Baked French Swirl Toast

Great on Christmas Morning because you can make it the night before.

1 loaf (16 oz) cinnamon swirl bread, cut into cubes
¾ cup dried cranberries or raisins
6 eggs beaten
3 cups half and half or milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
Cinnamon/sugar or confectioners sugar
Butter
Syrup

Place bread cubes & cranberries in greased 3 quart shallow baking dish. Mix eggs, milk, and vanilla. Pour over all. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight. Uncover; bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until golden brown and set in center, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Serve with butter and syrup.

Gooey Chex Mix

This is a holiday favorite. It's nice to have when family is gathered together. You just grab a handfull everytime you walk by.


½ cup margarine
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup powdered sugar

Melt margarine; mix in syrup and sugar bring to a boil.

Mix together in a separate bowl

6 cups Rice Chex
5 cups Golden Grahams
1 cup coconut
1 cup sliced almonds

Slowly add the liquid to the cereal mixture; stirring well. (I find it works best to add the coconut and almonds a little at a time when combining the cereal and the coating; that way they don’t all sink to the bottom.)

Cinnamon Sugar Almonds

I made these for neighbors one year and put them in little bags. They are a fun little treat.

1/3 cup butter
2 egg whites room temperature
Pinch of salt
1 cup sugar
3 cup Almonds
4 teaspoons cinnamon

Melt butter on a jelly roll pan (cookie sheet). Beat egg and salt until fluffy. Add sugar until peaks form. Add cinnamon and almonds. Bake at 325 for 40 minutes stirring every 10 minutes.

Sweet Potato Casserole

This is great around the holidays and any other time you crave it. My kids and hubby love it!

3 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (I use canned)
½ cup sugar
2 eggs beaten
¼ cup melted margarine
½ cup milk
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon salt

½ cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1 cup nuts, chopped
2 2/3 tablespoon melted margarine

Combine first 7 ingredients in bowl; mix well. Pour into 1 ½ quart baking dish. Combine brown sugar, flour, nuts, and margarine in small bowl mix well. Spread over sweet potatoes mixture. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

soda pop chicken

Easy recipe that's a favorite with the family. 

4 (3-4 oz.) chicken breasts

1 can of diet cola

1 cup of ketchup

1 tsp. of italian seasonings (optional)

1 tsp. of garlic powder (optional)

Mix the diet cola, ketchup, italian seasonings and garlic powder in bowl until well blended. Add chicken to a hot skillet and pour mixture over chicken. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 2 1/2 hours. Serve over brown rice with a steamed veggie on the side.

Eggplant Supper "Super" Soup

Don't let the "eggplant" part scare you - this soup is so good!! It actually reminds me of my favorite soup at Olive Garden, pasta e fagioli. Rick grew eggplants this year and I didn't have a clue what to do with them. I made eggplant parmesiana but it took forever. I found this recipe and Rick loved it so much he kept going back for more and asked me to make it again not even a week later! 

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 pound eggplant, diced
• 3/4 cup sliced carrots
• 3/4 cup sliced celery
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans Italian diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup dry macaroni
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the onion, beef, and garlic until beef is evenly brown. Drain grease, and mix in eggplant, carrots, celery, and tomatoes. Pour in beef broth. Mix in sugar, and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until heated through.
2. Mix macaroni into the soup, and continue cooking 12 minutes, or until macaroni is al dente. (I cooked mine a little longer until the eggplant was soft). Mix in parsley. Top with Parmesan chreese to serve.

Basil Chicken Stack-Ups

I've made this a bunch of times because it's so refreshing, tasty, easy and pretty healthy I think. I normally chop the basil up smaller than this and it's a good idea - it gets a little too strong when it's in chunks this big...

BASIL CHICKEN STACK-UPS

3-4 medium tomatoes

One 2 - 2 1/2 lb. purchased roasted chicken (I got a lemon pepper one this time - they're cheap and great for all kinds of chicken recipes!)

1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1  medium lime, quartered (I've also just used lime juice I had in my fridge)

1/2 cup small fresh basil leaves

salt and cracked black pepper

1. Cut tomatoes into slices and chunks. Divide among 4 individual plates. Using 2 forks, gently pull chicken meat off bones, shred in large pieces. Discard bones and skin. Top tomatoes with chicken and avocado.

2. Drizzle with olive oil (I only use a teeny, not the whole amount they list). Squeeze juice from lime quarters over tomato, chicken, and avocado. Sprinkle with basil leaves, salt and cracked black pepper. Serves 4. 

