Good Lookin Home Cookin

Brussel Sprouts

2012-02-13T19:31:00.000-08:00

Now before you disregard this recipe, you have to know the reaction of both husband and children. Kevin's first words were, "This is DEFINITELY a keeper!" The children all said, "I thought this was going to be yucky, but I love it!" The older kids had two servings and the little children ate it all up!

So, now that you know it is yummy with all its buttery goodness, here is the recipe!

Boil for only 3 minutes in just an inch of water:

1 lb brussel sprouts

Drain the brussel sprouts and rinse in cold water.

Saute for 4 minutes:

3 T butter
1/2 cup onion

Cut brussel sprouts in half and add to the simmering onions with 3 more Tablespoons butter. Cook over medium heat for another 5 minutes.

Remove skillet from heat and stir in:

1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp lemon juice
1/3 cup toasted almonds

Serve on a bed of rice.

*If you over cook brussel sprouts you get a bitter taste. Most people over cook the sprouts. You know you cooked them just right if you get a nutty buttery flavor!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Larabar

2012-02-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

In a food processor processor chop:

1 cup rolled oats

Add and process for a couple minutes:

1, 1/2 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla

Shape into whatever shape you want. The kids liked round balls because it looked like cookie dough.

Peanut Butter Banana Shake

2012-02-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of banana shake recipes out there. I tried a few and wasn't happy. The ones that called for cooked oatmeal didn't make it very far! This one was really good. The kids all wanted more, so that's a good sign!

In a blender blend:

2 bananas, frozen and cut into chunks*
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup milk
8 oz Greek vanilla honey yogurt

* I peeled and placed two bananas in a ziploc bag the night before.

Orange Creamsicle Cookies

2012-02-08T16:37:00.000-08:00

I've seen a recipe for these going around on Pinterest. I tried the recipe and was really disappointed in the dough texture. I decided to make a few changes to make the dough easier to work with and a bit healthier.

Cream:

1 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar

add:

2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
zest of 2 oranges

add:

2 cups flour
1/4 cup wheat flour (freshly ground)
1 T milled flaxseed
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

add:

1, 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes

Twice Baked Potatoes

2012-01-31T12:09:00.000-08:00

I got a new serving platter and wanted to try something pretty on it. I also have a few potatoes left in our cold room. Twice baked potatoes it is!

Bake 5-6 potatoes.

Everyone does this differently. I like to poke the potato with a fork and bake at 400 for an hour.

While the potatoes are cooking mix:

1 cup sour cream
4 T butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup cheese
8 green onion, chopped

Then remove potatoes and slice in half. Scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/4 inch around the peel to keep its shape.

Mix the potato insides with the sour cream mixture. Add:

1/2 cup milk

Top with:

cooked bacon bits

Spoon the filling back into the potatoes and place on a baking sheet. Place baking sheet back into oven for 10-15 minutes.

note: I like to cook my bacon in the oven. 400 degrees for 15 minutes

Pineapple Chicken

2012-01-31T12:02:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful friend bring me chicken and rice when I wasn't feeling well. I have been craving it ever since. I made something similar that I'm really happy with! And it's super EASY!

In a crock pot place:

6 chicken breasts, cubed
1 bottle Lawry's 30 minute marinade Hawaiian
1 can crushed pineapple

Cook on low for 6-8 hours

Serve over a bed of:

chopped lettuce
hot rice

Top with:

peas
mandarin oranges (I didn't have any on hand)

Orange Rolls

2012-01-30T20:26:00.000-08:00

I have been craving orange rolls for a long time and finally tried them out. I've made orange rolls in the past and they have turned out very dry. These turned out very moist! I used an orange butter on the top, but next time I'm going to try an orange glaze - Just orange juice and powdered sugar! I think I would like the glaze better than the butter. It would be just a bit more sweet.

I used the recipe from my German pastry.

In stainless steel bowl or in your mixer mix:

2 cups white flour
1 T yeast

In a glass pyrex or liquid measure cup dump in this order and then microwave for about a minute. You want the butter to be almost melted, but not scorching hot:

1 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
1/2 tsp salt

Now add this to the flour and mix until incorporated. Now add and mix until incorporated:

2 eggs

Now add and mix for 2 minutes:

2 cups white flour

Allow the dough to rise for an hour. Punch down. Let rise 10 more minutes. Then roll out in a rectange about 1/8 inch thick. Butter and zest an orange over top.

Now roll up the length wise and cut out your "cinnamon rolls." Place in a 13x9 greased baking dish. Allow to rise about an hour.

Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes. When the rolls come out of the oven drizzle butter on top.

For the orange butter I mixed:

3 T butter
1 cup powdered sugar
3 T fresh orange juice
zest of 1 orange

Enjoy!!

Sausage and White Bean Soup

2012-01-28T12:07:00.000-08:00

Soak overnight:

1 cup navy beans

About 2 hours before you want to serve dinner. Drain the water and cover beans in fresh water and simmer.

In a separate pan heat:

1 T olive oil
1 lb. Italian smoked sausage (I used Hillshire Farms Hot and Spicy)

Add:

1 cup chopped onion

Cook onion for about 5 minutes. Then add:

3 cups chicken broth
1 bunch Kale, washed chopped

Add:

cooked navy beans and about 1 cup of the cooking water
1 cup milk mixed with 1 T flour (mix milk and flour real good before adding)

Serve!

Baked Southwestern Burritos

2012-01-26T10:57:00.000-08:00

This recipe has been floating around pinterest as an egg roll recipe. I had a lot of tortillas I needed to get rid of, so I tried the recipe as a burrito instead. They were gooood!

Mix:

2 cups corn
1 can black beans, drained
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed, drained
2 cups mexican mix cheese
4 oz. diced green chiles
4 green onion
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne

Fold burrito around 1/4 cup mixture.

Spray sheet and spray tortillas, then salt.

Bake 425 for 15 minutes. Serve with warm salsa and sour cream.

Fudgy Brownie Cake

2012-01-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

I don't know what to call this delicious dessert. This is what I call it. It is a marriage between brownies and cake. Yumm!

I have always cooked it in my 9 inch cast iron. I bet you could bake it in a 9x9 glass dish or pie plate or springform.

mix with a fork:

1 package chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup oil

Reserve 1 cup of this crumbly mixture.

Add to the rest of the crumbly mixture:

2 eggs
1 cup applesauce

Pour the batter into your baking dish.

On the stove top or in the microwave mix together and slowly melt:

1/3 cup evaporated milk
1 cup chocolate chips

The chocolate chips don't have to be completely melted. Spoon this melted mixture over the cake.

Take the 1 cup of reserved crumbs and add 1/2 cup walnuts. Sprinkle over the cake.

Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes.

Chocolate Crinkles

2011-10-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up one of my favorite neighbors were the Eggingtons. This is Norma Eggington's Chocolate Crinkle recipe. I use to make these for the recitals my students would put on.

mix:

1/4 cup butter

1 cup baking cocoa

1, 1/2 cup sugar

Add:

3 eggs

1/2 cup oil

2 tsp vanilla

Add:

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

refridgerate for an hour. Roll in powdered sugar. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes

Pumpkin Cobbler

2011-10-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

asas

Mix:

15 oz pumpkin

12 oz evaporated milk

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

3 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

pinch suger

pinch ginger

Pour mixture into greased cake pan. 9x13

Pour over the mixture:

1 package yellow cake mix

Melt and pour over cake mix:

3/4 cup butter

walnuts

Bake at 350 for 60 minutes

Pumpkin Bar

2011-10-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

This is such a yummy alternative to brownies!

Mix:

2 cups flour

1, 1/2 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground cloves

Add and mix:

4 beaten eggs

16 oz can pumpkin

1 cup oil (or applesauce)

spread in UNgreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes. Cool 2 hours. Frost with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Mix:

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup butter

Add:

1 tsp lemon, almond or orange extract

2 cups powdered sugar

Cream Cheese Pumpkin Cookie

2011-10-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Mix:

1 cup sugar

1 cup pumpkin, canned

1/2 cup shortening

Add:

1 egg

1 T orange peel (this is where the magic happens!)

Add:

2 cups flour (I use 1, 1/2 cup white, 1/4 wheat, 1/4 oat flour)

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

bake at 375 for 10 minutes

Cream Cheese Frosting

Mix:

8 oz cream cheese

1/4 cup butter

Add:

1 tsp lemon, orange or almond extract

2 cups powdered sugar

Baked Potato Soup

2011-09-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

Here is another use for those potatoes you find in your refrigerator! I got this fabulous recipe from my cousin, Kyersten.

In a soup pot make a roux using:

2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup flour
7 cups milk

Once the milk is thick add:

4 large baked potatoes, cubed
4 green onions, sliced

Keep cooking the soup and stirring constantly until thick and hot. Then add:

12 bacon strips, cooked and cut up
1 cup sour cream
1, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Cook bacon at 425 for 8 minutes on a foil lined sheet for a no mess stove top.

Chibata Sandwich

2011-09-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

No recipe here, just a fun idea for lunch. I love the chibata bread at walmart. Just butter the outside of the bun and throw it on the grill. Inside the sandwich use real mozzarella cheese, basil and tomato slices. I drizzled olive oil over the tomato for extra flavor!

1-2-3 Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-09-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

My mom's friend gave her this recipe. We love it because it is super easy to measure out. You only dirty one measuring cup!

