Lovin' Recipes

Homemade Apple Cider

2010-10-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

This afternoon after church, I made some of this Apple Cider for my wonderful husband. In the Fall, this is his FAVORITE drink, so, I thought that I would be extra nice and show my love for him.

Step 1: Rapidly Boil 1 hour

Step 2: Reduce Heat and simmer 2 hours

Step 3: Remove from heat, cool, and strain

Step 4: Drink Up!

This recipe is a WINNER in my house. We added some caramel to it, and YUMMY!

Caramel Apple Biscuit Pops

2010-10-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been on in awhile. Life has gotten the better of me.

In the spirit of Fall, I ran across this recipe that is a 'must try' sometime soon. I love to bake, bake and bake some more... here is the recipe, it comes from Pillsbury.

picture taken from here

Breakfast Tacos

2010-07-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

6 tortillas
8 eggs
2 Tbsp Milk
1/4 c chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed)
6 bacon slices, cooked & crumbled (I used Canadian Bacon)
Shredded cheese
Salsa
Ranch Dressing
Ketchup

Scramble eggs with the milk with the spinach tossed in. Heat tortillas as directed on package. Arrange small bowls (or mix the bacon and eggs together - this is what I did), on the table for each ingredient so you can pick and choose what to put in the tortilla and fold into a delicious breakfast taco.

I wish I remembered to get a picture of it before diving it, for sure next time.

This recipe was taken from The Source Book, pg. 26 - SacramentoParent.com

African Chicken Treat

2010-04-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

This may seem like a strange meal, but, let me tell you that it is very
D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!

1 1/2 c water
2 tsp chicken bouillon granules (I used a cube, it's all I had)
2 onions, thinly sliced (I used one and just chopped it up)
1 red bell pepper, sliced (once again, I chopped it)
1 green bell pepper, sliced (same as above)
2 ribs celery, thinly sliced (once again, chopped)
8 chicken thighs, skinned
1/2 c extra crunchy peanut butter (I used regular crunchy p.b.)
crushed chili pepper of your choice (I left this out, I am not fond of heat)

Combine water, chicken bouillon, celery, onions and peppers in slow cooker. Spread p.butter over both sides of chicken pieces (I just tossed it in after the chicken and mixed -- touching raw chicken makes me squirm). Sprinkle with chili pepper. Place on top of ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 5-6 hrs. Serves 4.

This recipe came from Fix-It-and Forget-It.
I wish I could get a pic on here, but neither of my cameras are working at the moment :-(

Shirley's Bread... again

2010-04-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, once again, here is my ALL time favorite bread recipe... YUUUUMY!

Shirley's Bread click on the link to get to the recipe. You can also cut it in half too (that is how I have to make it, cause it won't all fit in by bowl if I don't)

My kids aren't fond of whole wheat bread, but they just can't get enough of this bread. I made some on Monday, and I am about to pull a third loaf out of my freezer... talk about awsome, wholesome, delicious bread!

Don't freak out... the dough is supposed to be like cookie dough... I never have made a bread that is supposed to be this sticky, but tastes SOOOOOOO yummy.

Three - Bean Casserole

2010-03-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

Makes 8 servings
Prep: 20 min; Bake: 45 min

1 pound bulk pork sausage
2 stalks , medium, celery, sliced (1 cup)
1 medium onion (1/2 cup)
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 (28-ounce) cans (each) baked beans, in tomato-sauce
1 (15-ounce) can lima beans or butter-beans, drained
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon ground mustard
2 tablespoons honey or packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon white or cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper sauce

1. Heat oven to 400°.
2. Cook sausage, celery, onion and garlic in 10-inch skillet over medium heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink; drain.
3. Mix sausage mixture and remaining ingredients in ungreased 3-quart casserole. Bake uncovered about 45 minutes, stirring once, until hot and bubbly.

Slow Cooker Directions: Substitute 1/2 cup ketchup for the tomato sauce. Decrease honey to 1 tablespoon. Cook sausage, celery, onion and garlic in 10-inch skillet over medium heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Mix sausage mixture and remaining ingredients in 3 1/2- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat setting 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes to blend flavors.

