The Lunch Box Club

Sour Cream Banana Muffins

2010-01-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

1 c. sugar
1 stick butter, melted
1 egg
2 c. flour
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 very ripe bananas, mashed

Mix together. Put in greased muffin pans, filling 2/23 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Makes about 18-20 muffins.

*I've tried several different banana bread/muffin recipes and have never been that impressed. These however, are to die for!

Helen's Cinnamon Milk

2009-12-22T12:03:00.000-08:00

2 cups powdered milk
1 cup non-dairy creamer
1 cup sugar
1/2 tbs. cinnamon

Mix everything together. It's that simple! To drink just fill your mug about 1/3 of the way full with mix then add warm water to fill the rest of the mug. You can also add a little bit of vanilla if you would like.

Old Fashioned Lemonade

2009-04-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

4 ½ cups water
1 cup sugar
1 ¼ cups fresh squeezed lemon juice (approx. 5-7 lemons)
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Using a juicer, juice the lemons and set aside. Mix together 4 ½ cups water and 1 cup sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add in the fresh squeezed lemons and 1 tsp. lemon zest. Mix well and refrigerate until chilled. This makes a GREAT summer treat!

Heather's Breadsticks

2009-02-12T11:49:00.000-08:00

3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
2 Tbs. Sugar
1 1/2 Tsp. Salt
1 Tbs. Yeast
1 1/4 Cups Warm Water
1/2 cup butter
Garlic Salt
Parmesan Cheese

Mix together water, yeast and salt. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add flour and sugar and mix until dough pulls away from sides of bowl.

Melt butter and pour half onto the bottom of a cookie sheet. Roll out dough and lay on top of butter, streching it until it touches the sides. Cut into slices and top with remaining butter. Sprinkle with Garlic Salt and Parmesan Cheese if desired. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 375 for 15-18 minutes.

I have also made this with about half the butter and it still turns out great. I have also substituted some of the flour for wheat and it worked great as well.

Rocky Road Fudge Bars

2008-09-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Rocky Road Fudge Bars

Base:

1/2 C. butter or margarine
1 oz. unsweetened chocolate cut up (I use 1/2 C. Choco. chips)
1 C. flour
1 C. sugar
1 t. baking powder
1 t. vanilla
2 eggs

Filling:

1/4 C. butter, softened
1 8 oz. cream cheese softened
1/2 C. sugar
2 T. flour
1/2 t. vanilla
1 egg
1/4 C. chopped nuts
1 C. choco. chips
2 C. miniature marshmallows

Frosting:

1/4 C. butter
1/4 C. milk
1 oz. unsweetened chocolate, cut-up ( use 1/2 C. choco. chips)
Reserved cream cheese
3 C. powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla

Heat oven to 350. Grease and flour 9x13 pan. Melt 1/2 C. butter and 1 oz. chocolate over low heat in microwave, stirring until smooth. Stir in remaining base ingredients and spread in pan.

In small bowl combine 6 oz. cream cheese, butter, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Stir in nuts. Spread over chocolate mixture and sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips. Bake at 350 for 25 to 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with marshmallows. Return to oven and bake an additional 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine 1/4 C. butter, milk, chocolate and 2 oz. cream cheese and microwave on low heat, stirring until well blended. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until smooth, immediately pour frosting over marshmallows. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hour or until firm. Cut into 48 bars. Store in refrigerator {they are SO yummy when they are cold!}

Ashby's Homemade Pot Pie

2008-07-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

2 uncooked pie shells
1 whole roasted chicken
2-3 stalks celery
1/2 white onion
1 Tbls. butter
3 red potatoes
2 large carrots
15 green beans
1/2 bag frozen corn
1/2 bag frozen peas
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Take your roasted chicken breast (which can be found just about anywhere, Safeway, Wal-Mart, Costco, etc.) and peel the skin off the skin of the chicken and shred the meat; set aside.

Chop the celery and onions into small pieces. Melt butter in a skillet and saute the celery and onions together until onions are soft and translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.

Chop the remaining vegetables and place in a pot of water. I like to chop the vegetables in order of what needs to be boiled the longest. I start with the potatoes and put them in the water, then the carrots and put them in the water (.....are you seeing a pattern?), then the green beans, add the corn, and then the peas. Boil until potatoes are slightly tender. Drain water from vegetables.

Place one of the pie shells (I like to get the refrigerated Pillsbury shells that are rolled up) in the bottom of a pie dish and form the edges. Sometimes I have to cut off some of the edges because they are too big.

Now, mix the soups together (in a large bowl because you'll be adding all the other ingredients to it) and add desired amount of milk to thin. You don't want to make it too runny, or it'll spill out of the pie. Add the chicken, celery and onions, and vegetables. Mix together until everything is covered. Salt and pepper to taste. Pour into uncooked pie shell. Cover with the remaining shell, form sides, and cut a 1-inch slit in the top. You may want to put foil around the edges so they don't burn.

Place pie on cookie sheet because the insides sometimes drip out. Bake for 40 minutes, and remove foil around edges. Bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the top crust looks a golden brown. Let sit for another 5-10 minutes and serve!

Stove Top Chicken Casserole

2008-07-03T17:02:00.001-07:00

1 pkg. Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Chicken
2-3 chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1/3 cup sour cream
1 bag (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed, drained

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Prepare stuffing mix as directed on box, set aside.
Mix together soup and sour cream. Add chicken and mixed vegetables and mix until covered with sauce. Place in 13x9 inch pan then top with prepared stuffing.
Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through!

So easy, and so good!

ENJOY!

Best Ever Pot Roast and Gravy

2008-07-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

I used to make my roasts in my crock pot and they were ALWAYS dry, until my sister-in-law taught me how to do it in the oven. And I will never go back! This seriously is the best, most tender, and easiest to make roast you will ever eat!

ROAST
3-4 pound Chuck Roast (Safeway and Costco have GREAT chuck roasts)
Meat Tenderizer
Mrs. Dash Original
Pam

Sprinkle the roast with the meat tenderizer on all sides and let sit for 5-10 minutes. In the meantime, preheat the oven to 250 degrees, and spray a large (oven safe) pot with Pam. I use the largest one I have but make sure it has a lid. If not, foil works too. Sprinkle the roast again with a desired amount of Mrs. Dash. Place roast in large pot on the stove and sear all sides over medium-high heat. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Let it cook for 5-6 hours.

GRAVY
Juices from roast
1 cup cold water
1/2 to 1 cup COLD water mixed with 3 tbls. flour (shake well to mix)

After roast is done cooking, remove from oven and poor juices into a sauce pan. Be sure to keep the roast covered while making the gravy so it doesn't dry out. Bring juices to a boil over high-heat and let it boil down almost to where you think it is about to burn. At that point pour 1 cup of water into the sauce pan and mix with a whisk. Then add the water mixed with the flour (this keeps the flour from clumping, but you have to make sure you mix it again before adding to the gravy). Mix together until it begins to thicken. There's no need to add salt, the Mrs. Dash keeps the gravy well flavored.

And Voila! Enjoy!

Magic Cookie Bars

2008-04-30T16:43:00.002-07:00

1 package graham crackers
1 cube butter or margarine
1 can sweetened condensed milk
chocolate chips
coconut
walnuts, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350. Melt butter in 9x9 baking dish in microwave. Finely crumble graham crackers. Add crackers to butter to make a crust. Pour sweetened condensed milk over crust, then layer chocolate chips (the more the better, in my opinion!), coconut and nuts over the milk. Bake for 25-30 minutes (more gooey at 25, that's the way we like 'em!)

Coconut Cream Cake

2008-04-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

This recipe is so good (thanks to Alyssa Frost!), and even if you don't care for coconut, it hardly has that flavor at all. It is just yummy, cold and delicious!

1 white cake mix
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 can cream of coconut (found in the liquor section, but contains no liquor!)
1 tub whipped topping
coconut flakes, if desired

Mix sweetened condensed milk and cream of coconut in bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. Mix and bake cake according to directions on box. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, use the stick end of a wooden spoon to poke several holes throughout. Take mixture out of the fridge and pour over the top of the cake. Spread the excess mixture into the holes. Refrigerate cake for at least 3 hours to let it cool and soak up all the mixture. When ready to serve, spread one tube of cool whip over the top and garnish with toasted or raw coconut flakes.

