chubba gurl

My new favorite taco seasoning

2012-01-04T13:09:00.003-07:00

LOVE this stuff

2 tsp dehydrated onions
1 tsp salt
1 t chili powder
1/2 tsp corn starch
1/2 tsp red pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp cumin

I put them in separate sandwich bags so I can just grab em and be done :D

Taco Piles

2011-05-23T16:16:00.004-07:00

Taco Piles

fritos
1 can of refried beans
Ground Beef cooked with a packet of taco seasoning added
lettuce
tomatoes
Grated Cheese *any kind we had Monterey Jack in this picture*
guacamole/sour cream/salsa/chopped olives or any other toppings.

Put down some fritos first
refried beans
ground beef
lettuce
tomatoes
grated cheese

any order would be fine but I like the beans on the fritos to hold the meat on :)
top with your choice of extra sauces or toppings. Can make taco bar style so everyone can make their own plate

Carne Asade (to try soon)

2011-05-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Carne Asada Steak (Mexican)

got this recipe in an email from www.chitterlings.com great recipes you get by email, go sign up :)

Serves 4

4 six ounce portions of steak. I use tenderloin to keep it very
lean
Juice of one lemon or lime
2 tsp of grated sea salt
2 tsp of grated pepper
1 Tbl of chile powder (I use a good quality of chile powder)
1 tsp of garlic powder
½ tsp of cumin

Directions
Drizzle the lemon juice over the meat. Rub around with your
fingers so it coats both sides. Then combine the spices in a
small bowl. Mix well. Then sprinkle them over the meat and rub
them in. Let sit for 30 minutes so the flavors sink in.
Lightly spray the grill with olive oil spray. Grill the steak to
your liking. Plan on about seven minutes per inch of thickness
for medium to medium rare.
Most often this kind of steak is served cut on the bias in thin
strips. That means cutting it perpendicular to the grain of the
meat. If you are using tenderloin like I was that really
doesn’t factor in.
Serve with a big salad loaded with veggies and you have a simple,
south-of-the-border meal.

Hamburger Steaks and Gravy Oh My

2011-05-10T17:16:00.003-07:00

Hamburger Steaks

note I made the gravy from the leftover juices in the pan, added some corn starch dissolved in water. Salt and Pepper DELICIOUS

Recipe from Southern Plate found here

*This recipe feeds as many as you make patties for

Ground Beef (can use lean, ground chuck, etc)
1 Cup Beef Broth
All Purpose Flour
Vidalia or other sweet onion, sliced

Heat one or two tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet. Press ground beef into doughnut shaped patties (the hole in the center will allow it to cook more evenly and will fill in as they shrink during cooking). Dip each patty into flour on both sides and place in hot skillet over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes on each side, until browned. Scoot patties to one side and add onions to skillet. Stir and cook for a few minutes until lightly browned. Pour in 1 cup beef broth and cover. Allow to cook until meat is no longer pink in the center, about ten minutes.

Woodpile

2011-05-09T12:49:00.005-07:00

thought Id post about hubby's progress on getting all our old trees chopped and in a pile. We cut down 4 Aspens and 3 Poplars . Cant wait to have it all cut and not sitting in my back yard. Hubby needs to cover it . Its raining like crazy and I think we still have a couple days left of rain grrr. Ignore the ugly shed we are planning on getting a new one soon (crossing fingers)

Peach Tree for Mother's Day

2011-05-09T12:43:00.004-07:00

I have never had a fruit tree before :) SO excited thank you thank you hubby for my new tree.

UPDATE Miss Peachy Keen has been planted :) yayy

Starting the Garden

2011-05-09T12:12:00.004-07:00

Hubby got some plants for us yesterday for our garden, we have tomatoes, strawberries, spinach, anaheim and jalapeno chilis, green peppers and zucchini .. cant wait. I also have seeds that I am starting inside. Tomatillos, Peppers, Tomatoes and Spinach we will see how they turn out or IF they turn out. I already have some lettuce growing out in a pot outside Yayy...WHEN it quits raining I will finally get to plant.

Papas y Chorizo

2011-05-09T12:02:00.004-07:00

Papas y Chorizo (Potatoes with Chorizo)

4-6 medium potatoes (I used 8 small ones)

Oil

6-8 ounces chorizo

salt and pepper to taste

Slice your potatoes into even slices pretty thin, cook in oil until brown and crispy and almost cooked through. Make a well in the middle of your potatoes and start cooking the chorizo..slowly mix it in and cook all until the chorizo is done. Salt and Pepper to taste and serve. Great with fried or scrambled eggs

I dont have an actual recipe this is what I did :) I used a cast iron pan my FAV pan to use to cook

Oatmeal Coconut Chewies

2010-06-19T12:32:00.002-07:00

Oatmeal Coconut Chewies

recipe from My Kitchen Cafe

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened to cool room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup shredded, sweetened coconut
1 cup quick oats

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl cream together the sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a greased or lined (silpat or parchment) baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes, until the cookies are set but not overly browned (bake a few minutes longer for a crispier version).

Totally Tangy Baked Fries

2010-06-18T07:55:00.003-07:00

Totally Tangy Baked Fries

allrecipes recipe

Ingredients:

4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4

inch thick fries

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1.	Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2.	In a large bowl, stir together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, chili powder, mustard, and pepper. Add the potato slices, and stir until evenly coated. Arrange fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
3.	Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Then, turn the fries over, and continue to bake for 10 to 15 more minutes, until crispy and browned. Season with salt, and serve.

Fry Bread

2010-06-16T11:41:00.002-07:00

Fry Bread

4 C. All Purpose Flour

4 T. Baking Powder

1 t. Salt

2 T. Sugar (optional)

2-3 C. Warm Water

Instructions:

In big mixing bowl, sift all dry ingredients together.
Add warm water until sticky approximately 2-3 cups of water.
Add additional flour until able to handle without sticking to hands.
In heated cast iron pan, fill half full with vegetable shortening or olive oil.
Heat oil until slightly smoking.
Roll out dough into balls the size of fist.
Flatten balls till fourth of an inch thick.
Put hole in middle of dough.
Place in oil and cook until golden brown then flip and repeat.

Makes approximately 20-30 fry bread.

For Navajo tacos place taco beans/meat mix on top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and other favorite toppings.

Additional toppings for fry bread honey, honey butter, powder sugar, jam, or cinnamon sugar.

Chili Lime Chicken Kabobs

2010-05-30T14:46:00.003-07:00

Ingredients

Recipe found at Allrecipes Here

we actually just marinated the chicken breast whole, grilled it and ate it on tortillas with hot sauce, DELICIOUS.. a must try, look how juicy it is :)

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
cayenne pepper to taste
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
skewers

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and lime juice. Season with chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken in a shallow baking dish with the sauce, and stir to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour.
Preheat the grill for medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers, and discard marinade.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill skewers for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear.

Burger or Hot Dog Buns

2010-05-27T07:52:00.001-07:00

Burger or Hot Dog Buns

recipe from AllRecipes

Ingredients

1 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup butter
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 egg

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat milk, water and butter until very warm, 120 degrees F (50 degrees C).
In a large bowl, mix together 1 3/4 cup flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Mix milk mixture into flour mixture, and then mix in egg. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape into smooth balls, and place on a greased baking sheet. Flatten slightly. Cover, and let rise for 30 to 35 minutes.
Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.
For Hot Dog Buns: Shape each piece into a 6x4 inch rectangle. Starting with the longer side, roll up tightly, and pinch edges and ends to seal. Let rise about 20 to 25 minutes. Bake as above. These buns are pretty big. I usually make 16 instead of 12.

Tender Potato Rolls

2010-05-27T07:49:00.002-07:00

Tender Potato Rolls

recipe from AllRecipes

Ingredients

1 medium potato, peeled and diced
2 cups water
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
6 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

Place potatoes in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain, reserving cooking liquid. Set cooking liquid aside to cool to 110 degrees F-115 degrees F. Mash potato (don't add milk or butter); set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm cooking liquid. Add the honey, oil, salt, egg, 4 cups flour and mashed potato. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 7-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 36 pieces. Shape each into a ball. Place in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Perfect Potato Salad

2010-05-20T11:30:00.001-07:00

Perfect Potato Salad
recipe from: My Kitchen Cafe

Perfect Potato Salad

*Serves 6-8

Dressing:
2 cups mayonnaise (I use Best Foods/Hellmans Light Mayo with great results)
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons minced dried onions
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons yellow mustard

The easiest way to make this is to add all the ingredients to the mayo jar and shake like your life depends on it until everything is combined. Of course, this requires that the mayo jar is half empty (with only 2 cups of mayo in it). If this is not the case, simply combine all the ingredients in a blender and give it a whirl until all ingredients are combined.

