Home Baked Memories

2011-10-01T05:58:00.001-06:00

Ghost Chili

1 whole Roasted Chicken (cut up into bite sized pieces)

I bought mine at Costco

1 med. white onion, chopped

2 Tbsp. garlic powder

32 oz. chicken broth

4 - 15 oz.cans Great Northern beans

2 - 4 oz. cans chopped green chiles

2 tsp salt

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne (opt)

Saute chicken breast, chopped onion and garlic powder together in a little oil. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes. Then add 2 cups of cream and a half cup milk, plus 1 cup sour cream. Enjoy!

Fresh Fig, Spinach, & Goat Cheese Salad

2011-09-13T01:51:00.000-06:00

1 cup baby spinach, chopped
1 fresh fig, quartered
1 oz goat cheese, crumbled
salt and fresh cracked pepper
1 T superfruit berry vinaigrette

Zucchini Cupcakes

2011-08-28T20:40:00.003-06:00

I haven't tried this recipe but it looks great! I got if from tasteofhome.com

Ingredients
3 eggs
1-1/3 cups sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon almond extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1-1/2 cups shredded zucchini

CARAMEL FROSTING:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup 2% milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 to 2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, orange juice and extract. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to egg mixture and mix well. Stir in zucchini.
Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
For frosting, combine the brown sugar, butter and milk in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Cool to lukewarm.
Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until frosting reaches spreading consistency. Frost cupcakes. Yield: 1-1/2 to 2 dozen.

Enchilada Lasagna

2011-08-24T01:09:00.002-06:00

Ingridients:

2 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 lbs chicken breast, chopped to bite pieces
5 cups of mexican blend cheese
1 can of cream of celery
1 can of cream of chicken
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup canned and chopped green chillies (drained)
small corn tortillas
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Cook Chicken. Season with salt and pepper.Then break into bite sized pieces.
In a bowl combine cream of celery, cream of chicken, sour cream and green chillies.

Prepare a bowl of water that you will dip your corn tortillas in, and the dish you will assemble the lasagna in. Put 1/2 cup of cream mix on the bottom of the baking dish and spread. Layer a row of tortillas followed with cream mix, chicken and cheese. You should be able to make 3 layers like this. Last layer doesn't need chicken, just top with cheese.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and let it bake for about 20 minutes or until cheese is nice and melted and golden brown on top...

Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

2011-08-14T20:03:00.001-06:00

Everytime we go up to market street grill we order this easy simple salad! Its just the best in the summer! Enjoy!

SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM BLUE CHEESE
DRESSING

1 1/2 lbs. spinach leaves, cleaned & trimmed
1 red onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. olive oil
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2/3 c. light cream
4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
3/4 c. coarsely chopped walnuts

1. In large salad bowl combine the spinach and onion; refrigerate.
2. Saute the garlic in olive oil over moderate heat until soft.

3. Add vinegar and stir to blend. Bring to a simmer.

4. Whisk in cream, the sauce will split, bring to simmer at a very low heat. Whisk in cheese, continue stirring.

5. Pour sauce over spinach. Toss. Add walnuts. Serve. Makes 4 servings.

Knock you Naked Brownies!

2011-08-14T09:33:00.003-06:00

Ingredients
1 box (18.5 Ounce) German Chocolate Cake Mix (I Used Duncan Hines)
1 cup Finely Chopped Pecans
⅓ cups Evaporated Milk
½ cups Evaporated Milk (additional)
½ cups Butter, Melted
60 whole Caramels, Unwrapped
⅓ cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
¼ cups Powdered Sugar
Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, chopped pecans, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and melted butter. Stir together until totally combined. Mixture will be very thick.

Press half the mixture into a well-greased 9 x 9 inch square baking pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven and set aside.

In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of boiling water) melt caramels with additional 1/2 cup evaporated milk. When melted and combined, pour over brownie base. Sprinkle chocolate chips as evenly as you can over the caramel.

Turn out remaining brownie dough on work surface. Use your hands to press it into a large square a little smaller than the pan. Use a spatula to remove it from the surface, then set it on top of the caramel and chocolate chips.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from pan and allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for several hours. When ready to serve, generously sift powdered sugar over the surface of the brownies. Cut into either nine or twelve helpings, and carefully remove from the pan.

I found this recipe on Allrecipes and it is so amazing! You'll want to make two pans!

Perfect Party Cake

2011-07-27T13:27:00.002-06:00

Perfect Party Cake
(from Dorie Greenspan in Baking: From My Home to Yours)
This recipe makes 24 cupcakes or a 2 layer cake (with 9 x 2" pans)

For the Cake:
2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups whole milk or buttermilk, at room temperature
4 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon pure lemon extract

Getting Ready: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 9-x-2-inch round cake pans and line the bottom of each pan with a round of buttered parchment or wax paper. Put the pans on a baking sheet. If you are making cupcakes, line cupcake wells with paper liners.

To Make The Cake: Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.
Whisk together the milk and egg whites in a medium bowl.
Put the sugar and lemon zest in a mixer bowl or another large bowl and rub them together with your fingers until the sugar is moist and fragrant. Add the butter and, working with the paddle or whisk attachment, or with a hand mixer, beat at medium speed for a full 3 minutes, until the butter and sugar are very light. Beat in the extract, then add one third of the flour mixture, still beating on medium speed. Beat in half of the milk-egg mixture, then beat in half of the remaining dry ingredients until incorporated. Add the rest of the milk and eggs, beating until the batter is well blended, then add the last of the dry ingredients.
Finally, give the batter a good 2-minute beating to ensure that it is thoroughly mixed and well aerated. Divide the batter between the two pans and smooth the tops with a rubber spatula.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cakes are well risen and springy to the touch – a toothpick inserted into the centers should come out clean. (Cupcakes will need to bake about 20-22 minutes.) Transfer the cakes to cooling racks and cool for about 5 minutes, then remove them from the pans. Cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting:
This is my own simple buttercream starting point. I start with this, and then I add more/less cream or powdered sugar depending on what consistency I want the frosting to be. There is a lovely buttercream tutorial at My Baking Addiction if you would like more information.

1 cup butter (2 sticks), very soft
2-3 oz. cream cheese (you can leave this out, I just like to add it because I cuts the sweetness somewhat)
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
4-8 Tbsp cream or milk

Cream the butter and cream cheese, add the vanilla and powdered sugar 1 cup at a time and blend well. Add enough cream or milk to bring the frosting to a spreadable consistency. And then, whip it, and whip it good.

Cherry Lime-Aid Drink (like Sonic)

2011-07-26T09:31:00.003-06:00

I found this recipe on the Little Brown House Blog - I love love love Cherry Limeaids at Sonic and thought you would love this too!

Here is all you need-

1 can frozen limeade concentrate,

1- 2 liter bottle Sprite,

Juice from 1 10 oz jar cherries

Fresh limes (optional)

Simply put it all together.. tough huh?

Add slices of limes to the pitcher and the glasses, and put cherries in the glasses only.

CRANBERRY PISTACHIO COOKIES

2011-07-17T08:58:00.003-06:00

I found this on the "Harwards" blog and it thought it would be a great recipe to try out and to share! Enjoy!

Take 1 pouch of Sugar Cookie Mix
1 (3.4 oz) Pistachio instant pudding mix
1/4 cup flour...stir together.

Add:
1/2 cup butter, melted
and 2 eggs

Add:
1 cup dry roasted pistachio nuts, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
(optional, a tiny bit of green food coloring)
I didn't add any to these though.

Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350'
take from oven and let them set on the
cookie sheet for 2 minutes, then rack to cool.

Makes two dozen delicious cookies!

4th of July French Toast

2011-06-28T02:21:00.002-06:00

This recipe is DEADLY and DELICIOUS! It's a Paula Deen dish... so eaters beware! I've tried making this with 1/2 the eggs, milk, and half-n-half. It's good that way, too -- a little less bread pudding, a little more french toast. I also HIGHLY recommend adding a huge dollop of fresh whipped cream on top with maple syrup. Delicious! This recipe started when Becca made it for us and now we like to serve it when we have a crowd for breakfast. Its great with berries on the side!

Casserole:

1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash salt

Praline Topping, recipe follows

Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread Praline Topping evenly over the casserole and bake for 40-60 minutes (it turns out differently every time for me -- just watch it), until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.

Praline Topping: 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 cup chopped pecans 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Use entire mixture to cover french toast casserole.

Banana Sour Cream Muffins

2011-06-27T07:47:00.002-06:00

My house smells so good this morning! I've got some of these baking in the oven right now.

