one tablespoon

coconut chocolate chip cookies

2011-08-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

with school starting up again i've been experimenting with new cookie recipes.  my five-year-old always loves coming home to a homemade snack and sometimes the old favorites just need a little facelift!  these cookies are delicious!

ingredients::

cup butter

cup white sugar

cup brown sugar {packed}

eggs

tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp coconut extract

tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

tsp hot water

cups all purpose flour

cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

cup shredded coconut

preheat oven to 350.

cream together butter, white sugar & brown sugar until smooth.

beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and coconut extract.

dissolve baking soda and salt in hot water and add to dough.  mix thoroughly.

stir in flour.

add coconut and chocolate chips.

spoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden.

enjoy with a cold glass of milk!

Apple Dumplings

2010-11-21T17:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I almost never post recipes on here, but I found this one and just couldn't resist.

I found the recipe on A Year of Slow Cooking. My favorite crockpot blog.

She got the recipe from The Pioneer Woman blog.

I made my own wheat crescent recipes using my wheat from my food storage. I just ground the wheat in the wheat grinder on the finest grain setting. Then I used the recipe from cooks.com.

So, now to the goods:

Cescents:

4 tsp. dry yeast (2 pkgs.)
1 c. lukewarm water
1 tsp. honey
6 c. whole wheat flour, plus flour for rolling
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tsp. water
4 tbsp. sesame seeds (toasted 20 minutes at 200 degrees)
1 c. oil
3 tbsp. honey
2 tsp. salt
1 c. boiling water
2 eggs, beaten
1. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water. Add 1 teaspoon honey.
2. In large bowl, mix oil, 3 tablespoons honey, salt and boiling water. When lukewarm, add 2 beaten eggs, then dissolved yeast. Gradually stir in flour, mixing well, but do not knead. Chill until firm. (Use a big bowl, it will more than double in the refrigerator.)
3. Divide dough into 3 parts and roll each one out on floured board in a large circle, as thin as possible. Brush with beaten egg mixed with 1/2 teaspoon water. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the surface. Cut the circle like a pizza into wedges about 2" wide at the outside. Roll each wedge toward the center. Dip top in egg mixture, then in sesame seeds. Place on oiled cookie sheet, leaving plenty of room for rising. Let rise in draft free place for 1 1/2 hours.
4. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes until golden brown. Leftover rolls keep well in refrigerator. Yield: 4 dozen rolls.

Ok so how to assemble it all...

--2 granny smith apples (I actually rehydrated some of my apple slices from the cannery)
--1 stick of butter
--1 cup white sugar
--1 t vanilla
--1 t cinnamon
--1 cup Mountain Dew

The Directions.

Spray your crock insert with cooking spray.

If you are using the crescent rolls, roll out the little triangles and fill each one with an apple slice or two and roll it up.

If you are using the dough, do the same thing.

Pile the crockpot high with all of your little dumpling guys.

Melt the stick of butter in the microwave, and stir in the cup of sugar, and the cinnamon and vanilla. Pour over the dumplings, making sure to get down in the nooks and crannies.

Then add 1 cup of Mountain Dew, the same way---pour it over the top. It will make a delightful bubbly sound!

Prop lid open with a wooden spoon or chopstick and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or until the dough is brown and cooked through.

Instead of crockpotting, I put it in a 9x13 and cooked at 350 for 30-45 minutes.

I loved how the wheat contrasted the sweet nature of this recipe perfectly. The directions make it sound difficult, but it was an easy yummy treat! Hope you all enjoy!!

Lighter Chicken Salad

2010-09-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love this recipe, I have tried a few chicken salads and this is by far my favorite...I used rotisserie chicken instead of boiled chicken. Enjoy!

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

1/4 cup light mayo

1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk

1 TB Dijon mustard

1 TB fresh lemon juice

1/2 to 1 tsp hot sauce

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1. Bring 1 inch salted water to a boil in a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Add chicken, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 5 minutes. Off heat, let chicken (still covered) steam until cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from skillet; when cool enough, cut into chunks or shred with two forks.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together mayo, buttermilk, mustard, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Stir in chicken, celery, onion, and parsley; season with salt and pepper. Serves 6

Raspberry Cheesecake

2010-09-09T14:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've shared... but this one was too quick and easy and YUMMY not to.

Cheesecake:
2 8oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 c. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. vanilla.

Whip together with a blender until smooth. Pour into your favorite graham cracker crust pie shell. Let chill in fridge until set.

Raspberry Topping:
12oz package frozen unsweetened raspberries, thawed
1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice

Blend thawed raspberries in a blender until smooth. In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar is disolved. Put into a storage container and let chill in fridge until serving time.

Hawaiian Supreme Cake

2010-08-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

This is my mom's recipe that I recently made for her birthday. It's very light and fresh. It is delish!

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients:

1 yellow cake mix

1 can mandarin oranges with juice

4 eggs

1/2 cup oil

(don't follow cake box directions) Mix the above ingredients together for 2 minutes. Bake in 2 9-in pans for 25-30 min.

Topping:

1 lg can crushed pineapple

1 lg box instant vanilla pudding (again, don't follow box directions)

1 lg Cool Whip

Mix crushed pineapple and vanilla pudding together, let thicken. Then mix in cool whip and coconut. I eyeball the coconut and probably use about a cup.

Refrigerate topping until cake is completely cooled. Spread on layers and over entire cake. Keep refrigerated until just before serving.

Lighter General Tso Chicken

2010-06-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

I love this recipe and its easy.

I found it in Martha Stewart's everyday Food magazine

Serves 4 ..... Total time 45 min

1 1/4 cups long grain brown rice

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 lb snow peas trimmed and halved crosswise

4 garlic cloves

2 tsp grated peeled ginger

3 TB light brown sugar

2 TB soy sauce

1/2 tsp red-pepper flakes

2 large egg whites

coarse salt and ground pepper

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces

2 TB safflower oil or vegetable oil

.........................

1. Cook rice according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together 1 TB cornstarch and 1/2 cup cold water until smooth. Add snow peas, garlic, ginger, sugar, soy sauce, and red-pepper flakes; toss to combine and set aside.

2. In another bowl, whisk together egg whites, remaining 3 TB cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Add chicken, and toss to coat.

3. In a large nonstick skillet, head 1 TB oil over medium-high. Lift half the chicken from egg-white mixture (shaking off excess). and add to skillet. Cook turning occasionally, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate; repeat with remaining oil and chicken, and set aside (reserve skillet)

4. Add snow-pea mixture to skillet. Cover; cook until snow peas are tender and sauce has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Return chicken to skillet (with any juices); toss to coat. Service with rice. ENJOY!

Grilled Garlic Artichokes

2010-06-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

i bought some artichokes from the farmers market for really cheap and wanted to do something different with them than the usual boil method. this recipe was AMAZING! we hardly ate the rest of our meal. i also liked it because we really didnt have to dip them in butter, it had so much flavor on its own.
note: this recipe is for 2 large artichokes which will make 4 halves. be sure to double it if you want more... and you will :)

2 large artichokes
1 lemon, quartered
3/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Fill a large bowl with cold water. Squeeze the juice from one lemon wedge into the water. Trim the tops from the artichokes, then cut in half lengthwise, and place halves into the bowl of lemon water to prevent them from turning brown. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat. Add artichokes to boiling water, and cook for about 15 minutes. Drain. Squeeze the remaining lemon wedges into a medium bowl. Stir in the olive oil and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Brush the artichokes with a coating of the garlic dip, and place them on the preheated grill. Grill the artichokes for 5 to 10 minutes, basting with dip and turning frequently, until the tips are a little charred. Serve immediately with the remaining dip.