Salad:
5 pounds potatoes (I prefer to use red potatoes or yukon gold potatoes because I like their firm non-grainy texture)
1 cup sliced olives
10 hard-boiled eggs*, diced

Peel, dice, and boil potatoes until tender but not mushy (I cut my potatoes into bite-size pieces and boil for about 8-10 minutes). Drain potatoes well and pour into a large bowl. Add sliced olives and hard-boiled eggs. Pour dressing over warm potatoes until desired “dressing-level” is reached. I usually make this salad the night before and I pour a thin coating of dressing over the potatoes, olives and eggs while they rest in the fridge overnight. Before serving the next day, I add the rest of the dressing and mix until it looks just right.

*For perfect hard-boiled eggs, place eggs in a deep saucepan; cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 14 minutes. Transfer to an iced water bath; let cool completely. Unpeeled eggs can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Banana Snack Cakes

2010-05-16T15:11:00.003-07:00

Banana Mini Chip Snackin' Cake

recipe from Grumpy's Honey Bunch
stop by he blog and sign up for the newletter :)

I didnt have any choc chips so I used some chopped walnuts, VERY good, I also put some cream cheese icing on mine, I shouldnt have because it didnt need it but daughter wanted it

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup white sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 egg

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup milk

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, combine bananas, egg, melted butter and milk. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture until blended. Be careful not to over mix. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour batter into 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean.

Flour Tortillas

2010-05-16T15:05:00.003-07:00

SOOO far from perfect but the best Ive made so far WOot WOot Im soo excited :)

Flour Tortillas

Makes 12 tortillas
Recipe from the Authentic Mexican Cookbook
by Rick Bayless
________________________________________
INGREDIENTS
3/4 pounds (2 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour, plus a little extra for rolling the tortillas
5 tablespoons lard or vegetable shortening, or a mixture of the two
3/4 teaspoon salt
about 3/4 cup very warm tap water
________________________________________
DIRECTIONS
1. Make the dough. Combine the flour and fat in a large mixing bowl, working in the fat with your fingers, until completely incorporated. Dissolve the salt in the water, pour about 2/3 cup of it over the dry ingredients and immediately work it in with a fork; the dough will be in large clumps rather than a homogeneous mass. If all the dry ingredients haven't been dampened, add the rest of the liquid (plus a little more, if necessary). Scoop the dough onto your work surface and knead until smooth. It should be medium-stiff consistency -- definitely not firm, but not quite as soft as most bread dough either.

2. Rest the dough. Divide the dough into 12 portions and roll each into a ball. Set them on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and let rest at least 30 minutes (to make the dough less springy, easier to roll).

3. Roll and griddle-bake the tortillas. Heat an ungreased griddle or heavy skillet over medium to medium-high heat.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out a portion of the dough into an even 7-inch circle: Flatten a ball of dough, flour it, then roll forward and back across it; rotate a sixth of a turn and roll forward and back again; continue rotating and rolling until you reach a 7-inch circle, lightly flouring the tortilla and work surface from time to time.

Lay the tortilla on the hot griddle (you should hear a faint sizzle and see an almost immediate bubbling across the surface). After 30 to 45 seconds, when there are browned splotches underneath, flip it over. Bake 30 to 45 seconds more, until the other side is browned; don't overbake the tortilla or it will become crisp. Remove and wrap in a cloth napkin placed in a tortilla warmer. Roll and griddle-bake the remaining tortillas in the same manner and stacking them one on top of the other.

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Alfredo

2010-04-08T14:38:00.004-07:00

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Alfredo

This is an Allrecipes recipe from the site, I will let ya know how it turns out and how we like it and post a pic

UPDATE: Delicious, Its a keeper says the family, I agree, soo yummy :) as you can see I chopped our chicken into chunks, I also started my chicken frozen and on high..waited til it was done and then worked on the rest

Ingredients

cooking spray
4 (4 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup water
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 clove garlic, pressed
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped canned mushrooms ( I didnt add)
1 (8 ounce) package spaghetti
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (I used dry)

Directions

Spray the crock of a slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in crock. Combine Italian dressing mix, and water in a small bowl. Pour over chicken; sprinkle with garlic, cover, and cook on Low 4 hours.
After 4 hours, whisk softened cream cheese and cream of chicken soup together in a bowl. Pour over chicken; stir in mushrooms. Cover and cook on Low for 1 additional hour.
Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the spaghetti, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
To serve, spoon chicken and sauce over hot cooked pasta and sprinkle with parsley.

Green Hot Sauce (Salsa Verde)

2010-03-16T10:14:00.003-07:00

Green Hot Sauce (Salsa Verde)

Note: We used some smoked chilis that we got from our in laws (New Mexico chilis that were charred, we removed the skin) we also added in 2 extra jalapenos for heat and a little cilantro. DELICIOUS

10 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
8 serrano chile peppers, sliced (we used 3 charred New Mexico chilis)
1 onion, sliced
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoons salt, or to taste

Directions

Place the tomatillos, serrano peppers, onion, and garlic in a saucepan, and add water to just cover. Sprinkle the salt over the top, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until the tomatillos are soft and have turned slightly brownish in color, 20 to 30 minutes. Add more water if needed to keep the mixture from burning as it cooks.
Pour the cooked vegetables into a blender, and blend until smooth.

The Pioneer Womans BBQ Meatballs

2010-03-10T15:57:00.005-07:00

Ingredients

FOR MEATBALLS
1-½ pound Ground Beef
¾ cups Oats
1 cup Milk
3 Tablespoons Very Finely Minced Onion
1-½ teaspoon Salt
Plenty Of Ground Black Pepper, to taste
_____
FOR COOKING MEATBALLS
1 cup All-Purpose Flour (coating For Frozen Meatballs)
Canola Oil
_____
FOR SAUCE
1 cup Ketchup
2 Tablespoons Sugar
3 Tablespoons Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire
4 Tablespoons (to 6 Tablespoons) Onion
1 dash Tabasco

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all meatball ingredients. Roll into medium-small balls and place on a cookie sheet. Place sheet in freezer for five minutes.

After 5 minutes, remove meatballs from freezer and immediately dredge in unseasoned flour.

Brown meatballs in canola oil until just brown. Place into a baking dish.

Combine all sauce ingredients. Pour over meatballs and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Serve with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty French bread.

BBQ Meatballs from The Pioneer Woman

Gotta Try

2010-03-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

and SOON hehe

http://homesicktexan.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-make-flautas-recipe.html

To Try next

2010-03-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

Gotta try some homemade pretzels next, I think I found my recipe :)

http://amberskitchen.blogspot.com/2007/04/pretzels-anyone.html

Miss Paula Deen's House Seasoning

2010-03-01T13:21:00.002-07:00

I use this for almost everything, to season my hamburger meat, chicken, fried potatoes etc.. many many uses and so easy to whip up

1 C salt
1/4 C garlic powder
1/4 C pepper

Blend together. Will keep in a covered container for six mos.

Fried Chicken

2010-03-01T11:35:00.002-07:00

We mixed 4 eggs with about about 1/2 C or so of Jake's hot sauce and mixed that is your egg batter

Flour mixture, I mixed about 2 C flour and added some red pepper flakes, some cayenne pepper and some Paula Deen's Seasoning Ill leave the recipe for that

First salt and pepper your chicken pieces and let them sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Dredge your chicken pieces first in flour, then in the egg mixture , then back in the flour

fry in hot oil , (fill your pan no more than halfway full of oil or it may run over when you add in your chicken)

fry until the juices run clear and let sit on paper towels or newspaper until cool enough to eat

YUMMM

Hamburger Buns

2010-01-11T11:35:00.003-07:00

These are pretty tasty, I think I will add just a touch more sugar next time. I made some lil sliders for hubby and I

Hamburger Buns

Allrecipes click here

2 cups warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup white sugar
2 (.25 ounce) packages instant yeast
2 teaspoons salt
6 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed

Directions

In a large bowl, stir together the milk, margarine, warm water, sugar and yeast. Let stand for about 5 minutes.
Mix in the salt, and gradually stir in the flour until you have a soft dough. Divide into 25 pieces, and form into balls. Place on baking sheets so they are 2 to 3 inches apart. Let rise for 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake the rolls for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool slightly, then split them in half horizontally to fill with your favorite burgers.

Spanish Rice Original

2009-12-17T12:25:00.005-07:00

Spanish Rice Original

recipe from AllRecipes see it here .. great reviews on this recipe

This rice is really good, I needed to add a lil more chicken broth along the way because the broth got low and the rice was sticking but it has a little spiciness to it which is soo yummy. I dont add corn or olives to mine (ick) but I wish I would have had bell peppers . Ill definitely make this again. Ohh I made Pork Enchiladas out of the Pork Carnitas recipe that I have on here YUMMO

P.S almost forgot to add, I didnt use bacon in this at all but did use some bacon fat for browning the veggies and rice

Ingredients

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup tomato sauce
6 slices bacon
2 onions, diced
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 tomatoes, diced
2 green bell peppers, diced
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
1 (10 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained (optional)
1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained (optional)

Directions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine chicken broth and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil while cooking the following.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until evenly brown. Chop bacon, and set aside, reserving the bacon fat. Add onion to skillet, and saute until tender. Stir in rice, and cook until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour in boiling chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add diced tomatoes, green peppers, and chopped bacon. Season with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir in black olives and corn.