This wonderful recipe comes from my Mother-in-law Jean. She made these for us while I was up with my children visiting. They are so delicious!

1/2 cup butter

(room temperature)

1-1/4 cups sugar

2 eggs

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tsp. baking soda

2 bananas, mashed

1-1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. salt

350 oven. Line muffin tin with paper baking cups.

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs; beat well. Stir in next 5 ingredients.

Fill muffin tins 2/3 full.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched.

QUICK TIP from Grandma Jeano:

I like to place the muffin tin with the filled paper cups (unbaked) in the freezer.

When frozen put filled baking cups in an air tight freezer bag

and return to freezer.

Freeze up to 3 months.

To bake - return frozen cups to muffin tin.

Bake as directed below, increasing baking time by 5 min.

What a SMART idea for a BUSY morning!

Craisen Salad

2011-03-10T14:11:00.002-07:00

1 head red leaf lettuce

2 heads boston/bibb/butter lettuce

1 large can mandarin oranges, drained (or fresh if you have them)

1 cup craisens

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

1 cup sliced almonds

1 Tbsp. butter

2 Tbsp. maple syrup(or agave, but I like maple syrup best!)

Saute almonds over medium heat with butter and maple syrup, stirring constantly until light brown (be careful not to burn). Remove from pan and set aside. Toss all remaining ingredients together. Add nuts and dressing right before serving.

**Again I like to taoos a small amount of dressing on each individual salad so you can save the leftover salad and it's not soggy.

**Because this is a homemade dressing without fillers a little goes a long way!

**Also when I made this I only did one head of each red and butter lettuce and it was still tons! One head of lettuce would be plenty for a family of 6.

recipe from green smoothie girl... My HERO!

Craisen Salad Dressing

2011-03-10T14:03:00.002-07:00

It doesn't have any craisens in it but it is a beautiful purple/red color, and yummy on the craisen salad!

This batch makes over 2 cups. So freeze half for a salad later!

1/2 cup raw honey

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1 Cup extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp. mustard (I used brown)

1 tsp. sea salt

1 small red onion cut into fourths

1 Tbsp. poppy seeds

Blend all ingredients except poppy seeds in a high powered blender until all onion is pureed. Add poppy seeds and pulse a couple of times.

I made this while my parents were in town with the Craisen Salad and everyone loved it!

The BEST Ranch Dressing

2011-03-10T14:00:00.003-07:00

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup sour cream

1 Tbsp. dried parsley

1 Tbsp. dried chives

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

Blend briefly in a high-powered blender until just mixed. Pour into a jar, and put in the fridge for a few hours to meld flavors. If you want more of a ranch dip just use 2 cups sour cream instead of the buttermilk. This would last longer too!

There you have it! No MSG, preservatives, and YUMMY!!! My kids love it:)

Spinach Orzo Ensalada Salad

2011-03-10T13:55:00.004-07:00

Spinach Orzo Ensalata

1 cup uncooked whole-wheat orzo pasta (boil it approx. 6-7 mins and rinse well)

10+ cups spinach (about 2 10-oz. bags), chopped

1 pkg. fresh basil, cut into ribbons

2 tomatoes, diced small

1 can black olives, sliced

2 oz. capers (half a 4-oz. jar), drained

1/2 cup raw pine nuts (optional: toasted)

optional: shaved/grated Parmesan to taste

Toss all ingredients except optional Parmesan. Add ZESTY DILL dressing (below) to taste and toss. Top each plate with shaved Parmesan and serve.

I personally like to top each salad with their own dressing so the salad doesn't go to waste if it's not all eaten that day.

I also usually make 1/2 this because it's large. But it does store well in the fridge for a few days.

recipe from green smoothie girl

Tangy Dill Dressing

2011-03-10T13:47:00.003-07:00

This is so yummy on the Spinach Orzo Ensalata salad. I think it would also be yummy on veggie wraps.

*One little tip about fresh juice: juice a bunch of lemons, limes, or oranges and put the juice into ice cube trays. Each cube is equal to 2 Tbsp.(1/8 cup) Pop out a couple of cubes and let defrost and you can whip your dressing up in a snap!

Tangy Dill Dressing

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. Bragg’s Liquid Aminos

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp. raw honey

2 garlic gloves

1 Tbsp. dried (or 1/4 cup fresh) dill weed

Blend all ingredients in a high-powdered blender. Makes 1 1/2 cups. Can be frozen.

This recipe comes from Green smoothie girl

Smoked Salmon Spread

2011-03-06T12:21:00.003-07:00

We served Smoked Salmon spread on toasted baguettes. I toasted the baguettes in the oven with a little olive oil on top.

Smoked Salmon Spread
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish, drained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 pound (4 ounces) smoked salmon, minced
Directions
Cream the cheese in an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until just smooth. Add the sour cream, lemon juice, dill, horseradish, salt, and pepper, and mix. Add the smoked salmon and mix well. Chill and crackers or toasted baguettes.

If you can find it,try Norwegian salmon; it's drier and less salty than other smoked salmon.

Pann Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries

2011-03-06T12:09:00.003-07:00

Yesterday we decided to try Strawberries with balsamic vinegar! Ther berries tasted amazing served with the Panna Cotta! We saw this on The Barefoot Contessa and thought it was time we tried it! It is delicious - Who ever thought up balsamic vinegar and strawberries? Plus we made another one of Ina's recipes - Smoked salmon dip. I'll get that posted later today. - Enjoy!

Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries

1/2 packet (1 teaspoon) unflavored gelatin powder
1 1/2 tablespoons cold water
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, divided
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
2 pints (4 cups) sliced fresh strawberries
2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated lemon zest, for serving
Directions
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin on 1 1/2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir and set aside for 10 minutes to allow the gelatin to dissolve.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of the cream, the yogurt, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds. Heat the remaining 3/4 cup of cream and the 1/3 cup of sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Off the heat, add the softened gelatin to the hot cream and stir to dissolve. Pour the hot cream-gelatin mixture into the cold cream-yogurt mixture and stir to combine. Pour into 4 (6 to 8-ounce) ramekins or custard cups and refrigerate uncovered until cold. When the panna cottas are thoroughly chilled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Combine the strawberries, balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and pepper 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. Set aside at room temperature.

To serve, run a small knife around each dessert in the ramkein and dip the bottom of each ramekin quickly in a bowl of hot tap water. Invert each ramekin onto a dessert plate and surround the panna cotta with strawberries. Dust lightly with freshly grated lemon zest and serve.

Bacon and Blue Cheese Compound Butter

2011-02-27T09:50:00.006-07:00

I've found that useing the Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning for when I'm grilling Steaks makes all the difference in how juicy and tasty a steak can really be! Today I was watching the food network and saw a recipe for "Compound Butter" It looked so fabulous I had to try it for topping our Steaks we were serving tonight for dinner! I've been marinating my steaks for at least a half hour in the Grill Mates marinade. Enjoy!

BACON and BLUE CHEESE Compound Butter

1 stick of butter, at room temperature
2-4 oz. of blue cheese, crumbled
5 slices smoked bacon, cooked until crisp and finely chopped
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
In a large bowl, using a rubber spatula, mix the buter, blue cheese, bacon and chives together until combined.Keep out the butter you think you'll use for topping your steaks. Then, dollop butter onto a piece of parchment or waxed paper. Roll into a log, twisting opposite ways on both ends of the paper to create a tightly wrapped log of butter. Refrigerate or freeze for later use.
I served this steak with french cut green beans, a green salad with lemon vinaigrette , and crusty french bread.
(Recipe from 5 Ingredient Cooking - Food Network)

Cauliflower Pasta

2011-02-20T05:04:00.002-07:00

8 T butter
1 cauliflower head, cut into florets
Coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
1 pound linguine
10 fresh sage leaves or ½ teaspoon dried sage
2 T fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 T minced garlic
¾ cup chopped fresh parsley
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Optional: ½ cup breadcrumbs & more Parmesan to serve at the table

Boil large pot of water for pasta. In a large skillet, melt 2 T butter over medium-low heat. Add cauliflower florets and 1/4 teaspoon salt and sauté for 10 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water; cook until cauliflower is tender when pierced with a sharp knife, about 5 minutes. Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
In pasta pot, melt remaining 6 T butter over medium heat. Stir in sage, thyme, and garlic; cook until butter is golden brown, 3 minutes. Add pasta, cauliflower, parsley, and Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and add reserved cooking water if pasta seems dry. To serve, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and more Parmesan.

