Food for Thought

Whole Wheat Carrot Cake

2012-01-15T20:47:00.004-05:00

I created this recipe changing around a couple of recipes I found on various websites. It turned out so well, I hope you enjoy, too! Also, enjoy the Maple Cream Frosting recipe at the bottom.

Ingredients:

3 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

1 1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup apple sauce

1/2 cup oil

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups shredded carrots

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1/4 to 1 cup flaked coconut (based on preference and availability)

1 cup shredded nuts of choice (optional)

Combine sugar, apple sauce, oil, eggs, vanilla, carrots, and pineapple in mixer. Add all dry ingredients. Mix on a low setting about 2 minutes. Pour batter into 2 9-inch, greased cake rounds. Bake at 350 for 27-30 minutes. If using a 9 1/2 x 13 pan, add 3-5 more minutes. Insert knife to check doneness--when the knife come out clean, the cake is done. Eat plain warm or let cool and frost. See maple cream frosting below.

Maple Cream Frosting

8 oz package reduced fat cream cheese, softened (just leave it on the counter while you are making the cake)

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 cup powdered sugar (add more if you want a stiff frosting, this is more like a thick glaze)

Beat cream cheese and maple syrup until smooth. Add powdered sugar slowly. Beat until smooth. Add more powdered sugar if you desire. Frost your cake!

Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls

2012-01-11T19:30:00.002-05:00

This is an updated version of my Foolproof Bread recipe that includes how to do overnight cinnamon rolls and an orange rolls variation.

Foolproof Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Warm water: 3 cups (water temp should be about as warm as you can stand on your wrist from your tap; too hot will kill yeast)

Flour: Start with 4 ½ cups; add an additional 2-2 ½ cups when prompted in recipe (6-7 cups total)

Yeast: 4 tsp.

Salt: 1 T

Oil: 2 T

Apple Sauce: 2 T

Honey: 1/3 cup

FILLING:

1 cube butter

1 ½ cups brown sugar

3 tsp. cinnamon

1 cup shredded pecans

1 ½ cups raisins

Mixing Instructions:

Combine 4 ½ cups wheat flour and warm water. Using the dough hook for your mixer, mixing flour and water to paste consistency. Mix in yeast and then add salt, honey, and oil and apple sauce. Turn on mixer. As the motor bears down, turn up the speed. Add additional flour, one cup at a time, until dough pulls away from sides of bowl (careful not to add too much flour). Let knead 10 minutes.

Remove the dough once it’s kneaded, and roll it out on a lightly oiled surface into a large rectangle about 16X36 inches and approx. ¼ inch thick. Melt ¾ cube butter and spread it evenly over the dough. (I often melt the other ¼ cube and put a bit in the bottom of the pans before I put the cinnamon rolls in). In a separate bowl mix 1 ½ cups brown sugar with 3 tsp. cinnamon. Spread mixture evenly over dough. Spread 1 cup shredded pecans and 1 ½ cups plumped raisins evenly over dough. Roll up dough to form a roll starting with the long side. Seal the seam by pinching dough together. With seam side down, cut into 1 inch slices using fish line or floss. (Slide string under the roll, cross it over the top, and pull apart.) Place rolls on a non-stick baking sheet. Let rise until double in size. Bake: 350◦ 13-18 minutes. Yield: 32 rolls (or more).

OVERNIGHT VARIATION:

Prepare the rolls and put them in the pans; do not let them rise. Cover with plastic and refrigerate. In the morning, remove the rolls and let them rise until they’ve doubled in size (this takes about 45-55 minutes from the time you take them out). Then bake as directed.

Orange Roll Variation:

Instead of cinnamon, use the zest of 3 oranges mixed with the brown sugar. I also use the zest of another orange plus the juice of that orange and add it to my favorite cream cheese frosting to put on top.

Zupfa Bread

2012-01-05T16:18:00.001-05:00

This is always a hit. The recipe makes 6 loaves.

3/4 C Butter
2 C Milk (melt butter w/ milk on low in the microwave)
1 TBS Salt
3/4 C Sugar
5 eggs hand whipped
3 TBS yeast in 1 C warm water (an additional 3TBS of the sugar in)
11 C (approx) White Flour (until dough becomes sticky and satiny)

Raise covered, punch down and divide into 6 equal balls
Divide each ball into 4 equal parts, roll into strands and braid left to right (over under over under), repeat.

Bake 350 for about 25-30 minutes

Apple Crisp

2011-09-07T11:44:00.001-04:00

5 C Apples (peeled, cored, sliced)

1/4 C Sugar

1/2 C regular Oats

1/2 C Brown Sugar

1/4 C Flour

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 C Butter

Place apples and sugar in 9x9 in. baking dish. In a medium bowl combing the oats, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over apples. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes or until fruit is tender and topping is golden. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

* If I know ahead of time that I am going to be making this I'll put the apples and sugar in a large ziploc bag overnight in the frig. Then drain out the excess liquid - this way the apple crisp doesn't seem to get as soggy on day #2 (If it even lasts that long).

* I really like the topping, so sometimes I'll double the topping - but not the apples. YUM!

* You can also add chopped nuts or coconut to the topping mixture

Beef Taco Skillet

2011-04-01T19:43:00.001-04:00

I recently got this recipe from a friend and it's similiar to an Enchilada Casserole. It is so fast and so easy. Very yummy too, so this one's being added to the list!

1 # ground beef

1 can tomato soup

1 cup salsa

1/2 cup water

8 corn or flour tortillas, cut into 1 inch pieces

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook beef in medium skillet over medium-high heat until beef is browned. Pour off fat. Add soup, salsa, water, tortillas, and half the cheese. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat 5 min. or until hot. Top with remaining cheese and green onions.

*I think I used 6 flour tortillas and it was plenty.

Hot Fudge Chocolate Sauce

2011-03-24T16:39:00.002-04:00

Okay, lately we have made this hot fudge sauce and it is soooo good. It is not too rich, but just perfect over vanilla ice cream and some whip cream on top. (My husband likes to add nuts and a banana, I suppose that works too!) Try it...you won't be sorry. It also stores well in the fridge for a long time...if it lasts!

Hot Fudge Chocolate Sauce:

1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
3 oz unsweetened baking chocolate
1 cup sugar
1 (5oz) can evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla

Melt butter and chocolate over low heat. Add sugar and stir until smooth. (It won't get perfectly smooth, but mix it in well) Slowly stir in the evaporated milk until well blended and smooth. Remove from the heat and add vanilla. Let cool slightly before serving...if you can wait!

100th Post! Sausage and Penne Marinara

2011-03-05T19:46:00.000-05:00

I feel like I should celebrate (or win something) since my recipe is the 100th post on this blog!!

Here is a new favorite of mine! It's nice to have something besides chicken and hamburger. This recipe is delish and totally easy~

Sausage and Penne Marinara

2 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 lb. Italian sausage links, cut into 1 in pieces
1 large onion, halved and sliced
1 medium green pepper, sliced
1 Tbsp. Canola oil
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) stewed tomatoes, cut up
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the sausage, onion and green pepper in oil over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce and seasonings; heat through.

Drain pasta; toss with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.

Pancakes!

2011-02-25T11:03:00.002-05:00

This is the pancake recipe we always use from the Better Homes and Garden cookbook! Enjoy!

1 cup flour
1 Tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 beaten egg
1 cup milk
1 Tablespoons canola oil

Stir together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl mix the wet ingredients. Mix together. I use a whisk to mix the ingredients and I usually add more milk to thin the batter out. (I probably add 1/4 to a 1/2 cup more milk because I don't like thick pancakes. I do this when everything is already mixed and just eye ball the milk.) Cook in a pan with oil until lightly browned. Our family likes to add chocolate chips to the pancakes for a special treat!

Chicken Enchilada Soup

2011-02-16T18:35:00.001-05:00

This is my favorite soup to make because it's so yummy and so simple! My dad always requests me to make this for him. Try it out!

1 can Ranch Style Beans

1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies

16 oz. chicken broth

1 family size can of cream of chicken soup

1 can dices green chilies, mild (I leave this out)

cooked, diced chicken

fresh cilantro
tortilla chips

Combine all ingredients in a pan and cook. Serve with lime, cheese, and tortilla chips.

Quick N Healthy Black Bean Chili

2011-01-24T20:02:00.002-05:00

Total Cook Time: 20-30 min Serves 8-10

1.5 lbs of ground turkey or 90/10 hamburger
1 Pkt Chili Seasonings
2 C diced tomatoes (w/ juice)
1C(small) diced green chilies (w/ juice)
3 C Black Beans (w/ juice)
1 C Corn (drained)
1 Boulion Cube (chicken)
3 C water
1-2 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper (Ground) if desired
1/3 C Dried Chopped Onions

Brown meat, add in 1/2 of chopped onions.
Once cooked strain and rinse.
Return meat back to stock pot add in Chili Seasonings, Boulion Cube, Cumin, Cayenne (if desired) and remaining chopped onions and water. Bring to a boil and let boil for a few min allowing some of the water to cook off.
While boiling add in Tomatoes, Chilies & Corn and allow to boil for apx 2-5 min. Stir occasionally to keep from scorching bottom.
Add in Beans while boiling reduce heat and allow to simmer for 10 to 15 min.

Top with Sour Cream or Cheese Cubes and serve in a bread bowl!

Dani

Creamy Comfort Potato Soup

2011-01-24T16:55:00.001-05:00

Serves 6. Prep time 15min Cook time about 15min.

6-10 med/small white potatoes (cubed & boiled w or w/out skins)
1 cup chopped carrots (boiled w potatoes)
1 onion chopped
1 T butter
1 C heavy cream
1 can E milk
2 C water
1 chicken boulion cube
1 can corn
1 can cream of chicken
salt, pepper & celery salt to taste
abt 2/3 C Instant potatoes

Boil potatoes & carrots till tender then drain and set aside.
Return stockpot to stove & saute onions w/ butter.
once onions are ready add in water, chicken boulion cube and cream of chicken then bring to a boil.
Add in corn & continue to boil for a few min add in potatoes & carrots & continue to boil for a few more min.
Reduce heat to a simmer add in cream and milk.
Season w salt, pepper (abt 1 Tbs) & celery salt (abt 2 tsp) to taste.
Use a potato masher to break up potatoes, carrots and corn a little but not into mush.
Finally add in Instant potatoes 1/2 C at a time to thicken the soup up!

It tastes awesome with sourdough or you can add in ham or bacon... Parmesan is not a delicious add in lol.

Cranberry Chicken

2011-01-07T15:42:00.002-05:00

I found this easy recipe and it's pretty yummy! I made it for ladies at a church Christmas Dunner and also for a school staff luncheon. You could also cook it in the crockpot on low for about 6 hours-

6 whole chicken breasts (deboned and skinless)
16 oz. can whole cranberry sauce
8 oz. French dressing
1 pkg. dry onion soup mix

Make sauce mixing cranberry sauce, dressing and soup mix. Pour over chicken breasts in glass baking dish. Marinate for about 4 hours. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 Serves 6to 8.

