Randi's Recipes

Spinach Ziti and Chinese Salad

2011-04-28T18:14:00.000-05:00

I made this last night and it was really good. It's from Gina's Skinny Recipes. It was sooooo good and even Essie liked it.

1 lb high fiber ziti such as Ronzoni Smart Taste
28 oz crushed tomatoes (I prefer Tuttorosso)
1 tsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic,minced
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed
1 tsp oregano
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
salt and fresh pepper to taste
8 oz fat-free ricotta
1/4 cup Parmesan
2 cups (8 oz) part skim mozzarella
Spray olive oil (I used my Misto)

Preheat oven to 375°.

Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with oil spray.

In a large pot of salted water, cook pasta according to instructions until al dente. Drain and return to pot.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, add olive oil and sauté garlic. Add chopped spinach, salt pepper and chopped tomatoes. Season with basil, oregano, salt and pepper.
Add sauce to the pasta and combine the ziti. Add half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and ricotta. Mix well then transfer to the baking pan.
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until mozzarella is melted and the edges are lightly browned.

I made this Chinese Salad as well for the ladies I work with. It's my favorite salad ever!!!
1 Napa Cabbage, chopped
3 bunches green onions, diced
2 pk Ramen Noodles, broken into pieces (discard flavor package)
1 cup sliced almonds
4 TB Margarine
1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds

dressing:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
1 cup veg. oil
2 TB soy sauce

Combine cut up cabbage and onions in large bowl. Brown broken ramen noodles and almonds in butter. Allow to cool. Add this to cabbage mixture.
For dressing: dissolve sugar in vinegar using low heat until well combined. Add oil and soy sauce. Shake to combine well. Add dressing right before serving.

Spinach Stuffed Lasagna Ruffles

2011-03-15T22:03:00.001-05:00

I got this recipe from a friend and it is sooooo yummy and pretty!

8 oz lasagna noodles
1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed & drained
8 oz cream cheese, softened
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups (8 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4oz) freshly grated Parmesian cheese
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1 (32 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup (2 oz) freshly grated Parmesian cheese
Cook the noodles using the package directions; drain. Arrange the noodles in a single layer on a sheet of waxed paper or plastic wrap. Press the excess moisture from the spinach.
Beat the cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in the spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1 cup Parmesian cheese, the Italian seasoning & salt. Spread 1/2 cup of the cheese mixture over each noodle. Roll as for a jelly roll, starting at the narrow end to enclose the filing.
Pour the spaghetti sauce into a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Cut the rolls crosswise into halves and arrange curly side up in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup Parmesian cheese. Bake, covered, in a preheated 350 degreee oven for 25 minutes or until heated through

Baked Potato Soup

2011-01-20T18:33:00.000-06:00

Today is a snow day and this is what I want on a snow day...sooooooooo goooooood!

4-6 potatoes (peeled and diced) I like Yukon gold the best but any will do!
1 carton (16 oz) sour cream
3 green onions, chopped (I didn't have these so I used some chives)
5 crisp strips bacon, crumbled
1 cup milk
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup potato water

Cover potatoes in water and boil until tender but still a little firm. Drain but Save 1 cup of the potato water.
Mix together cream of chicken soup, milk, and potato water. Add sour cream, bacon, and onions. Stir in potatoes and simmer 15 minutes or so. Salt and Pepper to taste. Add some shredded cheese on top when you serve!!!

Cornbread Waffles with Spicy Chili

2011-01-16T20:30:00.000-06:00

This was good but I would make sure to cook the waffles until they are crispy. They got soggy and yucky after a little while.

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large eggs
Spicy chili, recipe follows
Shredded Cheddar, for garnish
Sour cream, for garnish
Chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Directions
Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.
In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add milk, oil, and eggs; stirring until smooth. Pour batter onto hot waffle iron and bake in batches. Set aside and keep warm.

Serve with Spicy Chili. Garnish with shredded Cheddar, sour cream and chopped fresh cilantro.
Spicy Chili:
1 pound lean ground chuck
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper
2 (15-ounce) cans ranch-style beans
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can niblet corn, drained
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles

In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown ground chuck, until beef is crumbly. Stir in onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
Stir in beans, tomato sauce, corn, diced tomatoes, and green chiles. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally.

peanut butter and banana stuffed french toast

2011-01-16T20:23:00.000-06:00

This was really good but rich so you can only eat a lil bit. Essie tore it up!!

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 teaspoon sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1 banana, peeled and thinly sliced
2 teaspoon honey
1/4 cup peanut butter
8 slices of white bread
1/2 cup granola
1 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
maple syrup

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the granola in a shallow bowl; set aside.

Spread each slice of bread with peanut butter. Drizzle honey evenly over peanut butter. Divide the banana slices among four slices of the bread; top with the remaining bread, peanut butter sides down. Remove the crusts and tightly pinch the edges of each sandwich together to seal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Soak each sandwich in the egg mixture for 5 seconds. Roll the edges of each sandwich in granola.
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sandwiches, working in batches if necessary; cook about 2 minutes per side or until golden. Transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet; bake for 10 minutes. Serve immediately with maple syrup.

Corn Chowder

2011-01-15T20:59:00.000-06:00

I have never had corn chowder before but thought it'd be good to give it a whirl! This was really good!

3 strips bacon, chopped
1 onion diced
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/4 c all purpose flour
1 32 oz chicken stock
2 russet potatoes, diced
1/2 tsp salt
1 pkg frozen corn
1 cup milk
3 TB half and half
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 TB fresh cilantro (chopped)

In large saucepan brown bacon until crispy. Remove bacon to paper towel. To the grease add onion and jalapeno and cook about 5 minutes. Add flour, cook 1 more minute. Add broth, potatoes, and salt. Bring to boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are softened (12 minutes or so). Add corn, milk, half & half and cook another minute. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and cilantro. Sprinkle with bacon!

Dirt Cake

2011-01-15T20:53:00.000-06:00

You are supposed to serve this in a flower pot with a fake flower inserted in it and hide gummy worms all in it just for fun. BUT I didn't have those things and my hubby wanted this for dessert so we just made it anyways. My favorite time I made this was when I made it for my PreK students during our garden unit and even served it with a (new) garden trowel. So funny! P.S. this is also on the menu for essie's sesame street birthday party...can you guess who is going in the dirt cake???

1 pkg oreos
8 oz cream cheese
1 c powdered sugar
1 cont. Cool Whip
1 small vanilla pudding mix
1 stick butter
1 & 1/2 c milk

In food processor, crush the oreos. Mix cream cheese, butter, and sugar. Beat pudding mix and milk together and add to cheese mix. Beat until smooth then fold in the cool whip! layer with cookies!

Spicy Vegetable Soup

2011-01-10T14:18:00.000-06:00

Since we are stuck inside on this COLD snowy day I thought I'd make some yummy Spicy Vegetable Soup! (and no it's not really spicy, spicy...it just has a nice little kick!)

1 lb lean ground beef

1 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

30 oz chunky vegetable spaghetti sauce

10 oz can beef broth

1 &1/2 cups water

1 cup chopped celery

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

10 oz can rotel

16 oz can diced veggie (or bag of frozen mixed veggies)

cornbread or crackers

In a Dutch oven, cook beef, onions, and garlic until brown, drain fat. Add spaghetti sauce, beef broth, water, celery, chili powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to boil, reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Add rotel, diced veggies and simmer 15 more minutes.