Mandarin Chicken

2010-06-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

this recipe is tangy and delicious. the ingredients are simple and usually i have all of it on hand. my whole family loved this dish, im sure yours wont be disapointed either!

6 chicken breasts (sometimes i cube the chicken)
1/2 C. flour
salt and pepper to taste
dash garlic salt
4 eggs
1/2 C. water with one bouillon cube (i use 1/2 C. chicken broth)
1/4 C. ketchup
1 TBLS worcestershire sauce
3/4 C. sugar
1/2 C. vinegar
Mandarin oranges
slivered almonds

Mix flour with a little salt and pepper an garlic salt. Put flour mixture in paper bag. beat eggs ; dip chicken in eggs then shake chicken in bag with flour to coat. place chicken in a glass baking dish. in a pot, mix chicken bouillon or broth, ketchup, worcestershire, sugar and vinegar. bring to a boil and pour over chicken. bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour. spoon sauce over chicken during cooking. when done put chicken on a platter or plate. place mandarin oranges and almonds over the top of chicken. pour rest of sauce over chicken and serve with rice.
enjoy!

healthy banana-blueberry muffins

2010-06-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

these muffins are from the martha stewart website & they are delicious. my kids devoured them for breakfast and lunch until they were gone. they were moist and filling, not to mention healthy.

make up a batch of these for your family this summer!

1 cup whole-wheat flour (spooned and leveled)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 ripe bananas (about 1 pound)
1/3 cup reduced-fat (2 percent) milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup frozen blueberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. In a bowl, whisk together flours, wheat germ, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In another bowl, mash bananas with a fork (you should have 3/4 cup); stir in milk and vanilla.
With mixer on low, alternately add flour mixture and banana mixture to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture; mix just until combined. Fold in frozen blueberries.
Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, 25 to 28 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. Let cool in pan 10 minutes; transfer muffins to a rack to cool 10 minutes more.

Pasta e Ceci (Pasta and Chickpeas)

2010-02-01T05:43:00.000-08:00

This soft pasta and chickpea dish is a cross between and soup and a pasta dish. It is similar to Pasta e fagioli, which uses red beans instead of chickpeas...but the texture and flavours are very similar. It is filling, warming and comforting (and yet another way to get children to eat pulses!)...I've made it for the boys I've nannied, and also for my fiance...no complaints!

I use Jamie Oliver's recipe from Jamie's Italy, but he uses that same ingredients and method as my friend's Southern Italian father does.

Ingredients

1 small onion, finely chopped
1 stick of celery, trimmed and finally chopped
1 clove of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
olive oil
1 spring of fresh rosemary, leaves picked and finally chopped
2x 400g tins of chickpeas
500ml chicken stock
100g ditalini or other small Italian 'soup' pasta
sea salt, freshly ground pepper
parsley or basil chopped for garnish (optional)

Method

Put the onion, celery, garlic and rosemary into a large saucepan with a glug of olive oil.
Cover and sweat veggies on low heat until soft, but without any colour (about 15-20 mins)
Meanwhile drain chickpeas and drain well.
After 15-20 mins add chickpeas to veggies and cover with stock.
Simmer gently until chickpeas are very soft (about 30 min)

Using a slotted spoon remove about 1/2 of the chickpeas (reserve)
Using a handblender or food processor blitz the remaining chickpeas and stock until pretty smooth
Return the reserved chickpeas to blended mixture and put over med-high heat

Add dried pasta
Simmer until pasta is cooked

Serve with some chopped parsley or basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Enjoy :)

Broccoli, Potato and Cheese Soup

2010-01-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

we have enough broccoli in our garden to last a life time! i didnt want it to go to waste, so i used it in this wonderful soup! it was hearty and filling. my kids ate it! its cheap. it was so fast and easy to make!

2 Cups chopped onion
2 Tlbs olive oil
2 1/2 lbs peeled and cubed potatoes
5 Cups water
4 Cubes chicken bullion
3 Cups fresh broccoli, cooked and drained
dash of garlic powder
salt & pepper to taste
3 Cups cheddar cheese

in a large pot, saute onion in butter.
add potatoes, water and bullion cubes.
cover.
bring to boil and then reduce heat to med. and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 min.
cook broccoli and add to soup.
in a blender or food processor, puree half of the soup and return to pot.
season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
add cheese and heat soup through until cheese is melted.
serve warm.
goes well with homemade biscuits.

stay warm!

Christmas Gingerbread Pancakes!

2009-12-21T01:04:00.000-08:00

These are a great way to get into the Christmas spirit! I know that ginger is sometimes a bit "spicy" for kids, but when they are covered in yummy maple syrup the balance is wonderful.

The basic pancake batter recipe comes from The Joy of Cooking. From the number of recipes I have tried over the last few years this is the one I always come back to for a no-fail fluffy, light and tastey pancake.

I serve these with just plain maple syrup (we smuggled some bottles back from Canada in the fall) and crispy bacon. The sweetness of the syrup combined with the saltyness of the bacon perfectly compliments the ginger and cinnamon in the pancakes. Of course, you could add more ginger if you wanted...totally up to you!

Pancake batter (from Joy of Cooking)

*makes about 15 medium sized pancakes

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

3 Tbsp white sugar

1 3/4 tsp baking powder

2 eggs

3 Tbsp melted butter

1 1/4 cup milk

*1 tsp ground ginger

*1 tsp cinnamon

In a small bowl mix all dry ingredients together.

In a large mixing bowl whisk together eggs and milk, slowly mix in dry ingredients.

Mix in melted butter

Melt a little bit of butter in skillet and pour small amounts of batter into skillet....and you know the rest!

Enjoy xo

applesauce pancakes with apple cider syrup

2009-12-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

these are delicious and addictive. such a yummy breakfast for a cold morning.

ingredients::

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup melted butter

combine all ingredients and mix well. drop in dollops on hot skillet. flip and top with butter while warm.

for syrup::
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups apple cider
1 cup brown sugar
2 cinnamon sticks

in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. when the butter stops foaming, add the apple cider, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks. bring to a boil, stirring. continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, until reduced by half to about 1 to 1 1/4 cups. this will take about 15 minutes. the syrup will thicken as it cools. Remove cinnamon sticks and serve with pancakes.

enjoy!

Nearly Dead Apple Cake

2009-12-17T04:55:00.000-08:00

I am really excited to be contributing to this fabbo blog and thought that I would share a NON-Christmas recipe first because I am totally in Christmas overload at the moment and couldn't handle the sight of more cloves, cinnamon, ginger, orange yule-tideness.

This cake is pretty simple to make and stays moist out on a cake plate under a dome for a good while (if I actually lasts that long)! It is a great way to use up those apples lurking in the back of the crisper drawer, hence NEARLY DEAD APPLE cake. The recipe is a family favourite of mine, my Italian Grandmother inherited it from an old Jewish lady whose house she used to clean. This is a good, dense, moist, rustic cake.

Ingredients:

(for apple layer)

4 apples, cored and thiny sliced

1/3 cup white sugar

1 Tbsp cinnamon

(for cake batter)

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

zest of one orange

1 1/2 cup white sugar

3 eggs

2/3 cup vegetable oil

3 Tbsp orange juice

2 tsp vanilla

***Grease and line a springform pan*** (I use a 8" pan, my mum uses a 9" springform tube pan)

PRE HEAT OVEN to 375 f / 190C

-Peel, core and thiny slice apples

-toss apples with sugar and cinnamon

-set aside

-In a small bowl mix together flour, baking powder and salt

-In a large bowl mix orange peel and sugar, add eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice and vanilla, mix to combine.

