Joyfully Cooking

Easy Crockpot Lasagna

2012-02-05T15:27:00.000-05:00

1 pound (16 ounces) ground beef

1/2 cup diced white onion

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

1/2 cup water

1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese

2 cups mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 whole egg

2 Tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley

6 uncooked lasagna noodles

In a large skillet brown beef and onion. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Drain.

Add spaghetti sauce and water and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tablespoons Parmesan, egg and parsley.

Pour 1 cup of spaghetti meat sauce into a 4 to 6 quart sized slow cooker. Place half of the noodles and half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles (If the noodles don't fit exactly break them to fit) and cheese mixture and meat sauce.

Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until noodles are soft. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella and remaining parmesan.

Cover with the lid to melt the cheese and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Do not overcook and don't try to speed up the process by cooking it on high.
Works best with a 4 to 6 quart size slow cooker

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

2012-02-04T17:03:00.000-05:00

These are super easy and super delicous! A wholesome snack for the family or a treat to take to share.

Ingredients

1 3/4 sticks salted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for greasing pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cup oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
One 10 to 12-ounce jar strawberry preserves
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch rectangular pan.

Mix together the butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Press half the oat mixture into the prepared pan. Spread with the strawberry preserves. Sprinkle the other half of the oat mixture over the top and pat lightly. Bake until light brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely, and then cut into squares.

Reece's Peanut Butter Banana Bread

2012-01-30T14:50:00.000-05:00

First saw this on Pinterest and followed it over to Cookies and Cups. Looks fantastic!

Ingredients

3 very ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup oil
1 egg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
8 oz bag of Reese’s Mini cups

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350
Grease your loaf pan (I used an 8 x 4 pan) with butter or shortening.
In a medium bowl whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt, set aside.
In a large bowl stir together your bananas, peanut butter, oil, egg and sugars.
Pour your dry ingredients into your wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Batter will be lumpy.
Fold in your Reese’s Mini cups and spread batter into prepared pan.
Bake for approx 1 hour or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then loosen the edges of the pan with a knife and remove from loaf pan, transferring bread to a cooling rack.

Honey Glazed Carrots

2012-01-25T13:56:00.002-05:00

Ingredients
1 pound carrots, peeled with tops and ends snipped
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 Tablespoons honey
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions
1. Using a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Cut each carrot into several pieces. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until tender.
3. Drain carrots and return to pan.
4. Add EVOO, honey and lemon juice. Cook for about 5 minutes or until glazed.
5. Season with freshly ground pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with parsley.

Amazing Tomato Soup

2012-01-20T12:25:00.000-05:00

This soup is amazing!! Why? Because I don't like tomatoes, but I loved this soup!! The texture and rich taste are perfect.

3 cups cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoons black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/2 cup whipping cream

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine cherry tomatoes with two thirds of the olive oil, salt, and pepper and spread evenly on a large baking sheet. Roast the tomatoes until they are shriveled with brown spots, about 35 to 45 minutes.

In a large pot, heat the butter and the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and saute until softened. Add the canned tomatoes with their juice, the chicken broth, thyme, and roasted tomatoes, including any liquid on the baking sheet. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered for 40 minutes.

Using a food processor, blender, or immersion blender, puree the soup until it’s smooth. Return soup to the pot and stir in the cream. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Homemade Pancakes

2012-01-20T12:21:00.000-05:00

Homemade pancakes are easy! And, much better for you! Here is a great recipe:

2 eggs
2 1/2 cups milk (I use whole milk)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup honey
3 cups whole wheat flour (I use fresh-ground hard white)
1 tsp. sea salt
4 tsp. baking powder

Beat together eggs, milk, oil, and honey in bowl. Add in rest of ingredients and mix well with a whisk. Fry on hot griddle or make waffles in a waffle iron. Top with butter and syrup.

Whole Wheat Chocolate Cake

2012-01-09T20:14:00.000-05:00

I'm striving to eat and feed my family better and am implementing fresh ground whole wheat. I made this cake tonight and it is delicous!! Oh,,, and nutrious!

1 1/4 cups finely ground soft white wheat (pastry wheat); sifted

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt (I used Kosher)

1 Tbsp shortening
8 Tbsp cocoa powder

1/4 cup butter, softened at room temp
1 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup mayonnaise (substituted for 1/2 c. sour cream)
1/2 cup boiling water

1. Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl.
2. Melt the shortening in a small saucepan over low heat, stir in the cocoa powder and mix well. Allow to cool slightly.
3. In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar for approx. 2 minutes. Add the eggs and beat until smooth. Beat in the vanilla and cooled cocoa.
4. Add about a third of the flour mixture to the bowl, along with 1/4 c. mayo, and stir. Add another third of the flour mixture along with the remaining 1/4 c. mayo, and stir again. Finish up by adding the rest of the flour mixture, and stirring until well combined.
5. Stir in the boiling water. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8×8 pan.
6. Bake at 375* for approx. 35 min., or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Hamburger Noodle Bake

2011-12-31T20:03:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

8 ounces egg noodles
1 lb ground beef
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
16 oz tomato sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp onion salt
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

Brown ground beef in skillet and drain grease. Combine beef, garlic, salt, sugar and tomato sauce and simmer on low for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, and onion salt. Boil noodles according to package directions, under-cooking by a minute & drain. In a greased 9X13 pan, lawyer noodles, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Repeat. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until heated through.

This dish can be frozen ahead of time. Follow directions as listed above but DO NOT BAKE. Cover with foil and freeze up to 3 months. To Serve: Thaw. Bake 350 for 40 minutes or until heated through.

From Once A Month Mom

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Cookies

2011-12-11T12:47:00.000-05:00

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze (recipe follows)

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheets.

COMBINE flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.

BAKE for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.

FOR GLAZE:
COMBINE 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl until smooth

Sweet Potato Dumplings

2011-12-08T15:11:00.000-05:00

1 pkg. regular crescent rolls

1 pkg. frozen sweet potato patties ( 8 in pkg.)

Mix following ingredients together and bring to a boil until slightly thick:

2 c sugar

2 c milk

1 sticks butter or margarine

1 heaping T. cornstarch

1tsp cinnamon and/or nutmeg if desired

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Unroll crescent rolls, separate, and cut each crescent in half. I recommend rolling each crescent to make it larger

Cut each sweet potato patty in half

Wrap each piece of crescent roll around the potato half making sure to cover as much as you can

Place in pan or dish which has been sprayed with non-stick spray

Pour thickened mixture over all the rolls

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Beets You Can Eat!!

2011-11-07T18:43:00.000-05:00

Beets are a powerhouse of nutrition! But, I never could get past the taste of them until I tried this recipe! They were actually GOOD!!

Roasted Beet Medley with Balsamic Glaze

5 small beets (red, golden or white)
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 T packed brown sugar (I added 2 for good measure)
salt and pepper
2T Fresh herbs (chopped basil, dill, thyme, tarragon or chives)
or 2 tsp dried herbs

Heat oven to 400. Trim greens and roots from beets, leaving 1 inch of both intact. Wrap tightly in foil and place on baking sheet.
Bake 50-60 minutes or until tender. Let stand until cool enough to handle.
Bring vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper to a gentle boil in small saucepan. Simmer 5 minutes.
Remove beet skins, trim and discard roots. Cut into thin slices and arrange on platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with herbs.

Quick & Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-09-22T20:05:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't love a batch of warm chocolate chip cookies? But making a homemade batch can be time consuming and extensive. Here is a quick and easy recipe for a small batch of cookies that can be made up in just a few minutes.

1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon molasses
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees if making cookie bars – 375 degrees if making cookies.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar, and molasses.
Add the egg and vanilla, mix well.
Add the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt, mix well.
Mix in the chocolate chips.

For cookie Bars: Spread in a greased 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.

For cookies: Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

White Bean Soup

2011-09-10T16:06:00.000-04:00

White Bean Soup with Kale and Sausage

32 oz cooked white beans (navy or cannellini work well)
1 large head kale or mustard greens
1/2 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild), casings removed
1 shallot, finely chopped 1 rib celery, finely chopped
1 T olive oil (or bacon grease, if you have that lying around)
Water or stock

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, brown the sausage in the oil. When the sausage is nearly cooked through, add the celery and shallot, stirring to coat with the oil. Add a pinch of salt and sweat the vegetables until they are crisp-tender.
2. Add beans, kale, and water (if you reserve the cooking liquid from your beans, through that in, too) to cover, about 2 quarts.
3. Simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

From Cottage Industrialist

Baked Apple Donuts

2011-08-18T17:47:00.000-04:00

A change my family is making towards better eating is to use fresh ground wheat. This is a new experience for us, but there are many recipes out there to help along! Here is one I found from Graham Family Ministries.