** Now, I have to admit, I was in such a hurry to make this recipe, that I forgot to add the brown sugar, vinegar, ground mustard, and the red pepper sauce, BUT it was still a very tasty dish**

From "Betty Crocker's Complete Cookbook, Everything You Need to Know to Cook Today, 9th Edition." Text Copyright 2000 General Mills, Inc. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Sloppy Joe Bake

2010-03-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

Makes 6 servings

1 pound ground beef
1 (15-ounce) can Original-Style sloppy joe sauce
2 cups Original Bisquick®
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons margarine or butter, softened
1 egg
4 slices process American cheese, cut diagonally in half

1. Heat oven to 375°. Grease round pan, 9 x 1 1/2 inches. Make beef and sloppy joe sauce as directed on can.
2. Stir Bisquick, milk, margarine and egg until soft dough forms. Spread dough in bottom and up side of pan to within 1/4 inch of rim. Spoon beef mixture evenly over dough.
3. Bake uncovered 25 minutes. Arrange cheese triangles on beef mixture. Bake about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

HIGH ALTITUDE (3500 to 6500 feet): Heat oven to 400°.

Mexi - Tortilla Casserole

2010-02-22T11:14:00.000-08:00

1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 lb ground pork (I used beef)
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 c shredded cheese
2 c tortilla chips
1/2 c sour cream (I used plain yogurt)
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, drained
2 Tbsp minced cilantro

Preheat oven to 350*F. Heat oil in large skillet over med heat. Cook and stir onion 5 minutes or until tender. Brown meat, stirring to seperate. Drain fat. Stir in tomatoes with juice, pregano, salt, cumin, and pepper. Spoon into 11x7 inch casserole. Sprinkle with cheese; arrange tortilla chips over cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes or until cheese emlts. Combine sour cream and chilies; mix until well blended. Drop by tablespoonfulls onto baked casserole. Sprinkle with cinlantro. Makes 6 servings.

Taken from Cooking for Kids Bible

Oatcake

2010-02-22T11:03:00.000-08:00

Serves a family of 6-8 (For extra hungry teens, double this recipe) taken from Pantry Principles

2 ½ c. Old Fashioned Oats
½ t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1 t. cinnamon
1 c. milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 T. honey
1 t. vanilla
½ c. any dried fruit (cherries, cranberries, raisins, chopped prunes, chopped apricots, etc.)
¼ c. chopped nuts (optional)

Soak oats in milk overnight. Mix dry ingredients in another bowl. Mix eggs, honey, and vanilla into oats. Combine and mix everything until just barely moistened. Pour into a buttered 9 inch round cake pan. Bake in a 350F oven for 30-35 min. Test with a toothpick for doneness.

Hint: This recipe may be made through step 2 the night before. Cover and refrigerate wet ingredients. Cover dry ingredients.

Menu Feb 21-27

2010-02-22T10:53:00.000-08:00

Sunday
Breakfast: Oatmeal
  Lunch: Leftovers or PBJ/H sandwiches
  Dinner: Mexi-Tortilla Casserole

Monday
Breakfast: Oatcake
Lunch: Egg Salad Sandwiches
Dinner: Creamy Potato Soup

Tuesday
Breakfast: Cream of Wheat
Lunch: Bulgar Wheat
Dinner: PBJ/H Sanwiches

Wednesday
Breakfast:  Bulgar Wheat
Lunch: Ramen Noodles w/veggies
Dinner: Lentil Chili

Thursday
Breakfast: Rice Cereal
Lunch: Nachos
Dinner: N/A -- we get to go to a dinner

Friday
Breakfast: Oats Groats
Lunch: Tuna Salad Sanwiches
Dinner: Pirate Stew

Saturday
Breakfast: Waffles
Lunch: Pizza
Dinner: Cheasy Vegetable Strata

as I make the recipes, I will post them :)

Silly Spaghetti Casserole

2010-02-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

This dish was a HIT with the kids. You can't tell, but those are stars that I cut out of an orange bell pepper with a small cookie cutter. I got this recipe from one of my NEW cookbooks, Cooking for Kids Bible.

Nonstick cooking spray

8 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken in half

1/4 c finely grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 c cholesterol-free egg product (or 1 large egg)

3/4 lb lean ground beef/turkey/chicken

1/3 c chopped onion

2 c pasta sauce

1/2 (10 oz) pkg frozen cut spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 green, yellow, orange or red bell pepper, cored and seeded

Preheat oven to 350*F. Spray 8-inch square baking dish (you can use a casserole dish too) with cooking spray. Cook spaghetti according to pkg directions, omit salt and oil. Drain. Return spaghetti to saucepan; cool slightly. Add Parmesan cheese and egg. Toss until well mixed. Place in prepared baking dish. Spray large non-stick skillet with cooking spray. Brown beef and onion in skillet over medium-high heat, stirring to break up meat. Drain fat. Stir in pasta sauce and spinach. Spoon on top of spaghetti mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Use small cookie cutter to cut decorative shapes from bell pepper. Arrange on top of cheese. Cover with foil. Bake 40-45 minutes or until bubbling. Let stand 10 minutes. Cut into squares. Makes 6 servings.