Chicken Salad

1/2 cup Mayonnaise
1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp. Onion Powder
1/8 tsp. Mustard
1 Tbs. Ranch Dressing Mix
1 Tbs. Minced Onion
1 (13 oz) Can Chicken drained
1/2 cup Diced Celery

Blend together mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard and ranch mix. Add celery and onion. Flake chicken with a fork and add to ingredients. Mix well. Chill well before serving. Best if done a day ahead.

Raspberry Honey Butter...

YUMMY!!!

I just made this and gave some to the neighbors and got great reviews...

Equal parts of:
Honey
Butter

Raspberry seeded preserves...I just added enough until I liked the flavor. Not quite as much as the butter and honey. So good over scones, toast, fresh warm bread...oh the possibilities!

Coconut Cake

1 pkg. white cake mix
1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk (I found this in the oriental section of the grocery store)
4 large egg whites
Beat together and pour into 2 round 8" cake pans
Bake at 350 for 22 minutes
Frosting:
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup softened butter
1 tsp coconut extract
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Frost cake and then press flaked coconut on top and sides. Very moist and yummy!

My Favorite Cafe Rio Recipes

These are ones that I have used and will use again. Enjoy!

Black Beans (I am sure you could use whatever beans you wanted)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/3 cup tomato juice
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp cilantro
Combine in a sauce pan and heat through
I used 2 cans of beans and doubled everything, but the oil. They were good.

Pico de Gallo
3 tomatoes diced
1/2 bunch cilantro minced
1/2 sweet onion minced
1 section green pepper minced
3-4 cloves of garlic minced
1/4-1/3 cup of vinegar
Combine and refrigerate

Rice (This was so good and so easy!)
3 cups water
4 tsp chicken bullion
1/2 bunch cilantro
1 can green chilies
3/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 onion
3 cups minute rice
Blend cilantro, green chilies, and onion in food processor. Bring water to a boil and add all ingredients. Remove from heat and let sit.
I actually forgot to add the butter. It tasted so good, I probably wouldn't add it the next time.

Tomatillo Dressing
1/2 jalapeno (take out seeds)
2 cloves of garlic
2 tomatillos (remove papery skins)
1/2 bunch cilantro
juice of 1 lime
1 cup mayo
1 cup buttermilk
1 packet Hidden Valley buttermilk ranch
Combine everything in the blender. Allow several hours of refrigeration before serving.

Sweet Cornbread

This is really easy and great with Chili!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
2/3 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray or lightly grease a 9 inch round cake pan. (I used a muffin tin)
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder. Stir in egg, milk and vegetable oil until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. (Muffin tins took about 15 minutes)

greek-style skillet

Greek-Style Skillet

Ingredients:

3/4 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

1- 14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes

1- 5 1/2 ounce can tomato juice

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon instant beef bouillon granules

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup dried elbow macaroni

1 cup frozen cut green beans

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

1. In a large skillet cook ground beef and onion until meat is no longer pink. Drain off fat. Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato juice, water, bouillon granules, cinnamon, and garlic powder. Bring to boiling.

2. Stir uncooked macaroni and green beans into meat mixture. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until macaroni and green beans are tender. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Makes 4 servings.

Spinach Pine Nut Meatloaf

Sorry to post this again... I went to make it and realized I'd forgotten to put the oven temp on the recipe! Sorry!

1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef

1 cup milk

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground mustard (dry)

1/4 tsp pepper

1 clove garlic, finely chopped, or 1/8 tsp garlic powder

1 large egg

3 slices bread, torn into small pieces ( or 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs or 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats)

1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)

1 (10 oz) pckg frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed to drain

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (I much prefer the pine nuts)

2 tsp chopped fresh or 1/2 tsp dried basil

Heat oven to 350º.

Mix all ingredients. Spread mixture in ungreased loaf pan or shape into 9x5" loaf in ungreased rectangular 13x9" pan.

Bake uncovered 1 to 1 1/4 hours (until thermometer reads 160º if you like to use one)

Let stand 5 minutes, remove from pan

Corn chowder

Just found this recipe and I can't wait to try it...

Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

5 slices of bacon sliced into small pieces
1/2 medium onion diced
1 cup diced cooked potatoes (I like to use either red or Yukon gold...they hold up better)
1/2 can whole kernel corn
1 10 1/2 oz. can cream of chicken soup
2 2/1 cup milk
salt to taste

Cook bacon in a large pot until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pot to a paper towel. Drain off the bacon grease reserving 2 TBS. Add onions to the grease and cook until tender. I like to let mine slightly carmelize for more flavor. Add the corn, potatoes, soup, and milk. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Add in part of the bacon, reserving some for garnish. Add salt to taste and heat through. Be careful not to scorch. When dished up top with a bit of the reserved bacon.