Pumpkin Baked Apples

2010-09-18T23:46:00.000-05:00

1 pie pumpkin (pie pumpkins are smaller than the ones you carve)
2 apples (I used granny smith)
sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon to taste

Preheat oven to 350 (I convected to speed things up).

Scoop out alll the pulp and seeds from pumpkin. Peel and slice apples and mix with sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour apples into the hollow pumpkin and place the top back on. Bake until pumpkin turns black (could take a few hours). You can also use the pumpkin flesh to bake a fresh pumpkin pie so this recipe actually will make you two desserts!

Enchilada "ish" casserole

2010-09-09T20:27:00.000-05:00

I kinda just threw this one together...using stuff I had left over in the fridge etc.

1/2 lb sirloin
1/2 sm onion
1 can diced green chiles
1 tsp cumin
1/2 can black beans
2 green onions diced
2 cups shredded cheese
1 can enchilada sauce
1TB oil
1TB flour
1 cup chicken broth
2 TB cilantro
corn tortillas

Brown meat with onions and add cumin, green onions, black beans and cook a lil bit longer.

In pot add oil and flour and stir to create a paste. Add cilantro, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for a bit.

Cover the bottom of 13x9 pan with corn tortillas. Pour meat Mixture on top and cover with diced green onions, cheese, and pour half the sauce on top.

Add another layer of corn tortillas on top and cover with a lil more cheese and sauce.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Paprika Chicken with Cream Sauce

2010-09-09T20:21:00.000-05:00

I found this recipe and thought I'd give it a whirl..it was actually very tasty!!!

1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground red pepper

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup butter
1 can cream of mushroom soup
8 oz sour cream
2 green onions, sliced

Stir flour, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, red pepper together. Heat butter in skillett over medium high heat. Coat chicken in flour mixture and add to skilllett. Cook chicken for 10 minutes or until well browned on both sides. Remove chicken from skillett.

Stir the soup and cream cheese and green onions together in the skillet until boiling. Return chicken to skillet and cook an additional 5 minutes or until no longer pink.

Beef and Black Bean Sliders

2010-09-09T20:12:00.001-05:00

I saw this recipe on Food Network and thought I'd give it a try! It was really very good and Travis couldn't even tell it had black beans hidden in it! I didn't take a pic of the final product though!

1/4 cup cooked black beans (I used canned)
1/2 pound sirloin
2 TB olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper
1 TB dijon mustard
1 package little Hawaiian Rolls

Preheat a grill pan and coat with oil lightly. In bowl mash the the black beans, 1 TB olive oil, and garlic powder. Add the sirloin to the black bean mixture . Season with salt and pepper. Divide meat mixture up into 8 equal portions...they will be very small. Make into patties...press in the center. Lightly brush the outside of the burgers with Dijon mustard and place mustard side down on the grill. Brush the other side as well. Cook on each side for approximately 3-5 minutes until done. Serve on toasted rolls.

The toasting of the rolls made this dish along with the brushing of mustard. The mustard gives a great flavor and wonderful crust to the burgers!

Fried Green Tomatoes

2010-09-01T18:47:00.000-05:00

Ingredients
3 or 4 large firm green tomatoes
Salt
2 cups vegetable or peanut oil, for deep-frying
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups self-rising flour
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Slice the tomatoes 1/4-inch thick. Lay them out in a shallow baking pan and sprinkle with salt. Place the tomato slices in a colander and allow time for salt to pull the water out of the tomatoes, approximately 30 minutes.

In a skillet, heat the oil for deep-frying over medium-high heat.

Dip the tomatoes into buttermilk, then dredge them into flour with a dash of pepper. Deep-fry until golden brown

Peach Delight

2010-08-29T19:47:00.000-05:00

I got this recipe from my friend Jane and it's super gooooooood! I again used those fresh peaches from the farmers market! (note that I only made a half batch but this recipe makes a full 13x9)

2 cups flour
1 cup pecans
2 sticks butter, melted

Mix these three together and place in 13x9 pan. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

8 oz cream cheese
8 oz Cool Whip
2.5 cups powdered sugar

Mix and spread over first layer once it's cooled.

Add 4 cups fresh diced peaches

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
4 TB flour
4 TB peach jello

In saucepan combine ingredients and cook on medium heat until thick. Remove from heat. Once cooled pour over other ingredients and place in fridge to chill.

okra and tomatoes

2010-08-29T19:42:00.000-05:00

I thought I would try this one since I had all that fresh okra from the farmers market! It was super delicious!

Ingredients
4 slices bacon, diced into small pieces
1 small onion, peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon chicken base (I didn't have this so just used a little chicken stock)

1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups fresh okra, cut into 1-inch pieces (may use frozen, if fresh not available)
Fresh ground black pepper
Directions
Cook bacon slightly. Saute onion and garlic with bacon until tender. Add tomatoes, chicken base, sugar and pepper. Stir well and let simmer for about 20 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed. Meanwhile wash okra and remove fuzz if using fresh and cut into pieces. Add the okra and simmer until okra is done, about 20 more minutes (less if using frozen okra.)

Red Velvet Cupakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

2010-08-28T19:53:00.000-05:00

this is MY FAVORITE cupcake...seriously divine!!!!!!!

for the cupcakes:

2.5 cups all purpose flour

1.5 cups sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cocoa powder

1.5 cups veg oil

1 cup buttermilk, room temp.

2 large eggs, room temp.

2 TB red food coloring

1 tsp disilled white vinegar

1 tsp vanilla extract

For frosting:

1 pound cream cheese, softened

2 sticks butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar

chopped pecans for garnish

Preheat to 350. Line cupcake pans with cupcake papers.

In med. bowl sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a lg bowl beat together the eggs, butter, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with hand mixer. Add the dry ingred. to wet mixture slowly and mix until smooth.

Pour into cupcake wrappers and bake for 20-22 minutes. Cool.

For frosting:

beat cream cheese, buter, and vanilla together. Add sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase speed and beat until light and fluffy!

Tex-Mex Cheddar Mac

2010-08-28T19:44:00.001-05:00

This one is super easy (like 20 minutes) and was really good. Essie devoured it!

1 pkg Kraft Mac n Cheese (7 oz)
1 lb ground beef
1 cup salsa
1 cup cheddar cheese

Prepare Mac'n'Cheese according to directions.
Brown beef in skillet on medium heat until no longer pink. Add salsa and cook an additional 5 minutes.
Add meat mixture to mac'n'cheese...stir to combine and top with cheese!

Beef and Cheddar Potpie

2010-08-28T19:40:00.000-05:00

6 TB Butter
1 sm onion, chopped
1.5 pounds ground sirloin
28 oz can diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
salt & pepper
1.5 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 c milk

Preheat to 375.
Spray 9x13 pan.
In lg pan, heat 2 TB butter over medium high heat. Add onion and cook til tender but not brown. Add beef and cook til no longer pink. Add tomatoes and beef broth and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and let simmer 20 minutes until most of liquid is gone. Pour into prepared baking dish.

In lg bowl combine flour, baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Using your fingertips blend remaining 4 TB butter and cheese until mixute becomes crumbly. Gather the dough and make a big ball and press or roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Using 3 inch cookie cutter (I used a glass) cut out biscuits. Re-rolll scraps until all dough has been used up. Layer biscuits on top of beef mixture and bake for 35 minutes til browned.

