Yummy Stuff

Preacher's Cake

2012-01-20T05:59:00.000-08:00

I adapted the cake from here

1 1/2 c sugar

2 c all-purpose flour 2 eggs
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 c nuts - walnuts or any that you prefer
3/4 c raisins
3/4 c coconut
1 can(s) 20 ounces crushed pineapple - undrained (i use pineapple in it's own juice)

FROSTING

1 pkg 8 ounce cream cheese - softened
1 3/4 c powdered sugar
1/4 c butter or margarine
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c nuts - walnuts or any that you prefer
2 tsp vanilla

CAKE: Combine dry ingredients; add remaining ingredients
Bake in a 9 x 13 prepared pan at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes - depending on variables. Do not over bake or it will be rubbery, but still delicious :)

FROSTING: Mix well and spread on cake in pan while warm

* If you would like to save calories, instead of using the frosting, just sprinkle top of cake with a bit of powdered sugar and enjoy!

NOTE: * There is NO milk, butter, or oil in the cake.

Margie's Money Saver - Green Peppers

2012-01-14T16:54:00.000-08:00

photo 2

I think I learned from Mrs. Mac that you could freeze green peppers. You might already know this wonderful tidbit of information... but it never occurred to me. But I'd like to share with you this wonderful money saver - thrifty living tip!

photo 1

Often when I cut a green pepper for veggies and dip there are some 'not so attractive' parts. See photo 1. or sometimes a green pepper does not get eaten in time so before it goes bad (and sometimes I have to cut out yucky spots) I cut it up and throw it in the freezer. There is always a bag going (see photo 2).

I use it for Messy Margie's (aka sloppy joes), stuffed pepper soup, chili, or whatever calls for green pepper that will be cooked down!

Waste not want not!

FYI - I also keep a bag with the taco meat we can't finish (there is usually only two of us), and there is usually a bag of strawberries or blueberries going as well that we save for smoothies! OH and don't forget you can freeze bananas skin and all and when you've got some saved up make banana bread! YUM!

Bread Machine Garlic Bread

2012-01-14T04:16:00.000-08:00

I got the recipe from here. I adapted... NOTHING! It's so good!

1 cup warm water (70° to 80°)

1 tablespoon butter, melted

1 tablespoon nonfat dry milk powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

4-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

2 teaspoons garlic powder

3 cups bread flour

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Directions

In bread machine pan, place all ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Choose crust color and loaf size if available.

Bake according to bread machine directions (check the dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed).

Yield: 1 loaf, 16 slices (about 1-1/2 pounds).

Nutritional Analysis:One slice (prepared with margarine) equals 108 calories, 1 g fat (0 saturated fat), trace cholesterol, 229 mg sodium, 21 g carbohydrate, 0 fiber, 4 g protein.

Messy Margie's (my version of sloppy joe's)

2012-01-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

Please note... all recipes are a guide. I often follow this one 'kinda' close, however, sometimes I eyeball it. I also almost always cook them for an hour (or more) on low in crockpot but I doubt that's necessary, it's just what I do because I'm usually taking them somewhere, but I would recommend you let them simmer for at least a good half hour to meld (is that really a word?) the flavors

For a crowd (Makes 24ish)

3 pounds lean ground turkey

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3/4 cup chopped onion

3/4 cup finely chopped green or red bell pepper

2 1/2 cups ketchup

1/4 cup tomato paste

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt or to taste

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Add water if needed (I usually don’t)

24 buns of your choice

Directions

Heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add ground meat. Brown meat until it is cooked thoroughly. Carefully drain and discard fat. Transfer meat to a bowl.

To same pan, heat oil on medium heat; and add onions and peppers and cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. When vegetables are tender, return meat to pan and add remaining ingredients. Stir frequently to cover meat with sauce. Reduce heat to low and cook for 20 to 30 minutes or until mixture thickens slightly.

For a few (Makes 8ish)

1 pound lean ground turkey

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup finely chopped green or red bell pepper

3/4 cup and 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon ketchup

1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons vinegar

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Add water if needed (I usually don’t)

8 buns of your choice

Heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add ground meat. Brown meat until it is cooked thoroughly. Carefully drain and discard fat. Transfer meat to a bowl.

WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

2011-12-26T16:13:00.000-08:00

I adapted this recipe from one of my Scarf Sisters. Here is the original link.

4 Chicken Breasts, cooked and chopped or
1 Rotissiere Chicken, deboned, skinned and chopped
2 Med Onions, chopped
1 TBL Oil
4 Cloves, Garlic, minced
4 oz. Chopped green Chiles
2 tsp. Ground Cumin
1 1/2 tsp. Oregano or Italian Seasoning
2 (16 oz each) Great Northern Beans, drain and rinse
2 cans Chicken Broth
2 Cups Shredded Cheddar or Monterey jack Cheese.

Saute onions in oil until transluscent, add garlic, chiles and spices, cook additional 5 minutes. In Crockpot place onion-spice mixure, chicken, broth & beans, cook on low *5 hours. 10 minutes before serving, stir in cheese and stir thoroughly. Ladle up servings topped with additional cheese and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips or serve with warm bread!

Baked Potato Salad

2011-12-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

3 - 5 lb bag of redskin potatoes, cut up, and cooked (not too mushy)
1 bag of bacon bits (I get them at Aldi - they are called Real Bacon bits or something)
2 handfuls of cheese (you can determine how big your handfuls are)
5-6 green onions cut up
equal parts of sour cream and mayonaise
~2 T of dried parsley
salt and pepper

Cook potatoes. drain. while still warm... add bacon bits and onions. doing this warm releases the oils in these foods and makes it in all the potatoes.

Once cooled... mix in cheese. Remember to be kind of gentle - potatoes are delicate

Mix together mayo & sour cream, parsley, and salt and pepper.

Mix into potato mixture

ENJOY!

Sorry this is kind of 'this and that' but that's how I cook!

Ham, Broccoli, Rice Casserole

2011-12-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

Great leftover casserole. Found it and adapted it...

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
1 8oz pkg cream cheese
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Transfer to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Toss bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over the top. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until heated through.

Breakfast Casserole

2011-11-07T06:53:00.000-08:00

I got the original recipe from here. Try hers, I am sure it is DE-LISH however, I didn't have everything that I would have needed for her recipe, so I substituted a few things.

I make this, and then we have it for a couple days because I love eggs for breakfast! (measurements for cheese are approximate)

1 pkg. (26 ounces) frozen potatoes O'Brien (the kind with green pepper and onions)
1 pkg. sausage, fried up and crumbled
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded SHARP cheddar cheese
3 green onions, sliced
12 eggs
1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 ground black pepper

Directions

1. Spray a 6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Layer 1/2 of the potatoe on the bottom of slow cooker.

2. Top with half of the sausage, cheese, & green onion. Repeat layering.

3. Beat eggs, milk and pepper in large bowl with a wire whisk until well blended.

4. Pour evenly over potato-sausage mixture.

5. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours or until eggs are set.

Homemade YUMMY Croutons!

2011-11-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I've never attempted homemade croutons, because I don't really like the kind purchased in the store... Today was my first attempt! and they were good!! These could make the pickiest of salad eaters eat salad! I got the recipe from Family Feasts for $75 a week! One of my favorite cookbooks! The recipe below is doubled! Mostly because I could eat a single recipe as a snack! I used leftover sub buns from Milano Bakery.

8 slices bread, cubed
4 T butter
4 T olive oil (I only had veggie oil so that's what I used)
1 t dried basil
1 t dried oregano
1 t garlic powder

Preheat oven 425*

melt butter, mix all ingredients except bread together.

Get a big bowl, toss, bread and butter mixture together

bake 10-15 minutes. Let cool. ENJOY! you can store in an airtight container for 1 month (I have no idea how you could get them to last that long!)

Taco Stew

2011-10-03T03:37:00.000-07:00

Another recipe from the Crockpot girls on Facebook! I modified it a little (their ingredients in ()

TACO STEW

1 lb. Ground Turkey (already cooked hamburger meat)
1 15 oz can drained black beans + 1/3 can water (pinto beans)
1 15 oz can ranch style beans
1 10 oz can Rotel or diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 14.5 oz can stewed tomatoes rough chopped (diced tomatoes)
1½ cups corn -1 can
3 T homemade taco seasoning (1 packet of taco seasoning)
1 packet of ranch dressing mix

COMBINE AND COOK ON LOW 6-8 HRS

So here's the deal on this one, we hardly ever have ground beef in the house, it's Aldi's ground turkey for us. Phyllis doesn't like pinto beans - I drained the black ones and added water because black bean juice is so dark. I had stewed tomatoes so that's what I used. I don't buy taco seasoning, I make my own (while I realize some may find it ridiculous that I make my own - I find it kind of silly that they don't - spices at Aldi so they are cheaper and it tastes better - but to each their own).