Homemade Cheese Ball

2011-02-17T17:03:00.000-07:00

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup buttermilk ranch ( I like Litehouse brand)

1/4 t fresh cracked pepper
1/4 t sea salt
1/4 t garlic powder
1/4 t celery seed
1/4 t parsley
1/4 t onion powder
1 cup chopped or sliced almonds

Mix all ingredients together except almonds.
Mold mixture in desired shape and cover with almonds.
Enjoy! Serve at room temperature.

Soft Valentine Sugar Cookies

2011-01-29T16:39:00.002-07:00

This is my favorite all time best Sugar Cookie recipe with wonderful cream cheese frosting!

Soft Sugar Cookies
1 cup butter
1 t salt
2 cups sugar
1 t baking soda
2 eggs
4 t baking powder
1 cup sour cream
4 ½ cups flour
1 t pure vanilla extract
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl and combine with wet ingredients. Roll into ball. Refrigerate. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake at 350° F for 10-12 minutes. (Thicker cookies longer.) Cool and frost.

Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz cream cheese (room temp)
1-2 t milk
8 T butter (room temp)
1 t pure vanilla extract
3-4 cups powdered sugar
Beat cheese and butter. Add milk, and vanilla. Slowly add sugar until the consistency you want. Beat until smooth.

Black Bean Corn Salsa - Great for Game Day!

2011-01-21T13:46:00.001-07:00

1 Can Black Beans drained
3 tbsp Olive oil
4 tbsp Lime Juice Fresh
1 Can Corn
1 Tomato chopped
2 Avacadoes chopped
1/2 purple onion finely diced
1/2 green pepper diced
1 tsp cumin
1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Mix together and serve with chips or it tastes really great on fish!

Broiled Salmon with Rosemary

2011-01-14T23:44:00.004-07:00

I made this yummy South Beach Diet Salmon tonight for dinner! It was super easy to make! I broiled mine and I'm always amazed at how fast Salmon cooks! I will definitely make this again!! To make clean up easier, I just placed tinfoil on my broiling pan and then brushed a little olive oil on the foil so it wouldn't stick. After you're done cooking, just throw away the foil and you don't have to wash the broiling pan! :)

Ingredients:

1 pound salmon
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried, crushed
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
Capers (optional)

Directions:

Cut the fish into 4 equal-size portions.
Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary in a bowl. Brush the mixture onto the fish.
To broil, spray the rack of a broiler pan with olive oil cooking spray and arrange the fish on it. Broil 4" from the heat for 4-6 minutes per 1/2" of thickness. If the fish is more than 1" thick, gently turn it halfway through broiling.
To serve, top the fish with capers, if using, and garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired

Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

2011-01-11T17:14:00.004-07:00

Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Food Network Magazine

7 Tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the dish
Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup Frank's Buffalo Wing Sauce, divided
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2-1/2 cups half-and-half
1 pound extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded
2/3 cup sour cream
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a 9 x 13 baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain.

Meanwhile, melt 3 Tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken and garlic and cook 2 minutes, then add 1/2 cup hot sauce and simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 more minute.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and mustard with a wooden spoon until smooth. Whisk in the half-and-half, then add the remaining 1/4 cup hot sauce and stir until thick, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, then whisk in the sour cream until smooth.

Spread half of the macaroni in the prepared baking dish, then top with the chicken mixture and the remaining macaroni. Pour the cheese sauce evenly on top. Put the remaining 2 Tablespoons butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave until melted. Stir in the panko, blue cheese and parsley. Sprinkle over the macaroni. Bake until bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with some wing sauce for color.

Garnish with even more wing sauce, blue cheese and sour cream if you like!

2011-01-11T17:14:00.001-07:00

The BEST Buttermilk Waffles

2011-01-06T00:15:00.003-07:00

The BEST Buttermilk Waffles
1 3/4 c flour
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
1 t sugar
2 c buttermilk
1/3 c canola oil
2 eggs
Beat all ingredients together and drop batter on hot waffle griddle. Serve with buttermilk syrup, whipped cream and fruit!

BUTTERMILK SYRUP
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
1.In a saucepan, stir together the sugar, buttermilk, butter, corn syrup, and baking soda. Bring to a boil, and cook for 7 minutes. Remove from the heat, and stir in the vanilla.

Thanksgiving Puff Pancakes

2010-11-18T07:21:00.003-07:00

Thanksgiving Puff Pancakes

4 T butter
5 eggs
1 ¼ c milk
1 ¼ c flour
1 t salt
1 T sugar
1 t vanilla
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Melt butter in 9x13 glass baking dish in oven while waiting to preheat. Mix all ingredients and add batter to baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve with fresh fruit (we like fresh strawberries with a little sugar and lemon juice!) and powdered sugar.

"Dixie" Pomegranate Salad

2010-11-16T18:39:00.002-07:00

DIXIE POMEGRANATE SALAD
From Down South in St George!

1 cup miniature marshmallows

1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 1/2 cup diced apples

Cool Whip OR vanilla yogurt

METHOD:

Mix the ingredients together with just enough Cool Whip, yogurt or both to coat. Serve chilled.

.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll-up

2010-11-11T21:43:00.002-07:00

•3 Eggs
•1 cup Sugar
•2/3 cup Pumpkin
•1 teaspoon Lemon juice
•3/4 cup All-purpose flour
•1 teaspoon Baking powder
•2 teaspoons Cinnamon
•1 teaspoon Ginger
•1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
•1/2 teaspoon Salt
•.
•Filling:
•8 ounces Cream cheese -- softened
•4 tablespoons Butter -- or margarine
•1 cup Powdered sugar
•1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
Preparation:
In large bowl, combine eggs and sugar, beating with an electric mixer until thick and light yellow in color. Add pumpkin and lemon juice, mixing until blended.
In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, spices and salt. Add to egg mixture, mixing well. Spread batter into greased and waxed-paper lined 10-by-15-inch jelly-roll pan.

Bake at 350 ° for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool for 15 minutes. Place cake on clean tea towel sprinkled liberally with powdered sugar. Cool 10 minutes longer. From 10- inch side, roll cake up in towel. Set aside.

While cake is cooling in towel, prepare filling. Beat together cream cheese and butter; stir in powdered sugar and vanilla and blend until smooth.
Unroll cake. Evenly spread filling over cake. Roll up cake (without the towel). Wrap in plastic wrap. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Slice before serving. Keep leftover slices refrigerated. This pumpkin roll freezes well.

Ghost Chili

2010-11-11T21:38:00.002-07:00

Ghost Chili

1 lb chicken breast cut in 1"cubes (3 breasts)
1 med. white onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
14 oz. chicken broth
1 - 15 oz.cans Great Northern beans
2 - 4 oz. cans chopped green chiles
1 tsp salt
1/2 - 1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne (opt)

Saute chicken breast, chopped onion and garlic powder together in a little oil. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup milk or cream plus 1 cup sour cream. Enjoy!

Taco Soup

2010-11-07T20:31:00.002-07:00

Taco Soup

1 lb hamburger meat
salt and pepper to taste
2 – 16 oz cans kidney beans
1 large can tomato juice
2 large cans whole kernel corn
1 package taco seasoning mix
Garnishes:
Shredded cheddar cheese
sour cream
olives
chopped onions
corn chips (I like Doritos best)

INSTRUCTIONS
In a skillet brown hamburger meat and salt and pepper to taste. In a large sauce pan combine hamburger with kidney beans, tomato juice, corn, and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil and let simmer. Serve with desired garnishes

PRETZEL HUGS

2010-10-15T07:07:00.003-06:00

Idea #1

Idea #2

This is a great quick treat for parties or to put in bags to deliver to friends!

PRETZEL HUGS

1 bag pretzels
1 pkg. M&Ms
1 pkg. Hershey "Hugs"

Place pretzels (We used the square kind) on baking sheet. Place a Hug on each pretzel and bake at 200 degrees for about 8 minutes (just watch for the Hugs to melt). Remove from oven and promptly place a couple of M&Ms on each pretzel, pressing into the melted chocolate. Allow to cool before serving. At room temperature, this takes SEVERAL hours. I would recommend making these the day before you plan on eating/delivering. You can put them in the refrigerator to speed up the process.

So fun even for young children to make!