Spinach, Apple, and Pecan Salad

2011-01-03T18:39:00.001-05:00

This recipe is totally easy and so scrumptious! I have made it 3 times in the past week for different gatherings and everyone has given me the best compliments. This is one that you want to add to your favorites! Yum, yum, yum!

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
apple slices, cut into bite-size pieces (prize slice apples from costco)
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
spinach leaves
1/2 cup toasted pecans

In a large serving bowl whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper. Just before serving add apples, onion, spinach and pecan. Toss until well coated with dressing.

{Smart Cooking The Costco Way}

Dani's Kickin Taco Soup

2010-12-07T16:35:00.001-05:00

I have been making Taco Soup like crazy lately and just cannot seem to get enough of it! There is just enough spice, flavor & hartyness for pretty much everyone to enjoy! Total cook time is only about 30 min. and it serves 8 with plenty of left overs! It keeps very well in the fridge and freezes perfectly!

Ingredients:

2 lb Hamburger or ground turkey(browned)
1 chicken bouillon cube
3-4 cups water
2 can black beans
2 can corn
2 can hominy
2 can diced tomatoes w/ chilies
1 packet taco seasonings
1 1/2 cup cubed velveta cheese (cubed)
1/3 cup of Dried Chopped Onions

Cooking Instructions:

Brown hamburger or ground turkey in skillet w taco seasonings & chopped onions.
Drain fat and transfer to med pot.
Add in water and bouillon cube.
Set on high and add in corn, hominy, tomatoes & additional taco seasonings to taste and bring to a boil.
Add in beans followed by cheese, reduce heat to medium high continue to boil for a few min and then reduce to a simmer for 10 min stirring occasionally so cheese doesnt settle and scorch on the bottom.
Remove from heath. Top with sour cream & tortilla chips!

Danielle

Banana Pudding

2010-11-21T17:53:00.002-05:00

Here is a Banana Pudding recipe tweaked by my husband. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 box Nilla Wafers
4 Bananas
1 8oz pkg Cream Cheese (room temp.)
1 3.4 oz pkg French Vanilla instant pudding
Half of a 3.4 oz pkg Vanilla instant pudding
1 tsp Vanilla
1/2 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 large tub of Cool Whip (you may not use it all)
3 cups cold milk

Directions:

Whip room temperature cream cheese in a bowl using an electric mixer. And dry pudding mix, milk, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla and mix until smooth. Fold in 1/3 of the cool whip into the pudding mixture. Line a 9x13 pan with Nilla Wafers. Top the wafers with sliced banana until the wafers are covered. Add 1/2 the pudding mixture to the pan and cover the bananas. Add another layer of bananas then the other 1/2 of the pudding mixture to cover the bananas. Top with 1/2 of the remaining cool whip. Crush remaining Nilla wafers and sprinkle over the top. Chill for 2 hours before serving.

Enjoy!

Sopapilla Cheesecake!

2010-11-15T11:11:00.002-05:00

We tried this new dessert last night and thought it was quick, easy and good! Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients
1- 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
Beat Cream cheese with one cup of sugar and the vanilla, until smooth.
Unroll the cans of crescent dough, and use a rolling pin of shape each sheet into a 9x13 shape for the bottom and top of the pan. (I rolled out with a bit of flour on my counter). Put one sheet of dough in the bottom of your baking dish. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture into the baking dish, then cover with the remaining piece of crescent dough. Stir together 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, and the cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread this mixture over the top of the final layer of dough. Bake until the dough has puffed and turned golden brown...about 30-35 minutes. Mine took the full 35 minutes. Allow to cool at least ten minutes before serving!!!! Hope you enjoy!

Mint Brownies

2010-11-11T08:52:00.006-05:00

Bottom Layer:

Boxed Brownie mix (or make your own from scratch)

Bake according to directions on box. Cool completely in pan.

Mint Cream Center:

2 cups Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup Butter, softened
1 Tbsp Water
1/2 tsp Mint extract
Food coloring

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and beat until smooth and creamy. Spread mint cream over cooled brownies, cover and chill.

Chocolate Topping:

6 Tbsp Butter
1 cup Chocolate chips

In a small saucepan heat butter and chocolate chips over low until just melted. Remove from heat and stir until smooth and glossy. Spread over chilled brownies & cream. Cover, and chill until firm.

I always line my pan with foil and pull the whole thing out of the pan so they are easier to cut. I also have a cup of hot water near by to dip my knife into so they cut nicely... otherwise the chocolate topping crumbles a bit when cutting them.

* Recipe from J'Lene

Carrot Cake...

2010-04-23T15:52:00.005-04:00

2 cups Flour
2 cups Sugar
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Cinnamon
3 cups Carrots (finely shredded)
1 cup Oil
4 Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add carrots, oil, and eggs. Beat until well combined. Pour batter into prepared baking pans. I usually use 2 round cake pans. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Frost when completely cooled. We like cream cheese frosting.

Cream cheese frostng: 1 stick butter, 1 stick cream cheese, 2 tsp vanilla, 4-5 cups powedered sugar... depending on how you like your frosting consistency.

Orange Chicken

2010-01-08T21:51:00.003-05:00

Here is a SUPER easy and delicious Orange Chicken recipe! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 lbs of Chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces

1/2 cup Cornstarch

1/4 cup Flour

2 Eggs

1 cup Oil

1 tsp minced Garlic

1 tbsp ground Ginger

Salt & Pepper

The Sauce

Mix these together in a bowl:

1 1/2 tbsp Soy sauce

1 1/2 tbsp Water

5 tbsp Sugar

4 tbsp vinegar

Zest of 1 Orange

The Chicken

In one bowl mix Cornstarch and Flour. In another bowl mix Eggs with some Salt and Pepper. On the stove heat one cup of oil on the skillet. Dip the Chicken pieces into the dry mixture, and then into the Egg mixture, then drop them onto the skillet. Fry until crispy. Remove cooked Chicken from skillet onto a paper towel lined plate. Put Ginger and Garlic into the skillet and fry for one minute. Then add the sauce and bring to a boil. Mix in the Chicken, then serve over Rice! YUM!

Red Skinned Mashed Potatoes

2009-11-22T19:50:00.000-05:00

Looking for a twist on tradition? Want to add something a little different to your Thanksgiving dinner menu? Give this a try, it's a YUMMY family favorite!

6 large red skin potatoes
1 stick butter or margarine
1/4 c. milk
1/4 c. sour cream
6 green onions, chopped (optional)
Shredded cheese (pick your favorite and add to taste.)
Salt and pepper to taste

Wash potatoes thoroughly.
Chop potatoes into medium sized slices, LEAVE the peels on!
Boil for about a half-hour (or until soft.)
Drain off all the water.
Add butter, milk, sour cream, green onions, and cheese.
Whip together well.
Season to taste.
Serve with some shredded cheese sprinkled on top and enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie Dessert

2009-11-21T17:42:00.002-05:00

The family I grew up in is slightly obsessed with pumpkin pie. We often requested round pieces of pumpkin pie...meaning the whole pie. And it wouldn't be unheard of someone eating their own pumpkin pie by them self or having leftover pie for breakfast, after all it is healthy with pumpkin!! Unfortunately my husband and girls don't like pumpkin pie...so crazy. They do however enjoy this pumpkin pie dessert, so I will probably make this for Thanksgiving and save the pumpkin pie for Christmas time when my sister is here to help me eat it! Hope you give it a try sometime and enjoy it too!

Pumpkin Pie Dessert

Crust:
1 Package yellow cake mix, keep one cup out and set to the side
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 egg
Grease the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Combine cake mix, butter and egg. Press evenly into pan.

Filling:
3 cups (1 lb. 14 oz. can) Pumpkin Pie Mix (I'm a Libby's fan)
2 eggs
2/3 cup Evaporated Milk (or you could use regular milk)
Combine ingredients with beater until smooth. Pour over crust

Topping:
1 cup reserved cake mix
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup cold butter
Cut all ingredients together with a pastry cutter until crumbly. Sprinkle over filling evenly.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes, until sharp knife inserted near center comes out nearly clean. Cool. Serve warm or cook with whipped cream, ice cream, or plain! Enjoy!

This also makes a great morning after Thanksgiving (or any day) breakfast!!

Yummy!

2009-11-17T18:13:00.002-05:00

Okay...last night we tried the black bean salsa chicken that Guinevere posted awhile ago. It is under the crock pot section on the right. It was REALLY good and soooo easy! We used pinto beans instead of black beans and I added extra cheese to the top as we served it. One of my girls used chips to scoop up the dinner instead of eating it with rice!! I say try it...I think it was totally worth it!

Sweet Potato Casserole

2009-11-15T23:00:00.000-05:00

1 ½ cups mashed sweet potatoes

½ cup sugar

4 Tablespoons melted butter

1 egg

½ cup flaked coconut

1/3 cup milk

½ teaspoon vanilla

Topping: ½ cup brown sugar

½ cup nuts

¼ cup flour

4 Tablespoons butter, melted

Dash salt

Combine ingredients and pour into a 1-1/2 quart buttered casserole. Mix topping and pour sprinkle over the top. Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes.

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls... Delicous!

2009-11-14T21:13:00.002-05:00

I dont know anyone who doesnt LOVE cinnamon rolls... so warm and gooey!!! But I must admit some are much better than others... this recipe is one of my faves and it really not all that difficult!

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Rolls:
1 4oz pkg active dry yeast
1 c warm milk
1/2c sugar
1/3 c margarine, melted
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
4 c. flour

Filling:
1 c packed brown sugar
2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 c margarine, softend(leave on counter till no longer cold to touch, do not heat in microwave)

For Rolls:
1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk, in lg bowl. Add sugar, margarine, salt, egg & flour (one cup at a time) and mix well.

2. Knead dough into a large ball, dust dough and bowl with flour. return dough to bowl, cover with towel and place in a warm place and let rise for 1 hr.

3. After 1hr roll out dough on a floured surface. Roll flat to aprox 21" long and 16" wide and abt 1/4" thick.

4. preheat oven to 400

For Filling:
5. Spread softened butter on dough, mix brown sugar and cinnamon and spread mixture on dough.

6. Roll dough long ways (21" side)

7. Once dough is all rolled slide non flavored dental floss under the roll (about 1 3/4" pieces) cross ends of floss and pull tight to cut dough. Repeat until entire roll is cut (makes about 12).

8. Place 6 rolls on a greased baking pan and cook for 10 min.

9. Let cool till rolls are cool to the touch but not cold and coat generously with frosting.

Cinnabon Cream Cheese Frosting

8Tbs ( 1 stick) margarine, softened
1 1/2 c powdered sugar
1/4 c (2 oz) cream cheese
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Combine ALL ingredients in a large bowl. Beat on med and increase speed till fluffy.

Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Soup

2009-10-26T14:25:00.003-04:00

It is getting colder and colder everyday which makes it the perfect time to make soup! I love making soup and wanted to tackle making my husbands favorite. I had never made Broccoli Cheddar before and decided that last night would be a good night to try!

I could not find an easy Broccoli Cheddar soup recipe to save my life! So I had to combine two different recipes and came up with this!