-Add flour mixture, fold in slowly (don't over mix)

-Pour 1/2 of mixture into base of pan

-Layer apples over top

-Spread leftover batter over apple layer (might not cover completely, that's ok)

Bake middle rack of oven for 1 hour (or until tester comes out clean)

***Let cool completely before taking out of pan***

Enjoy xo

Scones

2009-10-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

I love me a good scone. Here are two recipes to try - easy and SOO yummy!

Maple Oatmeal Scones

1 1/4 c flour
3/4 - 1 c oats
1/8 c sugar
2 1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
5 T chilled, unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/4 c maple syrup
6 T milk
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 c pecans, optional

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Blend flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and butter with a mixer. Add milk, egg, maple syrup. Stir until just mixed and add pecans. Shape and bake for 11 min

Cranberry & White chocolate scones

1 3/4 c flour
1/4 c sugar
2 1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
5 T chilled, unsalted butter, cut into pieces
6 T half and half (I use milk and add another 1/2 T butter)
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 c cranberries
1/2 c white chocolate chips

Directions are the same as above. It's important to not over mix the dough and to not bake too long...when they are overdone they are dry and not as good. I barely let mine brown before I take them out.

Try them!

Mom's yummy (and EASY!) cinnamon rolls!

2009-10-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry there is no picture, but I was just craving these so decided to post them. My mom has been making cinnamon rolls during the holiday's for as long as I can remember. I get mad if she tries another recipe because there is no need...these are AMAZING! I haven't tried it, but it would probably also be good with a cream cheese frosting as opposed to a simple glaze (which my mom always uses). ENJOY!

Cinnamon Rolls (Julie Walker)

2 c scalded milk
2 pkgs yeast
3/4 c butter, melted
1/2 t salt
1 c sugar
2 eggs, beaten
5 c flour
1/2 c brown sugar
2 T cinnamon

Pour scalded milk over sugar, let cool. Add yeast & 1 c flour. Add eggs, 1/2 c butter, salt, and remaining flour. Stir until mixed. Let rise. Roll out into rectangle. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread w/ remaining melted butter and top with sugar mixture. Roll up long ways, cut into 1/2 - 1 inch pieces (easy with dental floss!) and place on greased baking sheets. Let rise again. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Lolly pop chocolate chip cookies

2009-07-29T23:45:00.000-07:00

This cookie recipe is amazing! It tastes very bakery, and it makes tons. I just roll the extra dough into a log inside wax paper and freeze it. Then the next time you want cookies you can just slice and bake that!

1 1/2 c packed light brown sugar
1 1/3 c sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 c butter
1 c shortening
5 eggs
6 1/2 c flour
24 oz chocolate chips

Cream together the sugars, salt, soda, butter, and shortening. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well. Add flour, mixing after each cup. Add chocolate. Drop the dough using a small cookie scoop into paper lined cookie sheets. Bake at 360 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cool on cooling rack. Makes about 7 dozen!

To do the lolly pops:
Scoop dough in same tablespoon scoop, put a lolly pop stick in the dough, push the dough down a bit and round the edges. Then let your kids sprinkle them! Just make sure to push the sprinkles down in the dough enough that it will stick. Then bake as usual! They are really fun to dip in milk :)

Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes with Orange Maple Butter

2009-07-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

i found this recipe on Bakerellas blog. these pancakes are so filling and yummy. a great way to start the day.

First, make the Orange Maple Butter. (I did this the night before.)
You'll need:1 stick softened butter
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Combine all three in a small bowl with a rubber spatula.
Spoon the mixture on a piece of wax paper.
Roll and re-shape back into a stick of butter.
Twist the ends to secure the wax paper and refrigerate.

In the morning.
Blueberry Cornmeal PANCAKES!
You'll need:1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup sugar, plus two tsp for blueberries
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup milk
3 Tbsp butter, melted and cooled
1 egg lightly beaten
2 cups blueberries
Extra butter for coating griddle
Maple Syrup
(Makes about 16)
Whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt and soda in a large bowl. Set aside.
Whisk together buttermilk, milk, butter and egg in medium bowl.
Add milk mixture to dry ingredients and whisk together just until combined.

Toss blueberries in a small bowl with 2 tsp sugar.
Heat a griddle over medium heat. Take extra butter and run over surface of griddle. Repeat as necessary throughout process. Pour batter on griddle 1/4 cup at a time.
Add some of the sugared blueberries to each pancake.
Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 more min.
When done, top with Orange Maple Butter, Pour over Syrup, and eat!

super moist peanut butter fudge brownies

2009-07-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

these brownies are soooooooo good. they are rich and soft. make em!

batter ingredients:

1 ½ c. sugar

½ c. butter (1 stick) softened

½ c. oil

1 T. vanilla

3 eggs

1 ¼ c. flour

¾ c. cocoa powder

¾ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 c. peanut butter chips (or choc chips)

filling ingredients:1 c. creamy peanut butter

¼ c. vegetable oil

¼ c. sugar

2 T. flour

2 eggs

½ tsp vanilla

frosting:2 (1-oz) bars unsweetened or semi-sweet chocolate (I would recommend semi-sweet)

3 T. creamy peanut butter

1 ½ c. powdered sugar

¼ c. water

½ tsp vanilla

¼ tsp salt

directions:

batter: preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray 9x13-inch pan. in large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. add oil and vanilla. add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. in a small bowl combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt - blend well. while beating, gradually add flour mixture to creamed mixture – mix well. fold in chips. evenly spread ½ batter into pan.

filling: in a small bowl cream together peanut butter and oil. add sugar and flour – blend well. add eggs and vanilla – beat until smooth. carefully spread filling evenly over batter in pan. top filling with remaining ½ batter and spread evenly. gently cut through layers to create marble effect throughout brownies. bake for 30 minutes – do NOT over bake.

frosting: while baking, in a medium saucepan, melt chocolate and peanut butter over LOW heat, stirring constantly. remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients – mix until smooth. if frosting is too thick, add 1-3 T. water. spread frosting over brownies immediately after baking. cool in pan 2-3 hours before serving. preparation time: 30 minutes prep, 30 minutes bake

the best EVER frosting

2009-07-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

i used this on my daughters birthday cake. it was creamy and rich and just delicious! put the leftovers in the fridge and when you have a sweet tooth pull it out and spread it on graham crackers! mmmm

Chocolate Frosting
1 pint heavy whipping cream
11.5 oz bag of 60% bittersweet cacao chips
1/2 C. butter
4-5 C. powdered sugar

In a med. saucepan, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream until a thick, smooth ganache forms, to keep the mixture from burning, stir constantly. put in fridge until chilled. remove from fridge and beat in butter and powdered sugar until frosting is a spreadable consistency. frost your cake.

comforting lasagna

2009-07-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

i made this recipe at our family reunion. everyone loved it and was asking for the recipe! it is creamy, hearty, and filling. it is made with both italian sausage and ground beef to give it great flavor. and to top it off, it was super easy! give it a try, your family will love this meal, and you will never have to look for a better lasagna recipe!

