tie with ribbon and tag made from scrapbook paper. (I get my red and white striped ribbon from Walmart)

Cranberry Salsa

2010-12-09T00:23:00.000-08:00

This sounded really good to me. I'm going to make it soon if I can just figure out what some of the ingredients are. I'll let you know how it goes.

Chop these ingredients and toss them together in a bowl.

2 stalks celery

2 stalks bok choy

7 baby carrots

1 large anaheim pepper

1 cup fresh cranberries

1 red onion

2 tablespoons cilantro

Add a can of whole cranberry sauce.

And a can of stewed tomatoes (forgot the picture, but you know what it looks like).

Then add the vinegars. I couldn’t find the ones I had used originally with this recipe, but it’s easy to substitute with any vinegars you choose.

4 tablespoons roasted garlic vinegar (originally hoty pepper vinegar)

2 tablespoons raspberry blush vinegar (originally cranberry spice vinegar)

Mix together.

Divide in half and pulse each half in blender a few times.

Chill and serve with tortilla chips.

Zucchini Garden Chowder

2010-10-03T16:41:00.001-07:00

2 med. zucchini, diced (I used 1 zucchini and 1 summer squash)
1 med. onion, diced
1 TB. parsley
1 tsp. basil
1/3 c. butter
1/3 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 c. water
3 chicken boullion cubes
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can evaporated milk
1 pkg. frozen corn or 1 can drained
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese

Saute onion, zucchini, and butter with seasonings until just tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Stir in water, boullion cubes, and lemon juice. Mix well, bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, milk, and corn. Bring to a boil, then cover and let simmer 5 min. or until corn is tender. Add cheese.

Corn, Black bean and Avocado Salsa

2010-07-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

2 cans black beans rinsed and drained
1 can corn
2 avocados peeled,pitted and diced
1/2 cup purple onion
1 cup cilantro finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
juice of 2 fresh limes
zesty italian dressing
In a medium bowl combine beans,corn,avocados,onion, and cilantro. Mix gently. In small bowl mix together salt,pepper,lime juice,and dressing. Pour over bean mixture , toss and serve immediately or cover and chill

Destiny's Biscuit Cups

2010-01-20T13:43:00.000-08:00

I call them the name above because I stole the recipe off of the back of my turkey bacon package and can't remember now what they were called! This recipe is so easy and so delicious that my friends from work made me give them the recipe. They make for a great breakfast or appetizer for any party.

1 10oz can of biscuits
1 block of cream cheese
2 eggs
1 cup mozzarella/feta cheese (I used ½ feta & ½ mozzarella. You can use your fav. cheese but these are yummy!)

2 tbsp of milk
¼ cup of green onions (I used white onions because I didn't have green)

1 muffin pan
5 slices of turkey bacon

In a small bowl throughly beat your milk, cream cheese, and eggs. Add your green onions and cheese into the bowl and stir lightly.

Cook 5 pieces of turkey bacon until crisp. Chop up into small pieces.

Grease your muffin pan and place each biscuit of dough in the slots. Press firmly in the middle bringing the dough up around the sides and about ¼ in over the tops.

Sprinkle the bottom of each cup with a little bit of turkey bacon. Spoon your cheese mixture (a little more than ¾ full) into each cup.

Cook in the oven at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on your biscuits because all ovens are different and they may cook faster.

Press a few pieces of chopped turkey into the tops of each biscuit and ENJOY!

Easy Aloha Salad

2010-01-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

I spent about $7 for a salad like this at the mall the other night. A few simple ingredients and I made my own at home and I like it better than the one at the mall! I even like it without a drop of dressing! So if you're like me and are trying to eat a few more salads this year...this one is simple and yummy!

Just add as much or as little as you want of the following items:
chopped Romaine lettuce
chopped deli ham
shredded mozzarella cheese
pineapple tidbits
basil (I used maybe 1/4 tsp. dried basil for a personal sized salad)

Santa's Spice Cookies!

2009-12-24T08:14:00.000-08:00

Okay, I just noticed that these were somewhat similar to the cookies in the post below, but I'm still posting them cause I have to call my mom everytime I make them, and they are a bit of comfort food for me. They remind me of my childhood:)

Also I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!!!

2 1/2 C flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
3/4 C butter
1 C sugar
1 egg
1/4 C molasses

Sift dry ingredients together (except for sugar). Beat butter, sugar, and egg till light and fluffly. Beat flour mixture into egg mixture alternately with molasses.

Once dough is mixed, place in refrigerator for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease cookie sheet. Shape dough in to 1/2" balls, roll in powder sugar, place on cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar as soon as pulled out from the oven.

Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

2009-12-22T10:37:00.001-08:00

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I received these as a gift and I gobbled them down in about 2 seconds. I was told I could have the recipe, but it didn't come for a few days. In the meantime, I couldn't wait, so I attempted to make another recipe. They were good, but paled in comparison to these! These are the best! After a little reminder that I NEEDED to have the recipe, I got it, and now I need to make some more!

Original recipe from Ali @ www.gimmesomeoven.com

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup molasses
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tsp. soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and salt. Set aside.

With and electric mixer, beat together butter and sugar until combined. Add in the eggs and molasses, and beat until combined. Then slowly add in the dry ingredient mixture until combined.

Roll the dough into small balls (about 1" in diameter). Fill a small bowl with sugar (I used raw sugar. It make the cookies look cool and gives the cookies a little crunch. Love it!), and roll each ball in the sugar until it is completely coated. Place on cookie sheet, and bake for about 8-10 minutes. One they are done, remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two. Then transfer to wire racks and let cool completely.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

2009-12-07T11:33:00.001-08:00

I got this recipe from my mother-in-law. They are very yummy and great for sharing if need treat ideas for the holidays.

Ingredients:

2 eggs

1/3 c. water

1/4 c. margarine, softened

1 c. crunchy peanut butter

1 pkg. yellow cake mix

2 c. chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease and flour 9x13 pan. Beat eggs, water, margarine, peanut butter, and half the cake mix (dry) until smooth. Stir in remaining cake mix and the chocolate chips. (Dough will be stiff.) Spread in to pan. Bake about 20-25 minutes. Cool. Cut into bars.

Makes about 30 bars.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

2009-11-21T07:11:00.001-08:00

I got this recipe from a friend of my mom's. It is delicious, even those who say they don't like spinach or artichokes have said that they like it.

12 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 pt. heavy whipping cream

1 tbsp. garlic powder

1 tbsp. garlic pepper

1 pkg. frozen spinach (cooked and drained well)

2 13 oz. cans of artichoke hearts (in water, chopped)

2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1/2 c. grated parmesan

1/2 c. shredded mozzarella

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

With a mixer, beat cream cheese and cream together until smooth. Add seasonings, stir in drained spinach and artichoke hearts. Add monterey jack & parmesan cheeses and stir until combined. Spoon mixture into a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese. Place on a cookie tray and bake for 20 minutes. Serve with cubed bread or chips.

