Recipes I have tried

No-Bake Energy Bites

2012-01-11T07:31:00.000-08:00

My kids and I love these - and so helathy!
(makes 18-20 bites) to get that many you would have to make them real small)

1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
1/3 cup honey ( I melted my honey)
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup ground flaxseed (I did have wheat germ)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
(I also added 1 Tb of chia seeds and 2 Tb of protein powder)

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy! Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week. (we like to keep ours in the freezer)

Whole Wheat Oatmeal Pancakes

2012-01-11T07:22:00.000-08:00

(my kiddos love these... )

•1/2 cup oatmeal

•1 cup whole wheat flour

•1/4 cup brown sugar

•2 heaping teaspoons baking powder

•1/2 teaspoon salt

•1 egg

•1/4 cup applesauce

•1 1/3 cups milk

Grind the oatmeal in a food processor or blender. Combine oatmeal, brown sugar, salt and baking powder. Sift the whole wheat flour into the mixture. Add the bran and germ (which would have separated during sifting) into the mixture. Mix together.

Add egg, applesauce and milk. Mix together until thoroughly blended.

Cook on a buttered 275/300 degree griddle. Flip then serve.

(a wonderful recipe from Happy Housewife)

Healthy Spring Salad

2011-03-25T15:59:00.001-07:00

Salad Ingredients

•1 cup Spinach leaves (I prefer baby spinach)

•1/4 cup strawberries, sliced

•1/4 cup red or green grapes, halved

•1/4 cup toasted pecans

For the Dressing

•1 cup oil (I used canola)

•1/3 cup white vinegar

•1/2 cup sugar

•1 tsp. salt

•1 tsp. dry mustard

Mix all dressing ingredients together well. It always tastes better on day 2, so if you have time, it is best to make this dressing ahead. Store covered, in the refrigerator.

To toast the pecans: I just turn them on med-med/high in a pan and toss with 1/8 cup sugar. Toss until melted brown sugar coats pecans. Cool on wax paper.

Place spinach in bowl, add strawberries and grapes. Top with toasted candied pecans and drizzle with dressing.

Variations: You could use almonds instead of pecans. You can also use a low fat rasberry vinegarette in place of the homemade dressing.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

2011-03-21T08:18:00.001-07:00

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour*

1 teaspoon baking soda

pinch of salt

3 cups rolled ("old-fashioned") oats

12 ounces (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips**

Instructions:

1. Cream butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla with electric mixer on high.

2. Stir in flour, salt, and baking soda, all at the same time. Stir in oats. Last, add chocolate chips and stir them in (or use clean hands, if the dough is too stiff).

3. Press cookie dough into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Dough should be somewhat flattened, but it's okay for some cracks to remain.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly golden and cookies are set in the middle.

5. Cool for 20 minutes; cut into 24 squares. Delicious warm or cold! :)

PUMPKIN FLUFF DIP

2011-03-21T08:10:00.001-07:00

1 16 oz. container whipped topping

1 5 oz. package instant vanilla pudding mix

1 15 oz can pumpkin

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Mix together pudding mix, pumpkin & pumpkin pie spice.

Fold in the whipped topping.

Chill in fridge until ready to serve.

Serve with graham crackers (honey or cinnamon).

Eclair Squares

2011-03-21T07:34:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

1 stick butter

1 Cup water

1 Cup flour

4 eggs

3oz. cream cheese

2TBL. milk

1 large package Vanilla Pudding

1 1/2 Cup Milk

8oz. Package Cool Whip

Chocolate Syrup

Fresh Berries

For the Crust:
Boil: 1/2 Cup Butter (one stick) & 1 Cup Water

Add: 1 Cup Flour & 4 Eggs (beat well between each egg)

Spread into a greased pan.

Bake @ 400 for 25 minutes until puffy, and then let cool.

For the Filling:

Beat together: 3oz. Cream Cheese with 2TBL. Milk

In a separate bowl mix together: 1 Large Package Vanilla Pudding with 1 1/2 Cup Milk

Combine both until thick

Fold in 8oz. Package of Cool Whip

Spread over the top of crust. Refrigerate. Serve with chocolate syrup and fresh berries.

Soft Chocolate Cookies

2011-03-20T15:28:00.001-07:00

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup baking cocoa

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

confectioners' sugar

Directions

1.In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with a fork if desired. Bake at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. Remove to wire racks. Dust warm cookies with confectioners' sugar.

Chocolate Crunch Cookies

2011-03-20T14:30:00.001-07:00

1 1/2 cups butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 cups oats

2 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1/2 cup pecans

1. preheat oven to 350

2. mix together butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl until well blended

3. add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, oats, Rice Krispies, chocolate chips, and pecans and stir together

4. drop batter on baking sheets in large mounds of about 3 tbsp, 3 inches apart, and flatten with hand. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes or until pale gold.

Snicker Doodles

2011-02-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

cream together:
1 cup shortening (I use half butter)
1 1/2 cups sugar

Add:
2 eggs and beat until light and fluffy

Stir in:
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 3/4 cups flour.

Rolls into balls the size of walnuts

Mix 2 T. cinnamon and 4 T. sugar in a small bowl.
Roll cookie balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture and place on cookie sheet.

Bake at 400 for 8 minutes

Easy Cookies

2011-02-22T07:26:00.001-08:00

1 box any flavor cake mix

1/2 cup oil

2 eggs

Place cake mix, oil and eggs in mixing bowl. Mix until well blended. You can use an electric mixer but a wooden spoon does the trick too.

Drop by rounded teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet. (cookie scoops and parchment paper save time and cleanup)

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes.

Cool 3 minutes on cookie sheet then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.

The cookies are puffed and full when they first come out of the oven. While cooling they will flaten a bit.

Makes about 3 dozen single cookies

Easy Caramel Dip

2011-02-22T07:22:00.001-08:00

1 8 ounce package cream cheese
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Cream together all ingredients. Can be heated in crock pot.

PENNE WITH CREAMY GARLIC SAUCE

2011-02-16T12:18:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

5-1/3 cups (16 oz.) AMERICAN BEAUTY PENNE RIGATE, uncooked (sure you could use about any pasta)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (I used corn starch & a bit extra)
3/4 cup ready-to-serve chicken broth or beef broth*
3/4 cup milk or light cream (I used 1% milk but used about 1 cup)
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

(sure this would taste great with chicken added to it)

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in small saucepan, melt butter; add garlic. Cook over medium heat 1 minute. Add flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in broth and milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce boils and thickens. Add parsley, salt, pepper and cheese; stir until cheese is melted. Toss hot pasta with sauce; serve immediately. 8 servings (1 cup each). *Or, 1 chicken or beef bouillon cube dissolved in 3/4 cup water.

Punch

2011-02-13T18:35:00.000-08:00

1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
3 cups water
1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice
1 liter ginger ale (I just used sprite)
1.In a punch bowl, combine orange juice, water and pineapple juice; chill. Stir in ginger ale just before serving.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

2011-02-13T18:29:00.000-08:00

1 pound ground beef
1 egg
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs (I often add in some oatmeal)
1 onion, diced
(sometimes add chopped celery/carrots)

1 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Directions
1.In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs and onion. Mix thoroughly and shape into golf ball-sized balls.
2.In a large skillet over medium heat, gently brown the meatballs and set aside. (sometimes I just bake these in the often until cooked)
3.In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, flour, water, white vinegar and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly. Add meatballs and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, for 30 minutes.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

2011-02-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought.
2 large eggs
1/2 C flour
1/2 C white granulated sugar
1/2 C packed brown sugar
3/4 C real butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
1 C chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark works best, you might find milk too sweet)
1 C chopped pecans (you are welcome to make it without nuts)

Vanilla ice cream, or sweetened whipped cream for serving (a must! I prefer ice cream)
optional: chocolate sauce (honestly, doesn't really need chocolate sauce, but it looks pretty!)

Preheat oven to 325° F.