Ropa Vieja Joses (Cuban Sloppy Joes) and Cheesy Squash Casserole

2010-07-22T18:49:00.000-05:00

This ain't your typical cafeteria sloppy joe...oh no...these are so flavorful!!! Make sure to toast your bun though!!!
Cuban Sloppy Joes (Rachel Rae)
Ingredients
Mojo Sauce:
10 cloves garlic, cracked from skin
1 medium onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin, eyeball it in your palm
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball the amount
1/4 cup water, eyeball it
The Joes:
2 pounds ground sirloin
1/4 cup green olives with pimiento, finely chopped (I didn't have any so I left this out)
1 tablespoon paprika, eyeball it in your palm
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, eyeball it
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (recommended: Tabasco) eyeball it
1 cup tomato sauce
A palm full grill seasoning blend (recommended: McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
4 crusty rolls, split (if available to you, look for Cuban rolls or Portuguese rolls, they are slightly sweet, but good ole keisers work fine, too)

Directions
Make the mojo sauce: put the garlic and onion in a food processor with cumin, lemon zest and juice. Turn processor on and stream in about 1 cup of extra-virgin olive oil and 1/4 cup of water. Turn off processor and reserve.

Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown. Add half of the mojo and crumble the meat as it cooks, about 3 minutes. Add olives and pimientos, paprika, Worcestershire, hot pepper sauce, tomato sauce and grill seasoning. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cook over low heat 10 minutes.

Cheesy Squash Casserole (Paula Deen)
Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 medium yellow summer squash, thinly sliced
1 large Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 sleeve crackers, crushed medium to fine (recommended: Ritz)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the squash, onion, and butter until soft. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the Parmesan, Cheddar, and sour cream. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Place in the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the cracker crumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly

Ranch Chicken

2010-07-22T18:40:00.000-05:00

This one I tried the other night and it was AMAZINGLY GOOD! Like really good. It's a Pioneer Woman recipe so I'm just linking to her post about it!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/01/ranch-style-chicken/

Strawberry Slush Punch....

2010-07-22T18:37:00.001-05:00

This is my absolute favorite punch...I serve it at all showers!

You need:

2 quarts water, divided

2 cups sugar

3 packages cherry koolade

16 oz frozen strawberries, thawed and pureed

3 banana, peeled and mashed

6 oz can frozen oj concentrate, thawed

6 oz can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

1 liter ginger ale

In LARGE pot/dutch oven bring two cups water to boil and add sugar. Stir to dissolve. Remove from heat and add Kool-ade packets and stir. Stir in remaining water, strawberries, bananas, and concentrates. (I sometime have to blend it in the blender for get a good consistency). Pour into gallon freezer bags and freeze. Set out at least 3 hours to thaw...pour ginger ale on top. Sooo goooood!

Summer Soup and fruit shortcake!

2010-07-19T20:29:00.001-05:00

We made this tonight and it was really good ...you can pretty much make it out of all the veggies you have out in the garden!

You need:

2 TB Olive Oil

2 jalapenos seeded and chopped

1 green bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced

3 ribs celery, diced

3 cloved garlic, minced
salt and pepper

1 (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 (16 oz) stewed tomatoes

1 can vegetable stock

3 TB fresh cilantro,chopped

Heat a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 TB oil and all veggies....saute until veggies are tender (5-10 minutes). Add crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, veggie stock, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer.

Serve with grilled cheese quesadillas and top with avocado smash!

Avocado Smash:

2 Avocados

2 TB chopped cilantro

3 scallions

1 lime, juiced
1 cup sour cream

salt and pepper to taste

1 plum tomato chopped

Add first 5 ingredients and smash with potato smasher. Add the tomatoes and salt/pepper to taste!

Fruit Shortcake:

fresh fruit (we used strawberries, blueberries and peaches)

1 package frozen pie crust

vanilla ice cream

cool whip

Bake the pie crust in the oven for about 10 minutes on aluminum pan....once cool break into pieces.

Put several pieces of pie crust in bowl and top with ice cream, fruit, and cool whip!

Banana Bread

2010-07-13T18:19:00.001-05:00

1/2 c veggie oil

1 c sugar

3 very ripe bananas (mashed)

2 beaten eggs

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat to 350. Cream oil and sugar together. Add in mashed bananas and mix well. Add in remaining ingredients. Pour into greased loaf pans (will make 2). Bake 50 minutes!

zucchini & squash cakes

2010-06-16T19:46:00.003-05:00

I found this recipe and just had to try it out! It was very, very yummy...of course it's Paula Deen's!
Ingredients

3 medium zucchini
3 medium yellow squash
1 cup toasted bread crumbs
1 cup shredded Parmesan
1/3 cup minced Vidalia onion
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 jar store-bought marinara sauce

Directions
Grate zucchini and squash with a fine grater. Press between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a medium bowl, combine grated zucchini and squash and next 7 ingredients. Shape mixture into 2-inch patties, pressing together firmly.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook squash and zucchini cakes 3 to 4 minutes per side or until lightly browned.

Place onto serving platter and serve with marinara sauce.

Hamburger, "baked" beans, and grilled corn

2010-05-23T19:32:00.001-05:00

Hamburgers:
1 lb ground sirloin
BBQ sauce
Montreal Steak Seasoning
worchestershire sauce
brown sugar

Combine the ingredients...I don't use measurements...just use as much or little as you like. Combine and split meat into four patties. Grill!

"Baked" Beans:
1 big can pork and beans
mustard
brown sugar
bbq sauce
Strawberrys BBQ seasoning
diced onion

Combine in crock pot and cook on low several hours.

Grilled corn on the cob...
Pull off the outer leaves of the stalk.
Carefully pull back the inner leaves...leave them intact.
Remove the silk.
Coat with butter, salt, and paprika.
Cover back with the leaves and tie the open end.
Soak in cool water for 15 minutes.
Remove and shake off water.
Grill for 15-20 minutes.

Pineapple Black Bean Enchiladas

2010-05-02T21:41:00.001-05:00

I used to make this a lot but forgot all about it...it's very flavorful...has no meat...and is pretty healthy!

drizzle of oil

1 med onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 large (20 oz) can pineapple tidbits (drained but save 1/3 c for later)

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can chopped green chiles

fresh cilantro chopped (about 1/2 cup)

3 cups lowfat sharp cheddar cheese

1 can enchilada sauce

flour tortillas (8)

Preheat oven to 350...spray a 13x9 with cooking spray.

Over medium heat, cook onion and bell pepper in a drizzle of oil until tender (about 5 minutes). Add the pineapples, black beans, green chiles and heat through.

Remove from heat and add cilantro and cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and well combined.

Spoon a few teaspoons of enchilada sauce onto tortilla and then add a few scoops of pineapple/black bean mixture. Roll up and place seam side down in 13x9. This should make 8 enchiladas. Once all enchiladas have been made, mix the remaining enchilada sauce and the reserved pineapple juice together and pour over the top of enchiladas. Sprinkle remaining cup of cheese over enchiladas. Spray foil with cooking spray and place over pan, sealing tightly. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes.

Serve with sour cream and fresh cilantro.

corn and black bean relish

2010-04-23T20:33:00.001-05:00

I got this one from my friend Sarah! It's good on tacos or as a dip!

1 can rotel

1 can corn (drained)

1 can black beans (drained)

chopped fresh cilantro

lime juice

salt to taste

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and serve!

Baked Lemon Pasta

2010-04-05T20:57:00.001-05:00

This is a Pioneer Woman recipe and It is magnificent! I am a lemon lover...so this was right up my alley! But the hubs in NOT a lemon lover but he LOVED this anyway! It's really simple and quick and just simply delicious!