Mix:

1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar

Add:

1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs

Add:

3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Add:

1 cup chocolate chips

Bake at 350 for 13 minutes

Creamy Lemon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

2011-09-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Say what you will about Happy Valley, they really take care of you when you need it! I had so many meals brought in that I actually lost count. And here's the thing...they were all SO yummy!! From Papa John's to homemade, everything was yummy. Women here really know how to cook.

Here is one that I really really enjoyed. I really liked the fresh taste of lemon mixed with the salty Parmesan. Usually these sides are served cold, but I love that this is a HOT meal. Thanks Jessica!

Cook 1 box penne pasta according to directions.

While the penne pasta cooks, heat over medium heat for 1 minute:

1, 1/2 T extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

Now add and simmer for 10 minutes:

1 cup half and half
zest and juice of 3 lemons
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Drain the pasts and place back into pot. Add the cream mixture along with

1/2 pint cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan (I used shaved Parm from the deli)
2 large fist fulls of baby spinach (the spinach will wilt down)

Give this all a good mix and serve immediately along with grilled chicken breast.

I have never been a fan of cherry tomatoes because every dish they are in is a cold side. This hot side makes the tomatoes savory and salty. Yumm!!

School Lunch Peanut Butter Bars

2011-08-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

Remember these? We use to call them Congo bars back in elementary school. This was back in the day when lunch ladies actually MADE the food by HAND. Remember those big mixers? These peanut butter bars taste just like them. So many memories...

I found this recipe at ourbestbites.com

Cream:

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 cups brown sugar

Now Add:

1, 1/2 cups peanut butter
2 tsp vanilla

Now add:

3 eggs, one at a time

Now add:

3 cups flour
1, 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Now add:

3 cups oats (I used 2 cups whole oats and 1 cups oat flour)

Press into greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 13 minutes. While it cooks make your fudge frosting.

In a mixer dump:

4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup butter, soft
1/3 cup boiling water
1 tsp vanilla

When the pan of peanut butter bars comes out of the oven drizzle them with 1/3 cup melted peanut butter. Then spread the fudge frosting. Cool slightly and then cut up!

Apple Crisp

2011-06-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

This will probably be my last post for a while. I'm getting really tired. Baby #5 will be here in the next few weeks. I'm hoping to be back in the kitchen this fall.

Cut up and place on the bottom of a 9x13 buttered casserole dish:

8 green apples

Mix together with pastry cutter, or in mixer:

1 stick cold butter
3/4 brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg

Add 1/2 cup at a time:

2 cups oats

Spoon topping over cut apples. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes uncovered.

Teddy Graham Parfait

2011-06-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

Sandwiches can get old real quick! Here is a creation the kids and I came up with for lunch today. It tastes awesome! You could use this idea for a snack or even dessert.

Layer:

vanilla yogurt
fresh blueberries
fresh cut strawberries
Honey Teddy Grahams

Hot Turkey Melt

2011-06-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

It's really easy to get bored with the same summer sandwich. Try this cheesy turkey sandwich for a change! Bring a washcloth to the table and be prepared for all the buttery goodness to drip down your chin. Mmmm

First saute for about 2 minutes:

1 T butter

multi colored peppers (I used red and orange)

Remove your peppers and generously butter two pieces of bread. Layer on one of the pieces:

sliced turkey

Provolone cheese

slices of tomato

cooked peppers

avocado

Serve hot!

Ham Fried Rice

2011-05-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe on Deals to Meals. It turned out pretty good!

Cook:

2 cups white rice (you will end up with about 6 cups)
1, 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp garlic powder

While the rice is cooking saute in 3 T butter:

4 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 celery sticks, chopped

After about 10 minutes of sauteing (is that a word?) add:

1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1, 1/2 cup ham cubed
3 scrambled eggs, cooked

Add rice to vegies along with:

1/4 cup soy sauce

and serve!

Zuppa Toscana

2011-05-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

In a large pot brown and drain:

1 lb italian sausage

Remove sausage from pan and keep in fridge. Now saute for about 5 minutes:

1 onion, chopped

4 T bacon bits

2 tsp garlic pure

Add to the onion and bring to a boil:

10 cups water

5 chicken bouillon cubes

Now add to the boiling water:

5 large potatoes, cubed

Simmer the potatoes for 30 minutes

Now add:

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 bunch kale (or more)

sausage from fridge

Crash Hot Potatoes

2011-05-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

My friend Erin posted a recipe on baking a boiled potatoes that looked really yummy! Click here for the original recipe. I had some left over baked potatoes in the fridge. (Am I the only one who wonders what to do with those?) I decided to try her recipe using my cold day old potatoes. I didn't have olive oil or kosher salt, so I just used what I had on hand. They turned out really really yummy!

On a baking sheet spread olive oil. I used vegetable oil.

Lay your potatoes (I like new potatoes. They are buttery and creamy!) on the sheet and then lightly smash with a potato masher.

Sprinkle the potatoes with salt and pepper.

Drizzle olive oil (I used really soft butter) over the potatoes to create the crunchy tops.

Bake at 450 for 20 minutes!

Blended Berry Syrup

2011-05-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly getting back into making breakfast again. This syrup was a really big hit! There are no exact measurements. Just use what you have on hand. I like the big bag of frozen blueberries from Sam's Club. I always seem to have some on hand.

In a medium sauce pan dump:

5 cups frozen blueberries
1 pint strawberries, tops cut off
1 cup sugar
pinch salt

Let this sit on medium heat while stirring occassionally. After about 10 minutes it will start bubbling. Let it bubble for about 10 more minutes. Then dump it all into a blender. This will be enough syrup for our family for the week. Keep in the refridgerator.

Sunday Roast

2011-04-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this easy meal! We had potatoes, carrots and roast all the time growing up. Except Mom didn't use the baby carrots. That's a convenience I've picked up. It was a given on Sundays that Mom would have homemade rolls and even cake or cookies to go with it! For some reason my logo wouldn't paste onto this pic. Oh, well.

I'm sure you could use a different kind of roast. I prefer the chuck. Chuck roasts tend to be more fatty, but they give the best flavor and they always turn out super moist. I've tried rump roasts and they are always hit and miss. They tend to be more dry. Maybe that's why they are cheaper. I got this chuck roast at Sam's Club and it was a hit!

In a crock pot dump in this order:

2 cups baby carrots
5 small potatoes, cut up
3 cups beef broth, mixed with lipton onion soup
4 lb chuck roast, salted and peppered

Cook on low 8 hours

Let roast rest on warm for an hour and then scoop up vegies with a slotted spoon. Serve with hot rolls or biscuits.

Cheesy Penne

2011-04-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

In a large pot boil one box of penne pasta.

In a smaller sauce pan melt slowly while stirring often:

2 cream cheese

1, 1/2 cup real grated parmesan cheese

1 cup butter

1 cup milk (you can add more if you don't want it so thick)

Drain pasta and add to your cream cheese mixture!

Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken

2011-04-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

I like the texture of chicken that has been cooked on the bone. I think it tends to be a bit more moist. Here I have cooked 2 chickens. Each was 5, 1/2 lbs. I managed to get them both into my 7 quart crock pot. I let the meat fall off the bones and cool. Then I put 2 cups of chicken per ziploc baggie and throw them in the freezer. I include the dark meat, too. You can't tell when you use it in chicken crouissant sandwitches, enchiladas, or soups!

Have all your ingredients out and handy so it is a clean and quick process!

Clean and pat dry your chicken. I am assuming you are cooking just one.

Mix:

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp garlic salt

Rub your chicken with:

4 TBL room temp butter

Take 6 cloves of garlic and slide them between the skin and the breast meat. You may need to use a knife to get the slit started.

Cover the chicken in the salt rub you made earlier.

Place in crockpot. No added water! Cook on low for 10 hours.

If you cook 2 chickens then make up two separate rubs and use 12 cloves of garlic. Also cook it for about 11-12 hours. (I had to reset my timer for a couple hours and just kept an eye on the clock)

Banana Bread and Muffins

2011-04-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

This banana bread is a staple at our house. I also like to freeze it! The muffins can be put in a gallon size ziploc to freeze as well! I like the bread best on the second day, after it has been in the plastic bag for several hours. The top gets a chewey carmel texture. Yum!

This recipe can be doubled and even trippled.

In a large mixing bowl smash:

3 bananas

Add and mix:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 T oil

1/3 cup milk

1 egg

Now add and mix well:

2, 1/2 cup flour (I use 1/2 cup wheat and 2 cups white)

3, 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

Now you can add 1 cup chocolate chips.

At this point you can make 2 loaves of bread or 2 batches of muffins. Use muffin sleeves for fast clean up.

For bread - grease bottom and 1 inch up the sides of the pans. Bake for 55 minutes at 350. Let sit and cool for 15 minutes, then remove from pan.

For muffins bake at 400 for 20 minutes.

Chicken 'N Dumplings

2011-03-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

I have only about 3 months until my little bundle gets here. I want to post a few recipes in the mean time. Then I will take another break. Hopefully by Christmas I will feel up to holiday baking and kitchen fun again!

The chicken I used in this recipe was from the crock pot garlic chicken. I'll post that soon.

Bring to a boil:

6 cups chicken broth

Add to the chicken broth and simmer for 10 minutes:

1 heaping cup chopped carrots
2 celery sticks

While the vegetables are simmering prepare the dumplings.

Dumplings:

Mix in medium bowl:

1, 1/2 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt

cut into the flour and mix well:

3 T shortening

Using a fork slowly add:

3/4 cup milk

Now add 3 cups diced, cooked chicken to the simmering carrots and celery. Then add the dumpling mixture one tablespoon at a time. The dumpling mixture will completely cover the soup pot. Keep the stove top on low and put the lid on the soup. Let it cook on low for 30-45 minutes.