Also, she said it's easy to double and way better the next day and the next. I plan on putting cheese on top too...Cheese makes the world go round.

Chicken Noodle Soup...

So this is a very easy recipe and one that I'm sure we all have our own way of making...this just happens to be our favorite way.

Chicken Noodle Soup

In a large sauce pan boil chicken and water. When water comes to a boil add chicken boullion. I usually add 6-9 cubes. This is the main seasoning for the soup. Simmer until chicken is cooked through. Bring to a boil again and add cut carrots and celery, I always cut up my celery leaves and all because it adds another layer of flavor to the soup. Simmer again and remove chicken and shred or chop. Add chicken again. Bring water back to a boil and add noodles, I use the Buotoni noodles that are in the refrigerated section. They are in a green package, I buy the fettucine ones and cut them up into smaller strips. I have found that these are the best noodles for this soup. When the noodles have finished cooking bring water back to a simmer and serve when you are ready. I make this soup early in the day or late in the day...it's super easy and tastes so good. The final step is to serve with shredded cheese on top....Cheese makes the world go round!

Soft Molasses Cookies

One of my favorite cookie recipes! 

They really are soft and perfect!

1/2 cup soft butter (I use Blue Bonnet margarine)

1/2 cup shortening

1 1/2 cup sugar

Beat the above three ingredients until they're light and fluffy.

Then beat in:

1/2 cup molasses

2 eggs, slightly beaten

In a separate bowl combine:

4 cups flour

1/2 tsp salt

2 1/2 tsp soda

2 1/4 tsp ginger

1 1/2 tsp cloves

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Add the above to the creamed mixture and mix until blended and smooth. Roll into 1 1/2" balls and dip tops in sugar (the recipe says regular sugar, but I always use the 'Sugar in the Raw' and it looks great). Bake at 350º for 11 minutes. DON'T OVERBAKE.

Caramel Popcorn

Caramel Popcorn:

In a large sauce pan, bring to a boil and continue to boil on med for a few minutes:

1 cube butter

1 lb. bag brown sugar

1 cup Karo syrup

Add 1 can sweetened condensed milk and pour over popcorn....Yummy!!! I boil mine for a few minutes longer, until it gets darker because I like it really chewy so it sticks to your teeth...

Snowman Donuts

I saw these on a blog I happened across and couldn't resist! They are so funny and would make great Xmas neighbor gifts or a fun party treat. All they're made of is powdered donuts, candy corns and candy eyes. I don't know if candy eyes are available just anywhere, but doing a quick search online, I found them really cheap. So all you'd need to do is just plan ahead a little.

"Your Mama Loves You" Lasagna

This is the best lasagna in the world, I swear. You all have to try it and let me know what you think. No more Stauffer's frozen lasagnas... they taste like spaghettiOs to me now! It's the Apple Blossom Reception Center's recipe. They cater weddings and such. 

"Your Mama Loves You" Lasagna

1 pound Italian sausage (they use Colosimos, but I just use what's available)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon basil leaves

1 teaspoon salt

2 1-pound cans diced tomatoes (I love using the italian style)

2 6-ounce cans tomato paste

1 cup water

2 eggs

3 cups cream-style small curd cottage cheese (a 24 oz. container)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons parsley flakes

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

10 ounces lasagna noodles (I use the oven-ready ones you don't have to boil and it saves tons of time!)

1 pound Mozzarella cheese, sliced very thin (I slice it with my Kitchen Aid attachment, but I think shredded would work okay)

Brown meat slowly; drain off excess fat. Add next 6 ingredients. Simmer, covered, 15 minutes; stir often. Beat eggs in a medium bowl; add remaining ingredients, except noodles and mozzarella.

Separately cook noodles in boiling water until tender; drain; rinse. (Unless using oven-ready noodles, of course!)

Layer half the noodles in 13x9x2-inch baking dish; spread with half the cottage cheese filling; add half the mozzarella cheese and half the meat sauce. Repeat. Top with parmesan cheese. Bake at 375 degrees about 30 minutes (or assemble early and refrigerate; bake 45 minutes). Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serves 8-10.

Peach Pie

Another thing I made for Brenda's family and they loved it as well. I do too love it!!!

Peach Pie

2 Marie Callendar pie crusts baked and cooled

Cream Cheese Filling:

1 8oz. package cream cheese, room temp.
1 cup powdered sugar
1 pint whipping cream

Mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth, add whipping cream a little at a time and beat until very stiff. Pour into cooled pie shells. Refrigerate until ready for peaches.