Stuffed Pepper Soup

2011-09-28T03:26:00.000-07:00

Got this recipe from here

1 pound Lean Ground Beef (I used ground turkey)
1 whole Small Onion Chopped
2 whole Large Green Peppers, Chopped
2 cans 14 Ounce Cans Beef Broth
1 28 ounce jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
1 can (14 Ounce) Diced Tomatoes, Undrained (I used Stewed because that's what I had)
1 cup Cooked Rice (I will use brown rice)
1 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce

Preparation Instructions

In a saucepan brown ground beef and onions over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Then drain grease.

In crockpot combine beef broth, soup, tomatoes, and the meat mixture, and peppers. Cover and cook 3 hours on high or 6 on low, cook rice right before serving and combine

Trying it out before the Sisterhood weekend!

WW muffins

2011-09-11T06:10:00.000-07:00

Got this recipe from Pat!

Weight Watcher Muffins

(2 points each)

Mix together:

1 & 1/4 cup skim milk

1 & 1/4 cup wheat bran

1/2 cup regular brown sugar

(do not use substitute)

Mix first three ingredients and set aside for 15 minutes

add:

1 & 1/2 cup wheat flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 tablespoon baking powder

mix well then add:

8 oz. crushed pineapple in its own juice (do not drain)

2 egg whites

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Mix well, fill muffin tins to the top (this does not rise much) . Bake at 350 degrees for 16-20 minutes. 12 muffins

equal 2 points (old point conversion) each. One recipe should yield a dozen muffins if you don't use jumbo muffin pans!

*I leave out the cranberries, raisins, and slightly increase the raisins. I also add about 1/2 cut shredded carrot, to increase the fiber, but not the calories.

Making and then freezing these makes a great quick breakfast or snack. They do not keep well for long unless frozen because of the moisture content.

Banana Bread

2011-09-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from here it's my new favorite! My friend Sara told me about it, she says it's the bees-knees! It is really really good!

1 cup mashed bananas
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup butter (I only bake with butter but the recipe called for margarine (gross!)
1 1/3 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9x13 inch pan, or two 7x3 inch loaf pans.

Combine banana and sour cream. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and banana mixture. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; stir into the banana mixture. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan or pans.

Bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Enchilada Soup

2011-04-24T06:21:00.000-07:00

This is from this cookbook , page 93 to be exact.

2 T olive oil
1 medium onion (about 1 cup)
3 cloves of garlic
4 c chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds of cooked, shredded chicken
1 15 oz can black beans
1 14.5 can petite diced tomatoes
1 1/2 c corn kernels
1 7oz salsa verde or 4 oz can green chiles
1 T seeded and minced jalapeno pepper
1 T chili powder
1/4 c cornstarch
1/2 c sour cream
juice from 1/2 lime
1/4 c fresh cilantro

Heat oil in large pan, stir in onions and garlic, cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken, broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, salsa, jalapeno, and chili powder. heat to simmering.

Add cornstarch to small bowl, stir in water and mix until the mixture is smooth. Stir into soup and simmer 10 minutes. Whisk sour cream together with 1 c hot soup in a small bowl and then stir into soup until well blended. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. And serve!

Homemade bread!

2011-03-05T20:25:00.000-08:00

No bread machine needed (that's how I normally make my homemade bread). I couldn't fit the last two cups in with my mixer so i had to kneed by hand, but so worth it! I made this to go with the spaghetti I made for the Alive Leaders tonight. Got the recipe from here.

Ingredients

1/2 cup warm water
3 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/4 cup bread flour
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 cups quick cooking oats
2 cups whole wheat flour
4 1/2 cups warm water
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
10 cups bread flour

Directions

1.In the mixing bowl of an electric mixer, stir together 1/2 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 cup bread flour, and yeast. Let grow for about 5 minutes. It will bubble almost immediately.

2.Measure oats, 4 1/2 cups warm water, whole wheat flour, salt, 2/3 cup sugar, and 2/3 cup oil into the mixing bowl. Mix on low speed with a dough hook for 1 to 2 minutes. Increase speed slightly, and begin adding bread flour 1/2 to 1 cup at a time until dough pulls away from sides of bowl. Humidity determines how much flour you need before the bread pulls away from the edge of the bowl. It is normal for the dough to be sticky.

3.Place dough in an oiled bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover with a damp cloth. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4.Divide dough into 6 pieces. Shape loaves, and place in greased 8 x 4 inch pans. Let rise until dough is 1 inch above rim of pans, usually 1 hour.

5.Bake at 350 degrees F ( 175 degrees C) for 35 minutes, or until tops are browned. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, and then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Strawberry jam

2011-03-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

4 lbs of Strawberries
2 c sugar
1/4 c lemon juice

Throw strawberries in blender and smash to your desired consistancy. In a heavy bottomed saucepan, mix together the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to high, and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil, stirring often, until the mixture reaches 220 degrees F (105 degrees C). Transfer to hot sterile jars, leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch headspace, and seal. Process any unsealed jars in a water bath. If the jam is going to be eaten right away, don't bother with processing, and just refrigerate. (or buy Ball freezer jars like I did and dump cooled jam into them and freeze)

I adapted this recipe from Kelly. I reduced the sugar (by using twice as many strawberries).

Please note... I'm not a whiz or amazing... I'm just annoyed that strawberry jam & strawberry preserves are filled with a lot of stuff that is not natural. That's just me. And Meijer happen to have 1 lb of strawberries for $1.

Stuffed Peppers

2011-02-13T05:02:00.000-08:00

I use green peppers, you can use any kind you like :)

4-5 peppers
1 lb ground turkey
1 small onion
2 cups brown rice, cooked (I make it in big batches and freeze it so I have it on hand)
1/2 t hot pepper flakes
2-3 T ketchup
1 c cheddar cheese (I don't always do this, but today I did)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 14 oz cans tomato sauce

Brown ground turkey with onion (salt & pepper if you like), drain (there shouldn't be much to drain). Turn off heat.
Add rice, pepper flakes, ketchup, beans, cheese, mix well.

Cut pepper 'tops' off, you can save them to put on top or freeze them next time you need peppers.

Stuff the peppers, put in crockpot, add tomato sauce all around. Cook on low 6-8 hours.

I toyed with adding taco seasoning - maybe next time, this is one of Phyllis's favorite things to eat and we haven't had it in awhile so I left it how she likes it.

CrockPot Chicken Enchiladas

2011-02-06T12:14:00.000-08:00

Adapted recipe from here.

1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove
1 T oil
10 oz can enchilada sauce
14 oz can tomato sauce (recipe called for 8 but I don’t think it was enough)
8 corn tortillas
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 c frozen corn
2 c cheese
3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded ( I cooked mine in the crockpot ahead of time with 1 c salsa and 1 T taco seasoning)
2 ¼ oz olives (GROSS, I didn’t do this!)

Saute onion and garlic in oil in saucepan. Add enchilada sauce and tomato sauce.

Combine chicken, beans, and corn together.

Place 2 tortillas in the bottom of crockpot

Layer 1/3 chicken/bean/corn mixture, 1/3 cheese, 1/3 sauce, repeat 2 more times.

Top with 2 tortillas.

Cover, cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Also, you can substitute ground beef or turkey for chicken.

Raisin Nut Quick Bread

2011-02-06T05:44:00.000-08:00

I got this recipe from Sara who got it from Betty Crocker! It's very adaptable, she's done a million things with substituting the raisins, cinnamon, pecans.

3 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
Cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 beaten egg
1 cup sugar
1 2/3 c milk
1/4 c oil
3/4 cup raisins
1 cup pecans

Preheat oven to 350*

Combine Flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon in one bowl.

Combine Sugar, egg, milk, oil in mixer. Mix away!

Add flour mixture. Mix until well combined.

Add in raisins and pecans.

Bake 1 hour 15 minutes.

Makes 2 loaves

Greek Chicken

2011-01-31T04:26:00.000-08:00

From Fix it and forget it

The information below is halved from the book. There is only two of us in our house, and since I am making BBQ chicken tomorrow, I used 1/2 the chicken for today and 1/2 tomorrow.
Makes 2-3 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5-10 hours
Ideal slow cooker size: 6 quart

Ingredients:

2-3 potatoes, quartered
1/2 chicken cut up
2 small onions, quartered
1 whole bulb garlic, minced
3 teaspoons of dried oregano (or 3 tablespoons of fresh oregano)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
~~I skinned all the chicken pieces except the wing (that's just too much work!)~~ I wouldn't do that again, it was kind of dry!

Place potatoes in bottom of slow cooker.
Add chicken onions and garlic.
Sprinkle with seasonings and top with oil.
Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 9-10 hours.

Butter Spritz Cookies

2010-12-26T10:41:00.000-08:00

1 c butter
1 1/4 c Confectioner's Sugar
1 egg
1 t vanilla
1/2 t almond extract
2 1/2 c flour
1/2 t salt

Cream butter and sugar
Beat in eggs and extracts

Combine Flour and salt
Grandually combine to creamed mixture
**Add food coloring if desired

Put in cookie decorator and make whatever shape you desire!