Beat eggs in large mixer bowl on high speed until foamy. Beat in flour, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat in butter. Stir in morsels and nuts. Spoon into pie shell.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted halfway between edge and center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack or serve slightly warmed. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

2011-02-12T16:40:00.001-08:00

2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast halves (I used 3 pounds)
1 can pineapple chunks, drained
1 can mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Cut the chicken into large bite-sized chunks. Put everything into your crockpot and stir it around until everything is mixed up. Cover it and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours.

I like to serve this Hawaiian chicken over white rice. Fix a simple salad to add on the side and dinner is done.

Breadsticks & Pizza Dough

2011-02-12T16:39:00.000-08:00

(Recipe from OurBestBites.com)
1 1/2 c. warm (105-115 degrees) water

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 Tbsp. yeast

1/2 tsp. salt

3-4 1/2 c. flour

In a large bowl (the bowl of your mixer, if you have one), combine water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 10 minutes or until yeast is bubbly.
Add salt and stir. Add 1 1/2 c. flour and mix well. Gradually add more flour (usually between 3-4 cups, depending on your elevation and your humidity) until dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl and it barely sticks to your finger.
Spray a glass or metal bowl with cooking spray and place dough in the bowl. Cover and allow to rise for 45 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
Remove from bowl and place on a lightly-floured surface. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Roll into a rectangle and cut into 12 strips with a pizza cutter.
Roll out each piece of dough into a snake and then drape over your forefinger and twist the dough. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining 11 pieces of dough. Try to space them evenly, but it's okay if they're close; pulling apart hot bread is one of life's greatest pleasures.
Cover pan and allow dough to rise for another 30 minutes. When there's about 15 minutes to go, preheat your oven to 425. When done rising, bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Rub some butter on top of the breadsticks (just put a ziploc bag on your hand, grab some softened butter, and have at it) and sprinkle with garlic bread seasoning or the powdery Parmesan cheese in a can and garlic salt. Or you could sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar.

Tortellini Sausage Soup

2011-02-12T16:37:00.000-08:00

I have fallen in love... the leftovers are mine! Seriously the best soup I have ever made - love this yummy stuff!

3 links Italian sausage (I just used a tube of ground pork)

4 cloves pressed garlic

1 onion, diced

½ c. water

2 cans chicken broth

½ c. apple cider (I heard this is a must have for this recipe!)

1 16-oz. can diced tomatoes

1 8 oz. can tomato sauce

1 c. sliced carrots

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. dried oregano

2 medium zucchini, grated (I had some I had frozed a few months ago - this worked perfect to use it in)

8-10 oz. package cheese tortellini (check the freezer section of your grocery store; if you can find it there, it will almost always be way cheaper than fresh tortellini. Also, Barilla makes a great dry cheese tortellini)

2 Tbsp. dried parsley (yep that is two tablespoons)

If you're using link sausage, remove the casings and crumble into a large soup pot.
Begin cooking sausage over medium heat, stirring frequently. If your sausage is pretty fatty, you'll want to drain it when it's about halfway cooked. Meanwhile, chop onions and garlic and add to the sausage. Continue cooking until onions are translucent and your sausage is cooked.

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, juice, water, chicken broth, carrots, oregano, and basil. Cover and simmer for 1/2 hour. Add parsley and zucchini and simmer for another 15 minutes or so.

Add the tortellini and cook until tender, and then serve with bread.

Apple Cranberry Salsa

2011-01-27T15:51:00.000-08:00

This is amazing!!!!!
First time I saw it I thought no way will I try it... then I did and fell in love!
Then saw the recipe.. several of the ingredients I don't even like... but the combination is terrific!
I made it for cooking group at my house... several didn't want to try it.. but once they did they loved it!

4 gala apples chopped

1 bunch of green onions chopped

1 can whole cranberries sauce

2 fresh jalapenos cleaned out and chopped (I only used one - wanted it mild - and I chopped real fine)
1 cup cilantro chopped

Sprinkle with balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste

Cheesy Bread Recipe

2011-01-25T07:56:00.001-08:00

Ingredients

8 oz shredded Mozzarella cheese

1 lb shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 to 1 cup chopped green onion (to taste)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 Tbsp sour cream (optional)

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup, 4 ounces), softened to the point of being slightly melted

1 to 2 loaves of French or Italian bread depending on the size of the loaves

Method

1 In a large bowl, mix together the cheeses and the green onion. Stir in the mayonnaise and sour cream. In a separate small bowl blend the butter and garlic until smooth. Add the butter mixture to the cheese mixture.

2 Preheat broiler. Slice loaf of bread in half horizontally, lay crust side down. Spread cheese mixture over the bread. Place under the broiler until nicely browned, about 3 to 5 minutes.

3 Remove from broiler and let sit for 5 minutes until cool enough to handle. Slice the bread with a bread knife. Serve.

Makes 30 to 40 slices.

Golden Crescents

2010-12-19T20:43:00.001-08:00

( from Betty Crockers cook book)

2 pkg. active dry yeast

3/4 c warm water

1/2 c sugar

1 t salt

2 eggs

1/2 shortening (part soft butter)

4 c flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Stir in sugar, salt, eggs, shortening and 2 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth. Mix in remaining flour until smooth. Scrape dough from side of bowl. Cover; let rise in warm place until double, about 1 hr.

Divde dough in half; roll each half into 12 - inch circle. Spread with butter; cut into 16 wedges. Roll up each wedge, beginning at rounded edge. Place rolls, with point under, on greased baking sheet. Cover; let rise until double, about 1 hr.

Heat oven to 375.........bake 12 to 15 minutes. Brush rolls with butter.

Cinnamon Caramel Corn with Pecans & White Chocolate

2010-12-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

(Recipe from Best Bites)

12 C popped popcorn (about 1/2 C kernels)

1 C pecan halves, roughly chopped (I used almonds)

1 C brown sugar

3/4 t cinnamon

1/4 C karo syrup (or honey makes a good substitution)

1 stick real butter (1/2 C)

1t vanilla

1/2 t baking soda

3 squares almond bark (about 4 oz) (I never got around to adding this we ate it too fast)

Preheat oven to 250 degrees

Place popcorn and chopped pecans in a large bowl and set aside.

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a 2 liter capacity microwave safe bowl. Mix well. Chop butter into chunks and place on top of sugar mixture. Pour corn syrup over the top of everything. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and then stir to combine. Return to microwave and heat for 2 minutes. Remove and stir and then microwave for 2 minutes more.

Remove from microwave and add in vanilla and baking soda. Stir to combine. Mixture will foam and rise. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and pecans and stir very well so everything is well coated.

Spread popcorn mixture onto a foil-lined jelly roll pan. Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and spread out on a large piece of parchment, waxed paper, or foil.

Melt almond bark according to package instructions. Drizzle over popcorn mixture. When almond bark is hardened and popcorn is cool, break into chunks and enjoy!

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE PIE

2010-11-24T14:08:00.001-08:00

CRUST:

1½ cups lightly packed crushed shortbread cookies with pecans (about 16 cookies) (I used ginger cookies)

3 Tbs butter, melted

3 Tbs all-purpose flour

FILLING:

1 cup granulated sugar

3 Tbs all-purpose flour

8 ounce package cream cheese, softened

3 ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ tsp ground ginger

¼ tsp ground cloves

3 large eggs

15 ounce can pure pumpkin puree

1 Tbs milk

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place rack in center of oven.

2. Prepare crust: Mix all crust ingredients together. Press crust onto bottom and sides of an ungreased 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove pan from oven, and cool completely. Keep oven on.

3. Prepare filling: Beat sugar, flour and both packages cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed until smooth; reserve ½ cup. Add remaining ingredients except milk to cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed, scraping bowl constantly, until smooth. Pour into crust.

4. Make swirl design: Stir milk into reserved cream cheese mixture. Spoon over pumpkin mixture. Cut through cream cheese and pumpkin mixtures with knife in S-shaped curves in one continuous motion. Turn pie plate one fourth turn and repeat. Swirl to look like an autumn leaf if you’d like.

5. To bake: Cover edges of crust with pie crust covers or aluminum foil strips to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil the last 15 minutes of baking. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes. Cover loosely and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Store covered in refrigerator.

Cooking Tips
*Try using gingersnaps in place of shortbread cookies.