Basic Flaky Pie Crust

2009-11-15T08:29:00.002-07:00

recipe from AllRecipes

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening, chilled (I used butter)
3 tablespoons ice water

Directions

Whisk the flour and salt together in a medium size bowl. With a pastry blender, cut in the cold shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons ice water over flour. Toss mixture with a fork to moisten, adding more water a few drops at a time until the dough comes together.
Gently gather dough particles together into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
Roll out dough, and put in a pie plate. Fill with desired filling and bake.

The Pioneer Woman's Crash Potatoes

2009-11-06T11:37:00.004-07:00

Crash Potatoes

recipe from The Pioneer Woman's Blog

I switched mine up a bit and they were still DELICIOUS oh my
I used plain ol Idaho Potatoes (6 small)
I poked them with a knife and microwaved them for about 15 mins or so, til they are nice and soft.
Squarshed them on the cookie sheet that was drizzled with a lil vegetable oil (I cant afford olive oil lol) I used a basting brush to add a lil more oil to the tops, then salt pepper and some thyme.
Popped em in the oven and they turned out SO good

Ingredients

12 whole New Potatoes (or Other Small Round Potatoes)
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Kosher Salt To Taste
Black Pepper To Taste
Rosemary (or Other Herbs Of Choice) To Taste

Preparation Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in as many potatoes as you wish to make and cook them until they are fork-tender.

On a sheet pan, generously drizzle olive oil. Place tender potatoes on the cookie sheet leaving plenty of room between each potato.

With a potato masher, gently press down each potato until it slightly mashes, rotate the potato masher 90 degrees and mash again. Brush the tops of each crushed potato generously with more olive oil.

Sprinkle potatoes with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper and fresh chopped rosemary (or chives or thyme or whatever herb you have available.)

Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Pumpkin Apple Spice Muffins

2009-11-06T11:32:00.003-07:00

Pumpkin Apple Spice Muffins
from Melissa F.

Found on the My Kitchen Cafe Blog

Yield: 2 dozen

1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice**
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and finely chopped

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice**
3 tablespoons sugar

Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Combine pumpkin, butter, and eggs in another bowl and add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fold in chopped apple and spoon into greased muffin pans, filling two-thirds full. Combine 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; sprinkle evenly over muffins. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from pans immediately, and cool on wire racks.

Chicken Noodle Stir Fry

2009-11-02T16:00:00.005-07:00

Chicken Noodle Stir Fry

Recipe found here

I used some frozen stir fry veggies and a can of drained baby corn, my chicken was precooked leftover chicken so I added it in to heat up a lil after I got the veggies done. Then added the ramen and soy sauce ( I didnt add the full amt of soy, it seemed like too much) I doubled the recipe but still didnt use all the soy for the un doubled recipe. I do think next time Ill make a little cornstarch/water mixture to give it the same style gravy as in the restaraunt

Ingredients

1 (3 ounce) package chicken flavored ramen noodles
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cauliflowerets
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup coarsely chopped cabbage
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh or canned bean sprouts
1/2 cup teriyaki or soy sauce

Directions

Set aside seasoning packet from noodles. Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet or wok, stir-fry chicken in oil for 5-6 minutes or until no longer pink. Add vegetables; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender.
Drain noodles; add to the pan with contents of seasoning packet and the teriyaki sauce or Soy. Stir well. Serve immediately.

Pizza Hut Crust Clone Recipe

2009-11-02T13:59:00.005-07:00

Pizza Hut Style Pizza Dough*

recipe found here

I didnt use a bread machine, I used room temperature water(not too hot not too cold) in a bowl, added my yeast and sugar and let it sit for about 3- 5 mins

I added the oil to my big bowl where I was making my dough, added the cornmeal and baking powder, onion and garlic powder. Then I added back in the yeast mixture. Started adding in flour first a cup at a time, then the last in and mixed that in by hand. Hubby kneaded it for me til it was smooth and elastic. Then spray your big bowl with spray oil and coat your ball of dough all over. Then let rise for an hour or hour and a half. Then continue with the directions.Ohh I did parbake my crust as per directions below

1 1/3 cups water
2 tsp sugar
1 1/4 tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp cornmeal
3 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1 1/2 tsp yeast

Add ingredients to bread machine, according to manufacturer’s settings, and run dough setting. After the machine beeps, roll out the dough.

You can roll the dough into two 9×13″ pizzas (great for kid’s lunches!) or into two medium pizzas or a large pizza and an order of breadsticks (as instructed above).

Parbake the crust with a drizzle of olive oil on it at 450 degrees for ten minutes. Remove the crust and add sauce and toppings.

Place into the oven for another ten to fifteen minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Pumpkin Pancakes

2009-11-02T13:26:00.003-07:00

Pumpkin Pancakes
recipe from Allrecipes

Notes: My daughter had the camera with her when I made these so I couldnt take a pic, they were delicious but I had to thin down the batter a bit (milk or water work), it was too thick for my taste. I didnt use the Nutmeg Whipping Cream on top but it sounds delish

Ingredients

Pancakes
2 1/3 cups pancake mix (such as Bisquick®) I used Krusteaz
2 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
1/3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Nutmeg whipped cream
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons white sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Whisk together the pancake mix, white sugar, cinnamon, the 1/3 teaspoon nutmeg, and ginger; set aside. Beat together the eggs, milk, pumpkin, and vegetable oil. Combine the two mixtures, stirring just until all ingredients are moistened.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Bubbles will start to form in the pancakes. Cook until the edges of the pancakes start to look dry, and a bubble popped near the edge holds its shape. Flip the pancakes over, and continue cooking until the other side is golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil to the griddle if necessary. Stack the pancakes on a plate and keep warm until serving. For larger batches, keep pancakes warm in a single layer on a cooling rack positioned over a baking sheet in a 300 degrees F oven (150 degrees C).
Place whipping cream in a small, deep, chilled bowl. Add the 2 tablespoons sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg; beat using a mixer with chilled beaters on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.

Cheesy Ranch Potato Bake

2009-10-23T08:35:00.003-07:00

Cheesy Ranch Potato Bake
Recipe From AllRecipes

Ingredients

4 pounds russet potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 tablespoons butter, cubed (I used half this amt)
1 (8 ounce) package shredded colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend
1 (8 ounce) bottle Ranch dressing (enough to coat potatoes)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Place the potatoes in the baking dish. Season with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Evenly distribute the butter over the potatoes.
Cover dish with aluminum foil, and bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, until potatoes are tender. Remove from oven, and mix in the cheese and Ranch dressing. Continue cooking 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Crescent Mummy Dogs for Halloween

2009-10-22T07:49:00.003-07:00

Crescent Mummy Dogs

recipe found here

Hot dogs are all wrapped up in a classic recipe for Halloween...or anytime a chuckle is in order.
Prep Time: 30 Min
Total Time: 50 Min
Makes: 10 sandwiches
User Rating:

INGREDIENTS:

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations™ refrigerated flaky dough sheet
2 1/2 slices American cheese, quartered (2.5 oz)
10 large hot dogs
Cooking spray
Mustard or ketchup, if desired

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate at perforations, creating 4 rectangles. Press perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut into 4 rectangles.
3. With knife or kitchen scissors, cut each rectangle lengthwise into 10 pieces, making a total of 40 pieces of dough. Slice cheese slices into quarters (1/2 slice cheese, cut in half).
4. Wrap 4 pieces of dough around each hot dog and 1/4 slice of cheese to look like "bandages," stretching dough slightly to completely cover hot dog. About 1/2 inch from one end of each hot dog, separate "bandages" so hot dog shows through for "face." On ungreased large cookie sheet, place wrapped hot dogs (cheese side down); spray dough lightly with cooking spray.
5. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until dough is light golden brown and hot dogs are hot. With mustard, draw features on "face."
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Bake 15 to 19 minutes.

Aunt Millie's Broccoli Casserole

2009-10-16T08:14:00.004-07:00

Aunt Millie's Broccoli Casserole

I wanted this to be more of a main dish rather than a side, so I added some cubed up cooked chicken, I used a bag of frozen broccoli, and also a bag of frozen mixed veggies. I doubled the recipe and didnt have croutons so I added some bread crumbs on top.

Recipe adapted from a recipe found at AllRecipes

INGREDIENTS

4 heads fresh broccoli, chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded American cheese
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups crushed, seasoned croutons

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook broccoli in the boiling water for 1 minute. Drain, and set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, mix the cheese, cream of mushroom soup, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted. Add the broccoli, stirring to coat. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Mix in the croutons, and sprinkle over the broccoli mixture.
Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the topping is browned and broccoli is tender.

