What's Cookin?

Crock Pot French Dips

2011-10-12T06:14:00.005-06:00

I made these Yummy sandwiches last week for the first time. A recipe I got from a cousin. My family told me we could have them once a week if I would like. I guess you could call them a hit!

Put everything in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hrs.

1 roast

Beef broth (enough to cover about 1/2 to 3/4 of the beef)

1 pkg Lipton Onion Soup

2 pkg. McCormick Au Jus
(I did not have a package of lipton onion soup, so I minced one small onion and added 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder and 1 beef bullion cube)

After cooking shred the beef and strain the Au jus sauce. I broiled sub rolls, one side buttered the other topped with cheese open faced in the oven till the cheese was melted and bubbly. Add with the shredded meat, then pour a small bowl of the Au Jus sauce for each person to dip their sandwich in. Dip and Enjoy!

Blue Ribbon Chiffon Cake

2011-09-26T22:53:00.000-06:00

My mom won first place for this cake back in the day and I think it would be safe to say it has been awhile since she made it. I found it in her old recipe box and thought it was time to let the recipe out of the vault and share her secrets with the rest of the world. I'm sure there are many out there who have been waiting all these years to get her secret recipe... so without further adieu I give you Kathy's Blue Ribbon Chiffon Cake.

2 1/4 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. oil
7 egg yolks
1/4 c. cold water
1/2 c. lemon juice
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp lemon flavoring
7 egg whites
1/2 tsp. cream of tarter

Beat egg whites & cream of tarter until stiff. In separate bowl beat yolks, sugar, oil, water, juice, flavoring & flour. Fold yolk mixture gently over egg whites. Pour into an angel food tube ban and bake at 325 for 1 hour.

LEMON FROSTING:

1/3 cup butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
4-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
Dash salt

In a small bowl, combine frosting ingredients; beat until smooth. Frost top of cake.

Not Yo' Mama's Bananna Pudding

2011-09-25T00:21:00.000-06:00

So the other day at work a coworker brought in this amazing little treat and I vowed I would be making it soon. It was soo good that I wanted to lick the pan clean, but wouldn't openly admit that, then another co-worker took the pan and did lick it clean, I had to laugh outloud! This was amazing! I don't love imitation banana flavors so I am glad this didn't use banana pudding. The fresh bananas were amazing!

2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream

Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.

In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies

2011-09-24T04:04:00.000-06:00

These are another recipe that my mom made when we were growing up. It's a great recipe to make after Halloween when you have all of the left over mini Hershey candy bars. If you use the mini candy bars you will need one for each cookie, so plan on more than 5(that is for small full size candy bars). This one is a keeper, it's like a really good Oatmeal cookie but with Chocolate... what could be better?

1 c. butter
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp. soda
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
1 c. coconut
5 small Hershey bars

Cream butter, sugar, eggs & vanilla. Mix flour, salt, & soda in separate bowl then add to creamed picture. Stir in oats and coconut. Shape into balls and put on un-greased cookie sheet then flatten slightly. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. Remove from oven and place one square of Hershey chocolate on each cookie. After chocolate is soft spread on cookie.

Baked Asiago Frittata

2011-09-23T02:09:00.000-06:00

I am not usually a big fan of frittata's but this one is really good! I am not sure if it the the vegetables or the cheese and sausage, but it was delicious!

Ingredients

2 finely chopped broccoli

1/3 sliced green onions

2 garlic, minced

3 Veggie or regular Sausage Patties

1 dried basil leaves or dried Italian seasoning

1/4 salt

1/8 pepper

8 eggs, beaten*

1/4 cup (1 oz.) finely shredded Asiago cheese or Parmesan cheese

1/4 chopped tomato

Directions

1. In 10-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet coated with nonstick spray, cook and stir broccoli, onions and garlic over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from heat.

2. Stir patties, basil, salt and pepper into vegetable mixture. Pour eggs over top.

3. Bake, uncovered, at 350° F for 15 to 19 minutes or until set. Sprinkle with cheese. Let stand, covered, for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with tomato. Cut into wedges.

Helpful Hints Don't have Asiago cheese on hand? Substitute finely shredded Parmesan. Both lend a rich, nutty flavor to this Italian-style frittata.

*Note: For a lower fat version, substitute 2 cups refrigerated egg substitute for the 8 eggs.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-09-22T03:56:00.000-06:00

These are my mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies, they are amazing! I still don't think I can make them as good as mom does, but I guess every daughter feels like they will never make certain recipes as good as their mom. I hope to have my daughter help me with these always so she will one day be able to cook them just as good as I do, and maybe as good as grandma.

1 c. margarine or butter
1 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 c. chocolate chips
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
3 c. flour

cream butter and sugars until fluffy and smooth, then add eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients saving the chocolate chips until the very last. Once all ingredients are mixed together drop dough by the spoonful onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 for 8-10 minutes. For best results do not over bake; they are soft and delicious if baked until almost done.

Velvet Corn Soup

2011-09-21T03:48:00.000-06:00

This is another recipe that reminds me of winter in my house growing up. My mom use to make this soup all the time. It's a great one, and it pretty easy to make, you can even put it in the crockpot once it's made to keep it warm all day if needed.

2 chicken breasts cooked and minced/shredded
3 egg whites
1 c. chicken broth
5 c. water
2 tsp. salt
1 can cream corn
1/4 c. cornstarch
1/4 c. water
1 Tbsp. chopped green onions

Put minced chicken in bowl add egg whites and stir. Mix corn, broth, water and cornstarch in a pan and bring to a boil. Add chicken, stirring in one direction only. Cook 1 minute. Garnish with green onion.

Pink Popcorn

2011-09-20T03:38:00.000-06:00

This was a staple of my childhood. Anytime my mom needed to take something to school for one of our class parties she would make this and color it for the occasion, green for St. Patricks day, Red and Green for Christmas, but we always called it Pink Popcorn because if there wasn't a special occasion we always made it pink. Now a days when mom makes it with the grandkids it's usually blue or green, but they all know what it is and we all love it! It's something that reminds me of my childhood and my mother.

1/4 C. Margarine

2 C. Sugar

1/2 C. Water

1 tsp. Salt

Boil ingredients together for 4 minutes stirring constantly, then add 1 tsp Vanilla and any food coloring of your choice. Remove from heat and pour over 2-3 batches of air popped popcorn, stir until completely coated. Spread popcorn out on counter top to cool completely.

Jumbo Breakfast Cookies

2011-09-19T03:30:00.000-06:00

When I saw this recipe on my sisters cucina a while back I knew that I would need to try them out, and now that school is back in session and we are constantly on the run I whipped up a big batch to use a breakfast on the go. My kids love them and have asked every morning if we can have the breakfast cookies. I am going to try to make them as a bar cookie so I can cut them up like granola bars. I will have to let you know how that one goes. Otherwise these are a good way to give your kids a healthy breakfast treat in the morning.

1 1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 Tbsp vanilla
*Stir/Cream together*

Add:
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
4 cups bran flakes cereal
1/2 cup soft butter
1/4 cup water
1 egg, beaten
1 cup chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, peanut butter, vanilla, butterscotch)

"Whatever" mix-ins:
1 cup oats
1 cup craisins or raisins
1 cup coconut
1 cup nuts

***Mix very well! (Your hand will get tired!) Drop by rounded 1/2 cups or giant spoonful. Round into about a 2-inch ball and flatten on cookie sheet to 1/2 inch thick. Bake at 375 degrees for 13-15 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet.

Oatmeal Fudge

2011-09-18T03:23:00.000-06:00

This is another no bake cookie recipe that has been in our family for awhile. My mom use to make these while we were growing up. They use to call them Oatmeal fudge instead of no bake cookies which is what most of us know them as. I love going back and finding recipes that have been used by my grandparents and my mother, It makes me feel somehow connected, and like when I bake I take a step back in time to cook in my grandma's kitchen with her. I love tried and true family recipes.

This recipe is a little different than most no bake recipes as there is no peanut butter. It's got coconut and nuts and oats to make it hearty. It's a fun trip down memory lane for me.

3 Tbsp Cocoa
2 C. Sugar
1/2 C. Milk
1/2 C. Shortening
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 C. Coconut
1/2 C. Chopped Nuts
3 C. Oatmeal

Combine Sugar, cocoa, milk, shortening, and salt in a pan and bring it to a boil. Then remove from heat. Add Oatmeal, nuts and coconut and mix until thick. Then drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper and let cool.

Pudding Pecan Pie

2011-09-17T03:11:00.000-06:00

This is a simplified version for how to make a pecan pie. It couldn't make it any easier. So for your fall parties you can now bake up a pecan masterpiece. My mom use to make this on special occasions, usually around thanksgiving. Give it a try and you will not be sorry! I prefer to add a few more pecans to mine, so feel free to add a few more if you like.

1 small Pkg Vanilla Pudding (not instant)

1 C. Corn Syrup

3/4 C. Evaporated Milk

1 Egg slightly beaten

1 C. Chopped Pecans

1 Unbaked 8 inch pie shell

Blend pudding and corn syrup. Gradually add evaporated milk and egg stirring to blend. Then add Pecans. Pour mixture into pie shell and bake at 375 until top is firm and just begins to crack (about 40 minutes). Cool at least 3 hours and garnish as desired.

Jalpeno Poppers

2011-09-16T03:00:00.000-06:00

This is an amazing recipe!! What could be better Bacon, cream cheese and jalapenos, seriously this should be illegal!! It is delicious! You can use the fresh Jalapenos from your garden, and if your plant looks like mine you could make it three or four times if your tummy can handle it!

18-20 Jalapenos
1 8oz package of cream cheese
1/2 C. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1-2 green onions, chopped
9 slices of bacon cut in half.

Prehead the oven to 275 degrees. Cut the Jalapenos in half, scoop out the seeds and membranes. (for a little kick leave some seeds in). In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and green onion. Fill the jalapenos with the cream cheese mixture. Cut the bacon slices in half and wrap them around the jalapeno. Secure with a toothpick. Brush them with a little barbecue sauce and throw them in the over. (I was in a hurry and cooked mine at 350 for 30 minutes and they were great). Enjoy!!

Peanut Blossoms

2011-09-15T02:48:00.000-06:00

My mom use to make these all the time for special occasions and we all wanted to eat them. Hershey Kisses were not a common thing in our house growing up so that made these cookies special. They are a great combination of chocolate and peanut butter. You can also switch things up and put a mini Reese's in the center instead of a Kiss. That is amazing as well. Hope you enjoy it!