Lasagna
8 oz. package of lasagna noodles (i use the 'no boil' noodles. it saves a lot of time)
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb italian sausage (you will find these in the meat section of the store. they are in links and look like a braut. peel the thin casings off the link before browning the meat)
1/4 C. chopped onions
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic salt
2-26oz jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce
32 oz ricotta- mixed with 1 egg & 1/4 cup of powdered parmesan cheese.

saute until meat is brown-
meat onions, salt, garlic salt.

drain fat.

add sauce to meat and bring to boil.

reduce heat, simmer for 15 to 20 min.

layer in a 9x13 casserole dish-
sauce on the bottom.
noodles, meat sauce, ricotta - repeat till dish is full.
top with mozzarella.

bake covered at 375 degrees for 40 min. take foil off and bake another 20 min or until bubbly and cheese is starting to brown.

you could serve it with french bread and Olive Garden Salad.
ENJOY!

fluffy homemade waffles

2009-07-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

3 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
4 eggs (separated)
2 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup butter (melted)

Whisk together dry ingredients. In separate bowl, mix together egg yolks, milk and butter. Combine the mixtures and cook on hot waffle iron.

Enjoy with topping of choice!

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

2009-07-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

This cake is amazingly moist and you can justify eating it because it has zucchini :) Trust me, once you try it you'll make it over and over again. It is SOO good!

1/2 c butter
1/2 c oil
1 t vanilla
1 3/4 c sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c sour milk (milk + 1 T vinegar)

Cream together, then add:

2 1/2 c flour
4 T cocoa
1 t soda
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t salt

Add:
2 c zucchini
1/2 c chocolate chips

Pour into a greased 9x13 pan (floured). Top with chocolate chips and walnuts if desired. Bake at 325 degrees for 40-45 min. ENJOY!!!

Olive Garden Salad

2009-06-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

This tastes just like the real deal. So fresh and flavorful!

Salad Dressing:
½ c. mayonnaise
1/3 c. white vinegar
1 tsp vegetable oil
2 Tb. corn syrup
2 Tb. Parmesan cheese
2 Tb. Romano cheese
¼ tsp garlic salt – or one clove garlic, minced
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp parsley flakes
1 Tb. lemon juice
Salad:
1 large head romaine lettuce
slices red onion
black olives
2-4 banana peppers
2 small tomatoes, quartered
½ c. croutons
freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Mix all dressing ingredients in a blender until well mixed. If this is a little too tart for your own personal tastes, add a little extra sugar.
Chill one salad bowl in freezer for at least 30 minutes. Put lettuce in bowl. Place on top of lettuce red onions, black olives, banana peppers, tomatoes, and croutons. Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you like, and add plenty of Salad Dressing on top.

basil pesto bread

2009-06-16T13:04:00.001-07:00

this is a perfect snack for a summer afternoon, and delicious to serve before or with any italian meal. you can make and use you own pesto with the recipe i posted. see that recipe here.

cut up slices of french bread. spread a layer of pesto sauce on one side of each piece of bread. on top of that add slices of fresh tomato. sprinkle on shredded mozzarella cheese. finish it with fresh cracked pepper. place in oven on broil until cheese is melted. enjoy!

pesto sauce

2009-06-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

i love pesto! use this with the basil from your garden at the end of the summer and freeze in freezer bags for the winter. this recipe also calls for walnuts instead of pine nuts which most traditional pesto recipes use. walnuts are easier to find and less expensive.

mix together in food processor or blender:

3 cups fresh basil leaves

1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

3 cloves of garlic

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

while processing slowly pour in 1 cup extra virgin olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.(it needs quite a bit). pour over noodles of your choice. it really doesn't take that much pesto to coat your noodles, so add a little at a time. freeze any leftovers for a later time.

italian stuffed shells

2009-06-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

this looks messy, and it is, but you will love this! its like a ravioli but much more flavorful and satisfying.

1 box jumbo shells

spaghetti sauce of your choice

1 lrg container of cottage cheese

1/2 C. powdered parmesan cheese

2 eggs

1 Tbls. dried parsley

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

cook shells until tender. drain and set aside. mix all ingredients, except shells and spaghetti sauce, in the blender or food processor. fill each shell with cheese mixture. place stuffed shells in a deep baking pan. once all shells are stuffed and in the pan, pour spaghetti sauce over the shells until all shells are covered and there is some sauce in the bottom of the pan. sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over shells. bake for 30 min. at 350 degrees.

Crockpot Southwestern Chicken

2009-06-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

another crockpot meal?? you betch ya! this is very filling and good!

1 small bag frozen corn

1 can black beans

2-3 large frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 16-oz jar medium salsa

shredded cheddar cheese

tortilla chips

sour cream

chopped cilantro

diced avocado

Pour bag of frozen corn in bottom of crockpot. Place frozen chicken breasts on top of corn and cover with rinsed and drained black beans and jar of medium salsa. Cook on high for 1 hour, and then on low for 4 hours. Shred chicken with forks. Serve with tortilla chips and add toppings to individual servings.**It is very important that you use MEDIUM salsa in this. Mild simply isn't flavorful enough. Be sure to serve with tortilla chips, and not tortillas. The salty crunchy chips make this so good!

lemon dreams

2009-06-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

these are so dainty and sweet. perfect for a little girls tea party or for a shower. or just to make and enjoy on a sunday afternoon.

LEMON DREAMS
1 C butter (softened)
1/3 C powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 2/3 C flour
Filling:
2/3 C sugar
1 ½ tsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. grated lemon peel
¼ tsp. salt

1 egg (beaten)
1 Tbsp.lemon juice
2 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. butter
1 ½ - 2 C powdered sugar (sift first)
Cream butter, powdered sugar, & vanilla. Add flour & mix till smooth. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Roll out with powdered sugar about 1/4” thick.Cut out with 1 ½” cookie cutter. Bake at 350 degrees for12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.
For filling:Combine sugar, cornstarch, lemon peel, & salt. Stir in water,egg, lemon juice, and butter. Simmer for2 minutes. Cool. Add powdered sugar. Put a spoonful of filling on one cookie and top with another cookie. Dust with powdered sugar. Makes approx. 1 ½ dozen

sweet and spicy pork combo- crock pot

2009-06-16T12:34:00.001-07:00

another easy and yummy meal for those busy days.

1 pork tenderloin

1 bottle chili sauce (12 oz)

1 can jellied cranberry sauce

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

Place pork in slow cooker. Mix chili sauce, cranberry sauce and sugar in a separate bowl. Pour over pork. cover and cook on high 4-5 hrs. then low 3-4 hrs. Serve with rice.

baked asparagus with balsamic butter sauce

2009-06-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

i love asparagus and i love balsamic vinegar!

1 bunch fresh asparagus

cooking spray

salt and pepper to taste

2 T. butter

1 T. soy sauce

1 tsp. Balsamic vinegar

preheat oven to 400 degrees. snap ends off of washed asparagus and place on baking sheet. coat with cooking spray( just a light spray will do) and season with salt and pepper. bake for 12 min or until tender. melt the butter in a sauce pan or in the micro. stir in soy sauce and balsamic. pour over baked asparagus and serve.

Yummy Crockpot Chicken

2009-06-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

you seriously have to give this one a try. it is so easy and very tasty. i love to make this one on sundays. it is a recipe from my Aunt Julie, she is an amazing cook, so trust me on this one!

2 Pkg. cream cheese
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 pkg. zesty italian dressing (can be found by all the salad dressings. its in a seasoning packet.)
5-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Mix sauce in separate bowl with hand mixer until all cream cheese is blended, (you might want to soften the cream cheese in the micro first). pour over chicken in crock pot. cook on high 4-6 hours or low 8-10 hours. serve over rice or egg noodles. mmmmm!

strawberry lemonade ice pops

2009-06-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

Strawberry Lemonade Ice Pops
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate (i used pink lemonade and it was a little bit tart, but o so good)
3 cups cold water (you may want to add a little more water, with 3 cups it tends to be a little bit strong. you can experiment and do what ever you like best)
1 pkg.(16 oz) frozen sliced strawberries
In a lrg. pitcher, stir together the lemonade concentrate and water. Place strawberries into the container of a blender, and puree until smooth. Pour in some of the lemonade if necessary to facilitate blending. Stir strawberry puree into the lemonade. Pour into molds, and freeze until firm, about 4 hrs.

i used dixie cups, of course you could use the store bought plastic molds. i cut our wax paper, and poked popcicle sticks in the middle. the sticks had a hard time staying up straight. when i made them the second time i used foil wrap and that worked out perfect. cling wrap didnt work so well either. when they were done, i just peeled off the cup.

you can make these with all differant fruit and juice combos.

i have tried orange juice with bananas and pinapple. you could also do limeade juice with strawberries. any combo is yum a dum!