Dinner Rolls - no kneading and ready in an hour

2010-11-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

HERE'S ALL YOU HAVE TO DO

■1 package quick-acting active dry yeast

■1 1/3 cup milk (105º to 115ºF degrees)

■3 to 3 1/2 cups flour or whole wheat flour

■3 tablespoons olive oil

■1 tablespoon sugar

■1 teaspoon salt

■1 tablespoon melted butter

■coarse salt

Dissolve yeast in warm milk with sugar in electric mixer bowl. Stir in 1 cup flour, oil, and salt. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour, scraping dough from side of bowl, until soft dough forms. Cover and let rise in warm place until double, about 45 minutes.

Heat oven 400ºF degrees. Prep a 12 cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Punch down dough in center and fold over a few times. Pinch off 1 inch balls of dough and quickly roll in palm of hands. Put 3 balls to one muffin cup; brush with melted butter; sprinkle with coarse salt.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until crust is light golden brown. Immediately remove from pan. Store loosely covered.

No bake cookies... another version

2010-11-20T10:44:00.001-08:00

1 c. Brown Sugar

1 c. Sugar

1/2 c. Milk

1/2 c. Margarine

1 c. Chocolate Chips

3 Tbsp. Creamy Peanut Butter

3 c. Oatmeal

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Boil sugars, milk, & margarine. * Add oatmeal, chocolate chips, and peanut butter. * Spoon onto greased cookie sheet or waxed paper and let stand until firm. * Refrigerate.

No Bake Cookies

2010-11-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups white sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup butter

4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

3 cups quick-cooking oats

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1.In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened.

Sweet Potatoes

2010-11-19T14:11:00.001-08:00

3 C sweet potatoes

1 C white sugar

2 eggs (beaten)

1/2 stick butter

1/2 C evaporated milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Cook and mash sweet potatoes. Add all ingredients and mix well. Pour into buttered casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Topping:

1 C brown sugar

1/2 C flour

1 C pecans

1/2 stick softened butter

1 tsp. cinnamon

Add all ingredients and mix well. Place on baked sweet potatoes and return to oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-11-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup of butter

1/2 cup of shortening

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of brown sugar

Mix like crazy - whip up good... 3-5 min, then add

2 eggs

4 teaspoons of vanilla
again mix very well

1 cup of flour mixed with

1 tsp of baking soda

1 tsp salt (I used about 3/4 t of sea salt)

Add flour mixture to top mixture then add 2 more cup of flour (I added a bit extra flour).

Add as much chocolate chips as you want I also added mini m&ms

Bake 375' for 8 minutes.

Mini Cheesecakes

2010-11-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese

3/4 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

(I have also done a gram cracker crust)
Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line miniature muffin tins (tassie pans) with miniature paper liners.

2.Crush the vanilla wafers, and place 1/2 teaspoon of the crushed vanilla wafers into each paper cup.

3.In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. Fill each miniature muffin liner with this mixture, almost to the top.

4.Bake for 15 minutes. Cool. Top with a teaspoonful of cherry pie filling.

baked cinnamon chips

2010-11-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

8 (7-inch) flour tortillas
1 tbs. Sugar
1/4 tsp. Cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray tortillas with water. Combine sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over tortillas. Cut each tortilla into eight wedges and layer on baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and crisp. Remove from baking sheet and cool completly. Repeat with remaining tortilla wedges. Yield 64 chips.

The Best Chicken Fried Steak

2010-11-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

4 (1/2 pound) beef cube steaks

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon black pepper

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

1 egg

1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2.5 cups canola oil for frying

Pound the steaks to about 1/4-inch thickness. Place 2 cups of flour in a shallow bowl. Stir together the baking powder, baking soda, pepper, and salt in a separate shallow bowl; stir in the buttermilk, egg, Tabasco Sauce, and garlic. Dredge each steak first in the flour, then in the batter, and again in the flour. Pat the flour onto the surface of each steak so they are completely coated with dry flour.

Heat the oil in a deep cast-iron skillet to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Fry the steaks until evenly golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Place fried steaks on a plate with paper towels to drain. Serve with gravy of your choice.

Slow Cooker Hot Fudge Sundae Cake

2010-10-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

Let me first say this was soooooooo YUMMY!
(I did double the recipe... extra large oval slow cooker being used)

1 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons baking cocoa

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup chopped nuts (I left out)

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup baking cocoa

1 1/2 cups hot water

(2 cups of chocolate chips)

1.Spray inside of 2- to 3 1/2-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Mix flour, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, the baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Stir in milk, oil and vanilla until smooth. Stir in nuts. (I did leave out the nuts but added in a cup of chocolate chips) Spread batter evenly in slow cooker.

2.Mix brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa in small bowl. Stir in hot water until smooth. (I added in a cup of chocolate chips) Pour evenly over batter in slow cooker.

3.Cover and cook on high heat setting 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

4.Turn off slow cooker. Let cake stand uncovered 30 to 40 minutes to cool slightly before serving. Spoon warm cake into dessert dishes. Spoon sauce over top.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

2010-10-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package pound cake mix (I had on hand a yellow cake mix so that is what I used)

3 eggs

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

(I cooked mine in a 9 by 13 pan)
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl, on low speed, combine cake mix, 1 egg, butter and 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice until crumbly. Press onto bottom of 15x10-inch jellyroll pan.

2.In large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese on low until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk, then remaining 2 eggs, pumpkin, remaining 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and salt; mix well.

3.Pour over crust; sprinkle with nuts. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until set. Cool. Chill; cut into bars. Store covered in refrigerator.

Clam Chowder

2010-10-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

3 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams (I used two wished I had used 3)

1 cup minced onion

1 cup diced celery

2 cups cubed potatoes

1 cup diced carrots

3/4 cup butter (I used 1/4 cup)

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 quart half-and-half cream

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (I used regular vinegar)

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

ground black pepper to taste

(I also added about 5 strips of bacon cooked/crumbled up)

Directions

1.Drain juice from clams into a large skillet over the onions, celery, potatoes and carrots. Add water to cover, and cook over medium heat until tender.

2.Meanwhile, in a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Whisk in cream and stir constantly until thick and smooth. Stir in vegetables and clam juice. Heat through, but do not boil.

3.Stir in clams just before serving. If they cook too much they get tough. When clams are heated through, stir in vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.

Pumpkin cookies

2010-10-17T18:13:00.001-07:00

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup white sugar

1 cup light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

2 cups (12-ounce bag) milk chocolate chips, not semisweet

Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper

Directions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray cookie sheets with nonstick spray or line them with parchment paper.

Using a mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Beat in the white and brown sugars, a little at a time, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time, then mix in the vanilla and pumpkin puree. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Slowly beat the flour mixture into the batter in thirds. Stir in the chips. Scoop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are browned around the edges. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes. Take the cookies off with a spatula and cool them on wire racks.

Chili

2010-10-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

2 pounds ground beef (I usually just use 1 pound)

1/2 onion, chopped

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

2 1/2 cups tomato sauce (I usually use less but also add in a can of diced tomatoes)

1 (8 ounce) jar salsa ( I usually just add in 1/2 c)

4 tablespoons chili seasoning mix (we use less... we like things mild)

2-3 cans (depending how much you want to make) (15 ounce) can light red kidney beans

Directions

1.In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the ground beef and the onion and saute for 10 minutes, or until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain grease, if desired.

(I usually just mix it all in the crock pot and let it sit on low for 6-8 hours)
2.Add the ground black pepper, garlic salt, tomato sauce, salsa, chili seasoning mix and kidney beans. Mix well, reduce heat to low and simmer for at least an hour.

Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

2010-10-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

1 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless work well) usually buy on super sale and freeze a bunch

1 can black beans

1 can corn (one time I used frozen corn and it was fine)

1.5 cup salsa (anything you need to get rid of works fine)

Place chicken on bottom, mix other ingredients and spread on top. Cook on low for 8 hours. After cooking, I shred the chicken and mix it all up! EASY to do.

Serve with tortillas and other taco like toppings or even a chip dip of sorts.. Have sour cream and cheese available.