Chicken Broccoli & Cheddar Soup

3 boiled & shredded chicken breast
1 32oz bag of Broccoli Florettes
1 1/2c cheddar shredded
1 1/2c velveta cheese cubed
1 1/2c mozzarella shredded
1/2 c Parmesan cheese
2 1/2c chicken broth
2 1/2c milk
4Tbs instant potatoes
4Tbs flour
Pepper
2 Tbs chopped dried onion
2 tsp granulated garlic

Spray with cooking spray large pot. Add in Dried onion, garlic, broccoli, chicken broth & shredded chicken. Bring to a boil till broccoli is tender and remove from heat. Remove 2/3 of mixture and puree in blender and add back to pot.

On the side warm milk in microwave in a med size bowl for abt 1 min. Whisk in one Tbs at a time dried mashed potatoes & flour into warm milk.

Add milk mixture to soup and bring to boil for 1 min. Add in cheeses & Stir frequently.

Once cheese has melted add in pepper to taste and serve!

Enjoy!!

nonna fiorentino's meat sauce

2009-10-18T03:18:00.004-04:00

4 lbs. ground veal or beef

8 carrots

4 stalks of celery

1 green bell pepper

1 medium onion

1 can san marzano italian whole plum tomatoes, peeled (the big size can, not the 14 oz.)

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 c. white wine

1/2 c. milk

salt to taste

chop all of the vegetables finely in a food processor. combine in a large pan and sautee in olive oil until soft. in another large stock pot brown the meat until cooked through. once veggies are soft, add them to the meat. puree the tomatoes and add to veggies and meat. add wine and nutmeg. let simmer on low heat for one hour.

after an hour, add the milk and let simmer for at least another half an hour. salt to taste before serving. it's best served over wide noodles of some sort.

this sauce is delicious and super easy to make. it freezes really well, so making such a large quantity is a good thing.

Zucchini Bread... or Muffins ~

2009-08-16T13:51:00.008-04:00

We have had a lot of success this year gardening our zucchini.

It's become a family favorite (as a vegetable and a treat)!

3 Eggs

2 C Sugar

1 C Vegetable Oil

2 tsp Vanilla

2 C Zucchini, grated

3 C Flour

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/2 tsp Nutmeg

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until flight and fluffy. Add sugar and continue to beat until well blended. Stir in oil (1/2 cup oil and 1/2 cup applesauce if you want to lower the calories and make it a bit healthier), vanilla and zucchini. Sift together the dry ingredients and stir into zucchini mixture. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes for muffins (longer for loaves - until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean).

* My kids loved adding 1 cup chocolate chips.

* Samson and I prefer adding 1 cup chopped walnuts!

Greek Yogurt!

2009-08-05T15:43:00.007-04:00

Okay, What is it and how is it different than regular yogurt. Lets start with the Nutritional info: Now if you notice its 24 grams of protein per 8oz!

The texture is VERY creamy and to be honest the flavor and texture reminds me if you were to add half plain reg yogurt and cream cheese. I love to add splenda ( sugar makes me sick and slenda is no calories) and fresh cut up fruit.. its so tasty. Kinda like unbaked cheese cake. I've even thought Oreo's crumbled up would be great but it would defeat the eating healthy part :)

Here in the Northwest I've found the yogurt at Safeway and Fred Meyer, in the Organic isle. ( its cheaper at Safeway) I've also found it at Trader Joe's but its pricey there. You can goggle Greek yogurt and see what stores sell it.

I like the brands: Oikos and Voskos.

Just try it :) Just make sure you add a bit of Sugar or Spenda.

The most AMAZING salsa!

2009-07-28T15:06:00.001-04:00

We've made this recipe probably 5 times in the past week! I'm not a huge salsa fan but I just can't get enough of this. Try it out and let me know what you think.

-1/2 cucumber - seeded & chopped
-1/2 bunch cilantro - chopped
-4 roma tomatoes - seeded & chopped
-1 1/2 - 2 jalapenos - chopped
1- avocado - chopped
-1/2 medium sized onion - chopped
-1 1/2 limes - juiced
-sugar to taste
-salt to taste

Help!

2009-07-18T18:52:00.001-04:00

I love, love, LOVE Hawaiian Haystacks but I haven't found a recipe for the soupy/chicken topping that I love. Does anyone have any recipe that they like? If so, PLEASE share!

Thanks!

The Infamous Enciladas...

2009-07-17T19:02:00.003-04:00

This recipe is very well received and can be made more intense or more subdue very easily depending on types of salsa and amount of seasonings added. Warning... can be messing and is best when done with a few people... oh and these can be addicting!

Ingredients

5 Chicken breasts (boiled)
lg block of cheese or bag of shredded cheese equiv. in amt
pkg of tortillas
fam. size can of cream of chicken
1 1/2 cup milk
chunky salsa
puree salsa (red) "El Pato" brand tastes best
puree salsa (green) "El Pato"
diced green chilies (you will need abt 2 small cans)
paprika
chili pwdr
crushed red pepper
green enchilada sauce

Prep
shred boiled chicken & cheese. Mix milk in with cream of chicken. Spray lg casserole dish with non stick spray. Heat oven to 400.

In tortilla add in a med. handful of shredded chicken. Add in seasonings. Add a lg handful of cheese. Add in all three salsas & green chilies (spoonful of each). Roll but do not close ends. Add to lg casserole dish (9x13) with end of tortilla at bottom of dish pointing & pointing away from handle so it doesn't unroll. This just makes it so you can fit all 8 into dish.

Continue process with remaining tortillas.

Once last enchilada is rolled and placed in dish (you might need to squeeze them all in. Make sure you roll pretty tightly without ripping tortilla) add in cream of chicken mixture. Pour on enchilada sauce. Add remaining cheese. Sprinkle with chili pwdr. (make sure if dish is VERY full of liquid you place a cookie sheet under to catch drippings... better to be a little more full than to not have enough liquid).

Cook for 15 to 20 min or until cheese starts to bubble a little or turns golden. Ends of tortilla will dry out a little as well... means it is good and done. If you want to turn the boiler on for a quick min you can brown the top a little but don't take your eyes off of it or it will burn very fast!

Eat and enjoy!

~*~Dani w

Caprese Pasta

2009-07-08T17:18:00.003-04:00

From Giada De Laurentiis

1 (16 oz) box Pasta
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 1/2 pints Cherry Tomatoes, quartered
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/2 cup Basil leaves, torn
8 oz fresh Mozzarella, diced

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta into large bowl (reserve 1/2 cup of cooking liquid). In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil, add garlic and saute until fragrant, about two minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt and pepper. As the tomatoes cook and soften, smash them with a fork. Continue to cook until the tomatoes make a chunky style sauce, about four minutes. Transfer tomato sauce to the bowl of pasta. Toss to combine. Add the remaining cooking liquid, basil, and mozzarella. Stir to combine.

Super Yummy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-07-05T14:30:00.001-04:00

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
a pinch of salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375ºF (175ºC).(or I do 325 in a convection oven)

Line a cookie sheet or two with parchment.
Cream butter and sugars until creamy, then add egg and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Add Peanut butter and continue to beat until combined.
Add flour, baking powder and salt and stir to combine.
Add chips and stir again.
Drop small spoonfuls of dough onto parchment (you should get a dozen per sheet).

Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

2009-06-29T12:56:00.002-04:00

I don't remember where I found this recipe but it is super yummy! The mashed potatoes are some of the best we ever had and the pork chops fall apart and are delicious. It is super easy. Enjoy!

6 pork chops, 1/2 inch thick
1 packet dry Ranch Dressing Seasoning
10 oz can Cream of Chicken Soup

4 lbs peeled, cubed potatoes
5 Tablespoons real butter
1 Cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
6 cloves roasted garlic (click for directions how to roast garlic)
1- 1 1/2 Cups warm skim milk (any milk will do, I just happened to use skim)
1 Tablespoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, or to taste

1. Place pork chops, Ranch seasoning and soup into a medium sized crock pot over high heat for 4 hours or low heat for 6 hours.

2. Place potatoes into a large pot of cold water. Place onto stovetop over high heat and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling, cook for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain and transfer to the work bowl of a stand or electric mixer. Mix on low until potatoes are mashed then add butter, parmesan, garlic, milk, salt and pepper. Season to taste if needed. For thinner mashed potatoes add more milk, slowly until your desired consitency.

3. Scoop mashed potatoes onto serving plates and top with pork chops and soup gravy from crock pot. Enjoy!

Easy Tomato Soup

2009-06-14T21:10:00.003-04:00

2 cans stewed tomatoes (any variety--Italian, Mexican, Plain)
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 T minced fresh basil OR 1-2 tsp. dry
(you can add other spices like garlic or oregano or dried onion depending on what kind of tomatoes you used)
1/2 C light sour cream OPTIONAL

1. Place first three ingredients in blender, and process until smooth. our into saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Ladle soup into bowls; spoon 2 T sour cream into soup in each bowl, and stir gently to swirl. Sprinkle evenly with basil.

Source: Weight Watchers Five Ingredient 15 minute Recipes

Spinach Calazones with Blue Cheese

2009-06-14T21:00:00.003-04:00

1 (13.8 ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough OR your favorite pizza crust recipe
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup (3 oz) crumbled blue cheese
1 1/3 cups sliced mushrooms
4 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves
Cooking Spray

1. Preheat oven to 425
2. Unroll dough (or roll out homemade dough) onto a smooth surface. Pat out dough to a 12 X 10-inch rectangle. Cut into 4 (6 X 5-inch) rectangles. Sprinkle garlic evenly over dough. Top each rectangle with 3 T cheese, 1/3 C mushrooms, and 1 C spinach. Bring 2 opposite corners to center, tucking in spinach (pockets will be very full) and pinching all points together to seal. Place on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
3. Bake at 425 for 11 minutes or until golden brown.

(Note: I liked this best with a whole wheat crust. You could substitute a milder cheese like Gorgonzola. I have also substituted frozen spinach--cook it in the microwave for a bit to defrost and then squeeze out liquid. Otherwise there will be took much water inside the calazones).

Source: Weight Watchers Five Ingredient 15 minute Recipes

Cranberry-Glazed Salmon

2009-06-14T20:52:00.004-04:00

1 orange
1/2 cup cranberry chutney
2 tsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
Cooking spray
1/4 salt
1/4 pepper

1. Preheat broiler (I like the low setting)
2. Grate rind and squeeze orange, reserving 1 teaspoon grated rind and 2 Tablespoons juice; reserve remaining juice for another use.
3. Combine 1 tsp. rind, 2 T. juice, chutney, soy sauce, and mustard in a small bowl.
4. Place salmon fillets, (if they have skin, skin side down) on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper. Spread about 2 tablespoons chutney mixture evenly over each fillet. Broil 9 to 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with fork. Yields: 4 servings. WW Points value: 7

(Note: You can buy cranberry chutney in many grocery stores. I like to make a big batch of cranberry chutney--found at any good recipe website--and freeze portions of it for future use. You can use canned whole berry sauce or you in the late Fall you can use fresh berries.)