1 3/4 C. Flour

1 tsp. Soda

1/2 C. Sugar

1/2 tsp. Salt

2 Tbsp. Milk

1/2 C. Brown Sugar

1/2 C. shortening

1/2 C. Peanut Butter

1 Egg

1 tsp. Vanilla

48 Chocolate Kisses

Combine all ingredients except kisses in large bowl. Mix on low speed until dough comes together. Shape into round balls. Place on baking sheet and cook at 385 for 10-12 minutes. Top each cookie with a Hershey kiss immediately as it comes out of the oven. Press kiss down firmly so the cookie compresses and cracks around the edges.

Grannies Peach Cobbler

2011-09-14T02:41:00.000-06:00

This recipe was my Grannie Williams version of peach cobbler from scratch. She was a great cook and I am so glad that we still have some of her recipes. I love peach cobbler and have loved using the fresh peaches we are enjoying on this dish. Try it out, you won't be sorry you did!

Filling:
2 c. sliced peaches
1 Tbsp. corn starch
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. peach juice

Dough:
1 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 c. salt
1/4 c. shortening
1/4 c. nuts
1/3 c. milk

Place sliced peaches in greased 8x8 pan. Sprinkle cornstartch over fruits. Combine sugar, salt, peach juice and pour over peaches. Make dough with flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, Cut in shortening, add nuts and mix well. Add milk, stirring with a fork into a soft ball. Drop small spoonfuls onto peaches and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 372 for 40-45 minutes.

Pickled Beets

2011-09-13T02:27:00.000-06:00

I am not a huge fan of pickled beets, but this is another of my mothers recipes from when I was growing up. And with the bountiful harvest we are having this fall I am finding myself canning things I never thought I would. Anyone want some pickles beets? I know my dad loves them!

1/3 C. Sugar

1/3 C. Vinegar

1/3 C. Water

Fresh Beets

Boil first 3 ingredients together. Fill bottles with beets, then pour boiling syrup over beets until bottles are filled to 1/4" from the top ring, put lids and rings on and process in a water bath canner or a steam canner for 40 minutes for both pints and quarts.

Apple Betty Pie

2011-09-12T02:15:00.000-06:00

This is one that my mom use to make when we were growing up, especially in the fall when we had apples coming from our ears. The time is at hand when I also have apples, peaches, zucchini, tomatoes etc... coming from my ears, and so begins the quest to use all of my harvest! This is such a simple recipe and tastes so good warm with some fresh whipped cream on top.

5 apples (sliced)
1 1/3 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. butter (melted)
1 1/3 c. quick oats
3/4 c. flour
1/4 c. sugar

Arrange sliced apples in 8x8 baking dish add 1/3 cup water to bottom of dish. Combine oats, sugars, flour and melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle over apples. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Serve warm with whipping cream.

Sparkling Cherry Lemonade

2011-09-11T08:46:00.000-06:00

This time of year you can skip the frozen cherries and go strait for fresh. This is refreshing way to enjoy a nice summer evening.

Ingredients

1 (10-ounce) package frozen pitted sweet cherries (2 cups), thawed
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup sugar
5 cups chilled seltzer water, plus more to taste

Directions
Add the cherries, lemon juice, and sugar to a blender and puree. Pour the mixture into a large pitcher. Add the seltzer and stir gently. Pour into glasses filled with ice and top with additional seltzer of cherries, if desired.

No-Bake Cheese Cake

2011-09-10T02:04:00.000-06:00

This is such a simple recipe that my mom use to make all the time for birthdays for my dad. He loves cheesecake almost more than anything. It is very quick to make. The texture is creamy and oh so good! If you need a quick summer dessert this one is great topped with fresh fruit!

1 graham cracker crust
4 c. whipping cream
9 oz cream cheese
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. lemon juice

Cream sugar, vanilla, lemon and cream cheese. Fold in whipping cream. Pour into graham cracker crust and refrigerate until firm. Top with your choice of fresh fruit, or fruit pie topping.

Chocolate Upside Down Cake

2011-09-09T01:54:00.000-06:00

This yummy cake is to die for!! I prefer it almost straight out of the oven when it is warm and ooey and gooey! I know most people let it cook some, but I like moist/wet cake to say the least. If you love chocolate you will love this cake!!

Syrup:
1 C. White Sugar
1 C. brown Sugar
5 Tbsp. Cocoa
2 C. Boiling water
1 C. nuts, chocolate chips (Optional)

Mix ingredients over medium heat in a sauce pan until sugar is dissolved. Pour mixture into bottom of a 9x13 cake pan and allow to cool slightly. You can add some finely shopped nuts into the bottom of the pan as well if you are a nut lover or some chocolate chips.

Cake:
2 C. flour
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 1/2 C. Sugar
2 Eggs
3 Tbsp. Cocoa
1 C. Milk
6 Tbsp. Oil or Shortening
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 C. Nuts

Mix all ingredients together and pour over cooled Chocolate Syrup. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. Top with Whipped cream and serve warm.

Baked Cheese Sticks

2011-09-08T01:47:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't love Mozzarella sticks? I use to love to get these in High School when we would go to Denny's or Village in and just sit and snack on these. Yummy! Though making them baked instead of fried makes them not nearly as bad for you. These are a fun treat that you will love, as will your sweet kids, who will think you are amazing when you make them!

Ingredients

4 C. Corn Flakes

or 1 cup Corn Flake Crumbs

1 garlic salt

1/2 oregano

1/4 all-purpose flour

2 egg whites

2 water

1 (8 oz.) mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Combine CORN FLAKES cereal, garlic salt, and oregano in pie plate or shallow bowl. Place flour in second pie plate or bowl. In another bowl, beat egg whites and water with fork until thoroughly combined.

2. Cut cheese into 12 sticks approximately 2-3/4 inches long. Dip cheese in flour, then in egg mixture, then cereal mixture. Carefully repeat dipping in egg mixture and cereal mixture to double coat completely. Place on foil-lined shallow baking pan coated with cooking spray. Coat remaining cheese using same method. Lightly spray coated cheese sticks with cooking spray. Let stand about 30 minutes.

3. Bake at 400° F for 8 minutes or until cheese is soft and sticks are lightly browned. Serve hot with pizza sauce or salsa, if desired.

Grilled Chicken with Lemon & Oregano

2011-09-07T01:41:00.000-06:00

This was a refreshing and light dish. If you like citrus give it a go. I may use half lemon and half orange juice next time to mix it up a bit. I found the recipe over at Recipe Girl.

1 Tbs grated lemon zest
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
¼ cup finely chopped fresh oregano (or 1 Tbsp. dried)
2 Tbs olive oil, plus more for grates
coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 boneless skinless breasts (about 6 ounces each)
4 medium lemons, halved crosswise
oregano sprigs for garnish (optional)

1. Prepare marinade: In a small bowl, whisk lemon zest and juice, oregano, oil, 2 tsp. coarse salt and 1 tsp. pepper. Divide marinade between 2 large re-sealable plastic bags. Place 2 chicken halves in each bag; shake to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, turning bags occasionally.

2. Preheat grill to medium; lightly oil grates. Remove chicken from marinade, and pat dry with paper towels. Place chicken on grill. Cover and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Turn chicken over, cover and cook until chicken is cooked through (an instant-read thermometer should read 175° when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken). If chicken is browning too quickly, move to cooler parts of grill or turn grill to low heat.
3. Transfer chicken to cutting board. Tent with foil; let rest 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place lemon halves on the grill, cut side down; cook until slightly charred, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve chicken breasts with grilled lemon halves. Garnish with fresh oregano sprigs, if desired.

Chocolate Malt Cake

2011-09-06T10:14:00.000-06:00

This is a chocolate lovers MUST! A friend brought this tasty treat to scrapbook night, she found the recipe over at Family Favorite Recipes. I know why it is a favorite, it was delicious!

Chocolate Malt Cake:

2 1/4 c. flour
1 1/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. milk
1 c. malted milk powder (can be found by the instant breakfasts)
1 c. vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 c. sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Malt icing (see recipe below)
Chocolate ganache (see recipe below)
Malted milk balls (Whoppers)

Preheat oven to 350. Butter & flour 2, 9-inch baking pans (you may have a little leftover to make a cupcake or two if you want). In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
In a small bowl, combine milk and malted milk powder, stirring to dissolve. Add milk mixture, oil and eggs to flour mixture, beating at a medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla, beating just until combined.
Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans and let cool completely on racks. Frost cakes, pour on ganache (after you pour the ganache over the cake. Place the entire cake in the refrigerator and let cool for at least an hour), and garnish with malted milk balls.

Chocolate Malt Icing:

1 1/2 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 c. heavy whipping cream
3/4 c. milted milk powder
7 1/2 c. powdered sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and cocoa powder at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. In a small bowl, combine cream and malted milk powder, stirring to dissolve. Add cream mixture to butter mixture, beating at low speed to combine. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth.

Chocolate Ganache:

16 oz. bittersweet (or semi-sweet) chocolate (we used chocolate chips)
2 c. heavy whipping cream

Place the chopped chocolate into a medium-sized bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a microwavable container and microwave for 3 to 4 minutes on high, or until it just begins to simmer; be careful not to allow cream to boil over. Pour the cream over the chocolate and let stand for 30 seconds or so. Using an electric mixer, beat on low until chocolate mixture is smooth. Use as is for glazing.

Chicken Pot Pie

2011-09-05T01:39:00.000-06:00

4	boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced	2	(10.5 oz.) cans cream of chicken soup
3	Tbs. bacon grease or olive oil	1/2	cup evaporated milk
4	cloves garlic; minced	1 1/2	tsp. poultry seasoning
1	yellow onion; diced	1	Tbs. Worcestershire
4	medium potatoes; diced		salt and black pepper to taste
1	(16 oz.) bag frozen mixed vegetables; thawed	1	can refrigerated crescent rolls

Heat a 12" Dutch oven using 20-22 briquettes bottom until hot. To hot oven add bacon grease, chicken and garlic; season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook chicken stirring frequently until chicken is no longer pink. Add onions and potatoes and continue cooking until onions are translucent but still firm. Stir in mixed vegetables, soup, evaporated milk, poultry seasoning and Worcestershire; season with salt and pepper. Let mixture come to a low boil. Unroll the crescent rolls and create a top crust by layering flat rolls across the top of ingredients.
Reduce the heat on bottom to 8-10 briquettes and add 14-16 briquettes to the lid. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and flaky. Check to make sure potatoes are cooked through. If not, then remove all briquettes from the lid and continue to cook maintaining bottom heat to keep pie bubbling an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are cooked through.