Peach topping:

1 3oz. box Peach Jello
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. Cornstarch
1 cup water

Bring to a boil and maintain boil for 10 minutes. Let cool completely. Add fresh diced peaches and put on top of cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Best Mexican Chicken

I made this for my friend Brenda and her family the other night and I got great reviews. It's super easy and mostly from a can. Hope you like it.

Best Mexican Chicken

1-2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can corn
1 can olives, drained and sliced
1 envelope taco seasoning
chicken tenders (however many you need)


Mix all together and put into a greased casserole dish or oven bag. Cover and bake at 300 for a couple of hours or more. Put over rice and serve with sour cream, cheese, and guacamole. Makes a ton. I recommend adding as much chicken as you can because you will use up the sauce and have plenty of leftovers.

Easy Pleasing Meatloaf

This is an oldie, but a goodie. I made it for dinner last night and forgot that meatloaf is okay once in a while. Pair it with a baked potato, rolls, and a veggie and it's a great comfort food. Thanks for reminding me about it ShaLayne!

Prep: 10 min. Total 1 hour 10 min

2 eggs, beaten
2 lb ground beef
1 pkg (6 oz) Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1 cup water
½ cup Barbecue Sauce, Divided

Preheat oven to 375. in small bowl, beat eggs lightly with a fork. Place ground beef, stuffing mix, water, beaten eggs and ¼ cup barbecue sauce in large bowl. Mix all ingredients with wooden spoon until blended. Shape meat mixture into an oval loaf in 13 x9-inch baking dish. Using a large baking dish makes it easier to pour out and discard excess fat. Top meatloaf with remaining ¼ cup barbecue sauce.

Bake 1 hour or until cooked though—internal temp should be 160 degrees

Earthquake Cake

This is EVIL good, I warn you! I always have people begging me to make it and it's become a family classic...

2/3 cup shredded coconut

2/3 cup pecan gems

2/3 cup chocolate chips

1 (18 oz.) box German chocolate cake mix (your favorite brand)

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese (room temperature)

1/4 lb. (1 stick) butter or margarine (room temperature)

1 lb. (usually half a bag) powdered sugar

Sprinkle the coconut, pecan gems, and chocolate chips over the bottom of a sprayed or greased 9x12 inch cake pan.  Prepare the cake, following the package directions, then pour batter into prepared pan.  In a saucepan, melt the cream cheese with the butter/margarine, then stir in the powdered sugar.  Spread or pour over top of the cake batter.  Spread topping a bit thicker at the edges.  Place in a preheated 350º oven and bake for 40-50 minutes.

This is a very rich dessert and could serve 20-30 people.  The ratio of the first three ingredients is pretty close to ideal, but this is not a "critical mass" recipe and just about everything could be changed, left out, or substituted. 

(The first image is after I poured the topping over the cake batter before baking. When baking, it kind of cooks down through the cake and leaves you with a gooey, crunchy, heavenly bottom! ...okay, and leaves ME with a big bottom...)

Sugar Cookie Cake

This is originally called White Texas Sheet cake, but with a few alterations and Rhett's creative mind....we get Sugar Cookie Cake. This is Rhett's favorite cake and so of course I made it for his birthday!!!


Sugar Cookie Cake:

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1 cup butter

1 cup water

1/2 cup sour cream

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour jelly roll pan.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder; set aside. In a small saucepan, combine butter and water; bringto a boil, stirring occasionally. Add to flour mixture, stirring to combine. Stir in sour cream and eggs. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes.

Spread WARM cake with Butter Frosting.

Butter Frosting:

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup milk

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

3 cup powdered sugar

In a medium saucepan, combine butter and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Whisk in vanilla extract. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.

Chicken & Vegetable Soup

This is a very easy soup to put together. I like to make this to have in the fridge on those busy weeks. It's an easy lunch and a great way to eat all of those veggies. I don't like potatoes in mine, and sometimes I like to add diced zucchini. I have also swapped the chicken for hamburger. It's yummy that way too!!


1 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic
** cook onion in 1 TBSP butter.
When translucent, add garlic and cook for 1 min.

8 cups water
2 extra large Knorr chicken bouillon
2 med. carrots -chopped
2 stalks celery - chopped
1- 15 oz. tomatoes - cut up
** add and cook for 15 min.

1- 15 oz. french style green beans
4 or 5 cooked potatoes - diced
** add and cook for 10 min.

4 cooked chicken breast - cut up
1- 15 oz. white navy beans
** add and cook for 10 min.