YUMMY Corn Chowder

2010-10-13T14:11:00.004-06:00

Chipotle Corn Chowder

■2 slices Bacon, Cut Into 1/2-inch Pieces (or Smaller)
■2 Tablespoons Butter
■1-½ whole Yellow Onion, Diced
■4 Cups frozen corn that you buy from Costco.
■2 whole Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce, Finely Diced
(With children i suggest maybe a half of a pepper in adobo sauce
but the pepper really makes this so awesome!)
■1 whole 4-ounce Can Diced Green Chilies
■32 ounces, fluid Chicken Broth
■1-½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream (I used 2 cups )
■½ teaspoons Kosher Salt (more To Taste)
■3 Tablespoons Corn Meal(I used 5 tablespoons)
■¼ cups Water
Preparation Instructions

Cook bacon and onion till bacon is done.
Add bacon pieces to a pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Cook for a couple of minutes. Add butter and melt. Add corn. Stir and cook for one minute. Add both kinds of chilies and stir.

Pour in chicken broth and cream. Add salt. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low.

Combine cornmeal (or masa) with water. Stir to combine, then pour into the chowder. Cover and cook for 15 minutes over low heat. If chowder needs more thickening, add another tablespoon of cornmeal mixed with water. Cook for another ten minutes.

Serve with crusty sourdough bread from Kneaders! Soooooo Good!

This recipe is from Pioneer Woman Blog! Its a great recipe!

PUMPKIN CAKE

2010-10-03T21:13:00.000-06:00

Yummy Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Mindy Powell

2 c white granulated sugar
2 c flour
1 t baking powder
2 t baking soda
2 t cinnamon
2 t nutmeg
1 t salt
4 eggs
1 1/2 c oil
1 29 oz can pumpkin

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix together dry ingredients and beat slowly. Add wet ingredients and beat together until mixed well. Place in a well-greased 9x13 pan and bake for 50 minutes. Let cool and add cream cheese frosting.

1 8 oz package cream cheese
1/4 c butter
2 t milk
1 t vanilla
4 c powdered sugar

Let butter and cream cheese come to room temperature. Beat cream cheese, butter, milk & vanilla on low. Add powdered sugar on low slowly until smooth.

Technique for Hard - Boiled EGGS

2010-09-19T09:52:00.002-06:00

Technique for hard-boiled eggs:

Choose the right size pot to cook your eggs in: The eggs must not be stacked but be in one (1) layer only. Gently place the eggs in a single layer in a pan with enough cold water to cover eggs completely (approximately by 1 inch of water over the top of the eggs).

Too much water will take too long for the water to get boiling, which can throw off the timing and give you overcooked eggs. Too little water causes parts of the eggs to be exposed and end up undercooked.

If you have 2 or 3 layers of eggs stacked up in a small pot, they may cook unevenly. Use a large pan and limit cooking to two (2) dozen eggs at a time only.

Over high heat, bring water JUST to a rapid boil.

As soon as the water reaches a rapid boil, remove pan from heat and cover egg pan tightly with a lid.

Set timer for 17 minutes for large eggs or 20 minutes for jumbo eggs.

After 17 or 20 minutes (depending on size of your eggs), remove lid and drain off water from the eggs.

Watch the time when cooking the eggs carefully. Overcook causes a green layer to form around the yolk. This layer is caused by a reaction between the iron in the yolk and the sulfur in the white. Heat speeds up this reaction, so the longer your eggs cook, the greater the chance of discoloration.

Stop the cooking process: Transfer the eggs to the bowl of ice cubes and/or cold water. NOTE: While they're in the cold water, a layer of steam develops between the shell and the egg white. The steam helps make peeling an egg much easier.

Let eggs cool at least 10 minutes in cold water, then drain. Either store in refrigerator or peel the eggs (see below for How To Peel Hard-Cooked Eggs Easily).

A quick test to ensure that your eggs are hardboiled: When eggs have cooled, spin them on a hard surface (just like you would spin a top). If the eggs spins quickly without taking off or flying off in one direction, the egg is hard boiled and finished. Undercooked eggs (or uncooked eggs) will have a wobbly and unsteady spin.

Oreo Brownie Ice Cream Cake

2010-09-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

My youngest brother Brandon had been craving an
Ice Cream Cake so I decided the perfect time to
make him one would be for his 19th Birthday!!
I had never made an ice cream cake, so this was
my first EXPERIMENT and I chose Brownies because
they are moist!! It turned out SO YUMMY & RICH!!

These are my layers...
Oreo cookie crust (Oreos, butter, sugar)
Cookies & cream ice cream
Brownie
Hot Fudge
Cookies & cream ice cream
Brownie
Fresh whipped cream
I also decorated the cake with chocolate frosting and Oreos

Banana Cream Pie

2010-09-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

CRUST (Pate Brisee)
1 1/4 c flour
1/2 t salt
1/2 c unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
1/8 c ice water, more if needed
In food processor, combine flour, salt and butter. Pulse until mixture resembles course crumbs. With machine running, add ice water slowly until dough holds together without being wet. Shape dough on a piece of plastic wrap into a flattened disk and refrigerate at least one hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a 12-inch round. Fit into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp edges as desired. Prick dough all over with fork. Fill with dry beans or pie weights. (Once you use dry beans, continue using the same ones as your "pie" beans!) Bake until edges are golden, about 25 minutes.

Filling
4 egg yolks
3 c whole milk
2/3 c sugar
5 T cornstarch
1/4 t salt
3-4 bananas
1 c heavy cream
powdered sugar to taste
1 t vanilla
In a bowl, lightly whisk egg yolks and set aside. In a large pan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch and salt. Bring to simmer (do not boil) and cook, whisking constantly, for 3-4 minutes. Add small amount of milk mixture to egg yolks to temper and then pour entire mixture back into large pan. Cook, whisking constantly, until custard is thick and bubbles appear in center, approximately 2-3 minutes. Transfer to bowl and cover completely with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Cool in fridge. Cut bananas into slices and arrange in rows in the pie crust. Cover with custard. Whip cream, powdered sugar and vanilla and spread on top of custard. Refrigerate for at least one hour!

You can make a coconut cream pie the same way,
just substitute the bananas for toasted coconut!

Phyllo Chicken Wraps

2010-09-15T07:00:00.001-06:00

This is my version of what I requested
my mom make on Christmas eve every year!!
Wraps

2 cans (12.5 oz) chicken breast
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
Sea salt & freshly cracked pepper to taste
garlic and onion powder to taste
1 package (8 oz) phyllo dough
1 stick (8 oz) butter melted
Thaw phyllo dough at room temperature for two hours or in fridge overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain chicken and shred with fork in mixing bowl. Add soup, sour cream, and seasonings. Carefully unroll phyllo sheets and remove one sheet. (You need to keep sheets covered with plastic wrapper to keep moist or make them very quickly so the phyllo dough does not dry out.) Fold sheet in half and butter top with pastry brush or fingers. (I do this on a plastic cutting board for easy cleanup.) Put a scoop of chicken mixture in middle and carefully wrap up all four sides. Butter top and bottom of wrap and place on buttered cookie sheet. Makes approximately 16 wraps. (I put eight each on a big cookie sheet.) Bake 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until lightly brown on top. Serve with rice pilaf and drizzle with sauce.
Sauce
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can milk
Sea salt & freshly cracked pepper to taste
2 T fresh parsley
Heat & whisk all ingredients until smooth.

Poppy's Cream Puffs

2010-09-14T07:34:00.000-06:00

These are my Dad's famous Cream Puffs!!
2 c water
2 cubes butter
1/2 t salt
2 c flour
8 eggs
2 c heavy cream
1 t pure vanilla extract
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large pot, add water, butter and salt and bring to a boil. Add flour and stir until thick. Remove from heat and add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Spoon onto cookie sheet and bake 40-50 minutes. Beat heavy cream, vanilla and powdered sugar. Let cream puffs cool, split in half and fill with cream right before serving. Dust powdered sugar on top! YUM!!

Twice Baked Green Potatoes

2010-09-13T17:30:00.002-06:00

My children and Husband Loved these! Success!!!

8 Lg. potatoes
1 lg. head broccoli
4 cups spinach
8 green onions, diced, including green part
1/4 cup parmesean cheese
2 Tbsp. extra virgin Olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. sea salt
freshly ground pepper

Bake foil wrapped potatoes at 350 for 1 hr., then let cool enough to handle. Chop broccoli into small pieces, and steam for 15 minutes, adding spinach the last 5 minutes of steaming. Cut each potatoe in half and scoop out the potato "guts", being careful to keep skin intact and leaving 1/4" of potatoe all the way around for later use.

Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth the potato "guts", steamed broccoli, onions, spinach, parmesean, olive oil, salt and pepper. Add a bit of water if mixture is too thick to blend.

Scoop mixture back into potato skins. Sprinkle with additional parmesean cheese, then bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. Serve immediately.