Pumpkin Rolls

2009-11-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

I feel like I need to contribute to this blog since I have taken many great recipes from it! This is my favorite treat to make a few days before Thanksgiving. I make about 3 rolls at once and then freeze them. I like to cut and serve them frozen because me and my family like them better that way.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix together: 3/4 cup flower, 1 cup sugar, 2/3 cup pumpkin pie mix, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. 1 teaspoon baking soda.
Beat 3 eggs in a separate bowl and then add it to the dry mix. Beat everything together until nice and smooth.

Spread wax paper over a cookie sheet and spray it with baking spray. You will probably need to use to sheets and stagger them. Because one isn't wide enough.

Pour the pumpkin mixture onto the cookie sheet and smooth it out.

Bake in oven for 15 mn.

Meanwhile... spread out a clean hand towel and sprinkle it with powdered sugar. (using a sifter helps)

When cooking time is done immediately lay and flip the cooked pumpkin mixture directly on to the towel. then take off the wax paper.

Now roll up the pumpkin roll along with the towel up like a cinnamon roll to cool.

FROSTING

Beat together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 8 oz cube of cream cheese, 1 Tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Unroll pumpkin roll and spread frosting over the top of it.

Roll it back up without the towel this time.

Wrap in tinfoil and place it in the freezer. Or enjoy it warm if you like.

Meat Pie

2009-09-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I just made a meat pie for the first time and it is so good and really easy. If I would have known how easy it was I would have been making it a long time ago. This will definitely be on our table a lot, now!

Brown about 1 lb. of hamburger with 1 small chopped onion and seasonings you prefer. I just used some seasoning salt and pepper.
Add about half a bag of frozen peas and carrots.
Mix half a can of cream of mushroom soup with half a can of water. Add to meat and veggie mixture.
I bought the pre-made rolled pie crust that I found by the refrigerated cookie dough. Put one crust on the bottom and trim excess, fill with mixture, and place a crust on top, trim excess. Pinch edges, cut some slits on the top to vent. Cook at 425 for about 30-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

(We are probably pigs but my husband and I and our 3 year old ate the whole pie, so if you have a larger family you may want to double the recipe!)

cracklin' cauliflower....

2009-09-08T14:15:00.000-07:00

CRACKLIN' CAULIFLOWER
sauce:
1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 small head cauliflower

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1 2/2 cups whole milk

1 teaspoons horseradish

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

3/4 cup grated gruyere

topping:

8 butter crackers (ritz or similar)

1/2 cup panko {I substituted panko with more butter crackers}

1 tablespoon butter

1/4 cup grated gruyere

Heat over to 450'. Bring 6 cups water to a boil. Add 1/2 tsp kosher salt and cauliflower. Let simmer for 6 minutes or until cauliflower is tender. Rinse in cold water and drain.

Melt butter in saucepan. Add flour and whisk 2 minutes. gradually add milk to combine. Bring saucepan to a boil, whisking often, then bring it to a simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add horseradish, dijon, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and nutmeg. Stir in cheese and then cauliflower. Pour into a casserole dish.

topping: combine crackers, panko, and melted butter.

Sprinkle cheese on top of cauliflower mixture then add crumble topping.

Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand about 5 minute before serving.

**sounds like a finicky recipe, but it's actually very fast to make! this recipe comes from the September issue of family fun magazine.

Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

2009-08-25T21:55:00.001-07:00

Andes Mint Chocolate Cookies

There are several delicious cookies you can make with this simple recipe:

1 box Devils Food Cake Mix
2 eggs
1/2 c. oil

Mix ingredients.

From there you can wrap dough around mini peanut butter cups or Rolos and bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. You can also sprinkle with powdered sugar if you'd like.

Or, you can bake cookies at 350 for 8-10 minutes. As soon as they come out of oven, immediately place an Andes mint on each cookie and let melt. Then take the back of a spoon and spread the melted mint on top of cookie. Let cool.

So easy and so good!

peach cobbler crumble....

2009-08-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

PEACH COBBLER CRUMBLE

Peach filling mixture:

8-10 peaches

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon flour

Crumble:

3/4 cup butter (cube and a half)

1 1/3 cup flour

1 1/3 oats

2/3 cups brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Peel peaches and mix in remaining peach filling ingredients. Spread peach mixture in a 9x13 baking dish. In a separate bowl combine crumble ingredients and spread on top of peach mixture. Bake at 350' for 25-30 minutes, or until slightly brown on top.

Serve with vanilla bean ice cream and if you dare, caramel sauce!

sweet carrots and peas....

2009-08-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

SWEET PEAS AND CARROTS

from this:
to this:

8 carrots

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1/4 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons butter

1 package frozen peas (10 oz.)

Cook carrots in small amount of water for 8 minutes, until tender, but firm. Drain carrots. Sprinkle with sugar and cornstarch. Add orange juice and butter. Stir over low heat until thickened. Prepare peas according to package. Add peas to carrots. Salt to taste.

Wild Rice Salad

2009-06-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

I got this from Good Day Utah on Fox 13 and made it last night. It was a nice light and yummy meal for the summer.

3 c. cooked wild rice mixture

3 c. chopped cooked chicken

1 c. dried cranberries

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

1 medium carrot, grated

1/2 c. white balsamic vinegar

5 Tbsp. olive oil

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

3 green onions, finely chopped

1/4 c. toasted slivered almonds

Combine rice, chicken, apples, carrots, onions, and cranberries in medium bowl. Combine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper in a shaker. Shake until mixed and pour on salad. Refrigerate for a few hours. When ready to serve, sprinkle with toasted almonds.

No Bake Cookies

2009-05-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

This is for you, Corianne!

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup butter (one stick) or margarine
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups oats ( we like quick oats better)

Cook the sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk until it it comes to a full boil. Take off heat and add the peanut butter ( stir for a minute to let it melt in), vanilla, and oats. Stir until all mixed together well. Spoon onto waxed paper on a cookie sheet and let cool completely (I put mine in the fridge to help it cool faster). Then eat!

Chicken Enchiladas

2009-05-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from my sister-in-law and after trying it, my husband and I both prefer these to the ones that I usually make with cream of chicken soup and sour cream.

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 small can of diced green chiles

1 jalapeno, diced (optional)

olive oil

1 block of cream cheese

2 c. shredded cheese

1 cup of water or chicken broth

3-4 chicken breast

Tortillas

A can of red enchilada sauce

half & half or heavy whipping cream

Boil chicken in a pot of water, or chicken broth until cooked. Let cool and shred, set aside. In a large skillet, saute the garlic, chiles, and jalapeno in olive oil until it is fragrant. Add cream cheese and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir until melted. Slowly add the water or chicken broth and continue stirring. Add shredded chicken to mixture.

Roll mixture in tortillas and place in pan. Pour enchilada sauce and half & half/whipping cream over the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

*My sister-in-law says that this makes enough to fill a 9x13 pan and a 8x8 pan, but given my small family, i only made it with 2 chicken breast and it filled one 9x13 pan, so depending on your family size, you can decide how much to make.

Danish Cheese Squares

2009-05-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

These are delicious as part of a breakfast or brunch.