OVEN BAKED APPLE DONUTS

3 cups flour (I use hard white wheat freshly ground)
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup olive oil
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 cups cored and finely diced apples

Topping:
½ cup butter, melted
1 ½ cups sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 12-cup muffin tins In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a small bowl combine oil, eggs, milk, and apples. Add to flour mixture and mix just until everything is moistened and mixed up.
Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling about 3/4ths full.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Topping:

While muffins are baking, prepare topping. Melt butter. Then combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. When muffins are done baking, dip in melted butter, then in the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Place on a serving tray to serve. Yummy!

Yield: 24 muffins

Mini Pecan Pies

2011-08-01T19:08:00.000-04:00

These little pies are cute, delicious and full of big flavor!! They are perfect to snack on or to take to a fellowship.

1 3 oz cream cheese
3/4 stick butter
1/4 stick butter
3/4 c brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup pecans

Mix cream cheese with 3/4 stick butter and flour. Spoon in greased mini muffin tins and shape into crust.

Mix 1/4 cup butter with brown sugar, egg and nuts. Fill muffin cups 1/2 to 3/4 way full. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until browned.

Crunchy Fruit Cobbler

2011-07-30T13:37:00.000-04:00

I like a cobbler with a crunchy top! Most basic cobbler recipes just don't give the crunch texture that I love. A friend passed this one along to me and I have made it twice now, once with fresh pears and once with a can of peaches. Both turned out fantastic!

4 c fruit
1 cup sugar
1 cup self rising flour
1 egg
3T sugar
3T water

Pour fruit in 9 inch pan. Sprinkle with 1 cup sugar. Beat egg. Mix sugar and flour together. Place in bowl with egg. Mix using fork or pastry cutter until coarse in texture. Sprinkle on top of fruit. Then sprinkle 3 tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of water over top and dot with butter. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Easy Pineapple Coconut Cake

2011-07-05T09:10:00.002-04:00

Easy Pineapple/Coconut Cake

1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 (2 layer) yellow cake mix
1pkg. (4 servings) lemon instant pudding
2 cups whipped topping
1/2 cup flake coconut, toasted
1/2 cup chopped pecans or nuts

Drain pineapple, reserving juice. Mix cake batter according to package directions, but substitute 1 cup pineapple juice for 1 cup of water called for in the cake batter. Pour into a 15x10x1 inch greased baking pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes, until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool.
Mix milk and pudding, beating 2 minutes with a wire whisk. Stir in pineapple. Spread over cake, cover with whipped topping and sprinkle with coconut and nuts. Store in refrigerator.

Angel Food Delight

2011-07-05T09:09:00.002-04:00

Angel Food Delight

1 angel food cake, cubed
1 can pie filling (cherry, peach or blueberry)
1 small pkg. instant vanilla pudding
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup sour cream
Whipped topping

Place half of the angel food cake cubes into a pan or dish. Top with pie filling. Place remaining angel food cake on top. In a separate bowl, combine pudding, milk and sour cream, beating well. Pour over cake. Chill for 5 hours or more and served topped with whipped topping.

Black Bean Soup

2011-05-27T11:37:00.000-04:00

Spent some more time over at Comfy In the Kitchen and found this recipe for Black Bean Soup. Sounds easy and delicious!
Best Ever Black Bean Soup

2 cans of seasoned black beans (drained, not rinsed)
1 can chicken broth
1 1/2 cups water
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves of garlic minced
2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cumin
White Rice (I used minute rice, follow instructions on box for 4 people)
In a large pot saute onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add chili powder and cumin and stir. Add remaining ingredients and let simmer for 15 mins. Take an immersion blender right into the pot so that some beans are blended and some remain in tact. Place a cup of rice in a bowl and pour in soup, garnish with fresh cilantro!

Crockpot Sausage Hoagies

2011-05-27T11:35:00.000-04:00

This recipe was shared by Janelle from Comfy In the Kitchen and instead of taking the time to write it down, I'm sharing it here! This sounds delicious and like a perfect Sunday after church supper or casual supper.

Crockpot Italian Sausage Hoagies

(makes 12- you may halve)
Italian sausage (12)
3 cups beef broth
water to cover
1 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp dijon mustard
1 onion (peppers if desired)
cooking spray
2 cups shredded swiss cheese
Place Italian sausage, beef broth, and water in a crockpot. Cook on high for 4-6 hours. You may place onions/peppers in the crockpot all together, or you can saute them separately. Combine dijon and mayo in a small bowl. Place Italian sausage on hoagie bun top with cheese and onions/peppers and dijon mayo.

Apricot Glazed Turkey Breast

2011-05-22T15:21:00.000-04:00

By mid May - I was ready for some baked turkey!! This recipe was perfect for a Sunday lunch.

1/2 cup apricot preserves
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp black pepper
dash salt
1 bone in turkey breast (5 lbs)

Combine preserves, vinegar, salt and pepper. Place turkey breast on a rack in a large shallow roasting pan. Bake uncovered at 325 for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until meal thermometer reads 170, basting every 30 minutes with apricot mixture. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly). Cover and stand 15 minutes before slicing.

Ham and Cheese Ziti

2011-04-13T11:02:00.001-04:00

Ham and Cheese Ziti
A crowd pleaser and versatile recipe you can change by using vegetables or cheeses of your choice!

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) ziti
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% milk
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded white cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Directions
Prepare ziti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in the cheeses, garlic powder and pepper; cook and stir until cheese is melted.

Drain ziti; add to sauce mixture. Stir in ham and spinach. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 6 servings.

Found at Taste of Home.

Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

2011-04-13T10:43:00.001-04:00

Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large pears peeled and sliced
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp ginger
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup warm water

Pour melted butter into a 9 inch square baking pan. Sprinkle with nuts and brown sugar. Arrange pears over nuts. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, cinnamon, salt, baking powder and soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition.

Spread batter over pears. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Serve warm with ice cream if desired.

Found at Taste of Home.

Christmas Bread

2010-12-07T13:58:00.000-05:00

Christmas Bread

18-1/2 oz. pkg. yellow cake mix
3-1/2 oz. pkg. instant pistachio pudding mix
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. oil
1/4 c. water
1 c. sour cream
1/4 c. sugar
1 t. cinnamon

Combine dry cake and pudding mixes, eggs, oil, water and sour cream. Pour into 2 greased 9"x5" loaf pans. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle sugar mixture on top of bread mixture; press firmly into bread before baking. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, or until center tests done. Makes 2 loaves.

Pumpkin Crunch

2010-11-14T21:10:00.000-05:00

1 package Yellow cake mix
1 can (15 oz.) solid pack pumpkin
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup nuts
1 cup butter, melted
Heat oven to 350°. Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bow. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture. Then sprinkle with nuts. Drizzle with butter. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until golden brown. Cool, served chilled. Serve with whipped topping.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

2010-11-01T11:26:00.000-04:00

Since we live in the deep south, hot chocolate is a rare treat. It just doesn't get cold that much to enjoy it that often. When we do indulge, it is usually done by heating a mug of milk in the microwave and adding an instant mix to it! I found a recipe for homemade hot chocolate made in the slow cooker over at Comfy In the Kitchen and knew that I had to put it here to come back to....when those cold nights arrive!

Homemade Hot Cocoa

(Serves 10)

3/4 cup sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp salt
1 cup hot water
1/2 gallon milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 8 oz whipped cream
*extra whipped cream or marshmallows to garnish
In a med/large pot on the stovetop (med/high heat) pour in hot water, sugar, cocoa powder and salt- whisk well. Add chocolate chips, whisk well until melted. Add milk and whisk again until well combined. Add vanilla and cinnamon then stir in whipped cream. Serve and garnish!
If you are making this in advance (for example, going caroling-etc.) simply place in the Crockpot on low heat -it will be waiting for you when you come in from the cold!!!!

Easiest Pumpkin Muffins

2010-10-27T10:43:00.000-04:00

Come Have A Peace shared a pumpkin muffin that is about the easiest I have ever seen! Since I love pumpkin, I had to get this recipe!