Creamy Artichoke Dip

2008-04-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. sour cream
1 can diced green chiles (do not drain)
1 small jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained
6 oz. DiGiorno shredded parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients together in a microwave-safe dish. Heat one minute in microwave, stir and continue to heat in 30 second increments until parmesan cheese is melted and dip is heated through. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with diced tomatoes and olives (if desired) and serve with shepherd's bread or tortilla chips. Quick and delicious!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight

2008-04-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

1 tube (16.5 ozs.) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 carton Cool Whip
3 cups milk
1 small package instant chocolate pudding
1 small package instant vanilla pudding
Chopped nuts and chocolate curls, optional

Let cookie dough stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften. Press into an ungreased 13x9 in pan. Bake at 350 for 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 and 3/4 cup Cool Whip. Spread over cookie.

Whisk together milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes; let stand for 2 more minutes or until soft-set. Spread over cream cheese layer. Top with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle with optional nuts and/or chocolate curls.

Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight until firm.

Mini Cheese Cake Baskets

2008-03-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

These are so easy and everyone in our family loves them at Easter, the kids especially.

2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
12 NILLA Wafers
1-1/2 cups BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut, tinted green
36 small jelly beans
12 pieces shoestring licorice (4 inch each)
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs; beat just until blended.
PLACE wafer on bottom of each of 12 paper-lined medium muffin cups. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over wafers.
BAKE 20 minutes or until centers are almost set. Cool. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Top evenly with coconut and jelly beans just before serving. Bend each licorice piece, then insert both ends into each cheesecake to resemble the handle of a basket. Store leftover cheesecakes in refrigerator.

Chipotle Tamale Pie

2008-03-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

When I saw this on our local news one morning I couldn't resist. I love chipotle and found this to be easy and tasty.

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound, lean ground beef or you can use turkey
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (8-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 chipotle chiles from the can, plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce, from can chipotle in adobo
1 cup grated Cheddar
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 (8.5-ounce) package cornbread mix
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Grease an 8-inch baking dish with the butter and set it aside.
Heat the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, the onions, green peppers, and garlic and cook until the meat is no longer pink and is cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat and sprinkle the meat mixture with the cumin.
Add the beans, tomatoes, chiles and adobo sauce to the skillet and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until heated through and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from the heat and stir in the cheese and cilantro.
Spread the meat mixture in the prepared baking dish, pressing down on it with the back of a spoon to make an even, compact layer.
Combine the cornbread mix with milk and egg. Spread the cornbread batter over the turkey mixture and bake until the cornbread is golden-brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the tamale pie stand for 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Bean Corn Salsa

2008-02-13T13:38:00.000-08:00

2-3 Roma Tomatoes
2-3 Avacodos
2/3 c green onions
2/3 c cilantro
1 can shoepeg corn
1 can black eyed peas

Dressing
1/2 c olive oil
1/2 c red wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp cumin

Chop ingredients to desired size and combine in bowl, mix dressing and pour over top and mix. This is super yummy and I hope Lexie doesn't mind I borrowed it.

Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

2008-02-09T07:37:00.001-08:00

1 can (10 3/4 oz) Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup
1 1/3 cups water
3/4 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
1/2 tsp onion powder
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 up shredded cheddar cheese

1. Stir soup, water, rice, onion powder and black pepper in 12X8X2" shallow baking dish. Top with chicken. Season chicken as desired. Cover.

2. Bake at 375 for 45 min or until done. Top with cheese.

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies

2008-01-25T10:09:00.001-08:00

I found this recipe on the Picky Palate blog and decided to give them a try. I made them for my company and they really enjoyed them. She used unsalted butter but all I had was salted so I used that and didn't add any additional salt. She also used Hershey's Dark Cocoa Powder but I just used what I had and they worked out great! I would suggest adding a little more flour than it calls for.

½ Cup chocolate chips
1 stick unsalted butter
1 ½ Cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ¼ Cups flour
½ Cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 bag chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place ½ Cup chocolate chips and stick of butter in a heat proof bowl over a small pot of simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

2. Place cooled melted chocolate, sugar, eggs and vanilla into the bowl of a stand or electric
mixer. Mix on medium speed until well combined. On low speed, slowly mix in flour mixture and chips until just combined.

3. With a medium cookie scoop, scoop onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until cookies begin to crack on top and edges look slightly crisped. Let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack to finish cooling.

Doctored Cupcakes

2008-01-24T09:59:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe on another blog, Dinner on a Dime, and made them yesterday for my Achievement Day girls. They were a huge hit! They call for LOTS of butter, so be prepared!

1 white cake mix
1 C. whole milk
1 stick butter (melted)
3 lg. eggs
2 tsp vanilla
Combine, mix on low 1 min, scrape sides of bowl, mix on medium 2 minutes. Use temps and times on cake mix box.

Fluffy Frosting:

3 C. salted butter
6-8 C. powdered sugar
vanilla to taste (around 4 tsp)
1-2 TB milk

Mix everything together well, spread on cupcakes.

**I suggest making only half, or even a quarter of the frosting. I made half and still have lots left over.

(Also I stole the picture, my cupcakes were certainly not that beautiful!)

Ultimate Cinnamon Rolls

2008-01-24T09:38:00.001-08:00

I have two really yummy cinnamon roll recipes, but this one was requested- so this one's for you Ashby!

Dough:
1-1/2 packages dry yeast (about 3-1/4 tsp.) yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 shortening (I use butter flavored)
1/3 cup sugar
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
4-5 cups sifted flour

Filling:
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cinnamon
(you may substitute brown sugar for the white sugar)
raisins (optional)

Frosting:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tbs. butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
2-4 tbs. milk or cream

Preparation:
Add the warm water to the yeast and soak for 10 minutes. Scald milk; pour over the shortening. Add sugar and salt and cool to tepid (lukewarm). Add the dissolved yeast and beaten egg. Add 4 cups four, one at a time, beating after each addition.
Dough should be soft yet firm enough to handle.
Knead on floured surface until elastic and smooth. Avoid too much flour. Turn dough into well oiled bowl. Let rise for 1-1/2 hours.
Press dough down and divide into workable size. Roll dough out into a rectangle. Cover with melted butter, leaving about one inch on ends. Layer generously with filling. Roll up jellyroll fashion. Using a knife or piece of string, cut off slices about 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick. Place slices in a pan. Press rolls down to even out. Let rise until rolls fill the pan generously- about another hour.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes. If rolls begin to brown too fast, cover with a piece of tin foil until the end of baking. Do not over bake.

For the frosting:
In a medium bowl, place sugar, butter and vanilla. Then stir in enough milk or cream to reach a consistency you like. Spread over warm rolls.

Meatloaf

2008-01-17T14:09:00.000-08:00

I don't like to measure things so these are all estimates.

1 lb. Hamburger
1 egg
5-7 Saltine Crackers crumbled
3 Tbs. Ketchup
2 Tbs. Mustard

Mix together and divide in half, take one half and press into bottom of loaf pan. Top with 1 cup grated cheese. Then top with remaining half of hamburger mixture and press edges together. Spread about another 3 Tbs. Ketchup on top. Bake at 350 about 30-45 minutes until center is no longer pink. I like to eat it with baked potatoes on a cold day.

Simple Chicken Noodle Soup

2008-01-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

4 c. chopped, cooked chicken

1 c. chopped celery

1/4 c. chopped carrots

1/4 c. chopped onions

1/4 c. butter

8 oz. egg noodles

2 boxes (32oz) Swanson chicken broth

3-4 c. water

1/2 t. dried marjoram

1/2 t. ground black pepper

1 bay leaf

1 T. dried parsley (I prefer fresh)

1. In a large stock pot, saute celery and onion in butter.

2. Add chicken, carrots, broth, water, marjoram, pepper, bay leaf and parsley. Simmer 30 minutes.

3. Add noodles and simmer 10 more minutes.

Blueberry Crumb Pie

2008-01-07T18:38:00.000-08:00

4 cups blueberries** (washed and drained)
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbls. lemon juice
2 Tbls. butter

Stir sugar, cinnamon, and flour together. Coat blueberries with it. Pour into uncooked pie crust. Cut butter (approximately 2 Tbls.) into small pieces and place in the blueberry mixture. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Top with Crumb mixture.

Crumb Mixture
1 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 stick butter

Cut butter into the flour and sugar and mix together until crumbly.

Cover edge of pie crust with foil and remove 15 minutes before it should be done cooking, Bake at 425 for 35 to 45 minutes.

**Fresh apples or peaches can be substituted for blueberries.

Peanut Butter Fudge

2007-12-22T10:34:00.000-08:00

This recipe is from my Grandma, Ila May Reed. It is soo good and easy.