HOOTenanny

2010-02-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

Don't let the name fool you. There won't be any HOOTing going on in the house during or after consumption. Also, you are probaly thinking, What in the world is Hootenanny? Well, it is a cross between a pancake and french toast. Who would have thought that you would start out a breakfast (besides a shake or smoothie) in a blender?

First, pull out the blender and add...

1 c milk

1 c whole wheat flour

6 eggs

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 Tbsp butter

Mix on HIGH till well blended,

and you get this...

Heat oven to 425*F. When oven is preheated put an empty 9x13 cake pan on to heat, when hot add butter. When butter is melted, pour in egg mixture, and This is what you will get...

Bake for 20 minutes, and you will get this...

Now, it is time to serve and eat. Top with applesauce, jam, or syrup

this recipe came from Pantry Principles by Kathryn Louis

Breakfast Sundaes

2010-02-14T09:33:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day, I thought that I would make a special breakfast for my family. So, here it is...

Homemade Granola

Blueberries
Raspberries
Strawberries
Homemade Yogurt
Chopped Almonds

My kids loved it. It is quick and simple and most of all, very healthy

Homemade Yogurt

2010-02-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

3-3/4 c warm water
1 2/3 c instant nonfat dry milk
-- or you can use 4 c milk instead of the water and powdered milk--
2-4 Tbsp store bought, plain yogurt w/live cultures (read label to be sure there are live cultures)

In a large bowl, combine water and powdered milk. Stir very well and let sit for a few minutes. All powdered milk should be dissolved. Heat milk over medium heat until it reaches 180*F. This kills off any bacteria. Remove from heat and stove and allow to cool to 110*F. If the milk is any hotter, it will kill the yogurt cultures. Add the store bought yogurt to the warm milk, stir well until yogurt is dissolved completely. Carefully pour the mixture into a very clean, quart-sized canning jar. Incubate the yogurt in the oven which is set to about 100*F -between warm and 200*F (my electric oven has a warming temp) for 6-8 hours or until set almost as thick as store bought yogurt. Chill and eat.

I buy a big container of plain yogurt, use the 2-4 Tbps and then freeze the rest of the yogurt (I use ice cube trays - 1 Tbsp for each cube). Once they are frozen, I remove and put into a freezer bag and store in the freezer. When I am ready to make some more yogurt, I pull out the cubes and let them thaw while I am heating the milk.

Homemade Granola

2010-02-14T09:16:00.000-08:00

1/2 c butter (1 stick)
1 c brown sugar
1/4 c water
4 c rolled oats

Preheat oven to 375*F. In large 4 qt pot, melt the butter and sugar in the water. Stir well and let simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat add the oats into the pot, making sure the oats get evenly coated. Spread the Granola out on a cookie sheet (one with sides). Bake it for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool, then break into small pieces. To store, put it into an airtight container or a gallon sized Ziplock bag. You can add nuts, dried fruit or some cinnamon to it if you like as well. Great for breakfast or snack

Kitchen Helps

2010-02-11T15:52:00.000-08:00

clip art taken from Sassyarts

I was browsing online yesterday to see if I can get some ideas on how to re-organize my recipes and cute ways to do them. While browsing a sight, I found this cute template for a Pie Chart from Martha Stewart. While on her site, I also found these cute charts for Cooks Helper. Now, I am not really a fan of hers, but I do glean off some of her ideas

East Peasy Veggie Spuds

2010-02-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

This is an oldie but goodie in my house.

4 potatoes

1 bag frozen veggie medley

1 can cream of celery,cheese, or broccoli soup

1/8-1/4 c milk

cheese to taste

Clean and scrub the spuds. Pierce them and then throw them into the microwave to cook. While they are cooking away in the microwave; get a medium sauce pan and throw in the veggies, add the soup, and milk. Stir it all together. Once everything is warm, toss in some cheese, stir until it has completely melted. Once the spuds are done, split them open and top with the veggie sauce. you can top with bacon bits if you like. This is a very filling meal in itself.

Spanish Rice

2010-02-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

3 c cooked brown rice
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 Serrano pepper, chopped (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt
Pepper
4 oz tomato sauce

Lightly brown onion, peppers, and garlic in oil. Add all other ingredients. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Fajitas

2010-02-09T12:29:00.001-08:00

Once again, this recipe was taken from Pantry Principles.