Lemon Crumb Squares

2011-09-04T01:23:00.003-06:00

I bought a large bag of Lemons the other day while shopping and have been looking for great uses for all of my fresh lemons before they go bad. I ran across this yummy recipe over at The Girl Who Ate Everything. I can always count on her for great recipes, so I decided to give this one a tray. There were a few things I would do differently, but I'll post those as we go along. These were fresh, tangy and a wonderful treat to share with my girlfriends for our "Emergency Night Out". They were very quick to make and definitely worth the effort. I think that next time I will try adding some fresh blueberries or raspberries on top of the lemon mixture to change things up. You could do just about anything with them and they would still me fabulous I am sure!!

1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1½ sticks of butter, slightly softened

1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)

1 cup oats

1 can (14 ounce) sweetened condensed milk

½ cups lemon juice

zest of 1 lemon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix butter and brown sugar until well combined.

Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder.

Add oats and flour to butter/sugar mixture and mix to combine.

Press half of oat crumb mixture into the bottom of an 8 x 11 inch pan. You can use a 9 x 13 pan; it will just be thinner.

Mix together condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Spread onto the bottom layer of the crumb mixture. The other half of the crumb mixture mix and knead together with clean hands so that the butter that you added earlier gets incorporated . If this mixture seems too dry add a little more butter. You want the top to be a thick crumbly texture, nof fine in texture once you have mixed it together then crumble on top of lemon layer but don’t press. It should resemble the top of an "apple crisp".

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Allow pan to sit on counter for 30 minutes after baking. Cut into squares and refrigerate for a couple of hours or until cool.

Serve cool. Makes around one dozen.

Shredding Chicken

2011-08-31T23:30:00.001-06:00

Does anyone else every dread the task of shredding Chicken? I always hate when a recipe calls for shredded Chicken, that is until today. I learned a new little trick to simplify shredding chicken. I bought about 10 Chicken breasts this morning and was planning on cooking and shredding a few of them, when I was on the phone with an old friend and she told me a new use for my Kitchen Aid mixer. Yes you read that right, my kitchen aid mixer. Boil your chicken just like you would if you were going to shred the chicken by hand. Once it's cooked thru, place the chicken in your mixer with your paddle attachment in place turn your mixer onto low and let it work it's magic. Within a few moments you will have shredded chicken. Now wasn't that easy?

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

2011-08-30T22:56:00.004-06:00

These yummy things were on our menu tonight for Dinner and let me just tell you that they were super easy to make and very good!! I have had them on my list of recipes to make for quite sometime, they were a recipe that caught my eye when I got my "Our Best Bites" cookbook. And they didn't disappoint! When I say they were easy I mean that, I was watching 5 kids besides my own 2 today and still managed to make 2 large pans of these! Make these for dinner tonight, you won't be sorry!

1/3 C (3 oz) cream cheese
1/4 C green salsa
1T fresh lime juice
1/2 t cumin
1 t chili powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t granulated garlic, or garlic powder
3 T chopped cilantro
2 T sliced green onions
2 C shredded cooked chicken
1 C grated pepperjack cheese

Salt & Pepper to taste

tortillas, corn or flour work well.
kosher salt
cooking spray

Heat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Heat cream cheese in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds so it’s soft and easy to stir. Add green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir to combine and then add cilantro and green onions. Add chicken and cheese and combine well.

You can prepare up to this step ahead of time. Just keep the mixture in the fridge.

Work with a few tortillas at a time and heat in the microwave until they are soft enough to roll without cracking. It helps to place them between damp paper towels. Usually 20-30 seconds will do it. If you find yours are cracking when you roll them or are coming unrolled right away, just try heating them longer and try the paper towel thing.

Place 2-3 T of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges. Then roll it up as tight as you can. Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Lay all of the taquitos on the baking sheet and make sure they are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or an oil mister and sprinkle some kosher salt on top.

Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown.

Dip them in salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or anything else your heart craves.

Parmesan & Garlic Linguini

2011-08-11T23:18:00.004-06:00

I ran across this awesome blog when I discovered the Lemon Crinkle Cookies I posted a few days ago and this recipe immediately caught my eye because of how easy it seemed and how simple it was. Last night I needed a quick fix for dinner and so I whipped up this amazing dish. It was definitely fast and easy, I sliced some chicken and cooked it up and tossed it in with the pasta. The best way to describe how good it was is to say my BIL was scraping the bottom of the pan once the dish was long gone to get "a little more". It was so easy, and yet it was so rich and amazing in flavor. I added quite a bit more garlic than is called for since we are big garlic lovers, but otherwise it is perfect the way it is. I hope you enjoy this simple but amazing meal.

Ingredients:
1/2 pound linguine pasta
2 tablespoons salted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 clove garlic, finely minced {I used a microplane}
lots of salt & pepper, to taste
1/2 cup reserved cooking liquid from pasta
3/4 cup freshly grated parmigiano reggiano {use the real stuff!}
fresh parsley, for garnish {optional}

Directions:
Bring large pot of water up to boil. Sprinkle in a generous amount of salt and stir in pasta. Cook linguine until al dente and drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Place linguine back into hot pot and stir in butter, cream, garlic, salt, pepper and cheese until butter and cheese start to melt and create a sauce. Pour in some pasta water to get the sauce to the consistency you want. {I only used about 3 tablespoons.} Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly. Pour onto serving platter and top with fresh parsley and more grated cheese.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

2011-08-06T19:48:00.004-06:00

When my mom told me she was trying out a new Lemon cookie for a family function I never could have imagined how amazing they would turn out. These cookies reminded me of some similar ones that friends have bought and shared with me that they got from the expensive cookie shops around here. They were really good, and super easy to make, my kids even got to help out on these ones. My mom said these were the cookie that won first prize for best cookies in a contest for LDS Living.com. These are truly amazing cookies, I think they would be fun to add some lemon heads to them to spice up the lemon flavor. Yummy!!

Ingredients:
½ cups butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 whole egg
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoons baking powder
⅛ teaspoons baking soda
1-½ cup all-purpose flour (i needed 1/4 - 1/3 c. more flour to get it the right consistency to roll out)
½ cups powdered sugar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease light colored baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Whip in vanilla, egg, lemon zest, and juice. Scrape sides and mix again. Stir in all dry ingredients slowly until just combined, excluding the powdered sugar. Scrape sides of bowl and mix again briefly. Pour powdered sugar onto a large plate. Roll a heaping teaspoon of dough into a ball and roll in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.

Bake for 9-11 minutes or until bottoms begin to barely brown and cookies look matte {not melty or shiny}. Remove from oven and cool cookies about 3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

*If using a non-stick darker baking tray, reduce baking time by about 2 minutes.

Pecan Pie

2011-08-05T14:12:00.001-06:00

I love pecan pie!!! When i was dating my husband he had a roommate who was from the south, and that boy would make southern pecan pie like no other. Mmmm it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. I hope you can find some time to enjoy some Pecan Pie sometime soon.

3 eggs beaten

2/3 C. Sugar

1 C. Corn Syrup

1/3 C. Melted Butter

1 C. Pecan Halves

Dash of Salt

1 unbaked pie shell

Combine eggs, sugar and salt in a bowl, then add corn syrup and butter and mix together, stir in the pecans then pour mixture into an unbaked pie shell. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes. Cool for 2-3 hours before serving

Peanut Butter Popcorn

2011-08-04T14:14:00.000-06:00

I had a friend in high school who use to make this all the time when we would all be sitting around chatting late at night, and I use to love the flavor of it. It's rich and positively divine, trust me, you will love it if you like peanut butter!!

1/2 C. Honey

1/2 C Karo Syrup

1 C. Sugar

1 C. Peanut Butter

1/2 Tsp. Vanilla

Combine Honey, Karo and Sugar in a pan until it boils, boil while stirring for 2 minutes, then add peanut butter and Vanilla and stir until smooth, then pour over 1 batch of air popped popcorn.

Corn Bread

2011-08-03T14:26:00.000-06:00

This has been my go to recipe for corn bread for quite awhile. I remember growing up and having this for breakfast many times. I always have loved it with a little butter and some honey, it makes my tummy growl just thinking about it.

1 c. corn meal
1 c. flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. shortening
1 egg
1 c. milk

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Cut in shortening until well blended. Beat egg and milk together. Mix with dry ingredients until just blended. Pour into well greased 8x8 pan. Bake at 200 for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

For sweeter bread add 2 more Tbsp sugar.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

2011-08-02T13:33:00.000-06:00

This is a recipe that my Aunt Jill got when she took Chinese cooking classes after she and my grandmother went to China to pick up an Uncle of mine who was serving an LDS mission there. This has always been what sweet and Sour Sauce tastes like to me. I hope you enjoy it as well.

1 C Water
2 Tbsp Ketchup
1 tsp Sugar
1 tsp Red wine Vinegar

place ingredients into pan and bring to a boil. Add cornstarch to thicken mixture. Pour over your desired ingredients or use as dipping sauce or marinade.

Hot Fudge

2011-08-01T13:35:00.000-06:00

This was always my mom's go to recipe for hot fudge sauce and I have learned over the years that it makes an excellent Chocolate Fondue sauce as well. We use this sauce all the time for Ice cream and Fondue, or anytime I want a nice thick chocolate sauce. It's amazing and very simple to make. I hope you enjoy it.

1 Square Semi Sweet Cocoa
1 C. Sugar
2/3 C. Evaporated Milk
1/2 C. Margarine
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 Tbsp Karo Syrup

Melt Butter and Cocoa in a pan over low heat, then add Milk, karo and Sugar. Stirring constantly boil until sugar has dissolved. Once Sugar has dissolved add vanilla and remove from heat and serve while hot.

Two Tone Brownies

2011-07-30T03:38:00.001-06:00

This recipe originally comes from Taste of home cookbook, but my dear friend Kristi makes these and they are to die for. Soft moist brownies topped with a cookie dough frosting. What could be better? They are amazing and I know you will just love them.

Brownie Layer:
1 12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (2 cubes) butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate chips. Stir constantly and remove from heat when chips are fully melted. In the same pot, blend in the sugar. Then add eggs, blending fully one at a time. Add flour and salt and beat until air bubbles form in the batter. Pour into a greased 9 X 13-inch pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn heat down to 325 degrees and bake for 10 more minutes.

Cool completely and then top with the cookie dough layer.

Cookie Dough Layer:
1/2 cup (1 cube) butter, softened
1/2 cup dark brown Sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
pinch of salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

In a small bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in milk and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoonfuls over cooled brownies; carefully spread over top (this can be tricky but I found the best way is to slightly wet my hands and pat the dough down gently so it doesn’t pull up the brownies). Cut into squares. Store in the refrigerator.