1 Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 (12 oz.) pkg. Butterscotch Chips
1/2 cup Peanut Butter
16 large Marshmallows, quartered
1 tsp. Vanilla
Dash of Salt

Melt chips, milk, peanut butter and marshmallows; add vanilla and salt. Warm it enough to melt. Stir. Pour into 9x13 inch pan. Chill and cut.

Chili's Enchilada Soup

2007-12-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb. of chicken breast fillets (approx. 3 fillets)
1/2 cup diced onion
1 clove garlic, pressed
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup masa harina (flour found in baking section of stores)
3 cups water
1 cup enchilada sauce
16 ounces Velveeta
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin

Garnish
shredded cheddar cheese
crumbled corn tortilla chips
pico de gallo

Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken breasts to pot and brown for 4-5 minutes per side. Set chicken aside.
Add onions and garlic to pot and sauté over medium heat for about 2 minutes, or until onions begin to become translucent. Add chicken broth.
Combine masa harina with 2 cups of water in a medium bowl and whisk until blended. Add masa mixture to pot with onions, garlic and broth.
Add remaining water, enchilada sauce, cheese and spices to pot and bring mixture to a boil.
Shred the chicken into small, bite-size pieces and add it to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer soup for 30-40 minutes or until thick.
Serve soup in cups or bowls, and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled corn tortilla chips, and pico de gallo.

Pico de Gallo
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup diced Spanish onion
2 teaspoons chopped fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and de-ribbed
2 teaspoons finely minced fresh cilantro
Pinch of salt

Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies

2007-12-22T06:26:00.000-08:00

2 cups butter
4 cups flour
2 tsp. soda
2 cups sugar
5 cups blended oatmeal
24 oz. chocolate chips
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 8 oz. Hershey Bar (grated)
4 eggs
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. vanilla

Measure oatmeal and blend in a blender to a fine powder. Cream the butter and both sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda. Add chocolate chips and Hershey Bar shavings. Roll into balls and place two inches apart on a cookie sheet or drop by teaspoonful onto the cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, or 10 to 12 minutes for a crispier cookie.

Makes about 10 dozen cookies.

Candy Cane Cookies

2007-12-22T06:19:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring

In a mixing bowl, beat the shortening and butter for 30 seconds.
Add about half of the flour, the sugar, egg, milk, vanilla, baking soda and salt to beaten mixture. Beat until thoroughly combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Then, beat or stir in the remaining flour.
Divide dough in half. Set one portion aside. To the remaining portion, knead in the peppermint extract and the food coloring.
To shape dough, roll out each portion of dough between 2 sheets of waxed paper to form a 12x11-inch rectangle. Remove top sheet of waxed paper from plain and pink doughs. Invert plain dough on top of pink dough. Peel off top sheet of paper. From the long side, roll up, jelly-roll style, removing bottom sheet of paper as you roll. Cut roll in half, crosswise. Wrap and chill for 4 to 24 hours.
Cut dough into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375° F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly browned. Remove cookies and cool on wire rack.
Makes about 60 cookies

Orange Coconut Muffins

2007-12-19T14:44:00.000-08:00

Place the following in a bowl and mix:

2 cups flour
2/3 cups + 1 TBS sugar
1 TSP baking powder
1 1/2 TSP baking soda
1/2 TSP salt

Place the following in a separate bowl and mix:

8 oz plain yogurt
1/2 square of butter, melted
1 beaten egg
1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1/4 cup water
1 cup coconut

Gently mix liquids into dry ingredients only until mixed. Divide dough into muffin tins filling about 3/4 full. Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes.

Fruit Dip

2007-12-19T14:43:00.000-08:00

1 ½ Cups Cold Milk
1 (3.5 oz) box of vanilla pudding
Mix together and set in refrigerator until thick. Once thick add
1 yogurt (any flavor)
8 oz Cool Whip (about 2/3 of container)
Serve with fresh fruit.

Yummy Stuff

2007-12-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

I don't know what the name of this stuff is, or actual quantities, but it is easy and really good.

Chex (rice/corn, whatever you want)
Pretzels
Cheerios
Bugles
M&M's (I like peanut)
Almond Bark

Mix to get the mixture that you like I do about 6 cups Chex, 1/2 bag of pretzel twists, 1-2 cups of Cheerios, 1 regular Bag of Bugles, and a 2 lb. bag of M&M's. Melt 1 package of Almond Bark according to directions and coat Chex/Bugle mixture, spread out on wax paper and let it dry.

Raspberry Swirl

2007-12-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Jared's family has this dessert for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is really tasty. I believe you can subsitute the raspberries for strawberries.

3/4 C. graham cracker crumbs

2 Tbs. sugar

8 oz. cream cheese (at room temp.)

1/8 tsp. salt

1 (10-12 oz) pkg. frozen raspberries

3 Tbs. butter

3 eggs, separated

1 cup sugar

1 cup heavy cream

Mix and press in a 7x11 inch pan the graham crackers, butter, and 2 Tbs. sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Beat egg yolks until stiff; add cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and salt. Beat until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, whip cream until stiff. Add egg whites and whipped cream to cream cheese mixture and fold gently until smooth. Pour into crust. In blender, crush raspberries and pour over cream cheese mixture. Swirl in with a knife. Freeze overnight before serving. If using a 9x13 inch pan, double the crust but no the topping.

Mildred's Carmels

2007-12-12T08:13:00.001-08:00

1 cup light Karo syrup
2 cups granulated sugar
3 cups cream

Add together the 1 cup of Karo syrup, 2 cups sugar, and only ONE cup of cream. Mix together and bring it to a rolling boil. Let it boil for 1 minute. Then add one more cup of cream. Mix together and bring it to a rolling boil again. Let it boil for TWO minutes. Then add the last cup of cream. Mix together until it becomes a firm ball when rolled together.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

2007-12-12T08:11:00.001-08:00

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
2 tsp (or a little more)vanilla
4 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
Powdered sugar for rolling the dough in

Mix together the sugar, oil, melted chocolate and vanilla.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until blended.
Stir in the flour, salt and baking powder. Mix until well combined.
Chill the dough, covered, in the fridge at least three hours, or overnight.
Heat the oven to 350f
Drop the dough by heaping teaspoons into the powdered sugar and then shape into balls. Place on parchement lined baking sheets and bake for 8 to 12 minutes until beautiful.
Makes 4 to 5 dozen

Cashew Chicken

2007-12-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

1/2c. oil
4 cloves garlic
1 lb. chicken- thinly sliced
2 T. soy sauce
2 T. sugar
1 tsp. white pepper
1 tsp. corn starch
1/2 c. roasted cashews
1 green onion
1 bell pepper

Heat skillet. Add oil, garlic, chicken, sauces, sugar and white pepper. Then mix in cashews, green onion and bell pepper. Serve over rice.

Cranberry Fluff Salad

2007-11-28T19:03:00.000-08:00

2 Cups raw cranberries, ground
3-4 Cups mini marshmallows
¾ Cup sugar
Combine, cover and chill overnight

2 Cups apples diced with skin left on
½ Cup seedless grapes
½ Cup pecans broken (optional)
1 can crushed pineapple, drained

Add fruit and nuts. Fold in ½ pint whipped cream. Chill and serve.

*I usually double the first six ingredients just to make the salad go further.

Pumpkin Cranberry Bread

2007-11-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

3 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons salt
3 cups granulated sugar
1 can (15 oz.) Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
4 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
½ cup orange juice or water
2 cups sweetened dried, fresh, or frozen cranberries (I prefer fresh, but they can only be found during the holidays).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
Combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Combine sugar, pumpkin, eggs, vegetable oil, and orange juice in a large mixer bowl; beat until just blended.
Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture. Stir until just moistened. Fold in cranberries.
Spoon batter into loaf pans.
Bake for 60-65 minutes or until wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean.
Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove to wore racks to cool completely.

Makes 2 loaves

Easy Cranberry Sauce

2007-11-28T08:43:00.000-08:00

1 lb. fresh cranberries
1 c. water
1 1/2 c. sugar

Rinse the berries in a colander and remove and stems or bad berries.

In a medium saucepan, heat the water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Then bring the syrup up to a boil and pour in the cleaned berries. Adjust the heat so the mixture maintains a simmer and cook until all the berries pop or crack open, about five minutes to seven minutes.

Take the sauce off the heat at this point, or simmer it down to the desired thickness. Remember the sauce will thicken a little while cooling. Chill overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

While simmering the berries, additional ingredients can be added for more flavoring such as orange zest or spices like cinnamon.