Fajitas

8-12 oz chicken breasts, sliced thin

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 limes, juice and zest (reserve)

2 bell peppers, sliced

1 onion, sliced (I minced mine)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ground ancho chili (I used regular chili powder)

1/2 tsp cumin

1/4 c orange juice

1 Serrano pepper

8-12 whole wheat or corn tortillas

Marinade chicken, peppers, onion, garlic, chili, spices, lime zest, and orange juice. Stir-fry, sprinkle lime juice all over and serve. Warm tortillas in a hot oven wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. Serve with shredded cheese, spinach, sour cream, salsa, etc.

Homemade Chocolate Syrup

2010-02-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

This one is soooooo good. It tastes just like Hershey's Chocolate Syrup. I got this recipe from Hillbilly Housewife.

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 cup tap water

2 cups sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Find a 2 quart saucepan. In it, mix the cocoa and water with a wire whisk or fork. Heat the chocolate water over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add the sugar and continue to stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and boil for a full 3 minutes. Remove the syrup from the heat.

Blender Mayonnaise

2010-02-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

1 c veggie oil
1 Tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp prepared mustard (I used dry powdered mustard)
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg or 2 egg yolks

In a blender, combine egg or egg yolks, mustard, salt, vinegar/lemon juice, and 2 Tbsp of the oil. Blend for 30 seconds. With blender still running, slowly drizzle (this is the crucial step) remaining oil into mixture until all the oil is used and mixture is thick. Taste and adjust seasoning. Makes 1 cup.

I purposely ran out of Mayonnaise and needed some, so I made my own... I can't remember where I got this recipe from, but it sure is yummy.

Shirley's Bread

2010-02-01T15:56:00.001-08:00

Ok, here is a SUPERly Delicious good bread recipe. This recipe came from a friend of mine's mom. I am sooo endebted to her for this recipe.

This recipe make 6 large loaves or 8 medium loaves

1/3 c dry yeast

1/3 c sugar

1 1/2 c warm water

7 1/4 c hot water

3 Tbsp salt

1 c oil

1 c honey

1/2 c gluten flour

1/2 c flax seed flour

1/2 c seven grain cereal

20 c whole wheat flour (approx)

Mix suage into the 1 1/2 c warm water. Mix yeast into sugar mixture. Let stand 10-15 minutes. While yeast is standing, combine hot water and 10 1/2 c of wheat flour into bread mixer. Mix on low speed until well blended. Add salt, oil. and honey. Continue to mix until well blended. Add flax seed flour, seven grain cereal, and the gluten flour to mix and blend. Add prepared yeast to mixture and blend thoroughly. Add approximately 9 more cupd of wheat flour to mixture or until dough begins to clean the sides of the bowl and is the consistancy of cookie dough. Knead for 10 minutes on low spead. Spray 6 bread pans with cooking spray. Divide into 6 equal portions. MOld into loaves and place in pans. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for approximately 1/2 hour. Bake at 350 degrees for 26 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pans. Put on rack to cool.

Pasta Alla Cece

2010-02-01T15:20:00.000-08:00

This is another recipe from Pantry Principles. Once again, I forgot to get a picture of it, sorry.

4 c cooked garbanzo/lima beans

1 can artichoke hearts, quartered

1 can black olives, quartered (I used sliced)

1 Tbsp capers (optional)

2 Tbps olive oil

2 tsp red pepper flakes

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

plenty of fresh ground pepper

salt to taste

1 c chicken broth

32 oz. crushed tomatoes (I used diced)

1/2 c chopped parsley

1/4 c fresh basil, chopped

1/2 c Parmesan cheese

Start a pot water boiling add the pasta. While the pasta is cooking, saute the garlic and red peppers in the olive oil. Add the beans, thyme, salt and pepper continuing to saute for 3-4 minutes. Add the broth, artichokes, olives, capers, and tomatoes. Drain the pasta and add to the sauce. Stir in the parsely and top with Parmesan cheese. (I left them seperate, just for my kids sake... I did want them to eat and not turn up their noses).

Veggie Soup with Barley (crock pot)

2010-01-14T14:59:00.000-08:00

Yet, another recipe from Kate's Kitchen, and her cookbook, Pantry Principles...

2 c white, garbanzo, or lima beans, soaked (I used can)
1/4 c pearl barley
1 onion, chopped (I used 1/2 of an onion)
3 carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 red potatoes, cubed
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes
4 c water or broth (I used 1/2 beef broth and 1/2 water)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne

Saute veggies in oil and place in crock pot. Add everything else except salt. Cook on high for 3 hours. Add salt. Serve with sliced bread, rolls, or bread sticks. Top with cheese.