The dumplings will cook together, but when you serve it up the serving spoon will break them up.

Yummy!!

Special Bundle

2010-12-06T21:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas time is my busiest month in the kitchen. But this year I have something extra special in the oven...and it won't be ready until the first part of July. Until then I have NO desire to be in the kitchen.

Honey Butter

2010-11-28T19:09:00.000-08:00

Next time you take fresh rolls out of the overn try glazing (drenching) them in honey butter!

In your mixer dump and mix on high speed for 3 minutes:

1/2 cup real butter

1/2 cup honey

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Shepherds Pie

2010-11-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

This is one of the very few recipes I have that calls for cream of chicken and boxed stuffing, but it is goooood! This is a great way to use your left overs in the fridge. I hate heating up 6 different tupperwares after Thanksgiving. This makes an easy and yummy dish!

In a small mixing bowl mix:

2 cups cooked, shredded turkey or chicken
1 can cream of chicken

In a 9x13 baking dish layer:

turkey/soup mix
1 can green beans, drained
1 package chicken stuffing, prepared
2 cups mashed potatoes (REAL mashed potatoes)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Cover with foil. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Easy Yummy Pizza

2010-11-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

I usually make this for General Conference because it is a satisfying meal that takes just minutes.

Buy a loaf of french bread at the grocery store and cut it in half length-wise. Then cut them in half cross-wise. This will give you 4 pizzas. Top them with pizza sauce, peppers, pepperonis, provolone cheese, parmesan cheese, and oregano and basil.

Place the pizzas on a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 12 minutes.

I served this with a pre-made salad with crumpled blue cheese and blue cheese dressing.

Grandpa's Cough Tonic

2010-11-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

I have been running a fever of 100 to 102 for the past 3 days with a realy bad sore throat and cough. I finally went in to the doctor this morning to rule out Strep. No Strep. It's a viral infection. Doc said there is nothing we can do about it except drink tea and honey. I dropped by the store to pick up the ingredients for my Dad's cough tonic. This stuff really works! Since my parents don't "measure" I tried to get my measurements as close to theirs as possible. Also, I don't think my parents use lemon juice, but I thought I would just throw it in there. Lemon juice is a natural dissinfectant and stimulates the liver to creat bile. This makes it easier for you to digest your food. It is also high in Vitamin C. If you can dissinfect your countertops with vinegar and lemon juice, then you should be able to dissinfect your throat with it, too. Am I right?!

Here is what I did. I made up a strong hot tonic, at the recommendation of my Mother. Then I filled a water bottle with a cold drink. I sipped the hot drink until it was all gone and have been sipping the cold drink throughout the day. Be prepared with a box of tissues or a handkerchief with the hot drink. It was really loosen up all that junk. If you are too wimpy to drink the hot drink, at least smell it. Just smelling it clears up your sinuses! But, seriously, don't be a wimp. Just drink it.

Hot drink

juice of one lemon
*2 T Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
5 T honey
1/2 cup water
2 sprinkles Cayene Pepper

mix the above ingredients over the stove top until steamy. Sip.

Cold drink (not near as strong, thus you can sip it throughout the day)

juice of one lemon
*2 T Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar
2 T honey
1, 1/2 cups cold water

*don't buy the generic brand. Get the good stuff by Heinz.

Fall Fettuccini

2010-10-28T13:50:00.000-07:00

I was sick of cooked eggs and toast for lunch. Eggs and toast have been the lunch menu for the last week. Today was the first snow in the valley. I celebrated by using the zucchini on my counter. Hope you enjoy!

In a pot cook according to directions:

speghetti (make a circle by touching your thumb to your pointer finger. enough to fit in this circle)

In second pot heat on medium melt:

1 stick butter (real butter!)

Now add to the hot butter:
1 medium zucchini (you know, the one that's been on your counter for weeks)

Cook the zucchini for 2 minutes and then add:

1 package cream cheese
1/2 cup milk

Be patient while you stir this around. You will think the cream cheese will never melt down. It will look lumpy for a while. Just keep gently stirring.

Now add:

3/4 cup parmesan cheese

Stir in your drained speghetti noodles. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pancakes

2010-10-25T20:06:00.000-07:00

These are wonderful for this time of year! Here's a tip for making these. They need a bit longer to cook than a normal pancake. Set your heat a tad lower than you normally do and cook them a minute or two longer on each side. I have tried these with Apple Cider Syrup and didn't think they were that great. Maybe I need to do some tweaking. But these were great served with homemade buttermilk syrup! Click here!

Mix:

1, 1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup pumpkin from the can
2 eggs
2 T oil
2 T vinegar (yes really)

Now add and mix quickly:

2 cups flour (I use 1, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup wheat, 1/4 cup oat flour)
3 T brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp salt

Ruby's Chicken Noodle Soup

2010-10-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

Remember the chicken I talked about here? And the noodles I talked about here? Combine them into a real savory soup!

In a large pot throw in:

2 T butter
1/2 cup onion (1/2 onion)
1, 1/4 cup carrots (2-3 carrots)
1/2 cup celery (3 stalks)

Let this cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.

Then add:

8 cups chicken broth
3 bay leaves
1 tsp Basil
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Let this simmer for 20 minutes.

Now add:

3 cups chicken, cooked and cut up

Let this simmer for 5 minutes

Now add noodles from one recipe. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Homemade Noodles

2010-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

I grew up eating Mom's homemade noodles. Is chicken noodle soup real if it isn't made with homemade noodles? Nope. Not in my book.

The problem is when I ask Mom how to make noodles she says, "you can make them with eggs, but you don't have to." or "You can roll them thin but you don't have to." So I'll ask, "How do you make them?" And Mom will say, "Oh, it just depends on how much time I have and when I'm serving dinner." ....not too helpful. right?

Here is a recipe that turned out just like Mom's. I began making these at 2 in the afternoon. I let them sit on the counter until 5:00 pm. You could make them first thing in the morning and let them sit on the counter all day. You could also make them up an hour before dinner... great, now I'm sounding just like Mom!

In your mixer mix:

3 eggs
1 T milk
1/4 tsp salt
pinch of pepper

Now add and mix:

1 cup flour

Now dump the sticky mixture on a well floured counter (about 1 more cup of flour). Knead until no longer sticky.

Roll the dough out until it is 1/8" thick. Take a sharp knife and cut noodle strips. The strips should be 4 inches long and less than 1/2" wide.

Let the noodles sit on counter for a few hours or all day. Then boil for 3 minutes.

I'll post my chicken noodle soup recipe soon!

Roasted Lemon Pepper Chicken

2010-10-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

Roasted chicken is something I love but have never been able to do very well. I always guess if the chicken is done and always under cook or over cook. I finally shelled out the $4 it cost for a meat thermometer and I don't think I can ever go back to cooking regular chicken breast without being disappointed. Hmmm, another challenge. I placed the chicken on the top rack and the baked buttered carrots on the bottom rack.

Here is the chicken I bought. It was about 6 lbs. I rinsed it in the sink and then dried it with a paper towel. No guts or gizzards. Pretty clean. Then I slathered the chicken with cool butter -about 6 Tbl. Don't use oil. Why? Have you ever seen Julie and Julia?? Butter is better! I used my hands and got up under the skin.

Then I drenched the chicken in McCormicks Lemon Pepper.

Then, using regular string from my sewing kit, I wrapped the birds legs. Fold the wings under the bird. Really put some muscle into it and you can get them to fold.

Place in roasting pan breast side up!

Place pan in the oven at 375 for about 90 minutes. Baste the bird about 3 times throughout the 90 minutes. The first basting the bird didn't have any juices so I used chicken broth. I actually basted this one every 20 minutes. Then I ended up having to cook it for 2 hours because I kept letting the heat out.

The bird is done when the internal temp reaches 165 to 175.

Let the bird sit for 20 minutes while you make the gravy. I didn't end up with enough drippings for gravy. The problem is my roasting pan was way to large for my small bird. The drippings just evaporated.

Baked Buttered Carrots

2010-09-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Here is another recipe I tried from the Food Nanny. I adjusted the time and temperature so I could cook it in the oven with my chicken. I'll post the chicken recipe soon! These turned out so yummy!

peel about 5 carrots. Cut in half length wise and then cut in half width wise.

Place the carrots in a 9x9 baking dish. Cover the carrots with water. Cover the dish with foil.

I placed the dish on the bottom rack so the chicken could sit on the top rack. I baked it at 375 for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

When the carrots are done. Drain the water and return carrots to hot baking dish. Dab with butter, salt and pepper!

Biscuits and Gravy

2010-09-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

My friend Courtney introduced me to the cook book The Food Nanny. It is the cutest cook book! It is so much more than a recipe book. It talks about meal planning and shopping. Everything this lady talks about is more support to how I like to do things...so of course I love it!

I just tried this recipe of hers and it is gooooood!! I used the buttermilk biscuit recipe I just posted below here.

For the gravy

In a medium sauce pan brown:

8 oz maple flavor bulk sausage (I like Jimmy Dean)

In a separate sauce pan melt:

1/4 cup butter

using a whisk add:

1/3 cup flour
1 tsp salt
pepper

Mix the flour long enough that it darkens a bit. About 1-2 minutes. Then add slowly:

2 cups milk
1 cup water

Keep whisking. Don't leave the stove to do dishes or change a diaper :) Keep the whisk moving until it bubbles and thickens. Then add the drained sausage and serve over hot biscuits with fresh fruit!