Baked Potato Soup

2009-10-10T12:50:00.004-07:00

Baked Potato Soup
Recipe from AllRecipes

Notes: I didnt have bacon so I used some bacon fat to cook the onions and garlic in, Also I added in a bag of frozen mixed veggies at the end because we wanted more veggies. SOOo good and filling. I will definitely make this again and again. Ohh forgot to say and so EASY it is :)

Ohh I cooked my potatoes in the chicken broth til tender, I didnt have any baked

INGREDIENTS

3 bacon strips, diced
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil ( I used half this amt)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cups chicken broth
2 large baked potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Minced fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS

In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Set bacon aside. Saute onion and garlic in the drippings until tender. Stir in flour, salt, basil and pepper; mix well. Gradually add broth. Bring to boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Add the potatoes, cream and hot pepper sauce; heat through but do not boil. Garnish with bacon, cheese and parsley.

2009-10-07T12:39:00.004-07:00

French Bread Rolls
Recipe found here SOOO GOOD! from the My Kitchen Cafe Blog

French Bread Rolls

adapted from allrecipes.com

1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour

In a large bowl, stir together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

To the yeast mixture, add the oil, salt, and 2 cups flour. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough has pulled away from the sides of the bowl. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Deflate the dough, and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 12-14 equal pieces, and form into round balls. Place on lightly greased baking sheets at least 2 inches apart. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth (or greased saran wrap), and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Bake for 12-13 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

*Can freeze the rolls after baking - microwave on high for 2 minutes before serving.

Best Seller Caramel Corn

2009-09-28T12:01:00.004-07:00

Perfect for you craft shows
package them up all cute and sell, SOO yummy

Best Seller Caramel Corn

1 C packed brown sugar
1/2 C unsalted butter
1/4 C corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon vanilla
8 C popped popcorn (1/3 C unpopped)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees
Place popcorn in a very large bowl.
In a large , heavy saucepan over high heat, combine the sugar, butter and corn syrup. Bring to a boil and let boil for 2 minutes stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and add baking soda and vanilla. The baking soda will cause the caramel to bubble up a little so make sure you use a large enough saucepan, combine well and pour over popped corn. Combine it all well andspread mixture out on cookie sheet or jelly roll pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 40minutes stirring every 10 minutes.
Let cool before eating

Lion House Rolls and Honey Butter

2009-09-27T17:26:00.001-07:00

Lion House Dinner Rolls

2 cups warm water (110 to 115 degrees)
2/3 cup nonfat dry milk (instant or non-instant)
2 tablespoons dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup butter, shortening, or margarine (I use canola oil)
1 egg
5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour, or bread flour

In large bowl or electric mixer, combine water and yeast; let sit 5 minutes. Add dry milk yeast, then sugar, salt, butter, egg, and 2 cups flour. Mix on low speed until ingredients are wet, then for 2 minutes at medium speed. Add 2 cups flour; mix on low speed until ingredients are wet, then for 2 minutes at medium speed. (Dough will be getting stiff and remaining flour may need to be mixed in by hand). Add about ½ cup flour and mix again, by hand or mixer. Dough should be soft, not overly sticky, and not stiff (It is not necessary to use the entire amount of flour).
Scrape dough off sides of bowl and pour about one tablespoon of vegetable oil all around sides of bowl. Turn dough over in bowl so it is covered with oil. (This helps prevent dough from drying out). Cover with plastic and allow to rise in warm place until double in size, about 45 minutes.
Scrape dough out onto floured board. Divide dough into two. Turn dough over so it is floured on both sides; gently flatten to about 1 inch thick. With rolling pin, roll out to a rectangle about 12 inches long, 8 inches wide, and ¼ inch thick. Brush with melted butter. With pizza cutter or very sharp knife, cut dough in half to make two strips about 4 inches wide. Make cuts through strips of dough every 2 inches, making about 12 pieces of dough.
Starting with short end, roll up one piece of dough, with butter on the inside. Place roll on parchment-lined pan with other short end down on the paper (I just use a greased pan). Repeat with remaining pieces of dough. Be sure all rolls face the same direction on baking pan. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise until double in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until light to medium golden brown. Brush tops of rolls with melted butter. Makes 2 dozen rolls.

Honey Butter

½ cup butter, softened
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ cup honey

Whip softened butter until light and fluffy (this is the trick). Add vanilla and honey gradually. Beat for 20 minutes (I just beat til light and fluffy) . Makes 1 cup.

Gina Neely's Spicy Potato Wedges

2009-09-27T15:10:00.002-07:00

Gina Neely's Spicy Potato Wedges

I didnt have parsley and I only had the parmesan in the can lol but still delicious

Recipe found here

Ingredients

3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 8 wedges
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoons seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley leaves
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
Salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the melted butter, olive oil, seasoned salt, cayenne, parsley, and 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan.

Arrange in a single layer on 2 sheet trays. Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 45 minutes. Turn the potatoes halfway through the cooking with flat spatula.

Remove from oven and taste for seasoning. Add some kosher salt to taste and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with more Parmesan and serve.

Banana Pancakes I

2009-09-26T09:15:00.005-07:00

Banana Pancakes I

recipe from Allrecipes

INGREDIENTS

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 ripe bananas, mashed

DIRECTIONS

Combine flour, white sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together egg, milk, vegetable oil and bananas.
Stir flour mixture into banana mixture; batter will be slightly lumpy.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook until pancakes are golden brown on both sides; serve hot.

Zucchini Brownies

2009-09-24T10:08:00.004-07:00

Before Baking
After and Done

Zucchini Brownies

This batter will be really thick, you will think its not working, then you add the zucchini and
it will get less dry, press it into your pan.

From Allrecipes.com

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Frosting

6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup margarine
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix together the oil, sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, baking soda and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Fold in the zucchini and walnuts. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies spring back when gently touched. To make the frosting, melt together the 6 tablespoons of cocoa and margarine; set aside to cool. In a medium bowl, blend together the confectioners' sugar, milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in the cocoa mixture. Spread over cooled brownies before cutting into squares.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

2009-09-19T17:49:00.003-07:00

Sweet and Sour Chicken

This is delicious... hubby and I LOVED it, daughter will have some when she gets home :)

Recipe from My Kitchen Cafe click here
Chicken:
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup canola oil

Cut boneless chicken breasts into chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Dip chicken in cornstarch and then in egg. Fry in a little oil until brown but not cooked through. Place in a single layer in a baking dish. Mix sauce ingredients (below) together and pour over chicken.

Sauce:
¾ cup sugar
4 tablespoons ketchup
½ cup vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic salt

Bake for one hour at 325 degrees. Turn chicken every 15 minutes. If you like extra sauce, make another batch of sauce and bring it to a boil on the stovetop. Stir constantly and let cook over medium heat until thickened and reduced - about 6-8 minutes.

Gobble Up Granola Snacks

2009-09-14T09:08:00.004-07:00

Gobble Up Granola Snacks

recipe found at Allrecipes here
I used creamy peanut butter, I wish I would have had some raisins or walnuts or maybe even coconut, prepare to be addicted

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, stir together the rice cereal and oats. Set aside. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Combine the brown sugar and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat just until boiling, then remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the cereal and oat mixture, and mix well.
Press into the prepared pan using the back of a large spoon. Allow to cool, then cut into squares.

Best Marinara Sauce Yet

2009-09-11T19:24:00.005-07:00

I didnt name the recipe lol, its found at Allrecipes click here

Best Marinara Sauce Yet
I just wanted to add that I make this sauce more than any other, I havent been buying the Prego sauce I usually buy, I make this instead SOO easy too

2 (14.5 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (I had none so didnt add it)
1 clove garlic, minced (will use 2 next time)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 tablespoons olive oil (could probably half this, way to much IMO)
1/3 cup finely diced onion
1/2 cup white wine (didnt add)
I also added a couple pinches of sugar to cut down on the acidity

DIRECTIONS

In a food processor place Italian tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. ( I used my blender)

In a large skillet over medium heat saute the finely chopped onion in olive oil for 2 minutes. Add the blended tomato sauce and white wine. (I didnt add any wine or extra liquid)

Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. (I added few fresh tomatoes from the garden , we like some tomato chunks. Also some meatballs)

Quick Beef Stroganoff

2009-09-02T16:16:00.005-07:00

Quick Beef Stroganoff

Recipe found at Mommys Blog Go see her fab pic tutorial

Very tasty and filling, I will make it again with the mushrooms, I was out. I also used minced onions because I had no onion
p.s. I doubled the recipe

Recipe Ingredients:

1 lb. hamburger
1 - 8 to 10 oz. bag wide egg noodles or
(rice or mashed potatoes)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 - packet brown gravy mix
4 oz sour cream
2 tbsp. chopped onion
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 sm. can sliced mushrooms (optional)

Salsa

2009-09-02T08:12:00.003-07:00

Salsa

Thank you for this recipe Diana :)

Ingredients:
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and very coarsely chopped
4 cloves garlic, halved
2 large vine-ripened tomatoes
1 (28 0z.) can diced tomatoes (drained or not, depending on how much liquid you want in your salsa)
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tbsp. cumin (I will omit this next time)
1/2 sweet yellow onion, coarsely chopped
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
1/4 cup fresh cilantro(I didnt have any so I didnt add it)
juice of one lime
Directions:
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the jalapenos and garlic. Process until finely chopped. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add all other ingredients to the food processor. Pulse in very brief pulses until the vegetables have reached the size you desire (it does not take many pulses so don’t overdo it). Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

2009-09-02T08:00:00.002-07:00

Tomato Cucumber Salad

very simple and tasty

Recipe from Allrecipes here

INGREDIENTS

2 tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions in a salad bowl. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Chill.