(*Credit for this recipe goes to my good friend who blogs here)

Maple Butter Blondies

2007-11-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

About a year ago, Ty's cousin gave us a recipe for Blondies. We used to make it all the time. A couple of weeks ago, we had the missionaries over and I decided I would make them for dessert. When I made the recipe, I didn't remember it being so thick (which it is) so I called Ty's aunt to double check that I had the recipe right. She asked me if I was doing "the sauce" with it and I told her I didn't know what it was. She said, "Oh, it is absolutely dee-vine. You have to try it." So I did and I am not kidding, it is one of the best things I have ever tasted. So here you go...enjoy!

Blondie's

1 yellow cake mix
1 cube butter
2 eggs
chocolate chips

Mix and bake in 9x9 at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Maple Butter Sauce

3/4 c. maple syrup
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. walnuts (optional)

Melt butter in saucepan and add maple syrup. Stir. Add brown sugar until dissolved. Add walnuts.

For each cut blondie, add one scoop of ice cream, then drizzle sauce over the top. Yummy!

Peanut Chicken Angel Hair Pasta

2007-11-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

1 lb cooked chicken, diced
1 can chicken broth
2 T soy sauce
2 T cooking wine or water
1 T cornstarch
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp. grated gingerroot or 1/2 tsp of ginger
1 medium onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
Angel Hair Pasta, cooked and drained

Sauce: combine chicken broth, soy sauce, wine or water, cornstarch and red pepper and peanut butter. mix and set aside.

Preheat a large skillet with 1 T of oil. Add onions and grated gingerroot and garlic and stir-fry until onions are crisp-tender (2-3 minutes). Remove vegatables from skillet. Add sauce to skillet, stir and cook until thickened and bubbly. Add cooked chicken and vegatables and coat with sauce. Serve atop hot cooked angel hair pasta. (Enjoy - it's my husband's favorite!)

Easy Stove-Top Stuffing Quiche

2007-11-06T19:06:00.000-08:00

Credit for this recipe goes to my sister, Jacey. I made this tonight and it turned out great. It is very quick and simple.

1 lg. can chicken breast
6 eggs, beaten
2 c. milk
1 c. cooked, canned or frozen spinach
1 box chicken stove-top stuffing mix
1 c. shredded cheese

Mix eggs, milk, cheese and spinach. Add chicken and stove-top mix, blend well and spread in 9x9 baking dish. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Optional: Add bacon, sausage, mushrooms, or any other vegetable for variety. Can also be served for breakfast.

Amazing Apricot Chicken

2007-11-05T22:28:00.000-08:00

8 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 (8 oz) bottle of Russian dressing
1 cup of apricot jam
1 pkg of dry onion soup mix

Place chicken in greased 9X13 pan. Combine dressing,jam and onion soup mix and pour over chicken. Bake uncovered at 30 degrees for 1 hr. Makes 8 servings.

Recipe Holder

2007-10-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a good idea. I have a pile of recipes that I print off to try and are so disorganized that I can't usually find what I want when I want it. I saw this idea to use file folders, organized by bread, entrees, sides, desserts, etc. I just thought I would share, here are some sites with really cute file folders too.
http://www.roomservicehome.com/homeoffice/accessories.asp

http://www.themacbethcollection.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=macbeth&Product_Code=FF

http://www.seejanework.com/ProductCart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=54

Chicken Manicotti

2007-10-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

1 1/2 lbs chicken breast tenders

14 uncooked manicotti shells

1(30 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce (canned works well too)

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Garlic Salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread 1/3 cup of the spaghetti sauce in ungreased baking dish, 9x13 inches. Sprinkle garlic salt on chicken. Insert uncooked chicken into uncooked manicotti shells. Place shells on spaghetti sauce in dish. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over shells, covering completely. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake about 1 hour, or until shells are tender.

Caramel Apples

2007-10-30T14:23:00.000-07:00

2 c brown sugar
1 c corn syrup
1 cube butter/margarine
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla

Combine first 3 ingredients and bring to a boil, then add milk and cook until soft ball stage. Add vanilla.

Covers about 12 to 20 apples depending on size. Golden delicious are great. Make sure apples are very cold and you have let caramel cool some before dipping apples. I use a spoon to drizzle caramel over top. Place on greased wax paper and place in fridge to set up caramel. It is also yummy to melt chocolate and spread over caramel and roll in chopped pecans.

Pumpkin Cookies

2007-10-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

1 box of spice cake mix
1 large can of pumpkin

cream cheese frosting (either canned or make your own with cream cheese, powdered sugar and milk)

Combine cake mix and pumpkin and mix thoroughly. Drop onto greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for approx. 12 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
It sounds too simple to be good -but they are delicious and very moist. The key is too make sure they cook completely.

Casserole in a Pumpkin

2007-10-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

1 1/2 to 2 pounds of ground beef
1 large onion chopped (approx 1 cup)
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
2-3 cups cooked rice
1 can of cream soup (mushroom, chicken or celery)
1 can sliced mushrooms
1 can sliced water chestnuts (optional)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 T brown sugar

Cook the ground beef, add onions, celery and cook for a few minutes until slightly tender. Add the mushrooms, water chestnuts to the hamburger mixture and then add to the soup and rice and set aside. Clean out a pumpkin big enough to fill with the mixture, but small enough to fit into the oven and not burn. Cook the pumpkin with the lid on for a 1/2 hour at 350 and then add the mixture to the inside of the pumpkin and cover with the lid, cook for 1 hour to 1 1/2 depending on how quickly the pumpkin cooks. Poke with a toothpick to test. Serve with a green salad and fresh rolls.
(This is a fun tradition that we make every Halloween - be sure to scoop out some cooked pumpkin- it is very tasty!)

Curried Coconut Chicken

2007-10-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

Serve over white or jasmine rice.

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in 1-inch pieces
1 t. salt and pepper, to taste
1-1/2 T. vegetable oil
2 T. curry powder
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes, diced
8 oz. tomato sauce
3 T. sugar

1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

2. Heat oil and curry powder in a large, non-stick skillet over med-high heat for 2 minutes. Stir in onions and garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add chicken, tossing to coat with curry oil. Reduce heat to medium and cook 7-10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

3. Pour coconut milk, tomatoes, tomato sauce and sugar into the pan and stir to combine. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes.

Pork with Honey, Mustard and Fresh Coriander

2007-10-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

Serves 6

4 TBS honey
4 TBS Dijon mustard
3 TBS vegetable oil
10 twists black pepper (or to taste)
3 lb loin of pork
10 oz chicken stock
8 oz whipping cream
1 TBS chopped fresh coriander leaves

Preheat oven to 400. Mix honey, mustard, oil and pepper in a small bowl to make a smooth sauce.

Cut two long sheets of foil approx 14 in. and lay on top of eachother. Place the pork on the foil and rub a generous tablespoon of the honey sauce all over the meat. Then fold the foil around the pork and pinch the edges together to seal the meat in a neat parcel.

Place the pork parcel on a baking tray and cook in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

Pour the remaining sauce in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, stir in the chicken stock and simmer gently for 30 minutes. This removes the bitterness from the mustard and makes the sauce smooth. Add the cream and simmer for a further 10 minutes.

Open the top of the foil parcel and cook the pork for another 10 minutes to brown the top of the joint. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.

Carve the pork into 1/4 in. slices and arrange them on a platter or individual plates. Stir the chopped coriander into the sauce and pour it over the pork. Serve immediately.

Shrimp Pasta

2007-10-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

4 oz. linguine, uncooked
1 cup cleaned medium fresh shrimp
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread
1-1/2 cups torn cleaned spinach

COOK linguine as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, heat large skillet on medium-high heat. Add shrimp, tomatoes and cream cheese spread; cook and stir 3 to 4 minutes or until shrimp are cooked through and mixture is well blended.
DRAIN pasta; place in large bowl. Add spinach; toss lightly. Stir in shrimp mixture.

Triple Chocolate Bunt Cake

2007-10-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

(Doug's step mom makes wonderful bunt cakes, this is one of my favorites)

1 pkg. (2-layer size) chocolate cake mix
1 cup Sour Cream
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
4 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water
3 cups thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, divided
1 pkg. (8 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 12-cup fluted tube pan or 10-inch tube pan. Beat all ingredients except whipped topping, chocolate and raspberries in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until moistened. Beat on medium speed 2 min. scraping bowl occasionally. Pour into prepared pan.
BAKE 50 min. to 1 hour or until wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 min. Loosen cake from side of pan with knife or metal spatula and gently remove cake. Cool cake completely on wire rack. Place on serving plate.