Decorate with sugar crystals

Bake 375 for 6-8 minutes

Thumbprints

2010-12-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

2 1/2 c flour
1/2 t baking powder
1 c butter, softened
1 c sugar
1 egg
2 tsp pure vanilla
1 c fruit jam

Preheat oven 325

Cream butter & sugar.
Add egg & vanilla
add flour and baking powder

Dough will be firm

Scoop teaspoonfuls, roll into balls. place on ungreased baking sheet about 1 inch apart. With your thumb press a depression in cookie (do not press all the way through). Place a little bit of jam in center of cookie.

Cook 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to cool flat surface.

Ranch Dressing

2010-11-28T04:53:00.000-08:00

This recipe comes from Family Feasts for under $75 a week! I highly recommend this cookbook!

1/3 c mayo
1/4 c lowfat sourcream
1/4 c milk (a little more if you want thinner dressing)
1 T white vinegar
1/2 t dried parsley
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/2 t veggie oil
1/4 t dillweed

Mix together. Cover and chill at least 1/2 hour.

Store up to two weeks

Chicken and Stuffing - Sunday Lunch

2010-11-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna try this for lunch on Sunday! Gonna put it in the crockpot and then it will be ready for us when we get home! I have some broccoli I might layer in, too!

· 4 boneless chicken breast halves, without skin

· 1 can (10 1/2 ounce) condensed cream of chicken soup

· 1 can (10 1/2 ounce) condensed cream of mushroom soup

· 1 cup chicken broth

· 1/4 cup soymilk

· 1 Box stuffing

salt and pepper to taste

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; place chicken breasts crock pot. Pour chicken broth over chicken breasts. Combine both cans of soup and milk. Cover chicken breasts with soup mixture. Sprinkle stuffing mix over all. Drizzle melted butter on top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Modified from here:
http://southernfood.about.com/od/crockpotchicken/r/bl103c5.htm

Key Lime Cookies

2010-11-04T06:24:00.002-07:00

1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lime zest
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, egg, and egg yolk until smooth. Stir in lime juice and lime zest. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; blend into the creamed mixture. Form dough into 1/2 inch balls, and arrange on the prepared cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks. Sift confectioners' sugar over cookies while still warm.

Keilbasa Potato Chowder

2010-11-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

1/2 ring Smoked Sausage (I use Kowalski)

1 medium onion, chopped

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained

4 cups soy milk

2 cups cubed potatoes, cooked, drained

Chopped parsley (optional)

Shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)

Cut sausage into 1/2 inch cubes.

Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add flour, salt and pepper; cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.

Add milk. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Add corn and sausage; return to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in potatoes; heat through.

Top each serving with parsley and cheese, if desired.

Punkin Waffles

2010-11-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin

2 cups vanilla soymilk

4 eggs

1/4 cup butter or oil

Mix Dry ingredients.

Mix Wet ingredients

Mix all together

Use your waffle iron as directed

Eat or freeze

Cake Mix Cookies

2010-10-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

I've made these before, then Pat re-introduced me to this gem of a recipe! Easy and good!

1 cake mix
1 stick of butter
1 egg

Mix well. Roll into teaspoon size balls.

Bake 350. 9-12 minutes. Remove to cooling rack after 1-2 minutes

So far I've made...
Lemon with lemon glaze
Spice with pecans & raisins with white frosting (with sprinkles)

Yellow with chocolate frosting(with sprinkles)

Chocolate with peanut butter chips
Cherry Chip with white frosting (with sprinkles)

Soft Oatmeal Bread

2010-10-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups water (70° to 80°)

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup canola oil

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon lemon juice

3 cups white whole wheat flour

1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats

2-1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Directions

In bread machine pan, place all ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Choose crust color and loaf size if available.

Bake according to bread machine directions (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed). Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices, 2 pounds).

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 slice) equals 158 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 296 mg sodium, 26 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 4 g protein.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Soft-Oatmeal-Bread

Grandma Yearwood's Coconut Cake

2010-06-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait to make this cake, I don't know why because on my diet I can't eat it, but this recipe from Trisha Yearwood's cookbook - ONE WORD: WOW!! People who are always happy to get a piece of my cake, were raving and going nuts over this one. Oh boy, let me tell you, not good for you!

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature

2 cups sugar

6 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (12-ounce) box vanilla wafers, finely crushed

1 (6-ounce) package frozen grated coconut, thawed

½ cup chopped pecans

Coconut Lemon Glaze (recipe follows)

Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease and flour a 9-inch tube cake pan.

Cream butter and sugar until light and smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, beating well. Mix in vanilla wafer crumbs, coconut and pecans. Pour into the pan and bake 1 hour and 15 minutes. Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a rack.

Transfer cooled cake to serving plate. Using a toothpick, poke several holes in top of cooled cake and pour glaze over the cake. Makes 12 servings.

Coconut Lemon Glaze: In a medium saucepan, mix 2 cups sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, a pinch of salt, grated zest of 2 large lemons, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 1 ½ cups water and 1 (6-ounce) package frozen grated coconut, thawed. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened, about 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Cream of Anything Soup

2010-05-22T07:30:00.001-07:00

Ok, so really? Could I love the Family Feasts for $75 a week book anymore? i don't think so! it's my favorite gift to give, you'd think that seriously I get a kick back, but NO i don't, but I love love love it!

Today I made the mix for Cream of Anything Soup. I like a lot of things about this.
#1 its $.40-$.50 a 'cans worth' cheaper than the 'regular store'
#2 I know what's in it. The more I make my own 'stuff' the more I taste chemicals in the stuff I buy. YUCK! Really? That can't be good for you!!

3 c powdered milk (I got a big box at Aldi's for $4.99)
1 c cornstarch (1 16oz box is around a buck)
1 c powdered chicken boullion (just picked it up at Kroger, used 1.5 containers, $1.89 each)
2 T onion powder
1 t dried thyme
1/2 t dried basil
1/2 t black pepper

Combine all ingredients in large bowl, mix well. Store tightly covered at room temp for a year.

To make soup, in a pan mix 1/2 c mix with 1 1/4 c water, 1T butter, blend well and bring to a boil cooking 2-3 minutes. Thickens as it cools

Cream of Chicken: as directed
Cream of Celery: add 1/2 c minced celery. YOu can puree soup when it cools if you wish
Cream of Mushroom: 1/2 c minced mushrooms

Panda Style Orange Chicken

2010-05-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from here! YUMMY!!

Chicken

2 lbs chicken, cut up in bite size pieces
1 egg
1 ½ t salt
½ t pepper
1 T oil, plus additional for frying
½ c cornstarch
¼ c all purpose flour

Sauce

¼ sugar
¼ white vinegar
2 T soy sauce
2 T water
zest from orange
1 T from above orange (I added this!)

Stirfry

1 T grated ginger
1 t minced garlic
dash red pepper flakes
¼ c green onions
¼ c water
1 T sesame oil

Place the cubed chicken in a large bowl. Stir in the egg, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon oil. Mix well. Stir 1/2 cup of the cornstarch and the flour together in a large shallow bowl. Add the chicken pieces, a handful or two at a time, and stir to coat evenly. Tap off any excess

Pour about 1 inch of oil in a wok or deep, heavy skillet and heat to 375 F. If you don’t have a thermometer, heat the oil until it starts to ripple in the pan. Add the chicken pieces, a small handful at time, and fry until golden and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside. When cooking the next batch, you will probably need to turn the heat down to keep the chicken from cooking too fast and possibly add a bit more oil.

Once all the chicken is cooked, reserve a couple tablespoons of the oil remaining in the wok in a separate bowl (I just used fresh oil because the excess oil I had was gross with burnt chiky crust in it). Clean the wok.

Combine the sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup and whisk until the sugar dissolves.

Heat the wok for 15 seconds over high heat. Add the reserved oil back into the pan.

Add the stirfry ingredients to pan. Heat through.

Add the sauce and bring to boil. Add the cooked chicken, stirring until well mixed.

Serve with rice or low mein noodles

Hummus

2010-04-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

Got this recipe from Family Feast under $75! Seriously, GREAT BOOK! Pick it up on Amazon!

1 15oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 T sesame oil
2 to 3T olive oil
1/4 c lemon juice
3 cloves of garlic (you could use just two)
1 t cumin (this scared me a little, but good!!)
1/2 t salt
1/4 pepper

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender, process until smooth. If mixture is too thick, add a little water to preferred consistancy. Serve at room temperature. Store in fridge for 1 week in sealed container.

My Famous Chicken Alfredo

2010-04-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Olive Oil
1 garlic clove
1 8oz cream cheese
2 chicken breasts, cooked and cut up
1 box of your favorite noodle (ours is rotini)
chicken broth

Cook noodles

While noodles are cooking:

saute garlic in olive oil, add cream cheese until melty, add chicken broth til your desired consistancy, add chicken, heat through (5-10 minutes)

Mix sauce and noodles together

Enjoy with your favorite garlic bread and salad

and then wonder why you don't make this more often!