Best chocolate cake ever!

2009-04-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

What you'll need:

1 Chocolate cake mix

1 Small pkg chocolate pudding

eggs, oil, water (as listed on cake mix)

1 cup chocolate chips

1 can chocolate frosting

Combine cake mix and chocolate pudding. Add egg, oil, and water. It will be the consistency of brownie mix. Add extra oil and water until it reaches the consistency of cake mix. {Not sure how much, I just dumped some extra in}. I always use a bundt pan for this cake. Does it make it taste any better? Probably not. But I can't imagine it any other way! After it's in the bundt pan, poor the chocolate chips on top. They will sink into the cake as it bakes. Heat frosting in the microwave in 10 second incraments (about 30 seconds total), stiring after each stop. When cake is cooled, spoon frosting of the top and let it drip down the sides.

This cake is incredibly moist! You will love it, and so will everyone else!

Devilish Cocoa Sandwiches

2009-03-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

2 Cups all-purpose flour

1 Cup packed brown sugar

1/2 Cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 Cup buttermilk

1 large egg, slightly beaten

6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 can (12 ounces) whipped vanilla frosting

Directions:

1.Use parchment paper to line 2 cookie sheets

2.Combine dry ingredients in medium sized bowl. Whisk just to blend.

3.Stir in buttermilk, egg and melted butter. Stir with a wooden spoon until just blended.

4.Spoon mixture into gallon size bag and cut 1/2 inch from the corner and pipe 3 1/2 x 1 inch logs about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. (should fit 12 per sheet)

5.Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes, or until firm to the touch.

6.Transfer to cooling racks and let cool completely.

7. In another bag, spoon in frosting. Pipe some of the frosting onto one cookie and sandwich with another. Continue with remainder of cookies.

Jalapeno Bites

2009-03-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

These are delicious! Perfect for a summer barbeque.

Ingredients:

12 small fresh jalapenos

8 oz cream cheese
1 lb package bacon (at least 12 slices)

Directions:

1. Cut the stems from the jalapenos.

2. Cut them in half (long ways) and deseed them.

3. Fill each jalapeno half with cream cheese, level with the top.

4. Cut the bacon strips in half and wrap around each jalapeno. Be sure to leave the ends on the underneath of the jalapeno.

Bake at 350 for one hour.

Serve them up with a yummy raspberry chipotle dipping sauce. They taste best fresh!

Whole Wheat Bread. Yum!

2009-02-12T21:02:00.000-08:00

In a small bowl combine:
1/2 cup lukewarm water
2 Tbsp yeast
1 tsp sugar
set aside for 15-20 minutes

Mix in Bosch or Kitchen Aid:
7 cups whole wheat flour
5 cups really hot water
Mix until well blended, about 5 minutes.

Add:
2 Tbsp salt
2/3 cup oil
2/3 cup mesquite honey (can be found at Trader Joe's) *I just used walmart brand honey and it came out just fine!
Mix until well blended, about 5-10 more minutes.

Add:
1 more cup wheat flour
yeast mixture that was set aside
Mix well.

Add:
3-4 cups white flour, until dough starts to pull away from the side of the bowl.
Mix on high for 10 minutes.

Shape dough into 3 loaves and place into 3 greased loaf pans. Cover with a warm damp cloth and let rise for 35 minutes or until doubled in size. Cook 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Tip pans on their side to cool, this will help them not to fall while they are cooling. When they are mostly cooled, but still warm, rub each top crust with butter and serve.

not too chunky::chunky salsa

2009-02-11T16:26:00.000-08:00

My Mom loves to make this salsa and I have always loved to eat it! I finally made my own and it was so easy. And it's perfect for the coming summer months.

Ingredients:

3 large tomatoes, diced

1 large can diced tomatoes

1 garlic clove, diced (can substitute Garlic Powder to taste)

2 Tbsp onion, diced (can substitute Onion Powder to taste)

1 can El Pato

1 small can diced green chiles, with juice

1 small can diced jalapenos, drained (do not do a full can if you don't want it too spicy)

2 tsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped

salt to taste (1 tsp is a good start)

3 avacados, diced

1 can kernel corn, drained

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

In a large bowl combine all ingredients except for the last three. When adding seasonings be sure to start small and add as you prefer.

With hand held food processor, blend out most of the chunks. (If you don't have a hand held, just scoop into food processor or blender in intervals.)

When you have reached your desired consistency, add the final three ingredients. Do a final taste test to make sure it is flavored as you would like.

(This is also good with a can of crushed pineapple)

Put into jars and refrigerate.

(I think the flavor is better after it has had some time to chill.)

Enjoy!

pomegranate trick

2008-11-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

i always wondered how in the world you were suppose to eat a pomegranate. until one day i was watching food network. let me share the secret to getting all those little seeds out!

you cut it in half...

take a spoon of any kind that is sturdy, like a wooden or metal spoon,
holding it over a plate or bowl,
and whack the heck out of the back of it!
and popping out come all those little seeds.

you can eat these plain. or try something new and sprinkle them over vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
*careful, these stain very easy!

does anyone have any other tricks in the kitchen?

substitutions for a missing ingredient

2008-11-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

have you ever started or wanted to make something, went down the list of ingredients and found you were missing something in your cupboard? here are a few substitutions for you.

* 1 teaspoon baking powder = 1/4 tsp. baking soda and 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
* 1 Cup buttermilk = 1 cup regular 2% or 1% milk into which 1 Tbls. white vinegar or lemon juice has been stirred OR 1 Cup plain yogurt
* 1 Cup sour cream = 1/3 Cup butter and 2/3 Cup buttermilk
* 1 tsp. Allspice = 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1 Cup firmly packed brown sugar = 1 cup granulated sugar plus 1/4 Cup molasses
* 1 Tbls dry active yeast = 1 package ( 1/4 oz.) dry active yeast
* 1/2 tsp. baking soda = 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 Cup honey = 3/4 cup maple syrup plus 1/2 cup granulated white sugar

pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

2008-10-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

These yummy cookies are super fast to make and a perfect treat for the season! Plus they'll make your house smell absolutely delicious!

You will need:
1 C. shortening
1 C. butter or margarine
2 C. sugar
15 oz pumpkin
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
4 C flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
3 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice {or} 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp allspice
12 oz chocolate chips

Cream together shortening, butter and sugar. Next add pumpkin, eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Lastly, add dry ingredients and chocolate chips. Mix well.

Spoon onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes at 350.

Yummy new ideas

2008-09-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

Everyone check out Nie Nie's recipe blog.

I just found it and it has some delicious new things to try.

I can't wait to test some of them out. So yummy!

Healthy Honey Banana Muffins

2008-08-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

These muffins are the perfect part of a healthy breakfast or snack.

1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. round nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
6 T. honey
1/2 cup golden raisins (optional)

Ina large bowl combine the first 5 ingredients. Combine the eggs, banana, applesauce and honey; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in the raisins.