Raspberry Banana Bread

2011-07-28T07:46:00.000-06:00

My raspberries are on and we have been making freezer jam, freezing raspberries and trying a new banana bread recipe. This is not your mother's banana bread, but it is YUUUMMMY! I found this little gem in my ward cookbook. Very moist and delicious. The white chocolate chips and raspberries take it to another level.

Liquid Ingredients:

2 eggs
2 c. mashed bananas
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1/4 c. applesauce

Dry Ingredients:

1 3/4 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Additional Ingredients
1 c. white chocolate chips
1 c. fresh or frozen raspberries
(if frozen, do not thaw before baking)

Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk all dry ingredients together. In smaller bowl stir all liquid ingredients together until well combined and eggs are beaten up. Slowly pour liquid bowl into dry bowl and stir together. Fold in white chips and raspberries. Pour into greased bread pan and bake at 325 for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Simple Éclair Cake

2011-07-27T07:32:00.000-06:00

My fabulous sister in law made this for us for Mother's Day this year and it was yummy! I called her for the recipe over the weekend and made it for our little Pioneer Day BBQ on Sunday, it got rave reviews. The best part is how simple it is to make, you can whip it up in under 10 minutes, enjoy!

Ingredients

2 (3.5 oz) pkg vanilla instant pudding

1 (8 oz) container cool whip

3 cups milk

16 oz graham crackers

1 container prepared chocolate frosting.

Directions

Prepare pudding with 3 cups milk then fold in cool whip. In 9x13 layer graham crackers, pudding mixture, graham crackers, pudding mixture, ending with crackers on top. Top with chocolate frosting (this goes a lot easier if you microwave the frosting for just 20-30 seconds to get it nice and soft and pourable). Spread the frosting to cover all crackers. Allow to chill in the fridge at least 4 hours to soften crackers.

Lemon Water

2011-07-26T22:02:00.000-06:00

My Aunt Lou always makes this when we have large family parties at her house, it's kind of like a mild gatorade, but not nearly as sweet. It's great for large parties and it's especially nice for summer BBQ's. You could put any fruit in it, I've seen her use Oranges as well in the winter time. It's light and mild in flavor and pretty easy to mix together quickly once you get the citric acid. I get mine at GNC.

2 tablespoons citric acid (you can find this at most natural food stores and some pharmacies)
5 quarts water
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons pure lemon extract
3 sliced lemons
3 sliced limes
Crushed ice

In a large pitcher or punch bowl, stir water, sugar, citric acid, and lemon extract together. Add sliced fruit and ice.

Limeade Slush

2011-07-25T11:04:00.000-06:00

My mom always made this for big gatherings when we wanted cold drinks to serve. But recently I had learned that adding some chopped up strawberries or whole raspberries makes this a completely different drink, without much more effort and it looks amazing in glasses.

11 C. water
1 can Limeade
3 C. Sugar

Boil Sugar and water on stove in large stock pot until sugar dissolves, then add limeade. Pour into a 1 gallon Ice Cream container and freeze until solid. To use, thaw slightly and using a knife or metal spatula, break slush up and pour into Punch Bowl, and then pour 2 2 liters of sprite or 7-up over top of slush and serve.

Grilled Potatoes & Onions

2011-07-24T13:17:00.003-06:00

This recipe comes from Our Best Bites, which is a blog I have come to love. I recently got their cook book and can I just say Yummy! If you don't have it yet, you should get it!! I have made tons of their grilling recipes and have loved everyone of them that I have tried. This one is my favorite as a side dish though. It is so simple and yet so yummy. I like to cook mine over a little bit warmer heat so that they get a little crispy, I love crispy potatoes!

Ingredients:
1 potato per person
1/2 small onion per person
1 Tbsp. butter per person, cut into small pieces
1/4 tsp. salt per person
Freshly-ground black pepper
Smoked paprika

(You can either make small individual packets, i.e. one potato and some onion, or you can make one big packet with all the potatoes and all the onions)
Tear aluminum foil into desired length pieces depending on your preference of size. Preheat your grill. Slice Potatoes into 1/8"-1/4" thick slices, if you like thicker potatoes you will just have to adjust cooking times so that your taters get done. Next slice the onions into 1/8" thick slices. Place Potatoes on foil, top with salt & pepper then paprika, don't skimp on the paprika, it's not a strong spice so you will need a generous amount. Then place butter on top of potatoes and top with onions. Then roll the aluminum foil up so that you create a sealed packet/envelope to keep the steam inside while the potatoes cook. Then cook over low heat on a grill for 15 minutes on each side.

Fajita Marinade

2011-05-03T08:59:00.004-06:00

I tried my neighbors fajita marinade a couple weeks ago and it was so yummy! Thanks for sharing Leslie.

For Meat:
1/4 c. lime juice
1/3 c. water
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tsp. vinegar
2 tsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp liquid smoke
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tap. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. black pepper
dash of onion powder

For Vegies:
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp. soy sauce
2 T. water
1/2 tsp lime juice
dash of salt and pepper

In a gallon bag add all ingredients for the Meat marinade. Place chicken, steak or shrimp into the bag and marinade for a couple hours. Cook meat on a hot grill. Cook sliced peppers and onions in a pan with the veggie marinaade until carmalized then mix with meats. Serve with tortillas, cheese and sourcream.

Chicken Carbonara

2011-04-30T08:41:00.001-06:00

This is my neighbors recipe. We have eaten it several times in their home and they've brought it to us a couple times after surgery. (They're great neighbors & know it is my hubbies favorite.) It is delicious!

1/2 lb. thickly sliced bacon
1 small onion
1 lb linguini
3 eggs
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 c. fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
2 grilled Chicken breasts

Grill two chicken breasts and slice thinly. Dice bacon and cook until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. Saute onion for 5 minutes in 2 tablespoons bacon drippings. Cook linguini according to aladente package directions. While pasta is cooking , beet eggs well in a small bowl. Drain pasta and toss with beaten eggs, onions, bacon, salt, pepper, parsley and parmesan. Top with grilled chicken.

Amish Friendship Bread

2011-04-23T08:14:00.000-06:00

This is a fun little recipe you can share with friends. A neighbor brought me some of the baked bread and my kids have been begging me ever since to make more. I love that you change it up each time you make it with a difference flavor of pudding. The chocolate is yummy!

Starter Ingredients

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
3 cups white sugar, divided
3 cups milk

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Let stand 10 minutes. In a 2 quart container glass, plastic or ceramic container, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup sugar. Mix thoroughly or flour will lump when milk is added. Slowly stir in 1 cup milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Cover loosely and let stand until bubbly. Consider this day 1 of the 10 day cycle. Leave loosely.

*Do not use any type of metal bowls or spoons for mixing. Do not refrigerate. If air gets in bag, let it out. It is normal for the batter to raise, bubble and ferment.

Day 1. Do nothing! This is the day you receive batter. Make sure the bag is dated!

Day 2. Mush the bag

Day 3. Mush the bag

Day 4, Mush the bag

Day 5. Mush the bag

Day 6. Add to bag: 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk. Mush the bag

Day 7. Mush the bag

Day 8. Mush the bag

Day 9. Mush the bag

Day 10. Mix and divide starter.

Pour entire contents of bag into non-metal bowl adding: 1 ½ cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, and 1 ½ cups milk. Mix. Measure out 4 separate batters of 1 cups each into 4 separate gallon Ziploc bags. Keep one for yourself and give the other 3 to friends along with a copy of this recipe.

Preheat oven to 325. To the remaining batter in the bowl add: 3 eggs, 1 cup oil (or ½ cup oil and ½ cup applesauce), ½ cup milk, 1 cup sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp vanilla, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 2 cups flour, and 1 large box INSTANT pudding mix.

Grease 2 large loaf pans. Mix in a small bowl ½ cup brown sugar and 1 ½ tsp cinnamon. Dust greased loaf pans with half of this mixture. Pour batter evenly into the 2 greased pans and sprinkle remaining sugar mixture over the batter. Bake 1 hour. Cool until bread loosens from the pan, about 10 minutes. Turn out onto serving dish. Serve warm or cold or devour with your bare hands!!!

Option: Add 1 cup chopped raisins or nuts. Use whatever pudding flavor you would like to try. You can add chocolate chips.

Note: When you divide the starter, write the date on each bag. This helps keep better track of which day you’re on. If you keep a starter bag for yourself, you will be baking every 10 days. This bread is very good and makes a great gift. Only the Amish know how to create a “starter” so if you give them all away, you’ll have to wait until someone gives you a starter back

Breakfast Casserole

2011-04-13T08:00:00.001-06:00

Over conference weekend we had the in laws up to our place for brunch. We tried a new breakfast casserole which I do believe is now my new favorite. It got all golden brown, was fluffy and simply delicious.

1 lb country sausage
3 c. frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
3 c. shredded cheddar cheese
12 large eggs
2 c. milk
1/2 tsp salt

Grease 9x13 inch pan. Cook sausage. Spread hash browns in bottom of the pan, t hen top with salt, sausage and cheese. (You can prepare to this point and keep in the refrigerator until ready to to cook.) Before cooking, combine eggs and milk and pour over the other ingredients. Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes.

Homeade Mac and Cheese

2011-03-15T13:18:00.000-06:00

This was my first attempt ever at making Mac and Cheese that was not out of a box. My kids thought they had died and gone to heaven. Now every time it's mac and cheese for lunch again they ask if I am making "the good stuff'." Thanks Kristie for the recipe.

1 (16 oz) pkg. elbow-roni pasta
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. flour
2 c. milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 c. shredded cheddar
2 c. mozzarella
1/4 c. bread crumbs

Boil pasta and drain. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium low heat. Add flour and mix thoroughly. Add seasonings to flour mixture then slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil, sauce will thicken. Combine cheeses and set aside one cup of cheese mixture. In a large bowl combine pasta, sauce and cheese mixture together just until combined. Transfer to 9x13 pan. Top with remaining cheese and bread crumbs. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

2011-03-13T13:10:00.001-06:00

I made these for dinner a few weeks ago for dinner and my family was fighting over the leftovers the next day. This is another new one from my ward cookbook. Thanks Kristy.

1 lb cooked chicken shredded
8 oz cream cheese
4.5 oz green chilies
12 flour tortillas
20 oz green enchilada sauce
1 c. shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 400. Mix cooked chicken, cream cheese and green chilies in saucepan, heat over medium until blended. Pour some enchilada sauce into shallow dish and dip tortillas in sauce then fill with chicken picture. Place in 9x13 pan, pour enchilada sauce over top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.

Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

2011-03-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

These were in our new ward cookbook and a hit with the kids. Thanks Leslie.

2 c. Bisquick
2/3 c. milk
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Mix together, drop by 2 tablespoon size on cookie sheet. Bake at 450 for 8-10 minutes

2 Tbsp. Melted butter
1/8 tsp garlic powder

Mix these together and spread over the top of cooked biscuits.