Homemade Granola

2010-04-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Adapted this recipe from Owlhaven she's the one who wrote the book Family Feasts for $75 a week

Total prep time: 30 minutes

Makes: 16 cups of cereal

In a very large bowl combine:

•9 c. oats
•1 T. cinnamon
•3 c. “goodies”– nuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, coconut, and dried fruit all work well. (I used raisins, almonds, and pecans)
Mix well.

In glass measuring cup pour:

•3/4 c. oil
•3/4 c. honey
Be sure to pour the oil in first. This will allow the honey to easily release from the cup. Heat oil and honey in microwave on high for a 2-4 minutes, until hot. Pour honey and oil over dry ingredients. Mix well.Spread onto 2 or 3 large greased cookie sheets and bake at 325 degrees till light to medium brown, 15-25 minutes. Cool and store in sealed plastic containers or ziplocks. It rarely lasts more than 3 days at our house. If your family doesn’t eat it that fast, you can store half in the freezer until you need it.

Banana Nut Waffles

2010-04-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

Recipe from here

3/4 cup pecans
2 cups whole wheat white flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 cups milk
1 t lemon juice
2 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix milk & lemon juice, let stand 5 minutes. (you can use 2 C buttermilk if you have it)

Chop pecans, set aside
Meanwhile, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, pecans, and salt in large bowl. Beat eggs, Add buttermilk, mashed bananas, butter, vanilla and pecans; mix well.

Make waffles!

another new recipe - Balsamic Dressing

2010-04-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

I know I already have a great one, but I decided to try a new one, got it from Family Feasts for $75 a week!

1/2 c olive oil (it called for veggie, i used Olive)
1/4 water
1/4 c balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 t dry mustard
1 t salt
1 t sugar
1 t parsely

Put all ingredients in a pint container with a tight lid (remember, you're going to shake it!) Shake Well. Store, tightly covered, in fridge up to 2 months.

I needed a marinade for some chicken on Thursday, so I tripled the recipe, smells wonderful!!

For Jack!! Red Velvet Cake

2010-03-24T13:14:00.001-07:00

CAKE
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 ounces red food coloring
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 c oil
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon white vinegar
FROSTING
1 cup milk
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 cup butter
1. Grease two 9 inch round pans. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make a paste of cocoa and food coloring. Set aside.
2. Combine the buttermilk, salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the cocoa mixture. Beat in the buttermilk mixture alternately with the flour, mixing just until incorporated. Stir together baking soda and vinegar, then gently fold into the cake batter.
3. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. To Make Icing: In a saucepan, combine the milk and 5 tablespoons flour. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Set aside to cool completely. Cream together butter, 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until light and fluffy, then stir in the cooled milk and flour mixture, beating until icing reaches spreading consistency.

Peanut butter banana waffles

2010-02-28T12:37:00.001-08:00

2 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour

4 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/4 cups milk
1 ripe banana

Mix all together, make waffles… enjoy!

Ham Rolls

2010-02-07T13:38:00.000-08:00

1 pkg. Azteca super size flour tortillas
2 (8 oz.) cream cheese
1/3 c. Mayo
2 tbsp. green onions, chopped
1/4 c. black olives, chopped
1 lb polish ham sliced thin

Remove tortillas from refrigerator. Combine cream cheese, Mayo, onions, and olives. Spread thin layer of mixture on tortilla. Arrange ham over cheese. Tightly roll up tortilla. Wrap individually in plastic wrap individually in plastic wrap. Place in refrigerator at least 3 hours or overnight. To serve cut into slices.

Pumpkin Waffles

2010-01-31T11:21:00.000-08:00

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups milk
4 eggs, separated
1/4 cup butter, melted
Mix dry ingredients.

Mix wet ingredients.

Mix them together.

Make them! YUMMY!!

Taco Seasoning

2010-01-31T06:49:00.000-08:00

I'm always looking for homemade, I'd rather home-make it than to buy a package. Weird I know... For those who love packets, this is a great back-up if you think you have a packet and you don't!

2 T chili powder
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t red pepper flakes
1/2 t oregano
1 t paprika
1 1/2 t cumin
1 t salt
2 t pepper

Measure out spices (note that all are teaspoons EXCEPT the chili powder!)

Brown ground beef, drain the fat, used 3 Tbsp per pound of meat/ Add 2/3 cup of water, mixed it up with the ground beef and let it simmer down.

Chicken with zucc & shrooms!

2010-01-19T14:02:00.000-08:00

I adapted this recipe from here...

1.5 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
2 clove garlic, minced
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (3oz each because that's a real portion!)
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
2 small zucchini (about 1.5 cups)

In a medium bowl, combine the broth, tomato paste, ground black pepper, oregano, salt and garlic. Mix well and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Saute the chicken in the oil for 2 minutes per side, or until lightly browned.
Add the reserved broth mixture, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet and bring to a boil. Then cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.

Its kinda saucy (like me!) but I really liked the flavors

Serving with whole wheat pasta!

Serves 4

Oatmeal Waffles

2010-01-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

1 c whole wheat
1/2 c. white flour
1 c. quick oatmeal
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. milk
6 tbsp. oil
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 t vanilla

Combine all ingredients. Blend with wire whip. Bake in waffle iron.

Hot Tamales

2009-12-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

This is the link for the tamale recipe if you need more detailed instructions
Meat
1/2 c oil
6 T chili powder
3 T garlic powder
3 T cumin
1 T black pepper
2 T salt
2 whole chicken meat
7 pounds roast

Dough
1/2 bag masa dough
3T salt
1 T cumin
3 T paprika
3 T chili powder
3 T garlic powder
2 c oil
2 Qts broth

1 lb corn husks

Warm oil with spices
Add meat to pan, mix really well

To make dough, put dough with spices in bowl
Add broth & oil a little at a time, mix well

Schmear dough in corn husk with your hands
Add meat
Roll

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, cook 2 hours in a REALLY big pot!!

put dozens in bag.

Stuffed Green Pepper Soup!

2009-12-27T10:08:00.000-08:00

After falling in love with Zoup!'s Overstuffed Bell Pepper Soup, I attempted to make it! We love stuffed peppers in our house.

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 lb green pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
2 cups water or low sodium beef broth
1-2 teaspoon beef base
salt and pepper
2 cups brown rice

Brown ground beef until fully cooked.
Drain fat from turkey (if any) and set aside. Saute the vegetables in the same pan. Add water or broth, beef base, ground beef and rendered fat, let simmer for at least 15 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. The longer this soup simmers the better the flavor.

Hot Chocolate

2009-12-17T03:45:00.000-08:00

1 box (25 ounces) nonfat dry milk powder
6 ounces powdered non-dairy creamer
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (16 ounce) container instant chocolate drink mix
1 4 oz package of chocolate pudding

In a large bowl, combine dry milk, non-dairy creamer, confectioners' sugar, pudding, and instant chocolate drink mix. Mix well, run through blender. Put in a large airtight container.

To make Hot Chocolate, add 3 tablespoons mix to 1 cup of hot water, and stir well.

Add mini marshmallows if desired

Icing for Cookies

2009-12-10T03:16:00.000-08:00

3 c. sifted confectioner's sugar

1/4 c. milk (as needed)

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugar, milk, vanilla and salt; mix well.

Add food coloring. Frost cookies.

Add candy sprinkles if desired.

Will frost approximately 5 dozen cookies.

Peanut Butter Frosting

2009-12-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

This is so yummy!!! It goes great on the chocolate cake recipe below!!! mmmmm......

2 cup butter, softened
3 cup creamy peanut butter
6 tablespoons milk, or as needed
4 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions
Place the butter and peanut butter into a medium bowl, and beat with an electric mixer. Gradually mix in the sugar, and when it starts to get thick, incorporate milk one tablespoon at a time until all of the sugar is mixed in and the frosting is thick and spreadable. Beat for at least 3 minutes for it to get good and fluffy.

HOMEMADE Chocolate Cake and frosting

2009-12-03T07:24:00.000-08:00

Chocolate One – Bowl Cake
2 cups white sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round pans or 1 - 9 x 13 pan.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Make a well in the center and add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed. Stir in boiling water. When you’re done mixing, don’t be scared, it’s kind of watery…
Pour into two 9 inch pans. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 35 minutes (or 50 minutes in 9X13 pan) or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack and continue cooling.

Chocolate Frosting
1/4 cup butter (softened but NOT melted)
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons milk

Directions
Mix together all ingredients. May need to add more milk (slowly) until frosting reaches a spreadable consistency!

Spaghetti

2009-11-25T07:25:00.000-08:00

When I make spaghetti the kids are HAPPY! It's spaghetti, its filling, its yummy, and it's cheap!

When making for a big group:

1 spaghetti packet from Savelot
1 lb ground turkey (from frozen section at Savealot or Aldi)
1 can tomato paste
3 can water
garlic powder
onion powder
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (because cheese makes everything taste better)

Cook noodles according to package directions.

Brown meat and season with garlic & onion powder. Drain

Add seasoning packet, tomato paste, water. Cook. Add cheese, cook until melty. Add noodles.