2 tubes of crescent rolls (ok to use lowfat)

2 blocks of cream cheese *at room temp (ok to use lowfat)

1 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg yolk (save the white)

Topping:

1/2 c. sugar

1 1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 egg white (whipped)

1. Spread one package of rolls into a 9x13 pan.

2. Mix the cream cheese blocks, 1 cup sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk. (Make sure that the cream cheese is at room temp, or there will be lots of lumps.) Spread mixture over the rolls.

3. Spread second package of rolls over cream cheese mixture.

4. Brush whipped egg white over the top. (Don't feel like you need to use it all, just make sure it is covered evenly.)

5. Mix the 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon together with the nuts. Sprinkle over the top, so that it is all covered.

6. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

7. Allow to cool and then serve.

This is good heated up, at room temp, or cold. I served it with fresh strawberries, but you can also serve it with cool whip or ice cream and have it as a dessert. Or just serve it plain. It is way yummy!!

Mrs. Phillips' Carrot Cake

2009-05-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

Don't let the baby food scare you. It make it easy (no shredding carrots) and moist! This recipe converted me (and a few others) to actually enjoy carrot cake. Delicious! I got this recipe from a patient at the physical therapy clinic I worked at 8 years ago...so thanks Mrs. Phillips!

4 eggs well beaten
2 c. sugar
3/4 c. oil
12 oz. carrot baby food
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. flaked coconut

Mix ingredients together, pour in a sprayed pan, bake at 350 for 25-30 min.

Frosting:
Soften one 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese and one stick of butter. Blend well. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and blend.

Strawberry Topped Cake

2009-05-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this cake. A good one for a Mother's Day family gathering.

Bake one white cake mix according to instructions and let cool completely.

In a bowl mix:
8 oz. cream cheese
2 c. powdered sugar
2 c. whipped topping (1 tub cool whip)

When cake is cool frost with the cream cheese mixture.

In a pot: Make 1 box of strawberry danish dessert according to the pie glaze directions (using only 1/2 c. water). Let cool slightly and add frozen strawberries. Spoon on top of cream cheese mixture. Store in fridge.

Peach Oatmeal Cookies

2009-04-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

2 cups peaches, liquified in blender (Drain the juice from canned peaches before blending. You can also use applesauce, but we like peaches better!)
1 c. shortening
4 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
2 c. chocolate chips
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. oatmeal
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg

Mix everything together. Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 12-13 minutes. They don't look done, but they are. Store in an airtight container and they stay nice and moist! Makes about 5 or 6 dozen cookies.

These are my husbands favorite cookies!

Easy Creamy Alfredo

2009-04-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

1 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese (can use lowfat)

3/4 c. parmesan cheese

1/2 c. butter/marg. (or less)

1/2 c. milk - warmed (or more)

Heat/melt cream cheese, pour in warmed milk, add cheese and butter. Stir together over low heat until smooth. Season how you like it and then pour over pasta.

*I put in the or less/more because it all depends on the consistency that you want. I use skim milk, so I usually do more milk to help to make it more creamy. This is one of my husband's favorites. We love to grill chicken and add mushrooms to it.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

2009-04-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

2 whole chicken breasts (boned and cut up) *can use boneless

1 can cream of chicken soup

1/2 tsp curry powder

1/2 c. mayo

1 tsp. lemon juice

cooked desired amount of broccoli

1 c. sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 c. canola oil

Saute chicken about 6 min. in oil - sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Drain with paper towel. Mix together in separate bowl - soup, curry, mayo and lemon juice. Place cooked broccoli in 9x9 pan, place cooked chicken on top, pour chicken soup mixture on top, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.

*This is a delicious dish, especially if you like curry. I usually serve it with rice. Last time I made this, I just boiled the chicken and cut it up and put it over broccoli. It still tasted really good and made me feel like it was less fat and greasy. You can also substitute asparagus for the broccoli.

Pork Chops with Rice

2009-03-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

8 pork chops (I usually do six)
2 C Water
1 C uncooked Rice
2 Tsp Sage (I usually do 1)
1 TBSP Parsley
2 Tsp. Salt
1 Sliced Onion
1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup

My recipe calls to dip pork chops in flour and brown on both sides, but I usually just brown on both sides without the dipping. In a casserole dish put 2 cups of water, 1 cup of uncooked rice, 2 tsp sage, 1 Tblsp Parsley, and 2 tsp salt. Put pork chops on top, put sliced onion on top. Then I spoon a can of Cream of Mushroom soup on top. then bake @ 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

2009-03-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened (I used Nuefachel)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream (I used light)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 tub (12 oz) Cool Whip, thawed (I used light)
4 tablespoons sugar
1 angel food cake, torn into bite-size pieces
2 bags frozen strawberries (I used 3 tubs of fresh)

Method:
1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy; add sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and the almond extract; set aside.
2. Fold the cool whip into the cream cheese mixture.
3. Gently stir in cake pieces; set aside.
4. Combine strawberries and sugar, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
5. Layer in a large glass bowl, starting with strawberries, and ending with cream cheese mix.

6. Top with a thin layer of cool whip
7. Cover with plastic wrap; and chill several hours.

This is stinkin good!!!

Four Ingredient Chicken

2009-03-24T09:47:00.001-07:00

I got this from Good Day Utah. I have seen similar recipes, but made this and it is so easy and so yummy.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 oz. of Russian or French dressing

8 oz. Apricot preserves

1 pkg. of dry onion soup mix

Tenderize each chicken breast by placing between two sheets of wax paper and pounding it until it is a 1/4 inch thick. Then take chicken and salt and pepper it lightly to season. Place chicken in a glass or Pyrex baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray and set aside. In a pan on the stovetop, mix together the other three ingredients. Cook until preserves melt and everything is incorporated together. Pour over chicken and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

I served this with rice and veggies.

melt aways.....

2009-03-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

MELT AWAY COOKIES

1 lb. butter

2/3 c. powdered sugar

1 c. flour

3/4 c. cornstarch

Combine all ingredients. Bake at 350' for 8-10 minutes.

FROSTING

1 cube butter

1 pkg. cream cheese

1 bag powdered sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

Add milk to desired consistency

Beware... this makes a lot of frosting! You may want to half the recipe!

Corn Beef and Cabbage for St. Patricks Day

2009-03-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Thought I would post this recipe for St. Patricks day tomorrow. It's an irish recipe.

1 corned beef brisket with spice packet

Several red potatoes

Several carrots - peeled

1 head of cabbage cut into small wedges

Put corned beef in crock pot and cover with water. Add spice packet, potatoes, and carrots. Let meat and veggies cook in the crock pot for a few hours. Till they are almost tender.

Add cabbage and simmer for another hour or so.

Easy and Yummy. Even if you don't like cabbage this is still good. It does make your house smell a little cabbagy though.

Bourbon Chicken

2009-03-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

Of course, without the bourbon. This was a very good, and easy meal to make. I halved the red pepper flakes, and it had just a little kick still, so if you have kids like mine you may want to reduce it even more.