Bacon Corn Chowder

2011-03-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

This is another of my neighbor's recipe that everyone at work has been begging him for. It is divine!

I pkg bacon, crumbled

6 med. red potatoes, chopped

2 stalks celery, diced

1 large carrot

1 med. onion

4 large chicken breasts, cooked and diced

2 cans cream of chicken soup

2 cans of corn

1 stalk broccoli flowerets

2 cups Velveeta

1/4 tsp pepper

1 tsp salt

2 cups sour cream

1 1/2 cup milk

After cooking bacon, save a couple of tsp of grease to add potatoes, onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until tender (20 minutes). When tender add the broccoli, corn, chicken, soup and milk. Stir until smooth and warm, then add sour cream and cheese. Stir on low heat until cheese is melted.

White Bean Chili

2011-03-09T12:53:00.005-07:00

This is my neighbor Jordan's recipe and it is to die for. I have enjoyed it many times and finally got the recipe from him.

3 cans of navy beans

3 cans of white kidney beans

1 can garbanzo beans

1 small package of frozen corn

1 diced green and/or red pepper. Dice them up real small.

1 small onion diced up real small

1 tsp garlic salt

1-2 Tbsp cumin (to taste)

black pepper (to taste)

4 to 5 chicken breasts cubed (can precook chicken to speed up the process but you don't have to)

Combine all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on low for 5-6 hours.

Death By Chocolate Trifle

2011-02-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

This dessert is not for the weak of heart. The young women in our area put together a ward cookbook to earn money for girls camp. This is one recipe I knew I HAD to try. Just read through the ingredients. It's YUMMO! Thanks for sharing Laurie.

1 pkg brownie mix baked as directed(I prefer ghiradelli triple chocolate)
2 pkgs Nestle chocolate mouse (milk chocolate or Irish cream)
8 Skor or Heath bars, broken into pieces
1 large tub Cool Whip

Cut brownies into bite sized chunks. Layer into trifle bowl: brownies, mousse, cool whip, candy bars. Repeat layers, ending with candy bars.

Hearty Chili

2011-02-03T10:41:00.002-07:00

Our ward had a chili cook off for our Chirstmas Party. I tried a new recipe and had several compliments from friends. My hubby and oldest son told me I could never use my old recipe again, this was now IT. So I whipped it up again last night for dinner and they agreed it's fabulous.

1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped red or green pepper
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (30 oz) can dark red kidney beans
1 (15 oz) can chili
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 cloves garlic minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup ketchup

Brown beef in large pan. Add onion and peppers and cook until tender. Add remaining ingredients over low heat for at least 1 hour (you can put in a crock-pot at this point to simmer all day on low) Garnish with shredded cheese and sour cream, serve with tortilla chips.

Raised Waffles

2011-01-10T13:30:00.003-07:00

These lovelies are another recipe my mother in law makes on special occasions. They are very crisp on the outside and delicate on the inside. Mouth watering & delicious!!

1/2 c. warm water
1 tsp. sugar
1 pkg. dry yeast
2 c. flour
2 c. milk, warmed
2 eggs
1/2 c. butter melted
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Use a large mixing bowl-the batter will rise to double it's original size-pour in water and sprinkle in the yeast packet. Let stand to dissolve for 5 minutes. Add the milk, butter, salt, sugar and flour to the yeast mixture and beat until smooth. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand overnight at room temperature. Just before cooking beat in the eggs and baking soda, stirring until well mixed. Cook in waffle iron and eat right away.

Celestial Eggs

2011-01-05T13:30:00.003-07:00

For brunch on New Years Day my mother in law made this delicious egg dish. It's light and scrumptious.

Ingredients:
10-12 Slices good quality white bread
5-6 (1 oz) wedges process Gruyere cheese, softened
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
8 eggs
2 1/2 c. light cream or half and half

Butter a 9x13 baking dish. Butter the bread on 1 side, then spread each slice with 1/2 wedge of the gruyere cheese. Cut the crust from the bread and arrange the bread to cover the bottom of the pan, cheese side up. (cut bread into smaller pieces if necessary to make them fit.)Sprinkle with some of the shredded cheese and add a second layer of the bread and cheese.

In a medium bowl whisk the eggs well, then beat in the cream or half and half. Slowly pour the mixtures over the bread thoroughly soaking the top slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least one hour or over night. Remove the foil, spoon some of the liquid back on top of the bread, bake at 350 for about 30 minutes until golden and puffy. Serve immediately, while piping hot. (Serves 8)
Salt and pepper

Stuffed Mushrooms

2010-12-23T18:04:00.004-07:00

These are another holiday favorite of my husbands, his Mom makes them for Christmas or New Years. Even my boys who are not usually mushrooms eaters can't skip these.

24 mushrooms cleaned with stems removed
1 lb country sausage, browned and drained
1 pkg. Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Blend cream cheese and sausage. Fill mushrooms. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.

Christmas Brunch

2010-12-18T07:12:00.001-07:00

Brunch on Christmas Morning is a big deal at our house. Preparations begin a few days in advance to ensure it's delicious, but not a stress the day of. I like things I can prepare in advance and just pop in the oven to make the house smell wonderful & Christmas(ee).

This year is no different, on the menu are the croissants my husband has enjoyed every year since he was child, they are flaky, warm and delicious. ( you can't mess with tradition) The baked french toast I made two years ago is fabulous sweet gooeyness. The egg casserole is the recipe we tried camping this summer. Instead of using a dutch oven we'll be baking it in the traditional oven. Add a little orange juice, egg nog and the cocoa latte machine & I think we're set. I would love to hear what some of your traditions and favorite Christmas dishes are, please share the recipes so I can try them.Mountain Man Egg Casserole

Baked French Toast

Baked Ham & Cheese Croissants

Cream Cookies

2010-12-08T13:22:00.003-07:00

These are flash back to my childhood and dear family friends Enoch, Emmy & Becky whom we would visit each year at Christmas time with my Grannie. They always had these scrumptious little tart shells filled with raspberry jam and fresh whipped cream. Yummy. You can't eat just one I promise. You'll have to get a mini tart/pastry pan, they come in all shapes and sizes. These are perfect to impress a group and not that hard to make. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

3 c. flour
1 1/8 c. sugar
1/4 lb ground almonds
1/2 lb butter

1 jar fruit preserves
Whipped cream prepared

Mix the first four ingredients & knead for 10 minutes. Grease thin pastry molds -press dough into tins. (1/8") Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Cool at least 5 minutes. Turn out of shell. (tip outside down-tap shell.) Put 1 tsp jam in bottom of shell and fill with whipped cream. (Or visa versa)

Cheese Ball

2010-12-06T07:18:00.001-07:00

My mom is not a dairy lover. Cheese is low on her list and cheese balls with lots of different cheese in them are not her style. This recipe is simple but packed full with delicious flavors. We enjoy both of the cheese balls posted on Christmas Eve. You can use thinly sliced ham instead of budding chipped beef and it tastes just as good.

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese-softened
1/4 c. mayo
1/4 tsp season salt
1 Tbsp. Worcester
1-2 drops Tabasco
1/4-1/2 tsp liquid smoke
3 green onions- minced
1 package chipped beef

Blend all ingredients together. Shape into a ball and refrigerate until serving.

Cheese Ball

2010-12-04T14:31:00.002-07:00

This cheese-ball is my Grannie Williams Recipe. Every year around Christmas/New Years we enjoyed it growing up. We still devour one each year at my parents on Christmas Eve. I can't open a box of Wheat Thins without memories of this cheese-ball and my childhood enveloping me.

Ingredients

2 -8oz packages of Cream Cheese

1 jar Kraft American Cheese Spread

1 Jar Kraft Pimento Cheese Spread

1/3 Jar Kraft Blue Cheese Spread

3/4 Cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Soften cream cheese until room temperature, combine all ingredients except nuts until smooth. Chop nuts of your choice and line saran wrap in nuts. Place cheese mixture onto saran wrap and shape into a ball, refrigerate until firm. Serve with crackers.

Divinity

2010-12-02T13:21:00.003-07:00

Divinity is one of those treats I remember from my childhood. This is the recipe my mom used to make for us. It is actually quite simple and a fun thing to try if you are looking for something new.

4 C. Sugar
1 C. Karo Syrup
3/4 C. Water
3 Egg Whites
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 C. Chopped Nuts

Combine sugar, Karo and water and cook in a pan to the hard ball stage. Beat egg white until stiff, while mixer is running pour sugar mixture in a fine stream into the egg whites. Continue mixing until mixture holds it's shape and looses it's gloss. Add vanilla and nuts. (Nuts are optional) Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Allow to cool completely.

Bath Salts

2010-12-01T13:00:00.001-07:00

Ok so this isn't food, but I had to share because it is a fun, quick and inexpensive gift idea for friends and neighbors. My sister, Mom and I made these a few times growing up to give away and who doesn't' love a good excuse to take a nice hot bath. Most of the fun comes in deciding the color, scent of bath gel and container you put them in. Add a touch of beautiful ribbon on the outside to make them the perfect homemade gift.

1 tsp Bath Gel
2 tsp Baby oil
2-3 drops food coloring
2 c. Rock Salt

Stir together in a big bowl until mixed well. You can decide into smaller bowls and add the color seperatly if you want different colors. Put in bags or jars for gifting.

Cheese Dressing (or Stuffing)

2010-11-22T13:46:00.003-07:00

This is another one of Dena's recipes. She tells me her family are not generally stuffing eating folk, but this cheesy recipe is devoured and she's asked to bring it year after year! I can't wait to try it.

2 boxes Mrs. Cubbins Herbed Dressing (do not use the crumbs at the bottom)
2 cups hot water (use just enough to moisten bread)
5 eggs (stir in bowl to break up yolks)
1 large onion (diced small)
1 1/2 lbs cubed mild cheddar cheese
2 cans evaporated milk
1 lb melted butter

Moisten boxed dressing, fold in the rest of the ingredients until mixed. Bake in a 9x13 baking dish at 350 for 1 1/2 hours. Do not cover so the top will be crunchy.

Poppy Seed Pasta Salad

2010-11-21T09:12:00.003-07:00

Dena brought a delicious pasta salad to work a few weeks ago so I made it to take to a family gathering. ( I added grapes to her recipe since the dressing is sweet and I had them on hand) My hubby and kids taste tested in small bowls and asked for more. I told them they'd have to wait for the party. Enjoy!