Serve

Aunt Janice's Reuben Dip

2009-11-16T09:33:00.001-08:00

1 (16 ounce) can sauerkraut, drained and pressed dry
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 pound corned beef
1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups sour cream
3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish.
In a blender or food processor, place sauerkraut, onion and corned beef. Process until smooth.
Place sauerkraut mixture in the baking dish, and mix with mayonnaise, sour cream, prepared horseradish and Swiss cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven 30 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Hot Chicken Dip

2009-11-16T09:32:00.001-08:00

I made this with chicken I made in the crockpot instead of canned. EVERYONE LOVED IT!! I cooked it in crockpot instead of on the stove. I got the recipe from allrecipes.com

2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together the chicken, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. Cook 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the dip begins to thicken.

Serve with tortillas

Yummy good for you cupcakes

2009-10-29T17:51:00.000-07:00

1 cake mix

1 can (15oz) punkin (not punkin pie mix)

Mix together! Bake according to cake box directions... Batter will be thicker than you're used to.

That's right baby! No oil, eggs, or water...

Butter Cream frosting

2009-10-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In small saucepan cook flour and milk until thick, stirring constantly.

Cool to room temperature.

With an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. (like 15 minutes!!)

Beat both mixtures together on high speed until fluffy and smooth.

Add vanilla and beat until combined.

Refrigerate for about 1/2 hour, until it is of spreading consistency.

Rice Krispie Treats

2009-10-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

1/4 c butter or margarine
4 cups marshmallows (I prefer minis)
5 cups rice cereal (rice krispies)
1 t vanilla

Melt margarine in large sauce pan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted and well-blended. Cook 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Add cereal (and sprinkles if you're feeling crazy!). Stir until well coated.

Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly and firmly in buttered 8x8 inch pan. Cut into 2 x 2 inch squares when cool.

Chicken N Dumplin's

2009-09-22T16:32:00.001-07:00

4-6 chicken breasts or parts
1 can cream of chicky soup
2 sliced carrots
1 cup water
Roll chicken in flour, pepper, paprika, an garlic powder
Brown chicken in fry pan with a small amount of oil
Remove pan of any excess oil with paper towel (if you want)
Add soup, carrots, & water.
Cover and cook on medium to low for 45 min (if bone in chicken) 20 minutes (no bone)

Then add dumplings...
1 c flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt (optional)
1 egg, beaten
1/3 c milk
2T oil
Stir together dumpling mixture (will be stiff) and large spoonful on top of chicken pieces and gravy mixture.
Cover and steam for 15 minutes until puffy (I served them right out of the pan... this is the leftovers.

check out TMTT

Punkin Cake

2009-09-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

¾ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup apple sauce
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups solid pack pumpkin puree
½ cup pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10 inch tube pan. Sift together flour, soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine oil, applesauce, and sugar. Add eggs one at a time and mix well (seriously? who does that??). Add the flour mixture and beat until smooth. Add nuts and pumpkin and blend until smooth. Pour batter into greased bundt pan.

Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and finish cooling. Dust with confectioners sugar before serving.

I found this recipe because Pretty Sarah loves punkin anything... and she brings such joy to my life that I thought in a small way, I'd bring some to hers!

Hummus

2009-09-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

1 clove garlic
1 (19 ounce) can garbanzo beans
4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
1 teaspoon salt
black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

DIRECTIONS
In a food processor, add all ingredients, blend until smooth.

Serve with Veggies or Pita

Taco Rice

2009-09-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

2-3 Cups of Cooked Rice (depends on how ‘ricie’ you want it)
1 pound ground turkey (or beef)
1 package of taco seasoning
1 small zucchini
1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes (I used 3 yummy fresh ones)
1 small onion
2 cups shredded cheese (I used 1 cup Monterrey jack/1 cup cheddar)

Preheat oven 350*
Brown turkey, drain, add taco seasoning and pkg direction for water. Add onions, cook all together for about 10 minutes.
Mix together meat mixture, rice, tomatoes, zucchini, and half cheese. Pour into casserole dish.
Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake 30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

I like this recipe because it’s adaptable. Double it to make for large group, add or delete depending on what’s in your fridge.

TACO LASAGNE

2009-08-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late, my dad had surgery yesterday and then I had a meeting, and I had a rough night, so... sorry!!

11 ounces lasagna noodles (I used wheat)
2 pound lean ground beef
14.5 ounces tomato sauce
1 can rotel tomatoes with jalapenos
1/2 cup water
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add tomato sauce, water and taco seasoning. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a 9x13 inch glass baking dish, layer noodles then meat mixture and cheese; repeat 2 more times. There will be 3 layers. Sprinkle tortilla chips over the top
Bake 45 minutes

Check out more recipes at TMTT

Easy Sweet Treats

2009-08-18T03:19:00.000-07:00

Easy Sweet Treats

Square basket weave pretzels (may also use round type)

Hershey Hugs (may also use chocolate Kisses)

M & M's

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil. Lay pretzels out onto lined cookie sheet. Unwrap Hugs and place in center of pretzel ring or in using square pretzel, on top of it. Place in oven for about 5 minutes.When Hugs are still maintaining their shape, but are soft press one M & M into Hug. Cool in refrigerator , then eat!

got the recipe from here.

Mac & cheese

2009-08-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite Mac & Cheese Recipe. I've been eating it since... I don't know... long time!

8 oz macaroni
1/4 c butter
1/4 flour
1 t salt
1/8 t pepper
1/4 t dry mustard
2 cups milk
8 oz cheddar cheese

Cook Macaroni and drain

Preheat oven to 350

In med sauce pan, melt butter, remove from heat and stir in flour, salt, pepper, & dry mustard, until smooth

Gradually stir in milk, bring to a boil, stirring constantly, reduce heat and simmer one minute. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and macaroni

Pour into 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Bake 15-20 minutes or until bubbly.

2009-07-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

Got this recipe from here. Zucchini and blueberries!! YUMMY!!

Blueberry Zucchini Bread

3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups white sugar
2 cups shredded zucchini
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 pint fresh blueberries

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 4 mini-loaf pans (I made 6).
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar. Fold in the zucchini. Beat in the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gently fold in the blueberries. Transfer to the prepared mini-loaf pans.
Bake 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center of a loaf comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes in pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Homemade Bisquick Mix

2009-07-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to try this!!

Yield 7 cups

6 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup vegetable shortening

Sift flour, baking powder and salt three times into a large bowl.
Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles fine crumbs.
Store mixture in airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 months.
Use whenever your recipe calls for "Bisquick mix".

German Chocolate Cake Frosting

2009-06-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from here and adapted it a little. I made a box german chocolate cake and covered it with this. I had to make 2 boxes, this covered both cake pans (9X13) with PLENTY of frosting.

1.5 cup evaporated milk
1.5 cup white sugar
5 egg yolk, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
1/2 cup butter
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1.5 cup chopped pecans
1.5 cup flaked coconut

DIRECTIONS
In a large saucepan combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, margarine and vanilla. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and coconut. Spread on cake while still warm

I added more coconut to get it to the desired coconutty that I wanted, and added more pecans because I figured the coconut to pecan would not be correct.

Broccoli salad

2009-05-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

8 slices of bacon (or if you make it like me, the WHOLE package!)
2 large heads of broccoli, cut up
1 1/2 c sharp cheddar, shredded
3 green onions, cut up
1/4 c apple cider vinegar
1/8 c white sugar
salt & pepper to taste
2/3 c mayo
1 t fresh lemon juice

cook bacon until crispy and crumble

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cheese, bacon, and onion

prepare dressing combining vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, pepper, salt, & mayo.

Combine dressing with salad. Mix well.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

I adapted the recipe from here.

Ice Cream Sandwich Cakes

2009-05-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from Mari! She often has very yummy recipes! Check them out!
SO YUMMY!
Hers called for 2 bags of heath, I only had one bag of heath bits but it was still plenty!!
SO GOOD!!

2 boxes ice cream sandwiches
2 - 8oz Cool Whip, thawed
1 bag Heath Toffee Bits

Open sandwiches from one box and place in 9 x 13 pan, positioning to cover bottom of pan. Spread half of Cool Whip over ice cream sandwiches.
Sprinkle 1/2 bag of the Heath bits over Cool Whip.
Repeat layers and freeze.

This recipe fills a 9 x 13 to the top of the pan, so it makes a lot.

2009-05-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, I believe that every recipe has a story... this one is no different! I needed to make a cheesecake for work for today (5-4-09) however, I forgot about it, until 5:30 this morning! No time to make a cheesecake! but it was for a VPs birthday (that someone paid me to make the cake - that never happens!) so... www.allrecipes.com here I come. That's where I found this beauty of a recipe!

Enjoy! I topped it with strawberries!

Cheesecake Bars

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts
3 cup sifted all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
3 - 8 ounces cream cheese
3 tablespoon lemon juice
6 tablespoons milk
3 egg
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F(175 degrees C).
To make Pastry: Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the flour and chopped nuts and stir until mixture becomes crumbly.

Press pastry mixture into 9X 13 pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on rack.