Ingredients:
2lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons oil (for pan-frying)
cornstarch (for dusting, optional)

Sauce:
1 garlic clove (minced)
¼ teaspoon ginger (I used ground ginger)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ( I halved this )
¼ cup apple juice
1/3 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
½ cup water
1/3 cup soy sauce

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, and if you choose lightly dust with cornstarch. Heat oil in your pan and fry chicken bits until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

In a bowl combine all sauce ingredients. Pour into pan and bring to a boil. Add chicken bits back to the pan, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. (My sauce wasn't very thick, so I added a little corstarch mixed in water). Serve over rice.

Crispy Polynesian Butterscotch Cookies by Nestle Toll House

2009-02-19T12:32:00.000-08:00

Like the name says, this is a (kind of) crispy/dry-ish/chewy cookie. But I love them and like having a little variety in my cookies...to the dismay of my die-hard-chocolate-chip-cookie-loving husband.

Crispy Polynesian Butterscotch Cookies

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened
1/2 c. vegetable oil (I just realized I totally didn't add oil! Mine still turned out. Hmmm. I wonder what they would be like with the oil, besides more fattening?)
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 2/3 c. butterscotch chips (I mixed half butterscotch and half milk chocolate chips)
1/2 c. quick oats
1/2 c. crushed cereal flakes
1/2 c. flaked coconut
1/2 c. chopped nuts (aren't nuts always optional?)

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Beat butter, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chips, oats, crushed cereal, coconut and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake in preheated 350 oven for 10-14 minutes or until edges are crisp but centers are still slightly soft. Let stand for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool. Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Impossibly Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pie

2009-01-31T17:47:00.000-08:00

1 pkg. (10 oz) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained

1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 c. cut-up cooked chicken

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 c.)

1/2 c. Bisquick

1 c. milk

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 eggs

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease pie plate. Sprinkle broccoli, 1 c. of cheese, the chicken and onion in pie plate. Stir remaining ingredients in a separate bowl until blended, then pour into pie plate over broccoli and chicken.

Bake 30-35 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 1-2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Easy Cheesecake

2009-01-30T18:41:00.000-08:00

This is such an easy and creamy no-bake cheesecake.

Ingredients:

1/2 pint whipping cream (not cool whip)
1 (8 oz.) block of neufachel cream cheese
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup sugar
1 graham cracker crust (you could also use oreo crust, or shortbread crust)

In a mixer, whip up cream. Add the cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar. Beat until creamy ( I sometimes let it beat for like 5 minutes to make sure there are not lumps). Spread into crust and refrigerate.

For toppings I like to just put some frozen berries (any kind) in a sauce pan, sprinkle with some sugar and bring to a simmer. I just put it on individual slices as it is being served, and the sauce can still be warm or you can chill it. My husband, who does not like fruit chunks likes Danish Dessert on top.

This cheesecake is also very good without any toppings at all!

Yummy Chocolate Cake

2009-01-27T21:13:00.000-08:00

1 chocolate cake mix
2 tubs of cool whip
1 block of cream cheese
1 cup of powdered sugar
chocolate candy bar
Chocolate Fudge Instant Pudding

Bake chocolate cake as per mix instructions - bake in a cookie sheet. Let cool.
Whip together one tub of cool whip, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Spread mixture on top of cake.

Make pudding with 2 to 2 1/2 cups of milk. Layer on top of cream cheese mixture.

Use last tub of cool whip and spread on top of pudding mixture.

Shred chocolate candy bar on top for a beautiful look.

This cake is so easy to make and it is definately a hit. Everyone will ask you for the recipe.

Caramel Corn

2009-01-25T22:05:00.000-08:00

2 bags of microwaveable popcorn
14 large marshmellows
1 cube of butter
1 cup of brown sugar

Pop popcorn and pour into large bowl (try to leave out the seeds). Melt marshmellows, butter and brown sugar in saucepan over medium heat until smooth (about 3-5 minutes). Pour over popped corn until evenly coated. Enjoy!

Firehouse Spaghetti

2009-01-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

Bow Tie Pasta (12 oz)

1 lb. ground beef

1 large onion - chopped

1 tsp minced garlic

2 10 oz. cans of cream of mushroom soup

2 10 oz. cans of Rotel tomatoes with green chiles

2 8 oz. Cheddar Kaukana Cheese (the recipe recommends the Old English flavor, but I can never find that at the store, so I just use the cheddar kind.)

Cook beef, onion, and garlic together. The pasta just cook separately according to package's directions. In a separate large saucepan, mix soup, Rotel and cheese. Cook over stove until cheese melts and sauce is warmed through. Add the meat mixture to sauce. Stir and serve over pasta.

*This pasta makes a good amount. I usually cut the recipe in half when I make it for myself and my husband. The pasta sauce also is a great chip dip.

Porcupine Meatballs

2009-01-18T19:34:00.000-08:00

A yummy and easy recipe using ingredients you probably already have!

1 can tomato soup
1 lb. ground beef
1 cup uncooked instant rice
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup onion, minced
1 tsp. salt
2 tbs. oil
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Lightly beat egg with a fork, then add a heaping tablespoon of the soup and mix lightly.
Mix in rice, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Stir in the ground beef and mix well with hands. (I put mine in a Ziploc bag so I didn't have to touch raw meat!)
Form mixture into 1 1/2 inch round meatballs.
Coat a large skillet over medium heat with oil. (I just used cooking spray)
Cook meatballs and brown on all sides.
Combine remaining soup with Worcestershire. Stir until smooth, then spoon over meatballs.
Cover with lid and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

*I think I would almost double the sauce since we are saucy people, and we served this over rice, so we like to have more sauce for our rice. Also because while simmering, I pretty much burnt my sauce to the bottom of the pan, so there wasn't much left. Watch it closely!
I also didn't have an onion on hand so I used a little less than a tablespoon of onion powder.

monte cristo....

2009-01-13T17:18:00.000-08:00

My sister's mother in law introduced our family to these wonderful little sammys! Of course there are many fancy versions out there, but this is one you can throw together to feed a hungry family!

MONTE CRISTOS
8 slices of bread
8 slices provolone cheese
ham or any deli meat (use as much as desired)
a wee bit of mayo, if you so choose
pancake batter

Place meat and cheese on bread. Dip both sides in pancake batter. Bake until golden brown on each side! Serve with homemade jam to top it off! Mmmmmm! Makes 4 sammys.

Butterfly Cake

2009-01-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

I made this for Sierra's birthday yesterday and I got it from kraft foods.

What You Need:

1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix
1/3 cup raspberry jam
12 OREO Cookies
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
food coloring
1 cup fruit-flavored sweetened rice cereal
Decorations: assorted ring-shaped hard candies and Mini OREO Bite Size Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (I used Spree candies)

Make It:

PREPARE cake batter and bake in two 9-inch round baking pans as directed on package. Cool 10 min.; remove to wire racks. Cool completely.

CUT cakes crosswise in half. Spread two of the cake halves with jam; top with remaining two cake halves to form two stacks. To assemble, arrange cookies in center of large board or tray with edges slightly overlapping to form the "butterfly's body," securing cookies to each other with small amount of the whipped topping. Arrange cake stacks around body to resemble the butterfly's wings.