I also added some shredded cheddar cheese to the tops of mine, and a dallop of sour cream on top. Yummmmy!

Vegetarian Chili

2010-09-13T17:21:00.002-06:00

Vegetarian Chili is inexpensive, nutritious, filling, and a complete protein with brown rice added.
Serve with Cornbread, or chips and shredded cheese.

4 C dry pinto beans, soaked overnight and rinsed well
12 C water
2 C brown rice rinsed well
2 diced yellow onions
4 cans tomato sauce
2 qt. diced tomatoes with juice
2 Tbsp. chili powder
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. pepper
3 bay leaves
2 green peppers
1-2 anaheim peppers

In a very large stock pot, bring water and beans to a boil and simmer for 2 hrs. (or longer if old beans) until beans are almost tender. Add all remaining ingredients, simmer for 1 hr. and serve.( I simmered mine about 3 hrs. more) This makes a lot and freezes well for another meal or you can use the next night over baked potatoes.

Delicious "Magleby's" Like Rolls

2010-09-13T07:00:00.001-06:00

24 frozen Rhodes Rolls
1/2 c Mayonnaise
1/2 c Butter, melted
1/2 c Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic Salt
Italian Seasoning or Parsley
Place frozen rolls in well greased muffin tin. Spread on mayo then butter. Sprinkle cheese and other spices on top. Let rise according to the directions (usually 5 hours so you need to plan accordingly.) Bake according to the directions on roll package.

Capellini Pomodoro with Fresh Mozzarella

2010-09-12T07:24:00.001-06:00

3 T extra virgin olive oil
1 T onion flakes
3 T minced garlic
2 cans (14 oz) Italian diced tomatoes
1 t Italian seasoning
2 T brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1 oz fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1 lb angel hair pasta
12 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
Shaved Parmesan cheese to pass at table
Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring to a boil to cook the pasta. While the water is coming to a boil, saute olive oil, onion flakes and garlic over medium heat. Stir in tomatoes and season the sauce with Italian seasoning, brown sugar, salt and pepper to your taste. Simmer 5-10 minutes then stir in basil and turn off heat. While sauce is simmering, add salt to boiling water and cook the pasta to al dente. Drain pasta and add to sauce. Add cubed fresh mozzarella and serve! Top with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

2010-09-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

5 T honey
4 T fresh lime juice
1/2 T chili powder
1 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
8 flour tortillas
1 lb Colby Jack cheese, shredded
1 large can of green enchilada sauce
Mix the honey, lime juice, and spices together with the shredded chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Pour 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Place a scoop of chicken mixture, cheese, and 1 T sauce into middle of a tortilla and roll up. Reserve 1-2 cups of cheese to sprinkle on top of enchiladas. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top of rolled enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly. I served mine with Mexican rice, corn, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, and salsa. (Can you tell I like sides for my enchiladas?!)

Taco Salad

2010-09-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

Taco Salad/Burrito Bars are perfect for entertaining!!

Here is my version of TACO SALAD!
(Adjust amount of ingredients by how many people)
Nacho Cheese Doritos
Lean Ground Beef
Taco Seasoning
Colby Jack Cheese, shredded
Green Leaf Lettuce, torn
Corn
Black Beans
Black Olives, sliced
Roma Tomatoes, diced
Guacamole or Avocados, diced

Pico De Gallo
Cilantro
Lite House Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Cheese Tortellini with Tomato Balsamic Sauce and Fresh Basil

2010-09-09T19:19:00.000-06:00

2 (9 oz) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
3 T extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can Italian diced tomatoes
½ t Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
3 T balsamic vinegar
¾ oz fresh basil, chopped
2-4 oz feta cheese, crumbled

Boil water for pasta and cook according to the package directions. In another pan, heat olive oil and garlic, add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and vinegar. Let sauce simmer until tortellini is done. Add basil to sauce and combine with cheese tortellini. Sprinkle feta cheese on top and serve. Serves 4.

Sloppy Joes

2010-08-08T19:08:00.000-06:00

Sloppy Joes

INGREDIENTS
1 lb hamburger meat
salt and pepper to taste
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 can tomato soup
2 tbsp catsup
2 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS
Brown hamburger meat and cook with onion in large saucepan. Add rest of ingredients and simmer until thick.

chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad

2010-08-01T17:14:00.004-06:00

I love to make this salad especially after a busy day at work. Its a salad and meal in one! Enjoy!~

Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad

4 Chicken Breasts cooked
1 Cup Cashews
1 cup grapes halfed
1 cup pineapple tidbits
2 celery stalks
2 pkgs. pasta (bowties and corkscrews)
green onions(as much as you like) I put about 5
1 cup mayo
light house cole slaw dressing (in the refrigerated part by the produce)

chop everything up and add cooked pasta and cooked and shredded chicken. Add dressing just before serving. serve on rolls or crossants or by itself!!

Cheesecake Cookie Cups

2010-07-31T00:02:00.002-06:00

1 package (24 each) chocolate chip cookie dough

(or you can use your favorite home made recipe)
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 eggs
2 t pure vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
24 muffin paper liners

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line 24 liners into muffin cups. Place one piece of cookie dough in each cup. Bake cookie dough for 10 minutes. Beat cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, salt, and vanilla in bowl until smooth. Place an ice cream scoop full of cream cheese mixture over each cookie in cup. Turn heat down to 325° F and bake an additional 15 minutes until set. Refrigerate for two hours. Serve plain or with your favorite topping!! (Shown is cherry fruit filling!)

Great Strawberry Lime Topping (good if in season!!)
1 lb fresh strawberries, chopped & hulled
¼ c sugar
2 limes, juice and zest
1 pinch salt
1 T fresh mint (optional)
Combine all ingredients for topping and chill. Place heaping tablespoon on each cheesecake before serving.

Caesar Salad a la Mindy

2010-07-30T01:43:00.001-06:00

Change the amount of ingredients
by how large of salad you want!!

Romaine Hearts of Lettuce
Lite House Caesar Dressing
Black Olives
Shaved Parmesan Cheese
Fresh Cracked Pepper
Croutons
(I like Costco Garlic Focaccia Croutons
or I make my own Wheat Garlic Croutons)

Sweet & Savory Mango Wraps

2010-07-29T02:42:00.001-06:00

2 large flour tortillas
1/3 c whipped cream cheese
12 strips mango (fresh or from a jar)
2 green onions, green tops only, sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
4 oz thinly sliced turkey or ham
Spread cream cheese over tortillas and layer with mango, green onion, bell pepper, and meat. Gently squeeze rolls to secure ingredients and cut into ½” thick slices.

Raspberry "Cheesecake" Cake

2010-07-28T14:52:00.000-06:00

This is the cake my mom makes me for
my BIRTHDAY every year!!

CAKE
1 white cake mix
Bake per instructions in large glass baking dish. Cool.

CREAMY TOPPING
1 pint whipping cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 c powdered sugar
1 t pure vanilla extract
Whip all ingredients together and frost cake.

RASPBERRY SAUCE
1 package raspberry Deserta
2 c water
1 package frozen raspberries
Mix in sauce pan and chill in fridge until ready to eat!

Lemon Sour Cream Pie

2010-07-27T00:40:00.001-06:00

Crust
1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed
1/4 cup brown sugar
6 T butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients and place in large glass baking dish. Bake crust for ten minutes.

Filling
1 cup sugar
3 T plus 1-1/2 t cornstarch
1 T grated lemon peel
½ cup lemon juice
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 cup milk
¼ cup butter, cubed
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
Combine sugar, cornstarch, lemon peel, lemon juice, egg yolks and milk in heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir in butter and cool mixture to room temperature. Stir in sour cream and pour filling into cooled crust.

Topping
1 cup heavy cream
1 t pure vanilla extract
Powder sugar to taste
1 T lemon zest
Beat cream, vanilla, and powder sugar until whipped. Mix in zest and spread over lemon filling. Garnish with lemon twists if desired. Keep in fridge.

Fairy Salad

2010-07-26T14:38:00.001-06:00

1 cup cream
1 t vanilla
powdered sugar to taste
zest of one lime
1 lb strawberries, sliced
1 carton raspberries
4 containers (4 oz) strawberry yogurt
Whip cream, vanilla, and sugar. Add zest, yogurt, and fruit.
Chill until serving. My daughter calls this "FAIRY SALAD"
because the fairies love to eat fruit and cream!!