Easy Pumpkin Muffins

1 box of spice cake mix
1 c. of canned pumpkin (not pie mix, just pumpkin, so you can also do it yourself, if you can't find find canned pumpkin)
1/2 c. water

Mix ingredients together until you just see a few dry cake mix crumbs. Spray 12 muffin tins, and spoon batter into the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 24 min.

How easy is that??

Peanut Butter Bars

2010-10-09T15:45:00.000-04:00

Lip Smackin’ Peanut Butter Bars

3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 -1/2 cups flour
1 -1/2 cups oatmeal

————————-

FOR THE TOPPING:

¾ cups Peanut Butter
1 cup Granulated Sugar
½ cups Evaporated Milk
5 Tablespoons Butter
1 cup Milk Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and peanut butter. Add eggs and vanilla. Add soda and salt and mix until well blended. Add flour slowly, making sure it’s incorporated, but do not overmix. Stir in oatmeal by hand.

Spray a 15 x 10 jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spread mixture in a pan. (I wet my hand slightly and press the mixture evenly.) Cook at 350 degrees for 12 – 15 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from oven and immediately drop peanut butter (from the topping ingredient list) by teaspoonfuls evenly around the top. Allow to melt and spread smooth with a spatula. Allow to cool thoroughly.

In a small saucepan, bring sugar, evaporated milk, and butter to a full boil for 45 seconds. Remove from the heat and add the milk chocolate chips. Whisk until chocolate sauce is smooth. Pour evenly over bars and allow to set before cutting and serving.

Found at Make It Do

Luscious Four-Layer Pumpkin Cake

2010-10-09T13:49:00.000-04:00

1 pkg. (2-layer size) yellow cake mix

1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin, divided

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup oil

4 eggs

1-1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, divided

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping

1/4 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans

HEAT oven to 350°F.

BEAT cake mix, 1 cup pumpkin, milk, oil, eggs and 1 tsp. spice in large bowl with mixer until well blended. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9-inch round pans.

BAKE 28 to 30 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 min. Remove from pans to wire racks; cool completely.

BEAT cream cheese in medium bowl with mixer until creamy. Add sugar, remaining pumpkin and spice; mix well. Gently stir in COOL WHIP. Cut each cake layer horizontally in half with serrated knife; stack on serving plate, spreading cream cheese filling between layers. (Do not frost top layer.) Drizzle with caramel topping just before serving; top with nuts. Refrigerate leftovers.

Coffee Pumpkin Bread with Icing

2010-10-09T13:47:00.000-04:00

1 pkg. (14 oz.) pumpkin quick bread mix
1-1/4 cups brewed double-strength MAXWELL HOUSE Coffee, any variety, cooled, divided
4 squares BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, coarsely chopped
3 cups powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted

PREPARE bread batter as directed on package, substituting 1 cup of the coffee for the water. Stir in chocolate.

BAKE bread as directed on package. Remove from pan; cool completely.

BEAT sugar, remaining 1/4 cup coffee and the butter in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed until well blended. Spread onto bread. Cut into 16 slices to serve.

Kraft Kitchens TipsVariation Prepare batter as directed; pour evenly into 3 (5-3/4x3x1/2-inch) disposable mini loaf pans. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool and spread with icing as directed.

Apple Cake

2010-10-09T13:33:00.006-04:00

3 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup oil
1 cup chopped pecans
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
4 apples, peeled and chopped. (I like a tart apple, like granny smith or gala, both good)

Mix eggs, sugar vanilla & oil in bowl. Mix flour, soda, cinnamon and salt. Add apples & nuts to dry ingredients. Mix all together. Pour into well greased Bundt pan. Bake for 1/2 hours at 325. Cool for 15 minutes.
Caramel Sauce

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 butter (use real butter)
1/2 cup whipping cream
Bring to boil. Serve over slices of cake or turn cake onto serving dish, poke holes in and pour sauce over.

Recipe from More Than Conquerers

Taco Soup

2010-10-09T13:30:00.000-04:00

1/2 - 1 pound ground beef

1/2 onion
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 package dry ranch dressing mix
3 cans Rotel tomatoes (hot or mild, your choice)
1 can black beans
1 can ranch beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can corn

Brown ground beef with onion and drain if necessary. In a large pot add ground beef, onion, taco mix, ranch mix, Rotel, black beans, ranch beans, pinto beans and corn. DO NOT DRAIN any of the canned items. Cook until warmed through. Serve with tortilla chips and sour cream.

found over at Life In My Lane

Dr. Pepper Cupcakes

2010-09-20T08:50:00.000-04:00

I saw this recipe over at Coletta's Kitchen Sink and knew at once I needed to try it!

Chocolat and Dr. Pepper...how could you go wrong?

1 1/2 cups Dr. Pepper Soda

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 stick butter
4 Tablespoon cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk

In a pan, combine Dr. Pepper, oil, butter, and cocoa. Stir over medium heat. When it starts to simmer, turn of stove. Make sure it is well mixed.
Add all the dry ingredients, but don't over mix.
In a separate bowl, beat the buttermilk and eggs, then add it to the rest of the mix. Blend together.
Place batter in cupcake liners. (Fill the liners almost completely full. These don't rise much).
Bake at 350 for 16-18 minutes. Don't over-bake.

Buttercream Icing Recipe
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons milk
1/2 Tablespoon water
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 stick butter

Combine sugar, milk, water and vanilla.

In a pan, melt and stir together the chocolate chips, cocoa and butter.

Add melted chocolate mixture to the sugar mixture. Beat together until smooth and fluffy. You may need to add a little more milk if your mixture looks to crumbly. ( I had to add quite a bit more milk. Just add a little at a time until you get the consistency you desire.)

Top each cupcake with a well-drained Maraschino cherry. It added that sweet pop of cherry flavor.

Savory Slow-Roasted Chicken

2010-09-08T17:28:00.002-04:00

•1 whole large roasting chicken
•salt and pepper to taste

basting sauce:

•1 stick butter
•1 lemon, squeezed and zested
•1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
•1/2 tsp. yellow mustard
•1/2 tsp. vinegar
•dash Tabasco (or other hot sauce)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.

In sauce pan, combine all basting sauce ingredients, stir well, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring often.

Wash chicken and pat dry. Rub inside and out with salt and black pepper. Place on rack in roasting pan. Take baster and squirt all basting sauce over entire chicken, inside and out. Cover chicken with roasting pan cover or foil.

Put in 275 degree oven for 30 minutes, removing cover and basting twice.

After 30 minute cooking time, remove cover or foil and cook uncovered for 2 1/2 to 3 hours (depending on size of bird) at 275 degrees, basting every 30 minutes during this cooking time.

Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before carving.

This is a meal that you need to be actively involved in. You can’t just set the oven and walk away. The basting is what makes the chicken taste so wonderful. Plan to cook this meal when you’re busy in the kitchen or house anyway.

From Hillbilly Housewife

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

2010-08-31T12:18:00.000-04:00

Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

•2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast halves
•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.

From Hillbilly Housewife

Extra Special Rice Krispies

2010-08-14T14:33:00.000-04:00

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

4 cups miniature marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispies

1 cup butterscotch morsels

Melt butter and brown sugar in a large saucepan. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Remove from heat. Fold in Rice Krispies and toss until coated evenly. Stir in the butterscotch morsels. Spread into a greased 13X9 pan and flatten with spatula. Cover and chill one hour.

The butterscotch adds a delicious flavor to a timeless treat.

Breakfast Casserole

2010-07-29T11:05:00.000-04:00

1 cup fully cooked and drained ground sausage

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 & 2/3 cup milk

1/3 cup mayonaise

1 & 1/2 tsp prepared mustard

4 eggs

1 cup Bisquick baking mix

salt and pepper to taste

Sprinkle sausage and cheese in 9 inch baking pan. Beat remaining ingredients until smooth, pour into dish. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes before cutting. Serves 8

Lemonade Pie

2010-07-15T16:04:00.000-04:00

Here is a perfect dessert for a summer day. Light, fluffy and easy:

•1 graham cracker pie crust

•1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
•1 6-ounce can of frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed (could use a full, 12 oz. can if desired, but it will be strong).
•1 medium size (8 ounce) container of Cool Whip, thawed
Preparation:
Beat together condensed milk and lemonade; fold in Cool Whip. Pour into pie crust. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours until firm.

Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert Bars

2010-07-06T20:47:00.003-04:00

Here is a delicious, easy treat perfect for summer:

24 ice cream sandwiches
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (12 ounce) jar hot fudge sauce, warmed
Peanuts

Arrange 12 of the ice cream sandwiches in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Spread 1/2 of the whipped topping on top of the sandwiches. Spoon 1/2 of the hot fudge on top of the whipped topping. Sprinkle with peanuts.

Place remaining 12 ice cream sandwiches on top of the fudge, spread on the rest of the whipped topping, then finish the layers with the remaining hot fudge. Cover and place in the freezer for 2 hours to set. Let soften at room temperature briefly before cutting into squares

Booster Cookies

2010-06-18T13:13:00.000-04:00

1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup water
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350. Spray cookie sheets with non stick coating. In a large bowl, bet together brown sugar, egg and oil. Stir together flour, salt and baking soda and add to the sugar mixture, along with the water. Mix well and then stir in oats and nuts. Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets and bake 10 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.

Toffee Chip Dip

2010-06-18T12:59:00.000-04:00

Easy, delicious dip for fruit, pretzels etc.

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup toffee chips
1/2 cup brown sugar

Stir together all ingredients and serve as a dip.

Apple Zucchini Granola Bread

2010-06-18T12:58:00.000-04:00

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup wheat bran
1 T baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
5 eggs
1 1/2 cups canola oil
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 T vanilla
2 cups shredded zucchini
2 cups shredded apples
zest of 1 orange
2 cups granola

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two loaf pans with nonstick coating. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, wheat bran, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. In a large bowl, stir together eggs, oil, sugars, salt and vanilla. Beat until well blended. Stir zucchini, apples, orange zest and granola into wet mixture. Add the dry ingredients and stir until moistened. Spread mixture in prepared loaf pans. Bake 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Squash Casserole

2010-06-12T15:10:00.000-04:00

4 cups sliced yellow squash
1/2 cup chopped oniions

35 buttery round crackers, crushed

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

2 eggs, beaten

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup butter, melted

1 teaspoon salt

ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Place squash and onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in a small amount of water.

Cover, and cook until squash is tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well, and place in a large bowl.

In a medium bowl, mix together cracker crumbs and cheese. Stir half of the cracker mixture into the cooked squash and onions. In a small bowl, mix together eggs and milk, then add to squash mixture. Stir in 1/4 cup melted butter, and season with salt and pepper. Spread into a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Sprinkle with remaining cracker mixture, and dot with 2 tablespoons butter.

Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Lime Pepper Salmon

2010-06-06T13:41:00.000-04:00

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Cut two 12-inch square sheets of aluminum foil. Grease the shiny side of the foil with the olive oil. Place two fillets side by side on each square, and fold up the outer edges. Drizzle one tablespoon lime juice over each fillet. Season with salt and pepper. Fold and pinch the aluminum foil tightly to create a watertight seal around each pair of fillets. Make sure the packets are airtight by pressing down gently with your hand. If air escapes easily, rewrap. Bake foil-wrapped packets in a preheated 400 F oven for 12 minutes.

Fresh Strawberry Upside Down Cake

2010-05-28T08:59:00.001-04:00

Ingredients

2 cups crushed fresh strawberries crushed
1 (6 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin mix
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1 (18 ounce) package yellow cake mix, batter prepared as directed on package

Directions

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Spread crushed strawberries on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan. Evenly sprinkle strawberries with the dry gelatin powder, and top with mini marshmallows.
Prepare the cake mix as directed on the package, and pour on top of the marshmallows. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 to 50 minutes. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the pan to loosen the sides, and turn the cake out onto a serving tray. Store cake in the refrigerator.

Sweet and Sour Baked Chicken

2010-05-28T06:29:00.000-04:00

Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Chicken pieces - boneless breast, boneless thighs etc.

seasoning - salt and pepper, season salt or rotisserie seasoning

1 bottle sweet and sour sauce

Place chicken in baking pan and sprinkle with seasoning. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and pour sweet and sour sauce over the chicken pieces. Bake an additional 15 minutes or until juices run clear.

Chicken Piccata

2010-05-26T12:24:00.000-04:00

Over at A Little Bit of Everything, I saw this recipe for Chicken Piccata. Never heard of it, but the ingredients looked good and preparation looked easy! I did a few tweaks and found the most flavorful, moist and delicious chicken dinner - perfect for a quick, weeknight meal!

Ingredients:

2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts, pound to 1/8 inch thickness (4 breasts)

(I cut each breast into about 4 small pieces )

salt and pepper

seasoned salt and pepper

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tbsps. butter

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup dry white wine or white cooking wine

2 medium lemons

parsley

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Heat oil and butter in a 12 inch pan over medium high heat.

Brown chicken breasts on both sides, removing pieces as they brown.

Reduce heat to low and stir in broth and wine - scraping bottom of pan to loosen brown bits.

Return chicken to pan, cover and simmer 15 minutes until fork tender.

Remove zest from one lemon and cut lemon in half; squeeze to remove juice Thinly slice the other lemon.

Remove chicken breasts from pan and keep warm.

Stir lemon juice and zest into liquid; add slices of lemon. Heat to boiling. Spoon liquid over chicken and sprinkle with parsley.

Give-a-way Winner..

2010-05-01T17:57:00.000-04:00

Thank you for your visits to my cooking blog, I'm hoping to give it a little more attention in the future. This was my first giveaway and the winner picked by random number was Courtney!! Congratulations Courtney,

If you have never visited Women Living Well which is Courtney's blog, you must go over. It is a great source of encouragment to me, filled with practical tips to grow in the Lord and as a woman of God along with wayt to enhance the home and care for the family. Courtney, I hope that you enjoy your gift certificate.
Thank you again for participating and please come back and watch for new recipes!

Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole

2010-04-16T12:22:00.001-04:00

This quick and easy chicken noodle casserole combines three of the best ingredients around: cheese, chicken and noodles. This casserole is fun to make and delicious to eat.

Ingredients

2 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
¹/2 can cream of chicken soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
¹/4 pound Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
¹/2 a bag egg noodles
1 can corn
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
¹/2 tablespoon parsley flakes
1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Cook egg noodles in boiling water till chewy.
Cook chicken in olive oil, and salt till chicken is not pink in middle, then drain oil.
Combine cream of chicken soup, egg noodles, and chicken till boiling.
Reduce heat, and add Velveeta cheese, corn, and pepper. Cook until all of Velveeta is melted. Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley flakes.

A Giveaway!!

2010-04-15T10:40:00.000-04:00

This little cooking blog gets neglected often as most of our family activities and encouragement for women is posted at my main blog Joyfull Living. But to help liven this blog up I am offeriing a giveaway. To enter simply leave a comment and a random winner will be picked on Saturday June 1. Deadline to enter is April 30.

The prize is for you to choose! Home Bars is launching a new store and if you are in need of furnishings to entertain, this place has what you need. If this is not what you are needing right now, surely you can find a treasure at CNS Stores. They have everything from home decor to the ultimate gift finder. If you win the giveaway, you will receive a $45.00 shopping spree!

Don't forget, enter by April 30 and a winner will be picked June 1!

Fruit Salad

2010-04-04T13:17:00.001-04:00

If you are looking for a delicious fruit salad, here is the recipe for you! This fruit salad is light and flavorful with a great tasting sauce. Perfect to take when you need a quick and simple dish for a special dinner an event.

2 red apples, cored and diced - (do not peel)

2 cans mandarin orange drained (do not keep juice)

1 med. jar marashino cherries, drained, (do not keep juice)

1 large can chunk pineapple, drained (reserve juice)

1 cup blueberries

1 cup pecans

1 small box vanilla instant pudding

4 tsp. Tang breakfast instant drink mix

Mix fruit together in a bowl. Mix pinapple juice, pudding and Tang with a fork or wire whip until thick. Pour over the above fruit and marinate overnight. Just before serving cut up 2 bananas and mix in the pecans and stir gently to mix.