Mushroom Pork Chops and Rice

2010-10-05T08:07:00.001-07:00

4 boneless, skinless pork chops

1 can cream of mushroom soup

4 servings minute rice

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook minute rice according to package directions.

Brown pork chops, reserving the juice.

Place rice in bottom of a casserole dish, drizzle the pork chop juice over top.

place pork chops over top of rice in a single layer

Spread mushroom soup over top.

Bake in oven, covered, for 30 minutes.

Remove lid, bake for 10 more minutes.

Makes 2-4 servings, as made above. Increase portions as needed.

Variations: I like to put a drained can of mushroom stems and pieces, as well as about 2 cups of frozen peas or French beans, making a full meal.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

2010-10-05T08:05:00.001-07:00

1 box yellow cake mix

1 c. pumpkin

3 eggs

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. nuts, chopped

2 tsp. cinnamon

2 T. flour

2 T. melted butter

Mix together cake mix, pumpkin, 1/2 c. water, eggs and pumpkin pie spice. Pour 1/2 of batter in 9 x 13 in greased, floured cake pan. Combine brown sugar, nuts cinnamon, flour and butter and sprinkle half of mixture over batter. Spread remaining batter over top then remaining crunch mixture. Bake in 350 degree oven 45-50 min.

Caramel-Apple Muffins

2010-10-03T18:10:00.000-07:00

These were YUMMY!!!!!

•2 cups flour

•3/4 cup sugar

•2 tsp baking powder

•2 1/2 tsp cinnamon

•1/2 tsp cardamom

•1/2 tsp salt

•1 egg

•1 cup milk (at least 1%)

•1/4 cup butter, melted

•1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

•1/2 cup chopped peeled tart apple

•12 caramels, chopped

For the topping:

•1/2 cup packed brown sugar

•1/4 cup quick-cooking oats

•3 Tbsp butter, melted

•1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a muffin pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, spices, and salt.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, butter, and vanilla.
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the apples and caramels.
Combine all of the topping ingredients in a small bowl.
Fill muffin pan cups 3/4 full, and then sprinkle the topping over the batter.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Let cool in the pan 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm.

Cream Puff Cake

2010-10-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1 c Water

1 Stick margarine

1 c Flour

4 Eggs

2 Small boxes instant vanila

1 pk 8 oz cream cheese, softened

3 c Milk

1 lg Tub Cool Whip

1 cn Chocolate syrup (I skipped still tasted great)

.Preparation - Cream Puff Cake - Winner

Bring the water and margine to boil. Add 1 cup flour and eggs after you remove pan from heat. Mix well and spread into a 9X13" pan. Bake at 350F for 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool. Mix 2 boxes pudding, 8 oz. cream cheese and 3 cups milk until well mixed. Spread over cream puff layer. Let set in refrigerator until set. Before srving cover with Cool Whip and drizzle chocolate syrup over the top. (I skipped still tasted great)

OREO Biscotti

2010-10-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

What You Need
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine melted
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour
1-1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/4 tsp. salt
16 OREO Cookies, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
2 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Mix sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Add flour, baking powder and salt; mix well. Stir in chopped cookies. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into 9x3-inch loaf on lightly greased baking sheet with floured hands.

BAKE 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Remove from oven; cool 10 minutes. Cut each loaf diagonally into 16 (1/2-inch-thick) slices. Place slices, cut sides up, on same baking sheet. Bake an additional 10 to 12 minutes on each side or until lightly toasted on both sides. Cool completely on wire rack.

DRIZZLE cooled biscotti with melted chocolate.

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

2010-10-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix

2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats

3/4 cup margarine, melted (I used 1/2 c)

1 cup raspberry jam

1 tablespoon water (I used lemon juice)

(I also used about 1/4 c milk)

Directions

1.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan.

2.In a large bowl, mix together oats, cake mix, and melted margarine so that it makes nice clumps and there is no dry mix left. (I also mixed in about 1/4 cup milk) Press 1/2 of the oats mixture evenly into the bottom the prepared pan. In a separate bowl, mix jam with water, and spread over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the top.

3.Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 23 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. Cool before cutting into bars.

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

2010-10-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

I have seen these recipe multiple times all over the Internet.. wanted to try it... but I don't care for enchiladas nor green sauce... but so glad I took the risk! Loved it! I made a few changes you will see through out it...
6 Tbsp honey

5 Tbsp fresh lime juice (1-2 limes) (I didn't use limes just the juice)

1 Tbsp chili powder (I used less but some red pepper too)

1 tsp garlic powder

2-3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

8 – 10 flour tortillas (depending on size)

1 lb of a Mexican blend cheese (Monterrey jack, Colby, cheddar), shredded

1 large can of green enchilada sauce

(I also used 1 cup of sour cream and 2-3 cups of rice)

Mix the honey, lime juice, chili powder and garlic powder together with the shredded chicken. Allow it to sit for at least 1/2 hour or you could do it hours before and just cover and refrigerate.

Pour 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Place chicken and cheese into middle of a tortilla and spoon about 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce over it and roll up. (I mixed a cup of sour cream w/ enchilada sauce to spoon in enchiladas and for the leftovers to put on top - I also mixed rice in with the chicken) Place seam down in the pan. Reserve about 1-2 cups of cheese to sprinkle on top of enchiladas. Pour enchilada sauce over the top of rolled enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly.

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

2010-09-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

A friend served this at our cooking group... dang I loved it!! - even though I do not like red peppers.. heck took me an hour to find them in the store...

7 oz. Roasted Red Peppers (drained and diced)

3/4 lb. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1- 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (softened)

1 c. Mayonnaise

1 Tbsp. minced onion

1 clove minced garlic

2 Tbsp. dijon mustard

(I also added chopped green onion)

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees. Mix all together, then bake in small baking dish for 20-30 min. or until bubbles and browns.

Serve with tortilla chips.

Cowboy Caviar!!!

2010-09-03T09:33:00.001-07:00

(This is my sister in-laws recipe) love it!!!!!

2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can corn, drained
1 can black eyed peas, drained, rinsed
1 can black beans, drained, rinsed
1 bunch of cilantro, finely chopped-cut some of the stems
1 or 2 bunches green onions chopped
2 pkg italian dressing mix and 1/2 vin and 1/2 cup oil
2 ripe avacodoes

mix dressing in bowl, add rest of the stuff.

Add avacado before serving leave pits in the bowl this will keep them from turning brown!!

Banana Pineapple Slush

2010-09-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

(makes a lot - sure you could cut the recipe in half) I have served this twice so far and it is loved by all.. even my husband who doesn't like bananas (hardly taste them)

4 cups sugar (I only used 3 cups)

2 cups water
1 can (46 ounces) pineapple juice
3 cups orange juice
3/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup orange juice concentrate
8 medium ripe bananas, mashed
2 bottles (2 liters each) cream soda
3 cans (12 ounces each) lemon-lime soda

Directions

In a saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil over medium heat; cool. Pour into a freezer container; add juices, orange juice concentrate and bananas (I ran the bananas through the blender). Cover and freeze. To serve, thaw mixture until slushy; stir in cream soda and lemon-lime soda. Yield: about 9-1/2 quarts.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

2010-09-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

1 pound ground beef

1 egg

1 onion, chopped

1 cup dry bread crumbs

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup water

1/2 cup vinegar

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions

1.In a large bowl, combine beef, egg, onion, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Roll into meatballs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size.

2.In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the meatballs until browned on all sides.

3.In a separate medium bowl, mix together the water, vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, sugar and soy sauce. Pour over the meatballs, and allow sauce to thicken. Continue to heat until the sauce just starts to bubble.

(I just had the sauce on the side... this was terrific)

Blueberry Zucchini Bread

2010-09-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

(I doubled this and made 8 mini loafs )

3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups white sugar (I cut the sugar in half)
2 cups shredded zucchini (I doubled the amount of zucchini)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 pint fresh blueberries (I used frozen)
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 4 mini-loaf pans.
2.In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar. Fold in the zucchini. Beat in the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gently fold in the blueberries. Transfer to the prepared mini-loaf pans.
3.Bake 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center of a loaf comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes (or longer) in pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Cream Puff Cake

2010-09-03T09:19:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:
1 stick (8 Tbsp.) unsalted butter
1 c. water
1 c. flour
4 large eggs

3 1/2 c. milk
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3 (3.5 oz) pkgs. instant vanilla pudding
1 container Cool Whip
Chocolate syrup

Preheat oven to 400 F.