Coat muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray;fill two-thirds full with batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Pancakes (Putting the "cake" back into panCAKES!) Original Recipe by Melissa Taylor

2008-08-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

These are the yummiest pancakes I have ever had, hands down. I hope you'll give these a try!

1/2 cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1-2 T. lemon juice from concentrate
1-2 tsp. Madagascar vanilla
2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
4 tsp. baking powder

Whisk wet ingredients in medium size bowl. Add remaining dry ingredients, making sure baking powder is on top. Gently stir until mixed. Leave for 2-3 minutes while heating griddle--mixture should be spongy. Spread (it won't pour) onto griddle. Makes about 12 medium size pancakes.

Pita Pizzas

2008-08-26T13:42:00.001-07:00

Here is a great recipe that comes from a friend of mine. It is a family favorite of ours. I will post a picture when I make it next.

2 tsp. olive oil
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, pressed or chopped
4 flat bread (Pita bread without pockets. I get mine at Sprouts).
1 cup, approx. mozzarella cheese
2 cup, approx. fresh chopped vegetables to top pizzas (tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, etc.)
1 cup, apporx. pepperoni, bacon, ham or sausage to top pizzas (optional)
2 T. fresh basil leaves, chopped

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, vinegar and garlic together in a small bowl. Brush this mixture on one side of each flat bread and place flat breads on a cookie sheet. Top flat bread with your fresh vegetable toppings, meat (if desired) and end with mozzarella cheese on top. Bake 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and edges are lightly browned. (I find that my oven cooks these in about 8 minutes). Top pizzas with fresh basil.

Note: I usually double or triple this recipe to make 8-12 pitas at a time.

Frozen Lemon Pie

2008-08-17T18:13:00.001-07:00

Frozen Lemon Pie

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 c butter, melted
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened
1 (8 oz) tub cool whip, thawed
6 oz (undiluted) lemonade frozen concentrate
juice and zest of one lemon

Prepare a graham cracker crust by combining graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Pat into pie pan and freeze until firm. (Or just do what I did and buy a pre made crust for 89 cents!)
In a large bowl combine softened ice cream, cool whip, lemonade concentrate, and the juice and zest of one lemon. Stir until blended. Pour over chilled pie crust. Freeze overnight or for several hours. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves if desired.

**I am thinking it would be delicious with limeade concentrate and a lime instead of the lemonade and lemon. I haven't tried it yet, but how could that not be good!

Baked Potatoe with Chicken and Broccoli

2008-08-12T04:14:00.000-07:00

Okay so I know this is basic, but we are posting things that we make right? So... here is one of my very favorite meals.

1. Bake your potatoes. (I spray with butter and wrap in tin foil to give a little flavor)

2. When there is about 30 minutes left with the potato, cook the chicken how you desire. I like to boil mine in chicken broth and seasonings. Then cut up. Top the potato how you like. Cook Broccoli according to package.

I love that this is a mostly all vegetable meal and that the kids can add stuff to up the calories for them. (I have skinny twigs in my family).

Cafe Rio Pork

2008-08-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

This recipe is exactly like Cafe Rio! You must try this! You can serve this as a burrito with rice on bottom, beans, pork, shredded romaine, and dressing, and if you like, guacamole. (all of these recipes are posted below) Or for a salad, put a tortilla down in a plate with rice, beans pork, romaine, dressing, shredded cheese on top! so extremely delicious!

these recipes do have a lot of ingredients, but it is most definitely a meal to make once in a while for sunday dinner or for guests!

enjoy!

Pork- night before eating:

3 1/2 - 4 lb. pork roast

2 Tlbs. Brown sugar

1 to 1 1/2 cayanne (less for less spice)

2 Tsp. cumin

1 tsp salt

* mix together and rub on pork roast. put in crock pot on low

the next moring add:

1 can coke

1 C. chicken broth

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, chopped

*about one hour before serving, shred roast and add 1 to 1 1/2 C. brown sugar.

Cafe Rio Salad Dressing

2008-08-11T14:13:00.001-07:00

1 1/3 C. sour cream
3/4 C. Mayo
1 bunch cilantro
1 package ranch dressing mix
4 Tbls. salsa verde ( green salsa)
2 cloves garlic
1/8 tsp. Tabasco sauce
juice of one lime

Mix together in the blender.... and thats it!

Cilantro-Lime Rice

2008-08-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

1 C. uncooked rice
1 tsp. butter or margarine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. lime zest
1 can (15oz) chicken broth
1 1/4 C. water
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed line juice
2 tsp. granulated sugar
3 tbls. fresh chopped cilantro

In a saucepan, combine rice, butter ,garlic, lime peel,chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook 15-20 min., until rice is tender. Remove from heat. In a small bowl combine lime juice, sugar and cilantro. Pour over hot cooked rice.

Black Beans

2008-08-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/3 cup tomato juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. ground cumin
2 Tbls. olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbls. fresh chopped cilantro

In a nonstick skillet, cook garlic, and cumin in olive oil over med. heat until you can smell it. Add beans tomato juice, and salt. Continually stir until heated through. Just before serving, stir in the cilantro.

Flank Steak

2008-07-31T10:31:00.000-07:00

This steak is delicious!!! You must try this one before the summer is over.

2-lb. flank steak or London Broil
1/4 c. cooking oil
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. basil flakes
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. garlic powder

Ask the butcher to cut the steak in half horizontally so it won't be too thick for grilling. Combine ingredients in a gallon storage bag & marinade overnight in the refrigerator. Grill 7-10 minutes on each side. Slice in strips against the grain to serve.

COWBOY CAVIAR

2008-07-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

This is a favorite for summer time! Ingredients:

2 cans shoe peg corn, drained
or
1 can white corn
or
2 c frozen white corn, thawed

1 can black-eyed peas, drained

1 can hominy, drained

1 tomato, chopped

1/2 bunch of cilantro, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 avocados, chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp pepper
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 c red wine vinegar
1/4 c olive or grape seed oil

Directions:
Combine dressing ingredients and whisk until mixed. Add all other ingredients, mix and chill. Serve with chips.

PS.. (Because I added the hominy to the original recipe, i actually add a little over a 1/4 c vinegar, and the same for the oil, just to make a little more dressing.)

Banana Nut Bread

2008-07-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

*I am not the photographer of this picture, or probably any other picture I use on this blog. I'm lucky if my food comes out edible, let alone looks like it!

A little background. I love Banana Bread! In my opinion it's best served cold with a TON of butter. Yum! I honestly am just not a cook though - or a baker. I always had the idea in my head that any kind of bread is hard to make, so I never tried. Until today. And are you kidding me? This was like the easiest thing I've ever done! This is very exciting to me because now I can stuff my face with Banana Bread any time I please. Enjoy this very easy, VERY yummy recipe.

1/3 c butter or margarine

1 c sugar

3 large ripe bananas

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 c flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 T cinnamon

3/4 c finely chopped nuts

Mix together butter, sugar, bananas, eggs, and vanilla. In a separate bowl mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nuts. Add to creamy mixture and mix until blended. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Makes one large loaf or two small loaves.

Banana Split Brownies

2008-07-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

This recipe comes from my friend Katy's blog. I love it because it's SO simple and something you can definitely let the kiddos help with.

9x13 pan of brownies, already prepared

8 oz cream cheese

1 can crushed pineapple, drained, juice aside

some powdered sugar

Add pineapple juice to cream cheese until you reach the right consistency for frosting. Add powdered sugar to taste. Cover brownies with frosting. Top with sliced strawberries, bananas, and chopped pecans. Serve with vanilla icecream and chocolate syrup. YUM!