Seasonings:
1 TBSP Basil
3/4 tsp. Pepper
1 TBSP Salt

Triple-Tier Brownies

1 pkg. fudge brownie mix (13x9)
1 pkg. milk chocolate chips (11 1/2 oz.)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups rice krispy cereal
1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz)

Prepare and bake brownie mix. Cool. In a large saucepan, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Cook over low heat until blended. Stir in cereal and set aside. Spread frosting over brownies, then spread rice krispy mix on top. Chill for at least 30 min. before cutting. Store in refrigerator. Yield: 5 dozen

**These are very rich, I cut them in small bite size pieces.**

BBQ pork ribs...

BBQ Pork Ribs

Some country style boneless pork ribs ($6-7.00)...however many you need. Season them with salt and pepper and a little garlic powder, brown in oil on all sides. Place in baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Mix together:

1 bottle Kraft honey bbq sauce ($.79)

1 can coke ($.50)

Pour over ribs. Make more sauce if needed.

Bake in a 275 degree oven for 3 or more hours. Perfect for after church or after YW or YM night...waiting for you when you get there. Serve over rice and my favorite vegi with it is grean beans. YUM...Super good and not too spendy!!!

Chewy Granola Bars

I found these while blog stalking one day and I wish I could remember where so I could give credit--they are fun to make because the kids can help. Lots of dry ingrediants that are easy to clean up. Fun treat to try.

Chewy Granola Bars
Chewy Granola Bars Recipe:
2 1/2 c. Oats - quick rolled oats
1/2 c. Rice Krispies
1/4 c. coconut
1/2 c. M&M minis
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. honey
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Add all of the ingredients and mix together until combined. Press into a square 8×8 pan. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes and score into bars. Let it set completely and then cut into bars. For thinner bars, press mix into a 9×13 pan. They seem to set a little better in the 9×13 pan.

Cafe Rio Chicken Tortilla Soup

I haven't tried this yet, but it sounds really good especially on a cool day. Since it's still 100 degrees here, I'm going to save it or make it when we head to Utah.


3 C chicken Broth
2 cans tomatoes (28 oz)
1 can green chili's (4 oz)
1/2 C enchilada sauce
3 cloves garlic
1/2 an onion chopped
dash of cumin
salt and pepper to taste
cooked & shredded chicken breasts
cilantro
limes cut in sections


Simmer all above ingredients, except limes. squeeze a least one lime in each bowl ( or use lime juice and simmer with other ingredients). The lime is the flavor that makes the soup! at least for me it is.You can also add any of the following you like:Grated cheese tortilla chips (lime tortilla chips are good)also freshly cooked tortilla shells are great!sliced avocados, sour cream I am sure there are many other things you could add but these are favorites.

Favorite Fettuccine Alfredo

17 oz uncooked fettuccine or any other package of pasta (I prefer linguine)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 tsp salt
Dash of pepper
Chopped fresh parsley
Cook pasta as directed on package. While pasta is cooking, heat butter and cream in sauce pan over low heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted. Stir in cheese, salt and pepper. Continue stirring until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Drain pasta and cover with sauce. Mix until well coated. Sprinkle with parsley.
-Notes-
I have never actually used the parsley. The sauce is rich and a little goes a long way. We also like to sprinkle chicken with garlic salt and grill on the outdoor grill (if weather permits) or the George Foreman and then serve with the pasta.

Chocolate Frosting

1/3 cup margarine or butter (I always use butter)
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbsp. milk
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar (I used heaping measurements, add more powdered sugar for thicker frosting)
Melt butter and stir in cocoa. Add vanilla and milk. Gradually add powdered sugar until it reaches desired thickness. Add more milk 1 tsp at a time if too thick.

Salisbury Steak

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
4 TBSP dried onion
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
4 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
4 TBSP water
4 tsp. cornstarch
nonfat cooking spray

1. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, onions, and 1 cup beef broth in a bowl; combine well. Form meat into 4 oval patty's. (I like to make mine smaller, and do about 6)

2. Coat skillet with nonfat cooking spray. Heat skillet over medium flame. Brown patties on both sides.

3. Add remaining beef broth and mushrooms. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and cover. Simmer until desired doneness.

4. Remove patties; keep warm. Again, heat mixture to boiling; mix in water and cornstarch and cook until thickened. Serve sauce over patties.

Serves 4

food exchanges:
1 protein, 1 starch, 1 vegetable

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

This is a recipe that was given to me by my friend Michelle, so I can't take the credit for it. They are the best cookies ever!!!!