Source: Weight Watchers Five Ingredient 15 minute Recipes

More cooks...

2009-06-13T11:33:00.006-04:00

If you know of somebody who you think would like to contribute to our recipe blog, let me know and I will send them an email invitation to join us. We can always use more cooks in the kitchen, right?

World Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-05-28T13:24:00.003-04:00

I am not a great baker but when I make these cookies, the compliments I get make me feel like I'm pretty good! Try them out and let me know what you think!

1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup butter (not margarine)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup chocolate chip chips

In a large bowl, mix together the shortening, butter, sugar and brown sugar, using an electric mixer. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until creamy. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly. Add the chocolate chips and nuts and mix well. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease to baking sheets. Drop dough with a large tablespoon (should be the size of a golf ball). Allow plenty of space for the cookies to spread out as they bake. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 375 degrees.

Italian Baked Chicken and Pasta

2009-05-04T08:56:00.009-04:00

from Giada De Laurentiis - (with a few changes I made for my family)

1/2 box Pasta
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Chicken Breast, cut into bite size pieces
1/2 c Onion, diced
1 tsp Garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz.) can Tomatoes, diced with juice
1 c Mozzarella
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
1/4 c Bread crumbs, Italian for best flavor
1/4 c Parmesan cheese, grated
1 Tbsp butter

Cook pasta according to directions on box and drain. While pasta is boiling, cook chicken in olive oil - add onion and garlic, saute until tender. Put chicken, onions, and garlic mixture into a large bowl with the cooked pasta. Add the canned tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Place the mixture in a prepared 8x8 baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Dot the top with small bits of butter. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

We loved this new pasta recipe and will definitely be making it again!

Thanks Paula Deen!

2009-04-16T13:57:00.002-04:00

This recipe if from Paula Deen off of the Food Network. I will be adding this to one of my favorite recipes; so easy and very tasty! I loved the water chestnuts and pimentos!

Ingredients:

2 (14 1/2-ounce) can green beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups diced cooked chicken
1 medium onion, diced and sauteed
1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1 (4-ounce) can pimentos, drained
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup1 cup mayonnaise
1 (6-ounce) box long-grain and wild rice, cooked according to package directions
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
Pinch salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix all ingredients together and pour into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

2009-02-07T17:27:00.002-05:00

Yummy Cinnamon Rolls

Basic Dough
1 1/2 Cups warm water
2-3 Tablespoons Sugar
1 Tablespoon yeast
Let yeast dissolve.

Stir and add:
2 Cups flour
1 Teaspoon salt

Stir and add:
1/4 Cup oil

Stir and add:
2 Cups flour

Mix all together well until dough ball forms. Let raise if desired.

Bake at 425 for 10-15 min.

This is my favorite dough recipe! You can turn it into just about any type of bread you can imagine. I use it for pizza crust, cinnamon rolls (with a little extra sugar in the mix), and bread for my M since it has no milk in it. The gal I got it from would make hamburger and hot dog buns as well as dinner rolls out of it too. So play with it a bit and make it your own. Enjoy!

White Chicken Chili

2009-02-05T11:35:00.006-05:00

1 Tbsp Olive oil

1 large Onion

2 stalks Celery

1 small Yellow pepper

2 cloves Garlic

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp pepper

32 oz. box chicken broth

2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

2 cans white cannellini beans

1 cup frozen corn

Chop onion, celery and yellow pepper into small pieces. Heat oil in a large (4 qt) saucepan and saute vegetables until tender - about five minutes. Add spices, broth, chicken, and ONE can of the beans. Simmer, covered for 20 minutes. Mash the beans from the 2nd can - this helps to thicken the chili. Add mashed beans and corn. Simmer, uncovered for another 20 minutes.

Chicken Rolls

2009-01-23T17:11:00.004-05:00

I have made these twice in the past week... I guess I must like them!

1 can crescent rolls
1 1/2 C. cooked chicken, cubed
6 oz. cream cheese
small diced celery (as much as you want)
crushed corn flakes

Combine and stir until moistened. Place spoonful of chicken in the center of each roll and pinch shut. Roll each roll in melted buter and then roll in crushed corn flakes. Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes until browned.

Alfredo

2008-12-09T21:16:00.002-05:00

I made this again last night. It is so easy, creamy, and yummy! Give it a try.

Quick and Easy Alfredo Sauce

SUBMITTED BY: DAWN CARTER PHOTO BY: sarah

"I experimented with this until I found a quick, cheap, and easy Alfredo sauce combination -- the secret is cream cheese!"

RECIPE RATING:

Read Reviews (1,547)

Review/Rate This Recipe

PREP TIME	5 Min
COOK TIME	5 Min
READY IN	10 Min

SERVINGS

(Help)

Servings

METRIC

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

1/2 cup butter
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 cups milk
6 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Melt butter in a medium, non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring with wire whisk until smooth. Add milk, a little at a time, whisking to smooth out lumps. Stir in Parmesan and pepper. Remove from heat when sauce reaches desired consistency. Sauce will thicken rapidly, thin with milk if cooked too long. Toss with hot pasta to serve.

Smothered BBQ Chicken

2008-12-03T16:25:00.002-05:00

4-5 Chicken Breast Halves
1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
6 Slices cooked Bacon, cut in half
1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
1/2 cup tomatoes, chives, or olives (optional)

Grill the chicken breasts until tender but not pink, (I use my Forman) about 6 minutes on each side on medium heat. Prepare bacon and set aside. Place chicken breast halves onto a cookie sheet and use a spoon to spread on BBQ Sauce on top of the chicken breast halves. Place 2 pieces of bacon on top of the breasts and use about 1/3 cup of shredded cheese to smother each one. Put in oven until cheese melts. You may add the sour cream, tomatoes, chives, or olives to you liking.

Monkey Bread!

2008-11-15T18:03:00.002-05:00

3 cans refrigerator biscuits, quartered

1 C brown sugar

1 T cinnamon

1 stick butter, melted

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll biscuit quarters in melted butter, then in sugar mixture. Arrange in bundt pan. Pecans or other nuts may be sprinkled in bottom and between each layer. Combine butter and sugar mixture that remains and bring to a boil. Pour over biscuits. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand about 10 minutes and turn out.

This recipe is from a friend from collage and is really good. I made it last Christmas and thought I might do it one morning during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Hope you enjoy. Lallie also has a really good monkey bread recipe...maybe she will share!!

Easy Manicotti

2008-10-20T20:03:00.004-04:00

1 package Manicotti
2 cups Cottage Cheese
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
1 Tablespoon Parsley
1 jar Spaghetti Sauce

Boil Manicotti as directed on package. Drain and put in cold water. Mix cheeses and parsley then stuff into manicotti shells. Place in greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Cover with spaghetti sauce and top with additional mozzarella cheese. Make at 350 for 30 minutes.

Bruschetta Chicken!

2008-10-19T15:00:00.001-04:00

My Neice posted this recipe on her Blog- I tried it and it is Yummy! I served it over Pasta. Test your chicken because as I recall it took a little bit longer to bake then the recipe calls for.

Bruschetta Chicken

1/2 c. flour
2 eggs lightly beaten
3 chicken breasts
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c. dry bread crumbs
1 Tbsp melted butter
2 large tomatoes chopped
3 Tbsp minced fresh basil
2 garlic cloves minced
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Place flour and eggs in separate shallow bowls. Dip chicken in flour, then in eggs. Place in a greased 13x9 baking dish. Combine the parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and butter, sprinkle over chicken.

Loosely cover baking dish with foil. Bake at 375 for 20 min. Uncover, bake 5-10 min or until top is browned.

Meanwhile, in a bowl combine remaining ingredients. Spoon over the chicken. Return to the oven fir 3-5 min or until tomato mixture is heated through. Enjoy!

Chicken and White Bean Stew

2008-10-17T17:50:00.003-04:00

I found this recipe on Rachael Rays website after we had it at our friends house one night. I made it last night and was reminded of how good it is...and easy!

Chicken and White Bean Stew

4 slices of bacon, finely chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1 pound red potatoes (or just regular baking potatoes)

1 32 ounce container of chicken stock/broth (I used this plus an extra smaller can of chicken stock)

1 whole rotisserie chicken

2 15.5 ounce cans small white beans, rinsed

5 ounces arugula (5 cups)

salt and pepper

1. In a large soup pot cook the bacon over medium heat until cooked but not crisp, about five minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened, about five minutes. Add the potatoes and chicken broth and simmer until the potatoes are tender about 15 minutes

2. Pull meat off the chicken; discard skin. Add the chicken and white beans to the stew after potatoes are done and cook until heated through. Just before serving, stir in the arugula and season to taste with salt and pepper. It looks like a lot of arugula but it shrinks a lot when you stir it in.

This is so good! It is probably my favorite soup! Enjoy!

Most Amazing Wrap EVER

2008-09-29T13:15:00.006-04:00

Teriyaki Chicken Wraps

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless 6 oz. chicken breasts (cleaned, washed)
¼ cup of low-sodium teriyaki sauce
1 tbsp. sesame oil
1 tbsp. chili-garlic sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ginger
2 green onions,
diced1 cup shredded lettuce
½ cup brown rice, cooked
4 spinach wraps

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350° F. 2. In a medium bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, chili-garlic sauce, garlic, salt, and ginger. 3. Place chicken in a 9" x 13" baking pan. Brush sauce over chicken. 4. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Then turn chicken and brush with sauce. Continue baking until chicken is cooked through. 5. Remove chicken from pan and evenly distribute chicken, onions, lettuce, and rice over wraps. Baste with any remaining sauce from pan.
Total Calories: 269Protein: 31 g (124 cal)Carbs: 25 g (100 cal)Fat: 5 g (45 cal)

So this recipie is so so so good if you like Teriyaki Chicken. I din't have 1/2 the ingredients this recipie called for and it still was amazing and healthy 2.

What I used:

Tyson frozen plain chicken strips
a few thin slices of red pepper
a few thin slices of white onion

I combined 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce, 3 tsp sesame oil and a spray of garlic powder into the sauce. Poured over the chicken, peppers and onions and baked for about 15-20min. Put on tortilla with lettuce, rice, chicken and veggies.

This was the most amazing wrap I have ever had. :)

Garlic Chicken Farfalle

2008-09-19T12:17:00.004-04:00

I found this recipe on another food blog~

although I haven't tried it, it sounds tasty!

2-3 chicken breasts
1 (12 oz.) bottle of Lawry's Mesquite marinade with Lime
16 oz. bow tie pasta
1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 Tbsp pepper
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. butter

Marinate chicken breasts during the day (atleast 4 hours) in mesquite marinade and refrigerate until ready to cook. Grill chicken and cut into strips. Boil pasta according to directions on package. Melt butter, add garlic, whipping cream, pepper, parmesan cheese, and bacon. Whisk together on low heat for 4 to 5 minutes. In a large serving bowl combine pasta, chicken and sauce. Serves 6-8.

What's for Dinner??