Buttermilk Buiscuits

2010-09-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

These are the BEST buicuits I have ever had. They really do melt in your mouth. Do not substitute the ingredients. I found this recipe from sisterscafe.blogspot.com. I ate about 6 of these before stopping to take a breath. :-) This is the only recipe I've ever actually measured flour the way you are suppose to. You know, you spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level with a knife.

In a mixing bowl dump:

2 cups flour
2, 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Use a pastry cutter to add:

5 T cold butter

Use a fork to fluff in this mixture:

3/4 cup buttermilk
3 T honey

Place the dough on a floured counter. Roll gently into 1/2 inch thick 9 inch by 5 inch rectangle. Then fold in half to make a square. Then roll out to another 9 inch by 5 inch rectangle. Then fold in half and use your hands to gently pat into a 3/4 inch thick circle. Cut 14 buiscuits.

Bake at 400 for 12 minutes. Serve hot!!

Crispy Southwest Quesadillas with Guacamole dip

2010-08-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

Life has gotten busy now that school is in session. I thought music practice ended when I was done with school. Now that I have children in music classes I find that I log about 1 1/2 hours a day practicing along side them. I hope I can at least post one recipe a month. I'll try!

This recipe came from this website http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com/ ... I like to make quesadillas instead of wraps. I also replaced and edited a few ingredients. These are super yummy and very filling. If you want to use more legumes and less meat this is a good place to start!

The filling makes a lot! I use half for dinner and then store the other half for another dinner. You could also freeze the filling.

Cook:

1/2 cup rice (makes up 1, 1/2 cups when done)

Add to the cooked rice:

1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 can black beans, drained
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced

spread on tortilla with shredded cheddar cheese. Fold in half and grill on pancake griddle.

Guacamole

Blend:

2 avocados
1/4 cup cilantro
small tomato
1/2 tsp salt
1 lime, juiced

Chicken Salad Sandwich

2010-08-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

This is my all time favorite dinner in the hot summer months! Chicken Salad on croissants. I like to serve this with a berry smoothy and fresh strawberries on the side. I like that I can make this up the night before or the morning of. Leftovers are wonderful for lunches for the rest of the week.

In a bowl dump and mix:

4 cups cooked chicken (I use a whole rotisserie chicken from the Deli)
1 cup celery, chopped
1/3 cup yellow onion, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup mayo (I never use miracle whip)
pepper
3/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds

Peach Cobbler

2010-07-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of ways to make a peach cobbler. But this way was easy because I used the bottled peach pie filling.

Pour 2 bottles of peach pie filling in a 9x13 pan. Do not grease.

Sprinkle 2 T flour over the top of pie filling. This helps thicken the filling.

Now for the topping...

In a mixing bowl dump and mix:

2 cups flour
2 T sugar
1 T baking powder
1 tsp salt

Now using a pastry cutter, cut in:

6 T shortening

Add using a fork:

1 cup milk (I use 3 T powder milk, and 1 cup water)

Spoon large tablespoons of this batter over the top of the pie filling. Sprinkle sugar over the batter.

Place in over and bake at 375 for 45 minutes.

Bottled Peach Pie Filling

2010-07-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Melanie, this is for you. These pictures are from last year. I bottled these with Mom. It's a little early for peach season. I bottled these on September 20th. So we are still about 2 months off. I found that peach pie filling is a great way to use up your scraps after bottling regular peaches. There are also lots of peaches on the ground half rotten. We just cut off the bad parts and used the good. I'm so glad Mom and Dad have lots of peach trees!

This turned out a lot better than I expected! It was a tad bit runny coming out of the bottle. I fixed this by sprinkling 1 T flour and 1 T cornstarch over the filling before you put the top crust on.

This recipe makes 5 quarts.

19 cups diced peaches
5 cups sugar
1, 3/4 cup clear jel
3, 3/4 water
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp almond extract
1 cup lemon juice
another 1 cup lemon juice

Step 1 - Peel the peaches. (About two large stainless steel bowl fulls) Dip the fruit in boiling water for 60 seconds. Remove and place in an ice water bath. Then peel

Step 2 - Cut the peaches. I like cubed shapes for pie. Leave out the mushy brown spots. Remove pits

Step 3 - Place 19 cups cubed peaches in large oversized bowl with 1 cup lemon juice. The lemon juice is to prevent browning.

Step 4 - Combine water, sugar, Clear Jel, cinnamon, almond extract in the largest kettle you have. Stir and cook over medium high heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles. (You could also use peach juice instead of water if you like)

Step 5 - Add 1 cup lemon juice and boil the sauce 1 minute more. Stir constantly.

Step 6 - Add the drained peach slices and continue to heat the mixture for 3 minutes.

Step 7 - Fill the jars with peach filling. Leave 1/2 inch head space

Step 8 - Process the jars in a water bath for 40 minutes

Step 9 - Lift jars out of water with a jar grabber. Place gently on counter top lined with dish towels. Leave these alone and don't touch or bump for 24 hours.

Don't eat until after Thanksgiving!! That's what Mom always said :)

Honey Lime Fruit

2010-07-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

This is a summer favorite! I like to layer the fruit instead of dumping and mixing. If you dump and mix the fruit then you may end up with bruised bananas and browned kiwi. Before you layer your fruit give the sliced banans a lemon bath! Just fill a bowl with lemon juice (bottled) and then dump your bananas in gently. Scoop out with slotted spoon.

Layer:

1 banana
4 strawberries
1 kiwi
handfull of blueberries
Honey Lime Dressing

then layer 2 more times! (3 bananas altogether)

Honey Lime Dressing:

3 T honey
1 lime juiced

4th of July Pie

2010-07-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my recipe blog!! One year ago today I started out on my venture to collect a vast and varried collection of recipes. I wanted to become more comfortable in the kitchen. Since last July 3rd we have eaten speghetti once! It was delicious, too. In fact I would dare say we have eaten something new every week. This is also my 130th post! Over 130 yummy recipes!

I can't claim this idea as my own. I found this idea on ourbestbites.blogspot.com -one of my favorite cooking spots! I did add my own flare and I used my mom's pie crust recipe for this yummy treat.

Pie Crust

Mix in large bowl:

4 cups flour (I used 3 T wheat flour in the 4 cups)
pinch of salt

Using a pastry cutter mix into flour:

2 cups shortening

Using a fork fluff slowly into mixture:

1 cup ice cold water

Roll dough out and cut out circles 2 inches larger than your muffin tin circles. I used a cereal bowl to mark my circle. Then I used a butter knife to cut out circles. Shape the rims how your mama taught...or just do the best you can ;)

Fill your tins with blueberry and cherry pie filling.

Using a cookie cutter cut out stars to place on top of filling.

Using your finger dab the dough with milk.

Then sprinkle with sugar.

Bake at 375 for about 30-35 minutes. Let cool for about 5 minutes. I lifted out the pies using two butter knives resting under each individual pie rim.

Rotini Salad

2010-07-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

Simple Summer Supper

I used Berenstein's Restaurant Recipe Italian dressing and really liked it.

Boil & drain according to directions on box:

12 oz garden rotini

Add and toss:

1 large bunch fresh broccoli, cut small
16 oz bottle Italian salad dressing
14 oz jar artichoke hears, quartered and drained
2 small tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado, sliced
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled

Place in fridge for several hours.

Gallo Pinto

2010-06-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

This is a Costa Rican dish. Super easy and versatile. There are hundreds of ways to cook this. I found this one was very easy. I start the rice first so that it is ready to go. For 3 cups of rice you will use 3 cups of water and 1, 1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice. If I had celery on hand I probably would have thrown that in, too.

*What to do with the left overs? I added a large dollop of sour cream and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This filling makes great toquitos!! Place a couple tablespoons of filling on a flour tortilla and roll up tight. Place the rolled tortilla seem side down on a foil lined cookie sheet. Bake at 425 for 20 minutes. Dip in sour cream. My kids loved these!

Heat:

3 T oil

Add to hot oil and saute for 7 minutes:

1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

After 7 minutes add and mix well:

1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp ginger
2 T worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups cooked rice

Now add and mix well:

2 cans black beans, drained
hand full of cilantro, chopped fine

Sloppy Joes

2010-06-22T13:52:00.000-07:00

This meal is particularly good with a handfull of potato chips, watermelon or cantelope and grape juice!

Dump the following in large pot and brown:

1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef

1/4 cup onion, chopped fine

1/2 cup celery, chopped fine

1/2 cup green pepper, chopped fine

Once the ground beef is all cooked brown, drain. Return all the above back into the pot and add the following:

1 cup ketchup

1 cup BBQ sauce

1/4 tsp salt

6 oz can tomato paste

1 T brown sugar

1 T mustard

Simmer on low for one hour. You could also dump it into the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours. Just make sure you cook your ground beef first.

Father's Day Breakfast

2010-06-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

I have posted this recipe before. But I revamped how I serve it! This was such a delicious breakfast. I would definitely order this at a restaurant. Click here for the German pancake recipe.

Serve with fresh raspberries and blueberries. The berries taste divine with this buttermilk syrup!

Buttermilk Syrup

In medium sauce pan dump:

1 stick butter
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup sugar

Slowly bring this to a boil. Stir often.

After the syrup comes to a boil stir constantly for 2 minutes. Then remove from heat and add:

2 T pure maple syrup
1 tsp baking soda

Creamy Potato and Ham

2010-06-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

I try not to turn my oven on in the summer time. I try not to make soup either. But this turned out really yummy, so I'll make an exception!