Butterscotch Sticky Buns

2010-03-22T10:48:00.000-04:00

Ingredients

5 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided
2 packages crescent rolls (8 oz each)
12 ounces butterscotch morsels, divided
¹/2 cup pecans, chopped
¹/4 cup sugar
1 ¹/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 ¹/2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375F.
Melt 2 tbsp butter in 13 x 9 baking pan.
Unroll crescent rolls, separate into 16 triangles.
Sprinkle triangles with 1 1/2 cups butterscotch morsels.
Starting at shortest side, roll up each triangle, arrange in prepared pan.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
In small heavy saucepan over low heat, melt remaining butterscotch morsels with remaining butter, stirring until smooth, remove from heat.
Stir in pecans, sugar, lemon juice, water and cinnamon.
Pour over hot rolls and return to oven.
Bake for 5 minutes or until bubbly.
To prevent sticking, immediately loosen buns from pan. Cool 10 minutes

Maple Butterscotch Brownies

2010-03-03T11:33:00.000-05:00

I found a delicious recipe for Butterscotch Brownies over at Finding Joy In My Kitchen. I added a few tweaks to it and these were a hit at my house! This is a small pan recipe 8X8 and can be a quick and easy dessert.

1/4 C butter
1 C packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. maple flavoring
2 T milk
1 egg
1 C white wheat flour ( I used 1/2 cup white flour & 1/2 cup wheat flour)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cups walnuts

Lightly grease a 8x8 inch baking dish. In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Then, remove from the burner and add in the brown sugar, vanilla, maple flavoring, milk and egg. Then, mix in the flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in nuts. Spread into the baking dish. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan on a wire rack. Then cut and serve warm.

Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes

2010-03-03T11:25:00.003-05:00

Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes

A recipe from Comfort Foods cookbook

2 T. all-purpose flour
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
4 c. potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2/3 c. sweet onion, thinly sliced
2 T. butter, sliced
1-1/2 c. milk
Garnish: paprika

Mix together flour, salt and pepper; set aside. In a greased 2-quart casserole dish, layer half each of potatoes, onion, flour mixture and butter. Repeat layering with remaining potatoes, onion, flour mixture and butter. Set aside. Heat milk just to boiling and pour over top; sprinkle with paprika. Bake, covered, at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes. Serves 8.

Cream Cheese Brownies

2010-02-27T12:56:00.000-05:00

Do you need an extra special brownie? These are easy, delicious brownies with a special touch!

1 (20-23 oz.) pkg. brownie mix (pecans, optional)
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/3 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Prepare brownie mix as directed on package. Reserve 1/2 cup of batter. Cream cream cheese and sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Spread brownie batter (minus 1/2 cup) on bottom of a greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Cover with cream cheese mixture. Spoon on 1/2 cup brownie batter and swirl. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Easy!

Crunchy Ranch Chicken

2010-02-19T09:36:00.001-05:00

I must be way behind, but I didn't know that Gooseberry Patch had a blog! On the blog they share a Speedy Supper. I have tried a similar recipe for Ranch Chicken and it was delicious!

Crunchy Ranch Chicken

8-1/2 oz. pkg. cornbread
    muffin mix
1-oz. pkg. ranch salad
    dressing mix
1 c. milk
6 boneless, skinless
    chicken breasts
2 T. oil

Combine cornbread mix and salad dressing mix in a large plastic zipping bag; set aside. Pour milk into a shallow bowl. Dip chicken into milk; place in cornbread mixture and shake to coat. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken; cook until golden on both sides, about 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until juices run clear. Serves 6.

Oven Fried Chicken

2010-02-02T20:09:00.000-05:00

Oven Fried Chicken

I have heard of oven fried chicken for years, but never have tried it. I had it in my mind that it could never be as good as fried chicken. I gave it a try tonight and it was delicious!

8 boneless chicken thighs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup bread crumbs
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp onion powder

Preheat oven to 400. Coat a wire rack with non stick spray. Place the rack on a foil lined baking sheet.

Pour the buttermill in a shallow bowl. Put bread crumbs in another bowl. Combine the spices, put 1 tsp into the bread crumbs and the rest into the buttermilk. Dip the chicken in the buttermilk then the break crumbs. Place the chicken on the prepared rack, coat with a light dusting of cooking spray. Bake for 15 minutes, turn the chicken over, spray with cooking spray on that side adn bake 15 minutes more or until golden brown.

Chocolate Toffee Cream Cake

2010-01-22T09:23:00.003-05:00

Lisa made this delicious looking cake and shared the recipe at Stop and Smell the Chocolates. It sure looks like a winner. Here is the recipe:

Chocolate Toffee Cream Cake (from Duncan Hines)

1 pkg. Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix
3 eggs
1 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 (6 oz.) pkg. milk chocolate English toffee bits, divided
1 (12 oz) container extra creamy non-dairy whipped topping, thawed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-in. round cake pans.

Blend cake mix, eggs, water and oil in large mixing bowl until moistened. Beat at medium speed with electric mixer for 4 min. Pour into prepared pans. Bake 30-33 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 15 min. Remove from pans. Cool completely. Reserve 1/4 cup toffee bits; fold remaining bits into whipped topping. Place one cake layer on serving plate; spread with 3/4 cup topping mixture. Top with remaining layer. Frost sides and top with remaining topping mixture; garnish with reserved chips. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Quick Made From Scratch Rolls

2010-01-08T12:36:00.000-05:00

2 - 2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 pkg. or 1 Tbsp. yeast
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp. margarine

Mix 3/4 cup flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Heat milk, water and margarine until very warm (120° - 130°). Add to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes on medium speed. Add 1/4 cup flour. Beat 2 minutes on high. Stir in enough flour to make a stiff dough. Knead 2-3 minutes. Place in a greased bowl. Let rise 15 minutes. Divide dough into 12 pieces and shape into balls. Place in an 8 inch round cake pan. Let rise 15 minutes. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes. Makes 12 rolls.

Homeade Chicken Soup

2010-01-04T13:43:00.003-05:00

I finally nailed it! The best pot of chicken soup ever! Yeah....

Here are the ingredients:

Cooked chicken
onion
celery
chopped carrots
garlic
crushed red pepper
chicken bouillon cube
can of chicken broth
can of cream of chicken soup
egg noodles
parsley
dash of turmeric
chicken stock if available (can use broth from boiling chicken or juice from baked chicken with fat skimmed off)

In a large pot put chicken stock, chicken bouillon cube and about 1 cup of water. Add chopped onion, celery, carrots and garlic and simmer until vegetables begin to get tender. Add chicken, cream of chicken soup, egg noodles and crushed red pepper and cook until noodles are done. Add turmeric to add color and a dash of parsley to garnish.

Make a large pot of this soup and freeze in individual portions. This is a great comfort food for cold weather and helpful for those suffering from colds or sickness.

Pineapple Ginger Pork Chops

2010-01-04T07:57:00.000-05:00

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare. You can have this dish table ready in half an hour. The sauce with this dish makes it perfect with rice, also easy and quick to prepare. Steam some broccoli for a side dish and you have a delicious meal to serve your family or friends in half an hour.

1 can (20 oz) unsweetened pineapple tidbits

1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

4 bone-in pork loin chops

1 Tbsp. butter 1/2 cup orange juice

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

1/8 tsp. salt

1/4 cup water

Drain pineapple, reserving 1/4 cup of the juice; set aside. (Refrigerate remaining juice for other uses.)

Combine the pepper and ginger; rub it over both sides of the chops.

In a skillet, melt the butter, add the pork chops and brown for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Add orange juice, 1 cup of the pineapple, and the 1/4 cup of reserved pineapple juice. Bring skillet mixture to a boil. Reduce heat; cover the skillet and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the meat is tender and cook through.

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and keep warm.

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, and water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the pan juices and bring to a boil. Cook and stir for a couple of minutes until thickened.

Serve mixture over the pork chops.

Slow Cooker Mexican Chcken

2010-01-02T11:30:00.002-05:00

Here is an easy, delicious slow cooker recipe that can cook all day and be ready when you are ready for supper!

Mexican Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken pieces, amount needed to feed your family..(recipe is very flexible)

*sprinkle with salt/pepper or desired seasoning salt or mixture.
2 cups frozen corn
2 to 3 cups cooked beans ( pintos, black beans, red beans or a mix of all. You can cook the beans the day before or at night in the crockpot before bed so they will be ready in the morning)
1 can of Rotel spicy tomatoes
Cheese, grated

Place everything in the crockpot in order given except for cheese. Cook on low for about 8 hours. Sprinkle cheese over the top about one hour before serving. Serve over rice.

Festive Oatmeal Cookies/Fruitcake Cookies

2009-12-19T16:31:00.004-05:00

Here is a recipe for delicious oatmeal cookies which can also be used for festive fruitcake cookies! Perfect for Christmas!