Pork Carnitas

2009-08-24T13:38:00.003-07:00

Pork Carnitas

I used a pork loin, Everyone LOVED it and ate a ton :) had it on corn tortillas with homemade salsa DELISH

Here is the video recipe that I used

http://video.about.com/mexicanfood/Pork-Carnitas.htm

Chili Dog Casserole II

2009-08-21T09:47:00.004-07:00

HUBBY LOVED this one omgosh he raved over it and wanted to know how I made it. He is going to try to get the recipe out of me hehe, he likes to take my recipes and make them better to make me mad haha

Recipe here at Allrecipes

Chili Dog Casserole II

NGREDIENTS

2 (15 ounce) cans chili with beans (I used a quart sized jar or homemade chili)
1 (16 ounce) package beef frankfurters
10 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 (8 ounce) package Cheddar cheese, shredded

Just to note, I read through a ton of reviews and found that you should heat your hot dogs before rolling in tortillas, also people seemed to like it best with some onions and mustard in the tortillas too, also cheese . Already I have found that 15 oz cans of chili is not enough. I open up a jar of homemade chili that we canned recently. Will show a pic and let ya know how we like it later.

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Spread 1 can of chili and beans in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Roll up franks inside tortillas and place in baking dish, seam side down, on top of chili and bean 'bed'. Top with remaining can of chili and beans, and sprinkle with cheese.
Cover baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 30 minutes.

Fried Green Tomatoes

2009-08-18T10:49:00.004-07:00

This is the first time Ive ever tried fried green tomatoes, they are SOo good, hubby ate most of them..watch the video here, LOVE em. SO happy I tried em

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPR0xFgCAZY

Banana Cream Bundt Cake

2009-08-16T11:00:00.004-07:00

Just need some nanners and powdered sugar :)

Banana and Cream Cake with Brown Sugar recipe from the 3 B's Blog run and check out her blog you can find the Brown Sugar Glaze recipe there

Dang I thought I had powdered sugar to make the frosting but I didnt so I had to use a store bought :( VERY good and daughter couldnt wait to dig into it :)

Bananas and Cream Bundt Cake with Brown Butter Glaze
Taste Of Home

Ingredients:
1/3 cup shortening
1-1/4 cups Domino® or C&H® Granulated Pure Cane Sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (I left these out)
Domino® or C&H® Pure Cane Powdered Sugar

Directions: In a large bowl, cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Add bananas and mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with sour cream, stirring just until combined. Stir in walnuts. Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Yield: 12-16 servings.

Deluxe Carrot Cake

2009-08-15T09:53:00.003-07:00

Deluxe Carrot Cake
from The Good Housekeeping Cookbook

I cheated with the frosting on top, I used a premade from the store, I put some in a pyrex measuring cup, microwaved it for about 15-20 seconds to make it pourable and put that over the top of my bundt.

2 1/2 C flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
4 large eggs
1 C granulated sugar
3/4 C packed light brown sugar
1 C vegetable oil
1 C crushed pineapple with juice
1 Tablespoon vanilla
3 C loosely packed shredded carrots
1 C chopped walnuts
3/4 C dark seedless raisins

1. Prehat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour 10 inch bundt pan.
2. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and nutmeg.
3. In Large bowl with mixer at med-high speed , beat eggs and granulated and brown sugars until blended, about 2 minutes, frequently scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat in oil, milk, and vanilla. Reduce speed to low, add flour mixture and beat til smooth, about 1 minute, scraping bowl. Fold in carrots, walnuts and raisins.
4. Spoon batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake until toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean. About 1 hour. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Run a thin knife around edges to loosen from pan. Invert onto rack

Use cream cheese frosting on top.

Philly Cheese Steak

2009-07-22T09:08:00.003-07:00

Next time we will toast the buns a lil or at least warm them. Season the meat more and have the butcher slice the meat really thin, I think it would be more tender but overall very good :D
We used some cheap steaks we got on sale. Will be having these again for sure

Recipe here

http://www.grilling24x7.com/cheese_steaks.shtml

Jo Mama's Famous Spaghetti Sauce

2009-07-17T09:44:00.008-07:00

Jo Mama's Famous Spaghetti Sauce

I browned my burger/sausage and onions, threw it in the crockpot, threw in the rest of the ingredients and let it cook on low for 6 hours.
I used half ground beef and half sausage. I had no tomato paste and had to use tomato sauce instead, VERY good and even has a kick to it..YUMMY! Oh also had to use fettuccini sp? noodles, we were out of spaghetti noodles. I didnt use any wine in this
p.s it was even better the next day omgosh makes alot so freeze half for later NUMMY

Recipe found at Recipezaar click here

Ingredients

2 lbs Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot)
1 small onion, chopped (optional)
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 cups water (for a long period of simmering for flavors to meld. If you don't want to simmer it as long, add less)
3 teaspoons basil
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/4 cup red wine (a good Cabernet!)
1 lb thin spaghetti
parmesan cheese

Directions

In large, heavy stockpot, brown Italian sausage, breaking up as you stir.
Add onions and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until onions are softened.
Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce and water.
Add basil, parsley, brown sugar, salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
Stir well and barely bring to a boil.
Stir in red wine.
Simmer on low, stirring frequently for at least an hour. A longer simmer makes for a better sauce, just be careful not to let it burn!
Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
Spoon sauce over drained spaghetti noodles and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Happy 4th of July Everyone

2009-07-04T17:20:00.002-07:00

To Try SOON

2009-07-02T13:07:00.002-07:00

Gotta try this one . The crockpot is perfect for summer, hmmm what to grill to go with them? will have to think

Creamy Crock-Pot PotatoeS

Ingredients
1 10(3/4) oz. - can cream of potato soup - undiluted
2 8 oz.. - pkgs. cream cheese
2 lbs. - small red potatoes
1 env. - buttermilk ranch dalad dressing mix
Directions
Place potatoes in bottom of slow cooker. Beat cream cheese, soup and salad dressing mix together. Stir in potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

Blueberry-Lemon Bundt Cake

2009-06-26T18:03:00.006-07:00

Blueberry-Lemon Bundt Cake
Everyday foods PBS

Check out some pics here at the Food Librarian Blog

I used frozen blueberries, thawed them and rinsed them before I used them. This does not need a glaze it is DELICIOUS without but you could add one if you like.

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1 teaspoon for blueberries and zest
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
2 cups blueberries
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
Nonstick cooking spray, for pan
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional)

For best results, coat the inside of the Bundt pan with cooking spray just before filling it with the batter to prevent it from pooling in the bottom.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, whisk 2 1/2 cups flour with baking powder and salt; set aside.
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars on high speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until incorporated. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions of sour cream.
In a bowl, toss blueberries and zest with remaining teaspoon flour; gently fold into batter. Coat a 12-cup nonstick Bundt pan with cooking spray. Spread batter in prepared pan.
Bake cake on bottom rack of oven until a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes. Cool in pan 20 minutes. Invert onto a rack; cool completely, top side up. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving, if desired.

Authentic Mexican Style Chili Verde

2009-06-23T16:25:00.002-07:00

Authentic Mexican Style Chili Verde

We only had one anaheim out of the garden so we used it and 3 jalapeno's not as hot as we would have liked. Also our sauce was too thin so we added some refried beans. I think we should have just left it as is and served the beans on the side. It took from the taste so next time we wont do that. Ohhh its GONE lonnnnnggg GONE already lol

Thank you to One Stop Cook Blog

Fall of the bone ribs

2009-06-23T16:21:00.002-07:00

We had these for Father's Day

Hubby loved them, after they came out of the oven we had to wait a little for the coals on the grill to be ready so they were a touch on the dry side but other than that DELICIOUS!! Will definitely have them again

Fall Off The Bone Ribs
Thank you Mommy's Kitchen Blog for this recipe

Take a broiler pan and fill the bottom section of the broiler pan about half full of Beer or Apple Juice. On the top section (the part with the slits) lay out your ribs. You may add a rub or sauce at this time or leave them plain. Use Seasoning Salt, Emeril Essence Spice or whatever spices you have on hand will work.