RESERVE 2 Tbsp. of the whipped topping. Microwave remaining whipped topping and chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after each min. Drizzle over cake. Immediately drop reserved whipped topping, by scant teaspoonfuls, around top of cake; create star shape by drawing wooden toothpick through middle several times.

Courtney's Apple Pie

2007-10-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

My friend, Courtney, taught me how to make this last year before we moved to Arizona, and it is one of the best apple pie's I've had! Included is the Pie Crust and Crumble Mixture for the top! ENJOY!

APPLE PIE

4-6 apples (peeled, cored & sliced)
1 cup sugar
1 T. flour
1 T. tapioca (dry)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt

STEAM APPLES
(Sprinkle with lemon juice & steam for 5 minutes or 2-3 minutes in microwave steamer)
Reserve ¼- ½ cup of water out of steamer

Combine: sugar, tapioca, flour, cinnamon, & salt in a small blow. Mix well.
Cover crust bottom with this mixture – layer the apples and cover each level with the mixture.

Add ¼ cup cooking (steaming) liquid
Cover the apples with the remaining mixture & add 2 T. more cooking liquid over top.
Sprinkle with lemon juice

Cover with CRUMBLE MIXTURE

Bake on lower shelf of oven at 375- 400 degrees. Cook for 30-40 minutes – watch the pie and don’t overcook.

Your pie is done with it bubbles and the crust & crumble mixture are golden brown.

PIE CRUST
1/3 cup butter (salted)
1/3 cup margarine
1/3 cup shortening (Crisco)
1 T. sugar
½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 T. dry milk
½ cup cold water (may need 1 T. more) – or you can use ½ cup cold milk
3 cups flour

In a mixer: cream butter, margarine & shortening
In a bowl: mix together sugar, baking powder, salt & dry milk
Add dry mixture to “butter” & mix briefly
Add ½ flour – beat until blended; add the rest of flour
Pour water in & beat only until water is incorporated.

Makes 2 pie shells (you can store extra dough in freezer – wrap in plastic wrap & put in a Ziploc. Will keep for 3-4 months)

CRUMBLE CRUST
(for 1 pie)

¾ cup flour
1/3 cup butter
½ cup sugar

Work it in with your hands – until you have a “crumbly” mixture. Taste to add more sugar

Peanut Butter Maple Cookies

2007-10-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

These are my Dad's favorite!
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 package (10 ounces) peanut butter chips

Cream the butter, peanut butter and sugars. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in syrup and vanilla. Combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture. Stir in peanut butter chips.

Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 1 minute before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Chicken Stroganoff

2007-10-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup diced onion
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 cup sour cream

In a skillet, melt 2-3 Tbs. of butter and cook chicken until browned on both sides and no longer pink. Remove from pan.

If necessary, add a little more butter and cook mushrooms and onions until tender and liquid is evaporated. Add soup and sour cream, heat to boiling.

Return chicken to pan an heat through, stirring often. Serve over rice or noodles.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

2007-10-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best homemade ice cream recipes that I have ever found!

4 Eggs
2 Cups Sugar
1/2 t. Salt
1 t. Vanilla
1 Large Pkg. Vanilla Inst. Pudding
1 Pt. Whipping Cream
1 Pt. Half and Half
Whole Milk

Beat eggs, and sugar well. Add salt, pudding, whipping cream and half and half. Mix well. Fill container to fill line with whole milk. Freeze.

Taffy Apple Salad

2007-10-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

1 can (16 ounces) pineapple chunks, diced, and juice reserved
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 egg, beaten well
1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping
4 medium-size apples, peeled, diced
1-1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts, chopped fine (optional)

1. Refrigerate marshmallows and pineapple, covered, overnight.
2. In a small saucepan, stir together reserved pineapple juice, sugar, flour, vinegar and egg. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring, for about 5 minutes. Refrigerate, covered, in a bowl overnight.
3. In a large bowl, combine the two chilled mixtures with the whipped topping, apples and 1-1/4 cups of the chopped nuts. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup nuts on top. Chill until ready to serve.

Heath Bar Cake

2007-10-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

CAKE:
1 box yellow cake mix
2 cups warm water
2 eggs
1 (3.9 oz.) box instant chocolate pudding mix

Mix all ingredients until smooth. Pour into greased and floured 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

FROSTING:
1/2 cup butter (melted, then cooled)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 egg yolks
8 ozs. Cool Whip
3 Heath Bars, crushed

Mix butter, powdered sugar and egg yolks until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip and Heath Bars. Spread on cake. Keep refrigerated.

(Since I hate eggs, especially raw, I often just do the Cool Whip and Heath Bars and it is just as tasty.)

Zucchini Bread

2007-10-12T21:13:00.000-07:00

3 eggs
1 c. vegetable oil (or 1 c. applesauce)
2 c. sugar
3 tbs. vanilla
3 tsp. vanilla
3 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. zucchini (and/or carrots)
3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Beat eggs until thick. Slowly add oil, then sugar. Add vanilla and cinnamon. Beat will, then add zucchini. Beat again. Add flour, baking soda and salt.
Fill 2 greased loaf pans with batter. Bake for 1 hour at 325. (If applesauce is used, only bake for 45 minutes.)
You may also make these using muffin tins.

Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

2007-10-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

1 12 oz. jar Chili Sauce
1 16 oz. jar Grape Jelly
15-20 Large Italian Style Meatballs (frozen and pre-cooked)

Mix together the chili sauce and the grape jelly. Place the meatballs in the bottom of a pot, and pour mixture over top. Cover and cook on low until meatballs are hot in the middle, about 35-45 minutes. Serve over rice or egg noodles! Serves 4.

Smokey Jalepeno Poppers

2007-10-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

We had these with our dinner last night and were both really impressed. Jared said "they have the perfect amount of smokiness." Sounds professional, huh? They would make a great appetizer!

4 ozs. Cream Cheese
14 Jalapenos
7 Slices of Bacon
14 Lil' Smokies

In the microwave or in a skillet, cook the bacon until about 1/2 way done. Cut bacon slices in half so you have 14. Cut a slit in each jalapeno and remove the seeds and veins. Spoon 1 teaspoon of cream cheese into each jalapeno. Next, add a lil' smokey to each one. Wrap each jalapeno with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Cook in a 350 degree oven. Cook 20 minutes for spicy, 30 minutes for medium and 40 minutes for mild.

Stuffed French Toast

2007-10-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I went a little recipe crazy...but it's been awhile!

1 loaf french bread
1 pkg. cream cheese
1/4 c. jam (I like blackberry with this)
handful of sugar

Mix cheese, jam and sugar until smooth. Split bread (hot dog style) and spread cheese mixture inside. Refrigerate over night. Slice into large, toast-size pieces.

Dip for bread:
3-4 eggs
1/2 - 1 c. cream
1 T vanilla
1 T sugar

Dip each slice in the egg mixture, then fry on electric skillet.

Top with butter, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Yummy, yummy!

Bran Muffins

2007-10-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love this recipe, especially now that it is getting a little more chilly. These keep up to six weeks in the refrigerator, so I can just pop some in the oven any time I want!

Boil and let cool:

2 c. water
5 tsp. baking soda

Mix:

1 c. shortening
4 eggs
2 c. bran buds
4 c. all-bran
1 qt. buttermilk
5 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1 t. salt

Combine mixes. Pour desired amout of muffins into greased muffin pan. Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

These taste really yummy with just some butter, or add a little honey for some sweet.

Raspberry Delight

2007-10-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

Mix and press in 9x13:

1 2/3 c. chopped pretzels
3/4 c. margarine
2 T. sugar

Mix until smooth & spread on pretzel mix, making sure to seal all edges:

1 c. sugar
8 oz. cool whip
8 oz. cream cheese

Mix until fruit thaws and jello thickens & pour over cream cheese mixture:

6 oz. raspberry jello
2 c. boiling water
20 oz. frozen raspberries

Refrigerate 2 hours.

Puppy Chow

2007-10-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. peanut butter
1 cube margarine
1 box Crispix cereal
1 lb. powdered sugar

Heat margarine until melts. Add chips and peanut butter and stir until dissolved. Pour cereal in large bowl and pour melted mixture over the top. Stir gently. Pour powdered sugar into a large paper bag and add cereal mixture. Shake until cereal is coated. Then enjoy!

Chicken BLT Salad

2007-10-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

1 head romaine lettuce
3 c sliced cooked chicken
2 c cherry tomato halves
1/2 c sliced red onion
1 c shredded sharp cheddar
2 slices bacon crumbled
1/4 c ranch dressing

Shred lettuce and add all ingredients. I let everyone put dressing on as desired but this is really good and fast.