In a large heavy saucepan, heat butter and water to boiling over medium-high heat. Add flour and reduce heat to low. Cook and stir until it forms a ball and pulls away from the pan. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg.
Spread in bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 35 minutes. Cool completely.

To make the filling: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and milk and beat until smooth. Here's the trick, to keep things smooth: start with the cream cheese, give it a good beating until fluffy. Slowly but surely (while still beating), add the milk. Voila! Once these are well combined, add pudding mix and beat until thickened. Spread over cooled shell.

Top with whipped topping, and drizzle chocolate syrup over the top. Keep refrigerated until serving.

Cherry Pie Filling Salad

2010-06-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

1 can (21 0z) (cherry) Pie Filling
1 can Drained (20 oz) Pineapple Tidbits
1 Cup Coconut
2 C. mini-marshmallow
1 Carton (12 oz) Cool Whip
2 cans fruit cocktail (undrained)
Mix all together and refrigerate overnight till ready to serve.

Green Smothie

2010-05-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

Yum Yum one of our favorites.. you can add just about anything but our base is...
3 large handfuls of green leaf spinach
1 c of OJ
1 apple
1/2 c yogert
1 large cup of ice
1 c of frozen blueberries
3 T ground flax seed

we also often add any of the following carrots - pineapple - banana - celery - wheat germ

blend in a blender and enjoy!

FROG EYE SALAD

2010-05-20T12:07:00.001-07:00

1 c. Acini De Pepe macaroni
2 cans mandarin oranges
3 tbsp. flour
1 c. miniature marshmallows
13 oz. can chunk pineapple
3 eggs
1 c. sugar
8 oz. cool whip

Boil macaroni in salt water for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water; let cool. Drain juice of fruit and cook fruit juice with eggs, flour and sugar until thick (mix well while cooking) ; then cool. Mix with macaroni and refrigerate overnight. Add drained fruit, marshmallow and cool whip. Chill before serving.

Trail Mix

2010-05-20T12:05:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:
1 cup combination diced dried fruit, such
as prunes, apricots, pears and apples
1/2 cup raisins and/or dried cherries or
cranberries 1 1/2 cups unsalted sunflower seeds
1 cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts (or
honey-roasted peanuts, chopped
walnuts or unsalted almonds)
(I had to add a bit of chocolate as well)

Directions:
1. Mix all. Makes 4 cups.

Cole Slaw

2010-05-20T09:17:00.001-07:00

LOVE THIS

Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix
2 tablespoons diced onion
2/3 cup creamy salad dressing (such as
Miracle Whip™)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds

Directions:
1. Combine the coleslaw mix and onion in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the salad dressing, vegetable oil, sugar, vinegar, salt, and poppy seeds in a medium bowl; blend thoroughly. Pour dressing mixture over coleslaw mix and toss to coat. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

Layered Southwest Chicken Salad

2010-05-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

a friend brought this to cooking group the other day - oh how I loved it!

½ cup lime juice
½ cup sour cream (I use fat free)
1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 Tbsp. sugar
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
½ cup olive oil

1 package (10 oz.) hearts of
romaine salad mix
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 can (15 oz.) black beans,
rinsed and drained
1 small red onion, chopped
2 packages (6 oz. each) ready-
to-use Southwestern chicken
strips
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded
Mexican cheese blend
1 can (11 oz.) Mexicorn,
drained (I use regular)
1 can (6 oz.) sliced ripe olives,
drained
2 cups coarsely crushed tortilla
chips
Additional fresh cilantro leaves
(optional)

-For dressing, combine the first six ingredients in a blender; cover and process until smooth. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Transfer to a small bowl; cover and refrigerate until serving.

-In a 4-qt. glass salad bowl, layer the remaining ingredients in the order listed. Add crushed tortilla chips just before serving. Serve with dressing. Yield: 8 servings.

(she serves it home for a main dish, and just layer ingredients on plate)
(Chicken can also be substituted for steak strips or pork chops)

Beef Gravy Recipe

2010-05-20T09:05:00.001-07:00

5 cups (approx)
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (optional or to taste)
1/2 cup flour, plus
2 tablespoons flour (for a very thick gravy increase to 3 tablespoons)
1 tablespoon oxo beef bouillon powder (or to taste, I use 2 small package OXO beef bouillon powder)
4 cups canned low sodium beef broth (or use beef pan drippings with broth to make up 4 cups, omit the bouillon if using beef drippings)
1.In a saucepan over medium-high heat melt butter or margarine until bubbly (do not brown).
2.Add in the black pepper, garlic powder (if using) and flour, then whisk for 1 minute.
3.Slowly add in the beef broth and beef bouillon powder (or beef broth mixed with pan drippings) stir over low heat until smooth, thickened and bubbly about 3 minutes).

No Bake Chocolate Cookies

2010-04-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

2 cups sugar
1/4 c. margarine
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
3 cups quick cooking oats
Combine sugar, margarine, milk and cocoa in a 4 quart sauce pan. Cook at a full rolling boil for approximately 1 minute.
Remove from heat, add vanilla and peanut butter. Stir well. Add oatmeal to mixture, combine thoroughly.
Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Cool until firm.

NEIMAN MARCUS Cookies

2010-04-12T17:23:00.001-07:00

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
2 1/2 cups blended oatmeal (pulse oatmeal in a blender to make it flour like)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 - 4 ounces Hershey bar, grated
3 cups chopped nuts ( I often leave out )

Cream the butter and sugars; add eggs and vanilla and mix well. In another bowl, mix the flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Slowly add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix well. Stir in the chocolate chips, grated chocolate and nuts. I used a rounded tablespoon of dough for each cookie. Roll each cookie into a ball and place on a cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. These cookies do spread out, so don't crowd them. Bake at 375 degrees for about 9-10 minutes. As soon as they began turning golden around the edges, I removed them from the oven and let them set on the cookie sheet about 30 seconds before removing to cooling racks. They stayed nice and chewy down to the last cookie!

Basic Crepes

2010-04-02T08:38:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.
3. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.

Lemon Crumb Muffins

2010-04-02T08:31:00.001-07:00

Ingredients
6 cups all-purpose flour
4 cups sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
8 eggs
2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
2 cups butter, melted
3 tablespoons grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons lemon juice

TOPPING:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

GLAZE:
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, butter, lemon peel and juice. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full.
In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over batter.
Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. In a small bowl, whisk glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm muffins. Yield: 40 muffins.

Traditional White Bread

2010-04-02T08:30:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F
/45 degrees C) 3 tablespoons lard, softened
1 tablespoon salt
6 1/2 cups bread flour

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Stir in lard, salt and two cups of the flour. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
2. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
3. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and form into loaves. Place the loaves into two lightly greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bottom of the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

Blueberry Syrup (Vita Mixer)

2010-03-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

Yield: 3 cups
Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients
3 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen, thawed (or any other fruit)
3/4 cup sugar or other sweetener, to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions
1. Place all ingredients into the Vita-Mix container in the order listed and secure lid.
2. Select Variable 1.
3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
4. Blend for 3 minutes.
5. Serve over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

Tortilla Soup (Vita Mixer)

2010-03-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

Tortilla Soup
• 1 Whole Carrot
• 1 to 2 Stalk of Celery
• 2 Roma or 1 Large Tomato (I used canned diced last night)
• 1 Slice Onion (to taste)
• 1 Small Piece Yellow Squash
• 1 Wedge Green Cabbage (I added etxtra)
• 1 to 3 Slices or Bell Peppers (Red, Green, Orange)
• 1 to 3 Cloves of Garlic (to taste)
• 1 large “Pinch” of Cilantro
• 1 Slice of Jalapeno (size to taste) (I didn't have any left it out)
• 2 to 4 Cubes of Pepper Jack Cheese - (I used cheddar)
• 1 to 2 Table Spoons Mexican Spice (Blend it Up or something other with Cumin) (I just used taco seasoning)
• 3 Cups Hot Water
(I also added leftover mashed potatos in mine for a thickener

Mix up 5 min or so until steaming

* ½ to 1 cup Corn/Black Beans (pre-cooked) for Texture
* 1 Handful Tortilla Chips
Blend all ingredients on high speed (except Corn/Blackbeans and Chips) for 60 to 90 Seconds. Turn speed down to #2 Variable & Open lid (Soup should be “steaming”). Add Corn /Black Beans and let spin for 20 seconds. Pour soup and add tortilla chips. Enjoy!!
I may add cooked rice next time...