Luscious Lemon Cupcakes & Lemon Butter Cream Frosting

2010-07-25T03:01:00.000-06:00

Cake:

1 c sour cream
1 package lemon cake mix
3/4 c water
3/4 c canola oil
1 t lemon zest
4 eggs
1 dash salt
1 small package lemon instant pudding
Mix ingredients with electric mixer for about two minutes. Line 24 cupcake tins. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Frosting:
2 sticks butter, softened
6 c powdered sugar
½ c fresh lemon juice
1-2 t lemon zest
12 strawberries (for garnish)
Beat butter and half of sugar. Add juice and zest and beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add remaining sugar until frosting is a good consistency. Pipe frosting onto cool cupcakes, and garnish with half of a strawberry (greens on or off) on each cupcake!

Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies & Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

2010-07-24T15:06:00.005-06:00

Soft Sugar Cookies
1 cup butter
1 t salt
2 cups sugar
1 t baking soda
2 eggs
4 t baking powder
1 cup sour cream
4 ½ cups flour
1 t pure vanilla extract
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl and combine with wet ingredients. Roll into ball. Refrigerate. Roll out and cut into shapes. Bake at 350° F for 10-12 minutes. (Thicker cookies longer.) Cool and frost.

Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz cream cheese (room temp)
1-2 t milk
8 T butter (room temp)
1 t pure vanilla extract
3-4 cups powdered sugar
Beat cheese and butter. Add milk, and vanilla. Slowly add sugar until the consistency you want. Beat until smooth.

The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER!

2010-07-24T15:02:00.001-06:00

Soft, Chewy Cookies
You will never use a different recipe again!!
Mindy Powell

1 c butter flavored Crisco

¾ c white granulated sugar
¾ c light brown sugar
1 t pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
2 ½ c white flour
1 bag Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips
(This is the brand I prefer because they are larger
size chocolate chips and they taste the BEST!!)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray pans with cooking spray. Beat Crisco, sugars, vanilla, and eggs until mixed well. Add dry ingredients slowly and then mix in chocolate chips. Use small scooper to place twelve even sized balls on cookie sheet. Bake for exactly 11 minutes. Makes four dozen cookies. (Note: If you half the recipe, still use the full teaspoon of baking soda.)

Creamy Chicken & Cheese

2010-07-24T14:34:00.002-06:00

6-8 skinned chicken breasts

1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 lb. grated Monterey jack cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 T parsley flakes
Place chicken in lightly buttered casserole dish (or spray with cooking spray). Salt and pepper chicken and spoon soups over chicken. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven and sprinkle cheese over chicken. Bake 50 minutes more or until bubbling and cheese is light brown. Serve with rice.

Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies

2010-07-23T00:39:00.004-06:00

Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Smokies

1 bottle honey barbecue sauce
14 oz package little smokies
12 oz sliced bacon
1/4 c brown sugar
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pour one half of barbecue sauce into large glass baking dish. Cut bacon strips into thirds. Wrap 1/3 slice bacon around smokie and insert toothpick to hold. Place in dish on top of sauce. Repeat with all smokies and bacon. Top with brown sugar and remainder of barbecue sauce. Bake 60-80 minutes or until browned. Makes 36 bacon wrapped smokies.
HINT: You can also cut the smokies in half length wise and use another package of bacon and have double the smokies! Great for parties!!

Mango Limeade

2010-07-22T00:29:00.001-06:00

This is one of my FAVORITE Summer drinks!!

Mango Limeade
1 can of frozen limeade (made as directed)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup water
1/3 cup sugar (or to taste)
2 c frozen mangoes
1/2 bottle of Sprite
ice cubes
Garnish with lime slices, if desired
Make up frozen limeade in large pitcher. Fill a blender half way with ice cubes. Add mango, sugar, lime juice, and fill to near the top with limeade. Blend well. Pour this mixture back into the pitcher and stir until blended then add Sprite.

Kristen's Yummy Granola Bars!

2010-07-21T09:58:00.002-06:00

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 Tbsp. honey
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 1/3 cups fresh ground whole wheat flour (include wheat germ)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups rice crispies
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup coconut(optional-I don't use this)
1 cup gogi berries, craisens, or raisens(I like gogi berries but my kids like it without)

Preheat oven to 350 and grease 11x14 pan. I also like to use an 8 1/2x11 pan for thicker chewier bars. Cream sugar and butter. Add honey, peanut butter, vanilla and egg. Blend together. In seperate bowl stir flour, cinnamon, soda, salt, rolled oats, rice crispies, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Add to creamed ingriedients. Mix in chocolate chips, coconut and berries. Turn into pan. Press and bake approx. 22 minutes (adjust according to pan you use and your oven)

Note: Many of these items can be found in bulk at the health food store. That is the best place to buy them and more cost efficient than the grocery store. You can store the seeds in your freezer for longer shelf like. Also to make a quick fresh batch of wheat flour for this recipe, use your dry vitamix grinder and 1 cup whole wheat. It grinds exactly 1 1/3 cups of fresh wheat flour. You can buy wheat flour just make sure the germ has not been removed as it has many nutrients!
Also you can slice these in individual bars and wrap them in saranwrap for a quick snack on the go. Perfect for hikes too!

Heavenly Brownie Dessert!

2010-07-21T07:37:00.001-06:00

I found these BEAUTIFUL raspberries at the store,
and immediately knew I needed to make a
HEAVENLY DESSERT with them!! So I opted to
make a layered Brownie dessert!!
Here are the layers...
Chocolate Brownies- Homemade or from a box!
Chocolate Pudding- Homemade or from a box!
FRESH heavy whipped cream
FRESH raspberries
It tasted UTTERLY DIVINE!!

My daughter does not like her foods to touch, so she opted
for the "deconstructed" brownie dessert!! SO YUMMY!!

Mindy's Puff Pancakes with Fresh Strawberries!!

2010-07-20T01:00:00.001-06:00

Mindy's Puff Pancakes
4 T butter
5 eggs
1 ¼ c milk
1 ¼ c flour
1 t salt
1 T sugar
1 t vanilla
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Melt butter in 9x13 glass baking dish in oven while waiting to preheat. Mix all ingredients and add batter to baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Serve with fresh fruit (we like fresh strawberries with a little sugar and lemon juice!) and powdered sugar.

Chili Cheese Egg Souffle & the BEST Buttermilk Waffles

2010-07-19T01:13:00.001-06:00

This is what we had on Christmas Day for Breakfast...
Chili Cheese Egg Souffle & Buttermilk Waffles,
along with Hashbrown Potatoes, Sausage, and Bacon!!

Chili Cheese Egg Souffle
5 eggs
1/4 c flour
1/2 T baking powder
1/4 t salt
2 c grated cheddar cheese
1 c small curd cottage cheese
2 T melted butter
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilis
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add eggs, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Add remainder of ingredients. Grease a square glass baking dish and pour mixture in. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue baking for 20 minutes. (For amount shown in picture, double this recipe.)

The BEST Buttermilk Waffles
1 3/4 c flour
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
1 t sugar
2 c buttermilk
1/3 c canola oil
2 eggs
Beat all ingredients together and drop batter on hot waffle griddle.

French Bread Pizza

2010-07-18T19:34:00.003-06:00

French Bread
Spaghetti Sauce (We used Garlic & Onion Tomato)
Cheese (We used Mozzarella & Colby Jack)
Toppings of Choice (We used Pepperoni, Sausage,
Pineapple, Olives, Onions, and Peppers)

You take the French Bread and cut in half
length wise, then cut in halves or thirds.
If you want thick softer pizza, use as is.
For thinner, crunchier crust, remove inside bread.
Then, fill with sauce, cheese and toppings.
Bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees!!
ENJOY!! SO EASY!!
And everyone gets EXACTLY what they want!!

The sky is the limit for possible concoctions!!
I think next time I am going to try
Alfredo Sauce, Fresh Mozzarella, Chicken,
Mushrooms, Artichoke Hearts, & Pineapple.

We served the Pizza with a nice Caesar Salad!
The Perfect MEAL!!

Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon-Sour Cream Sauce

2010-07-15T13:27:00.005-06:00

I found this recipe at Kraft Foods and I thought it looked delicious! It would probably be really good with pears or apples too!

What You Need

1/2 cup Light Sour Cream

1 Tbsp. Brown sugar

1/4 tsp. Ground cinnamon

4 fresh peaches (1 lb.), cut in half, pitted

2 Tbsp. Honey

Make It

HEAT greased grill to medium-high heat.

MIX sour cream, sugar and cinnamon; set aside.

BRUSH cut-sides of peaches with honey. Grill 6 to 8 min. or until softened, turning occasionally.

SERVE topped with sour cream sauce.