Once again, my family loved it.

Chicken Chasseur

2010-01-13T08:04:00.000-08:00

12-16-oz chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 c chicken broth
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 bay leaf
1/4 c flour
1/4 c cream

In a large skillet, brown chicken and remove from pan. Add onions and garlic and saute until soft. Mix flour with cream until smooth. Add all ingredients and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

I wish I got a picture of this dish, but it got put away before I could get it.

This recipe is from Kate's Kitchen from her cookbook, The Pantry Principles.

Calico Beans

2010-01-11T18:32:00.000-08:00

1/2 c. of any 3-5 different beans - or how every many you want (if using dry, soak overnight)

1 onion. chopped

6 carrots, chopped

4 stalks celery, chopped

2 bell peppers, chopped

1 lb. fresh spinach, sliced thin

broth or water to cover

Saute onion, carrot, celery, and peppers in oil until softened. Place everything except spinach into crock pot. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Add spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Serve and sprinkle with cheese.

I modified this recipe a bit, and I also turned it into more of a soup. This is a very good dish, especially when paired up with homemade dinner rolls or bread.

I got this recipe from Kate's Kitchen from her cookbook, The Pantry Principles.

Stove Top Mac and Cheese

2010-01-05T14:28:00.002-08:00

2 c elbow macaroni
1/4 c butter
1/4 c flour or a little more (I use wheat)
1/2 tsp salt
1 pinch pepper
2 c milk
2 c shredded cheese (or more, depends on taste)

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper; cook until bubbly. Gradually add milk; cook and stir until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Drain macaronil; add to cheese sauce and stir to coat.

My kids love this. It is so easy to make as well. Tastes so much better than the box kind

Black and White Truffles

2010-01-05T14:28:00.001-08:00

1 pkg (1-lb 2-oz) creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies
1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
36-oz almond bark (vanilla flavored candy coating)
1/2 c semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 tsp vegetable oil

Line 2 cookie sheets with wax paper. Place cookies in a large food processor. Cover; process with on-and-off pulses until consistency of fine crumbs (I put them in a zip-lock bag and took a rolling pin or a mallet to them to crush them). In a large bowl, stir cookie crumbs and cream cheese until well blended and mixture forms a dough like consistency.

Chop 8-oz of the almond bark; stir into dough mixture. Roll dough into 1-inch balls; place on cookie sheets. Freeze 30 minutes or until very firm.

In a small microwaveable bowl (or you can do this on the stove in a medium pot), microwave half of the remaining 28-oz candy coating on High for 90 seconds; stir. Continue microwaving and stirring in 15 second intervals until melted and smooth.

Remove half of the balls from the freezer. Using 2 forks, dip and roll each ball in coating; return to cookie sheet. Melt remaining candy coating; dip remaining balls.

In a 1-qt resealable freezer plastic bag, place chocolate and oil; seal bag. Microwave on High 35-50 seconds, squeezing chips in bag every 15 seconds, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Cut small tip from bottom corner of bag. Drizzle chocolate over truffles. If desired, sprinkle with cocoa. Refrigerate 30-45 minutes or until chocolate is set. Store covered in refrigerator.

Prep Time: 30 min Start-Finish: 1 hr 45 min Makes: 6 dozen Recipe was taken from Betty Crocker

Festive Vanilla Fudge

2010-01-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

1 bag (12-oz) white chocolate chips
1/4 c whipping cream
1 Tbsp honey
3/4 c red and green candies

Line bottom and sides of 8-inch pan with foil, leaving foil overhanging 2 opposite sides of pan; spray foil with cooking spray.

In a large microwavable bowl, mix chips, cream and honey. Microwave on High about 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Cool about 30 minutes or until just slightly warm. Quickly stir in 1/2 c of the candies. Spread evenly in pan. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 c candies over the top; press lightly into top. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until completely set.

Remove fudge from pan onto cutting board by lifting with foil; peel back foil. With a large sharp knife, cut into 4 rectangles. Cut each rectangle crosswise into 8 pieces.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Start-Finish 1 hr 10 min Makes 32 candies From Betty Crocker

Easter Egg Bread

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

Make a Smilebox recipe

Awsome Bread Dough

2009-04-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox recipe

3 Ingredient Brownies

2009-03-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

1-1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
12-oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl; pour into a greased 9"x9" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden; cool before cutting into bars. Makes 12 servings.