Raspberry Lime Slush

2008-07-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

Great for a summer treat!

3/4 c sugar
2 c water, divided
1 c fresh or frozen raspberries, thawed
1/2 c lime juice
3 c gingerale, chilled

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1/2 c water. Cook and stir over high heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat. Press raspberries through a sieve, discard seeds (or you can leave them in! I like it either way). In a large bowl, combine raspberry puree, sugar syrup, lime juice, and remaining 1 1/2 c water. Transfer to a 1 qt freezer container. Cover and freeze for 12 hours, stirring occasionally. May keep frozen for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, mix gingerale with raspberry slush.

carmel syrup

2008-07-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

my friend Julie posted this fabulous syrup recipe on her blog way back when. i had to share it with you. it is the best syrup of all time. its like a carmel syrup, not maple. delish! thanks julz!

1/2 cube butter (NOT MARGARINE)
1/2 c buttermilk
1 c sugar
1 tsp light corn syrup
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:In medium sized pan cook butter, buttermilk,sugar and corn syrup and bring to a boil.Remove from heat and add vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will bubble alot so make sure your pan is big enough. Serve warm over waffles or pancackes.

fruit dip

2008-07-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

whip together i pkg. cream cheese and one jar of marshmallow cream. that simple. kids will love to dip their fruit in this. great for parties or showers too!

banana pudding

2008-07-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

1 lrg. package of vanilla pudding

vanilla wafers

bananas

1/4 tsp cinnamon

mix vanilla pudding according to package directions

mix in cinnamon.( if desired, it gives it a little different flavor. fun to try new things!)

layer pudding, wafers, bananas in your cup of choice. chill.

or you could serve it warm. and top it off with some whipped cream if you like!

Rosemary Thyme Potatoes

2008-07-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

great side dish for BBQ.

5 to 8 red potatoes

1 tsp rosemary

1 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp garlic

1 to 2 tbls butter

salt and pepper to taste

chop your potatoes into small bite size squares. boil or put in the microwave until tender and cooked. drain water and stir in butter and all seasonings. spread onto a cookie sheet and broil until lightly browned and crispy on the top. serve warm.

Primavera Pasta Salad

2008-07-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

so yummy for a summer dinner.

9 oz. bowtie pasta ( or whatever pasta you like. penne would be good too.)

2 C. peas

2 lrg. bell peppers, whatever color you prefer

2 med. carrots shredded

1 Tbls. dried basil (or if you have it, 1 C. fresh basil)

1/2 C. parmesan

1 C. light creamy ceasar dressing

cook and drain pasta, adding peas in the last min. of cooking. rinse with cold water and drain.

mix peppers, carrots, basil, cheese in large bowl. mix dressing and milk in small bowl. add dressing mix, pasta to bell pepper mix. toss. chill if desired.

Mulligatawny (Chicken Curry Soup)

2008-07-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1/2 cup minced onion

1 tsp. curry powder

1/2 cup finely chopped carrot

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

1 tart apple (granny smith) peeled and chopped

1 cup diced, cooked chicken

1/3 cup flour

4 cups chicken broth (I use the Swanson broth with less sodium)

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 Tbsp. snipped parsley

2 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. sugar

dash of pepper

dash of cloves

Heat oil in a large sauce pot. Cook onion with curry in the oil until tender. Add carrot, celery and apple; cook, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken and then flour. Stir well to coat. Add chicken broth and tomato sauce. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Stir in parsley, lemon juice, sugar, cloves and pepper. Reduce heat; cover and simmer at least one hour.

Three Cheese Pizza

2008-07-20T05:26:00.001-07:00

Three Cheese Pizza
1- Pre-made pizza crust
3/4 c- part-skim ricotta cheese
4 oz chopped ham
3/4 c- mozzarella cheese
2 T- Parmesan cheese

Pre-heat oven 450. Spread ricotta to cover crust. Sprinkle on ham, mozzarella, and parmesan. Cook until cheese is melted 8-10 minutes.

This was the first I made this and I loved it! I was afraid it would need some spices to make it not so bland but the ham was perfect for that. I used fresh parmesan (because it is everywhere in Italy lol) and it really balanced out the other two cheeses. I don't know what it would taste like with Kraft Parm, but maybe just as good. It was an easy 20 minute start to finish meal. The only bad thing was the kids wanted seconds!

Lemon Rosemary Cupcakes

2008-07-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be so delinquent in posting anything...I've been out of town and our internet is down right now. But this recipe is WORTH THE WAIT, I promise! I got it from my friend Megan...it is truly amazing! It's a little different tasting, but it is fun fun! Try it out and let me know what you think!

Fresh Rosemary & Lemon Cupcakes

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups cake flour (I use regular, just make sure it's equivalent)
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp. lemon extract
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup milk
2 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel
3 TBS. lemon juice

Lemon Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup powdered sugar and enough lemon juice (5 to 5 1/2 tsp.) for spreading consistency. Stir in finely shredded lemon peel.

Preparation:
1. Let butter and eggs stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Line muffin tray with cups. In medium bowl combine cake flour, rosemary, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350. Beat butter on medium high for 30 seconds. Add sugar, lemon extract, and vanilla. Beat on med-high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping bowl.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to butter mixture, beat on low after each just until combined. Stir in the lemon peel and lemon juice.
4. Spoon batter into cups. Bake 22-25 minutes.
5. Put on glaze.

Hot Artichoke & Spinach Dip

2008-07-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

ingredients:
1 (8oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 c mayo
1/4 c Parmesan cheese
1/4 c Romano cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp basil
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1 (14oz can) artichokes, drained and chopped
1/2 c chopped spinach
1/4 c mozzarella
salt & pepper to taste
(i have used the Italian blend cheese in place of each separate cheese, and it turns out great)

Pre-heat oven to 350*
Mix all ingredients together EXCEPT artichoke, spinach and mozzarella. Gently mix in artichoke and spinach, then top with mozzarella.
Cook for 25 mins or until bubbly and lightly browned.
Serve with chips, crackers or bread.

ENJOY!!

Tilapia Fish

2008-07-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

Tilapia in a Dijon Sauce

I used a 9x9 pan for 3 fillets.

Ingredients:

Tilapia Fish

Dijon Mustard

Nutmeg

Cayenne Pepper

Cumin

Pre-heat oven 375.

Spread dijon mustard to cover the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle a little of each spice over the top. Add the fish. Spread dijon mustard over the fish. Top with sprinkle of all the spices again. Cook 25-40 minutes (depending on if it was frozen) or until the fish is moist but flaky.

This is the second time I have made tilapia this way. I prefer tilapia becuase it is not so fishy. If you or your children don't like spicy food, omit the cayenne pepper. The dijon mustard has enough kick to it. You can almost mix the ingredients the day before and let the fish marinade as well. I love this becuase it is healthy, quick, and the kids even love it.

Peach Lemonade

2008-07-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

3 large, ripe, cubed peaches (with the skin on)
1/2 C. lemon juice
1 1/4 C. sugar
3 C. water

process peaches in food processor or blender until smooth. add remaining ingr. stirring until sugar dissolves. serve over ice. can garnish the glass with a slice of peach if desired.

** i halved this recipe and it was just the right amount for just me and my husband.

French toast with candied pecans!

2008-07-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

Breakfast is my very favorite meal to cook. I'm just a girl with a sweet tooth!

Ingredients for candied pecans:
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
1 lb. of pecan halves
1 cup of white sugar
3/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Grease baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl, whip egg white and water until frothy. In a separate bowl mix sugar salt and cinnamon.
Add pecans to egg whites and coat evenly. Remove the nuts and toss in sugar mixture. Spread nuts out on baking sheet and bake for one hour stirring every 15 minutes.