To make Filling: Beat together the white sugar, and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the egg, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla and mix well. Spread filling mixture over baked crust.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on wire rack and refrigerate. Serve with fruit.

2009-05-02T03:52:00.000-07:00

Santa Fe Chicken

3 large chicken breast

1 lg can of salsa

2 cans corn, drained

1 can of beans, drained and rinsed

1 8oz brick of cream cheese

put chicken in bottom of crock pot. Cover with salsa, corn, black beans. Cook on high for 4 hours, low 6-8. Put cream cheese brick in to melt for at least 20 minutes.

Chicken will fall apart as you stir it.

Serve it on tortillas, with shredded cheese, and or sour cream, or with chips

Recipe called for 2 cans of beans but Phyllis doesn't like beans that much...

Recipe from my friend Sherri Darah!

Milky Way Swirl Cake

2009-04-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Milky Way Swirl Cake

Cake

Veggie Oil for spraying pan

Flour for dusting pan

2 1/2 Milky way candy bars, sliced

2 T plus 1 c water

1 yellow cake mix

8 T butter, melted

3 large eggs

1 T flour

Glaze

2 1/2 Milky Way Bars, sliced

2 T Butter

2 t water

Preheat oven 325.

Lightly spray and dust BUNDT pan

For Cake:

melt milky way with 2T water in medium sized pan over med-low heat. remove from heat and set it aside

Place the cake mix, 1 c water, melted butter, and eggs in large mixing bowl. Mix well.

Measure out 2/3 c of batter and pour into the cooled candy bar mixture. Add flour and stir until the mixture is smooth. Pour the plain cake mixture into bundt pan. Pour milky way mixture over the cake mixture and swirl into pan trying not to touch the sides of the pan.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from oven and place it on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Invert from pan and cool 20 minutes.

For Glaze:

rinse out the saucepan and wipe it dry. Place the Milky Way bars into saucepan over medium low heat. Add butter and water. Cook, stirring until smooth 3 to 4 minutes. Let glaze cool for 10 minutes.

Put cake onto serving platter over the cake so that it drips down the sides. Let cake rest for 10 minutes before serving.

I also melted caramel over the glaze... yummy!!

I make cakes for everyone's birthday at work. John LOVES cake! Most everyone just asks for some kind of cake mix, not John, he picked out this one!! Many said it was the best cake I ever made, even better than the carrot cake I am known for!

Carrot Cake!!

2009-04-03T06:55:00.000-07:00

2 1/2 c All-purpose flour
2 tsp Baking soda
1/4 tsp Salt
2 tsp Cinnamon
1 c Light brown sugar -- packed
1 c White sugar
1 1/2 c Butter -- softened
3 lg Eggs
2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
3 c Grated carrots
1/2 c Crushed pineapple -- drained
1 c (6-oz.) raisins
1 c (4-oz.) chopped pecans

-----ICING-----
16 oz Cream cheese -- softened
1/2 c Salted butter -- softened
1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice (about 1 -- large lemon)
2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
3 c Confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake
pans or 1 9 X 13.
In a large bowl stir together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and sugars. Add butter, one egg and vanilla; blend with electric mixer on low speed. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2
minutes.
Scrape down sides of bowl. And remaining eggs, one at a time, beating 30 seconds after each addition. Add carrots, pineapple, raisins and walnuts.
Blend on low until thoroughly combined.
Pour batter into prepared pans and smooth the surface with a rubber spatula. Bake in center of oven for 60-70 minutes. Toothpick inserted into center should come out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
Then invert cakes on rack and cool to room temperature.

TO PREPARE ICING: On a medium bowl with electic mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth add lemon juice and vanilla; beat until combined. Add sugar gradually, mixing on low until smooth.

TO ICE THE CARROT CAKE: Place one layer on a cake platter, and with a metal spatula spread icing over the top to form a thin filling.
Place second layer over the first, rounded side up. Coat the top and sides of the cake evenly with remaining icing. Refrigerate 1 hour to set icing.

SOURCE: MRS FIELDS Cookie Book.

2009-03-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

STUFFED TURKEY MEATLOAF

1 can mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
fresh baby spinach
Spaghetti sauce,
dividedshredded cheddar cheese,
2 pound ground turkey
egg, lightly beaten
½ cup Italian style bread crumbs
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, mix together turkey, egg, bread crumbs, mushrooms, seasoning and salt.

Spoon half of meat mixture onto a greased baking pan. Flatten and smooth out.

Top with a layer of spinach leaves and shredded cheese.Top with remaining meat, flatten again and then go around the edges an seal, pulling in the loaf away from the sides of the pan.Spread spaghetti sauce on top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Bake for about an hour or until meat registers at 170 degrees.

Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. ENJOY!

I got it from here... http://fullbellies.blogspot.com/

2009-03-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

Blueberry Coffee Cake

Ingredients (for about 6 servings)
For the Cake:
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 tsps baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground mace
1 cup fresh blueberries
For the Topping:
2 tbsps unsalted butter
1/3 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Preparation
- To make the topping, combine cinnamon, sugar and flour in a small bowl.
- Add butter and beat with a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
- To make the cake, beat together the egg, milk and butter in a large bowl.
- Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and mace into a bowl.
- Add the egg mixture and beat together until well blended.
- Stir in blueberries.
- Lightly butter a 9-inch-diameter cake pan.
- Evenly spread the cake batter in the pan and sprinkle with the topping.
- Bake in a preheated 350° F oven for about 40 - 45 minutes.

2009-03-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

Pasta Ceci

1 pound pasta
Salt
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 3 turns of the pan
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (14-ounce) can, chick peas, drained
Pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 (14-ounce) can, crushed tomatoes
Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Grated Parmiginao-Reggiano, to pass at table

Directions
Boil water for pasta, salt it, and cook spaghetti to al dente.
While spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add extra-virgin olive oil, 3 turns of the pan, crushed red pepper flakes and garlic.

Place chick peas in food processor and pulse grind them to a fine chop.

Add chick peas to garlic and season them with thyme, salt and pepper then saute them for 3 to 4 minutes.

Add wine or broth and cook down 30 seconds or so then stir in tomatoes and adjust seasoning.

Drain pasta and toss with sauce. Top with parsley and grated cheese.

2009-01-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

I just started making this... Oh man it's so yummy!!

Black Bean Salad

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained well
3 artichoke hearts, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1-2 T chopped green onion
1-2 T chopped fresh parsley
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1 T olive oil
Salt & pepper

Mix well!! So good!!

Nutritional Info for the WHOLE thing:

442 Calories
16g fat
21g Protein
66 carbs

2008-10-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

Homemade Salsa

5 tomatoes

1 onion

1/2 c fresh cilantro

3 cloves garlic

1 T lime juice

1 jalapeno pepper

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Pierce the skin of the tomatoes, drop them in the water until the skin begins to peel (only takes like 20 seconds), remove tomatoes, drop into cold water, peel tomatoes.

chop onions, garlic, jalapeno pepper, lime juice in food processor. Put in bowl. Chop cilatro in food processor, add to onion mixture. Then chop tomatoes to desired constancy, I put mine in the food processor (got all the yummy bits out too!).

Mix all ingredients together in bowl. Chill until ready to serve.

WHOLEWHEAT OATMEAL BANANA PANCAKES

2008-09-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from Netta, one of my new blogs that I read. she uses skim milk, I used 2%.

1 C whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 C quick oatmeal
2 eggs , beaten
1 3/4 C milk
2 mashed bananas

Mix well.

Cook on hot griddle (use cooking spray).

2008-09-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

Reuben Dip

1 c sour cream
1 c mayo (NOT miracle whip)
1 16 oz can saurkraut, drained and squeezed dry
1/2 c finely chopped onion
1/3 lb deli style corned beef
1 c swiss cheese
2 T horseradish

Serve with Triscuits

Mix everything together. Bake 30 minutes at 350*

This is a new favorite!

2008-08-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

Since it's zucchini harvest time, I dug this recipe out... it's very yummy!! This my friend Eliz's (From work) zucchini bread recipe! Enjoy!

Eliz’s Zucchini Bread

3 C Flour
2 t Baking Powder
1 T Cinnamon
1 C Brown Sugar
1 t Baking Soda
1 t Salt
1 ½ C Sugar
1 C Oil

2 C Peeled and Grated Zucchini
3 Eggs

1 t Vanilla
1 C Raisins
1 C Chopped Nuts

Preheat Oven 325*

Mix First 8 ingredients, then add zucchini and eggs. Mix in the rest!

Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. Bake 1 hour.

2008-05-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

2 "quick dinners"

I have to say that I am the queen of making dinner work with what I have in the fridge/cupboard with minimal extra's bought at the grocery store. Maybe not the queen, but I make it work.

I saw a recipe for some shredded mexican chicken on the web, have no idea the exact recipe but I improvised... and it was yummy...

I put 6 large chicken breasts, some fresh salsa, and a can of diced tomatoes, one taco packet in the crock put and cooked it all day.

Came home to all the taco fixin's... that night's dinner, chicken soft tacos... and they were GOOD!!