1 lb think spaghetti

4 TB salted butter

2 TB olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 whole lemon, juiced and zested

2 cups sour cream

1/2 kosher salt

Parmesan Cheese to top

Flat-Leaf Parsley to top

Extra Lemon Juice (I used another whole lemon)

Preheat oven to 375. Boil spaghetti until al dente (since it's thin it doesn't take long!)

In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over LOW. Once it's melted add garlic and let it infuse. Squeeze Lemon Juice into mixture. Turn off heat.
Add sour cream and stir. Add lemon zest and salt. Taste to see if more salt is needed. Pour mixture into spaghetti and mix.
Pour it all into an oven safe dish (I did a big round Pyrex). Cover with foil. Bake 15 minutes. Take off foil and bake another 7-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook since it will dry the pasta out!
When it's done, remove from oven and add a lil more lemon juice on the top. Top with Parmesan and parsley! Voila!

Apricot Poppy Seed Chicken with Dill Potatoes

2010-04-04T20:50:00.001-05:00

I thought I'd try out a new recipe tonight. I got it from an old Racheal Rae Magazine but I changed it up just a bit. It was VERY YUMMY!

2 lbs small red potatoes, halved

salt

2 TB extra virgin olive oil

1 and 1/2 lbs chicken breasts, cut into chunks

Pepper

2 shallots, thinly sliced

1/4 c apple cider vinegar

1 c chicken broth

1/4 c apricot preserves
3 TB honey

2 tsp poppy seeds

3 TB butter

1 TB dried dill

In medium pot add potatoes, and just enough water to cover about an inch over the top. Salt the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until fork tender (about 15 minutes)

While the pototoes work, place the oil in the skillet over med-high heat. Season with salt and pepper and cook until browned, turning once. Add shallots and cook another 3 minutes. Add the vinegar and cook 1 minute until reduced a bit. Add the broth, apricot preserves, honey, and poppy seeds and simmer over medium heat, stirring, Add 1 TB butter.

Drain the potatoes, return to their pot and add 2 TB butter and dill. You can stop at this and eat them at whole potatoes OR you can maked smashed taters like I did. Just mash and add a lil milk, and some cream cheese.

YUMMMMMMMMY! TRY IT!

Banana Pudding 2 Ways

2010-04-01T21:37:00.001-05:00

So I made two types of banana pudding tonight (one for a birthday party at work and one to take to Essie's daycare!)

First the "fancy" pudding (this one is Paula Deen)
2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessman cookies
6-8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5 oz) French vanilla pudding
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz) CoolWhip

Line the bottom of a 13x9 pan with 1 bag of cookies (save 4 of them) and layer bananas on top.
In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix together until smooth. In another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk until smooth. Fold the whipped topped into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with remaining cookies. Refrigerate until set.

And second this one is a little more simple and not as rich as the first one.

1 (5oz) pudding mix, vanilla

3 c milk

1 can Eagle Brand Milk

1 container CoolWhip

bananas

Nilla wafers

Mix the milk and pudding mix together. Add in the Eagle Brand and Cool whip. Layer with bananas and cookies!

Meatball Subs

2010-04-01T21:29:00.001-05:00

This is such a scrumptious meal...very hearty and you have enough leftovers to use for spaghetti later!

Meatballs:

1 &1/2 lbs groud sirloin

1 large egg beaten

1 cup Italian bread crumbs

1 medium onion, chopped fine

4 cloves garlic, crushed & minced

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

2 tsp Worchestershire sauce

1/4 c flat leaf parley, chopped (fresh)

1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

Marnara Sauce:

2 TB olive oil

4 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

2 TB chopped flat leaf parsley

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1 (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 (14 oz) chunky crushed tomatoes

Salt & pepper to taste

4 semolina (or other hoagie type) roll

Provolone cheese (shredded or sliced)

Preheat oven to 450.

Place ground sirloin in bowl and punch a well into the middle. Fill the well with egg, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire, parsley, cheese, and a lil salt and pepper. Mix up ingredients until well combined. Roll into meatballs and place on nonstick baking pan. Bake for about 12 minutes or until no longer pink in the middle.

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add oil and garlic. When garlic starts sizzling, add herbs and crushed pepper. Allow oil to infuse for half a minute, then stir in tomatoes and season sauce with salt and pepper. Bring sauce to bubble then reduce to simmer.

Combine meatballs and sauce and pile onto sub rolls. Top with provolone cheese and broil until cheese is melted.

Mexi-Pasta

2010-03-18T20:22:00.001-05:00

I found a recipe for something similar to this but I decided to change it up a little bit! And it was SO GOOD!

1 box penne pasta (I used the Piccollini little ones)

1 pound hamburger meat (the origianl recipe called for chicken)

1/2 green bell pepper

1 and 1/2 cups salsa ( I didn't have quite enough salsa so I added a can of diced tomatoes)

1 can corn

1 can black beans

Mexi blend cheese

Boil Pasta according to directions.

Brown hamburger meat. Add bell pepper and cook til tender. Add in salsa, corn, black beans. Simmer for about 5 minutes.

Drain pasta and add the meat mixture. Mix well. When serving add cheese to the top.

Chicken Kabobs & Grilled Cabbage

2010-03-14T20:24:00.001-05:00

So here's how I made these kabobs (I do it differently pretty much every time!)

Chicken breast cut into pieces
Squash cut into chunks
Red Potatoes cut into chunks
Zucchinis cut into chunks

Feed the meat and veggies onto skewer (I use the metal ones). Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Cavenders. Place on grill!

To make the grilled cabbage:

Note: I do NOT typically like cabbage but my dad taught me how to make this awhile back and it's verrrrrry good!

Cut cabbage into wedges.
Place a couple wedges on a sheet of foil.
add a tab of butter
sprinkle with cavenders
wrap into foill packet
grill until tender (it does take awhile so make sure to start these early!)

chicken florentine...

2010-03-10T20:28:00.003-06:00

2 (10oz) frozen spinach, thawed and chopped

6 chicken breasts (cooked and diced)

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1 cup mayo

1 cup sour cream

2 cup sharp shredded cheese

2 TB lemon juice

1 tsp curry powder

salt & pepper to taste

1/2 c dry white wine

1/2 c parmesan

1/2 c bread crumbs

2 tb butter

Preheat to 350

Thaw spinach and squeeze dry...chop it and put in small bowl. Add diced chicken.

In another bowl mix together the soups, mayo, sour cream, cheese, lemon juice, curry, salt, pepper, and wine. Add the spinach and chicken. Pour into a greased 13x9. mix together the parm and bread crumbs. Sprinkle on top of mixture and dot with butter. Bake 30 min!

olive nut spread

2010-03-10T20:22:00.003-06:00

This is one of my favs...I serve it at showers alot and we even served it at our wedding reception! You can spread it on bread but my fav way is to spread it on Bistro crackers.

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup mayo

1 cup chopped green olives

1/2 c chopped pecans

2 tsp olive juice from jar

Mix all together with electric mixer...let sit overnight...yummmm!

Chocolate Buttercream Icing

2010-03-01T20:30:00.001-06:00

This the most delicious chocolatey goodness EVER! REALLY! It's whips canned icing's bootie...trust me!

You need the recipe for buttercream icing in the post below AND

1 and a 1/2 cups cocoa AND an additional 2-4 TB milk (as needed).

You just make the regular buttercream as stated below and then add the cocoa powder and extra milk!

Buttercream Frosting...