Italian Chicken Wraps

2007-10-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

2-4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Bottle Italian Dressing
1/2 Cup Fresh Shredded Parmesan Cheese
6 Flour Tortillas

I use tenderloins so they cook faster but any will work. Pour desired amount of dressing over chicken and cook over medium heat until done through. Shred with fork and place on warm tortilla, top with parmesan cheese and wrap up. You could garnish with sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce or whatever you like. These are quick and easy and best of all my kids like them. The tortillas you have to cook taste the best.

Apple Pie Carmel Apples

2007-10-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun one for fall. These are really rich and kinda hard

to eat whole, so it is best to slice them up to eat.

5 Apples
1 Bag Carmel
2 Tbs. Water
1 Bag White Chocolate Chips
Crisco
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Tbs. Cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg

Melt caramel with water until smooth. Dip apples in caramel and let set up. While waiting for the apples to set up, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg set aside. Melt white chocolate until smooth. (I put just a little Crisco in it to help make it smooth.) Dip the apples into white chocolate, let set for just a few minutes, then roll in brown sugar mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Broccoli Soup

2007-10-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is an easy one and really yummy.

2 Stalks of Broccoli
1 bunch of onions
8 cups water
4 chicken bouillon cubes
3-6 potatoes cubed
Boil till tender.

Remove from heat and add 1 lb Velveeta cubed. Stir until melted.

On low heat add rue (1cup butter to 1 cup flour) to thicken.

Easy Fettucini Alfredo with Chicken

2007-09-26T07:27:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:
2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
16oz. package fettucini noodles
1 stick butter
1 and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. parsley

Brown chicken breasts on both sides. Bake in oven at 350 for 30-35 minutes. In the meantime cook the noodles according to box directions. In a separate pan melt butter. Once it is melted add parmesan cheese and cream. Stir often until it just boils. Toss drained noodles and cubed chicken. Sprinkle with parsley.

Serves 4-6

Red River Beef Stroganoff

2007-09-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

(This is the first and only stroganoff recipe I've found that doesn't require Cream of Mushroom soup and it's delicious. The basil gives it a great flavor. Note to wives of hunters: It works well with venison meat, too.)

2lbs. sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
1/4 c. flour
1/2 c. butter, divided
2 lg. onions, chopped
1 (10.5 oz) can beef broth
1 tsp. dried basil
salt and pepper to taste
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 T. Worchestshire sauce
1 c. sour cream
cooked rice or noodles

Dredge meat in flour. In a skillet, heat 1/4 c. butter over medium heat; saute onions and mushrooms until tender. Remove from pan, set aside. Melt remaining butter and brown on all sides. Add broth, basil, salt and pepper, onions, mushrooms and Worchestshire sauce. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Just before serving, stir in sour cream. Heat through but do not bring to a boil. Serve immediately over rice.

Cream Cheese Centered Pumpkin Bread

2007-09-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

I thought that since fall is in the air that this would be appropriate. Plus, pumpkin anything is Jared's favorite.

(Another photo courtesy of Kraft Food and Family Magazine)

1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
4 egg whites, divided
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup oil
2 cups flour
2-1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened

PREHEAT oven to 350ºF. Grease a nonstick 9x5-inch loaf pan; set aside. Mix pumpkin, 1 cup granulated sugar, the brown sugar, 3 of the egg whites, milk and oil in large bowl. Add flour, baking powder, pie spice and salt; stir just until moistened. Set aside. Beat cream cheese, remaining 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar and the remaining egg white with wire whisk until well blended.
SPOON half of the pumpkin batter into prepared pan; spoon cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Cover with remaining pumpkin batter.
BAKE 1 hour to 1 hour 5 min. or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Run knife or thin spatula around edges of pan to loosen bread; cool in pan on wire rack 10 min. Remove bread from pan to wire rack; cool completely.

Pork Chops with Sweet Potato Salad

2007-09-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

This one is a favorite and only a 30 minute meal. It serves 4.

4 Pork chops (about 2 lbs)
coarse salt
3 Sweet potatos (about 1.5 lbs) peeled, cut into 1 inch pieces
3 Tbs red wine vinager
2 cloves minced garlic
2 Tbs raspberry jam
2 tsp dijon mustard
1/3 cup + 1 tbs Extra virgin olive oil
1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 bunch scallions, green part only, sliced

1. In a large bowl, dissolve 2 Tbs coarse salt in 2 cups cold water (brine). Add the pork chops to the brine and soak in fridge for 20 min.

2. Place sweet potatos in a medium pot of salted water and bring to a low boil. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together vinager, garlic, jam and mustard. Whisk 1/3 cup EVOO in the thin stream until smooth.

4. Preheat broiler and place a large, heavy oven proof skillet over high heat. Remove chops from brine, pat dry and brush with remaining EVOO. Sear the chops for 3 minutes on each side, then baste with 1/4 of raspberry dressing. Broil chops, basting once, for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

5. In medium bowl, toss Sweet potatos, bell pepper, and scallions with remaining raspberry dressing. Season to taste with salt.

Chicken Divan

2007-09-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli, chopped
6 cups shredded chicken, cooked
2 (10 3/4-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon curry powder
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Remove the outer wrappers from the boxes of broccoli. Open 1 end of each box. Microwave on full power for 2 minutes, until thawed. Drain the broccoli and put into a casserole dish. Add the shredded chicken.

In a medium bowl, combine the soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, Cheddar, lemon juice, curry powder, salt and pepper, to taste. Whisk together to make a sauce. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken. Mix well with a spatula.

Place the mixture into an 11 by 7-inch casserole dish or 2 (9-inch) square disposable aluminum foil pans that have been sprayed with vegetable oil cooking spray. Pat down evenly and smooth with a spatula. Combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs and butter and sprinkle over the top.

Bake for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Pumpkin Bars

2007-09-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

Bars: 4 eggs
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
15-ounce can pumpkin
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

Icing: 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy. Stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Spread the batter into a greased 13 by 10-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting. Cut into bars.

To make the icing: Combine the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and mix at low speed until combined. Stir in the vanilla and mix again. Spread on cooled pumpkin bars.

Oriental Casserole

2007-09-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

1 1/2 pounds beef
1 cup instant rice
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
2/3 cup water
dash of salt and pepper
good shake of soy sauce
1 cup Chow Mein noodles

Mix all ingredients together except of the Chow Mein noodles. Place in a casserole dish and bake at 350 for about 45 minutes. Top with Chow Mein noodles. Serve with salad, makes a quick yummy meal.

Luscious Tropical Dream Cake

2007-09-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

(Taken from Kraft Foods magazine. I would post my own picture of it, but it was gone before I could take one! )

1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1-1/2 c. cold milk
1 pkg. lemon pudding (or vanilla pudding if you prefer it)
2 c. thawed Cool Whip
1/2 c. coconut, toasted
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Drain pineapple, reserving 1 cup of the juice; set pineapple aside. Prepare cake batter as directed on package, substituting 1 cup reserved juice for 1 cup of the water. Pour batter into greased 15x10x1 inch baking pan.

Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

Add milk to dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. or until well blended. Stir in pineapple. Spread over cake; cover with whipped topping. Sprinkle with coconut and pecans. Store in refrigerator.

Makes 24 servings.

Zucchini Apple Pie

2007-09-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

I know this sounds wierd, but it really does taste and look like apple pie.

4 cups zucchini - peel, remove seeds and slice like apple slices
Cook until tender in water and then drain.
Add to Zucchini:
2 TBS lemon juice
Dash of salt

In a bowl add:
1 1/4 Cup Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp Cream of Tarter
Dash of Nutmeg

Mix and then add to Zucchini, Mixture will be runny.
Dump into unbaked pie crust, dot with about 2 TBS butter and put top crust on.

Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes.

Tried a Lunch Box Club Recipe?

2007-09-14T08:51:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! I am hoping that I am not the only one that has tried some of these yummy recipes. If you have, leave a comment and tell us what you thought. I hope everyone is enoying being a part of the club and collecting new recipes.

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

2007-09-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

This is my new favorite!

1/4 cup Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing, divided
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 lb.)
1 medium tomato, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp. dried basil leaves

Marinate chicken with 2 Tbsp of dressing. Refrigerate 10 min ( I usually marinate over night).

Grill chicken. Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, cheese, basil and remaining 2 Tbsp. of dressing.

When chicken is almost done, top evenly with tomato mixture. Close grill lid and cook until chicken is cooked through.