TINT remaining whipped topping with food coloring as desired. Spread onto cakes. Decorate with whipped topping, cereal, candies and cookies. Store in refrigerator.

Chocolate Crackle Top Cookies

2009-01-02T12:10:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, divided
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

MICROWAVE 1 cup morsels in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute;

STIR. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until smooth. Cool to room temperature. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl. Beat granulated sugar, butter and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Beat in melted chocolate. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in dry ingredients. Stir in remaining 1 cup morsels. Cover; refrigerate just until firm(only takes about 15 minutes).

PREHEAT oven to 350°.

SHAPE dough into 1 1/2-inch balls; roll in powdered sugar. Place on ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 10 to 15 minutes or until sides are set but centers are still slightly soft. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

2008-12-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

4 eggs
5 large, ripe bananas
1 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
4 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

In medium bowl beat eggs until thick. Add bananas and beat until smooth and liquid. In large bowl cream together shortening and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg/banana mixture. Sift flour with baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake in 2 well greased bread pans at 300 degrees for 75 minutes or until done. Cool 10 minutes. Turn out onto rack to cool.

cheese ball....

2008-12-24T15:50:00.000-08:00

A yummy Lion House recipe.
CHEESE BALL

2 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened
2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 T. finely chopped green onion
2 t. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. lemon juice
½ t. lemon pepper
1 c. finely chopped nuts
½ c. chopped parsley

Combine all ingredients, except nuts and parsley, in a medium bowl and mix until well blended. Divide the mixture in half and spoon into 2 small bowls lined with waxed paper. Refrigerate for several hours. Lift out waxed paper from each bowl, and mold cheese into a ball, using waxed paper to protect hands. Roll each ball in chopped nuts and parsley. Refrigerate. Remove about 15 minutes before serving; serve with a variety of crackers. Makes 2 small cheese balls.

Christmas Morning Pull Apart

2008-12-23T07:19:00.000-08:00

This one is similar to the one Nicole posted yesterday, but just a little different so I decided to post it anyway. Its one that my mom has made on Christmas morning since I was little and it is so good.
24 frozen dinner rolls
1 C. brown sugar
1 small pk. dry instant vanilla pudding
1 stick butter melted
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup raisins

The night before, grease sides and bottom of Bundt pan. Place frozen rolls in pan. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, & pudding. Mix and pour over frozen rolls. Pour melted butter over mixture. Top with pecans and raisins. let rise over night. Bake at 375 degrees 30 minutes. Cover with foil if the top begins to become too brown during baking.

This is a great idea for Christmas breakfast. It can be baking while you are opening gifts.

Awesome Appetizer

2008-12-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

You need a large platter 12 to 14" in size.
Spread two 8 oz. cream cheese that has been softened on the platter.

Mix 1 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce, 3 tablespoons ranch dressing and spread over the cream cheese.

Cut the following into small pieces:
3 stalks celery
1/2 red bell pepper
1/2 green pepper
1 small purple onion.

Sprinkle over cream cheese platter. Refrigerate. Take out of fridge 1/2 hour before serving. Serve with crackers. You can also sprinkle chopped up cooked chicken or shrimp along with the vegetables.

Looking for Quiche Recipe's

2008-12-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

My daughter Baylee is getting baptized on January 3rd at 9:00 AM. Afterwards we want to do a breakfast. Does anyone know of any tried and true Quiche recipe's that I can try. We never made them growing up in the Taylor household so I don't have any recipe's. I just think that would be something that I could make before hand and then heat up. What do you think? Anyone . . . . . . . . . . . .

Overnight Pull Aparts

2008-12-22T16:30:00.000-08:00

The first recipe is for a cranberry/orange flavor or you can also make it a cinnamon flavor (in parenthesis is what to use in place of original ingredient). This is another good recipe for an easy, yummy Christmas morning breakfast.

12-16 frozen white dough rolls (still frozen)
1 34 oz. pkg. vanilla instant pudding (*Butterscotch flavor pudding)
1/4 cup sugar (*1/2 cup brown sugar)
1/4 cup dried cranberries (*3/4 c. chopped nuts)
1 orange rind, grated (*2 tsp. cinnamon)
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
frosting (recipe follows)

Sprinkle cranberries in bottom of greased bundt pan. Arrange rolls evenly in pan. Mix sugar and dry pudding together and sprinkle over rolls. Combine orange rind with melted butter and spoon over rolls. Cover pan with sprayed plastic wrap. Place pan in cold oven overnight (8-10 hrs.). Remove rolls from oven and pre-heat oven to 350. Remove plastic wrap and bake 25 minutes. Immediately invert pan onto a serving plate. Cool slightly and drizzle with frosting.

Frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbs. melted butter
2 tbs. fresh orange juice

(Frosting isn't needed for the cinnamon version, but if you really need it :) , use milk instead of orange juice)

Cranberry Salsa

2008-12-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

Cranberry Salsa

1 12 oz. pkg. fresh cranberries (you can use frozen but fresh are prettier)
3/4 cup sugar
1 medium jalapeno, seeds removed (I thought this was way too hot, so I would start out with just a little and add more to taste)
1 green onion
1-2 tbs. fresh cilantro
1/4 tsp. cumin

Place all ingredients in food processor. Process until mixture is coarsely chopped. Store in refrigerator for flavors to blend. Serve with tortilla chips. This is also great served with crackers and cream cheese. Delicious as a relish with pork or poultry. Yield: 3 cups

Hawaiian Haystacks

2008-12-22T16:00:00.000-08:00

10 to 12 chicken tenders (cut into chunks)
1 cup of broth
2 cans (10 3/4 oz. each) cream of chicken soup, condensed
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
6 cups of rice

Place chicken in greased crockpot
Combine all remaining ingredients except rice and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on high heat 3-4 hours or on low heat 6-8 hours

Serve over hot rice with a variety of cold toppings that could include: grated cheese, peas, pineapple tidbits, shredded coconut, raisins. Chinese noodles, olives, diced tomatoes, diced green onions, and other family favorites.

Sweet and Sour Sauce
Juice from canned pineapple
1 Tsp. catsup
1 Tbsp. vinegar
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
cornstarch to thicken

In a separate sauce pan, add above ingredients, stir in cornstarch thoroughly and heat to thicken. If desired pour over the haystack for last topping.

Great Christmas "Funeral Potatoes"

2008-12-22T15:19:00.001-08:00

It is a tradition for my family to have Funeral Potatoes on Christmas Eve. This is our favorite recipe from the Mormon Cookbook.

12 large potatoes or 32 oz. bag of frozen shredded hashbrowns
2 cans Cream of Chicken soup
2 cups sour cream
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups crushed cornflakes
2 Tbsp. Butter Melted

Peel potatoes & boil till tender (if your not using hashbrowns). Cool, grate into greased 9X13 baking dish. Combine sour cream, cheese, 1/2 cup melted butter, & onion. Gently blend into potatoes. Combine crushed cornflakes & 2 Tbsp. of butter & sprinkle on top. Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole

2008-12-22T15:10:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite recipe for a Breakfast Casserole. I don't really like the ones made with bread and Cream of Mushroom soup because they can be soggy. This one is delicious!