2010-03-01T20:25:00.001-06:00

I do NOT use canned icing...ick! So here is my recipe that I use for regular ole' buttercream icing...I'll post the recipe for the chocolate version in a bit!

1 cup butter

1 cup Crisco (I use the sticks)

2 tsp vanilla extract (use the clear if you want true white)

1 bag powdered sugar

4 tb milk (or as needed)

Cream together your butter and crisco...add vanilla...slowly add powdered sifted powdered sugar...add milk until you get the right consistency! To color...add Wilton icing colors!

Smoky BBQ Orange Chicken Sandwiches

2010-02-24T18:14:00.001-06:00

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil, 1 turn of the pan, plus some for drizzling
1 small onion, chopped
3 chipotle peppers (smoky hot peppers) in adobo sauce, found in cans in Mexican foods section
1/2 cup ketchup, eyeball it
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate
1 orange, zested and cut into wedges, for garnish
1 cup chicken broth
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetable oil, for drizzling
Grill seasoning or salt and freshly ground black pepper
Romaine lettuce
Sliced red onions
4 crusty rolls, split, toasted and buttered
Directions

Preheat a grill pan or griddle pan over medium high heat.

Heat a small saucepan over moderate heat. Add oil and onion. Saute onion in oil for 3 to 5 minutes or until onions are soft. Combine chipotle peppers in adobo, ketchup, orange juice concentrate, orange zest and chicken broth in a blender. Blend on high until sauce is smooth. Pour sauce into saucepan with onion and heat to a bubble. Reduce heat to simmer.

Coat chicken lightly with a drizzle of oil and season breasts with grill seasoning blend or salt and pepper. Grill 5 to 6 minutes on the first side, turn. Remove 1/2of the barbecue sauce to a small bowl and baste chicken liberally with it. Turn chicken after 4 minutes, coat with sauce again and cook another 2 to 3 minutes.

To serve sandwiches, slice grilled chicken on an angle and fan out 1 breast on each bun bottom. Spoon remaining sauce from saucepan over the sliced chicken.

Fried Rice

2010-02-24T18:11:00.001-06:00

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups water

1 1/2 cups white rice

3 tablespoons vegetable or wok oil, 3 turns of the pan

2 eggs, beaten

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 inches fresh ginger, minced or grated

1/2 cup shredded carrots, available in pouches in produce section, a couple of handfuls

1 small red bell pepper, diced

4 scallions, thinly sliced on an angle

1/2 cup frozen peas
1/3 cup Tamari, dark aged soy sauce Bring water to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat, cover and cook over medium low heat until tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Spread rice out on a cookie sheet to quick cool it.

Directions

Heat a wok, wok shaped skillet or large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add oil to the pan. Add egg to hot oil and break into small bits as it scrambles. When eggs are scrambled, add garlic and ginger to the pan. Add carrots, pepper, scallions to the pan and quick stir-fry veggies 2 minutes. Add rice to the pan and combine with veggies. Fry rice with veggies 2 or 3 minutes. Add peas and soy sauce to the rice and stir fry 1 minute more, then serve

Mexican Lasagna

2010-02-24T18:08:00.001-06:00

This is very good! I accidentally used HOT enchilada sauce...so it made it waaay too spicy for my taste but it'd be very, very good if I had used regular. So unless you love HOT make sure to use mild! :) Also it makes a TON...like enough to feed 20 people. So I cut everything in half and cooked it in a 13x9 pan!

Unprepared Rice
6 cups (to 8 Cups) Low Sodium Chicken Broth/stock
4 whole (to 8) Tomatoes (up To You)
2 whole (to 3) Onions (up To You)
8 cloves (to 14 Cloves) Of Garlic (up To You)
Taco Seasoning (or Chili Powder, Paprika, And Cumin) To Taste
1 can (to 2 Cans) Black Or Pinto Beans (up To You)
3 pounds Lean Ground Beef
2 jars (16 Ounce) Salsa Verde
Flour Tortillas
3 packages (16 Ounces) Mexican Cheese Blend
1 jar (16 Ounce) Enchilada Sauce
3 cans Corn, Drained
Sour Cream, to taste
Cilantro, to taste
Butter

Preparation Instructions

Begin by preparing rice with chicken broth/stock. Once prepared, salt to taste. Chop up tomatoes, onions, and garlic as small as you prefer. Saute in pan with a tablespoon or so of butter. Add approximately 3 tablespoons chili powder, and 1 ½ tablespoon of both paprika and cumin. Stir until nicely combined. Feel free to add beans if you like them… no need to drain. Mix cooked rice together with tomato/onion/garlic mixture.

Brown the ground beef using about 3 tablespoons chili powder, 1 ½ tablespoon, paprika and 1 ½ tablespoon of cumin and salt to taste with about 4-6 ounces of water to create the taco beef.

Spread one container of salsa verde in the bottom of a large casserole or baking dish. Layer on tortillas covering salsa verde. Some overlapping is expected. Divide your rice mixture in half and spread it over the layer of tortillas. Divide cheese in half and layer it on top of the rice layer. Approximately 24 ounces of cheese per layer. Add another layer of tortillas on top of your cheese layer. Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and spread it out evenly. Add layer of browned ground beef. Add 3 cans of corn (drained) on top of beef layer. Then the remaining amount of rice mixture on top of corn layer followed by the remaining jar of salsa verde, on top of which you will add the remaining cheese (approximately 24ounces) to the top…this is our final layer of ingredients. Sprinkle top with some taco seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Bake at 375º for 25-35 minutes until cheese has melted and begins to brown a bit.

Enjoy!

Cheesy Mac

2010-02-24T17:53:00.001-06:00

This one if Paula Deen's and it's SOOOOOOO GOOOOOD!

You will need:

4 cups cooked elbow macaroni, drained

2 cups grated cheddar cheese

3 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup sour cream

4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Once you have the macaroni cooked and drained, place in a large bowl and while still hot and add the cheddar. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and add to the macaroni mixture. Pour macaroni mixture into a casserole dish and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Top with additional cheese if desired

15 Bean Soup

2010-01-28T22:01:00.001-06:00

I L-O-V-E this soup...it's been probably 10-12 years since I had it...I've never made it before today and I guess the last time I ate it I was living at home. With the upcoming Winter Storm I thought it'd be a warm, comforting meal to have.

You need:
1 package of 15 Bean Soup Mix (found in dry beans section)...they have regular or cajun
1 pound of Ham or Smoked Sausage (I used sausage)
1 cup onion, chopped
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 tsp chili powder
juice of 1 lemon
1-2 cloves garlic, minced

The night before, cover your beans and let them sit overnight (remove the flavor packet). Once the beans have soaked for at least 8 hours, drain and return to pot. Cover with 2 quarts water and meat (I went ahead and sliced up the sausage and browned it on both sides). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 2 and a half hours. After simmering add tomatoes, onion, chili powder, lemon juice, and garlic cloves. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes. A few minutes before serving add the ham flavor packet and salt and pepper to taste. This is amazing with cornbread! Nothing better on a cold, snowy day!

Jalapeno Cheese Squares

2009-12-29T00:03:00.001-06:00

You have to try these...

4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

4 eggs (beaten)

4 Jalapeno Peppers (seeded and chopped)

Combine all ingredients...Spread mixture in 8 inch square pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Cut into squares to serve.

Sausage Balls

2009-12-28T23:57:00.001-06:00

Christmas Morning Favorite...

10 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 pound hot bulk sausage
2 and half cups Bisquick

Mix all together...you probably will have to use your hands. Roll into balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes.