Yogurt Cake

2007-09-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Cake:
1 White Cake mix
8 ounces flavored yogurt ( I like Yoplait Raspberry)

Topping:
8 ounces whipped topping
8 ounces flavored yogurt (same flavor as used in cake)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

With electric mixer, slowly mix cake ingredients according to package directions. Gently stir in yogurt with spoon or plastic spatula. Pour batter into a grease 9 X 13 -inch pan.

Bake 30-35 minutes, until golden on top. Use a toothpick to determine if cake is done. Chill the cake in the refrigerator 4 hours.

Before serving, stir whipped topping and yogurt together and frost cake with it. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Cheeseburger Pie

2007-09-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

one unbaked pie crust
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp minced onion
1/2 cup fine bread crumbs
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1/2 small can tomato sauce or 1/2 cup

Mix all together and soon into pie crust

CHEESE TOPPING
1 cup grated Colby jack cheese
1/3 cup milk
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 egg beaten

Mix all ingredients and spread over pie. Bake at 375 for about 35 minutes

Peach Cobbler

2007-09-12T12:41:00.001-07:00

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
8 Tbsp unsalted, chilled butter
1/2 cup sugar, plus 1/4 cup
1 cup heavy cream
6 cups peeled fresh or frozen peaches
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch grated nutmeg

Preheat oven to 375. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in large mixing bowl. Cut in butter with pastry cutter or hands until it resembles coarse meal. Add 1/2 cup sugar and cream. Knead approximately 2 minutes and let rest. Toss fruit with cornstarch, 1/4 cup sugar and spices. Place fruit mixture in a 9x13 baking dish. Cover with gobs of the cobbler dough. Bake 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

Super Sloppy Joes

2007-09-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

(This comes from Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals and is my husband's favorite dish.)

1 T. extra virgin olive oil

1-1/4 lbs ground beef sirloin

1/4 c. brown sugar

2-1/2 T. steak seasoning blend

1 med. onion, chopped

1 small red bell pepper, chopped

1 T. red wine vinegar

1 T. worchestshire sauce

2 c. tomato sauce

2 T. tomato paste

4 crusty rolls - split, toasted and buttered

Heat a large skillet over med-high heat; add oil and beef, breaking up beef to brown. Combine brown sugar and steak seasoning, add to beef in skillet. When meat is browned, add onion and red pepper, reduce heat to medium and cook 5 minutes. Add vinegar, stirring briefly to reduce, then add Worchestshire, tomato sauce and paste, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to simmer and cook mixture 5 minutes longer.

Scoop mixture onto toasted buns. Serve with veggies or salad. Delicious!

Banana Chocolate Oatmeal Muffins

2007-09-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

These are great for little toddlers who don't like many foods! They are really good! Try them, you won't be sorry.

1 c. sugar
3/4c. oil
1 egg
1 c. mashed banana
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2c. flour
1 3/4c. oats
1 c. chocolate chips

Mix dry ingredients, then add wet ingredients and finally fold in the chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 17 minutes.

Butterscotch Breakfast Bread

2007-09-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry that this recipe is not in the usual recipe format, but it is VERY delicious!

Place 17-18 frozen Rhodes dinner rolls in an ungreased, non-stick bundt pan.

Sprinkle 1/2 package UNCOOKED butterscotch (not instant) pudding mix over the rolls.

Sprinkle generously with cinnamon.

Add chopped nuts if wanted.

Melt 1 cube of margarine in the microwave.

Add 1/2 C. packed brown sugar to the butter and evenly pour over the rolls.

Set on counter overnight (later at night the better so that they don't raise more than they should).

Bake at 350 for approx. 20 minutes. Invert.

Cafe Rio Pork Salad

2007-08-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Sweet Pork Recipe:
3-4 pounds pork roast
2 cups Pace Salsa
2 cups Brown Sugar*
2 cans 7-Up (or Sprite, or Sierra Mist)

Place roast in crock pot. Mix together the rest of the ingredients and pour over pork. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Cilantro-Lime Rice
1 cup uncooked rice
1 teaspoon butter or margarine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 can (15 oz) chicken broth
1 1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
3 tablespoons 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 minutes, until rice is tender. Remove from heat. In a small bowl combine lime juice, sugar and cilantro. Pour over hot cooked rice.

Creamy Tomatillo Dressing:
3 fresh tomatillos, cut into quarters
1 package Ranch Buttermilk Dressing mix
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 to 1/2 cup buttermilk (or heavy whipping cream*)
1 cup fresh cilantro
2 cloves crushed garlic
1/4 teaspoon crushed cayenne pepper (or tabasco sauce)

Combine all ingredients in a blender and refrigerate at least one hour.

*If you use the cream, add it last and blend it until it is just mixed in.

Serve on a tortilla with melted cheese. Top with the rice, black beans, and the pork. Then add the shredded green leaf lettuce, parmesan cheese, dressing, crunchy tortilla chips, and anything else (salsa, guacamole, sour cream etc.) ENJOY!

Pepper Steak

2007-08-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

1/4 Cup Oil
1-1/2 lbs round steak
1- 1/2 green pepper, cut into strips
1 beef bouillon cube
2 tbsp water
1 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp garlic
1/3 cup onion, chopped
1 can tomatoes
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups noodles or rice

Cut steak into 2x1/2x1/8 strips. In a large skillet heat oil, add steak and sprinkle with garlic. Saute, stirring on occasion until brown. Remove meat add onion and green pepper and saute 2 minutes. Return mean to skillet along with tomatoes and bouillon cute and simmer for 1+ hour(s) or until fork tender. Blend together cornstarch, water, soy sauce, sugar and salt and add to meat mixture and cooker until thickened. Reduce heat and cook another 2 minutes. Serve by spooning pepper steak over cooked noodles or rice.

Decadent Triple Layer Mud Pie

2007-08-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

3 squares of semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted
¼ cup sweet and condensed milk
1 Oreo pie crust (can be substituted for any crust)
½ cup chopped pecans
2 cups cold milk
2 pkg (4oz each) Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
1 tub Cool Whip

Mix chocolate and condensed milk until smooth. Pour into crust and sprinkle with pecans.

Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk until well blended (mixture will be thick). Spook 1 ½ cups of the pudding over the pecans. Add half of the whipped topping to remaining pudding. Stir with whisk until smooth. Spread over pudding layer in crust; top with remaining whipped topping.

Refrigerate for 3 hours

Sour Cream Enchiladas

2007-08-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

Ingredients
2 chicken breasts (cooked and cubed)
1 bag shredded cheddar cheese
5 tortillas
1 small can diced green chiles
1 pint sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
milk

Cook and cube the chicken breasts. I like to sprinkle them with garlic salt and cook them for two minutes on each side in the microwave (or until there is no pink in the middle). On each tortilla place a row of cheese, top with chicken, and then with green chiles. Roll up and place in a greased 9x13" dish. Sprinkle a little cheese over the rolled tortillas. In a separate bowl mix sour cream and soup. Add milk to thin out a little. Pour mixture over the tortillas. Cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbling. ENJOY!

Applebee's Honey Pepper Salmon

2007-08-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
3/4 cup honey
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1 lemon, juiced
2 tbls. White distilled vinegar
2 tsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. garlic powder

4 (8 ounce) salmon filets, without skin

Sauce: (prepare prior to cooking the salmon)
Make the sauce by combining all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium/low heat. Stir occasionally until sauce begins to boil, then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes or until syrupy. Watch the sauce to be sure it doesn’t bubble over.

Salmon:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place foil in the bottom of a 9x13” pan. Put salmon filets in the bottom of the pan and drizzle half of the sauce mixture over top. Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until cooked all the way through.

*Serve salmon over rice and reheat the rest of the sauce for extra gravy.

Crystal's Cinnamon Rolls

2007-08-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

These are some of the best cinnamon rolls I've ever had/made. You can also make them into dinner rolls just by leaving out the cinnamon and sugar. Plus the girl I got the recipe from gave some extra baking hints that I've included as well! ENJOY!

Cinnamon Rolls

½ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbsp dry yeast
6 cups flour
2 cups warm milk
2 tsp salt
½ cup oil

Warm up milk in microwave (approximately 1 ½ minutes on high). Place
sugar and yeast in bowl and mix slightly. Pour warmed milk over the top
and allow to sit until yeast bubbles to top. Add eggs, oil, ½ of the
flour (3 cups) and salt. Turn mixer onto low speed until flour is mixed
in, then turn mixer onto a high speed and allow mixer to run for 10 to
12 minutes. Turn off and add remaining 3 cups of flour. Turn mixer onto
low speed and mix additional flour into the dough. Remove the dough and place in large bowl sprayed with Pam. Place a dish towel over the top and let rise until double in size (one to two hours).