Cover the pan with foil and fold edges under to seal in the steam as they cook. Place in a 300 oven for 2 ½ to 3 hours. Remove foil carefully as steam will be hot. Now all the grease is down in the bottom of the pan with the beer or apple juice, the ribs are completely cooked and tender.

All you need to do is finish them up on the grill or under the broiler with sauce. Add honey and brown sugar to any barbecue sauce. For grill place ribs on grill and coat with you favorite sauce. Grill on each side just a few minutes until crispy. For broiler, Add barbecue sauce and broil for a few minutes on each side. Watch closely because sugar in the BBQ sauce will burn quickly.

Deli Style Chicken Salad

2009-06-14T11:51:00.004-07:00

Deli Style Chicken Salad

Deli Style Chicken Salad
Posted at http://mynew30.blogspot.com/

3 cups of cooked chicken, chopped
3 eggs, peeled and chopped
1 cup celery, finely diced
1 cup of mayonnaise
1/4 cup of sweet pickle relish
1/2 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste

Combine the chicken, eggs, and celery in a suitable sized bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle relish, poultry seasoning and salt & pepper; pour over the chicken mixture and toss. Chill for several hours so flavors can meld together.

GOOD STUFF MAYNARD, this pic is my breakfast lol, shhh dont tell. Next time I will add a little onion

Thanks to Mary at My New 30 Blog for the recipe

http://mynew30.blogspot.com/

Grandma Kay's Potato Salad revisited

2009-06-14T11:24:00.003-07:00

This is my Grandmas recipe, it has always been a family favorite, Im not sure if anyone but me makes it anymore. Its sad. Anyways I dont really have a recipe because I just kind of throw it together like my grandma used to. She used red potatoes but I use the plain ol Idaho ones because they are cheaper and bigger :D

Grandma Kay's Potato Salad
we made this for a cookout so we made TONS you can see a beer can in one of the pics to compare how big the bowl is lol. We kept some and are sending some to the bbq

Boil potatoes, peel and cut into chunks. Add in some diced celery, minced up onion and some chopped boiled eggs. Add in some mayo, red wine vinegar and salt to taste. Let sit overnight to meld the flavors. I usually use about 6-9 potatoes, 6 boiled eggs (more if you want to decorate the top) maybe 2 stalks of celery and 1/4 to 1/2 a small onion. I dont like too much onion. The mayo, red wine vinegar and salt are just to your liking. Ive never measured it before :D

Chicken & Rice

2009-06-12T08:27:00.002-07:00

Sorry for the horrible picture, I had awful lighting plus it just isnt a pretty dish lol

Chicken & Rice

1 Chicken cut up or 6 breasts
1 C rice
2 C water
1 Can Cream of Chicken or Mushroom soup(I used mushroom)
1 Pkg Dry Onion Soup Mix

Mix rice, soup and water together in large casserole dish. I usually double this recipe and put it in a 13x9 inch pan. Leftovers are delish
Take pieces of chicken and push down into the rice mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 2 hours at 350.

To try .. Infallible Rice

2009-06-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

INFALLIBLE RICE
1 med. onion - minced
2 T. butter
1 C. long grain rice (raw white)
2 C. hot chicken broth
Sauté onions in butter until transparent. Combine
onions, rice and hot broth. Bring to a boil on top of
the stove, cover and place in 325 F. oven for 20
min. Serve and listen to compliments.2 C. hot chicken broth

Corny Dogs

2009-05-31T12:32:00.004-07:00

Thanks to Tina of Mommy's Kitchen

Homemade Corny Dogs

We fried ours in a deep fryer, they are alot crunchier than the normal corn dog that you are used to but very good, hubby ate 3 lol :D

1 cup milk or buttermilk
2 medium eggs
1/4 cup oil
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/3 cups corn meal
2/3 cup flour
1 to 1-1/2 pounds hot dogs
flour for dusting (about 1/2 cup)
Oil for Frying ( I used Vegetable Oil)
Popsicle sticks, Chop Sticks or Wooden Meat Screwers

In a large bowl combine the milk, eggs, oil, sugar and salt. Mix it very well. Sprinkle in the baking powder, corn meal and flour. Stir it all up to make a slightly thick batter. Take your hot dogs and dry them off on paper towels. Dust the hot dogs with flour, coating them completely. The cornmeal batter won’t stick to the hot dogs unless they are coated in flour. The batter just slides right off of the wieners naturally slick outsides. Shove Popsicle sticks into the flour coated hot dogs. Set the hot dogs aside. While all of this is going on, it’s a good idea to get the oil heated up. You want the temperature to be about 375°. Allow the oil to preheat so it is almost smoking by the time you are ready to add the corn dogs. Now, to coat the floured hot dogs with batter you have two choices. You can swirl the hot dogs in the bowl of batter until they are coated, and then drop them into the hot fat. If this is a little difficult I know of an easier way. Scoop some of your corn meal batter into a narrow jar or cup which is as tall as your hot dogs are long. Fill the jar or cup about 3/4 of the way full.

Dip your hot dog into the batter while you hold onto the stick. Swirl the hot dog to coat it evenly. Be careful or the batter will overflow. Raise the wiener above the cup and let any excess batter drip off. Quickly place the battered dog into the hot oil. The fat (oil) will bubble up and cook the outside of the batter, making the corn dogs the exact same shape as the ones you buy at the store. Only fry a few corn dogs at a time. If the corn dogs crowd each other they don’t fry very well. I only fry 2 or 3 at a time. Turn the corn dogs when the bottom side is well browned. Use tongs to remove the cooked corn dogs from the fat (oil). Allow them to drain on paper towels. Repeat the process, coating and frying a few at a time, until all of the corn dogs are cooked. Refill the narrow jar or cup with batter from your bowl as necessary. Continue until all the hot dogs are coated or until you no longer have enough batter to coat the hot dogs efficiently. If you don’t want to waste any unused batter, it can be dropped by small spoonfuls into the hot fat (oil), and fried until brown. Serve these along side the corn dogs.

If desired, you can make small corn dogs by cutting hot dogs into thirds, or quarters. Poke a toothpick up into the end of the hot dogs. Coat and fry them as described above. These are nice for fancy days, and for kids parties. Provide plenty of ketchup and mustard for dipping.
This recipe makes about 12 to 14 corn dogs.

To Try Homemade piggies in a blanket

2009-05-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

They look so yummy omgosh is that CHEESE :D

http://realmomkitchen.blogspot.com/2009/05/pigs-in-blanket.html

Strawberry Cheesecake Pie

2009-05-19T08:18:00.002-07:00

Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
Hubby LOVED this pie, he had 2 pieces, daughter is a fan too, they both raved

from Jaybobed on youtube, one of my fav guys on youtube

Obama's Chili

2009-05-15T14:08:00.007-07:00

Barack Obama's Chili

Recipe found at the Noble Pig Blog

1 large onion, chopped (I used half )
1 green bell pepper, chopped ( I had none :()
Several cloves of garlic, crushed (I used four)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground basil
3/4 teaspoon table salt (I used more to taste also pepper)
1 Tablespoon chili powder ( I used more to taste)
3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
Several tomatoes, depending on size, chopped (I used a 28 oz can of tomatoes and part of the liquid)
1 can red kidney beans (I poured out about 1/2-inch of the liquid and then poured the rest of the can in the chili)

In a large heavy pot, sauté onion, green pepper and garlic in olive oil.

Add ground beef to the onion-pepper mixture and brown. In a small bowl combine ground cumin, ground oregano, ground turmeric, ground basil, salt and chili powder. Add to the ground beef mixture, stirring until combined. Stir in red wine vinegar.

Add chopped tomatoes and cover. Simmer until tomatoes cook down, about twenty minutes. Stir occasionally. Add one red kidney beans and cook until warmed through, about three minutes.

Serve over white rice and garnish with sour cream, cheddar cheese and onions.

To Try Sugar Cookie Bars

2009-05-09T13:52:00.001-07:00

Gotta try these SOON how adorable :D
UPDATE mine werent done in the middle and I cooked them longer than the recipe said :( I wonder if its my oven? they would have been good though

http://mybakingaddiction.blogspot.com/2009/03/sugar-cookie-bars.html

Mother's Day Flowers From Danielle

2009-05-07T12:02:00.003-07:00

Ohh peek at my pretty pretty lilies that I got from my daughter Danielle, they got delivered today :D I cant wait for them to open up so I can take another pic and show you all :D I dont remember the last time I got flowers :D Yayyy, I was soo excited, I thought maybe they came to the wrong house hehe, thanks SOOO Much Dano :D Love ya

p.s. it looks like they are a pretty yellow and pink :D

Slow Cooker Spaghetti sauce

2009-05-06T15:53:00.002-07:00

SLOW-COOKED SPAGHETTI SAUCE

recipe from The Tried and True Blog

1 pound ground beef or bulk Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon brown sugar
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 to 2 teaspoons dried basil
1 to 2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Hot cooked spaghetti
In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker. Add the next 10 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until heated through. Discard bay leaf. Serve with spaghetti. 6-8 servings

To Try Chicken Lo Mein

2009-05-06T07:36:00.001-07:00

Gotta try this one soon

http://ilovesweettreats.blogspot.com/2009/04/chicken-lo-mein.html

Brown Bag Burritos

2009-05-05T17:41:00.001-07:00

I have no clue why they are called brown bag burritos hehe, they came from the
Tried and True Cooking Blog

BROWN BAG BURRITOS
1 lb. ground beef
1 can refried beans
2/3 c. enchilada sauce
1/4 c. water
1/3 c. minced onion
1/2 TBSP chili powder
1/2 TBSP garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1 1/2 c. shredded colby/jack
10 flour tortillas

Brown and drain meat. Add all ingredients, but tortillas. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes. Fill tortillas and roll up. Serve with shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream and salsa.