In a large pot bring to a boil:

2 cans chicken broth

Once the broth is boiling add:

4-5 potatoes, cubed
2 celery stocks, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped (I used baby carrots)

Simmer the vegies for about 17 minutes. While this is simmering make your white roux.

In a saucepan melt:

1/2 cube butter

Once the butter begins bubbling add:

1/4 cup chopped white onion

Let the onion cook for about 7 minutes. Then add and whisk:

3 T flour
1/4 tsp salt

Once the flour is worked in add slowly:

2-3 cups milk
Whisk the milk until the roux begin bubbling. Then continue to whisk for another 2-3 minutes. Yes, your arm may get tired. But it is worth it :)

Once the roux is done slowly add it to your pot with the cooked vegetables. Do not drain the chicken broth. Just add the milky roux to the brothy vegies. Give a couple stirs with your wooden spoon.

add:

2 cups chopped ham

Macaroni Ham Salad

2010-06-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Summer time is here and that means I am getting burned out in the kitchen. I like this easy supper. I can whip it up in the morning and there is no cooking involved. I used some left over chopped ham from Easter that I had in the freezer. I had just made this salad when I took the picture so the peas are still frozen. When you make it up and let it sit for about 10 minutes the peas will defrost.

Cook and then drain:

1 cup dry macaroni

Dump the macaroni in a mixing bowl and add:

3/4 cup cheddar, cubed
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 T green onion
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup pickles, chopped fine
2 T milk
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chopped ham

Easy Easy Easy!

Shredded Beef Navajo Taco

2010-05-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Cook and shred one beef chuck roast. I like to cook mine for about 7 hours at 280 in a stainless steel pot with a tight stainless steel lid.

Add to the shredded beef:

1 can green chilis
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup salsa
1 T chili powder
2 T brown sugar

Serve on scone with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Cilantro Lime Dressing

Cilantro Lime Dressing:

In a blender blend:

1 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup cilantro
1 sprig green onion
1 lime juiced
1/4 cup salsa
salt and pepper

For the scones I use my mom's bread recipe. Click here. I take the dough and cut a small portion and form a flat round in my hand. Then fry the dough for a couple minutes on each side. Allow the dough to cool on a paper towel.

Cashew Chicken

2010-05-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

In a large bowl mix:

2 T cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp worch...sauce

Now dump into the bowl:

2 very large chicken breast halves or 3 smaller ones, sliced into small thin strips

Now using tongs pick up the chicken pieces and fry them in a dutch oven style pan. I used 3 T butter. You may need to add more butter with each batch of chicken.

Once you have cooked up all the chicken and removed the pieces onto a clean plate you will have a bit of left over chicken sauce in the bowl. add to this:

2 T cornstarch
2 cups hot chicken broth

Add this to the dutch oven and bring to a boil. Stir constantly until thick. Add chicken back and:

1 cup cashews

serve over hot rice

Pound Cake

2010-05-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

I will always choose pound cake over angel food cake. It is a personal preference. I have been on a berry high lately. I promise I'll come up with something that involves something other than berries.

In your mixer mix on high for 2 minutes:

1 cup butter
2, 1/2 cups sugar

Now add one at a time:

6 eggs

In a medium bowl whisk by hand:

3 cups flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

In a small bowl mix:

1 cup sour cream or vanilla yogurt
2 tsp vanilla or lemon extract

Now add half the flour mixture to the mixer. Then add half the sour cream mixture to the mixer. Then the last half of the flour mixture and then the last of the sour cream mixture. Mix well after addition.

Pour the batter into a well greased and floured bundt pan.

Bake at 325 for 60 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes on the counter. Then remove from pan. Serve with strawberries and hand-whipped whipping cream.

Blueberry Syrup

2010-04-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

I had an almost empty bag of frozen blueberries in my freezer. I decided to throw them in my sauce pan and I came up with a wonderful blueberry syrup. My favorite so far! I am loving pancakes and syrup right now.

In a saucepan dump:

2 cups frozen blueberries
1/2 cup sugar

Stir and turn heat to medium. Stir occasionally while you make your pancake batter. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes.

Stir in:

1 T lemon juice

English Muffin Breakfast

2010-04-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

This is more of an idea than a recipe. If you are still eating left over ham from Easter like I am, then you will appreciate the idea.

I pulled out my griddle and cooked an egg well-done while the english muffin sat next to the eggs on the buttered grill. Put a slice of cheese on the cooking egg to melt.I like using Wonder Bread brand of muffins. The no name brands were too dry. Lay your sliced ham on the grill for a second to heat up.

Put together your sandwich and enjoy!

Whole Wheat Muffins

2010-04-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe from the sisterscafe blog. Of course. I get most of my muffin recipes from them. This muffin is so sweet it tastes like dessert. My children loved them!

This is also a good substitute for rolls if you don't have time for a yeast rising bread.

In mixing bowl combine:

1/2 cup oil
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup milk
1 cup brown sugar

add:

2 cups whole wheat flour (fresh ground)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

I like to use cupcake wrappers but you could just grease your cupcake tin.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Manicotti

2010-04-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

This is a great meal if you are having guests come over. You can put it all together the day before. In fact, I think it is better to let the flavors meld in the fridge for a day prior to cooking. It is also a filling meal if you are serving vegetarians.

First off, you can cook this using lasagna noodles like in the picture, or you can use large shells. I like both. For the lasagna noodle I used the Barilla pre-cooked noodles. I placed an inch of boiling water in a 9x13 baking dish and then placed the noodles in the water for 5 minutes. Then carefully use a knife and separate the noodles and lay noodles on towels. Then you can procede to fill the noodles. Just butter a couple Tablespoons of the filling onto the noodle and then roll up.

Filling:

Mix in bowl:

15 oz whole milk ricotta
2 eggs
1 tsp parsley
1/2 cup parmesan
1/2 cup mozzerella
1/4 tsp salt

Use a jar of your favorite pasta sauce (or homemade). Dump about 1 cup sauce in the bottom of a clean, greased, 9x13 pan. Place your rolled noodles, seam side down, or pasta shells, into the pan. Cover with remaining pasta sauce.

At this point you can cook the dish or cover and place in the fridge for a day.

Bake covered at 350 for 45 minutes. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Clover Rolls

2010-04-04T12:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! This roll idea is a fun change from the round roll I usually do. Just make three balls out of the dough and place inside a greased muffin tin. Let them raise for an hour and then bake at 375 for about 15 minutes. Brush with butter while hot. You will want to remove from muffin tins as soon as they come out of the oven so they don't get soggy from sweating.

I use my Mom's bread recipe. I love it for everything. Click here for the recipe!

Pancakes- Strawberry Shortcake Style

2010-03-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Breakfast just doesn't get much better than this! I have gone through 4 pints of strawberries in the last few days because I can't keep my hands off of these. I don't suggest using cool whip. It just doesn't taste as good as whipping cream. And I don't suggest using whipping cream from the can. Nothing can immitate the taste of old fashioned whipped cream. I would suggest that you first start with your strawberries. It takes several minutes for the sugar to work up a syrup. They can rest while you make your pancakes and whipping cream. I used my buttermilk pancake recipe for these, but you could use your favorite pancake or waffle recipe.

Strawberries and syrup

Simple. Mix the following and let sit for about 15 minutes:

1 pint strawberries, diced small
1/2 cup sugar

Whipping Cream:

Most people know how. But just in case.

Mix the following for about 4 minutes on high. Don't over mix or you'll get butter.

1 pint heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar

Butter milk Pancakes:

Mix:

2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs
2 T oil

Add:

2 cups flour ( I used 1/2 cup wheat, 1/2 cup oat flour)
2 T sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

Classic Chocolate Cake

2010-03-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

This is a yummy from scratch recipe. Don't laugh, but I love to put a big piece of cake in a bowl and pour milk all over it and eat it up with a spoon. Mmmm. I like to make this in two 9 in round pans. I have also made this in a 9x13 pan. I like the round pans better because there is less crusty over-cooked edges that you get with the big pan.

In your mixer mix for 2 minutes:

1 cup butter
2 cups sugar

Add one at a time:

4 eggs

Add and blend until creamy:

1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk (I used 1/2 cup water and 3 T powder milk)
2 tsp vanilla

In a medium bowl sift:

2, 1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Dump the flour mixture into your wet mixture. Blend until creamy. Grease and flour your round 9 inch pans. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes

Let the cakes sit in the pans for about 20 minutes, then remove and let cool on the counter. Frost when cooled.

Frosting:

Beat:
1 stick butter
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
about 3 cups powdered sugar
about 4 T milk (more or less)

Bran Muffins

2010-03-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

These bran muffins are a yummy idea for breakfast or after school snack. My children love these. Just limit their plates to one or two ;) I found this recipe from sisterscafe.blogspot.com. They have some of the yummiest recipes for muffins. Dont' worry if your box of cereal isn't exactly 17 oz. Some may be 15 oz or 18 oz. I just eye-balled half of the package and it was fine. I also just bought the no-name brand.

In a bowl dump and mix:

2 c. white all-purpose flour
1/2 c. wheat flour
2 , 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
half of 17-oz box bran flakes cereal
1, 1/4 c. sugar

Mix in another bowl and then add to the dry ingredients:

2 eggs
1/4 c. oil
1/4 c. mashed banana (about 1 banana)
2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla

Bake at 375° for 10-15 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.

Baked French Fries

2010-03-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

I have fallen in love with the potato all over again...so have my kids.