Had about 3 cups of leftover shredded chicken... mmm chicken enchiladas...

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 pkg lowfat cream cheese
2 small zucchini
1 med purple onion (use any kind you like, I had a purple one)
2 cloves garlic
~1 tsp ground cumin
Tortillas of your choice
1 can enchilada sauce
~1 - 1 1/2 cups monterrey jack shredded cheese (use any kind you like)

saute zucchini & onions, add garlic until onions and zucchini are tender. Add chicken, cream cheese, cumin, warm through until cream cheese is melted and well combined.

Put filling in tortillas, place in pan, "flat side up". cover with sauce, top with cheese. Cook ~30 minutes at 350.

I'm sure this could be made the night before and heated through the next day.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

2008-04-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am always trying a new salad dressing, most of the time actually tasting the chemicals, or they are too sweet (ick!). I love this one, just like usual, homemade is usually best!!

1T Sugar
1T Salt
1T ground pepper
1T ground mustard
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2/3 cup olive oil.

You can add more oil/vinegar to your tastes!!! it's SOOO yummy!! Perfect for marinades or salads!!

2008-03-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

Slow Cooker Lasagna

This recipe was adapted from the awesome family recipe.

SLOW COOKER LASAGNA
2 pounds ground turkey
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
2 small zucchini
2 (28oz.) jar spaghetti sauce
16 whole-wheat lasagna noodles
1 (24 oz) low-fat cottage cheese
2 t. dried Italian seasoning
2/3 cups water
2 (4oz.) cans of mushrooms
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Cook turkey and Italian seasoning in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until beef crumbles; drain. Combine spaghetti sauce, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, seasoned meat and water in pan, cook about ½ hour (I did this the day before). Layer thinly in bottom of lightly greased 5-quart electric slow cooker: uncooked lasagna noodles, sauce mixture, cottage cheese & mozzarella cheese. Repeat for each layer (approx 4 total layers). Cover & cook on high setting for 1 hour; reduce heat & cook on low setting for 5 hours. Can do ahead and store in fridge!! Yields 8 Servings (I have the very large rival crock pot, it was pretty full)

My daughter said this was SOO yummy!! I thought so too!!

2008-02-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

I'm always cooking for a meal for us, or for someone else. A couple who are leaders at Alive had a baby, so her core group and a few other leaders made food for them and also a wonderful lady in our Women's Ministry had surgery and we made food for her and her hubby!

Here's the chicken recipe! It can be frozen so if they get a lot of meals, they can thaw when they are ready. Please note, all ingredients are to be used as a "guideline" I don't follow directions well :) Recipe adapted from here. We baked it before we gave it to them. Make sure when you are making meals for people, you put the directions of what they need to do on the packages :)

Parsley Parmesan Chicken
1/4 C. Italian salad dressing
2-3 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese
1/3 C. dry bread crumbs
2 T. parsley flakes
1/2 t. paprika
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper

Containers:
1-gallon freezer bags for chicken, quart freezer bags for crumbs.

Assembly Directions:
To Pre-Bake on Cooking Day: Pour salad dressing in a large bowl. Add the chicken parts to the dressing, coating well. Cover and chill about 4 hours, or overnight. Turn chicken in the dressing occasionally.
Combine parmesan cheese, dry bread crumbs, parsley flakes, paprika, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Roll chicken one piece at a time in the crumbs, then place chicken in a greased 9x 13 baking pan or on a cookie sheet. Spoon excess dressing over the chicken. Bake at 350º for 1 hour, or until thickest piece is done.
To Bake on Serving Day: Pour chicken parts and salad dressing into a freezer bag. Combine the parmesan cheese, dry bread crumbs, parsley flakes, paprika, salt and pepper and pour into a quart-sized freezer bag. Attach to the bag of chicken or put both bags into a larger freezer bag.
Freezing and Cooking Directions:
Pre-Baked Chicken:
Remove from oven and cool. Put baked chicken pieces into a freezer bag or rigid freezer container. Label and freeze.
To serve, place chicken in a 9x13 baking dish or pan. Warm in 400º oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Non-Baked Chicken:
Seal, label, and freeze. To serve, thaw marinated chicken and crumb mixture. Roll chicken one piece at a time in the crumbs, or shake in a bag, then place chicken in a greased 9x13 pan or on a cookie sheet. Spoon excess dressing over the chicken. Bake at 350º for 1 hour or until thickest piece is done

2007-11-21T07:52:00.000-08:00

Sweet Potato Pie

4 med sweet potatoes (or 2 gi-normous ones)
1 stick butter
1 ½ cup sugar
2 T Flour
1 ½ t baking powder
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Unbaked Pie Shells
Preheat oven to 425*. Boil the sweet potatoes with the skins on. Cook until you can poke with fork and the potatoes are tender. Dip in cool water and slide the potato skins off.
Mash the potatoes.

Add in butter and sugar. Mix well. Add flour, baking powder, sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, extract. Mix well. Add eggs but make sure sweet potato mixture is not too hot or you will have scrambled eggs with your potatoes (gross!)

Pour mixture into 2 pie shells. Bake 35 minutes. Let stand until center is set.Enjoy

I made this recipe because I was making a basket for someone for Thanksgiving and I know he liked Sweet Potato Pie. It was a simple recipe and YUMMO! It makes two pies so you can be generous to two people or SUPER generous to one. Or you can be generous to one, and eat the other yourself.

The second pie I brought to Alive. Katie said to me the next day "I don't even like pumpkin pie, but I really liked yours", my reply "well, that's because it was sweet potato pie" and we laughed like old friends. HA!

2007-10-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

Praline Pumpkin Cake

1 sprays cooking spray
15 oz canned pumpkin
12 oz fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 cup fat-free egg substitute
1/2 cup sugar
4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
18 1/4 oz unprepared white cake mix, 1 package
1/2 cup pecan halves, chopped
1/4 cup reduced-calorie margarine, melted

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat bottom and sides of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
Stir pumpkin, milk, egg substitute, sugar and pumpkin pie spice together in a medium bowl until smooth; pour into pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture and gently press it into pumpkin mixture to moisten. Sprinkle cake with pecans and then drizzle margarine evenly over top.
Bake, uncovered, until knife inserted in center of cake comes out clean, about 50 to 60 minutes. Cool completely before slicing into 16 pieces.

POINTS® Value: 5
Servings: 16

French Toast Apple Casserole

2007-08-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 (21 ounce) can1 apple pie filling

20 slices white bread
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup maple syrup
DIRECTIONS
Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.
Spread the sugar mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the sugar mixture. Cut the bread in cubs, mix eggs, milk, vanila, maple syrup together. Mix in bread. Pour on top of apple pie filling. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. (but if you forget, it works if it sits for like an hour...shhhh...)

In the morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place covered pan into the oven and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 60 to 75 minutes. Invert the pan onto a serving tray or baking sheet so the apple filling is on top (I didn't do this part, I served it right out of the dish!!). Serve hot

Breakfast Casserole

2007-08-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

Breakfast Casserole

INGREDIENTS
1 pound pork sausage
6 (1 ounce) slices bread, cubed
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
6 eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground dry mustard
DIRECTIONS
Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, and set aside.
Layer bread cubes, sausage, and Cheddar cheese in a lightly greased 7x11 inch baking dish. In a bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, salt, and mustard. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cube mixture. Cover, and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Bake 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

2007-08-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies!!

INGREDIENTS
· 1 cup butter, softened
· 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
· 2 eggs
· 1 cup peanut butter
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
· 1/4 cup cornstarch
· 3/4 teaspoon salt
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
· 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Cream together butter and brown sugar. Beat in eggs, peanut butter and vanilla.
3. Add flour, cornstarch, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Roll into balls about 1 1/2 teaspoonfuls (or use cookie scoop) and place onto ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly because they do not flatten much while cooking.
5. Bake for 10 minutes.

2007-08-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Baked Chicken

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (3 1/2) pound broiler-fryer chicken, cut up
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted

DIRECTIONS
Combine the first six ingredients. Dip chicken in milk, then roll in the cornmeal mixture. Place in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Drizzle with butter. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until juices run clear.

2007-03-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

Got this from my meeting on 3-1-07

WW Fruit Pudding

15 oz pineapple in juice (crushed or tidbits)
1 pkg sugarfree/fat free butterscotch pudding
1 c FF cool whip
1 lg apple, diced

Mix - Chill - Serve

1 c = 2 points

2007-01-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

Apple Cake

3 c grated apple

2 c sugar

Place in bowl & let set

2 c flour

2 t baking soda

1/2 t cinnamon

1/2 t salt

2 eggs

1/4 c oil

Optional: 1 c raisins, 1 c nuts

Bake 350 35-40 minutes

If cut into 18 pieces: 202 calories, 6.8g fat, 2.2 protein, 33.6 carbs, .5 g fiber

2007-01-03T06:23:00.000-08:00

I was visiting some new websites and some old ones too, looking for some healthy filling stuff because of my new quest to be healthy. I am pretty excited that I have some new bean soups... I know, my life if thrilling!!