1 cup Peanut Butter
1 cup Butter
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Brown Sugar
2 tsp. Baking Soda
2 Eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla
2 1/2 cups Flour
Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Mix all of the above ingredients except the Peanut Butter Cups. Roll dough into balls. Bake the balls in a mini muffin pan. Bake at 350 for 7-8 min. While the cookies are baking, unwrap the peanut butter cups (put them in the fridge before, so they are easier to work with) After the cookies are done, press peanut butter cup into the cookie. Cool.

Sourdough Burger

This is more an idea than a recipe--we like Jack in the Box's Sourdough Sandwiches. I like Chicken and The Hubby likes the Hamburger, so we do our own version at home. It's a fun way to spice up Hamburger night.


Sourdough Bread
Hamburger patties or Chicken patties
1-2 slices Bacon per sandwich
1 slice Kraft Singles Swiss Cheese per Sandwich
lettuce
tomato


Grill meat of your choice. Toast sourdough bread in toaster oven or broiler with a little butter--it burns easily so watch it. Cook bacon to desired crispness (I do mine in the microwave-I hate grease splatters). Melt cheese on burgers and build your sandwich. The kids even like it.

Chicken Spaghetti

I tried this for dinner tonight and it got mixed reviews. My Hubby didn't like the peppers, but I thought it gave it good taste. This recipe made a ton though. We'll have leftovers for a while. I used Cream of Chicken instead of mushroom and left out the pimento, but otherwise it was really easy!

2 cups cooked chicken

2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup

2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup finely diced green pepper

1/2 cup finely diced onion
1-4 oz jar diced pimentos, drained

3 cups dry spaghetti, broken into two inch pieces * I used a 13 oz pkg of whole wheat

2 cups reserved chicken broth from pot

1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 additional cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Cook and cut up chicken. Cook spaghetti in same chicken broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When spaghetti is cooked, combine with remaining ingredients except additional 1 cup sharp cheddar. Place mixture in casserole pan and top with remaining sharp cheddar. Cover and freeze up to six months, cover and refrigerate up to two days, or bake immediately: 350 degrees for 45 minutes until bubbly. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil.)

Decadent Chocolate Truffles

These are so fun and so easy! I often get requests for these and I also love to make them for gifts or thank you's. They're also fun for kids to help with - my daughter loves to help me roll them into the different toppings.

(It says it makes about 6 dozen, but I guess I make mine bigger because I usually get about 60)

3 cups (18 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips

1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand Original or Creamy Chocolate Sweetened Condensed Milk (I've never been able to find the chocolate one, so if any of you are able to use it in this recipe, let me know how they turn out!)

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Ideas for coatings: Finely chopped toasted nuts, flaked coconut, chocolate sprinkles, colored sprinkles, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, colored sugars, etc.

In large saucepan melt chips with Eagle Brand Condensed Milk. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour into medium sized bowl. Cover and chill 2 to 3 hours or until firm. Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in desired coating and/or decorate with frosting and candies. Store tightly covered in refrigerator.

Easy Crock-Pot Italian Chicken

This is one of those recipes that I make often because it's so good and one of the rare dinners that my kids don't pick at and complain about. They love it!

4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 can cream of chicken soup

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

1 packet Good Seasons Italian dressing mix

1/4 c. butter (optional)

Spray crockpot with non-stick spray. Combine soup, cream cheese, and dressing mix. Pour over chicken in crockpot. Cook all day on LOW heat or on HIGH heat approximately 4 hours or until chicken is soft. Shred chicken and serve over noodles or rice.

(Variation: Sometimes I add a medium container of sour cream or add an extra can of cream of chicken, depending on how "saucy" I want it. I like to serve it on top of whole wheat egg noodles).

Tortellini...

I thought that for each meal I post I will try to give an estimate on the cost too. I always find it helpful when you really know how much your dinner will cost you in comparison to eating out or ordering pizza. It motivates me to cook more.

Okay, so I know I posted this on my blog a long time ago but I absolutely love that this dish is so simple. How many dinner recipes do you have that require 5 ingredients or less? Not many I'm sure. This dinner is so delicious and so easy you will flip with excitement. And the best part is, the kids will love it!!!

Tortellini

1 bag tortellini, cooked and drained $3.00

Bertolli marinara sauce in burgundy wine $3.49

Bertolli alfredo sauce $3.49

After I have drained the pasta, I will add some marinara and alfredo sauce until it's coated. There will usually be some leftover sauce depending on how much tortellini you use. Just use your best judgement on this one.

I put the tortellini in a baking dish that has been sprayed and then I put provolone cheese slices ($3.99) on top. I bake it until the cheese is melted and gooey!