Chicken Spaghetti

2009-12-28T23:51:00.001-06:00

This is an easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti...

1/2 tube Velveeta

1 pound chicken breast (cooked and diced)

1 can Rotel

1 can Cream of Mushroom

1 can Cream of Chicken

cooked spaghetti

Mix ingredients and place in crockpot...seriously that easy. I always top mine with Ritz crackers!

wassail

2009-12-20T18:12:00.001-06:00

One of my fondest memories of Christmas or New Years is going to my grandma's house and having Wassail. It is AMAZING!

2 quarts apple cider

1 cup packed brown sugar

4 cinnamon sticks

24 whole cloves

1/2 container orange juice concentrate

2 cups pineapple juice

orange slices

In a crockpot combine apple cider, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and oj concentrate. In a cheesecloth place the cloves and cinnamon sticks. This just makes it easier to get them out later. You can just float them if desired! Cut up an orange and float on top. Let get super hot and then enjoy!!!!

Chex Mix

2009-12-11T21:19:00.001-06:00

I thought I'd give this one a whirl...it's a sweet chex mix and SUPER easy.

3 cups any flavor Chex Mix (i used rice)
3 cups pretzles
1 cup peanuts (or mixed nuts)
3 TB butter
1/4 c honey
2 TB sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 275. Mix cereal, pretzles, and nuts in a large pan. Melt the butter and combine with the honey and sesame seeds. Pour over the mix. Bake for about 45 minutes stirring occasionally. Spread on waxed paper to cool.

Pot Roast

2009-12-11T21:14:00.001-06:00

I got this recipe from a friend and kinda tweeked it a bit...

3-5 pound pot roast

1 can cream of onion soup

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

Montreal Steak Seasoning

roasted red bell pepper (I use the ones in the jar)

Sprinkle Montreal Steak Seasoning all over the pot roast and place in crock pot. Pour on top the soups and add as many bell pepper strips as you like. I usually use a few tablespoons. Cook on low all day. 2-3 hours before you are ready to eat add in your potatoes and carrots if desired. So yummy on a cold day!

Christmas Toffee

2009-12-11T16:01:00.001-06:00

This week over at Kelly's Korner is Christmas Cookies...well I've never been big on making Christmas cookies...however, I do make Christmas Toffee every single year. I have yet to make any this year but I found some pics from a few year back (we were living in our old house) but unfortunately didn't find a pic of the finished product! However I googled it and found a pic of a very similar finished product! This is my absolute favorite thing at Christmas...oh, SO good!!!!

Here's the recipe:
1 cup sugar
1 stick Parkay
5 Tablespoons cold water
½ tsp. baking soda
4-5 Hershey bars
1 ½ cups pecan halves

Butter a large pan or platter (or use nonstick foil). Cover with pecans halves.

Stir together sugar, parkay, and cold water. Cook on medium high heat . Stir constantly, letting boil until a golden caramel color. This will take a while.

Once the mixture has turned a golden color and thickened significantly, take off heat immediately and add baking soda. This will make the mixture double in size. Quickly pour over pecans and spread to cover. Place Hershey bars over the mixture and allow to melt.

Spread chocolate to cover and allow to cool. Once cooled break into pieces.

Taco Chili

2009-12-06T19:52:00.001-06:00

1 can kidney beans

1 can pinto beans

2 (16 oz) cans tomato sauce

1 (10 0z) can rotel

1 pound ground chuck

1 package taco seasoning mix

1 package ranch dressing mix

1 TB chili powder

2 tsp cumin

Brown meat-drain fat. In slow cooker combine meat and remainder of ingredients...serve with chips and shredded cheese!

Peanut Butter Slide Pie

2009-11-29T16:07:00.001-06:00

1 cup heavy cream

12 pieces of refrigerator peanut butter cookie dough

8 ounces cream cheese

2/3 cup sugar

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 TB vanilla

1/2 crushed peanuts

1/2 c peanut butter

1/2 c chocolate chips

Preheat to 350. Coat a 9 inch pie plate with nonstick spray. Beat cream until stiff peaks and refrigerate.

Roll out cookie dough between wax paper and place in pie pan. push the dough up the sides of the pan as well.

Bake 18-20 minutes.

In lg bowl blend cream cheese, and sugars until smooth. Add peanut buter and vanilla and mix. Fold in 1/2 whipped cream. Pour into pie pan and refrigerate 1 hour.

Top with remaining whipped cream, crushed peanuts, and drizzle with melted choc. chips.

Coffee Punch

2009-11-29T15:54:00.001-06:00

This is my ABSOLUTE favorite coffee drink. Even if you don't like coffee...you will LOVE it! (pictured in the punch bowl)

You will need:

3 cups cold coffee

5 heaping TB vanilla flavored instant coffee powder

1 qt milk

1 pink 1/2 and 1/2

2 cups sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract.

Mix all ingredients in a LARGE bowl and then pour into smaller freezer safe containers. Freeze. To serve allow punch to thaw for an hour and serve over coffee flavored ice-cream. OH SOOOOOOO GOOOOD!

Coffee Cake

2009-11-29T15:47:00.001-06:00

I got this recipe out of a Paula Deen magazine and had it ready for Thanksgiving morning. It was SOOO GOOOOOOD!

You will need:

1 box yellow cake mix (I used butter flavor)
8 oz. sour cream
3/4 cup veggie oil
3 large eggs
1 and 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 TB cinnamon
2 cups powdered sugar
3 TB milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp butter flavoring

Preheat to 350. Spray 13x9 pan with nonstick spray. In lg bowl mix cake mix, sour cream, oil, eggs together until smooth. Spread half into pan.
In small bowl mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle on top of cake mix. Then gently spread the rest of cake mix on top. Bake 35-45 minutes. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes.
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and buter flavoring. Poke holes with fork into cake then pour icing on. Allow icing to harden (about 20 minutes).

Sour Cream Muffins

2009-10-14T22:16:00.001-05:00

These are Paula Deen so you know they are yummy and buttery!

2 cups self rising flour

2 sticks (yes you read that right!) butter, melted

1/2 pint sour cream (I tend to use a little more)

Mix ingredients together and spoon into ungreased muffin tins...Bake for 25-30 minutes. Ohh so good!

Tortilla Soup

2009-10-04T20:38:00.001-05:00

1 pound chicken breast

2 TB oil

1 16 oz jar salsa

1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)

1 bag frozen corn (thawed)

1 packet taco seasoning

1/2 c water

1 can V8 (32 oz)

toppings: tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro

Cut chicken into bite sized pieces. Heat oil in skillet and cook chicken until no longer pink. Add water and taco seasoning and cook until pieces are well coated.

In crockpot (or big pot on the stove) combine V8, salsa, black beans, corn. Add chicken and stir. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro! So good on a cold day!

CrockPot Chicken Fajitas

2009-10-01T12:00:00.001-05:00

This is one of MY favorites. It's so easy and healthy!
1-2 pounds chicken breast cut into strips
A variety of bell peppers (I use one of each color) cut into strips
1/2 onion cut into strips

8 oz can diced tomatoes

1 TB cilantro

1 tsp chili powder

2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp cumin
salt and pepper

Throw it all in the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours. You may want to add a little more seasoning before you serve since cooking in the crockpot dilutes the flavor after awhile! To serve put mixture in fajita sized tortillas and top with your fav toppings! Sooooooo good!