2008-09-12T21:37:00.002-04:00

I've been cooking a lot more lately and I would love to get some more easy dinner recipes! I have made the sloppy joe's, creamy salsa chicken and the shepard pie which are all on this site. Does anyone have any other ideas?? If so, please share!

Thanks!

Brownies

2008-07-29T10:23:00.005-04:00

OK, here is the brownie recipe!

4 squares unsweetened Baking Chocolate
3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1 cup nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x13 pan.

Melt chocolate and butter in pan on low heat, stirring constantly...don't burn the chocolate!

In another bowl put sugar in and add the chocolate mixture and vanilla. (I try to let the chocolate cool a bit, but this doesn't always happen!)

Add eggs one at a time, just to make sure you don't scramble them!

Add Flour and stir. Bake 30-35 minutes...do not over bake. Mine only take 28 minutes so you will just have to test it out in your oven.

This is M's favorite treat! If I make boxed brownies she says she doesn't like them and wants "real" brownies!! They really aren't that hard to make and are just as easy as boxed! Hope you enjoy!

A chocolate craving...

2008-07-26T19:17:00.004-04:00

Zeeny makes the best homemade brownies I've ever tasted...

I totally think she should post her recipe!

Pioneer Vanilla Ice Cream

2008-07-23T11:58:00.008-04:00

2 qts. milk
3/4 c. flour
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
2/3 tsp. salt
1 1/3 T. vanilla
2/3 tsp. lemon extract
4 c. half and half

Combine small amount of cold milk with flour and stir until smooth. Heat remaining milk and stir flour mixture into it; stirring and cooking until slightly thickened.

Beat eggs and sugar together, then stir into hot milk mixture. Cool thoroughly and add salt, vanilla, lemon extract and whipping cream. Freeze in a 4 quart ice cream maker. This is an AUTHENTIC pioneer recipe!!

This ice cream is delightful topped with fresh raspberries, blueberries or strawberries.

Happy Pioneer Day!!

berry pie

2008-06-18T14:19:00.002-04:00

for raspberries, blackberries, or boysenberries. or mixed berries. so yummy!

filling:
6 c. berries, washed and patted dry
1/2 to 1 c. sugar (depending on sweetness of berries)
3 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of salt
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. minced lemon zest (optional)

mix together dry ingredients. toss with berries. add lemon juice and lemon zest and stir.

never-fail pie crust:
2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 c. shortening
1 tbsp. vinegar
1/3 c. cold milk

stir flour and salt together. cut with shortening until it forms pea-sized crumbs. stir in vinegar and milk. roll out half of dough to line pie plate. fill with berries. roll out the remaining dough to cover. pinch together edges. slit several vents in the top of the crust to provide steam escape. brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with sugar.

bake at 450 for ten minutes.

reduce heat to 350 and bake for 40 - 50 minutes (until top crust is golden brown). let cool before serving.

i made this with fresh, home-grown boysenberries for a friend's birthday last week. it was delicious. especially with the coconut ice cream we ate alongside it. enjoy!

Sloppy Joe's

2008-06-14T07:59:00.003-04:00

My sister asked me for this recipe...

It is such a yummy meal for the summertime!

1 lb Hambuger, ground
1/2 Onion, chopped
1 8 oz. can Tomato Sauce
2/3 cup Ketchup
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp Mustard
1 Tbsp Vinegar
1/2 Tbsp Worchestershire Sauce

Brown hamburger and drain excess oil, add onion and saute until soft. Add all other ingredients and simmer on medium-low for about 30 minutes until thick. Serve on buns. Makes about 8 sandwiches.

Lemon Cake

2008-06-03T11:09:00.002-04:00

This cake is so good! Hope you all enjoy!

Lemon Cake

1 yellow cake mix
3 oz. Lemon jello
¾ cup vegetable or canola oil
¾ cup water
4 eggs

Mix until smooth. Place in a greased 9x13 pan and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees.

Glaze topping: Poke holes in cake with a knife and drizzle over
2 cups powdered sugar the top of the cake while still warm. Also great 1/3 cup lemon juice served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Italian goodness

2008-04-21T01:53:00.004-04:00

Last weekend we had an Italian themed dinner to thank all who serve in our Primary. Our Primary president happily shared the following family recipes for us to prepare and serve. Try them out--they are absolutely delicious, quick and easy to prepare!

Pasta Casserole

(reminds me a bit of Baked Ziti, or a super alternative to homemade Lasagna)

Cook a 1 Lb. box of Rotini, drain

Brown 1 Lb. hamburger

Cut up ½ Lb. pepperoni (cut into quarters)

Cover with 1 Lb. shredded mozzarella cheese

Mix all together with one large jar of spaghetti sauce.

Put in baking dish.

Cover with 1 Lb. shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes (until top is melted and lightly browned)

Italian Tomato Salad

5 Roma or Plum tomatoes (quartered)

1 Whole cucumber, sliced (skinned or not skinned, you decide)

1/2 Small onion (sliced)Mix with olive oil and salt to taste.

Best when served with Italian white bread for dipping in the juices and oil!

Enjoy!

Irish Soda Bread

2008-03-17T21:38:00.004-04:00

I know today is St. Patrick's Day...but you could make this next year! My family has celebrated this holiday heartily since I can remember. Maybe it's because my great-grandparents both hail from the beautiful isle of Ireland. We make Irish stew or corn beef, with a veggie tray that looks like the Irish flag (carrots, cauliflower & broccoli or cucumbers), steamed fresh string beans, boiled new potatoes with butter & fresh chopped parsley on top. My family looks forward to this yummy treat each year. Hopefully, yours will too. This bread is really moist and is delightful served warm with butter. Enjoy!!

3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 c. sugar

2 T. caraway seeds (I usually omit these for the kiddos)

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

2 eggs

2 c. (16 oz) sour cream

3/4 c. raisins

In a lg. bowl, combine the flour, sugar, caraway seeds, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. In a sm. bowl, whisk eggs and sour cream. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in raisins.

Spoon into a greased 9 inch spring form pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cook on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing sides of pan. Cut into wedges & serve warm.

Iron Chef for Teenagers: Ideas?

2008-03-15T03:09:00.003-04:00

Our ward is having an Iron Chef competition for a combined young men/young women activity in a few weeks. I've honestly never seen more than fifteen or twenty minutes of the show, but have been doing a lot of reading up on it. It sounds like fun. How do I pull off a cooking competition for roughly 15-20 teen age boys and girls (mostly girls), especially on a very limited budget and in around 45 minutes? My biggest fear is that two or three will do all the work and the rest will wander the halls playing with their cell phones and ipods?

Any ideas for simple foods that will keep everyone interested and involved?

Here are a few that I've come up with. Maybe that will generate some ideas from all of you, too!

Set up a "grocery store" and give each person a set amount of money. Everyone has to buy something that will contribute to the meal.
Have some sort of secret ingredient like pineapple or potatoes (any other good ideas?) that everyone has to use in some way
Have each team make crepes: they get to choose the ingredients to make the fillings--one dinner crepe, one dessert crepe.
Have each team designate two head chefs, one girl and one guy. Do you think that would help the kids pay closer attention and keep themselves more occupied?

I went on a really fun date in high school where we had a cooking competition. We all went to the grocery store with $1 each. My team made stone soup (broth and veggies mostly) and had gummy peach rings for dessert. I think the other team made hotdog cut up in tomato soup or something.

I've been reading about hosting grown up iron chef dinner parties. I wonder if we'd end up with hot dog soup with a bunch of thirty something husbands making dinner.... (To his credit, my husband is an excellent and creative cook who loves to try new things. And he doesn't really like hot dogs any way. Grilled cheese is more his style.)

Deutsche Butterplätzchen (German Butter Cookies)

2008-03-09T22:10:00.004-04:00

So I don't know much about Germany, except they make really cool castles, cars and dogs. These cookies however, are awesome. I got the recipe from culinary institute. The theme was left over Easter eggs. I would suggest making these... they are yummy

GERMAN BUTTER COOKIES

this is a large ( ward size) recipe you can cut in half, or fourths.
8hard boiled egg yolks, mashed.
1 lb softened butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp almond flavoring
4 cups flour (sifted)
Cream butter, adding sugar gradually. Add egg yolks and almond flavor. Add flour slowly, mixing well, but DO NOT OVER KNEAD.Using a cookie shooter we made them into little balls and flattened, press onto parchment-lined baking sheet. If you are using a flower-shaped shooter, you can put a smudge of jelly, or a small chocolate morsel or 1/2 a maraschino cherry in the center of each one - but don't use sprinkles, they just detract from the cookie. Bake at 400 degrees until the edges are JUST brown. Any more than that, and they are over baked

Guacamole

2008-03-07T13:22:00.005-05:00

Ages ago there was a request for this recipe...I didn't remember until I made it to go with tacos the other night. Hope you can still use it. Enjoy!

3-4 large, ripe avocados
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3-4 green onions, chopped
Lime or lemon juice, preferably fresh
1-2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (chop the stems as well as the leaves, that's where a lot of the flavor is stored...in the oils contained in the stems)
1 med-large tomato, chopped

Cut each avocado in half. With a spoon, scoop out the avocado seeds and set aside, do not throw them out as you will use them later. Next, scoop out the meat of the avocados into a medium bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork or potato masher to make a slightly chunky mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in garlic and green onion. Add lime/lemon juice to taste, mix well. Stir in tomato and cilantro, mix well. Once you're happy with the taste of your mix, add back into the mix the avocado seeds. Leaving the seeds in the mix will help keep it from turning brown. Refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready to serve, seeds can be removed or left in bowl. Serve with tortilla chips as a dip, or as a garnish with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, sandwiches, burgers, etc.

Crockpot Chicken with Rice

2008-02-25T16:02:00.004-05:00

Tonight for dinner we are having this meal. It is one of my favorites so I thought I would share!

Chicken tenders (enough for you family and left overs! I usually use about half a bag of tenders from BJ's/Cosco)

2-3 cans of Cream of Chicken soup (I use 98% fat free)

1 carton sour cream (I use light)

1 cube of softened cream cheese (I'm using fat free and will let you know how it works!)

1-2 packets of Italian dry seasonings...the kind you make salad dressing with.

Rinse Chicken and put in crock pot (still frozen) Combine all other ingredients. If I am cooking a lot of chicken, the whole bag worth, I'll use three cans of soup. Usually I just use one or two. If the sauce is a bit thick you could add a bit of milk. The chicken will let off juices while cooking and thin the sauce out a bit. I usually add about half a cup of milk.

Cook in crock pot on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours.

When the chicken is done take two forks and shred the chicken. Serve over rice! I hope you all try this...it is really good and is good for a crowd

Bran Muffins

2008-02-24T18:30:00.002-05:00

this is my moms recipe and my favorite muffin!

2 cups All Bran
2 cups boiling water

Pour boiling water over all bran and let set

2 cups sugar
1 heaping cup shortening

cream together well in a very large mixing bowl.

4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 qt. buttermilk
4 cups all bran

Add to creamed sugar and shortening. Mix thoroughly. Add all bran mixture (bran and water). Mix well.