1 16 oz. Package Bow Tie Pasta
2 cups cooked diced chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken)
1 1/2 cups broccoli cut in bite size pieces
1 cucumber peeled and diced in bite size pieces
1 1/2 cups purple grapes halved
1 jar Briannas Poppy Seed Dressing (with the peach on the front)

Stir all ingredients together and serve. It makes a good sized salad.

Wilted Lettuce

2010-11-15T15:18:00.014-07:00

Wilted Lettuce or Swiss Lettuce is a family dish passed down since my ancestors were in Switzerland. Every year at thanksgiving we enjoy this salad. When I asked my mom for the recipe she told me it was one that my Grannie had taught she and my aunt Jonna Lu to make and that as far as she knew there was no formal recipe written down. So here is what we came up with.

1/2 lb bacon sliced into bite size pieces and cooked
1 head iceberg lettuce shredded
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp onion salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup flour

Cut up and fry bacon in a pan. Pour off half of the fat and add flour to make a roux. Add salt, pepper, garlic salt and onion salt. Add apple cider vinegar and water to the bacon/flour mixture slowly and bring to a boil to make the thick sauce. Taste the sauce you want the roux to taste salty because the plain lettuce will need lots of flavor. (The salt measurements above are only estimations. Taste it as you go and add more as needed it is a very tangy sauce that thickens a little upon standing) The sauce is poured over the broken up lettuce and mixed thoroughly. Add sauce to lettuce right before serving.

Sugar Cookies

2010-11-15T06:08:00.003-07:00

Friday my kids and their friends decorated turkey cookies. I made the cookies with my Mom's recipie, but I cheated and bought the frosting. I got home with the yellow squeeze tub and had forgotten to buy the tip that goes with it, we improvised with a ziploc baggie.

1 c. margarine
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract
4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
4 Tbsp. milk

Cream shortening & sugar. Add eggs & flavorings. Stir in dry ingredients and milk. Chill mixture in fridge at least 1 hour. Roll dough out to 1/4-1/2 inch and cut cookies to desired shape. Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Sweet Potatoes

2010-11-13T07:06:00.004-07:00

My aunt Lisa has the best recipe ever for Sweet Potatoes, its more like a dessert and I promise you can't resist going back for another spoonful. She gets assigned to bring them to our thanksgiving feast every year because no one can top them, they're divine. When I asked her for the recipe this was her response. "You mean the quadrupled recipe for luscious pecan/buttery topping with the single recipe of sweet potatoes underneath?"

Ingredients for Potatoes:

3 C. Sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed (4-6 small sweet potatoes, about 2-2.5 lbs.)

1 C. Sugar

2 Eggs

1/2 C. Butter

1 tsp. Vanilla

1/3 C. Milk

Mix ingredients and pour into shallow (9 x 13-in) pan. (The shallower the pan, the better because then you end up with fewer potatoes and more topping.)

Ingredients for Topping

1/2 C. Butter

1/2 C. Flour

1 C. Light brown sugar

1 C. chopped pecans

(NOTE: You might as well just double the topping ingredients because if you don't, you'll wish you had. In fact, in all honesty, I'd go as far as to triple or quadruple the topping ingredients, although at that point, you could probably just leave the sweet potatoes out altogether. Why bother with a vegetable at all?)

Mix topping ingredients together. Spread on top of potatoes and bake at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes (maybe longer).

Chicken Parmigiano Alfredo

2010-11-08T19:46:00.007-07:00

A friend at work told me about one of her families favorite recipes so I adapted it and made it for my hubby and kiddos to try out in the crockpot one night last week while I was at work. They called me at work and told me it was one of their favorites, ever!

1 lb chicken cooked and shredded or cut into bit size pieces

1 package linguine noodles cooked

1 jar marinara

1 jar Alfredo sauce

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1 cup mozzarella

I started by grilling chicken tenders on my george foreman while boiling the noodles. Cut up chicken and drain noodles. Spray crockpot with cooking spray they add half the noodles, chicken and sauces to crockpot and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese on top. Make one more layer with the other half of ingredients and cover with Mozzarella. Cook on low until cheese is melted and pasta is warmed through.

3 Rhodes Recipes for Halloween!

2010-10-28T14:52:00.008-06:00

If you love rhodes rolls like I do these treats are sure to please. I nabbed these three recipes because I plan to try them but check out all the others on the Rhodes site, they have some fun ideas!! By the way, what's brewing on the menu at your place for Halloween? Please share!

http://www.rhodesbread.com/recipes/

Spooky Spiders

Ingredients:

Rhodes™ Cinnamon Roll or Rhodes Anytime!™ Cinnamon Roll
icing, included with rolls
black sugar sprinkles
candy eyes
black gum drop
corn syrup
black licorice laces

Directions:

Microwave or bake roll following instructions on package. Let cool 2 minutes. Spread icing over roll and sprinkle with black sugar sprinkles. Place gum drop by the side of the roll and secure with a toothpick. Press eyes into gum drop with corn syrup. Cut 8 licorice legs 3-4-inches long. Poke holes in both sides of roll and press licorice legs in them.

______________________________________

Mummy Mini Pizzas

Ingredients:

8 Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls, thawed to room temperature
1/3 cup pizza sauce
8 string cheese
sliced olives

Directions:

Spray counter lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Flatten each roll into a 3-4-inch circle. Place on a sprayed baking sheet. Top each one with about 2 teaspoons pizza sauce. Poke each one several times with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming. Bake at 350°F 8-10 minutes. While pizzas are baking tear 1 string cheese for each pizza into thin strips. Remove pizzas from oven and place 2 olive slices on each for eyes. Layer cheese strips in random fashion to resemble mummy bandages. Trim any strips that are too long. Return to oven and bake an additional 1-2 minutes to melt cheese slightly.

_____________________________________________

Yummy Mummy Dogs

Ingredients:

Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls, thawed but still cold
bun length hot dogs
mustard

Directions:

For each Mummy Dog, cut one dinner roll in half. Roll each half into a 22-24-inch rope. Wrap one rope around hot dog from bottom up 4 1/2 inches. Cut a 1 1/2 inch piece off of the second rope and set aside. Wrap the second rope around the hot dog from the bottom up 4 1/2 inches going the opposite way. Wrap the 1 1/2 inch piece around the top of the hot dog.
Place Mummy Dogs on a sprayed baking sheet and bake at 350°F 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven, cool slightly and add mustard eyes. Serve warm with ketchup and mustard.

Apple Betty Pie

2010-10-19T13:30:00.000-06:00

This super simple recipie is one my mom always made when I was growing up. You can throw it together in a few minutes and the apples are in season right now!

4 c. sliced apples
2-3 Tbsp Orange Juice
1 c. sugar
3/4 c. flour
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 c. butter

Put apples in pie pan. Sprinkle with orange juice. For topping combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg & salt. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Scatter over the apples. Bake at 370 for 45 minutes. Serve warm. Top with vanilla ice cream.

South of the Border Casserole

2010-10-18T08:01:00.001-06:00

This one is delicious, my kids gobbled it up!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups sour cream

1 1/2 cups salsa

Cooking spray

6 cups cooked rice

16 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

2 cups crushed tortilla chips

Directions

In medium bowl, combine sour cream and salsa; set aside.

Coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Layer bottom of dish with 3 cups rice.

Top with half of the sour cream mixture, then with 1-1/2 cups cheese. Add layer of beans, remaining rice, and remaining sour cream mixture. Bake at 350 degrees 15 minutes; remove from oven.

Mix remaining cheese with chips and sprinkle on lasagna. Return to oven and bake 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Gingerbread Cookies

2010-10-13T11:38:00.000-06:00

This recipe comes from the Scovil Bakery in Nauvoo Illinois, it is an old traditional gingerbread recipe. It is delicious! And a fun thing to do with kids, especially when the cookies are done and they get to decorate them however they want!

1 c. Sugar
1 C. Molasses
3/4 C. Oil
1/2 C. Hot water
2 Eggs
1 tsp Soda
1 heaping tsp. ground Ginger
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Salt
6-7 C. Flour

Cream sugar, shortening, molasses and water. Add Eggs, then dry ingredients. Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour. Roll out to 1/4 - 1/2 inch thickness and cut with desired cookie cutters. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

JELLOween Poke Brownies

2010-10-01T08:06:00.001-06:00

These are such a quick and easy recipe to do with kids. Perfect for a Halloween party or a treat to give to friends.

Ingredients

1 (19 oz) Fudge Brownie Mix

1 1/2 cups cold milk

1 (4-serving size) Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding

few drops red food coloring

few drops yellow food coloring

Directions

Prepare and bake brownie mix as directed on package for 8 or 9-inch square baking pan. Remove from oven. ( You want them thick) Immediately poke holes down through brownies to pan, 1-inch apart with wooden spoon handle. Pour milk into large bowl. Add pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk for 2 minutes. Stir in a few drops of food coloring to tint mixture orange. Quickly pour about 1/2 of the thin pudding evenly over warm brownies and into holes. Tap pan lightly to fill holes. Let remaining pudding mixture stand to thicken slightly. Spread remaining pudding over top of brownies to frost. Refrigerate 1 hour or until ready to serve. Cut into 2-inch squares. Cut each square diagonally into triangles.

Pizzokies

2010-09-30T13:19:00.004-06:00

Thanks to Dena for sharing this great recipe!

1 package pre-made cookie dough (Pillsbury is great)
1/2 gallon ice cream (choose your favorite)
caramel sauce
hot fudge sauce

Preheat oven to about 375.
Fill four (3 or 4") ramekins halfway with cookie dough.
Bake 12-18 minutes till golden brown, but still a little soft in the center. Don't overcook/burn.
Do not remove from ramekins. Top with a scoop of ice cream while they are still warm.
Drizzle with chocolate syrup/caramel... and dig in.

Maddox 1,000 Island Dressing

2010-09-27T11:01:00.000-06:00

For any of you locals that like Maddox Resuraunt here is a greast Thousand Island dressing recipie my mom made for us all the time growing up. It's always nice to shake up the ranch routine a little.

2 C. Miracle Whip
1 Can Tomato Soup
1 tsp. Minced Dry Onion
1/4 tsp. Paprika
1/3 C. Vinegar
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 C. Sugar
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
2/3 C. Salad Oil

Mix together with beaters. Makes 1 quart of dressing.

Cheesy Bacon and Egg Brunch Casserole

2010-09-25T08:04:00.001-06:00

This morning the kids and I made a new breakfast casserole. I had unexpected surgery on my knee last weekend so we have not been cooking much this week, but today since we were not in a hurry to get anyone out the door decided to try something new. The kids were great helpers and Taylor (my 8 year old) took pictures of the finished product. It was delicious and we'll be making this one again!