Candy Corn Cookie Bark

2010-07-09T17:12:00.002-06:00

Candy Corn Cookie Bark
15 Oreos, broken up
(I used Halloween ones with orange filling)
1 1/2 c pretzel rods, broken into pieces
1 lb. white chocolate or almond bark
1 c candy corns
Halloween sprinkles

Cover a large cookie sheet with wax paper. Spread broken cookies, pretzels and 3/4 of the candy corn onto the waxed paper. Melt white chocolate until smooth. (Be VERY careful!! White chocolate melts faster and burns easier than other chocolate.) Drizzle chocolate over the cookie mixture. Sprinkle remaining candy corn and sprinkles over the chocolate while it is still wet. Let cool in fridge until set and firm. Remove and gently break bark into small pieces. Store in an airtight container.I placed mine in cute candy corn bags, tied with
ribbon, and gave as gifts to my visiting teachers!!

You can also try this cookie bark for other holidays!!

Pina Colada Salad

2010-07-07T15:01:00.002-06:00

This salad is one of my new favorites because it Tastes so Yummy, It's easy! and i got it from one of my dear friends Debbie! Enjoy :)

Pina Colada Salad
1 pkg. instant coconut cream pudding
1 can crushed pineapple (med size)
1 cup mini marshmellows
1 medium container Cool Whip (12 oz. I think)
(I added 1 cup of shredded coconut as well)

Mix dry ingeredients with pineapple (juice & all). Fold in other ingredients & refrigerate until cool.

4th of July French Toast Casserole

2010-07-02T02:25:00.003-06:00

This recipe is DEADLY and DELICIOUS! It's a Paula Deen dish... so eaters beware! I've tried making this with 1/2 the eggs, milk, and half-n-half. It's good that way, too -- a little less bread pudding, a little more french toast. I also HIGHLY recommend adding a huge dollop of fresh whipped cream on top with maple syrup. Delicious! This is an amazing Casserole to serve for Breakfast on the Fourth of July! :) ENJOY!

Casserole:

1 loaf French bread (13 to 16 ounces)
8 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash salt
Praline Topping, recipe follows

Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1-inch each. Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly. Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. Spoon some of the mixture in between the slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread Praline Topping evenly over the casserole and bake for 40-60 minutes (it turns out differently every time for me -- just watch it), until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.

Praline Topping: 1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 cup chopped pecans 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Use entire mixture to cover french toast casserole.

EASY Tin Foil Dinners!!

2010-06-21T18:05:00.002-06:00

Isabella requested TIN FOIL DINNERS!!
They are so easy and very YUMMY!!

Here is the recipe I used...
(Serves 4 people!!)

Foil and wax paper
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (separated into four balls)
8 garlic cloves, sliced
6 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1/2 lb baby carrots
seasonings of choice
(sea salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder,
onion powder, and Italian seasoning)
Ketchup and other sauces

Take two pieces of foil and top with two pieces of wax paper. Spread one ball of meat on the wax paper into the shape of a patty. Season liberally. Take sliced pieces of garlic and poke into hamburger. Cover meat with potatoes and carrots. Season vegetables. Wrap up the wax paper and foil over that. Place foil package on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 60-80 minutes. Serve with ketchup or other favorite sauces to dip!!

EASY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN - YUMMY!

2010-06-19T14:05:00.000-06:00

Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

INGREDIENTS
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 envelope Good Seasons Italian Salad Dressing and Recipe Mix
½ tsp garlic powder
4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix cheese, salad dressing mix and garlic powder in medium bowl. Moisten chicken with water; coat with cheese mixture. Place in shallow baking dish. Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes or until chicken breasts are no longer pink in centers and juices run clear. For a golden appearance, after chicken is cooked through, set oven to broil. Broil 2-4 minutes or until golden brown.

Rainbow Pasta Greek Salad

2010-05-29T02:28:00.002-06:00

Rotelli Greek Salad

2 packages rainbow pasta
2-4 tomatoes (I use cherry tomatoes cut in half)
1-2 peeled cucumbers, chopped
1 whole purple onion, chopped
½ - 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
1 bunch of broccoli chopped
2-3 carrots peeled and sliced
1 large can chilled olives
1 square broken feta cheese
1 package Good Seasons Zesty Italian (mixed) or 1 bottle of Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing

INSTRUCTIONS
Cook pasta and rinse with cold water to cool. Cut up vegetables in bite size pieces and combine with olives and feta cheese. Mix everything together with dressing. Stores well for up to one week.

Raspberry Salad

2010-05-26T15:24:00.000-06:00

2 cups torn romaine
1 small red pear, diced
1/2 cup fresh raspberries or halved strawberries
10 pecan halves, toasted
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
1/4 cup raspberry vinaigrette
Directions
Divide romaine between two salad plates. Top with the pear, raspberries, pecans and cranberries. Drizzle with vinaigrette. Yield: 2 servings.

Black Bean Salsa

2010-05-25T08:41:00.002-06:00

Cafe Rio Pork Salad

2010-04-19T08:23:00.001-06:00

PORK SALAD OR PORK BURRITOS.....You pick!

1 pork roast (shoulder approx 3-4lbs) or butt
2 cans coke
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
2 small cans of diced chilis
1 (14 OZ can of tomato sauce)
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin

Mix ingredients in crock pot. Add roast. Cook the night before on low for 6-7 hours. Shred pork the next morning, put back in crockpot and let marinade for 4-5 hours on warm.

Costco has a great uncooked tortillas. (pk of 40)
2-3 cans of black or pinto beans
2-3 cups of rice of your choice
1 can of green chili enchilada sauce
2-4 cups of mozzarella cheese (depends on if you like a lot of cheese inside and on top)

If you want to make a salad do not use the enchilada sauce and mozzarella cheese from above, instead add: 2 bags of greens

Cafe Rio Creamy Tomatillo Dressing:
1 cup mayo (full fat not light)
1 cup cilantro
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk Recipe Dressing
Mix 1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 tomatillos (quartered)

Mix all ingredients in blender until well blended. Chill before serving.

Don't forget tortilla strips for the top of the salad! (I bought Mamas brand at Smiths by the deli)

Strawberry Spinach Salad

2010-04-11T14:46:00.002-06:00

1 package Baby Spinach leaves
1 chopped head of Romaine Lettuce
1 half chopped Purple onion
1 bag Almond Accents Toffee Flavored (Found in produce section)
2 Cups Strawberries cut up in fourths
Mix altogether

We topped our Salad with T.Marzetti Poppyseed Dressing which is found in the cooler by the produce along side the Lighthouse Dressing.

You could add cooked chicken pieces and crumbled bluecheese.

Resurrection Cookies

2010-03-29T21:50:00.003-06:00

Annie's "Resurrection Cookies"
~Also known as Easter Story Cookies~

This is a great recipe to teach your Children the REAL story of Easter. That the Lord Jesus Christ
our Savior is not dead but has Risen. We serve a Risen Savior......

You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible

Instructions:
These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F. *** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe).
Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon
to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He
was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar
to drink. Read: John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life
to give us life. Read: John 10:10&11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest
into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers,
and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the
sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to
know and belong to Him. Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins
have been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read: Matthew 27:57-60

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66

GO TO BED!

Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.
Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John 16:20&22

On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked
surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed
to find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9

GHOST CHILI

2010-03-27T13:46:00.002-06:00

My friend Debbie brought over this wonderful Chili for us for dinner the other night! It was so good I got the recipe from her! I'm making it tonight and wanted to get it posted on our recipe site and share with everyone!

Ghost Chili

1 lb chicken breast cut in 1"cubes (3 breasts)
1 med. white onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
14 oz. chicken broth
1 - 15 oz.cans Great Northern beans
2 - 4 oz. cans chopped green chiles
1 tsp salt
1/2 - 1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne (opt)

Saute chicken breast, chopped onion and garlic powder together in a little oil. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup milk or cream plus 1 cup sour cream. Enjoy!

Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana Soup

2010-03-15T15:47:00.002-06:00

OLIVE GARDEN® ZUPPA TOSCANA

This recipe originates from the original recipe adapted to serve just 6-8. It is soooo yummy and since I have some fresh Kale growing in my garden right now I'm going to make it for dinner!

It is a very good soup and hits the spot on cold winter days. In my opinion, making these recipes at home makes them even better than the ones you eat at the restaurant! :)

Makes: 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground Italian sausage
1½ tsp crushed red peppers
1 large diced white onion
4 Tbsp bacon pieces
2 tsp garlic puree
10 cups water
5 cubes of chicken bouillon
1 cup heavy cream
1 lb sliced Russet potatoes, or about 3 large potatoes
¼ of a bunch of kale

Sauté Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. Drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.