We love the Albertson's bake at home baguette bread with this. I will usually buy 4-5 loaves at a time and store them in my freezer. If they don't have any out, they will get you some from the freezer to buy...they are usually about $1.59/ea. Total cost comes to about $16.00 for 6-8 servings and some leftover sauce and cheese for another day. Enjoy!!!

Make Ahead Lasagna

Make Ahead Lasagna

1 lb ground beef
1 package Spaghetti Sauce mix (McCormick)
2 6oz cans tomato paste
1 box Lasagna Noodles
8 oz mozzarella cheese
6-9 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Brown 1 lb ground beef; drain fat. Add Spaghetti Sauce Mix, 2 cans (6 oz) tomato paste and 4 ½ cups water. Cover and simmer 10 min. in a 13 x 9 baking dish, spread 1 ½ cups sauce. Arrange a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over sauce. Top with some sauce and half of 12 oz container of cottage cheese, half of 1 pkg 8 oz mozzarella cheese, and 3 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese. Top with another layer of noodles, sauce and cheeses. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight. Bake in 350 degree oven 45 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.

Yummy Salad

This is from ShaLayne's kitchen--We had it at Bunco last month and I'm hooked. I made a big one and ate it everyday for about 10 days. Luckily nobody else in my family is a fan of salad so I got it all to myself! I don't know what it's called so to me its just . . . .

Yummy Salad

1 Bag Baby Spinach
Romaine Hearts (3 pk)
Feta Cheese (tomato & basil) I couldn't find it, so I just used regular Feta
Bacon - cooked and crumbled (I used the bottled bacon it was a lot easier)
cashews - I chopped them, so they blended into the salad, instead of falling to the bottom.
Craisins
grated swiss cheese

***Do not add bacon & nuts until ready to serve***

Dressing:
1 1/2 C. Canola Oil
3/4 C. White Vinegar
1 1/2 tsp.
Poppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
3/4 tsp. Dry mustard
3/4 C. Sugar
1 1/2 tsp. dried onion

**It's better if you mix the dressing and let it set in the fridge overnight before serving.**

Grilled Sesame Chicken

This is our all-time favorite marinade for chicken...fresh ginger root is key to this tasting great!!

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup soy sauce

1/2 Cup olive oil

1/2 Cup white cooking wine or chicken broth.

1/2 Cup chopped green onions

4 tbsp minced fresh ginger root

2 tbsp minced fresh garlic

2 tbsp ground mustard

2 tbsp sesame seeds

dash of sesame oil (optional)

Place about 4-6 chicken breasts in a gallon ziplock bag or bowl... It is best if it marinades overnight...but needs at least 4-6 hours.
After you grill it, you can sprinkle green onions & sesame seeds on top. Discard marinade...I know you all know that, but I thought I better add it...

*for a really "Martha Stewart" look... Slice green onions lengthwise & immerse them in ice cold water, with ice in the bowl & they will curl up. Serve chicken breasts on a platter of curled green onions! Impressive for the in-laws.

No Fail Yeast Bread

This is for the Bread making impared--like me. Anything that needs yeast seems to difficult for me, but this bread is way easy!

No Fail Yeast Bread

Recipe makes 4 loaves.

5 cups warm water
¼ cup oil
1 ½ tablespoon salt
1 cup honey or ¾ cup sugar
3 tablespoon yeast
3 tablespoon dough enhancer, (optional)
11 ¼ cups all purpose flour

This recipe is easiest if a large mixer is used if a mixer is unavailable dough may be kneaded by hand.

Combine water, oil, salt, sugar (or honey) and dough enhancer. Add yeast, mix. Stir enough flour to make a soft dough. Flour hands and remove from mixer. Knead for 8-10 minutes.

Divide into 4 parts. Shape each part into a loaf and place into grased loaf pans. Cover and allow to rise until dough is 1 inch above pan.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake 30 min.

NOTE: a nice variation is to make sweet rolls. Take 1 or 2 of the pieces of bread dough divided to make a loaf. Roll each portion of dough out into a 14 x 8 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush with 1-2 tablespoons softened butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Roll up dough. Cut into 1 inch slices and place on greased baking pan. Allow to rise until double in bulk. Bake as above.

Extreme Toasted Marshmallow Candy Bar Rice Crispy Treats

This is a fun dessert to use up small candy bars from Halloween, Easter, or whatever holiday is close. Don't make if you're on a diet! When I make them I usually use a cookie sheet instead of a 9 x 13 pan and they are perfect! I got this recipe from www.pickypalate.blogspot.com

12 Cups toasted rice crispy cereal
2 10.5 oz bags mini marshmallows
6 Tablespoons butter
1 Cup chocolate chips
3 Cups mini marshmallows
10 mini Twix candy bars, chopped
10 mini Snicker candy bars, chopped

1. Prepare rice crispy treats according to directions on the cereal box, I doubled recipe. Press into a 9X13 inch baking dish. It will be filled close to the top.