Too Much Chocolate Cake

2010-02-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

SOOOOOOO GOOD!

Ingredients:
1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food
cake mix
1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate
pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs and water. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into a well greased 12 cup bundt pan.
3. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar.

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

2010-02-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

We loved this - I will make it again and again...

This actually made enough for 2 for me... so buy two crusts

Ingredients:
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese,
softened
1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND®
Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT
evaporated milk)
1 egg
3 tablespoons lemon juice from
concentrate (I left out)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (I used frozen)
1 (6 ounce) packaged graham cracker
pie crust

Chocolate Glaze:
2 (1 ounce) squares semisweet
chocolate
1/4 cup whipping cream (I acutally forgot to add this and it turned out great)

Directions:
1. Heat oven at 350 degrees F. With mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in Eagle Brand® until smooth. Add egg, lemon juice, and vanilla; mix well.
2. Arrange raspberries on bottom of crust. Slowly pour cheese mixture over fruit.
3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool
4. Chocolate Glaze: In small saucepan, over low heat, melt semi-sweet chocolate with whipping cream. Cook and stir until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat. Top cheesecake with Chocolate Glaze; chill. Garnish as desired.

Easy OREO Truffles

2010-02-10T11:27:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate
Sandwich Cookies, divided
1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi
-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

Directions:
1. Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
2. Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.
3. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

Chocolate Raspberry Bonbons

2010-02-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

¾ cup dark chocolate 73% (I used chocolate chips and have used almond bark)
¼ cup raspberry jam (I used homemade strawberry jam)

1.Melt chocolate in a small pan over very low heat; you can use a double boiler if you wish and temper the chocolate
2.Using a small paint brush, coat the bottom and sides of a candy mold
3.Place mold in freezer for 10 minutes to allow chocolate to harden
4.Remove mold from freezer
5.Spoon a scant teaspoon of raspberry jam into each chocolate lined candy mold cup
6.Paint chocolate over raspberry jam to cover and make final layer
7.Place in freezer for 10 minutes to harden
8.Remove from freezer, turn mold upside down and pop candies out of mold
9.Serve

Perfect Potatoes au Gratin

2010-01-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

(From Pioneer Woman
Ingredients
4 whole Russet Potatoes, Scrubbed Clean
2 Tablespoons Butter, Softened
1-½ cup Heavy Cream
½ cups Whole Milk
2 Tablespoons Flour
4 cloves Garlic, Finely Minced
1 teaspoon Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Freshly Grated
Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Smear softened butter all over the bottom of a baking dish.
Slice potatoes, then cut slices into fourths.
In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, milk, flour, minced garlic, salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
Place 1/3 of the potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour 1/3 of the cream mixture over the potatoes.
Repeat this two more times, ending with the cream mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown and really bubbling. Add grated cheese to the top of the potatoes and bake for 3 to 5 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow to stand for a few minutes before serving by the spoonful. Delicious!

Easy crock pot pork chops

2010-01-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 large onion, sliced

4 to 6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced

2 cans (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup

4 to 6 pork chops, boneless or bone-in

salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Lightly spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Put onions and potatoes in bottom of slow cooker. Top with pork chops, salt and pepper, pour soup over chops. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until tender. You can serve alone or on top of rice.

Simple Disappearing Honey Granola

2010-01-14T13:02:00.001-08:00

5 cups oats
1/2 cup olive or canola oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup almonds (slivered or whole–I love whole!)
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup of each or any of the following: craisins, raisins, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds.
1. Turn oven on to 350. Place oats on one non-stick baking sheet (these work great) and toast for about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix all remaining ingredients except seeds and fruit.
3. When oats are done, pour into bowl and mix until oats are coated. Grease baking sheet if necessary and bake for 15 minutes, stirring every five minutes.
4. Allow to cool and add seeds and fruit. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations
• Replace two cups oats with a mix of rolled grains
• Replace about 2 TBSP Honey with Molasses (just measure both in the same cup)
• Replace Flour with half wheat germ, oat bran, or ground flax, and half a mixture of various whole grain flours.

Large Batch of Instant Oatmeal

2010-01-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

5 c. quick oats
5 c. powdered oats
1/3 c. powdered dry milk
1/3 c. sugar or honey powder
2 1/2 t. salt

Mix all together and put in a Tupperware or #10 can for later use.

**For different variations, add cinnamon and dehydrated apples or you can add dried fruit or other flavorings to make different types of oatmeal.

a heaping 1/2 c. is a serving, put into their bowl, add the milk, microwave, and breakfast will be served. Every few times you use this mixture, you will want to stir what is on the bottom to the top to make sure all of the powder, milk, salt, and sugar gets evenly distributed.

These vaiatiosn I found are for single serving size just increase if you want to make the whole batch that way….
Variations:
1. Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal: To each packet add 1 Tbls sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon and 2 Tbls finely minced dried apples (use scissors)
2. Sweetened Oatmeal: Add 1 Tbls sugar or 1 packet artificial sweetener
3. Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Oatmeal: Add 1 Tbls brown sugar and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
4. Raisins & Spice Oatmeal: Add 1 Tbls brown sugar, 1 Tbls raisins and 1/8 tsp each allspice and cinnamon
5. Fruit & Cream Oatmeal: Add 1 Tbls non-dairy coffee creamer and 2 Tbls minced dried fruit (use scissors)
6. S'mores Oatmeal: Add 6 miniature marshmallows and 1 Tbls milk chocolate chips

Sweet n' Sour sauce

2009-12-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

1/2 c sugar 1/3 c. vinegar

2/3 c water 1 1/2 T cornstarch

.......cook over med. heat until thickened.

stirring constandly. Remove from heat and add 4 T. catsup.
(perfect on fried rice - chicken - etc)

Gingerbread Cookies

2009-12-27T15:01:00.000-08:00

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. molasses

1 egg yolk

2 c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. cloves

1 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Cream butter and sugar. Add molasses and egg yolk. In a medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Add flour mixture to butter mixture. Chill for at least an hour. It's a fairly sticky dough so you might need to chill it a little longer.

Preheat oven to 350. Roll dough to 1/4" thick and cut with cookie cutters. Place cookies 2" apart on a baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes. If you bake them on the short end they will stay soft and chewy and if you bake them on the longer end they will be nice and crispy. They're great either way!

Allow to cool about 5 minutes on pan and then transfer to wire rack and cool completely. Once they're cooled you can decorate your heart out.

Glacé Icing

1lb powdered sugar (about 3 3/4 C)

6T C whole milk (low-fat actually works, but use whole if you can)

6T light Corn Syrup (6T is equal to 1/4 C plus another 2 T)

1 t extract

With a whisk, combine sugar and milk until smooth (no lumps!) Then stir in corn syrup and extract.

You will use this same recipe for both glazing and piping. The way it is right now is the consistency you want for glazing you can just make it thicker with more powdered sugar

Homemade Bisquick Mix

2009-12-27T14:57:00.000-08:00

7 cups

6 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons baking powder

1 tablespoon salt

1 cup vegetable shortening

1.Sift flour, baking powder and salt three times into a large bowl.

2.Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles fine crumbs.

3.Store mixture in airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 months.

4.Use whenever your recipe calls for "Bisquick mix".

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

2009-12-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

6 cups sliced peeled tart apples (about 5 large)

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

1 package (3-1/2 ounces) cook-and-serve butterscotch pudding mix

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup butter

Vanilla ice cream, optional

Directions

Place apples in a 3-qt. slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, oats, pudding mix and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the apples.