8 potatoes, cut into fries. Don't peel. I used red potatoes, but you could use russet

In a small bowl mix:

4 T olive oil
2 tsp salt
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp pepper

Pour the flavored oil over the potatoes and mix well. I use a large gallon ziploc bag. Lay potato slices in a single layer on greased cookie sheet.

Bake uncovered at 450 for 30 minutes.

Dip in your favorite dipping sauce.

Toquitos

2010-03-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

This is a good meal if you are cooking for a vegetarian. It's a good way to use up your beans. If you have a little left over rice you could also throw that into this mix. The toquitos are a lot better than they look in the picture. Super crunchy on the outside and creamy mexican taste on the inside. You could also substitute left over chicken for the black beans.

Mix in bowl:

1/3 cup cream cheese (3 oz)
1/4 cup green salsa
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 garlic, pressed
3 T chopped cilantro
2 T green onions
2 cups black beans or red beans
1 cup cheddar cheese

Spread about 3 T of filling onto a flour tortilla. Roll the tortilla up tight and place seam side down on a greased cookie sheet. I got about 11 tortillas filled.

Bake at 425 for 20 minutes uncovered.

Dip in sour cream!

Breakfast Fruit

2010-03-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

This is more of an idea than a recipe. I say the more ideas you have the more you can make something out of nothing. The idea is it's better to know how to do a hundred things with potatoes than just three things. If you are versatile, then any time you have a potato in the kitchen you've got yourself a home cooked dinner. Grocery money has been slim this week since I cheated and bought a few things using my food budget. I found an apple and some kiwis in the back of the fridge. Here was breakfast.

Chop finely:

1 apple
2 kiwis

In a small bowl mix:

1 T lemon juice
2 T honey

Pour lemon mix over fruit. Enjoy!

Chicken Strips

2010-03-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

This is an easy last minute dinner idea. My husband loves to dip these chicken strips in BBQ sauce. I like the honey mustard sauce. Cook up a big batch and then put the left overs in an airtight container. You will find that the left overs aren't good for dipping any more. The corn flakes get really soggy. But I found that if you cut up the left overs into small cubes they are excellent in my chicken pot pie. The soggy flakes actually help to thicken the sauce while cooking. By the time the pot pie is done cooking there is no trace of flakes left. Super yummy! Here is the link for my pot pie.

2 chicken breasts, cut into 6-8 short strips a piece. About 15 strips altogether

coat the chicken breasts in:

1/2 cup buttermilk

In a plastic bag or bowl dump:

2 c cornflakes
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Cover the buttermilk-soaked chicken in cornflake mix. Lay the chicken strips on a greased cookie sheet. I like to line mine with tin foil first. I like to take a few handfulls of cornflakes and make sure the chicken is really covered in flakes. Press the flakes down into the chicken.

Bake uncovered at 400 for 20 minutes

Serve with BBQ sauce or Honey mustard dip.
Honey mustard dip:

1/2 cup mayo
4 tsp Dijon mustard
2 T honey

Spinach Quiche

2010-03-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

This makes a wonderful breakfast for special occassions. It also makes a special dinner. I absolutely love it. My tip is to use real mozzarella. Don't use the pre-shredded. The pre-shredded cheese has a somewhat waxy coating. I like to buy a real quality ball of mozzarella and shred it by hand. I also use baby spinach. I'll cut off the little stems and then using a big bucher knife slice a big pile of spinach into strips. This is a good recipe to use up left over Easter Ham. I also like using my own pie crust recipe. You could use a store boughten recipe if you want to cut on time (and taste). One more tip, don't think you have to pour the entire mixture into the pie shell. You want it to be full but not so full you can't manage to put the pie into the oven whithout spilling.

In a saute pan cook for about 5 minutes:

1/2 cup onion
3 T butter

In a large bowl whisk:

8 eggs

Add to the eggs:

1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp salt
3 cups chopped spinach
1 cup mozzarella
1, 1/2 cup chopped ham

Add your sauteed onions.

Now pour the mixture into a cooked pastry shell. Carefully place the uncooked quiche into the hot oven. Bake at 325 for 65-75 minutes. Check for doneness with a knife. Let sit at room temp for 10 minutes to set. The quiche should have a rounded puffy shape to the top.

Ravioli

2010-03-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

This was a bit spicy for my kids, but I liked it! This is where Italian meets Mexican. Be sure and use a large enough pot for the ravioli. I forgot that it would double and tripple in size and I ended up with a mess on my stove. Next time I will use a 5 quart pot.

Use a very large pot to boil:

20 oz package ravioli (follow package instructions)

In a medium pot heat on low while the ravioli is cooking:

1 cup salsa
1, 1/2 cup enchilada sauce

Add the drained ravioli to the sauce.

Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and sour cream.

Just noticed I water marked my picture with the wrong logo...oh well.

Baked Potato Chips

2010-03-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

I wish I would have had this recipe when I was pregnant with Jewels. I craved potatoes constantly and would stand over the stove cooking them for 40 minutes. It never occured to me to just slice the potato and throw them in the oven. These potato chips are crunchy on the outside skin and soft in the middle. I absolutely love them! My kids can't get enough. I served these with flower-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. ...and yes I labeled this post "vegie".

Clean 3 russet potatoes and slice 1/4 inch thick. I used a crinkle cutter, but you could use a knife.

In a plastic bag (or just mix in a bowl) dump:

3 T melted butter
1/4 tsp salt

Toss the sliced potatoes in the butter salt mixture.

Lay the potato slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet (I line mine with tin foil...does anyone call it "tin" anymore?)

Bake uncovered at 450 for 20-25 minutes

Snack Mix

2010-02-27T20:21:00.000-08:00

I am good with dinners. I am good with desserts. I am so so with lunches. I am terrible with snacks. My kids always tell me there is nothing to eat. I don't buy chips or cheesey crackers or any cracker for that matter, unless it belongs on top of a casserole. I decided to make up a snack mix and keep it in a plastic air-tight container for easy grabbing. The kids and I both love this snack and it is really quite filling! I love the texture. It has a good combination of crunchy and chewey, sweet and salty!

In a large bowl pour about the same measurements:

Corn Chex cereal
mini pretzels
raisins
chocolate chips or M&Ms

I like to just eye ball the measurements and toss gently with my fingers. You want to handle gently so you don't end up with broken crumbs on the bottom.

Wild Strawberry Frosing

2010-02-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

Trish and Courtney, this one's for you! Thanks to Courtney for finding the recipe. She found it at tongue n cheeky blogspot. I found this to be a great recipe! It doesn't taste like strawberry flavored. It tastes like strawberries! I have never actually tasted real strawberry dessert anything until this. I don't think I can buy strawberry flavored frosting after having tried this. I would recommend frosting your cake or cupcakes right before serving, or keeping them really cool overnight. They tend to melt out in the heat.

In a mixing bowl dump and mix:

3/4 cup strawberries, hand crushed (about 7 medium strawberries)
1/2 cup butter, room temp
1 tsp vanilla
2 lbs powdered sugar

Ham and Bean Soup

2010-02-18T10:39:00.000-08:00

Soak in a large pot overnight:

2 cups dry Navy beans
2 quarts water

2, 1/2 hours to 3 hours prior to serving dinner drain the water and add to the beans in the pot:

2 quarts fresh water
1 hamhock or neckbone (just for flavor)
2 cups chopped ham

Bring the water to a boil and then simmer for one hour. If you stir too often you will end up with mushy beans ;)

After the one hour I like to take the hamhock or neck bone out. Add:

1/4 cup onion
1/4 cup carrots, chopped
1/4 cup celery, chopped
1 tsp salt
2 T butter

let this simmer for another hour.

Add:

1 cup milk

Let the milky soup simmer for about 5 more minutes and then turn the heat to lowest setting until you are ready to serve.

This soup is better the second day. I like to serve this with wheat bread or rolls. With the protein in the wheat and the bean you get a complete protein.

Also, my Dad gave me a tip once and I really like it! Try serving the soup with just a small spoonfull of Horseradish. It gives it a kick!

Chewey Granola Bar

2010-02-16T14:14:00.000-08:00

These are my new favorite granola bars! They are chewey and soft and hold their shape really well. I was a little skeptical if they would ever firm up. When you take them out of the oven they are really soft. I waited 2 hours and they felt like they would be too flimsy and sticky to handle. But I let them completely cool for about 5 hours and they were great! I would suggest that you score or cut the granola bars after they have cooled for 2 hours and then just leave them to finish cooling in the 9x13.

In a large mixing bowl combine:

2 cups oats (I used old-fashioned)
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup wheat germ (found by the syrup)
1/2 cup cranberries
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup dry dates (found by raisins)

In a microwave safe bowl combine:

2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 T butter
1, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Microwave the honey mixture on high for one minute. Mix with a spoon. Then microwave for another minute. Mix again and poor over the dry oat mixture. Mix with two large wooden spoons. The chocolate chips will melt slightly. That's ok.

Dump the mixture into a greased 9x13 pan. Press down and even out the best you can. Bake at 300 for 30 minutes.

Try making this at night and let cool over night. Cut and serve in the morning with juice or milk!

Applesauce Cookies

2010-02-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

I remember making these cookies as a little girl. The recipe came from my Aunt Merlene. I think she uses shortening. I didn't have any so I used butter. You could use either!

In you mixing bowl mix until creamy:

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar

add and mix:

1 egg

add and mix:

1 cup apple sauce

add and mix:

2, 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg

optional add and mix:

1, 1/2 cups chocolate chips or raisins

Drop by the spoon full and bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes. I like to let my cookies finish baking on the hot cookie sheets.