3 1/2 cups frozen shredded hash browns (I have used tater-tots and it was good too)
1 pound (ground)sausage, browned and drained
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
6 eggs, beaten
3/4 cups milk
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Spread hash browns into bottom of a greased 9X13 pan. Sprinkle cooked sausage and cheese over top. In a bowl combine eggs, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour egg mixture evenly over sausage and hash browns. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight. Remove from fridge 20 minutes before baking and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 5-8 minutes more, or until center is set.
Makes a great breakfast Christmas morning!!!

chocolate bunt cake....

2008-12-19T17:06:00.001-08:00

It'll change your life!!
CHOCOLATE BUNT CAKE

1 box devils food cake

1 (3 oz.) package chocolate pudding

1/2 c. water

1/2 c. oil

4 eggs

8 oz. sour cream

1 package chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a greased bunt pan. Bake at 350' for 50-55 minutes.

garden pizza....

2008-12-16T16:48:00.000-08:00

I know, I post pizza a lot! When it's your hubbys favorite and your not-so-favorite, you have to reinvent it to fit both taste buds!!

Try this oh-so-good pampered chef recipe. enjoy!
GARDEN PIZZA
2 packages refrigerated pizza crust
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 package ranch seasoning and salad dressing mix
1 garlic clove, pressed
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup chopped broccoli
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 medium carrot
1/2 cup olives, sliced
1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 425°F. Unroll both packages of pizza dough and arrange on a cookie sheet. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix and garlic. Spread mixture evenly over crust. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Add; broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, and olives. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake 18-22 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

Sugar Cookies

2008-12-16T16:14:00.000-08:00

I made these with my girls last night and it is the most workable dough. I gave Brielle her own little ball and she played with it forever. Anyway, I have always been intimidated by sugar cookies, but this recipe is for everyone.

1 1/2 C sugar
1 c soft margarine
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
3/4 tsp nutmeg
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
4 c flour
3/4 c sour cream

Cream sugar and butter, stir in vanilla and eggs till fluffy. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl then add to the other bowl. Add sour cream and mix well. To roll out make sure you put flour on countertop and rolling pin so dough doesn't stick. I also just sprinkled a little on the top of the dough before I rolled it out. Place cut out cookies on cookie sheet, then bake @ 350 degrees for about 9-10 minutes. In my oven it worked out perfectly at 10, but all ovens vary so just watch them closely.

Sue B's Chocolate Cake

2008-11-25T22:59:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe at recipezaar.com and made it for my husband and son's birthday. It turned out really moist and yummy. I didn't love the frosting I made so I would recommend a really yummy butter cream frosting or whatever you like.

3/4 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup boiling water
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup canola oil
4 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda

1. Mix cocoa and boiling water.

2. Mix buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla together.

3. Mix dry ingredients together.

4. Mix dry ingredients into buttermilk/oil mixture.

5. Mix in cocoa.

6. Bake at 350 degrees in two greased and floured and parchment lined (I didn't use parchment) 9-inch round pans.

7. Bake until tester comes out clean, approx. 30 minutes.

Easy Banana Cream Pie

2008-11-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post this recipe cause I was emailing it to someone anyway. I got it off the Kraft foods website. I have made it for Thanksgiving several times, just to add a variety to the pies available. It is SO easy and always tastes yummy. That picture of it makes me want it right now.

2 medium ripe bananas, sliced
1 read-to-use graham cracker crumb crust (6 oz)
2 1/2 c cold milk
2 pkg (4 servings each) Jell-O Vanilla flavor pudding & pie filling
2 c thawed cool whip divided

Place half of the banana slices on bottom of crust. Set remaining banana slices aside,
Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended. Gently stir in 1 cup of the whipped cream. Spoon half of the pudding mixture into crust. Top with remaining banana slices; cover with remaining pudding mixture.

Refridgerate 3 hours or until set. Serve topped with the remaining 1 cup whipped cream. Store leftover pie in the fridge.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2008-11-13T18:36:00.000-08:00

2 cans crushed or diced tomatoes
1-2 cans chicken broth (depending on how thick or runny you like it. I like about 1 1/2)
1 can pinto beans
1 can black beans
3 chicken breasts (More or less depending on what you want. I take mine right out of the freezer and plop them in!)
1 onion, diced
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 pkg.-1 pkg. taco seasoning

Stir all ingredients in crock pot and cook on low 5-6 hours. Take out chicken and shred with two forks. Add chicken back to soup along with 1 can corn. Cook 30 min.-1 hour longer.

Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro.

You can also butter and salt tortillas, cut into 4ths, put in broiler until slightly golden brown and bubbly (I guess this is where the "tortilla" part comes in in "Chicken Tortilla Soup!"). Or you can also serve with Frito Lay's corn chips.

Mango Tortilla Soup

2008-11-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

I got this recipe at church today and am definitely going to be making it this week. It sounds really good and easy.

1 jar mango salsa (Costco)
1 pt. mild fresh salsa (Costco)
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cans of chicken (Costco)
1 large can of chicken broth
1 qt. of water mixed with 1 chicken bouillon cub
1 1/4 tsp. cumin
2 cans of corn or frozen corn

Simmer salsa's and oil in saucepan for 10 minutes. In separate saucepan simmer chicken, water and cumin. Pour chicken into salsa saucepan and corn. Let simmer. In bottom of bowl, add tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, sour cream and squeeze of lime. Pour soup on top and enjoy!

Caramel Apple Cake

2008-10-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

1 1/4 cup canola oil
2 cups sugar
Mix together:
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla - add to mixture
Add 1/2 lemon juiced
Add 1 1/2 teaspoon bakin soda
Combine 3 cups flour and 3 cups diced peeled apples and add to mixture
Grease Bundt pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes and invert

Sauce:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup of melted butter
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon Karo syrup
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Bring to boil and let boil for quite awhile, while stirring. Pour on individual pieces of cake.

Olive Garden Soup

2008-10-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

1 pound of hamburger
1 onion, chopped (optional)
3 tall cans of minestrone soup
2 cans Ranch style beans
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 can Rotel (tomato and green chili mixture)

Cook hamburger meat and onion. In a pot on the stove or in your Crockpot, add all ingredients. Simmer about 30 minutes on stove or in Crockpot for a couple of hours.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies (Easy Version)

2008-10-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

1 box spice cake mix
1 (15 0z) can pumpkin
1 cup chocolate chips (or more if you're like me)

Combine all together and drop spoonfuls on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 15-20 min. depending on the size.

crock-pot lasagna....

2008-10-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

CROCK-POT LASAGNA

1 lb. ground beef

1 large jar spaghetti sauce (around 26 oz.)

8 oz. can tomato sauce

1 jar alfredo sauce

1/2 pkg. oven ready lasagna noodles

mozzarella cheese

parmesan cheese

Brown the ground beef. Spread 3/4 cup of the spaghetti sauce on bottom of crock-pot. Combine remaining spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce to the ground beef. Layer crock-pot to your liking using noodles, cheese, ground beef mixture, and alfredo!

Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours. (my cooker only needs 2.5-3 hours)

Soooo yummy and sooooo easy! The alfredo adds just the right taste!

TRY THIS RECIPE!!!

Potato Kielbasa Skillet

2008-10-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

1 lb. red potatoes, cubed
3 tbsp. water
3/4 lb. smoked kielbasa (I use turkey kielbasa), cut in thin slices
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. cider vinegar
1 tbsp. dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. pepper
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Place potatoes and water in a microwave dish. Cover and microwave on high until potatoes are tender, about 5-8 minutes. Drain.

In a large skillet, saute kielbasa and onion in oil until onion is tender. Add potatoes and saute 3-5 minutes longer or until kielbasa and potatoes are lightly browned.

Combine the brown sugar,vinegar, mustard,thyme, and pepper. Stir into skillet. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, simmer, uncovered for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Add bacon.

I just made this last night for dinner and my family loved it!! Even the kids!!!

Easy Taco's

2008-10-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

This has been a family favorite for years, is super easy, sounds different but tastes great.

Brown 1 lb hamburger and 1 chopped onion
Drain
Add 1 can Chicken Gumbo soup
Place meat filling into tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and add tomatoes, lettuce, black beans, or whatever.

SO EASY and SO GOOD. The first time I made this after Mark and I got married he thought it sounded not so good, but now he doesn't like taco's any other way.

White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas

2008-10-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

This picture was one I got off the internet, it's not from one I made. I add olives on top, but they look pretty much the same. They do end up being big, so you are able to cut them in half and make more than five or six enchiladas. I made these for our 'Mexican Christmas Dinner Buffet' last year at our family Christmas party and everyone loved them and wanted the recipe. They really are that good and so creamy!

WHITE SAUCE CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
½ Cup Sour Cream
2 oz. Diced Green Chilies
¼ Cup Onion, Chopped (sauté, if preferred cooked)
8 oz. Chicken Breast, Cooked (chopped or shredded)
5 ea. 6 inch Flour Tortillas
¼ Cup Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded (6 cheese blend is good too)
¼ Cup Black Olives

1. Heat oven to 400 F.
2. Mix soup, sour cream, chilies, and onions in a bowl.
3. Spread ¼ of mixture in the bottom of a casserole dish.
4. Divide chicken evenly between the tortillas and place down the center of the tortillas.
5. Spoon 2 T. of soup mixture over the chicken in each tortilla.
6. Roll up tortillas and place enchiladas edge side down in the casserole dish.
7. Spoon remaining sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and olives.
8. Bake 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

BBQ pizza.....

2008-10-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

yum. yum. yum.

I was craving this pizza and since I had stuff on hand to make salsa, I just used some of the ingredients on the pizza!

BBQ PIZZA
1/2 lb. chicken
2/3 cup bbq sauce
1-2 pkgs. ready made pizza dough
1 1/2 cup mozzarella
3/4 cup fresh grated parmesan
1/2 medium red onion
cilantro

Preheat oven to 400'
cook and cube or shred chicken. I use either my beaters to shred chicken or my pampered chef chopper to chop my chicken. Both work well.
Mix chicken with 3 Tbs. bbq sauce. Roll out pizza dough on cookie sheet and spread remaining bbq sauce on top of dough. Top with mozzarella, parmesan, and chicken mixture. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese bubbles. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and enjoy!

Grandma Pocock's Zucchinni Casserole

2008-10-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

This was a fantastic recipe that I sampled at our neighborhood zucchini cookout. If you still have leftover zucchini, try this delicious recipe. As a Christmas tradition, The Pocock Family eats this casserole every year.

2 lbs (6 cups) zucchini, sliced
2 c chopped onion
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1 c shredded carrot
1 c sour cream
1 pkg (8 oz) herb seasoned stuffing mix
2 c butter, melted
In saucepan, cook zucchini and onion in boiling salted water for 5 minutes; drain. Combine cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, stir in carrots. Fold in drained zucchini and onion. Combine stuffing mix and butter. Spread half of stuffing mixture in bottom of 12x7x2" baking dish. Spoon vegetable mixture on top. Sprinkle remaining stuffing over vegetables. Bake at 350' for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through.

Fall Delight

2008-10-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

Dinner In A Pumpkin

This is one of my favorite things about Autumn time!

I have yet to try it out in smaller, individual pumpkins and let everyone have their own pumpkin to eat out of. I cooked it for my husbands family one year and they all loved it so much that they made it a tradition to cook it every year on Halloween for the extended family!

I hope you enjoy it as much as our family does!

1 onion, chopped
2 T. oil
2 lbs. ground beef
2 T. soy sauce
2 T. brown sugar, packed
4 oz. mushrooms, fresh are best
10-3/4 oz. can cream of chicken soup
1 ½ C. prepared white rice
8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts
1 bunch asparagas, cut into thirds
1 medium pumpkin, seeded

Sauté onion and asparagas in oil, add beef.

Cook until browned; stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, mushrooms & soup.

Simmer for 10 minutes; add rice & chestnuts. Mix well, set aside.

Place pumpkin on a greased baking sheet; spoon beef mixture inside pumpkin.

Replace top; bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Scrape out pumpkin with filling when serving.
6-8 Servings

Easy Crockpot Chili

2008-10-10T15:07:00.001-07:00

I got this recipe from my mom, I'm not quite sure where she got it. It's good and more importantly: EASY!!! Doesn't take very much time at all. I made it yesterday since it was so cold outside and it was yummy. It tastes even better the 2nd and 3rd days.

Brown:

1 lb hamburger
1 onion
1 green pepper

Drain then place in crockpot. Add:

2 cans kidney beans
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can tomato soup
1 quart (4 cups) tomato juice
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbs chili powder
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt

Cook in the crockpot for 7-8 hours on low. Serve with rolls and cheese. Perfect for fall and winter.
It made my house smell so good yesterday.

By the way we need more recipe posts!!! Get out those recipe books and post your favorite fall recipes!!! No sense in keeping them all to yourself:)

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

2008-10-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe on the Good Things Utah website. I haven't tried them yet, but they sounded so yummy and fall-ish, I thought I'd post it. I plan on making them as soon as I can go down and get some delicious apple cider from the Big Red Barn in Santaquin.

Apple Cider Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Recipe prepared by Kelsey Nixon, Kelsey's Kitchen

Yield: 20 - 24 cupcakes

Ingredients

1 cup butter, room temperature (2 sticks)

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

2 egg

2 teaspoons baking powder

1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups flour

2 cups apple cider (Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe below)

Make the cupcakes:

Heat an oven to 350° F.

In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Add the egg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and mix well to combine, about 1 minute.

Add the flour in 3 batches and the cider in 2 batches, alternating between the two and starting and ending with the flour.

Pour the batter into lined muffin pans; fill the cups about 3⁄4 full. Bake for 20-22 minutes; a toothpick should come out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:

2 cups apple cider

6 ounces cream cheese, cut into bits and softened

1/2 cup sifted confectioners' sugar

In a saucepan boil the cider until it is reduced to about 1/4 cup and let it cool. In a bowl with an electric mixer beat together the cream cheese, the confectioners' sugar, the reduced cider, and a pinch of salt until the icing is smooth.