Spray counter with Pam (or put flour on counter if dough seems too
sticky) and use a rolling pin to roll dough into a rectangle shape.
Butter the top, sprinkle on brown sugar and cinnamon. Starting at the
narrow end of the dough, gently tuck the end in and begin rolling the
dough. When you have a complete roll, pinch the loose end into the
dough. Using a piece of thread, cut off sections of the dough and place
them on a cookie sheet sprayed with Pam. Let cinnamon rolls rise until
double in size.

Bake at 350 for 13 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Drizzle hot
cinnamon rolls with Butter Cream Icing.

Butter Cream Icing

2 cups powdered sugar
½ cube butter
2 tsp vanilla
Whipping Cream

Mix butter into about half of the powered sugar. Add vanilla and 2 Tbsp
of cream. Add the other half of the powdered sugar and 2 to 3 more Tbsp
cream. Continue to add Tbsp of cream until icing is of the desired
consistency. If it becomes too thin, just add a little more powdered
sugar.

Baking Hints

1. Do NOT use too much flour. It is easier to add a little bit of flour
to sticky dough than to make a light cinnamon roll out of dough that
has too much flour (even though it isn’t sticky at all). Dough with too
much flour makes heavy cinnamon rolls – they won’t be light and airy.

2. Beating the dough in the mixer on high for 10 to 12 minutes works up
the gluten in the flour. This makes the dough stretchy, airy and light.
Adding this step to your cinnamon rolls creates a very noticeable
difference in the way your rolls will turn out.

3. If your house seems rather cool, (as it often will in the winter
time), your dough will take much longer to rise. One way to speed up
the process is to heat your oven up to 150. Then turn the oven off. After a
few minutes, place your metal bowl of dough (covered with a dish towel)
in the oven and let it rise.

4. Bake your rolls on a THIN cookie sheet. I use a heavier sheet for
making cookies (which keeps them from burning). However, if you use a
heavy sheet to make cinnamon rolls, the tops will be done and the
bottoms will still be doughy.

5. This same recipe makes wonderful dinner rolls. Simply roll balls of
dough in your hand, place on light weight cookie sheet, let rise till
double in size and bake at 350 for approximately 13-15 minutes (or
until golden brown). Lightly coat tops with spray on butter when they come out of the oven.

Taco Soup

2007-08-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

1 Family size can Chicken and Rice Soup
1 can Ranch Style Original Texas Beans
1 can Rotel Mexican diced tomatoes w/ lime and cilantro
1 can corn (or 1-1/2 cups)
1 lg can chicken
1 soup can of water

Mix all together and heat through. Serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheese and sour cream. It's so easy, no preparation necessary!

Stacey's Chicken Salad

2007-08-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

2 1/2 cups cubed chicken
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
2 cups pineapple tidbits drained
1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
1 cup mayo
1/2 cup whipped cream
1 tsp. salt

Fold mayo, whipped cream and salt together. Add evenly to everything else. (Doubled serves 25-30) I like to serve with croissants. It is really yummy and pretty for brunch/lunch etc.

Best Ever Popcorn Treat

2007-08-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

2 qt. popped popcorn
1c. mixed nuts (chopped pecans, walnuts, slivered almonds)
2 cubes butter or margarine
candies of your choice (m&m's, etc.)
1 1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. light karo syrup

Spread the popped corn evenly over large baking sheet. Spread nuts and candies over corn.
Bring butter, sugar, and karo to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and and cook about 10 minutes.(low boil)(The color will turn to a golden color) When it has reached soft ball stage, remove and add vanilla.
(Check for soft ball in water)
Pour evenly over popped corn. Mix well, cool thoroughly and break apart.
You have to guess at how much caramel to pour over. You need to have enough, but sometimes,

I have felt I needed more popped corn. It depends on your preference.
You can serve it in a bowl. You can be creative with candies, and nuts you want to add in for holidays etc.

French Toast Cinnamon Rolls

2007-08-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

Jared has been asking for me to make him some French Toast Cinnamon Rolls forever. I finally came across this recipe.

4 large cinnamon rolls
3 large eggs
2 Tbsp milk
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Nonstick cooking spray

Slice cinnamon rolls in half lengthwise; set aside. Crack eggs into a large bowl. Add milk, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg to eggs; beat well. Drench each cinnamon roll half in the egg batter.

Spray skillet with nonstick cooking spray; place over medium-high heat. Brown the cinnamon roll halves in the skillet, turning once. Serve with maple syrup, jam or powdered sugar.

Makes 4 servings.

Homemade Tortillas

2007-08-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

Fresh and tasty!

2 c. Flour
1 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Baking powder
1/3 c. shortening
1 c. Boiling water

Mix dry ingredients. Then add shortening. Mix until crumbly. Add water. Mix and knead until a nice, soft dough forms. Divide into 8 large balls or 12 medium sized balls. Roll out with flour into tortillas. Cook in a skillet over medium high heat until done to your liking. Delicious and easier to make then it sounds! Fill them with fresh avocado, black beans, shredded chicken, cheese, cilantro, lettuce, tomato and fresh lime!

*You can also use half whole wheat to make them healthier.

Polska Kielbasa Pasta

2007-08-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

This recipe is so easy and makes for a good lunch. Don't be intmidated by the polska...it's good!

1 box bow-tie pasta
1 pkg. polska kielbasa (sausage)
1 can black olives
parmesan cheese

Boil pasta until soft, drain and set aside. Slice polska kielbasa in 1/4" pieces. In a large skillet, brown polska over medium heat. When brown, slice olives and add to skillet. Add in pasta and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Easy Southwestern Stroganoff

2007-08-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

This one is great when you don't have much time.

1 Pound ground beef
1 cup water
1 jar (16 oz) thick-n-chunky salsa
2 cups uncooked wagon wheel pasta (or whatever you have)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream

Cook beef in skillet over medium heat, until brown; drain.

Stir water, salsa, uncooked pasta, and salt into beef. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.

Stir in sour cream; cook just until hot.

Optional: top with crushed tortilla chips and/or cheese when serving

Enchilada Sauce

2007-08-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

4 Tbsp butter
4 Tbsp flour
3 cubes beef bouillon
1 8oz can tomato sauce
2-3 cups water
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cumin
Salt to taste
Garlic to taste

Melt butter in pan over medium heat, add flour stirring until smooth, slowly add liquid and remaining ingredients stirring until thickened. Pour over enchiladas. I also use this sauce and add cooked hamburger, dip corn tortillas in it and do layered enchiladas. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cheese.

This recipe is thanks to Mindy and her family!

Baked Steak Burritos

2007-08-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

1/4 cup butter (I use the least amount possible)
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
1 1/2 pd boneless beef sirloin tip steak (or breakfast steaks) cut into small bite size pieces
1 can refried beans
12 flour tortillas (fajita size)
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 can red enchilada sauce (I much prefer homemade sauce)
4 oz shredded Mexican cheese blend

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Stir in taco seasoning mix. Add beef and cook 5-6 min or until done.

2. Warm refried beans and spread each tortilla with refried beans to 1/4 inch from edge. Top with beef, cheddar cheese and green onions. Roll up. Place seam down in 13x9 inch glass baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over burritos and top with Mexican cheese blend.

3. Bake at 400 degrees for 7-12 minutes or until hot and and cheese is melted.

Top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream or eat plain they are yummy!

Greek Pasta Salad

2007-08-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

Dressing (*make night before)
2/3 Cup olive oil
3 Tbls garlic peppercorn balsamic vinegar or white vinegar
¼ Cup chopped fresh basil or 2 tsp basil leaves dried
2 Tbls chopped green onion
2 Tbls grated parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
¼ tsp oregano leaves

Salad
1 box uncooked tri-color spiral macaroni
1 small green pepper cut into 1/4" strips
1 small red pepper cut into 1/4" strips
1 med tomato cut into wedges
½ Cup olives sliced or whole
6 oz pkg feta cheese, crumbled

Cook pasta according to directions on box and let cool. Add vegetables, then toss with dressing. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Chill before serving.

Tortilla Soup

2007-08-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

1 can of each of the following:
Nacho Cheese Soup
Cheddar Cheese Soup
Tomato Soup
Green Enchilada Soup
Green Chili's
Black Beans
Northern Beans
Kidney Beans
Corn

3 Cups Chicken Broth
1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast

Place all ingredients in crock-pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve topped with shredded cheese, sour cream and tortilla strips.