Cover and cook on low for 5 to 5-1/2 hours or until apples are tender. Serve with ice cream if desired. Yield: 6 servings.
(from taste of home)

Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

2009-11-20T07:59:00.000-08:00

I truly loved this especially served with my cornbread

1 can black beans, drained (I also added in 2 cans kidney beans)
1 can corn, drained
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz size - southwest style, if possible I used petite diced tomatoes w/ sweet onion)
1 packet enchilada sauce mix (I used 1/2 packet of taco seasoning and 1/2 packet of ranch seasoning)
1 1/2 C water
1 can (8 oz)tomato sauce
1 can ( 10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 C milk
3-4 boneless chicken breasts (I only used 2 chicken breasts)
(I also added in onion and other seasonings like garlic)

In crock pot, mix the enchilada packet together with the water and tomato sauce. Add cream of chicken soup and milk and whisk together until smooth. Add chicken. Pour drained black beans, drained corn and diced tomatoes on top of that.Cook on low 6-8 hours.Before serving, take out chicken and shred or dice, then put back and stir it all together. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, lime, avocado, or tortilla chips. (We just did cheese and sour cream, we forgot about chips)

Parker House Rolls

2009-11-05T19:09:00.000-08:00

(Two Hour Roll Recipe)

1/2 cup sugar
2 cups hot water
1/2 cup oil
6 - 7 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 tablespoons instant yeast

1/4 cup butter, melted, for shaping rolls

Add hot water to sugar and oil and beat with electric mixer (or by hand). Add eggs and salt; beat well. When mixture is lukewarm, add yeast and keep beating. Add flour until a soft dough forms. Do not knead. Let rise in covered, oil bowl for one hour.

(I just shaped them like regular rolls)

Form rolls. To make Parker House rolls, roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut circles with round cutter, about 3 inches in diameter. Holding dough circle by the edge, dip both sides into melted butter. Fold in half on baking sheet and pinch edges together to seal (don't be afraid of this step - use your index and middle finger to indent the edges of the roll together all the way to the bottom of the sheet pan otherwise they will pop open while baking). Arrange folded dough in rows in pan, each nearly touching the other. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Brush tops with melted butter, if desired.

Crazy Cake

2009-11-01T18:48:00.000-08:00

(from all recipes)
egg/milk free
"This cake was popular during the depression, and does not have eggs in it."
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups cold water
Directions:
1.
Sift flour, sugar, salt, soda, and cocoa together into a 9 x 13 inch ungreased cake pan. Make three wells. Pour oil into one well, vinegar into second, and vanilla into third well. Pour cold water over all, and stir well with fork. (I just mixed in my mixer)
2.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until tooth pick inserted comes out clean. Frost with your favorite icing. (we used chocolate chips and powdered sugar on top)

Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

2009-10-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Mix in the quick oats, walnuts, and chocolate chips. Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

My Amish Friend's Caramel Corn

2009-10-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

from all recipes..
I LOVED THIS!!!!!!

7 quarts plain popped popcorn (I even used microwave buttered popcorn and it turned out great - oh yes I used 2 bags)
2 cups dry roasted peanuts (optional)
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup margarine
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1.
Place the popped popcorn into two shallow greased baking pans. You may use roasting pans, jelly roll pans, or disposable roasting pans. Add the peanuts to the popped corn if using. Set aside.
2.
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, margarine and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enough to blend. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minutes while stirring constantly.
3.
Remove from the heat, and stir in the baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will be light and foamy. Immediately pour over the popcorn in the pans, and stir to coat. Don't worry too much at this point about getting all of the corn coated.
4.
Bake for 1 hour, removing the pans, and giving them each a good stir every 15 minutes. Line the counter top with waxed paper. Dump the corn out onto the waxed paper and separate the pieces. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or resealable bags.

Apple Enchiladas

2009-10-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
6 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
Directions:
1.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2 quart baking dish.
2.
Spoon about one heaping quarter cup of pie filling evenly down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with cinnamon; roll up, tucking in edges; and place seam side down in prepared dish.
3.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, white sugar, brown sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Pour sauce over enchiladas and let stand 30 minutes.
4.
Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, or until golden.

We love to top with ice cream or whip cream....

Hamburger Stew

2009-10-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

1lb. ground beef
1tsp. salt
1/8tsp. pepper
1/2c. chopped celery
3/4c. chopped onion
1/3c. uncooked rice
1/4tsp. chili powder
1tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1c. chopped carrots
2c. tomato juice
Brown beef, salt, pepper, celery and onion. Drain fat. Add all remaining ingredients and cook over low heat about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add water as needed.

Great Pumpkin Dessert

2009-10-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

I had this about 5 years ago... and loved it. Have been wondering what the recipe was... then last night at my cooking group someone broght it! I was in heaven! YUMMY!

"This is a very easy cake made with canned pumpkin and yellow cake mix. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream."

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup white sugar 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar and spice. Mix well, and pour into a 9x13 inch pan.
3. Sprinkle dry cake mix over the top, then drizzle with melted butter. Top with walnuts.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

PERFECT PUMPKIN BARS

2009-10-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

3 eggs
1 2/3 cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups pumpkin puree
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt

1 tub cream cheese frosting (or make your own!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Stir into the pumpkin mixture until thoroughly combined.

Spread the batter evenly into an ungreased jellyroll pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in preheated oven until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.

Cool before frosting.

PUMPKIN FLUFF DIP

2009-10-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

1 16 oz. container whipped topping
1 5 oz. package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 15 oz can pumpkin
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Mix together pudding mix, pumpkin & pumpkin pie spice.
Fold in serve with graham crackers, ginger cookies, apples etc

AMISH PUMPKIN CINNAMON ROLLS W/ CARAMEL ICING

2009-10-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

from...Recipe Girl

ROLLS:
1/3 cup milk
2 Tbs butter
½ cup canned pumpkin or mashed cooked pumpkin
2 Tbs granulated sugar
½ tsp salt
1 large egg, beaten
1 package active dry yeast
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour (I only used all purpose flour but I used nearly 3 c.)
1 cup bread flour

FILLING:
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbs melted butter

FROSTING:
¼ cup (4 Tbsp.) butter
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 Tbs milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract
dash of salt
½ to ¾ cup sifted powdered sugar

1. Prepare rolls: In a small saucepan, heat milk and 2 Tbsp. butter just until warm (120 – 130°) and butter is almost melted, stirring constantly.

2. In large mixer bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar and salt. Add milk mixture and beat with an electric mixer until well mixed. Beat in egg and yeast. In a separate mixing bowl, combine flours. Add half of flour mixture to pumpkin mixture. Beat mixture on low speed for 5 minutes, scraping sides of bowl frequently. Add remaining flour and mix thoroughly (dough will be very soft). Turn into lightly greased bowl, then grease surface of dough lightly. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

3. Punch dough down. Turn onto floured surface. Knead a few turns to form a smooth dough, sprinkling with enough additional flour to make dough easy to handle. On lightly floured surface, roll dough into 12×10-inch rectangle.

4. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush surface of dough with melted butter. Sprinkle with brown sugar mixture. Beginning with long side of dough, roll up jelly-roll style. Pinch seam to seal. With a sharp serrated knife, gently cut roll into twelve 1-inch slices. Place rolls cut-side-up in greased 9-inch-square baking pan.

5. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, 30 to 45 minutes.

6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls about 20 minutes, or until golden. Remove from pan to waxed paper-lined wire rack. Cool 10 to 15 minutes.

7. While rolls are cooling, prepare icing: In small saucepan, heat butter until melted. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Cool over medium-low heat for 1 minute. Transfer to a small mixing vowl and cool mixture slightly. Stir in vanilla, salt and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. If necessary, add more powdered sugar for desired consistency.

8. Drizzle icing over warm rolls.

Yield: 12 rolls

Orange Chicken

2009-09-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

(when I made this I doubled the recipe...)
I thought this was okay... I think I prefer my sweet and sour chicken...