Hopefully they will be good and I can share!! Here's an article from allrecipes.com.

Ten Essential Healthy Foods
By: Tom Shea
Find out what made our must-eat list and get new ideas for adding them to your diet.
Eat Well
The key to healthy eating is variety. Try to incorporate these foods into your diet. Eating wholesome food doesn’t mean the flavors have to be bland: these ingredients can be used to make an array of meals that are tasty and good for you.
1. Yogurt
This delicious dairy product is vitamin-rich and nutritious. According to a University of Tennessee study, yogurt may help people lose weight while maintaining muscle. Other studies have found yogurt may bolster your immune system, prevent yeast infections and stop bad breath. Substitute frozen yogurt for ice cream as your dessert of choice.
Yogurt Chicken
2. Olive Oil
Ample medical research has shown that the benefits of olive oil may go way beyond its wonderful taste. A study by Greek scientists at the University of Athens in 2004 found that this monounsaturated oil, which is rich in antioxidants, may be the key to the healthy Mediterranean diet-meaning a lower risk of heart attacks, diabetes and colon cancers.
Italian Herb Infused Olive Oil
3. Beans
Whether you toss them in a salad or add them to a burrito, beans are a low-calorie, high-fiber ingredient. Packed with antioxidants, protein and iron, beans may be the ultimate healthy food. A USDA report in 2005 said that they may even reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Because beans are a complex carbohydrate, they provide plenty of energy while regulating blood-sugar levels.
Three Bean Salad I
4. Nuts
When life gets busy, it’s too easy to skip meals or cut corners. Grabbing a handful of nuts is a convenient way to make sure that you get enough protein. Like olive oil, nuts are a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated oil and antioxidant-rich, bone-strengthening magnesium. Add chopped walnuts to a salad or cashews to a stir fry.
Authentic Thai Cashew Chicken
Almond Green Beans
5. Spinach
This leafy green is one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat. Spinach is uncommonly rich in a variety of nutrients including calcium, iron, potassium, vitamins A, K, and C. A study published in 2004 by the Journal of Nutrition found that spinach combats prostate cancer, while other studies have shown spinach may protect vision and bolster cardiovascular health.
Spinach and Orzo Salad
6. Barley
In addition to being a hearty soup staple, barley is a cholesterol-lowering grain high in fiber and niacin. Barley also produces butyric acid, a fatty acid that fights colon cancer. Try mixing barley flakes into your morning cereal for a wholesome breakfast.
Beaker's Vegetable Barley Soup
7. Garlic
Used for centuries to ward off everything from vampires to evil spirits, garlic is high in vitamins C and B6, and it contains powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents that help fight common colds and flu. Regular consumption of garlic is also believed to protect against cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Sauteed Garlic Asparagus
8. Fish
Studies have shown that fish is one of the world's healthiest foods. Fatty fish such as salmon is packed with protein, niacin and Omega-3, an essential fatty acid that promotes healthy cardiovascular activity. Omega-3 may also protect against a host of health concerns from obesity to sunburns. A 2005 study published by the Archives of Neurology claims that eating fish once a week may even slow the rate of cognitive decline.
Soy Ginger Salmon
9. Tomatoes
Fiber-rich tomatoes are low in calories and high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and cancer-preventing lycopene. Like olive oil, tomatoes are an important part of the touted Mediterranean diet. Several studies have found tomatoes are also beneficial in fighting various forms of cancer. Fact: although often classified as vegetables, tomatoes are, technically, fruit.
Garden Fresh Tomato Soup
10. Avocados
The nutrients in this creamy, sinfully rich-tasting vegetable read like a list of essentials for a healthy diet: cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fat, fiber, copper, potassium and vitamins C, K, and B6. Add chopped avocado to a salad, or mash avocados to make fresh guacamole.
Avocado Feta Salsa

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

2006-11-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me, or has been in my kitchen, knows I love Pampered Chef. This is one of the recipes out of the Season’s best catalogs. I made these for a party. I have been told that this is the BEST Peanut butter cookie recipe ever, but you need a cookie press. Buy one, they are a good investment—Call Wanda, she’ll get you one.Easy Peanut Butter Cookies (And they are Jay approved!)

1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup peanut butter (Creamy)

Preheat oven 350.

By Hand: Mix sugar and egg until creamy. Add peanut butter, do not overmix.

Put in cookie press, and put them on stone cookie sheet. Bake 12-14 minutes.

Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet. Remove to cooling rack.

2006-11-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite casseroles, and it can be made the day before, though it takes an hour to cook if it's cold, if you have someone to put it in the oven an hour before dinner time, it's perfect. OR have all the stuff measured out (and burger cooked ahead), and dump in when you get home. It's really yummy!

Cheeseburger Casserole

2 cups cooked macaroni noodles
8-oz cheddar cheese shredded
1 lb. hamburger (brown)
1 Can of French onion chips
1 Can of cream of mushroom soup
1 Can of tomato soup

Combine cooked macaroni, hamburger, mushroom and tomato soup.
Layer 1/2 batter, 1/2 cheese, 1/2 French onion chips.
Pour rest of batter.
Top with rest of cheese.

Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes (if cold then 60 minutes)
When fully cooked add the rest of the French onion chips, bake for 5 additional minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving

2006-11-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

This is a Pampered Chef recipe, it ended up being one of Phyllis's favorites, great for brunch, a sleepover. Anytime. I always kept the ingredients on hand because you never know when a kid would spent the night. Simple. And Yummy!

Phyllis’s Favorite Cinnamon Rolls

1 can (8oz) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
2 T butter or margarine, softened
2 T sugar
½ t ground cinnamon
2 T raisins (optional)
¾ c powdered sugar
2-3 t milk

Preheat oven to 350. Unroll crescent roll dough into one large rectangle. Pinch seams of crescent rolls.

Mix sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Spread over crescent roll dough.

Top with raisins. Starting at longer side (width) roll the dough, seal edges.

Cut into 8 slices. Bake in preheated oven 20-25 minutes. Cool slightly.
Glaze: Mix milk and powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.

2006-11-22T04:06:00.000-08:00

Cornflake Chicken

7 cups of Cornflakes cereal, crushed to 1 3/4 cups

1 egg

1 cup milk

1 cup all purpose flour

½ teaspoons salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

3 pounds of chicken

3 Tablespoons margarine or butter, melted

Preheat over to 350 degrees.

Place crushed corn flakes in shallow dish or pan. Set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, beat egg and milk slightly. Add flour, salt, pepper. Mix until smooth. Dip chicken in batter. Coat with crushed cereal. Place in single layer, skin side up in a foil-lined shallow baking pan. Drizzle with melted margarine.

Bake about 1 hour if chicken parts (breasts, legs, thighs, wings), if boneless skinless breasts, bake 30-35 minutes.

In a million years if you told me I would eat cornflakes on chicken, I would have told you that you were nuts (I don’t even eat cereal with milk for breakfast). Aunt Shell and her family invited Phyllis and I over for dinner, that’s what we were having, Cornflake chicken, Poppa Don was making it. It was awesome! Phyllis to this day loves it, I love it, and I cannot make it without thinking of him, and all the love he had for us.

2006-11-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

In honor of holiday dinners everywhere... and my Gram...

Gramma Marge's Orange Jello Salad

1 small pkg of orange jello
1 small pkg of lemon jello
1 tsp of Knox gelatin
2 Cups boiling water
1 8 oz can crushed pineapple
1 can mandarin oranges, drained

Combine jellos and gelatin with boiling water.
Stir 2 minutes.
Add Oranges and pineapple (with juice), and add softened orange sherbet.
Chill for 4-6 hours

2006-11-19T17:53:00.000-08:00

S'ghetti Mush

This is a different variation of spaghetti. My g-friend's mom got sick of plian ole spaghetti because that's was her brother's staple food...so she came up with this...

1 Jar of spaghetti sauce
1 pound of ground beef (I use turkey)
1 pkg of egg noodles
1 cup of cheddar cheese

Cook Egg noodles as directed. Drain.

Brown meat, add spaghetti sauce, cook through. Add cheddar cheese. Add noodles. Mix.

Serve.

Yum!

Apple Pie Bars

2006-11-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

Filling
4 cups (1 1/2 pounds) thinly sliced, peeled tart cooking apples (I use Macintosh)
1 6 oz can apple juice
1 t ground cinnamon
1/2 t ground nutmeg
1 T cornstarch
1/2 c sugar

Crust
3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 t baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
2 slightly beaten eggs

Preheat oven 375

For filling:
In a large saucepan combine apples, apple juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat until boiling, stirring occasionally. Combine cornstarch and the ½ cup of sugar. Cook until thick and bubbly, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cool slightly.

For Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add margarine and eggs. Mix on low speed until the mixture is blended and crumbly. Press 2/3 (3 1/2 cups) into greased 15 x 10 x 1 inch pan.

Spread apple mixture evenly over crust. Sprinkle remaining crumbs over apples.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Cut into bars. Makes 48