5 cups flour
4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Add to preceding and stir together well. Fill greased muffin tins about 2/3 full. Bake at 400 degrees for 11 minutes for small muffins or 14 minutes for larger muffins. This recopied makes one gallon of batter, which makes about 7 dozen muffins. This stores really well in a container in the refrigerator for up to six weeks! I sometimes make a batch and pull it out and bake a few at a time. Super good with butter on warm muffins or jam! Hope you enjoy!

On the Menu this Week!

2008-02-23T10:46:00.003-05:00

This week for suppers our family had:
Baked Pork chops
Baked Ziti
Tacos
Spaghetti
New England Boiled Dinner
Chicken Stir Fry
Pancakes and sausage
I agree that this time of year you can feel like you're in a cooking rut! The kids love the Pancakes and sausage and my husband is adjusting to the Breakfast for dinner idea. We usually do it about once a month and do Omelets, Waffles etc.. This time we topped the pancakes with chocolate chips, syrup and fruit.

Chicken Stir Fry

1 pound cut up Boneless Chicken breasts
Fresh Vegetables (Chopped/Grated Carrots, Snow peas, Broccoli etc) and/or
Frozen Vegetables
Water Chestnuts(optional)
Can of Baby corn (optional)
3-4 Crushed Garlic cloves
Oil

Heat Oil in skillet, add Chicken, chopped up Onion and Crushed garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the Vegetables, Fresh first then a couple minutes later frozen. Add Water Chestnuts and Baby Corn. Mix all together and cook until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through. Stir Fry sauce is optional also. This is great served over any type of Rice.

On the Menu this Week...

2008-02-22T15:49:00.002-05:00

I find myself in a rut this time of year because I am so tired of casseroles and am looking forward to BBQ season. These are my typical meals... ones that we are all getting way too much of lately!

Spaghetti
Taco's or Taco Salads
Chicken and Rice
Homemade Pizza (kids love it, but I'm tired of it)
Sunday Roast

This week I did make a Family size Chicken Pot pie (which was delicious - recipe to come), and I bought one of those Bertolli frozen pastas (not for those counting calories), I added a cup of peas and it spruced it up and it too was delicious!

So - what are some easy ideas for dinner... ones that will take me through to when I can pull out our grill?

What's for Dinner???

2008-02-20T16:06:00.004-05:00

Okay ya'll...what are you having for dinner tonight?! I thought I would post the recipe I was using tonight and post a few other ideas I had. If you would like one of the other recipe's just let me know! If you would do the same, just post what your family ate this week or last, that would be great.

On the menu tonight: Waikki Sweet and Sour Pork

1 1/2 pound pork shoulder, cut into chunks (I use pork chops)
1 can pineapple chunks (20 0z)
1/4 c. brown sugar
2 T cornstarch
2-3 T soy sauce
1/4 c vinegar
1/2 t salt
1 small green pepper, cut in chunks
1/4 c thinly sliced onion

Brown pork in a small amount of oil. Add 1/2 cup of water; cover and simmer (do not boil) for about 1 hour. Drain pineapple, saving syrup; combine sugar and cornstarch. Add pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and salt. Cook; stir until thickened. Add pork. Add pineapple, green pepper, and onions the last few minutes. Cook for 3-5 minutes. Enjoy over rice!

One the menu the past week(s):

Stove Top chicken and mashed potatoes, Roast and potatoes, fish and rice, shrimp alfredo, sloppy joes, do not peek chicken, spaghetti, pizza, and stroganoff.

Weight Watchers Pineapple Angel Food Cake

2008-02-17T17:29:00.003-05:00

I've talked with several people who are trying to keep up with New Year's Resolutions to shed a few pounds. There is nothing worse than trying to stick to a diet and having a sweet tooth at the same time.

My hairdresser shared this secret weight control recipe with me. I made it and it is wonderful!

Pineapple Angelfood Cake

1 package angel food cake mix

1 can crushed pineapple in water -- 20 Ounce Can

1. Combine both ingredients in large bowl.

2. Mix on medium speed with electric mixer.

3. Bake in accordance with cake mix box.

Calories: 136.5
Fat grams: 0.2
Fiber grams: 0.1

W/W Points: 3

If you cut the cake in eighths the following nutritional information apply:

Calories: 204.7
Fat grams: 0.2
Fiber grams: 0.2

W/W Points: 4

YOU CAN ALSO MAKE IN CUPCAKES (MAKES 24 CUPCAKES) and THE FOLLOWING NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION APPLIES:

Calories: 68.2
Fat grams: 0.1
Fiber grams: 0.1

W/W Points: 1

Monte Carlo or Cristo

2008-01-29T02:02:00.000-05:00

Jason and I had this for the first time while on our honeymoon. It's now a faviorte in our house.

2 eggs

2 tbsp. milk

4 slices bread

4 tbsp. butter

4 thin slices ham and or turkey

4 slices Swiss cheese

1 tbsp. powdered sugar

Mix together eggs and milk. Dip bread in egg mixture, coating thoroughly on one side. Heat butter in large skillet over medium to low heat, place bread egg side down in skillet. Place the swiss down on the bread in the skillet, and then the ham followed by another peice of cheese. I really like provolone with this too. I guess you can use any cheese.
Cook until the bottom is done to your liking. Dip another peice and put it egg side up on the sandwich allready in the skillet. Then flip the entire sandwich to brown the other side.

Cut in half and sprinkle powered sugar over the top. I like to have a small amount of syrup to dip in.

Sunday Crock Pot Roast

2008-01-21T12:11:00.000-05:00

Someone asked for a roast recipe awhile back and I'm just getting around to it. My sister gave me this recipe and it has become one of our favorites:

1 large roast- I use a chuck roast...they seem to be the most tender and I like when roasts fall apart
1 can golden mushroom soup
1/4 cup catsup
1 small onion
1 small bag of baby carrots
1 envelope of Lipton onion soup mix- you don't have to have this but I always add it

Season roast with salt and pepper and brown in a little melted butter. Put carrots in bottom of crock pot and add roast on top. Put sliced onion on top of roast. Mix soup and catsup (and I usually add about 1/2 cup of water) and pour over roast. Sprinkle Lipton onion soup over ingredients in crock pot. Cook on low 10-12 hours or high for 5-6 hours. When done skim grease off the drippings and make a gravy out of it. Serve with mashed potatoes! Supper Yummy!

Cheddar Chicken Pot Pie~

2008-01-20T14:30:00.000-05:00

1 cup cooked diced chicken
1 cup frozen broccoli (or vegetable of your choice)
1 (15 ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup
1 (9") pie shell, frozen
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Gently combine chicken, vegetables and soup in medium bowl. Pour mixture into pie shell. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake 45-60 minutes, until cheese is melted and mixture is bubble.

Granola

2008-01-14T01:52:00.000-05:00

GRANOLA

2 C flour (wheat)
4 C rolled oats
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 C oil
1/4 C honey
1/4 C molasses
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 325. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix with a fork. It should be lumpy and have bits about the size of a pea up to the size of a penny. Spread mix on large cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Stir the mix and turn it with a spatula. Bake 10 more minutes. Add raisins, cranberries, or other dried fruit and nuts after baking. Store in a sealed container.

Foolproof Bread

2008-01-14T01:18:00.000-05:00

A couple of you have asked for my bread recipe. It is one of the easiest and yummiest recipes I know of for whole wheat bread (or rolls or bread sticks or pizza dough or cinnimin rolls). I have a Bosch Universal mixer and can make five loaves at a time. It cost about $2.50 for the whole five loaves. If I have my wheat already ground into flour, I can do it, start to finish, in an hour and a half--roughly 15 minutes of actual work time, 10 minutes of kneading in the mixer, 5 minutes to put dough in pans, 30 minutes to rise, 30 minutes to cook.

I think two things are key to a moist bread: (1) use half apple sauce, half oil and (2) try to use fresh (or as recently as possible) ground flour. Take several cups of wheat berries (the unground stuff you get from the cannery or, if you live in Utah, the grocery store) to a friends house and borrow her wheat grinder and then store it in your freezer to keep it fresh. I have a Nutrimill wheat grinder, also made by Bosch, in which I am happy to grind wheat for anyone who lives near by.

In the recipe below I have listed two measurements for the ingredients. The first is from the original recipe, intended for a large (6 qt.) mixer. The second is for a smaller mixer (like a basic Kitchen Aid) that will make 2-3 loaves. If it is confusing I have a Word document with a nice table I can email to you. Just leave a post for me.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

Warm Water: 6 c or 3 cups
Salt: 2 T or 1 T
Oil/Apple Sauce: ¼ cup each oil and apple sauce (large) or 2 T each oil and apple sauce (small)
Honey: 2/3 C or 1/3 C
Dough Enhance: 2 ½ T or 3 ¾ t (I can't find this in NY so I just leave it out)
Vital Wheat Gluten: 2 T or 1 T (buy in any grocery store probably in baking or health food)
Flour: Start with 8 ½ C (use 12-15 total) or Start with 4 ¼ C (use 6-7 ½ total)
Yeast: 2 ½ T or 3 ¾ t

MIXING INSTRUCTIONS:

Wheat: Combine 8-9 (or half that for smaller mixer) cups gresh wheat flour and warm water. Using the dough hook, mix to paste consistency. Mix in yeast and then add salt, honey, oil/apple sauce and gluten. Turn on mixer. As the motor bears down, turn up the speed. Add additional flour until dough pulls away from sides of bowl (careful not to add too much flour). Let knead 7-8 minutes then add dough enhancer, knead 2 more minutes. (Total 10 minutes). Use shortening or oil on your hands to form loaves (not flour!). Take dough immediately from bowl. Fill non-stick loaf pans ½ to 2/3 full with shaped loaves. Cover with plastic wrap to keep moist. Let rise until doubled (approx. 1 ½ inches above top of pan--about 30 minutes). Place in cold oven. Turn oven to 350◦. Bake 30-40 minutes. Yields: 5-6 or 2-3 1 ½ lb loaves.