In the same pan, sauté bacon, onions and garlic over low-medium heat for approximately 15 mins. or until the onions are soft.
Add chicken bouillon and water to the pot and heat until it starts to boil.

Add the sliced potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.
Add the heavy cream and just cook until thoroughly heated.
Stir in the sausage and the kale, let all heat through and serve. Delicious!

Bon appetite'

Paula's Cinnamon Rolls

2010-03-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

Dough:

1/4-ounce package yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup scalded milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

1/2 cup melted butter, plus more for pan
3/4 cup sugar, plus more for pan
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup raisins, walnuts, or pecans, optional***

Frosting:

1/4 cup butter
4 oz cream cheese
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Milk, added one tablespoon at a time until frosting reaches desired consistency

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside. In a large bowl mix scalded milk, sugar, melted butter, salt and egg. Add 2 cups of flour and mix until smooth. Add yeast mixture. Mix in remaining flour until dough is easy to handle. Knead dough on lightly floured surface for 5 to 10 minutes. Place in well-greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled in size -- 1 1/2 to 3 hours.

When doubled in size, punch down dough. Roll out on a floured surface into a 15 by 9-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter all over dough. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over buttered dough. Sprinkle with walnuts, pecans, or raisins if desired. Beginning at the 15-inch side, role up dough and pinch edge together to seal. Cut into 12 to 15 slices.

Coat the bottom of baking pan with butter and sprinkle with sugar and flour. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the pan and let rise until dough is doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until nicely browned.

Meanwhile, make the cream cheese frosting. Cream together the butter and cream cheese, mix in powdered sugar, add vanilla, then gradually add milk until desired consistency is reached. Let cinnamon rolls cool slightly before frosting.

Chili

2010-03-13T20:57:00.003-07:00

1 lb hamburger

1 green pepper diced

1 onion diced

1 pkg McCormick chili seasoning

1 can baked beans

2 cans kidney beans

2 cans garbanzo beans

1 can pinto beans

1 can chili beans

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 can tomato paste

1 can diced tomatoes

2 cups water

1 can tomato sauce(15 oz.)

Here's my twist on a recipe given to me by my good friend Jen Johnson.

Cook hamburger with the onion and green pepper, and a little salt. When finished add all the rest of the ingredients to the pot and simmer for 2 hours. I like to rinse off all beans in a strainer except the chili and baked beans. That way you don't get all that sodium and preservatives the beans have been sitting in. Top the chili with sour cream, cheese, and some fresh onion and green pepper if you like!

This is the yummiest, easiest chili ever!!!

Homemade Bread

2010-03-13T00:58:00.002-07:00

Mix 2 Tbsp Saf Instant Yeast with
1 Tbsp of sugar
Into a bowl with 1/4 cup warm water.
Set Aside.

In breadmixer, Mix:
2 Cups warm water
2 Tbsp Lecithan (buy in bulk at Maceys)
2 Tbsp Gluten (buy in bulk at Maceys)
1 1/3 Cup of Sugar
1/2 Tbsp. Salt

Then add Yeast and Around 6 cups of flour. (He uses Lehi Roller Mills from Costco)
Mix until the dough balls up and then mix an additional 5 minutes.

Turn oven to 350 and turn on for 1 minute then turn off.

Put dough in bowl to raise inside turned off oven. Let raise 20 minutes.

Punch dough down and pan it into two loaf pans.

Return to oven to raise another 20 minutes.

Take out of oven and turn oven on 350 degrees, when heated place loaves in oven and bake for 18 minutes.

Baked Chicken Penne

2010-02-27T15:22:00.004-07:00

From MarthaStewart.com
I LOVE this recipe! It turned out great and everyone ate it up...no leftovers!

I doubled the recipe and made a 14 x 9 pan and froze an 8 x 10 pan for later.

Serves 8
6 tablespoons butter, plus more for baking dishes
coarse salt and ground pepper
1 pound penne pasta
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (8 ounces each), halved horizontally
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups whole milk
10 ounces white mushrooms, trimmed and thinly sliced
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups shredded provolone (8 ounces)
1 cup finely grated Parmesan (8 ounces)
(I used 2 of the Kraft Parmesan/Provolone 8 0z Cheese bags)

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 400. Butter two shallow 2-quart baking dishes. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta 3 minutes short of al dente; drain pasta, and return to pot.
2.In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until opaque throughout, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Halve each piece lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise.

3.In a 5-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot, melt butter over medium. Add flour and garlic; cook, whisking, 1 minute. While whisking, gradually add milk; bring to a simmer, whisking frequently. Add mushrooms and tomatoes; cook 1 minute. Off heat, gradually stir in provolone and 1/2 cup Parmesan.

4.Add chicken and pasta to pot; season with salt and pepper. Divide pasta mixture between baking dishes; sprinkle each with cup Parmesan.
5.Bake, uncovered, until top is golden and bubbling, about 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

6.Prepare through step 4; let cool. Cover tightly with foil, and freeze, up to 3 months.

7.Preheat oven to 400, and bake (still covered in foil) on a rimmed baking sheet until center is hot, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove foil; bake until golden, about 15 minutes more.

Grilled Quail with Blackberry Sauce

2010-02-21T19:45:00.002-07:00

My husband loves to hunt birds. Quail was one of his preys this last year. So, for New years Eve dinner I made this yummy and easy recipe. paired with fresh steamed green beans and some Rice pilaf it was DIVINE! Even my 8, 5, and 2 yr. old loved it!

Ingredients2 (14-ounce) packages quail, dressed with breasts deboned

1 (8-ounce) bottle Italian dressing

1/2 cup dry red wine

1 (9.5-ounce) jar seedless blackberry spread

Preparation: Rinse quail, and pat dry. Place in a large shallow dish or heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag; add Italian dressing. Cover or seal, and chill 8 hours. Remove quail, discarding marinade.Cook wine in a small saucepan over medium heat 5 minutes or until reduced by half. Whisk in blackberry spread until smooth. Reserve 3/4 cup.Grill quail over medium heat (300° to 350°) 15 minutes, turning once and basting with remaining blackberry sauce. Serve with reserved 3/4 cup sauce.

Birthday Cake!!

2010-02-09T12:49:00.001-07:00

This is the cake I made for my husband's birthday!! It is a vanilla buttermilk cake with layers of strawberry preserves, fresh bananas, and strawberry meringue buttercream.
It was so yummy with a dollop of fresh whipped cream!

Buttermilk Vanilla Cake
2 1/4 c flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
10 T unsalted butter, softened
1 1/3 c sugar
2 t vanilla extract
2 egg whites plus 2 whole eggs
1 1/4 c buttermilk

Strawberry Meringue Buttercream
1 pkg frozen strawberries
1 1/2 c sugar
1⁄4 cup water
5 egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 t cream of tartar
1 c unsalted butter, softened

Filling
3 bananas, diced
3/4 c strawberry preserves

plus fresh whipped cream and fresh strawberries for garnish

Cake: Heat oven to 350ºF. Coat two 8 x 2-in. round cake pans with baking spray. Line bottoms with parchment or wax paper rounds; spray parchment. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In large bowl with mixer, beat butter, sugar and extract at medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in egg whites and whole eggs until smooth. With mixer on low, alternately beat in flour mixture and buttermilk until incorporated. Continue to beat batter on medium speed for 3 minutes. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake for 40 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen edge of cakes and invert onto rack. Cool completely.

Buttercream: Purée strawberries and 1/4 cup sugar in blender; scrape through a fine sieve into a small saucepan to remove seeds. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer until reduced to 1/3 cup, about 8 minutes. Cool completely. In saucepan, bring 1 cup of the sugar and the water to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil, without stirring, for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Gradually pour in boiling syrup in a thin stream. Increase mixer speed to high and beat until meringue is very thick and glossy, and completely cool, about 6 minutes. In a large bowl, combine butter, strawberry purée and food color, and vigorously beat with a rubber spatula until well combined and smooth. Fold in meringue, in two additions, until combined. Refrigerate buttercream 1 hour or until spreadable.

To assemble: Using a serrated knife, halve cake layers horizontally. Place 1 layer, cut-side up, on a serving plate; spread with 2/3 cup buttercream. Arrange 1/3 of the diced bananas in a layer over buttercream. Spread 2 T jam on a cut side of second layer and place, jam-side down, over strawberries. Repeat with remaining cake layers. Cover cake with buttercream. Serve with fresh whipped cream if desired.