Valentine Doodles

2010-02-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

These cookies are a fun twist to the snicker doodle with sugar and cinnamon.

In your mixer, mix for 1 minute:

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup shortening
1, 1/2 cup sugar

add:

2 eggs

add and mix quickly:

2, 3/4 cup flour
2 tsp cream of tarter
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

make balls out of the dough and dip in red sprinkles or a mix of 2 T sugar 1 T cinnamon. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes

Carrot Cupcakes

2010-02-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

This cupcake recipe was adapted from the carrot cake recipe I posted earlier. I added some oat flour to add some more nutrition. They turned out really yummy!

mix the following:

3 eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup oil
1, 1/2 cup sugar
2 t vanilla

then add the following:

2 t cinnamon
1/8 t nutmeg
1/4 t salt
2 cups flour (1/4 cup of this is oat flour)
2 t baking soda

then add the following:

2 1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 cup coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
8 oz crush pineapple with juice

bake at 350 in a greased and floured pan for 45 minutes.

Cream Cheese Frosting

cream:
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup butter

add:

1 tsp orange extract
2 cups powder sugar

Fill muffin sleeves two thirds full. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes. Test by pressing your finger on the muffin top. You want it to bounch back.

Lemon Ricotta Muffins

2010-02-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

Here is another muffin recipe I enjoyed from the sisterscafe blog. This would be a fun alternative to a roll -especially in the summer time. This muffin has a sunny and refreshing flavor! I made these two days in a row because I couldn't get enough of them. The trick is to make sure they are cooked well enough so they don't fall. But you don't want to over cook them. I found that if you press on the muffin top and it jiggles then they aren't done. If you press on the top and it bounces back then they are just right.

In a mixing bowl mix:

1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, very very soft
1 T. finely grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
1 c. whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 T. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp almond extract (do not use vanilla!)

Then add and mix:

2 c. flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Spoon batter into muffin tins until 3/4 full. Sprinkle tops with sugar and sliced almonds.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes

Little Red Riding Hood's Blueberry Muffins

2010-01-30T18:19:00.000-08:00

This recipe came from the sisterscafe blog. I love this site! I have a few more recipes from them that I will post in the futur. I have been on a muffin kick and found these muffins to be very cake-like. Moist and thick. The batter is super thick. It feels like cookie dough. This is the only muffin batter that I've tried that doesn't require milk. I should try it sometime with milk and see what happens. These muffins were gone in one sitting. I think I ate 5 and the kids each had 3.

In a large mixing bowl add and mix:

2 eggs
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract

In another bowl mix:

1 cup fresh ground wheat
1 cup white flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix.

Now add:

1, 1/2 to 2 cups frozen blueberries (or fresh)
1/4 cup sunflower kernals (do not leave this out)

I used muffin liners in my tins. Faster and easier clean up. Fill the tins 3/4 full and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Gingerbread Scones

2010-01-27T11:49:00.000-08:00

For those of you who follow me on my home blog, you may have already seen this recipe. I found it years ago in a Better Homes and Gardens magazine. I make these every December. They are yummy for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

In a large mixing bowl combine:

2 cups flour
3 T brown sugar
2 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Add and cut into flour mix using a pastry cutter:

1/4 cup cold butter

Mix in a small bowl:

1 egg yolk
1/3 cup molasses or honey (I've tried both. Honey gives a lighter taste. Molasses gives a stronger flavor)
1/4 cup milk (1 cup water, 3 T powder milk)

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Combine with a fork. The mixture may seem dry. Knead on floured counter about 5 times. Pat into a 7 inch circle. Cut 8 wedges. Arrange on ungreased sheet 1 inch apart. Bake at 400 for 12-15 minutes.

Serve with whipping cream:

1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla

beat the above for about 4 minutes on high

Dinner Biscuit

2010-01-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

This is a great recipe for nights you don't have time for dinner rolls. Or when you just found out you are having company. Bring out a couple of cans of soup and add these homemade biscuits for a warm dinner.

Combine in a large bowl:

2 cups flour

1 cup wheat

4, 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 T sugar

3/4 tsp cream of tarter

Add and cut into flour using pastry cutter:

3/4 cup cold butter (Cut until it looks like cornmeal)

Add and stir briefly:

1 egg

1 cup milk (I use 1 cup water, 3 T powder milk)

Knead the crumbly dough on floured counter quickly (you don't want to warm it with your hands). Pat the dough into a 1 inch thick slab. You can then cut the slab into squares (like you would brownies). Or you can use a buiscut cutter. I just cut squares with a knife and place on a buttered cookie sheet. Bake at 450 for 12-15 minutes.

Serve with butter and jam.

Almond Granola

2010-01-23T19:27:00.000-08:00

This recipe comes from Alton Brown on Good Eats. I told my husband that I tried a new granola recipe. To which he replied, "isn't granola just granola?" Then I gave him a bowl of this wonderful mix with some milk. He then said, "You're right. This granola IS the best I've ever eaten." Trust me. If you stick to the recipe then this will turn out better than any store boughten granola.

Also, if you don't usually keep maple syrup on hand, or almonds, then you might think this is a really expensive recipe. I like to buy maple syrup and almonds at Sam's Club. Pound for pound this recipe is cheaper than store bought granola. Plus it is healthier! We eat granola at least 3 times a week for breakfast and even more often for snacks.

One more thing about this recipe. I tried doubling the recipe (using 6 cups oats) and I found that it worked great except I had to add an extra 20 minutes to the cooking time in order to get the right texture.

In a very large mixing bowl dump and mix with 2 wood spoons:

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup cashews
3/4 cup coconut
1/4 cup plus 2 T brown sugar

In a small bowl add and mix:

1/4 cup plus 2 T pure maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 tsp salt

Pour the wet mixture over the oat mixture. Toss with the two large wooden spoons until all oats are wet. Spread the mixture evenly onto two rimmed cookie sheets. Bake at 250 for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Take the sheets out every 20 minutes and stir with wooden spoon and then return to hot oven.

Serve with dried fruit. I used dry blueberries.

20 minute Creamy Potato Soup

2010-01-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

This is a quick fix for dinner!

Bring to a boil:

4 cups chicken broth

While this is coming to a boil cut your vegies:

4 potatoes (don't have to peel if you don't want to)
1 large carrot (don't have to peel if you don't want to)
1 celery stick
1/2 onion

Throw your vegies into the boiling broth. Lower the heat to a rapid simmer.

Add:

1 tsp seasoned salt (SeasonAll)

Stir occasionally. Simmer for 15 minutes

Add:

1 cup heavy cream

Simmer 5 more minutes, stirring frequently

Multi-Grain Breakfast Cookie

2010-01-20T19:04:00.000-08:00

This cookie has it all - looks, taste, energy, chocolate, coconut... I did notice that the cookie begins to go stale after the second day. This is a good snack to eat after school or send with your child as they are getting on the school bus. If you are like my family, you eat breakfast at 7:00 and by the time school starts at 9:00 you are already hungry again! Enjoy another Ruby original!

Mix for 2 minutes, scraping the edges:

1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter

Add and mix for 1 minute after each:

2 eggs
1 tsp almond extract

Add and mix fast until combined:

1/2 cup oat flour
1/2 cup wheat flour
2 cups white flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Add and mix:

1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Bake at 375 for 10 minutes

Steak and Potatoes

2010-01-07T19:49:00.000-08:00

After watching the movie, Julie and Julia, I was inspired to put on my pearls and cook a Julia Child recipe. I have never used wine before, but I ventured out of my comfort zone and found this recipe to be simple and delicious. The red wine I found at Walmart for $2 next to the vinegar. High quality stuff right? I have to admit I've never cooked with shallots either. I found them on a rack by the produce. It came in a little net bag. It looks like garlic, but when you cut it, it looks and smells like a sweet green onion. My new favorite cooking ingredient! The picture doesn't capture how moist the steaks were. I used New York Steaks.

Set your saute pan to high heat and add:

1 T butter

After the butter is done foaming quickly add your steaks:

4 -5 oz steaks, cut 1/2 inch thick (I cooked 2 at a time)

Let the steaks cook for about 3 minutes. Salt and pepper and then flip. Allow to cook about 2 more minutes. Place steaks on a plate and sit in the microwave.

Drain all but 2 T of fat off the pan. Now add:

1 T minced shallot
1 clove garlic, minced

After those cook for about 60 seconds add:

2/3 cup red wine
1/3 cup beef broth

Let this simmer rapidly for about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and add:

2 T butter

Serve the steaks with a spoonful of sauce on top and buttered new potatoes. Tastes just as good as anything you will buy at a steak house. Yum!

German Almond Pastry

2010-01-06T13:21:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful treat to make for friends and family. I made this on Christmas Eve and enjoyed it Christmas morning. You can get away with making it the night before, but for some reason this tends to go stale quickly. This is a sweet pastry and is super moist the first 2 days. I like warming my portion of pastry in the microwave before enjoying with a glass of milk. I have also learned from mistake to check your almonds first. They can go rancid. When you add heat to rancid almonds they are really really awful!

In stainless steel bowl or in your mixer mix:

2 cups white flour
1 T yeast

In a glass pyrex or liquid measure cup dump in this order and then microwave for about a minute. You want the butter to be almost melted, but not scorching hot:

1 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
1/2 tsp salt

Now add this to the flour and mix until incorporated. Now add and mix until incorporated:

2 eggs

Now add and mix for 2 minutes:

2 cups white flour

Allow the dough to rise for an hour. Punch down. Let rise 10 more minutes.