Cinnamon Rolls: Same mixing instructions as Wheat bread. Remove the dough once it’s kneaded, and roll it out on a lightly oiled surface into a large rectangle about 16X36 inches and approx. ¼ inch thick. Melt ¾ cube butter and spread it evenly over the dough. In a separate bowl mix 1 ½ cups brown sugar with 3 tsp. cinnamon. Spread mixture evenly over dough. Spread 1 cup shredded pecans and 1 ½ cups plumped raisins evenly over dough. Roll up dough to form a roll starting with the long side. Seal the seam by pinching dough together. With seam side down, cut into 1 inch slices using fish line or floss. (Slide string under the roll, cross it over the top, and pull apart.) Place rolls on a non-stick baking sheet. Let rise until double in size. Bake: 350◦ 13-18 minutes. Yield: 32 rolls (or more).

breakfast decadence

2008-01-03T20:35:00.000-05:00

one of my favorite breakfast indulgences is french hot chocolate (chocolat chaud). it's darker and more frothy than the traditional american hot chocolate. and it's typically eaten with dry, unbuttered toasted bread--an egg bread like challah or brioche works best--which is dipped into the chocolate. not something to be consumed daily (trust me). but chocolate chaud with toast makes for a positively delicious breakfast (or late night) treat.

chocolat chaud (hot chocolate)
adapted from the recipe used at ladurée.

ingredients:
3 cups (750 grams) whole milk
1/3 cup (80 grams) water
1/3 cup (65 grams) sugar
6 ounces (175 grams) bittersweet chocolate (at least 80% cocoa), finely chopped

to make chocolate:
bring the milk, water, and sugar just to the boil in a medium saucepan. remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the chocolate. the hot chocolate needs to be blended at this point. at ladurée, this is done with a hand-held blender (also called an immersion blender). if you have an immersion blender, leave the hot chocolate in the pan and whip it for 1 minute. if you don't have an immersion blender, transfer the hot chocolate to a traditional blender and whip on high speed for 1 minute. serve the chocolate immediately while it is still hot and frothy.

to reheat chilled hot chocolate:
the chocolate can be made up to two days ahead and kept tightly covered in the refrigerator. to reheat, warm the chocolate in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring gently, just until the first bubble pops on the surface. pull the pan from the heat, whip the chocolate for 1 minute with an immersion blender (or in a traditional blender), and serve immediately.

to make cold hot chocolate:
chill the hot chocolate until it is very cold, then stir in 3/4 cup (200 grams) cold milk. whip the cold chocolate for 1 minute with an immersion blender (or in a traditional blender). serve the cold hot chocolate over an ice cube or two. the cold hot chocolate allegedly makes for a yummy ice cream float, too.

make yourself a pot of chocolat chaud, toast yourself some strips of brioche, and indulge in a perfectly decadent breakfast or late night snack.

Spicy Cheese Fondue

2007-12-26T15:50:00.000-05:00

1 lg onion, chopped

2 cubes butter

8 oz. diced green chilies

12 oz. stewed tomatoes, with juice

2 lbs. Velveeta Cheese, cubed

1/2 lb. cheddar cheese, cubed

Tabasco to taste

Saute' onion in butter. Add chilies & tomatoes. Add cheese gradually to sauce to melt, and then add Tabasco. Cook over low heat or in a double boiler so as not to burn. Goes nicely with French bread cubes, apple wedges, celery chunks and cubed ham.

Egg Nog French Toast

2007-12-23T16:52:00.000-05:00

Slices of Texas toast (I use regular bread)

Egg Nog

Eggs

Nutmeg

Vanilla (optional)

Mix egg nog, eggs, nutmeg & vanilla. Dredge slices of bread in mixture & brown on both sides. Serve with butter & syrup. This is really yummy on Christmas morning. It also is great for dinner with bacon or sausage. Our family gobbled it up a few nights ago!!

Enjoy!!

Almond Rocha

2007-12-19T01:29:00.000-05:00

I made a bunch of Almond Rocha this week. I'm giving it away as Christmas treats so if you like it and want the recipe here ya go:

1 pound salted butter ( I used the unsalted one time and um, use the salted stuff)

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups almonds coarsely chopped

1/2 cup almonds for topping

2 bags of milk chocolate

I use a cast iron pot because of the high temperature, there will be less burning. ( mine is enameled coated, but you can use an old fashion one)

turn stove top on to medium a 4 or 5 no need to rush.

Melt the Butter

add the sugar

beat with wire whisk. This is the most important step. Make sure you butter and sugar don't separate.

After you start to see boil, use a high temperature spatula and occasionally sir.

bring to 300 degrees. It will be a dark amber color, and will smell like its burning.

Take of burner.

Add coarse almonds, stir

pour into a jelly roll pan ( smaller than a cookie sheet, you can use a cookie sheet but it will be thinner) you might want help with this step. Someone holding the pan while the other uses the spatula to help pour.

Spread out the mixture

Sprinkle milk chocolate over the mixture

wait until the chocolate is melted and spread with a knife or spoon.

dust with finely chopped Almonds

let cool. ( I cover it and set it in the snow outside sometimes you really wanna cover it so you don't get extra protein)

If you want you can carefully pop out the cool Rocha and spread melted chocolate on the other side.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

2007-12-17T23:10:00.000-05:00

1 pork loin roast
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce
Liquid Smoke (optional)

Put roast in crock pot with about 1/2 c. of water. Let simmer on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Just before serving, drain excess liquid, and shred pork with a fork. Don't over do...it can get mushy and just get really stringy. Then add BBQ sauce. This is great for a crowd. But I like it because you can make any amount. Serve on crusty rolls or super soft ones. We love both.

(NOTE: the butcher at Costco suggested the liquid smoke. He says that he uses it all the time. I've never tried it, only because I don't own any. But it sounds good)

Enjoy!!

Pulled Pork...

2007-12-15T09:44:00.000-05:00

We didn't make it to PJ's at all during the summer

and now I've found myself craving a yummy

Pulled Pork Sandwich!

Does anyone have a good recipe -

perhaps one that I can use regular pork chops

(only because I have some frozen...)

Try this...

2007-12-14T00:39:00.000-05:00

MORTAL SINS or Almond Rocha

40 saltine crackers
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. butter (must use butter)
1 c. chopped nuts
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate morsels

Place saltines on cookie sheet WITH SIDES. Melt butter and brown sugar and boil gently for 3 minutes. Pour over saltines. Bake 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle with 6 ounce chocolate morsels and 1 cup chopped nuts which have been mixed together; return to oven and bake 5 more minutes. Cool on rack.

2007-12-13T00:09:00.000-05:00

Does anyone happen to have Camille's recipe for the YUMMY treat made with saltine crackers, chocolate & nuts? I've got a serious craving!! Thanks

Melena's Pot Roast Recipe

2007-12-11T16:08:00.000-05:00

I got this pot roast recipe from my daughter. It is made in the crockpot and makes its own gravy which is a plus! You can use either a beef or pork roast. I personally like the pork roast. You can even use the cheaper butt roast cut. Take about a 6-7 lb. roast and brown the outside in a pan. This seals in the juices. Place the roast in a crockpot and add two cans- cream of mushroom soup, one envelope of dried onion soup mix along with a can of water. [I like to mix the soups and water in a bowl and whisk first but it isn't necessary.] The recipe says to cook on low 9-10 hours but I find you may have to alter the times to suit your own cooker. The longer you cook it the more tender it gets. If you want you can also add a can of mushrooms and a cut up onion to the recipe. People usually "ooh" and "ahh" over this recipe. Enjoy!

Suckers or lollipops?

2007-12-09T14:43:00.000-05:00

When I was little my mom used to make suckers

with us! My older sister has continued the tradition

with her girls, helping them earn a little bit of cash for Disneyland, new clothes, and the expensive things that teens think they need! For a while it was hard for them to find the different types of flavors that they wanted. My mom found where she could buy the flavors and has started her own little internet business. I think I might try to make a batch of suckers...

Here is the link to... My mom's candy making website!

pot roast--in a pot.

2007-12-06T20:50:00.000-05:00

i mentioned in the comments on chellae's post that a friend had made a delicious pot roast for me last summer. i emailed him to request his recipe. i'm posting his email below:

Dr. Rob's Pot Roast:
Use a chuck roast or a 7-bone roast no smaller than 3 pounds...bigger if you can. Salt and pepper the meat well...I sometimes use seasoning salt as well.

In a heavy Dutch oven or pot just a little bigger than the meat heat some oil (2-3 Tbs any kind) and brown the meat on all sides...this will help develop a rich flavor...add 1-2 cups of red wine (there is no alcohol in it at the end) which is needed for the acid component for tenderizing and a can or two of beef broth (homemade is better...and chicken broth will work too!) until there is liquid covering half way up the meat...add a couple of quartered onions on top and bring to a simmer...

cook covered on low (also can be done in the oven at 320F) for 3-5 hours turning the roast after 2 hours...the meat will be almost falling apart when it is done...remove meat from pot and wrap in foil and keep warm...

in the pot with the remaining liquid, add quartered waxy potatoes and baby carrots (one medium potato per person and about 1/8-1/4 pound of carrots per person) as well as 2-3 quartered onions (the ones you used before are almost mush by now) and a little salt and pepper and cook until just done (sometimes you need to add some more broth)...Remove vegetables and keep warm...

Thicken gravy/jus if you like (Burre blanc or a little flour and water slurry) and return meat and vegetables to pot to warm...

Serve with a salad and crusty bread...

i can attest to this roast's tastiness. it was absolutely delicious.

Holiday Help!

2007-12-05T10:37:00.001-05:00

I have to make a desert for the ward Christmas dinner, any ideas? And I have a reunion with the side of family that I haven't seen in forever on Christmas day; I have to bring a dish, any ideas?
Thanks Ladies!
Bonster

A decent pot roast recipe

2007-12-02T15:36:00.000-05:00

I need a good pot roast recipe. Ingredients, brands of those ingredients (if it's important), anything that will make my pot roast less dry and more flavorful. If you know of a good cut of meat that makes a good pot roast that isn't too greasy that would be great, too! My husband complaines that pot roast is too dry and too greasy (weird combo, I know).

brining

2007-11-23T11:28:00.000-05:00

so this is perhaps a bit late, given that yesterday was turkey-day, but i wanted to try it out before sharing it. this year we brined our turkey--which means, essentially, that we submerged it in a sugar, salt, and water solution for several hours before cooking it. i could spell out all the details of how it works, but they're kind of boring. so i'll just say that the idea is that brining the turkey makes it both more moist and tender and more flavorful. and having done this to my family's turkey yesterday, i can attest that we had the most delicious turkey ever, complete with moist, tender white meat (which almost never happens). so here's the details:

the best candidates for brining:
CORNISH HEN: whole, butterflied
CHICKEN: whole, parts, butterflied
TURKEY: whole, breast, parts, butterflied
PORK: loin, tenderloin, chops, fresh ham
SEAFOOD: whole side of salmon (when grill-roasting or smoking), shrimp

how to brine:
1. Mix cold water, salt, and sugar in brining vessel and stir to dissolve salt and sugar.
2. Immerse food in brine, seal, and refrigerate. (If not refrigerating, add ice packs before covering.) When brining a turkey or whole bird, make sure the air bubble in the chest cavity comes out.

formula for basic brine:
1 quart cold water
1/2 cup Diamond Crystal kosher
OR 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons Morton kosher salt
OR 1/4 cup table salt
1/2 cup sugar

use 1 quart of brine per 1 pound of food, not to exceed 2 gallons brine**

brine for 1 hour per pound, but not less than 30 minutes or more than 8 hours

formula for brine for high-heat roasting, broiling, or high-heat grilling:
1 quart cold water
1/4 cup Diamond Crystal kosher
OR 3 tablespoons Morton kosher
OR 2 tablespoons table salt
2 tablespoons sugar

use 1 quart of brine per 1 pound of food, not to exceed 2 gallons brine**

brine for 1 hour per pound, but not less than 30 minutes or more than 8 hours

**when brining multiple items, time based on weight of single item (for example, use weight of 1 of 4 pork chops being brined)