Ingredients

8 bacon

2 green onion, diced

1 (8 oz.) Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

8 eggs

1 1/2 milk

1 tsp ground mustard

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the drippings. Drain bacon on paper towels; crumble and set aside. Add onion to drippings in skillet; cook and stir 3 minutes or until softened.

Spread 1/2 of the bread cubes in 13x9-inch baking dish. Layer with 1/2 each of the onion, bacon, Cheddar cheese. Top with remaining bread cubes, onion, bacon, Cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.

Beat eggs in medium bowl until foamy. Add milk, mustard, salt and pepper; beat until blended. Pour evenly over top. Press bread cubes lightly into egg mixture until completely covered. Let stand 10 minutes. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until center is set and top is golden brown.

Make Ahead Tip: Casserole can be assembled 1 day ahead. Prepare as directed, increasing milk by 1/2 cup.

Chocolate Nutella Cookies Recipe

2010-09-24T09:45:00.001-06:00

I found this recipe awhile back and tried it with my eight year old for a homework project where he had to find and make a new recipie. They were good. If you've never tried Nutella before, this is a great place to start.

Ingredients:

1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup of brown sugar

3/4 cup of white sugar

1 cup of Nutella

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

2 eggs

2 cups, plus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup of chocolate chips

1/2 cup of chopped hazelnuts

Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter until light and fluffy. Add the sugars and Nutella then mix well, scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating for 30 seconds between each. Add the vanilla and mix for 10 seconds. Sift together the flour, cocoa, salt, and baking soda Add to the butter mixture, fold in the chocolate chips and hazelnuts and refrigerate the dough for ten minutes. Spoon tablespoon-sized drops of dough onto cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool on the sheets for a minute or two before transferring to a rack to finish cooling.

Makes 6 dozen.

Popcorn Balls

2010-09-22T14:46:00.000-06:00

1/2 C. margarine
2 C. Brown Sugar
1 C. Karo Syrup
1 Can Condensed Milk
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 1/2 gallons of Popcorn

Combine butter, sugar and syrup in a sauce pan, stir well and bring to boil over medium heat. Stir in milk and simmer stirring constantly until it comes to a "soft ball" stage. The pour over popcorn and still well, the form into balls, and wrap in plastic wrap to keep soft.

Tip: Add a few drops of food coloring to make the balls perfect for any occasion.

Ande's Mint Cookies

2010-09-20T10:25:00.000-06:00

These are a fun new cookie to try if you like mint. I love getting the Ande's mints when you leave Olive Garden and melted on these cookies they are really good too.

3/4 c. butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. water
1 pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat ingredients in a small saucepan until chocolate chips are melted, then add:

2 eggs
2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Shape rounded tablespoons into balls and place on a cookie sheet. Lightly press each ball to flatten. Bake at 350 for 9-11 minutes. Right when removing from the oven, while still hot, place an Ande's Mint on top of each cookie. When they melt smooth the chocolate evenly over the top. Cool completely before serving.

Strawberry Peach Crisp

2010-09-15T19:53:00.003-06:00

Tonight we picked the last few peaches off our trees and made a yummy crisp for dessert. It was divine. Especially with a little vanilla ice cream melting on top. Good stuff!

6-8 medium peaches
12 strawberries (cut in fourths)
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp almond extract
3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup flour
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/4 cups oats
vanilla ice cream

Peel and slice peaches, mix lemon juice and almond extract pour over peaches and stir. Add the strawberries to the peaches. In a separate bowl melt butter and add flour, brown sugar and oats, mix well then drop mixture over fruit. Bake in 350 oven for 35-40 minutes. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving with vanilla ice cream.

Cookie Dough Truffles

2010-09-14T08:53:00.000-06:00

The verdict is still out at our house on whether the cookie dough or the cookie itself is the best part. These truffles take that debate to a whole new level. Yummo! Thanks Paula Dean.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup semisweet mini chocolate morsels
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 1/2 pounds chocolate bark candy coating, melted

Directions

In a large bowl cream butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add vanilla. Gradually beat in flour and add milk. Add chocolate morsels and pecans, mixing well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on waxed paper; chill 2 hours.

*Cook's Note: Since the dough is sticky, roll your fingers into flour. This will make it easier to roll.

Melt chocolate bark candy coating in a double boiler. Using 2 forks, dip cookie balls into candy coating to cover. Place on waxed paper and chill to set. Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 our.

Letter Pretzels

2010-09-08T09:28:00.004-06:00

These are such a fun and easy snack to make after school. The kids love making them into their initials. You can eat them with plain salt or go the cinnamon sugar route, both are super yummy.

1 T yeast

1 ½ c warm water

1 t salt

1 T sugar

4 c white flour

Egg

Coarse salt

Dissolve yeast in water and add sugar and salt. Stir flour into mixture. Knead and roll dough and cut into small pieces. Shape into letters.

Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with coarse salt and place on foil lined cookie sheet. Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

2010-09-08T09:19:00.007-06:00

I am constantly trying to find ways to use my abundance of zucchini (or yellow squash this year) this is one sweet way to use them.

1/2 C. Butter
1/2 C. Oil
1 3/4 C. Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 C. Sour Milk or Buttermilk (I used sour cream and added some milk to make it thinner)
2 1/2 C. Flour
1/2 C. Cocoa
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
2 C. Shredded Zucchini
1 1/2 C. Chocolate Chips
1/2 - 1 C. Chopped Walnuts (optional)

In a mixer, cream Butter, oil and sugar. Beat in the eggs, vanilla and sour milk. Then add the Zucchini and dry ingredients along with 1/2 C. chocolate chips. Pour batter into a greased 9X13 pan. Sprinkle chopped walnuts and remaining 1 C. of chocolate chips on top of the cake. Bake at 325 for 40-45 minutes.

Personally I prefer it without the chocolate chips and without any glaze, but you could easily make a glaze out of powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. It really just tastes the best with vanilla ice cream, that's not just my opinion that is a fact :)

Ginger Snaps

2010-09-05T09:33:00.002-06:00

These are fabulous, and easy to make, not to mention they will make your house smell great! I love how soft these are compared to the store bought kind. This is one recipe you won't be sorry you tried. Thanks mom for yet another great recipe!

3/4 C. White Sugar
2 1/4 C. Shortening
3/4 C. Molasses
3 Eggs
6 C Flour
1 tsp. Salt
3 Tsp. Cinnamon
3 tsp. Cloves
3 tsp. Ginger
6tsp. Soda

Cream Sugar and Shortening and Molasses well. The mix in remaining ingredients and mix well. Mold into balls approximately 1 inch around, then roll in sugar. Place on lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

Mountain Man Omelete

2010-08-29T10:06:00.000-06:00

We made this Tuesday morning for breakfast and it was delicious. I did precook the bacon and sausage at home so I only warmed them when I got the veggies soft, it just made for quicker prep and with small children that is essential. We had enough left overs to throw in the cooler and reheat the next morning.

1	lb. country sausage	2	cups chopped; mushrooms
1	lb.bacon	18	eggs
1	large yellow onion; diced	3/4	cup milk
3	cloves garlic; minced		salt and pepper to taste
1	green bell pepper; chopped	3	cups grated Cheddar cheese
1	red bell pepper; diced		picante sauce

Heat a 12" Dutch oven using 20-22 briquettes bottom until hot. Add sausage to oven and fry until brown. Remove sausage from oven. Cut bacon into 1 inch slices. Add to Dutch oven and fry until brown. Add sausage, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Saute until vegetables are tender. Whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Pour eggs over vegetable mixture. Cover and bake using 8 briquettes bottom and 14-16 briquettes top for 20 minutes until eggs are set up. Cover top with cheese and replace lid. Let stand until cheese is melted.

Serve topped with picante sauce.

Pocket Bread

2010-08-28T09:27:00.001-06:00

My mom used the make these when I was a kid. They are great with almost any sandwich fixings and sooo much better than anything you can buy at the store.

2 Pkgs Yeast

1/2 C. Warm Water

4 C. Warm Milk

1/3 C. Oil

1 Tbsp. Salt

1 Tbsp. Sugar

10 C. Flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water, add all ingredients to mixer along with 6 of the cups of flour and beat until smooth. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time until you get a good consistency. Raise for 1 hour then divide into 16 balls. Allow balls to rise on counter for 30 minutes more. Roll each ball out into a 8-9" circle and place on cookie sheets 2 at a time and allow to rise for 30 minutes more then bake at 450 for 10 minutes.

Campfire Eclairs

2010-08-27T09:56:00.004-06:00

The pictures are rough but it was dark outside around a campfire this week. The eclairs were delicious, we enjoyed them two nights we were there.

2 cans croissant rolls
1 package(4) pre-made vanilla pudding
1 container chocolate frosting
1 can whipped topping

You will need a 1 inch wood dowel. Rub the end of the dowel with cooking oil or spray with pam. Wrap croissant around the end of the dowel and cook over coals/campfire for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and no longer gooey. Let cool for a minute or two then gently pull off the dowel. Fill 3/4 full with vanilla pudding then squirt whipped topping in open end. Spread chocolate frosting on the outside of the eclair, enjoy!!

Chex Treat Mix

2010-08-25T10:27:00.000-06:00

One handful is never enough of this good stuff.

3 cubes of butter - 1 1/2 cups (no margarine)

2 cups sugar

2 cups light Karo Syrup

Place all ingredients into a heavy sauce pan. Bring to a boil for 4-6 minutes.

1 large box of Golden Grahams Cereal

1 large box of Corn Chex

1/4 package coconut (optional)

1 package sliced almonds (optional)

Mix all dry cereal, nuts and coconut in large bowl. Pour cooked butter mixture over cereal. Gently mix and pour onto 3-4 lightly greased jelly roll pans. When completely cooled, place in cellophane bags to give away, or put into serving bowls.

Won Ton Salad

2010-08-23T07:39:00.000-06:00

This salad is a light and delicious. My mom made it for us growing up. It's perfect for a girls night in.

1 lb. Chicken, cooked & diced
1 head lettuce-chopped
4 green onions-chopped
1/2 C. sunflower seeds or 2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 cucumber-diced
1 avocado-diced
1 pkg won tons-fried

Dressing
1/4- 1/2 c sugar (to taste)
4 tsp. salt
1/2 C. Olive oil
1/4 c. rice vinegar
1/4 c. cider vinegar

Assemble salad, right before serving pour dressing and toss. Add won tons. Serve.

Fruit Pizza

2010-08-19T14:36:00.005-06:00

It was raining outside today so the kids and I made a treat together.
I've never done fruit pizza before, but we will definitely do it again! That bite I took was as good as it looks, trust me!