On a floured counter top roll the dough out into a rectangle measuring about 15 inches by 10 inches. Then spread the filling on.

For the filling dump in a food processor blend:

1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 T butter, room temp
1/3 cup sugar

Now roll up the rectangle into one long 15 inch log.

Turn the log into a circle wreath. Pinch closed.

Using kitchen scissors (or your children's school scissors hehe) make incisions around the outside of the wreath. The cuts should be about 2 inches apart and go through half of the wreath. Don't cut all the way through.
Let the cut wreath rise for an hour. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. When it comes out drizzle with icing and sliced or ground up almonds.

Icing:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 T milk

Banana Cream Pie with Toasted Walnut Crumb Crust

2010-01-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

I didn't grow up on banana cream pie. I was put in charge of doing Thanksgiving several years ago by some of my neighbors. We were all in grad school and didn't have our mothers there to cook for us. I told my girl friends that I would do the pies. One of my cute friends said that Thanksgiving just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a Banana Cream Pie. I promised her I would make a good one. Here is THE BEST banana cream pie recipe!

Walnut/Graham Cracker Crust:

In a food processor grind up:

1 package graham crackers (10 large rectangles)
1/4 cup walnuts

(Save 1 TBL of this mixture for garnish)

Add to the mixture and pulse until crumbly:

6 T cold butter

Press into pie plate. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Filling:

In a cold sauce pan mix with a whisk:

3 T cornstarch
1, 2/3 cup cold water

Now whisk in:

14 oz can sweet and condensed milk
3 egg yolks

Now turn the burner on medium to low heat and whisk slowly and constantly. After about 10 minutes the mixture will begin to bubble. Keep stirring while it bubbles for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Now add to the hot mixture:

2 T butter
1 tsp vanilla

Allow pudding mixture to cool to room temperature.

To put your pie together make sure the crust and the filling is at room temperature. Slice 1-2 bananas and soak in lemon juice for a minute. This makes the bananas keep their color. Layer 2 layers of sliced bananas on the bottom of pie crust. Now layer pudding on top. Garnish the top of the pie with REAL Whipped Cream and graham/walnut crumbs. Do not destroy the pie by using Cool Whip. There is a huge difference! I piped the cream through a sandwich baggie with a hole cut out of a corner.

For whipped Cream:

Blend fast for about 4 minutes:

1 small carton heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar

If you under beat the cream will be runny. If you over beat then you get curds of butter. You will have to buy a new carton of cream and start over.

Place finished pie in fridge for 6 hours. Lightly cover with suran wrap.

Breakfast Ham Bake

2010-01-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

This dish is wonderful for serving guests. Make it up the night before and throw it in the oven in the morning. I have tried several different Breakfast bakes before deciding on what I liked best. Some have sausage. Some have mushrooms. Some have more prep work than others. I took what I liked from several recipes and came up with this one. Enjoy!

In a very large mixing bowl dump and mix:

1 package hash browns, frozen
1/4 cup green onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, green or red (or both!)
*1-2 cups chopped ham (I just used the leftovers I had)
1, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese

In another bowl whisk until smooth:

12 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Dump the hash brown mixture in a greased 9 X 13 baking dish or deep oven proof dutch oven. Then Pour the egg mixture on top as evenly as you can eye ball it. Top with grated cheese and chopped green onion. Cover. Place in fridge. In the morning bake at 350 uncovered for 60 minutes.

*The better quality ham you use, the better the dish will be. Your dish is only as good as the ingredients you use. I like leftover ham from a bone-in spiral ham.

Seven Layer Bean Dip

2009-12-31T10:26:00.000-08:00

In a 13x9 baking dish layer:

16 oz can refried beans

3 Hass avocados, pureed in
3 T lemon juice

2 cups sour cream mixed in
1 envelope taco season

small can sliced olives, drained

2 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

2 cups cheddar cheese

green onion, as much or little as you like

Bake covered at 350 for 30 minutes, uncover for 5 more minutes. Serve with tortilla chips

Pomegranate Acini de Pepe Salad

2009-12-29T13:18:00.000-08:00

This recipe is so versatile for any occasion. During the holidays I like to use just pomegranates. During the summer you can add coconut and marshmallows or canned pineapple, grapes, or even bananas

In a sauce pan over a cold stove mix:

1/2 cup sugar
1 TBL flour
1/4 tsp salt

Now add to the sugar mixture, using a whisk:

1 cup pineapple juice (drain from the can)
1 egg

Now turn on the heat to medium low. Stir constantly with your whisk. Heat slowly, otherwise your egg is going to scramble. After about 10 minutes your sauce should start bubbling. Allow it to bubble for a minute.

Now remove your sauce pan and add:

2 tsp lemon juice

Let the sauce cool while you prepare your other half of the salad.

In a pot of boiling salted water add:

1, 1/3 cup acini de pepe (good luck finding this. I buy 15 boxes every time I find it)

Cook the acini de pepe according to the box. About 10 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water. Now add the drained acini de pepe to the cooled sauce.

Add to the acini de pepe/sauce:

8 oz crushed pineapple, drained (you use this in the above sauce)

Put salad in fridge in airtight container overnight. The next day add:

pomegranate seeds
1 container coolwhip

Oreo Truffles

2009-12-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

I am well aware that everyone has this recipe. But I thought I would share it anyways.

In a food processor blend:

5 oreo cookies, (reserve this in a small cup)

In a food processor blend:

The remaining package of oreo cookies

Now add to the cookie crumbs and blend:

1 (8oz.) package of cream cheese

Make small balls out of this black goop. I like to use a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper to hold all 55 balls this will make. Dip each ball in melted chocolate. You can use white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips. Try mint chips! Sprinkle the reserved cookie crumbs on top of each truffle.

Stove Top Enchiladas

2009-12-17T20:36:00.000-08:00

I'll give you a break from all the sweets and offer something savory! This is a super easy meal. Especially if you are using left over chicken. In my case I just took out of the freezer a zip lock bag with pre-cooked chicken. You can also substitute chicken for pulled pork or ground beef or even left over pot roast, cut up real fine.

In a large saute pan or dutch oven style pot, dump:

2 cups shredded chicken, cooked
1 can cream of mushroom
large can enchilada sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
2 T chopped olives

Get the mixture simmering. While you are waiting for this to heat up start on your tortillas.

Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds:

about 10 corn tortillas on a plate

Fill each tortilla with shredded cheddar cheese. Then place in the simmering mixture, seam side down. Let simmer for about 5 minutes. Serve with lettuce. The lettuce is a must in my opinion. It adds a great crunch and gives a neutral to all the spices going on.

Holiday Fudge

2009-12-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

This is a family favorite! My Aunt Julie sent this one to me as well.

In a very large mixing bowl dump:

4, 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
7 oz bottle marshmallow cream
2 sticks butter (not margarine)
2 cups chopped walnuts
1 tsp vanilla

In a large pot bring to a boil for 10 minutes, stir constantly:

4, 1/2 cups sugar
12 oz can evaporated milk

After 10 minutes of boiling, dump the hot liquid over top the ingredients in your mixing bowl. Mix for 2 minutes with large wooden spoon. Then dump into a cookie sheet with rims. I like to have the cookie sheet lined with parchment paper strips. Put in refrigerator for the day. I like to score, or cut, the fudge when it is still quite soft.

Macaroons

2009-12-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

This recipe came from my Aunt Julie while my little family was alone and living in Seattle. I have made them every Christmas since. These are really simple. They turn out soft and chewy. This recipe makes 24 cookies

In a medium bowl mix:

1/4 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/8 tsp salt

now add and mix well:

1 tsp vanilla
2 egg whites

now add and mix well:

2, 1/2 cup coconut (I uses sweetened, but you can use unsweetened)

using wet hands form rounded balls and place one inch apart on waxed paper lined cookie sheets.

Bake at 350 for 17 minutes. I let them cool on the cookie sheet. Then dip in melted chocolate chips. Put the chocolate dipped cookies back onto wax paper for the chocolate to harden

Oaty Gingerbread Men

2009-12-09T10:21:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe from the kitchen cafe blog here. I added the oat flour to make them extra chewey. It added a unique flavor to this Christmas classic!

In a mixer dump and mix:

3 cups flour (1/4 cup of this is oat flour)
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 T cinnamon
1 T ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp salt

Now add and mix on high until crumbly:

12 T butter cold and cut into 12 pieces.

Now add and mix on high until just mixed:

3/4 cup molasses
2 T milk

Divide into 3 parts. Place each section of dough onto a piece of waxed paper. Place another piece of wax paper on top of the ball of dough. Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough to 1/4 inch. Place the waxed covered dough in the freezer for 10 minutes. Remove cold dough and cut out the men. Place on cookie sheet lined with fresh wax paper. Bake at 375 for 9 minutes. Allow to cool on cookie sheets.

Winter Pasta

2009-12-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over we can officially begin eating the tomatoes we bottled in July! Most people do not have fresh tomatoes in their gardens this time of year. This recipe will help you use your bottled tomatoes!

Boil according to instructions:

1 lb penne pasta

In a food processor blend:

1/2 cup spinach
1 cup basil cup basil
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 large garlic clove
1/4 tsp salt

now slowly add while slowly processing:

1/3 cup olive oil

Drain pasta and return pasta to pot.

Add:

1 quart bottled tomatoes, drained.

Add spinach/basil blend. Toss till warm. Serve with walnuts.