1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp each: nutmeg, ground cloves, allspice (if desired)
3 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup chopped walnuts
1-2 cups candied fruit (for fruit cake cookies)
*mix fruit with 1/4 cup flour to prevent lumping or sticking

Cream together sugars and butter. Add eggs and vanilla. In separate bowl, combine flour, spices, baking soda and salt. Stir into creamed mixture. Mix in oats and nuts. For fruit cake cookies, add fruit. Cover and chill dough for at least one hour.

Preheat oven to 350. Grease cookie sheets. Roll dough into balls and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. For fruit cake cookies, you can add a whole candied cherry for garnish. Bake 8-10 minutes Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.

Festive Filled Bars

2009-12-06T13:36:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:

2 cups oats..uncooked
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter melted
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 1/2 cups plain M&M's
1 can Eagle Brand Milk

Combine oats, flour, nuts, sugar, soda and salt-mix well, add butter,mix until dry ingredients are thoroughly moistened and mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 1/2 cups...press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom of greased 15 1/2x10 1/2in.pan...bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

Melt shortening in saucepan until warm, add 1 cup candies; continue cooking over very low heat stirring constantly with metal spoon and pressing candies with back of spoon to break up. Chocolate mixture will almost be melted , remove from heat...stir in Eagle Brand Milk..mixing well.

Spread over partially baked crust to within 1/2in. of edge. Combine reserved crumb mixture and remaining candies..sprinkle evenly over choc mixture pressing on lightly..continue baking about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool thoroughly..cut into bars

Chocolate Toffee Almond Squares

2009-12-06T13:26:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
2 cups oats
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup butter
1 pkg chocolate chips
1 cup slivered almonds
1 SKOR toffee bits
1 1/3 cups caramel sundae sauce
½ cup flour

Crust: Combine first four ingredients in mixing bowl. Add melted butter. Mix well.Reserve 1 ¼ cups of the mixture for topping. Press remainder into greased 9” X 13” cake pan. Bake at 350 F for 12 min. or until light golden.

Second Layer: Combine baking chips, almonds and toffee bits. Sprinkle evenly over base.

Third Layer: Mix together sundae sauce and flour until smooth. Pour evenly over chip mixture.Topping: Sprinkle reserved oat mixture on top.

Bake 20 – 25 min. longer, or until golden. Cool completely. Cut into 48 squares with a sharp knife.

Herbed Pork Roast

2009-12-05T09:39:00.003-05:00

3 pound pork loin roast

1 package Italian salad dressing mix

1 1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 1/2 tsp dried oregano

vegetables for roast (carrots, potatoes, onions, mushrooms, bell peppers) cut into chunks

Heat oven to 350. Place pork in roasting pan. Blend Italian dressing mix, cumin and oregano in small bowl. Sprinkle half of mixture over pork and bake uncovered for 1 1/2 hours or until internal thermometer registers 160. Remove from oven and let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Coat a baking dish with cooking spry and add vegetables. Sprinkle with remaining spice mixture, cover and bake 30 minutes. Remove cover, stir and roast for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

*You may also add vegetables to roast pan after roast has baked 1 hour.

Cherry Cobbler Muffins

2009-11-14T12:32:00.001-05:00

1 Can Cherry Pie Filling
1 Tsp. Lemon Juice
1/2 Tsp. Almond Extract
1 1/2 Cups Flour
1/3 Cup Sugar
1 1/2 Tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp. Soda
1/4 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans
1 Egg
2 Tbsp. Butter, Melted
1 1/4 Cups Buttermilk
Cinnamon Sugar for topping

Separate one cup cherries from pie filling. Add lemon juice and almond extract. Set aside. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt and cinnamon. Blend in pecans. In another bowl, whisk egg with melted butter and buttermilk. Add to dry ingredients, mixing together lightly. Fill muffin cups one-half full. Drop two cherries into each muffin cup, then cover with batter. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon sugar and bake until lightly browned.Bake at 375 degrees 20-22 minutes

Autumn Pork Chops

2009-11-07T15:21:00.002-05:00

4 boneless pork chops
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1/4 cup apple juice or cider
1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
2 T. honey
2 T. frozen orange juice concentrate
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

In a non stick large frying pan, spray cooking spray or oil pan. Place pork chops in pan and sprinkle with pepper on both sides. Brown chops in pan and add apple juice or cider. Cover and cook over low heat 5 or 6 minutes or until chops are just done. Drain juices. In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce, honey, orange juice and spices. Pour over chops and cook for about 2 minutes or until heated through.

Cranberry Salad

2009-11-03T16:43:00.002-05:00

This recipe is a must have for the upcoming holidays. It adds color and sparkle to any menu!

6 ounces Package Raspberry Gelatin
2 cups Boiling Water
16 ounces Can Jellied Cranberry Sauce
8 ounces Can Crushed Pineapple
3/4 cup Orange Juice
1 tablespoon Lemon Or Lime Juice
1/2 cup Chopped Pecans Or Walnuts

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Break up and stir in cranberry sauce, undrained pineapple, orange juice, lemon juice, and nuts. Pour into a pretty serving dish or a large mold sprayed lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Chill until firm. Tip mold over onto a plate to unmold.

Taco Soup

2009-11-03T09:51:00.004-05:00

This is the time of year I spent a little more time in the kitchen. Soups are a favorite cool weather meal for my family. This recipe can be made in the slow cooker and simmer all day! Add a salad and bread and you have a quick and easy meal!

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, with liquid
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans with liquid
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, with liquid
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups water
2 (14.5 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef until browned over medium heat. Drain, and set aside. Place the ground beef, onion, chili beans, kidney beans, corn, tomato sauce, water, diced tomatoes, green chile peppers and taco seasoning mix in a slow cooker. Mix to blend, and cook on low setting for 8 hours.

Acorn Squash Souffle

2009-11-02T11:54:00.002-05:00

Acorn squash is a great source of beta carotene and is full of nutritional benefits. It is also a great side dish for autumn meals!

3/4 lb acorn squash (about 2 small ones)
4 T. brown sugar
4 tsp. ground cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
1 large egg, separated, plus one egg white
1/8 teaspoon salt
dash of ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400. Wash squash and cut in half. Using a spoon, scrape out seeds. Place squash halves skin side down in 1/2 inch water in baking dish and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully turn over. Place 1 tablespoon butter in each half. Bake again for 30 minutes or until tender. Cool for 30 minutes.
Remove from baking dish and pour butter out into mixing bowl. Carefully scoop out flesh from each squash and place in same bowl. Puree the squash with reserved butter, sugar, spices and egg yolk in blender or with mixer. Whip egg whites (2) with the salt until stiff peaks form. Fold into puree. Pour souffle mixture back into squash skin halves and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

Oatmeal Crispies

2009-10-30T11:00:00.002-04:00

These cookies have turned out to be my husband's favorite. They are light, tasty and filling.

1 cup shortening (or butter)
1 cup brown sugar packed
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans)

In a large mixing bowl mix shortening with both sugars until creamy.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs together and add vanilla. Add to shortening and butter mixture.

In a separate bowl combine flour, salt and baking soda. Slowly mix into the shortening mixture until well combined. Stir in the quick oats until well blended and then add nuts and mix well.

Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in waxed paper in log shape. You can freeze one half or refrigerate for several days.

When you are ready to bake, slice the dough and place on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Peppermint Cake

2009-10-26T13:58:00.002-04:00

I saw this recipe today and wanted to share it before the busyness of the Christmas season got here!

Peppermint Cake
A festive dessert for the family or to share during holiday parties.

Peppermint Cake Recipe

2 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup milk
4 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9″ round cake pan with nonstick vegetable spray. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and softened butter with a mixer at medium speed. Whisk in the applesauce, milk, egg whites and vanilla extract. Add flour mixture to the applesauce mixture and stir until well combined. Pour batter into your prepared cake pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cake on a wire rack. Once cool, split the cake in half horizontally to make 2 cakes.

Peppermint Frosting

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 tablespoons peppermint starlight candies, crushed

Tip: To crush candies, place 6 of them in a plastic zipper close bag and then wrap the bag in a clean dry kitchen towel. Use a maillot to smash candies.