Homemade Big Mac

2009-05-03T12:03:00.005-07:00

Thanks so much to Grilling 24x7.com

Make sure to click their link and go see all their great pics and how to's

Here's what you'll need:

Sesame Seed Buns
White Onion
Iceberg lettuce
Sliced Cheddar Cheese
Ground Beef (80% lean)
Pickles

Ingredients for the special big mac sauce:
1 cup miracle whip
1/3 cup sweet relish
1/4 cup French dressing
1 T sugar
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp dried minced onion (in the spice aisle)

Assembly

the bottom bun
a tablespoon or so of special sauce
a few diced onions
sliced lettuce
a slice of cheddar cheese
one burger patty
the middle bun
a tablespoon or so of special sauce
a few diced onions
2 or 3 pickles
sliced lettuce
one burger patty
the top bun

Taco Joes

2009-05-02T17:38:00.004-07:00

Thank you Heidi from the Tried and True cooking blog

TACO JOES
1 pound ground beef
1 can (16 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp ground mustard
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp sugar
6 hamburger buns, split and toasted
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded lettuce

Cook beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink; drain fat. Add tomatoes, Worcestershire and seasonings. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened. Spoon onto buns and top with cheese and lettuce. Serve immediately.

Happy 15th Anniversary to us :D

2009-04-28T17:00:00.004-07:00

we had NO money to buy gifts or go out so hubby made us a delicious meal here at home, steaks from the grill, baked potatoes, ceasar salad, I made guacamole and also some duncan hines decadent carrot cake cupcakes (pic coming later) It was all so yummy. Who says going out to a resteraunt is better lol

Sugar Doughnut Muffins

2009-04-27T22:33:00.001-07:00

To Try

http://ldylvbgr.blogspot.com/

Paula's Southern Fried Chicken Legs

2009-04-27T22:24:00.004-07:00

Thank you Heidi from Tried and True for this recipe, your pics are so much prettier than mine :D my first batch was purrty, second batch too dark lol

PAULA'S SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN LEGS
Paula Deen’s House Seasoning
2 1/2 lb chicken, cut into pieces
2 cup self-rising flour
1 cup hot red pepper sauce
3 eggs

Heat the oil to 350 degrees in a deep pot. Do not fill the pot more than 1/2 full with oil.
In a medium size bowl, beat the eggs. Add enough hot sauce so the egg mixture is bright orange (about 1 cup). Season the chicken with the House Seasoning. Dip the seasoned chicken in the egg, and then coat well in the flour. Place the chicken in the preheated oil and fry the chicken in the oil until brown and crisp. Dark meat takes longer than white meat. Approximate cooking time is 13 to 14 minutes for dark meat and 8 to 10 minutes for white meat.

Tuna Macaroni Salad

2009-04-26T13:33:00.005-07:00

as you can see I added some chopped tomatoes, sorry for the bad pic it is really good though :D

Tuna Macaroni Salad

thanks to Shawn at
Try it you might like it blog

4 c elbow noodles, cooked and cooled (about 2 1/2 C uncooked)
1 c mayo or dressing (I used mayo)
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 small onion, chopped (I only used about 1/2 hubby gets the worst breath lol)
1 large can of tuna (12 oz) (I used 2 5 oz cans)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp celery seed *completely optional*

Mix all ingredients. Chill for at least 4 hours. You may need to add more mayo after it has sat, as it tends to soak it up. Just mix it in and you are good to go.

You will be tempted to eat it right away, and it is good, but if you wait it is GREAT. I normally let it sit in the fridge for a day. Also, my entire family uses a dash of Worcestershire (Lea & Perrins) on theirs. I can vouch that it makes it *that much* better- TRY IT, YOU MIGHT LIKE IT!

Chocolate Mug Cake

2009-04-24T08:33:00.003-07:00

Recipe found at Homespun Cottage Blog

I will be trying this one today :D

CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE 1 coffee mug 4 tablespoons flour (that's plain flour, not self-rising) 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons baking cocoa 1 egg 3 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) some nuts (optional) Small splash of vanilla 1. Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. 2. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. 3. Add the chocolate chips (optional) and vanilla; mix again. 4. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! 5. Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. 6. EAT! (This can serve 2 if you want to share!) Top with ice cream or cool whip....Enjoy!!

4/22 Lasagna

2009-04-22T16:09:00.002-07:00

Lasagna

1 lb ground beef
2 6 oz cans tomato sauce
2 cans water
1 C sliced fresh mushrooms
1 t garlic (I use 2 or 3 fresh cloves)
1 t salt
pepper
3 C cottage cheese
10oz package of lasagna noodles
1 lb shredded mozzarella

Brown your burger and add garlic in while cooking. Add in your tomato sauce and water,sliced mushrooms and salt and pepper. I add in more garlic at this point if it isnt garlicky enough.

Layer in a 9x13 inch pan

put down a little sauce just enough to coat the bottom to help it from sticking.

Layer of noodles

plop on some cottage cheese and spread it out

next mozzarella cheese

then again noodles, sauce, cottage cheese and then mozzarella.

Layer until your pan is full and end with mozzarella cheese

Bake at 375 for 30 mins or til heated through and cheese is melted

I Heart Betty Crocker

2009-04-22T08:43:00.005-07:00

I Wanted to make something quick and easy for hubby to eat this morn and found a box of Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffins in the pantry. Whipped them up and they are YUMMY, I know I should learn to make them from scratch but hey! These did the trick. Real blueberries too :D yummo

Do you have any favorite box mixes that you use?

Western Mac

2009-04-21T16:26:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the awful and blurry pic. I should have added some chopped tomatoes to this.Dont overcook your noodles because you dont want them soggy.

WESTERN MAC FOR ONE DISH LOVERS

1 pkg. macaroni & cheese dinner
1/2 c. sliced celery
1/4 c. chopped onion
6 oz. can tomato paste
1 tsp. salt
1 lb. lean ground beef
1/4 c. chopped green pepper
1 lb. can whole kernel corn
1/2 c. water
Dash pepper

Prepare cheese dinner as directed. Brown meat, celery, green pepper and onion and cook until tender. Stir in corn (drained), tomato paste, water, salt and pepper. Add cheese dinner, mix well. Pour in 2 quart casserole and bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

To Try Soon

2009-04-20T16:52:00.005-07:00

Moms Potato Hamburger Casserole

http://tried-and-truecookingwithheidi.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-moms-hamburger-casserole.html

ohh man this looks so yummy, going to have to give it a try, had to blog it so I dont lose it :D

http://noblepig.com/2009/02/10/she-said-it-was-the-best.aspx

Another to try Brown Bag Burritos

http://tried-and-truecookingwithheidi.blogspot.com/2009/04/brown-bag-burritos.html

Ohhh found another for Taco Burgers :D

http://tried-and-truecookingwithheidi.blogspot.com/2009/04/taco-joes.html

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes w/ Ham

2009-04-16T17:47:00.005-07:00

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
Recipe from Tina at Mommys Kitchen
I added a little extra cheese to the top, hubby said this is a stick to your ribs kinda meal :D Im thinking it would be good with green onions, maybe a little more sour cream and Ummm maybe bread crumbs on top but of course.. that adds LOTS of calories lol

5 cups peeled russet potatoes, sliced thinly
1 cup chopped onion
1 can cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup. sour cream
1-1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 lb. chopped ham

Peel and wash the potatoes. Slice them as thin as you can get them. If you slice them thick, they will take much longer to bake and nothing is worse than a crunchy potato. Next, mix together the soup, cheese, and sour cream. Chop the onion finely. Mix together well. Add in the potatoes and mix. Pour into a well-greased casserole dish. Bake, covered, in a 350 preheated oven for one hour. In the meantime, chop your ham.Remove dish from oven and add the ham, mixing well. Potatoes will start to really stick, so make sure to scrape them from the sides at this time as well. Cover and put back in the oven for 30-60 more minutes, or until potatoes are soft. Remove from the oven.