Chicken Enchilada Ring

2009-09-26T22:43:00.001-05:00

This is a pampered chef recipe that my hubbie loves!
You need:
2 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast
1/4 c chopped olives
1 cup shredded cheddar and moterrey jack cheese blend
1 (4 oz) can green chiles drained
1/2 c mayonnaise
1 TB pampered chef Southwest seasoning blend (you can use another brand as well)
2 plum tomatoes diced (I used a can of diced tomatoes instead)
1 lime (just the juice)
2/3 c crushed tortilla chips
2 cans crescent rolls
salsa and sour cream to serve with

Preheat to 375
Mix chicken, olives, cheese, chilies, mayo, lime juice, tomatoes, and seasoning mix well. Add in about half the crushed chips and mix well. Unroll crescent dough and seperate into triangles. Place each triangle into remaining crushed chips and then lay out on a round cookie sheet or baking stone. You will place each wide end together (see pic below) to form a sun shape.

Then spoon mixture onto the wide ends.

Pull other ends over to create a ring.

Bake for 20-25 min and serve with salsa and sour cream!

Peppered Meatballs

2009-09-23T22:13:00.001-05:00

This is one of my fall favorites....so savory!

Meatballs:

1 pound ground sirloin

1/2 cup sour cream

3 tsp bread crumbs

1-2 tsp black pepper (use 2 if you really like pepper and don't mind the kick)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp parmesan cheese

Sauce:
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of mushroom
2 tsp. dillweed
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp sugar

Mix ingredients for meatballs and roll into balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Mix ingredients for sauce and put in crockpot or sauce pan (whichever you choose). Once meatballs are cooked, add to sauce and coat. Serve over white rice or egg noodles.

cookie dough brownies

2009-09-17T23:10:00.003-05:00

So yummy and sooo easy!

1 package of betty crocker brownie mix (the one with the hershey syrup packet)& the stuff it calls for on the back such as eggs, water, and oil

1 package of betty crocker choc chip cookie mix & the stuff to make it (butter and eggs)

Mix Brownie mix according to package. Pour into greased 13x9 pan. Mix cookie mix according to package. Spoon on top of brownie mix. Preheat oven to 350 and bake 35-40 minutes. Then let cool.

Optional topping of chocolate ganache: (I usually do this but forgot to get the stuff to make it this time!)

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

3/4 c heavy whipping cream

6 TB butter

In small saucepan heat butter and cream to just boiling. Add chocolate chips and let melt. Pour over brownies and spread to cover. Let cool completely before cutting!

Meatballs

2009-09-17T23:04:00.003-05:00

These are just regular ole' meatballs..simple but yummy. I put them in spaghetti and meatball subs.

1 pound ground beef
1 pound sausage
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 c quick cooking oats or Italian bread crumbs
1/2 c chopped onion
1 tsp dried basil

Preheat to 350. Mix all together and form into balls. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until no longer pink.

Bacon 'n' eggs pie

2009-09-06T22:49:00.001-05:00

We tried out this new recipe for a breakfast casserole. It was super easy and pretty good!
1 can biscuits
1 TB butter
6 eggs
3 oz cream cheese (I didn't have any so I used shredded cheddar)
Bacon-cooked and crumbled

Press biscuits into the pie pan to form crust. Cook according to directions on package. In skillet cook eggs and butter until set. Add cheese and cook until cheese is melted and set. Spoon onto crust and top with bacon.

Chicken Crescent Squares

2009-09-04T22:29:00.003-05:00

These are so yummy! Definitely one of Travis' favorites that I make.

You need:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2 c cooked chopped or shredded chicken

1/8 tsp pepper

1 TB chives

1 TB chopped pimento (I buy it in a jar-usually found near can veggies I think)

3 TB butter, melted

1/4 tsp. salt

2 TB milk

2 cans Pillsbury crescent rolls

3/4 c. seasoned croutons, crushed

Preheat to 350. In bowl blend cream cheese and about 2 TB melted butter. (save 1 TB for later). Add the chicken, salt, pepper, pimento, chives, & milk. Mix well. Seperate crescent dough into rectangles (by pressing two triangles together in the middle). Spoon mixture in the center of the dough. Pull the four corners of the rectangles up to create a little pouch and seal the edges. Brush with melted butter and dip into croutons crumbs. Bake for 20-25 minutes. (should make 6-8 total)

Hashbrown Casserole

2009-09-04T22:25:00.003-05:00

This one is a southern staple...

2 lbs frozen hash browns, thawed ( I use the diced ones)

1 stick of butter melted

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of celery soup

8 oz sour cream

1 small onion, diced

1 & 1/2 cups grated cheese

Preheat to 350. Pour hash browns in 13x9 pan. Pour melted butter over potatoes. Mix remaining ingredients and pour on top. I then top with some extra cheese. Bake for 45 minutes

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

2009-09-02T20:09:00.001-05:00

Mmmm...this was good and super easy. I just found this recipe and thought we'd try it tonight.

You need:

cooked, chopped chicken breasts
1 can crescent rolls
2 cans veg-all (drained)
1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of mushroom
1/2 pound (8 oz) Velveeta (diced)

Preheat to 375. Mix all (except crescent rolls) and spread in 13x9 pan. Top with crescent roll dough and bake for 20-25 minutes until top is golden!

Basic Chili

2009-08-27T23:41:00.001-05:00

This is my "basic" chili recipe. It's the one that Travis prefers...I will post my favorite chili recipe at another time...(it's alot more involved and had more ingredients). But this is the one we make most often. We usually don't make it until Fall is officially here but we both had a hankerin' for it. It's very simple and only takes a few ingredients and one pot! Gotta love those one-pot recipes!You need:
2 large cans of tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can pinto beans
1 can black beans
1 can chili or red beans
1 pound hamburger meat
1 small package Williams chili seasoning (i only had the big one so I used half) you really need the Williams seasoning...it's the best I've found!

Brown hamburger meat in large pot. Add the remaining ingredients and let simmer for a few hours. Seriously that's it! I like mine with fritos and cheese and Travis likes his with crackers and cheese!

Chicken Enchiladas

2009-08-11T19:49:00.001-05:00

2 cups cooked chicken

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 can chopped green chiles

1 can cream chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

2 cups cheddar cheese

10 inch flour tortillas

Preheat oven to 350

In bowl mix chicken, broth, chiles, soup, sour cream, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. In each tortillas put several spoonfuls of mixture. Roll up and place in 13x9 pyrex seam side down. Once filled, pour remainder of mixture over tortillas and top with 1 cup of cheese. Bake for 40 minutes!

Salmon Cakes

2009-08-03T20:51:00.001-05:00

These are kinda like crab cakes but I use salmon instead. But if you prefer you can also use tuna! They are easy and only take a few ingredients:

3 (6 ounces packages) of salmon-I use the pouch but you can use the canned as well.

2 cups crushed saltine crackers (seperated)

2 eggs

1 egg white

1 small can mexi-corn

1/2 onion finely chopped

salt, pepper

dill (optional)

vegetable oil

Pour just enough oil to cover the bottom of a skillet. Heat oil over med-high heat. Dump salmon into bowl and take a fork to break it into smaller pieces. Add two eggs and one egg white, 1 cup crackers, salt, pepper, and I add about of tsp of dill. Also drain corn and add that. Mix well and form into 6 cakes. Coat each cake in the remainder of crushed crackers.