I recieved this recipe from a recipe group that I belong to.

Cheesy, Crunchy, Goldfish Chowder

2009-03-03T16:38:00.000-08:00

Serves 4
4 c water
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 c diced potatoes
1 c diced onion
1 bunch fresh broccoli, chopped
2 (10.5 oz) cans of cream of chicken soup
1 lb cheddar cheese, grated
Goldfish crackers, to taste

Put water, bouillon cubes, prepared potatoes, onion and broccoli into soup pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes. Add cream of chicken and grated cheese and let simmer for 15 minutes. Ladle into serving bowls and top each with a handful of goldfish crackers.

The kids picked this recipe out from one of their cookbooks. This recipe comes from Super Suppers and Desserts! from Kids Cooking Club (Scholastic)

Split Pea Dahl

2009-03-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

1 c split peas
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper
Cooked brown rice

Simmer the peas in about a quart of water for 45 minutes, or until they are tender. Cook the rice while the beans cook. Brown rice takes about the same amount of time to cook. After the peas are tender, heat the olive oil in a small skillet or saucepan. Add the seasonings and fry them gently in the fat until they are fragrant and bubbly. You do this to bring out the full flavor of the spices, please do not omit this step or the finished dish will loose part of it's trademark flavor. After frying the spices, scoop about 1/2 cup of juice from the split peas into the small pan with the spices. Stir it up to dissolve all the spices in the juice. Pour the spicy juice back into the big pot of split peas. Stir it up and simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Ladle the split pea dahl over cooked rice and serve.

This recipe calls for a lot of spices. Essentially you are making your own curry powder by combining the spices this way. Regular curry powder, purchased in cans at the market, is a combination of spices, specifically blended for the American palette. This dish is a little closer to authentic than it would be if made with store bought curry powder. It also tastes much better. Like dishes from many other countries, Split Pea Dahl makes use of those foods which are cheapest and most abundant in the locality which created them. This one gets it's inspiration from India.

Once again, this recipe is from Hillbilly Housewife. This is an all time favorite with my kids

Dinner tonight: Corn Potato Chowder, Sliced bread

2009-02-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

2 cups canned corn1 small onion finely chopped
1 pint diced potatoes, raw
2 tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. salt
2 pints milk
1 cup boiling water
pepper to season (optional)

Brown onions in half of butter, drain. Boil potatoes until tender,drain. Blend all ingredients, and season to taste. Heat thoroughly.

I got this recipe from a recipe group that I belong to, and thought that it would be quick and yummy!

Dinner tonight: Simple Taco Meat, Butter Peas, & Rice

2009-02-19T16:39:00.002-08:00

Tonight we are having Simple Taco Meat, whole wheat Tortillas; Shredded Cheese; Shredded Cabbage; Buttery Peas & Rice (recipes below)

Simple Taco Meat
fry up a pound of ground beef and use a fork to smash it into small bits. When it is brown drain off the fat. Add 2 tablespoons flour and stir until the meat is sort of dusty looking. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1/2 cup of water. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer until thickened. Serve on homemade tortillas with a little bit of shredded cheese. Instead of lettuce, top the tortillas with finely shredded cabbage. It is very good. Almost better than lettuce in fact. Pass hot sauce at the table for them who like it spicy.

Buttery Peas & Rice
prepare rice in the normal way using 1 cup of dry rice and 2 cups of water. Add 1/2-teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons of margarine and 1 cup of frozen peas right before you put the lid on and simmer for 20 minutes.

These recipes are also from Hillbilly Housewife

Recipes...

2009-02-19T07:58:00.000-08:00

New recipes have been posted under Main Dishes and Sweet Tooth Treats. Some look sooo yummy that I want to try them out soon.

A Variety of Recipes

2009-02-18T07:10:00.000-08:00

Wednesdays are my "leftover" days. So, I don't have a meal plan for today. But, here are some recipes that I would like to try. I got these from a couple of recipe groups that I belong to. I also have categories for each recipe, so if you are looking for something in particular, just go look under my Recipe Category, to find the category that you want, click it, and it will take you to a new page. Please bear with me, this is all a work in progress as I get my new "cookbook" laid out and organized

Toasted Oat Granola Bars Recipe
3 cups Oatmeal
1/2 cup Coconut -- shredded sweetened
1/2 cup Dates -- chopped dried
1/2 cup apricots -- chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds
1/2 cup sesame seeds
2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup Honey
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/2 Teaspoon vanilla
In large skillet, toast oats and coconut over medium heat, stirring often,until golden, about 7 minutes. Transfer to large bowl; let cool. Stir in chopped dates and apricots, cranberries and sunflower and sesame seeds; set aside. In saucepan, bring butter, brown sugar, honey and corn syrup to boil over medium-high heat; boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat;stir in vanilla. Let cool for I minute. Pour over oat mixture, stirring to coat. Scrape into parchment paper-lined 13- x 9-inch (3.5 L) metal cake pan,pressing firmly with back of spoon. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool in pan on rack. Cut into bars. (Make-ahead: Store in airtight container for up to 5days.) Makes 24 pieces.