1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken, cut in 2-inch chunks
1/2 cup flour
oil
1 tablespoon salt
6 ounces (1/2 can) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed (I'd opt for little-to-no pulp. The pulp can taste a bit bitter when cooked)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 tablespoons ketchup

Dredge the chicken pieces with the flour, and shake off the excess. Heat oil in a large skillet on the stove and brown the chicken on all sides. There is no need to fully cook it, just sear it enough for the flour to stick and get a nice coating.

Plop the chicken pieces into your slow cooker. In a small mixing bowl, combine the orange juice concentrate, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt, and ketchup. Taste. If you'd like the chicken to be a bit sweeter, add a touch more sugar. Pour sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, and toss gingerly to coat.

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4. Serve over rice.

Sweet n' Sour sauce

2009-09-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

1/2 c sugar 1/3 c. vinegar
2/3 c water 1 1/2 T cornstarch
.......cook over med. heat until thickened.
stirring constandly. Remove from heat and add 4 T. catsup.

Chicken Parmigiana

2009-09-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

3 whole chicken breasts (I doubled... and cut in about 1/4)
1 egg (I doubled)
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 c. dry bread crumbs (I used italian)
1 1/4 c. butter (I used less)
1 can pizza sauce (10 1/2 oz.) (with additioanl chicken I added in a can of tomato sauce w/ some seasoning)
6 slices Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan Cheese

Cut chicken breasts into halves. In a bowl, beat egg, salt and pepper; dip chicken. Then coat chicken breasts with breadcrumbs. In large skillet sauté chicken in butter. Arrange chicken in crock-pot. Pour pizza sauce over chicken. cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours. Add mozzarella cheese, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Cover and cook 15 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

Baked Apple and Cinnamon French Toast Cups

2009-09-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

makes 6 I doubled... and have used french bread before...
4 slices whole wheat bread, cut into cubes
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
dash of ground nutmeg
For the apples:
1 large apple of your choice, cut into cubes
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1. In a medium skillet, saute apples with butter and cinnamon for about 5 minutes, or until soft. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg until well combined. Add bread cubes and mix together until all the bread is saturated. Add the apples and mix until well distributed.
3. Using a regular size muffin tin, scoop bread evenly into the muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until set and lightly golden brown.
4. Mix 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Drizzle on top of french toast cups. Enjoy!!

Favorite Coffee Cake

2009-06-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

Favorite Coffee Cake

1 1/2 cups flour -------- 1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 tea. bak. pow. -------- 3/4 tea. salt
1/4 cup short. --------- 1 egg
¾ c milk
topping (below)

Heat oven to 375. Grease a square pan (8x8)
or I always double recipe in a 9 by 11 pan
Blend all ingredients except Topping. Beat vigorously .....spread in pan.

Sprinkle topping over batter. Bake 25 to 30 min. or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. serve warm. ................... Serves 9-12

Topping

Mix 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 tea. cinnamon and 3 tab. firm butter until crumbly.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

2009-06-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yield: 24 squares YUMMY!!!!
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
3 cups rolled ("old-fashioned") oats
12 ounces (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips**

Instructions:
1. Cream butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla with electric mixer on high.

2. Stir in flour, salt, and baking soda, all at the same time. Stir in oats. Last, add chocolate chips and stir them in (or use clean hands, if the dough is too stiff).

3. Press cookie dough into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Dough should be somewhat flattened, but it's okay for some cracks to remain. :)

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes (I cooked mine 30 min same like I over cooked them by just a couple min), or until lightly golden and cookies are set in the middle.

5. Cool for 20 minutes; cut into 24 squares. Delicious warm or cold! :)

Hot Potato Salad

2009-06-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

I also added a bit of garlic and some cheese throughout and on top....
5-7 medium size potatoes ~ chopped and cooked (I used red and regular potatoes)
8-10 links of sausage or slices of bacon ~ cooked

Sauce:
4 green onions diced ~ green and white parts
3/4 cup real mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 package hidden valley ranch dry mix
2 tablespoons fat/grease from sausage or bacon (I didn't add any)

dice and boil potatoes until tender
dice and chop green onions
combine green onions, ranch, mayonnaise, sour cream and fat
After mixing sauce add potatoes and sausage. Pour into a 9 by 13 pan and cook uncovered at 375 degrees for 35 - 45 minutes - until dish is cooked through. Serve Immediately. .

MINI FAJITA SALAD BITES

2009-05-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

MINI FAJITA SALAD BITES
1 lb ground beef
2 TBSP fajita seasoning
2 TBSP water
4 TBSP salsa
Scoops chips
lettuce, cheese, salsa and sour cream

Brown and drain beef. Stir in water, fajita seasoning, and salsa. Cook an additional 3 minutes. Place scoops on serving plate. Spoon meat filling into each and top with lettuce, cheese, salsa and sour cream (or toppings of your choice). Enjoy!

Grilled Salmon

2009-05-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

Salmon Fillet (I have been enjoying Costco/Sams Club individually frozen fillets)
Mc Cormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
Honey Butter (yes I know not as common outside of Utah)

Preheat Grill (I cook on Geroge Foreman Grill)
Place salmon down apply honey butter & sprinkle seasoning
when ready ... flip over and apply more honey butter and seasoning....
Cook until done

Strawberry Dessert Pizza

2009-05-08T07:21:00.001-07:00

(Made this last summer and loved it)

Ingredients:
For Crust:
1/2 pound (2 sticks/1 cup/8 oz/226 g) unsalted butter
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

For Topping:
8 oz. package cream cheese
1/4 cup strawberry puree (about 4 fresh very large strawberries pureed in a blender)
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 pints fresh strawberries (medium to large size strawberries)

For Glaze: (optional)
1 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon water

For Garnish: (optional)
Mint Sprigs

Instructions:
For Crust:
Cream together butter and sugar with a mixer until fluffy; add egg, baking powder, salt and vanilla till mixture is smooth; add flour and mix till a smooth dough is formed. Place finished dough in between two sheet of wax paper and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.

Remove from refrigerator and roll the dough out to about a 1/4 inch thickness and in a round shape. Place the dough in a greased 12 inch pizza pan and bake in a preheated 350 degree F (180 C) oven for 25 minutes or until crust is a light brown. Cool completely.

For Topping:
Combine cream cheese, puree, honey, and sugar until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled cookie crust, leaving a 1/2 inch border uncovered. Place whole strawberries around the outside border and use sliced berries to fill in the middle of the pizza. Garnish with mint sprigs.

To Make Glaze:
Combine honey and water and brush over the top of finished pizza.

Makes 8-10 servings.

Apple Pear Pie

2009-05-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

(made this last night and really enjoyed it with ice cream)
Ingredients
(I added in a dash of cinnamon to the filling)
1 pound pears canned or fresh sliced (depending on the size of pan I used about 4 pears)
5 large apples cortland (or other baking apple), sliced (depending on the size of pan I used about 4 apples... I actually didn't even peel them)
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour, all-purpose

topping
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup flour, all-purpose
1 cup brown sugar
8 tablespoons butter
1 cup nuts chopped

Directions
Combine all ingredients and turn into an unbaked pie shell.

TOPPING: Combine and sprinkle over filling.

Bake 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes or until apples are soft.

Cool to room temperature and serve. (I especially love this pie served refrigerated.

Best if made the day before. It will cut beautifully.

Beef Stew

2009-05-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

2 lbs. beef cubes ( I often use a lot less and cut up real small)
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 cups beef broth - if you use beef bouillon cubes add water
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 or 2 cloves garlic
1 tsp. paprika
4 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, diced
2 onions, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 can of tomato soup
1 can mushroom soup

Put meat in crock pot, mix flour, salt & pepper, and pour over meat. Stir to coat meat with flour. Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix well. Cover & cook on Low 10 to 12 hours. Stir thoroughly before serving. You can also cook on stove top for a lot less time. Cook till meat is tender.

Tostadas

2009-04-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Tostadas area new favorite of mine! They are like flat tacos that are usually made by layering (refried beans) on top of a tostada shell and then adding a variety of different toppings, like meat, lettuce, guacamole, cheese and salsa. They are so yummy!