Deviled Eggs

2009-04-15T13:22:00.001-07:00

Had to make hubby some deviled eggs with the Easter eggs we colored, I mixed the yolks with some mayo, brown mustard, salt and pepper. Put it all in a sandwich bag and cut the tip, then squeezed it into each little egg half, he LOVES deviled eggs..Um he may be sleeping on the couch tonight because of them LMAO

Fresh Strawberry Pie

2009-04-14T20:03:00.002-07:00

Fresh Strawberry Pie

from a Southern Plate

Fresh Strawberry Pie

* 1 C sugar
* 1 C Water
* 3 T strawberry gelatin mix
* 1 Pint Fresh Strawberries
* 3 Heaping Tablespoons Cornstarch
* 1 pie crust, cooked and cooled

Combine sugar, cornstarch, and dry gelatin mix by stirring well. Add water and cook until thick and clear over medium high heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Set aside and let cool. Wash and hull strawberries, cut in half and arrange over pie crust. When filling is cool, pour over strawberries and chill pie until ready to serve. Serve with whipped cream.

Easter Dinner

2009-04-12T12:49:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter

Ham..yes its a cheap water packed ham but a ham just the same lol

Scalloped potatoes with thyme and bay

soft baked french bread (not made by me lol)

salad

devilled eggs

pics later :D

Perfect Microwave Rice Revisited

2009-04-11T09:58:00.002-07:00

Ive posted this one before but the other night I needed some rice in a hurry so I brought back out this recipe :D LOVE IT

For those of you (that are like me lol) that dont like to babysit rice while its cooking on the stove this is the perfect recipe for doing it in the microwave.

Perfect Microwave Rice

2 C long grain rice
3 1/2 C water or stock
1 1/2 teaspoon butter or oil
Salt n Pepper

Place ingredients in a large glass bowl. Microwave on high for 10 minutes uncovered. Then set it to med/low and microwave uncovered for 15 minutes more. Do not stir rice at any time during cooking process. Season with salt and pepper and fluff with fork just before serving

works great, you can add spices, different kinds of broths etc..

Bobby's Goulash

2009-04-10T15:00:00.004-07:00

and some with cheese :D

Paula Deens Son Bobby's Goulash

I used 2lb of ground beef, no turkey

I would add a little less salt and only boil the noodles for 15 mins next time, they got a little too soft for my taste. I think some mushrooms or corn in it would be good too.

* 2 pounds lean ground beef
* 1 pound ground turkey
* 2 large onions, chopped
* 3 cups water
* 1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
* 3 bay leaves
* 3 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon House Seasoning, recipe follows
* 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
* 2 cups dried elbow macaroni

Directions

In a Dutch oven, saute the ground beef and ground turkey over medium-high heat, until no pink remains. Break up meat while sauteing; spoon off any grease. Add the onions to the pot and saute until they are tender about 5 minutes. Add 3 cups water, along with the tomato sauce, tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, soy sauce, House Seasoning, and seasoned salt. Stir well. Place a lid on the pot and allow this to cook for 20 to 25 minutes.

Add the elbow macaroni, stir well, return the lid to the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaves and allow the mixture to sit about 30 minutes more before serving.
House Seasoning:

* 1 cup salt
* 1/4 cup black pepper
* 1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Free Campbells Tomato Seeds

2009-04-08T16:02:00.002-07:00

Go here to get yours

http://www.helpgrowyoursoup.com/

also remember to donate, you will get seeds, I got mine today :D

Crock Pot Salisbury Steak

2009-04-07T12:26:00.003-07:00

A link to the blog where I found this recipe

Got this simmering in the crockpot right now, I need to make some potatoes for the gravy yummy, I will post pics

Make sure to go to the link for the recipe and also great pics of the whole process

To Try Strawberry Pie

2009-04-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

gotta get hubby to get me some strawberries :D

http://www.southernplate.com/2009/04/fresh-strawberry-pie.html

Country Casserole

2009-04-04T15:45:00.001-07:00

Hubby says this one is a KEEPER :D I suggest going to Christy's blog and seeing her wonderful photos, I will post one of mine tomorrow, my camera is dead tonight :(

Southern Plate

Country Casserole

2 cups small shell pasta, cooked and drained
3 cups frozen mixed vegetables, cooked and drained
2 cups shredded cheddar, divided
One can French fried onions, divided
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (can use canned chicken)
1 can cream of chicken soup
¼ cup milk
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine everything in a large bowl, reserving half of the cheese and half of the onions for topping later. Spoon into 9×13 casserole dish. Bake for twenty five minutes. Top with remaining onions and cheese, bake until cheese is melted, about five minutes more.
Freezing options: Instead of freezing this in your casserole dish, simply spoon it into a gallon ziploc bag. Lay the bag flat so that it will thaw out quicker and place it in your freezer. On the day you want it, take it out the night before and refrigerate or place in fridge that morning.
If you forget to do all of this, no sweat! Just microwave the bag until it thaws just a bit, pour into your casserole, and bake!
To bake a casserole that is still frozen, simply place in the oven while the oven preheats. This allows the casserole to thaw quickly and then bake to perfection!

Peanut Butter Choc Chip Brownies

2009-04-03T07:57:00.004-07:00

Recipe found here My Tasty Treasures

Peanut Butter Brownies

1 stick butter
3/4 C peanut butter
1 3/4 C sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 C flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 C chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13x9 inch pan. Melt butter in a 4 quart pot, after the butter is melted
Take pot of the heat. Add peanut butter , and stir until melted. Stir in sugar and vanilla. Add eggs with spoon
stir until well blended. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well blended. Stir in Chocolate Chips.
Spread in prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes or until tops is golden brown

Sauces

2009-04-02T05:58:00.000-07:00

to try Enchilada Sauce

http://happytobeathome.net/enchilada-sauce/

Taco Seasoning Mix

http://happytobeathome.net/taco-seasoning/

Going to try today

2009-04-02T04:56:00.002-07:00

Hoe Cake by Southern Plate

http://www.southernplate.com/2008/07/my-mothers-southern-hoe-cake-recipe.html

Really good but I needed to cook a few mins longer and add some salt, maybe even a teaspoon of sugar, hubby suggested maybe using bacon grease? Hmm will have to try it, I fumbled it trying to get it out of the pan waaahh

Mexican Lasagna

2009-03-26T14:09:00.003-07:00

Mexican Lasagna

recipe found here
I put refried beans on top of my layers of tortillas, I also added some green chilis to the top

UPDATE : ICKKK mushy ... I didnt like this one dont try it lol, the flavor was good but the mush from the corn tortillas ruined it Eeeek

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

* 1 pound lean ground beef
* 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
* 1 (14 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes with juice
* 10 (6 inch) corn tortillas
* 1 cup prepared salsa
* 1/2 cup shredded Colby cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, and stir in the taco seasoning and tomatoes. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with half the tortillas. Spoon the beef mixture into the dish, then top with the remaining tortillas. Spread salsa over the tortillas and sprinkle with the cheese.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 to 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Saucy Broccoli Chicken over rice

2009-03-21T08:17:00.008-07:00

First Thank you to Tammy for this recipe here is her LINK

Saucy Broccoli and Chicken on the stove
p.s I think this would be delicious served over noodles or even a baked potato

First How I did it, I didnt have curry powder :( So I used a little thyme and also about 6 splashes of Franks hot sauce, I didnt bake it at all, I steamed my veggies on the stove, drained them, added in my leftover chicken, soups, pepper, my other spices, mayo and lemon juice and heated it all through, then I added my 2 cups of grated cheese and melted that in. Then I added enough chicken broth to make a nice sauce. I saw no reason to dirty up a big casserole dish when I could do it on the stove, its SO yummy and I cant wait to serve it over rice tonight, hubby loves this yummy chickeny/cheesy sauce too, I did add in some frozen cauliflower and carrots too!

Saucy Brocoli and Chicken Bake

Description:

A casserole of tender broccoli with chunks of chicken, topped with a flavorful sauce and cheese, served over rice
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients:

16 ounces frozen broccoli florets (or about 3 cups fresh broccoli florets)
3 cups cooked cubed chicken
pepper
2 cans cream of chicken soup*
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup chicken broth
paprika, optional
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups rice (uncooked measurement), cooked according to package instructions (should make 4 1/5 cups of cooked rice)
Instructions:

1. In covered saucepan, cook broccoli in water just until tender, about 5 minutes.

2. In greased 9 x 13 baking dish, spread broccoli across bottom and sprinkle chicken evenly on top. Generously sprinkle black pepper over chicken.

3. In mixing bowl, combine cream soups, mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Pour over chicken. Sprinkle paprika on top if desired.

4. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Spread cheese on top and bake 5-10 minutes longer, until melted and slightly browned.

5. While casserole is baking, cook rice. Serve the chicken and broccoli mixture over hot rice.

Freezer Cooking with Christy Jordan

2009-03-20T08:20:00.002-07:00

Christy is a FABULOUS woman :D Join her mailing list you wont regret it :D

Freezer Cooking part 1

Freezer Cooking Part 2