***when brining a turkey or fresh ham, rinse it well to remove excess sugar (extra sugar can make the outside of the meat burn)

what you'll need:
in addition to the ingredients (water, salt, sugar), you'll need a few other things, including:

some kind of brining vessel. for small pieces of meat, you can use ziploc bags, usually one- or two-gallon size. for larger pieces of meat (whole turkey, whole chicken, etc.), use some kind of tub or cooler. you need to make sure the meat is completely submerged in the brine, which means either expelling all the air from the bag or weighting the meat in a tub/cooler so it's submerged. you can also put a large piece of meat inside a trash bag and tie it off so there's no water left.

a method for keeping your meat cold. when you're working with a big piece of meat, especially for a holiday meal, it's not always possible to store a big tub of brine + meat in the fridge. you can put your brining bird (pig, fish, etc.) in a cooler full of ice packs so it stays down around 40 degrees. we used a trash bag for the turkey and brine and surrounded it in a cooler with ice, which worked great. make sure you don't let ice melt and dilute the brine if you take the cooler option.

after it's brined:
you can put your meat right in to cook after brining. however, if you like crisp poultry skin, you probably won't get it if you cook right away. instead you should brine ahead of time so you can let the bird air dry for at least several hours (best if you can let it air dry overnight) before cooking it. to let the bird dry, remove it from the brine and rinse well (to remove excess sugar). pat it dry with paper towels. place on a rack inside a rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan. refrigerate. the rack allows air to circulate around the bird.

so there it is. how to brine your bird (or pig or fish). it's not effective for red meat or fattier birds (duck, for instance) because those meats have sufficient fat to compensate for the drying that happens during cooking. i can't tell you how much it improved the turkey yesterday. my brother-in-law was carving the turkey and i was stealing snippets of white meat, amazed at how tender and juicy it was. try it for christmas!

ROLLS!!!

2007-11-20T13:56:00.000-05:00

OK, here is the roll recipe:

1 package yeast (1 Tbsp)
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 cup milk, scalded (warm it up but take it off the heat when it is steaming but not boiling)
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs, well beaten
3/4 tsp salt
3 1/2 - 4 1/2 cups of flour (This is an estimate)

Dissolve yeast and 1 Tbsp sugar in 1/3 cups of warm water. (I use pretty warm water) Set aside. Scald milk and butter together and set aside to cool a bit. In a mixing bowl place 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and eggs. Add cooled milk mixture (It will still be a bit warm, just don't scramble the eggs!) and yeast. Add part of the flour and beat in until thick. Add additional flour to make a soft dough. (It will still be pretty sticky at this point). Let rise until double-usually about two hours depending on how warm the room is. Roll out dough on floured surface (I usually have to add quite a bit of flour here because the dough is so sticky. I actually add flour to the dough in the bowl and then dump it out on the counter and knead it in). Roll out and cut to the shape you want. I use a big cup/glass and cut the rolls into circles. I then dip half the roll in melted butter and fold it over on itself. If you do it this way you don't have to grease the pan since the rolls have butter on them. Let rise until light and the right size...use best judgement! Don't let them get too big. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. I usually start checking mine around 12 or 13 minutes.

The flour isn't an exact measurement but just put in enough so it looks right! The secret to these rolls is not using a ton of flour. That way the rolls stay light and fluffy! Good luck and I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. Let me know if you have any questions!

Do Not Peek Chicken

2007-11-18T17:54:00.000-05:00

Chicken to serve your family...I always use bone in chicken for this recipe
1 C. rice...not instant
2 cans cream of chicken soup...can be reduced fat. The original recipe calls for one can cream of celery/1 can cream of mushroom...but we like the chicken soup
1/2 soup can of milk
1 envelope of dry Lipton onion soup mix

Sprinkle rice evenly over a 9x13 pan. Mix milk and soup together and pour over the rice. Sprinkle half the onion soup over rice. Place chicken pieces over rice and cover with pieces of chicken. Sprinkle remaining onion soup over the chicken. Seal with foil and back for 2-2 1/2 hours at 325 degrees. Enjoy. This is actually one of M's favorite meals.

Creamy Black Bean Salsa Chicken

2007-11-18T17:42:00.000-05:00

2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can chicken broth
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, rinsed & drained
1 c. salsa
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 c. cheddar cheese
1/2 c. sour cream

Put chicken in crock pot. Pour in broth, salsa, corn, beans and taco seasoning. Cover and simmer on low for 6-8 hours. Once done, shred chicken, add cheese & sour cream. Heat until cheese is melted. Serve over rice.

Crock pot season is upon us. I love crock pot cooking. Here's a recipe our family LOVES. Hope yours does too. This goes great with a green salad or spinach salad!!

A few requests...

2007-11-18T16:17:00.000-05:00

Zeeny - Do not peek chicken (because I always forget)

Brandi - Breakfast burritos

Carrie - Spaghetti (when you made it at Wolf Creek)

Zippy - Guacamole

Whitney - Taco Soup!!

Zucchini Bread

2007-11-13T11:43:00.000-05:00

I have been making tons of this, my husband and I are now addicted!
Mix:
3 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 c. apple butter OR apple sauce
2 c. grated Zucchini
1 tsp. vanilla
In another bowl mix:
3 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
*IF you are using apple sauce and NOT apple butter than add
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon

Add dry ingredients to wet and stir well. You can add 1/2 c. nuts if you want.
Add to 2 greased bread loaf pans and bake 325 for 1 hour.

A good friend gave me the idea to make a dinner menu weekly and stick to it. So far its working and I'm hoping now that classes have started back up I'll be able to stay on top of dinner with this method! So every Sunday night I get input from the family and we make our choices for the week. This week we are having:
Mon-Chicken Alfredo
Tue- Homemade chili and cornbread
Wed- Am for Pm (pancakes, eggs, bacon)
Thurs- Spaghetti with maple sausage and garlic bread
Fri- Homemade pizzas, one with Hawaiian, another with the works
Sat- Chicken Chili
Sun- Lasagna and garlic bread

Pepper Steak

2007-11-10T21:18:00.000-05:00

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 bell peppers any color (red, green,orange)
1 medium onion cut into wedges
2 cloves garlic
1 pound of thinly cut steak
1 can of campbells condensed beefy mushroom soup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ginger
hot cooked rice

In hot skillet with oil stir-fry peppers onion and garlic then set aside. Then brown the steak and combine the soup soy sauce and ginger when hot, put peppers and onions back in heat through. serve of rice.

I usually don't like bell peppers but this is really good!!! Scott and i tried it a couple of weeks ago and we loved it. The first time i tried it with white rice and the second with brown rice and I think i prefer the brown rice. This is a really easy recipe and hardly takes any time and bell peppers are supposed to be really healthy!! I hope you enjoy!!!

ham & bean soup

2007-11-09T18:23:00.000-05:00

a few years ago i got on a kick of making "experimental soul" for the missionaries. i'd feed them once a month and each month i made a new soup i'd never tried before. in december that year, i came home from our ward christmas party with a hambone that had plenty of meat on it. so i went looking for a soup to make using my hambone. this is what i found:

1 lb. white beans, prepared
8 c. water
1 hambone
2 c. ham, diced
1 c. celery
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf

combine all ingredients in crockpot and cook on low for 12 to 14 hours.

modifications: i used white beans and 15 bean mix. there are a couple of ways to prepare beans; the bag should say how. i usually soak them overnight. because i had more beans than it called for, i ended up using only about half the water it called for, which resulted in more of a chili consistency soup than a soupy soup. it was tasty. i also season to taste rather than measuring out my salt and pepper. and knowing me, i probably threw in other seasonings--whatever looked good at the moment. i had a very meaty hambone, meaning there was a lot of meat left on it, so i didn't bother with the 2 cups of diced ham. when i came home from work that day and tried to pull the hambone out, it fell apart. and i've never tasted ham that tender. delicious. enjoy!

Never Fail Pie Crust

2007-11-08T10:29:00.001-05:00

With Thanksgiving around the corner I thought this pie crust recipe might be useful. It is a really easy...really good crust. I put any left over bits into a pie tin/ pan and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on them and eat them like a cookie! Yum. Hope you enjoy.

Never-Fail Pie Crust

2 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1 cup shortening

Cut shortening into flour until crumbly.

1 Tbsp. vinegar

1/3 cup cold milk

Add and mix with a fork. Divide dough and roll out. For shell, prick and bake at 450 degree's for about ten minutes. Makes 3 (8 or 9 inch) pies or a large double crust pie. My mom can get 3 pie crusts out of it but I usually just get two with enough left to make a yummy cinnamon sugar cookie!

Sweet Carrot Mashed Potatoes

2007-11-07T14:06:00.000-05:00

3-4 large sweet potatoes
2-3 cups of russet mashed potatoes (or instant)
1 cup mashed carrots
½ cup butter

pinch of garlic power

pinch of dried chopped onion
Salt and pepper to you liking
1 tablespoon of sugar ( I used Splenda)

I microwave the sweet potatoes (I think the skins are easier to peel) But you can boil them. Boil until soft. Boil carrots until soft. Boil white potatoes until soft. Peel skin of potatoes and mash all together. Add butter and season to your liking.

I made these for the Culinary Institute and everyone liked them. I kinda made it up as I went along I added the white potatoes because I thought I wouldn't have enough... and I really like the 2 mixed. And I really needed to use the carrots up so I added them too. Enjoy

Penne w/Cabbage, Sausage and Marinara

2007-11-05T15:05:00.000-05:00

We are having this for dinner tonight with garlic bread, haven't ever tried it before, but it sounds good. (I love, love, love trying new things!) I got it off the Good Morning America website. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1/4 C. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, peeled and mashed
1 lb. Italian sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 lb. Savoy cabbage, cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces
Salt and Pepper to taste
3 C. Marinara sauce
1 lb. Penne pasta
Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)

Directions:
1. Heat oil in large saute pan over med. heat. Add sauasage and saute until done.
2. Add cabbage, salt, pepper and saute for 1-2 min. Stir in marinara sauce and cook 3-5min. until flavors have blended.
3. Meanwhile, cook penne in a large pot in rapidly boiling salted H20 until al-dente.
4. Drain pasta, and return it to the pot with 1/2 cup of sauce. Stir for 1 min over high heat, then place sauced pasta on serving platter and pour remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle with Romano cheese.
Serves 4.

Shepard's Pie

2007-11-05T12:18:00.000-05:00

With the weather turning colder, Samson tells me it is time for Shepard's Pie. I know there lots of different ways to make Shepard's Pie. This is the recipe that we like to use ~ Samson loves it!

1 lb Hamburger (ground - lean)
1/2 small Onion (chopped)
1 can Beef Gravy
2 cups Veggies (frozen)
Mashed potatoes (instant)
Cheese

Brown hamburger and add onions to cook until soft. Mix in gravy and heat until warmed through. Put beef mixture on the bottom of a casserole dish. Spread frozen veggies (we use peas, carrots, and corn) over beef mixture. Make mashed potatoes according to the instructions on the box - or if you can make your own from scratch. My kids love mashed potatoes so I mound it on until it reaches the top of the casserole dish. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake (covered) at 350 for 25-30 minutes.