In the top of a double boiler, whisk together granulated sugar, water, egg whites and cream of tartar. Cook over simmering water for 4 minutes or until mixture is hot and sugar is dissolved (do not boil). Remove from heat. Stir in peppermint extract. Beat with an electric mixer at high speed for 3 minutes or until mixture forms stiff peaks.

Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting on top of the layer. Top with the second layer and spread frosting on the top and sides of the cake. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on the top and sides of cake.

Chicken Chili

2009-10-19T10:26:00.000-04:00

CHICKEN CHILI
For white bean chili, use all white northern beans - easy to make from dried beans. Soak overnight, pour off water and rinse, add fresh water and simmer until soft. Add salt only after the cooking, since adding salt beforehand will require longer cooking.

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 large onions, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
3 cloves minced garlic
4 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans, drained,rinsed (or cooked dried kidney beans)
2 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1 (8 oz.) can diced green chiles
2 cups water
2 Tbsp. cilantro
1 Tbsp. sweet basil
1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin

Cut chicken into bite-size pieces and brown in a saucepan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Add remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is tender. Serves 10. If this amount is more than needed for your family, freeze the rest for another quick and easy meal.

Banana Bread

2009-10-17T17:55:00.002-04:00

Everyone needs a good banana bread recipe to hold on to. This one is simple and delicious!

3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°. With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. (Additional spices may be added - cinnamon, nutmeg or ground cloves for added flavor). Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

This is a versatile recipe, can add walnuts, chocolate chips etc.

Ham and Rice

2009-09-12T21:06:00.004-04:00

In the early days of homemaking, I was a very inexperienced cook. Recipes consisted of exact directions with no creativity at all! My sister in law was the exact opposite and could whip up a delicious meal with ingredients I would never thought would go together. She showed me this easy dish which is a great way to use leftover ham. This recipe works best with a bone in ham. Oh, and through the years, I've learned a few things to add to add creativity to my dishes!! This is one of my sons favorite meals:

Ham and Rice

Place ham bone with meat still on it in a pot 1/2 filled with water. Add chopped onions and a bay leaf if desired. Cook to boiling and cover pot. Boil about 20 minutes or until meat is fork tender. Pull ham off bone with a fork. Add 1 to 1/2 cups of rice, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove lid and fluff with fork. The ham juices and bone flavor the rice wonderfully!

Blueberry Crumb Pie

2009-09-12T21:02:00.002-04:00

This down home blueberry pie is made with sour cream and fresh or frozen blueberries. The recipe comes from Southern Food. I made it this week and it is out of this world!

Ingredients:
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
.
Pecan Topping:
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons soft butter or margarine
3 tablespoons chopped pecans (I used walnuts and it turned out fine!)

Preparation:
In a mixing bowl, beat together sour cream, 2 tablespoons of flour, sugar, vanilla, salt, and egg until smooth, about 4 to 5 minutes. Gently fold in blueberries. Pour into the pie crust and bake at 400° for 25 minutes.
Combine the 3 tablespoons of flour, margarine, and pecans, mixing well. Sprinkle pecan mixture over the top of the pie; return to oven and bake 10 minutes longer. Let cool. Chill before serving. Serves 8 to 10.

Berry Mandarin Tossed Salad

2009-08-19T14:44:00.002-04:00

I am a salad lover! I can also make up a pretty mean salad. At a luncheon this salad was prepared and it beat any salad I have ever made! It is delicious. You will LOVE this recipe!

Dressing
1/4 cup sugar
2 T cider vinegar
2 T honey
1 & 1/4 tsp lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon grated onion
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
dash salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil ( I use olive oil)

Salad
8 cups torn mixed salad greens
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 can (11 oz.) mandarin oranges, drained
1 medium sweet onion, sliced into rings or chopped
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/3 cup chopped walnuts (if desired)

In 2 cup bowl, combine first nine ingredients. Microwave on high for 1 & 1/2 to 2 minutes, stir until sugar is dissolved. Whisk in oil. Cover and refrigerate until serving. In a large salad bowl, combine salad, fruit, onions, almonds, walnuts and bacon. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss to coat. Yield 12-14 servings.

Apple Crumb Pie

2009-08-07T10:31:00.003-04:00

This recipe came from Taste of Home, does it get any better than that??!!!

Apple Crumb Pie

INGREDIENTS

* Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches)
* 6 cups chopped peeled tart apples (about 6 medium)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 2 tablespoons sour cream
* 4 teaspoons lemon juice
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* TOPPING:
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/4 cup cold butter

DIRECTIONS

Line a 9-in. pie plate with pastry; flute edges and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the apples, butter, sour cream, lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Spoon into pastry shell.
For topping, in a large bowl, combine flour and sugar; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over filling.
Bake at 375° for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the apples are tender. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: 8 servings.

Buffalo Grilled Chicken

2009-07-25T14:25:00.002-04:00

My guys love buffalo chicken wings. But we can devour a 5 lb bag in one setting! Here is a delicious recipe using chicken breasts and it delivers that great buffalo flavor.

1 T cornstarch
1 tsp seasoned salt
large zip lock bag
2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup Frank's buffalo wing sauce

Place cornstarch and seasoned salt in zip lock bag and shake to mix. Add chicken, seal and shake to coat. Add wing sauce, seal tightly and knead bag to coat completely. For more intense flavor, let sit at least one hour.

Place chicken on grill and cook until edges are crisp and internal temperature is 165.

Chicken Alfredo Bake

2009-07-10T11:41:00.003-04:00

Quick, easy and delicious! This is a thrown together creation that turned out great! The measurements are not specific, but judge amounts for your desired serving size.

1 pack boneless chicken breasts
onion and green bell pepper
frozen broccoli
pasta
jar of alfredo sauce

Slice chicken breasts into bite size chunks. Cook in pan seasoned with salt/pepper and any desired seasoning. Chop onion and green pepper and cook with the chicken.

Boil pasta in salted water. During last five minutes add frozen broccoli. Drain.

Mix chicken, pasta and broccoli together, add jar of alfredo sauce. Place in baking dish, top with parmasean cheese if desired. Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Blueberry Muffins

2009-07-01T17:08:00.003-04:00

Since there are some fresh blueberries in the freezer, I made up a batch of blueberry muffins!

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 T baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
4 T - 1/2 stick butter
1 egg
3/4 cup + 2 T milk
1 cup blueberries

Preheat oven to 375. Sift flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Stir in sugar. In a separate bowl whisk until just blended butter, egg and milk. (mixture should be slightly lumpy). Add blueberries to bowl and stir them in just enough to combine. Pour into muffin baking pan.

Don't leave this part out!
mix
2T butter
2 T brown sugar
1 T flour
1 T nuts
You can adjust amount to desired amount. Mix together until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of muffin dough before baking.

Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Super Summer Supper

2009-06-19T19:28:00.003-04:00

When the weather is so hot, it's hard to think of a supper that is good. Here is a light, tasty dish and super easy!
Ranch & Bacon Pasta Salad with Ham

Take 1 box of ranch/bacon Suddenly Salad and make according to directions. You simply boil the pasta, mix mayonnaise with seasoning mix which is included.

I added chopped ham and mixed in and served over a bed of lettuce. You could add chicken or tuna also.

Peanut Butter Brownies

2009-06-01T16:30:00.001-04:00

These are melt in your mouth delicious! Rich, fudgy with that glorious blend of peanut butter and brownie!

1 box brownie mix for a 13x9” pan
1/2 C. butter, softened
1/2 C. creamy peanut butter
2 C. powdered sugar
1 tabl. milk
1 C. semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 C. butter

Preheat oven to 350. Grease bottom and sides of a 13x9” pan with cooking spray. Mix brownies according to package directions. Bake for approx. 25 minutes at package temperature or until a toothpick comes out almost clean. Cool completely. In medium bowl, mix the next 4 ingredients with mixer on medium until smooth. Spread mixture evenly over brownies. In a small microwaveable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and butter on medium heat 30-60 seconds; stir until smooth, microwave longer if needed. Cool 10 minutes; spread over peanut butter filling. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set and serve.

Blonde Brownies

2009-05-21T16:14:00.004-04:00

These are easy to make and so delicious, chewy and gooey!!

1 stick butter
1 box light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 3/4 cup self rising flour
1 cup pecans
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 325. Grease 9X13 pan. Melt butter, add brown sugar and mix with spoon. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Add flour and nuts. Spread into pan and bake 25-30 minutes.