2. Preheat oven's broiler and position top rack in middle of oven not top (if rack is too close to the broiler, the marshmallows burn instead of slowly turning golden). Sprinkle chocolate chips over rice crispy treats. Sprinkle 3 Cups mini marshmallows over top. Broil in oven just until marshmallows start to puff and turn golden. Watch very carefully, it happens quick!

3. Remove from oven and press chopped candy bars over toasted marshmallows. Let cool for 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!!

Lime Cilantro Rice

INGREDIENTS

3 tsp. butter

1 lime, juiced

1 cup basmati rice

1 1/2 cups water

3 tbsp. chopped cilantro, or more as desired

DIRECTIONS
1.Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
2.Add juice from half of the lime and rice, fry while stirring for 1-2 minutes.
3.Add water and bring to a boil.
4.Reduce heat, and cook, covered, until tunnels form in rice and water is fully absorbed.
5.Add juice from the other half of the lime and more water if needed. Carefully stir and fluff the rice.
6.Add cilantro as desired and serve.

Easy to Suff Manicotti

1 package (8 ounces) manicotti shells
1 pound ground beef
½ cup chopped onion
1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce
14 pieces string cheese
1 ½ cups (6 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook manicotti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce. Spread half of the sauce into a greased 13x9 baking dish.
Drain manicotti; stuff each shell with a piece of string cheese. Place over meat sauce; top with remaining sauce. Cover and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Makes 6-8 servings.

--This is a favorite recipe, it is really quick if you just use bottled spaghetti sauce that has meat in it, then skip cooking the hamburger— It is a very quick fix on a busy night.

Banana Cookies

These are some of my Dad's favorites. I like to make them with those last few bananas that got to ripe. Plus I don't feel as bad giving my kids cookies when they are made with bananas instead of chocolate. It just sounds healthier :)

Banana Cookies

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup (2 large) ripe bananas
2 cups chocolate chips

Measure flour and sift with dry ingredients. Cream sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Add flour mixture alternately with mashed banana, beating well after each addition. Stir in chocolate chips and vanilla. Drop by spoon onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Salsa

My neighbor Missy gave this to me and it is the only way I've ever made salsa. My husband doesn't like chunky salsa so it is perfect--it's great to because you don't have to spend hours chopping, just throw everything in a blender.

2 cans 16 oz whole tomatoes drained
1/3 bunch fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic
1 can sliced Jalapeno
1 small onion
1 tsp salt
1 Tbs onion powder
1/3 red pepper
1/3 green pepper

Combine all ingredients in blender, mix refrigerate.

Shredded Chicken

My friend Jessica told me about this super easy dinner and it is now our preferred way of making tacos! It has become a regular meal in our house--I hope she does't mind me sharing it! Thanks a ton Jessica!

3-4 Chicken Breasts
1 Jar Salsa

Place Chicken Breasts and Salsa in Crock pot for 4-6 hours or until it easily shreds.

Great for Tacos, Burritos, and Enchiladas

Sweet Pork (Like Café Rio’s)

Pork Roast
1 can Green Enchilada Sauce
1 can diced green chilies
1 cup brown sugar

Place all ingredients in Crock Pot for 6-8 hours. Reserve half of the green chilies for garnish when done.

Great for Tacos, Burritos, and Enchiladas.

Use more sauce and brown sugar to taste depending on the size of the roast. (I usually use double on both and use a large roast—freeze leftovers for future use)

This is one of my favorite meals and I always eat leftovers--I like to just put a little meat with some rice and beans. I get hungry just thinking about it!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I am a horrible cookie maker and I've tried a million recipes, but I stole this one from somebodies Blog and I'd like to give credit, but I don't remember where I got it. So if it's yours thanks a bunch they were yummy!


1 cup butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbls. vanilla
3/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
3 cups flour
1 package Ghirarrdeli Milk Chocolate Chips
1/2 bag Ghirarrdeli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Then add dry ingredients. Mix in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 11 minutes. Cookies might not look done but take them out anyways. Let them sit on pan for a few minutes before placing on cooling rack.

FYI: I cooked mine for 8-9 minutes and they were perfect. I think 11 minutes would be too long... but it all depends on your oven. I just used Nestle Chocolate Chips.