Description: "Toasting the oats and coconut adds a tasty twist to fruit-and-seed bars."

1 of everything Chili
35 Minutes to Prepare and Cook
1lb Lean Ground Turkey
1 diced medium Onion
1 can diced Tomatoes (with or without peppers)
1 tbsp Chili powder (more or less to taste)
1 can Pork 'n Beans or Baked beans
1 can Bush's Black Beans
Brown ground turkey (and/or beef) and diced onion in skillet. Drain well (rinse if desired.) Add canned tomatoes and beans and stir well. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Add Chili Powder and stir. Simmer 15 minutes or longer.
* Please note: the CHILI POWDER in this recipe is the blend of seasonings used to make chili, it is *NOT* pure ground chili peppers. If using ground peppers you will need to adjust amount to your taste. ** This is a great, easy last minute recipe. However, you can also use this as a starting point but add as many other ingredients as you like ... hot peppers, bell pepper, any kind of bean you have on hand, corn, more spices, etc.
Number of Servings: 6

Cinnamon Crunch Marshmallow Squares
4 tablespoons Butter
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup white chocolate chips
3 tablespoons Milk
1 (14 ounce) box box Cinnamon Crunch Cereal
1 1/2 cups dry-roasted peanuts
Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with heavy foil, letting it extend 2 to 3-inches over the rim of pan. Grease the foil with non-stick spray. In a 4 quart saucepan over low heat, stir butter, marshmallows, chips and milk until melted and smooth. Stir in Safeway Cinni-Mini Cereal and peanuts. Stir until well coated. Pour into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Let set until firm. Remove from pan by pulling up on foil. Place on cutting board and cut into squares.

Apple Dumplings
4 medium sized Apples
2 cans Crescent Rolls
1 stick Butter
1 1/2 c. Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
Cinnamon
1 cup of Mountain Dew or other citrus type soda
Peel, core, and quarter apples.Roll each quarter in a crescent roll strip.Place in a buttered 9" x 13" pan (I used a slightly larger one so they wouldn't touch)Melt Butter; add Sugar & Vanilla, stir. Spoon over the dumplings. Pour Mountain Dew in the pan, not on the dumplings.Sprinkle very liberally with Cinnamon. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Source: Shirley's RessyPees

Supper Tonight: Boston Baked Beans, Macaroni & Cheese, & Coleslaw

2009-02-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

Boston Baked Beans

2 pounds white beans (northern or navy beans)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 onion, peeled and chopped
4 to 6 oz of raw bacon, chopped
Soak the beans overnight in plenty of tap water. Or, you can bring them to a boil on the stove and then turn them off, cover them and let them sit for an hour or two. After the initial preparation boil your beans on the back of the stove for about half an hour. They won't be perfectly soft, but they will be almost soft. Drain off the cooking water. In a very large casserole (4-quart) combine the semi-cooked beans, salt, dry mustard, molasses, sugar and chopped bacon. Add enough hot water to barely come to the top of the beans. Put a lid on the casserole, or tin foil. Bake the beans at 300° for about 5 to 7 hours. They will be tender, fragrant and delicious.

The cooked beans may be frozen in two cup portions to substitute for canned baked beans or canned pork'n'beans in any recipe. They make a good main dish, or a side dish for a large crowd. This recipe serves about 16.

Another way to cook this, good in the summertime, is to use a crock pot. Boil the soaked beans for half an hour, as directed above. Then, instead of combining everything in a casserole, combine them in the crock pot instead. Put the lid on the Crock Pot after you've mixed everything up in it, and cook it on High for about 3 or 4 hours, or on low for 6 or 8 hours. You can put a folded dish towel on top of the lid if your crock pot doesn't get quite hot enough to cook beans normally. The dish towel helps maintain a temperature hot enough to just barely simmer the beans.