Ingredients for toast:
1 egg
2 egg whites
1/4 cup of milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
8 slices of texas toast

Beat egg and egg whites till frothy and add milk, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix. Dip bread in mixture and cook on griddle. About 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Sprinkle with pecan, berries and most importantly 100% pure maple or fruit juice syrup. It makes all the difference. I recommend this or this one. Makes all the difference.

Enjoy!

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

2008-07-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

1 c softened butter
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking powder

Mix butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla. Stir in flour and baking powder. Refrigerate 1 hour.
Roll into balls, make a thumb print in each and put a little raspberry jam in each one. Bake 10-12 minutes and cool. Drizzle with almond glaze.

Almond Glaze
1 c powdered sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract
2-3 tsp water

Mix until smooth

This recipe is one of my favorites, the almond extract is the secret ingredient! Yum.

Artichoke Chicken

2008-07-01T21:09:00.001-07:00

This is a tangy refreshing meal. Perfect for summer.

8-10 chicken breast tenderloins
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 can of artichoke hearts
dash of lemon pepper
2 garlic cloves minced
1/2 a lemon- squeezed
salt and pepper to taste

So easy. Just throw it in the crock pot and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours.

fruit kabob

2008-07-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

fruit kabob, defiantly not an excitingly new recipe, but i guess a new idea or way to eat fruit!
addie loved this, putting it together herself and then devouring it!

cut up your favorite fruits or whatever is in your fridge. poke them onto a skewer and eat!

side note: i cut the poky end off of my little ones skewer so that i didnt have to go the hospital in the middle of this fun snack!

have fun with your little one, while eating healthy!

Chicken and Broccoli

2008-06-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

This recipe is super quick and easy, but ends up tasting like take out Chinese. We love it at our house!

Chicken and Broccoli

1 lb Chicken tenders
1/4 c soy sause
2 T sugar
1/4 c apple juice
2 T cornstarch
1 c water
2 c fresh broccoli florets
4 T vegetable or olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp sesame oil

Cut chicken into small cubes; set aside. Combine soy sauce, sugar, juice, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl; set aside. In a large skillet, stir-fry broccoli in 2 T oil for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Do not overcook. Place broccoli in another dish. Pour remaining oil in the same skillet and heat on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until well browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, not more than 1 minute. Pour soy sauce mixture over meat and cook until slightly thickened. Stir in sesame oil. Remove from heat. Stir in broccoli. Serve over hot steamed rice.

Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole

2008-06-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

This was a childhood favorite of mine and thankfully is now a favorite for my husband and 2 year old as well. It tastes great and is kid friendly!

What You'll Need:

3 pieces grilled chicken breast (I do sometimes cheat and use canned chicken)

3 dozen corn tortillas

24 oz sour cream

24 oz green chile sauce (our favorite is Macayo's brand)

2 Tblsp El Pato (if you prefer less spicy, do NOT add el pato)

2 C shredded cheddar cheese

Cut tortillas into 1" squares, place into mixing bowl. Add cubed grilled chicken, sour cream, green chile sauce and El Pato and mix well. Pour into 9x13 casserole dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes on 375.

You can top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, etc. and serve with beans or spanish rice.

Ravioli Soup

2008-06-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

This soup has few ingredients & is meatless, so it is a very inexpensive meal. It's great served with bread sticks & salad.

1 (15oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15oz.) can vegetable broth
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (16oz.) package cheese ravioli (small)
1 zucchini, chopped
fresh grated parmesan cheese

Place first 4 ingredients in pot. Let boil for 5 minutes. Add ravioli & zucchini and cook until ravioli is done. Garnish with fresh grated parmesan cheese.

English Trifle

2008-06-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

This is a YUMMY dessert...PERFECT for hot summer days! And it's oh so easy to pull together!

You Need:

1 loaf pound cake
1 small pckg frozen strawberries (in sauce)
1 pckg vanilla pudding (prepared)
1 cup sour cream
whipped cream
nutmeg

Cut pound cake into 1/2" layers. In bread pan, layer as follows:
Strawberries (the more sauce the better)
Pound cake
Sour Cream
Vanilla Pudding
Strawberries
Repeat (starting with a layer of pound cake and ending with a layer of pound cake)

Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg. Let chill before serving.
Serves about 6

Blueberry Pie Cake in the crockpot

2008-06-27T15:47:00.001-07:00

1 Can (20 oz.) blueberry pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 C. margarine
1 C. fresh blueberries
1/2 C. chopped walnuts (optional)

Put the pie filling in the bottom of the slow cooker. Combine dry cake mix and margarine. Spoon over filling. Cover with blueberries and nuts. Put the lid on and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours! serve with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream! sooo good!

Chicken Croissant Rolls

2008-06-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

we eat a lot of chicken in our house, so the majority of my recipes have chicken in them. here is one of them that i have enjoyed all through my childhood. it may seem that it is long and tedious to prepare, but it really gets made up fast!

1 pkg. cream cheese
2 Tbls. melted butter
2 C. cooked shredded chicken (it makes it fast if you use canned or rotisserie chicken. and it will still be yummy)
1/4 tsp. salt or seasoning salt for more flavor,whatever you prefer.
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 Tbls. minced onion (i sometimes use dried onion)
1 can refrigerated croissant rolls

Mix all ingred. together except rolls. unroll dough and flatten each piece out a bit to make it wider. place a dollop of mixture in the middle of each roll. fold ends together and seal up all wholes.
Bake 375 degrees for 12 min. or until tops are brown

while they are baking, make a chicken gravy. i buy the gravy packets. its fast and good.
after the croissants are done, pour gravy on top and enjoy!

Chicken Tenders Parmesan w/ Penne & Broccoli

2008-06-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

My family loves this meal. It comes together very quickly & is oh so tasty. The recipe is from Everyday Food Magazine.

Chicken Tenders Parmesan w/ Penne & Broccoli

2 large eggs
3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
1-1/2 lbs. chicken tenders
1-3/4 cup tomato sauce (homemade or store bought)
4 oz. part-skim mozzarella, shredded (about 1 cup)
8 oz. penne rigate or other short pasta
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen broccoli florets, thawed
1 tbsp. olive oil

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Heat broiler, w/ rack set 4 inches from heat. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs. In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Season chicken w/ salt & pepper. Dip tenders in egg, then in Parmesan mixture; place on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil until golden, 2-4 minutes per side.

2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spread 1 cup tomato sauce in bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Then top w/ chicken, remaining 3/4 cup sauce, & finally mozzarella. Bake 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

3. Meanwhile, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, according to package directions, adding broccoli for final 30 seconds. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta & broccoli, and return to pot. Add oil & remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Toss, gradually adding some reserved pasta water until pasta is lightly coated.

to the contributors,

2008-06-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

Feel free to add any recipe you like! I am so excited to try some new things!
and if you like, you can add a picture of the meal! also, remember to add a label ( such as bread, main dishes, desserts) at the end of your post before you publish it. this will others be able to find specifics they are looking for!
Lets get cookin!!!

The Healthiest and Yummiest Pancakes

2008-06-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

lets start it off with breakfast. These pancakes are very filling and so good. They are a great way to use the wheat in your food storage too. Hope you enjoy!

1/2 C. whole wheat flour

1/2 C. quick oats

1 C. milk

1 Tbls. sugar

2 Tbls. veg. oil

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg

Mix all ingredients in a med. bowl until smooth. Grease griddle or pan and cook. Top with your favorite toppings.

I usually double this recipe.