Crust:
Depending on the size pan you're using and how thick you like your crust you'll need 1-2 rolls of sugar cookie dough. We used a cookie sheet and 1 large roll was perfect, two smaller 16 ounce would work as well. Press the dough onto your baking pan. Preheat oven to 350. Bake for 11-13 minutes. Mine was done at 11. Let cool completely.For the "sauce" as the kids called it, mix one 8 ounce package cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, one 8 ounce carton whipped topping and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Make sure the cream cheese is softened, beat it first then slowly add sugar and whipped topping.Decide what fruit you want to decorate with. We chose grapes, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, kiwi & mandarin oranges. I cut our pizza into pieces, slathered on some "sauce" and let the kids go to town. They all agreed it was delicious.Crust:

Two 16 ounce pre-made rolls of sugar cookie dough.
Bake in preheated oven @ 350 degrees for 11-13 minutes.

Sauce:
One 8 ounce package cream cheese softened
One 8 ounce container whipped topping
1/2 Cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Beat cream cheese and slowly add sugar and whipped topping so the sauce is smooth.

Toppings:
Your favorite fruit

Grapes
Blueberries
Strawberries
Raspberries
Bananas
Kiwi
Mandarin Oranges

Honey Lime Fruit Salad

2010-08-18T09:01:00.000-06:00

At my husbands company pool party this month we enjoyed this refreshing fruit salad, it had a simple dressing that really made all the flavors pop, and it was so good! Thanks to Patty for sharing her dressing.

Ingredients

Salad

1/3 cantaloupe, cut into 3/4-inch chunks (about 2 cups)
1 (16 ounce) container strawberries, quartered (about 3 cups)
5 medium kiwis, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks (about 2 1/2 cups)

Dressing

3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves

Directions

Cut up fruit and put into a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix honey, lime juice, zest, and mint. Right before serving, pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to combine.

Oatmeal Cake

2010-08-16T14:03:00.000-06:00

This recipe is so gooey and delicious I'm salivating just thinking about it. The recipe is one from my next door neighbor (Caralun Anderson) growing up. You'll want to try this one out.

1 1/c C. Boiling Water
1 C. oatmeal
1 1/2 C. Brown Sugar
1/2 C. Margarine
2 Eggs
1 1/2 C. Flour
1 tsp. Soda
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 tsp. Nutmeg

Pour Water over oats and let set. In a separate bowl cream sugar and margarine, then add eggs and vanilla. Add the Oat's & water to the mixture and cream all of them together. Next add the flour and spices and mix well. Bake in a greased 9x13 pan at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Topping:
1/2 C. Margarine
1 C. Brown Sugar
1/2 C. Evaporated Milk
2 C. Coconut
1 C. Chopped Walnuts
Bring Margarine, milk and sugar to a boil, then add coconut and nuts. Spread over warm cake and broil for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown.

Delicious Guacamole

2010-08-11T08:40:00.002-06:00

Ummm, umm, um!
That says it all.

6 ripe avocados, diced
4 green onions, finely chopped
3 roma tomatoes, diced
1 lime, juice only
1/4 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
2 packets McCormick Guacamole Seasoning

Mix all ingredients together and serve with tortilla chips.

Chicken Teriyaki Sandwiches

2010-08-09T09:20:00.001-06:00

These were so good. Perfect for summer grilling. As soon as I saw them over at Family Favorite Recipes I knew I had to give em a try, they did not disappoint.

4 chicken breasts
1 bottle Teriyaki sauce (we used Lawry's brand)
3/4 c. brown sugar
4 slices deli ham
1 can sliced pineapple (or you can use fresh which would be even better)
4 slices Pepper Jack cheese
4 large hamburger buns

Pound chicken breasts until they are about 1/4" thick all around. Place in a large Ziploc bag. Combine Teriyaki sauce and brown sugar until sugar dissolves. Add 1/2 of the mixture to the bag with the chicken and seal tightly. Place bag in refrigerator for at least 4-5 hours. Separate remaining Teriyaki mixture into 2 separate bowls (to prevent cross contamination use 2 separate brushes too)-- one for the pineapple, one for the chicken. Open pineapple can and save a little of the juice in a bowl. Place chicken and pineapple on the grill (medium heat). Brush with Teriyaki sauce every few minutes until chicken and pineapple are done-- try to only flip the chicken and pineapple once. Either on the grill or in a frying pan, cook ham with a little of the pineapple juice until it becomes nice and hot. Slice open hamburger buns and place a piece of cooked chicken on each bottom bun. Top with cheese, ham, grilled pineapple, and bun top. Serve immediately with remaining grilled pineapple.

Cordon Bleu Pillows

2010-08-07T11:45:00.002-06:00

At the recommendation of a friend, I made these for the first time a few nights ago and my kids loved them. More please was the consensus around here.

12 Rhodes White Dinner Rolls, thawed
2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast (shredded rotisserie chicken works well too)
1 cup cooked and diced ham
1 cup grated Swiss cheese
1 packet Italian seasoning
salt & pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten
sesame seeds or bread crumbs

Combine two rolls and flatten into an 8-inch circle. Mix together chicken, ham, cheese and seasonings. Place 1/6th of the filling in the center of each circle. Pull edges up around filling and pinch together to seal. Place on a cookie sheet or in jumbo muffin tins. Brush with egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or bread crumbs. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap and let rise 30 minutes. Remove wrap and bake at 350° F 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

Cream sauce:

1 can cream of chicken of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/8 teaspoon curry powder (optional)
1 tablespoon mayo
Milk (add till desired consistency)

Combine ingredients in sauce pan and cook over medium heat until heated through.

Whipped Strawberry Sensation

2010-08-06T07:35:00.000-06:00

I tried this at a baby shower a few weeks ago and it was so refreshing and delicious. A serious hit. I think when I make it, I may put another layer of the crust in between, you can never have to many Oreo's, right?

4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 (8 ounce) tub COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
8 OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Line 9x5-inch loaf pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan. Mash 2 cups of the strawberries in large bowl. Add condensed milk, juice and 2 cups of the whipped topping; mix well. Pour into prepared pan.

Mix chopped cookies and butter. Spoon over whipped topping mixture. Cover with ends of foil and gently press cookie mixture into whipped topping mixture. Freeze 6 hours or until firm.

Invert dessert onto serving plate when ready to serve; remove pan and foil. Spread remaining whipped topping onto top and sides of dessert. Slice remaining 2 cups strawberries; arrange over dessert. Store leftovers in freezer.

Grilled Corn on the Cobb

2010-08-05T13:24:00.005-06:00

I love stopping by the local corn stands this time of year.
Grilling corn is always a fun and simple alternative to boiling it.

6 ears corn
6 Tbsp. Butter
Salt and pepper

Peel back corn husks and remove silk. Spread a Tablespoon of butter on each ear of corn, add a dash of salt and pepper all over. Close the husks and cover in aluminum foil. Grill on high heat for 30 minutes, rotating occasionally for more even cooking, until tender.

Meatball Subs

2010-08-04T08:38:00.001-06:00

This is a real hit whenever I dish it up. They're quick and easy too.

2 lbs meatballs ( I get mine at Costco)
1 jar marinara
1 green pepper (sliced)
1 large onion (sliced)
1 container mushrooms 8 oz (sliced)
2 Tbsp Butter
Provolone/Mozzarella cheese slices or shreds
Hero Rolls

In a skillet melt butter and saute peppers, onions & mushrooms until tender and caramelized, remove from skillet. Warm meatballs on medium high heat for 3-5 minutes then add the marinara and reduce heat, bring to a simmer. Open & toast hero rolls then lightly butter. On a baking sheet add meatball mixture to hero roll and top with veggies & sliced cheese. Broil for 1-2 minutes in oven until melted. Enjoy. You can omit the veggies for those with a more picky palate.

Shredded Catalina Chicken

2010-08-03T14:28:00.004-06:00

This is a quick and easy recipie my kids love.

1 Rotisserie Chicken (shredded)
1 small jar apricot jam
1 small bottle Catalina dressing (Russian dressing works well too)
1 packet Lipton onion soup mix

Combine jam, dressing and soup mix in bowl, pour over shredded chicken and mix well. Warm in the oven at 350 for 30-40 minutes or on the stove top over medium heat until warm through. Serve over baked potatoes or rice. Garnish with cheese if desired.

Raspberry Pie

2010-07-02T07:37:00.000-06:00

This is a perfect dessert for the fourth!

1 small pkg Raspberry Jello

1/2 C. Sugar

1 1/3 C. Boiling water

1 Tbsp. Lemon Juice

2 C. Raspberries

3 oz. Cream Cheese

1/3 C. Powdered Sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 C. Cream

1 Pie Shell (either pastry shell cooked, or graham cracker crust)

Dissolve jello and sugar in water, then add lemon juice and stir in raspberries and place in fridge to chill. Beat powdered sugar, vanilla and cream cheese until fluffy. Whip the cream until peaks form then fold into the cream cheese mixture. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture into pie shell, top with 1/2 of the raspberry mixture, then the remaining cream cheese mixture and top with the remainder of the raspberry mixture. Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Gooey Popcorn

2010-07-02T06:56:00.001-06:00

This is a great munchie while watching fireworks.

2 C. Brown Sugar

1 Can Condensed Milk

1 C. Karo Syrup

1 cube Margarine

1/4 tsp. Salt

1/2 tsp. Soda

1 tsp. Vanilla

Bring first 5 ingredients to a boil and keep stirring until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat. Add soda and Vanilla to mixture then pour over 3 batches of air popped popcorn. Stir until well mixed.

Play Dough

2010-06-21T14:49:00.000-06:00

I remember using this recipe to make 4-5 different colors of play dough to make the earth and the different layers (inner core, outer core, mantle and crust) there for a science project in elementary school. My mom was pretty amazing. We just use it to play with and come up with all sorts of great colors.

1 C. Water
2 Tbsp. Oil
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 C. Flour
2 tsp. Cream of Tarter

combine all ingredients over medium heat until it sticks in a ball, you can add food coloring as desired. Keep in a Ziplock bag for re-use over and over.

Microwave Caramel

2010-06-20T07:18:00.000-06:00

In high school one of my girlfriends used to make these microwave caramels and bring them to share with everyone. They're easy, delicious and there is just something fun about unwrapping wax paper and sinking your teeth into a gooey caramel, wouldn't you agree?

2 cubes butter
2 1/4 c. brown sugar
1 c. karo syrup
1 can sweet condensed milk
dash of salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Melt butter, blend in sugar, milk, salt & karo syrup. Cover microwave on high for 10-12 minutes. Take out and stir, cook on medium high 16-20 minutes or until candy forms, add vanilla. Pour into greased 8x8 pan. Cool and cut. Wrap in wax paper.