Place each cake into oil and leave alone for around 3 minutes. Don't try and turn them until you know they are good and cooked on the bottom. If you turn too early they will fall apart. Cook on each side for 3-4 minutes until brown. You can also try and press them so that the sides cook as well. Serve with tartar sauce if desired!

I also fried up some squash...here's how I fry my squash. Now I'm sure there are better ways....this is just how I've always done it!

Wash squash well, cut into thin slices, coat each slice in water, and dredge in Jiffy corn muffin mix. Fry them over med-high heat. MMMM....

Mexian Meat-zza

2009-08-01T22:22:00.002-05:00

I ran across the recipe the other day...it's one I made a long time ago and forgot about. I was so excited to find it again because it's really, really good! It's actually a Rachael Ray 30 minute meal...

You need:

2 boxes of corn muffin mix, 8.5 ounces (jiffy is what i use)

2 eggs

4 TB butter, melted

1 and a half cups milk

1 cup frozen corn

extra-virgin olive oil

Topping:

2 TB extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 TB chili powder

2 teaspoons cumin

2 teaspsoons cayenne (I use only 1)

Salt

2.5 cups shredded cheese (i used mexican blend)

1/2 red bell pepper finely chopped

1 small can green chilies (drained)

2 small vine ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced (I used a can of diced tomatoes instead)

Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 400.

Mix together muffin mix, eggs, butter, milk and frozen corn. Wipe a large non-stick skillet with oil and pour in the muffix mixture. Use a large skillet and make sure it has oven safe handles. If it doesn't then wrap your handles in foil to protect them. Place pan in oven and bake for about 20 minutes until it's golden brown.

While that is baking, brown your ground beef. Add onions, bell pepper, and spices and cook for an additional 5 minutes.Remove the cornbread from the oven and top with the meat mixture. Cover with cheese and put back in the oven for another 5 minutes just to melt the cheese.Garnish with fresh cilantro, and sour cream if desired. Trust me this one is very yummy!

Pineapple Baked Beans

2009-07-05T12:17:00.001-05:00

A different take of baked beans...a little sweet and tropical & it's a Paula Deen recipe so you know it's good! :-)

4 (16 oz) cans baked beans (plain)

1 20 oz can crushed pineapple (drained)

1 cup molasses

1 cup bbq sauce

2 TB yellow or brown mustard

5 slices cooked/crumbled bacon

1 (6 oz) can french-fried onions

salt/pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350.

In large bowl mix together beans, pineapple, molasses, bbq sauce, mustard, & half onions. Add some salt/pepper to taste. Pour into 13x9 and top with bacon & remainder of onions. cook for 1 hour or until heated through and brown on top!

Ice-Cream Sandwich Dessert

2009-07-05T12:12:00.001-05:00

This is seriously one of the easiest and yummiest desserts ever! And you can make a ton of different versions of it! Great for the summer!

All you need:

1 box ice-cream sandwiches

1 jar hot fudge sauce

1 tub Cool Whip

Unwrap ice-cream sandwiches & layer them in the bottom of 9x13. Warm up hot fudge and pour over the ice-cream sandwiches, spread it all around. Top with Cool Whip. Put back in freezer to let it harden up...you want to let it thaw a little bit before serving! You can try different flavors of ice-cream sandwiches to jazz it up as well!

Oreo Balls

2009-06-28T10:59:00.001-05:00

One of my favs...seriously good and easy!

All you need are 3 ingredients.

1 package of oreos

1 package of cream cheese (softened)

1 package of almond bark or other melting chocolate

First you dump all the oreos into a food processor and grind em up until super fine...it'll look like dirt when you're done.
Then toss in that hunk of cream cheese and dig in with your hands...I've found no other way that works on this. You really have to work for awhile to get it all incorporated.

Then roll out the mixture into inch sized balls and lay on wax paper covered cookie sheet. Pop em in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
While your "balls" are freezing melt the chocolate the way you choose (I did microwave). Drop the balls into the chocolate, coat well, shake off excess, and put back onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Once complete, pop 'em back into the freezer for a while to harden.
Then ENJOY!!!

Breakfast Casserole

2009-06-25T13:51:00.002-05:00

My friend Sarah gave me this recipe recently...Travis gobbled it up...I think he even liked it better the second day!

3 cans crescent rolls

1 package shredded cheddar cheese

6 eggs (you can use more)

1 package sausage

Brown sausage. Line bottom of 9x13 pan with 1 and a half cans crescent rolls. Put sausage on top. Mix eggs and cheese and put on top of sausage. Cover with other can and a half of crescent rolls. Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes.

Hawaiian Chicken

2009-06-25T13:48:00.001-05:00

Here is an easy crockpot meal...

Boneless skinless chicken breasts

KC Masterpiece Honey Teryaki Marinade (1/2 bottle)

Large can of Chunk Pineapple

Put all in the crockpot and cook on low for several hours...It's very tender and juicy!

Poppyseed Chicken

2009-06-11T12:11:00.001-05:00

Mmmm...a southern staple. Some serve it over rice but I don't. We like it just the way it is!

Cooked chicken breast (use as much as you like)

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 16 oz sour cream

2 TB poppyseeds

1 tube crushed Ritz crackers

1 stick butter melted

Preheat to 350. Mix chicken, sour cream, soup, & poppyseeds. Top with crackers and pour on the butter. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and buttery!

Fruit Pizza

2009-06-07T11:28:00.001-05:00

I found this recipe on Kelly's Korner and thought I'd try it out...it was very yummy!

2 packages refrigerated sugar cookie dough (you can use one but I made more)

2 packages cream cheese (softened) & 1 cup sugar combined

strawberries

bananas

cool whip

Roll the cookie dough into desire shape...I did rectangular since I was using two packages but you could do round if you use one. Bake according to package (mine was 350 for 10-15 minutes).

Once cooled spread cream cheese/sugar mixture on top and cover with sliced strawberries and bananas. Top with Cool Whip!

Spinach Dip

2009-06-07T11:24:00.001-05:00

This is my favorite spinach dip recipe...

1 16oz sour cream

1 cup Mayo

1 package frozen chopped spinach (thawed & squeezed dry)

1 package Knorr's veggie mix

1 can water chestnuts (drained & chopped)

Mix all ingredients together and let sit in fridge several hours before serving!

Corn Casserole

2009-06-02T21:16:00.001-05:00

This is one of my favorite side dishes...I made it for our end of the year celebration tonight.

1 can sweet corn (drained)

1 can cream style corn

1 box Jiffy cornbread mix

1 stick of butter melted

2 eggs

1 cup of sour cream

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix all ingredients together....pour into a 13x9 casserole dish. Bake for 1 hour or until golden brown!

Chicken Pot Pie

2009-05-18T18:48:00.001-05:00

This one's super dooper easy!

You'll need:

1 can cream of mushroom

1 can cream of chicken

1 (0r 2) cans of VegAll (I use more cuz I like the veggies)

cooked, chopped chicken breasts

refrigerated pie crusts

1/4 cup milk

salt, pepper, oregano to taste

Mix all ingredients together. Put one pie crust in the bottom of round Pyrex dish. Pour mixture in. Cover with other pie crust and seal edges well. Cut slit in top to vent. Bake at 375 for 45 min or until top crust is nice & brown!

Welcome to the New Blog!

2009-01-11T14:53:00.000-06:00

I've decided to create a blog dedicated to recipe sharing. I often have people ask me for recipes (as I do them). I know how easy it is to get in a "dinner rut" and I LOVE getting and trying new recipes. So please check back as I will be updating recipes soon. Also, I would love to have friends/family link their recipes on here!