Spread each cupcake with some of the icing.

"Chicken on Hangers"

2008-09-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

3-4 Chicken breasts, boneless/skinless
1 lb. bacon slices, cut into thirds
1 bottle Zesty Italian salad dressing (You can use Fat-Free too)

Cut chicken breasts into 1" strips. Pour salad dressing into a gallon-sized ziploc bag and put chicken into bag. Seal and refrigerate overnight. (When you are ready to make your skewers, I would recommend bamboo - these are called "chicken on hangers" because my uncle made them for his family and didn't have bamboo skewers so he used coat hangers.) Weave a piece of chicken on the skewer and alternate with a 1/3 slice of bacon until skewer is filled. Grill or broil. These are a little bit of work, but worth it. The taste is great! (If you don't have time for skewers, just marinate the chicken breasts in the Zesty Italian and grill. I usually give them 2 days in the marinade if the breast is left whole) These skewers are great when served with the Easy Rice Pilaf.

Super Easy Rice Pilaf

2008-09-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

1-1/2 cups uncooked white rice (not Minute Rice)
1 can Campbell's Beef Consume soup
1 can Campbell's French Onion soup
1 stick of butter

Mix rice and soups in a covered casserole dish. Put stick of butter on top, cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1-1/2 hours. A simple side dish that has wonderful flavor!

Baked Chicken Stuffed with Pesto and Cheese

2008-09-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe off of Trisha Cannon's blog and it sounded so good I had to post it. If anyone tries it out this week let me know how it tastes. I'm going to try to do it too.

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup pesto

1 cup packed finely grated mozerella cheese

1/3 cup low fat sour cream (not fat free, use low fat)

about 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

1 cup chicken stock or canned chicken broth

***

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl, combine pesto, mozerella cheese and sour cream until well combined. In a flat bowl put the parmesan cheese. Spray 9x13 pan dish with nonstick spray. Pound chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thickness, or as thin as you can get it, the thinner the better.

***

As each piece of chicken is flattened, spread 1/6 of pesto cheese mixture evenly over one side of the chicken. then roll up eack piece end to end, starting with the widest end, rolling as tightly as you can. Tuck in any loose ends, you can use toothpicks to help if you need to (it won't look perfect, no worries). Coat each piece of stuffed chicken into the parmesan cheese. Put chicken into casserole dish (arrange pieces in a row, with pieces almost touching the sides).

***

Pour enough chicken stock to barely cover the bottom of the dish (less than 1/2 cup) and cover tightly with foil. Bake chicken for 30 minutes, then remove foil. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees and bake for 15-20 more minutes, until the top of chicken is slightly browned. Don't overcook.

***

When you take the chicken out you will have a yummy looking combo of stock, pesto and cheese in the bottom of the dish. You can serve the chicken just like it is, or you can make this creamier sauce.

Sauce:

Pour liquid from pan into a saucepan and add the rest of the chicken stock that you didn't use. Bring to simmer for 10 minutes or so, until sauce is slightly reduced and cheese is melted. Mix flour (I only used about 2 tsp) with a small amt of cold water, then wisk it into the sauce until sauce thickens.

***

We just poured the sauce over the chicken, but I think next time I might cook up a little wheat pasta to serve the sauce over with the chicken!

ravioli with peas and shallots....

2008-09-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

This recipe comes from my October issue of RealSimple. It's a good one, though my hubby wanted it to have more sauce. I may add some cream next time I make it.

RAVIOLI WITH PEAS AND SHALLOTS
1 1/2 lbs. cheese ravioli (either fresh or frozen)
2 Tbs. butter
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 bag fresh or frozen peas (about 10 oz.)
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Cook ravioli according to package. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining, for later use.

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft. About 2-3 minutes. Add the peas, lemon zest, salt , pepper, and reserved pasta water. Cook partially covered, until the peas are heated through. About 3-4 minutes.

Divide the ravioli among bowels and top with pea mixture.

Side*** this recipe took a total of 15 minutes. Can't beat that!

chicken pitas....

2008-09-22T17:10:00.001-07:00

I'm back with a meal idea for leftover marinaded chicken....
CHICKEN PITAS
4-5 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 avocado (i use more like 2-3)
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 c. ranch dressing (homemade makes the difference!)
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 c. mozzarella cheese
pita bread

Mix ranch dressing, sour cream, and mayonnaise together. Add chicken mashed or cubed avocado, mozzarella, and bacon. Microwave until warm. Serve in pita bread.

Peachy Chicken

2008-09-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

PEACHY CHICKEN
3 chicken breasts, halved (we cut ours into smaller pieces)
1/2 c. flour
salt and pepper to taste
2 TBS. butter
2 TBS. cooking oil
1 1/2 c. orange juice
2 TBS. vinegar
2 TBS. brown sugar
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
16 oz. can peach halves, drained (we really like the peaches so we use the 29 oz. can)

In a plastic Ziploc bag add flour, salt, and pepper. Place chicken in bag and shake until coated. In a pan, heat butter and oil. Brown chicken on all sides. Place browned chicken in a greased casserole dish. In a medium bowl, combine orange juice, vinegar, sugar, basil, and nutmeg. Pour over chicken. Cover with foil and bake @ 375 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes or until tender. Baste often. Then place peach halves between chicken pieces, baste well, and bake uncovered for 15 minutes longer.
I like to serve with brown or wild rice, but white works, too.

yummy chicken marinade....

2008-09-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

CHICKEN MARINADE

2 c. 7-up (substitute any soda)

1 c. oil

1/2 c. soy sauce

1 Tsp. garlic salt

1 Tsp. horseradish

Mix together and add chicken or veggies or both! Marinade overnight. I usually grill up extras and use the marinaded meat in different meals! Soooo scrumptious!

Broccoli Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers

2008-09-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

2 1/2 c cooked and cubed chicken
Cooked rice (I just do the 1 c of rice and 2 c of water. I think that makes four servings)
1 bag of frozen broccoli
1 c sour cream
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/4 c milk
1 pkg ritz crackers
Cheese

In a bowl combine sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.

Pour cooked rice into the bottom of 9X13 pan (I usually spray with cooking spray first). Layer cooked chicken on top of rice, then layer frozen broccoli on top of chicken (Mark likes tons of broccoli so he likes the whole bag. You don't have to use it all if you don't wan to). Pour sour cream and soup mixture over broccoli. Then I sprinkle lots of cheese over that. Crush the ritz crackers (I keep them in their little brown package while I crush them), then spread over top of cheese. Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 50-60 minutes. This is one of Mark's favorite, and my kids will eat it too. Good way to get them to eat broccoli.

Cauliflower-Cheese Soup

2008-09-21T14:25:00.002-07:00

Ingredients:

1/3 cup water or chicken stock
1 cup cauliflower, chopped
1 cup cubed potatoes
1/2 c finely chopped celery
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/4 cup chopped onions
Salt and pepper to taste
4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Add fresh garlic

Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients but cheese. Cook until tender. Put in blender or food processor and puree. Pour back into pan, add cheese and stir until melted. Serve warm. Delicious!