Caramel Dream Bars

2009-04-20T17:23:00.001-04:00

Here is a quick and easy, delicious dessert!

1 yellow cake mix
1/3 cup butter
1 egg
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup pecans
1/2 cup toffee chips

Grease a13X9 pan. Combine cake mix, butter and 1 egg. Mix until crumbly. Press down into pan. Beat can of milk, egg and vanilla. Stir in pecans and toffee chips. Pour over cake mixture in pan. Bake at 350 for 25-35 minutes.

Cheese Bread

2009-04-02T16:34:00.002-04:00

If you want to add a special touch to any dinner - add some cheese bread. It is so easy, take any bread - I found some sub rolls we didn't finish, you can use french bread, buns, really anything:

Spread with butter

sprinkle with garlic powder or garlic salt

sprinkle with Italian seasoning or parsley

top with cheese - provolone or mozzarella work well, but cheddar or cheese slices will also work

Bake in 350 oven until brown and bubbly

Marinated Beef Ribs

2009-03-14T12:40:00.002-04:00

These ribs are so tender and packed full of flavor!

Marinade:
1 cup soy sauce
4 T brown sugar
2 T green onions
1 T chopped/minced garlic
1 tsp ginger
black pepper

Mix marinade together and in a gallon sized Ziploc bag, add ribs and make sure marinade covers them. Place in refrigerator and leave at least 2 hours, turning bag occasionally.

Prepare a baking dish by lining with foil. Pour ribs with marinade into pan. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes and then reduce oven heat to 325. Baste ribs with juices, cover pan and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until fork tender.

Twice Baked Potatoes

2009-02-06T11:46:00.002-05:00

Wrap desired number of potatoes in foil and bake until tender.

Unwrap and let cool about 30 minutes. Slice each potato in half and scoop out pulp, leaving the potato skin intact. Mash potato pulp with butter, salt and pepper, sour cream, milk, shredded cheese, bacon bits and green onions. Use as much of these ingredients as you like and omit the ones you don't like.

Spoon potato mixture into the potato skins and bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 350.

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

2009-01-05T13:20:00.002-05:00

If there is one thing I have learned by living with four boys, it is that they like to eat and to eat hearty. Here is one of their favorite breakfasts:

Sausage Gravy over Biscuits.
(and there is an easy way to do this!)

Brown 1 tube of pan sausage. Drain and place on paper towel lined plate.
You can either purchase a pack of instant gravy mix (country gravy or peppered gravy). You will want to put the mix in the frying pan used for the sausage and add 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup water and cook according to directions...
Or you can spoon some flour, butter and milk into the pan and stir until thick. Season with salt and pepper.
Once the gravy is made, add the sausage to the gravy and simmer for about 5 minutes. Spoon over biscuits. (Frozen biscuits are ok!)

Taco Bake

2008-12-26T13:34:00.002-05:00

This is a great crowd pleasing recipe. Served with tortilla chips or "scoops", it is a finger food that is filling and delicious!

2 - 8oz cream cheese bars
1 lb. Hamburger
1 pack dry taco mix
1 med size jar salsa
1 package shredded cheese - cheddar or fiesta blend

Spread softened cream cheese in the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish. Brown hamburger, add dry taco mix and salsa, stir and simmer about 5 minutes. Spoon hamburger mix on top of cream cheese, top with cheese. Bake at 350 about 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Serve with chips.

Hot Pineapple Casserole

2008-12-19T18:40:00.003-05:00

This is one of those dishes that is not just "good", it is melt in your mouth delicous! It is a perfect compliment to any meal.

1 lg. can chunk pineapple
1/2 c. sugar
2 tbsp. flour
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
1 c. bread crumbs
2 tbsp. butter
Cook juice from pineapple, sugar and flour to boiling. Boil 1 or 2 minutes. Add chunk pineapple and cheese. Put in 8 x 8 inch baking dish. Melt butter, mix with bread crumbs, sprinkle on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

Pineapple Crusted Ham

2008-12-15T13:09:00.002-05:00

The pineapple topping on this ham makes it stand out! This is a perfect main dish for the holidays.

1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup applesauce
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 (5- to 6-pound) fully cooked semi-boneless cured ham

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil then coat with nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except ham; mix well. Place ham in roasting pan. Pat pineapple mixture over ham, coating completely.

Bake 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours, or until heated through and coating is crisp and brown, spooning pineapple mixture over ham every 20 minutes. Slice and serve.

Pumpkin Cake

2008-12-04T13:02:00.002-05:00

I have a cousin who has brought this cake to a family function twice and it is so delicious. She shared the recipe with me and it turned out wonderful.

4 Eggs
1 Cup Oil
2 Cups White Sugar
15 oz. Can of Pumpkin
2 Cups All Purpose Flour2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Salt
2+ tsp. Cinnamon1
/2+ tsp. Ginger
1/2+ tsp. Cloves
1/2+ tsp. Nutmeg

Preheat oven 350* Mix first four ingredients. Mix together dry ingredients then add to pumpkin mixture. Pour into greased and floured pan. I use 14" x 10" and bake for 25-30 minutes. They can also be baked as cupcakes.

ICING: Beat 8 oz. cream cheese until softened. Add 1/4 cup butter or margerine and 1 tsp. vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add half a box of powered sugar (aprox. 2 cups).Beat until smooth.
Spead on top of cake and garnish with chopped nuts if desired.

Southern Banana Pudding

2008-10-31T11:29:00.002-04:00

There are some foods which are staples in the South. Cornbread, fried chicken, grits and no gathering is complete without banana pudding! Here is an easy recipe for a culinary delight.

2 small packs or 1 large vanilla instant pudding
( I used 1 small pack of banana flavored and 1 small pack of vanilla flavored)
2 cups milk
1 tub cool whip
1 cup sour cream
vanilla wafers
sliced bananas

Mix pudding with milk until well blended and beginning to thicken. Stir in sour cream and fold in cool whip.

Layer a bowl or dish with a layer of vanilla wafers, top with part of pudding. Layer bananas and more pudding. Depending on how many vanilla wafers you like, you can add a layer of them also. End with pudding mix and place vanilla wafers around the edges of the bowl. Crush a few and sprinkle crumbs on top for decoration.

Lima Beans Supreme

2008-10-24T16:15:00.002-04:00

Here is a recipe to add some dazzle to lima beans!

1 package frozen lima beans
1 chicken bouillon cube
chopped onions
chopped garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1 T butter
water

Put beans in pot, add water to cover. Add all other ingredients, cook per directions on bag.

*You can also add 1 can chopped tomatoes to this - optional

Easy Apple Dumplings

2008-10-13T12:27:00.002-04:00

Here is a sweet, flaky apple dumpling. Quick and easy!

Take one apple - peeled sliced into 8 pieces

1 can crescent rolls divided into 8 triangles

Sauce:

1 cup orange juice

1/4 (or more to taste) brown sugar

2 T butter

sprinklings of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and ginger - to taste

Place in small pan and heat just to simmering.

Wrap each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in small baking dish and spoon sauce over each one. Bake at 350 until brown and flaky.

Sweet Potato and Apple Bake

2008-10-09T20:13:00.002-04:00

Here is a perfect side dish for fall:

Ingredients:
2 medium apples peeled and thinly sliced
3 sweet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup quick oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg & ginger
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 Tbs. butter melted

Layer the apples and sweet potatoes in a baking pan. Pour orange juice over them and sprinkle some cinnamon on top. Mix other ingredients together and spoon on top. Cover and bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Remove cover and bake an additional 15 minutes until tender.

Light and Fluffy Pineapple Smoothie

2008-09-19T11:00:00.001-04:00

Here is a quick and easy smoothie. It has a light and fluffy texture and is delicious!

Ingredients:
1/2 or more small can of pineapple tidbits
about 1/2 cup milk
ice cubes
protein powder if desired

Mix in blender until well blended and fluffy!

Pork Chops In Gravy

2008-08-23T15:04:00.002-04:00

Here is a simple recipe I experimented with last night with wonderful results.

Ingredients:
sliced onions
chopped garlic
pork chops
seasoning
1pack Lipton dry soup mix - beefy onion

Brown pork chops in a small bit of olive oil in large frying pan with onions and garlic. Sprinkle with seasoning - salt and pepper, accent, etc.. Put dry soup mix and about 2 cups of water in pan and mix with pork chops. Cover and simmer about 45 minutes. Pork chops will be nice and tender with a delicious gravy.