Coleslaw

3 or 4 cups of shredded cabbage
1 carrot, shredded
1/4 cup minced onion (optional)
1/2 cup mayonnaise1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash pepper
The cabbage is best thinly sliced into shreds with a sharp knife. Cut the cabbage in half, remove the core, and slice it across the bias, into thin strips. You can shred it in a food processor if you prefer, but it won't be as good. The carrot and onion can be shredded on a cheese shredder, or put them into the food processor too. Mix the vegetables in a large bowl with the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. You cna use both the vinegar and lemon juice because it gives the slaw a pleasant flavor. You could substitute 2 tablespoons of either vinegar or lemon juice, and still come up with a tasty product. This makes about 8 servings.

The mac & cheese, is from a box. I know, a convienece food, but it is cheaper to make it this way instead of from scratch. A box of mac & cheese costs me $0.40.

Once again, these recipes come from Hillbilly Housewife.

Tonight for Supper

2009-02-16T09:08:00.000-08:00

Meat loaf (recipe below), Mashed potatoes, Green Beans, and Plain Muffins (recipe below)

I am using the menu from Hillbilly Housewife's $70 Low Cost Menu for 4 to 6. I am doing this because, my husband has to take 2 unpaid days off a month, and I am trying to cut back on expenses. I know that this site works, because I have done it in the past. She has great ideas and the food is wholesome. I do make some adaptions with some of the things... like instead of white rice, we use brown rice (I know it's more expensive, but it's healthier) IMO

My Favorite Meatloaf
2 pounds ground beef
1 cup dry bread crumbs (see note below)
1 cup water or broth
2 carrots, shredded
1 onion, peeled and minced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper (scant)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

I use a food processor to chop up the dry bread first (about 4 slices, toast may be used), and then follow with the carrots, onion and garlic. It can all be done by hand though. The crumbs can be made by placing the bread in an extra bread bag, use a rolling pin to crush the bread. The carrots can be shredded on a cheese shredder, and the onion and garlic may be chopped by hand. Put the hamburger, bread crumbs, water or broth, prepared vegetables and seasoning into the bowl. Start mixing and mashing everything together. Continue to mix and mash until everything is uniformly distributed, and the water is fully incorporated. Press the mixture into a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan, or any pan which will hold a full two quarts. Smooth out the top so it will be pretty.
Bake this at 350° for at least an hour, if the meat was at room temperature, 1-1/2 hours if it was still cold from the refrigerator. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes to firm up. Drain off the fat. Serve it in thick slices to hungry grateful folks. Serves 8.
NOTE:
The bread crumbs are not written in stone. Depending on what I have available, I have substituted dry oatmeal, cracker crumbs, and crushed cornflakes with reasonable results. Usually I use half crumbs and half oatmeal, but the best results come from using all dried bread crumbs. The main thing is to look in the cupboard and use what you have. If nothing else is available, use four slices of fresh bread torn into small bits.
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Plain Muffins
1/4 cup oil
1 medium egg
1 cup milk
1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder (3 teaspoons)
2 cups flour
In a large bowl combine the oil, egg, milk, sugar and salt. Mix it very well with a fork or wire whisk. Measure in the baking powder and flour. Mix again until all of the dough particles are moistened. Do not over mix. The whole thing should take about 20 to 30 strokes. Spoon the batter into a dozen well oiled muffin cups. Bake at 400° for about 20 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool slightly before removing from the pan.
This is the basic recipe. I used to make it every night when I was young and poor. It is so easy and so cheap and so down right good to eat, that it almost seems a shame to expand on it. I will list several easy variations now, and you can go from here in any direction you like.
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These recipes comes directly from Hillbilly Housewife. I have to say, I use her site a lot.

Russian Borsch

2009-01-30T14:53:00.000-08:00

Now, this recipe may seem strange, & let me tell you, I had my doubts as well. But, this is very tasty and good! I made this for a big group of people, (there were 36 of us & we had other authentic Russian dishes as well). Just cut it in half, or make the whole thing and freeze for later! It does freeze well.

Russian Borsch
Serves 20
1 cube of butter
Caraway & dill seeds
5 onions peeled and chopped
4 veggie cubes
10 potatoes peeled and cubed
8 Tbsp vinegar or to taste
24 beets sliced thin (I used canned)
8 Tbsp honey or to taste
6 carrots peeled and sliced/diced
Fresh dill
2 medium cabbage heads shredded
Sour cream
4 garlic cloves minced

Put all ingredients except sour cream and fresh dill in one big pot. Cook for a few hours on the open fire. Top each serving with sour cream and dill.

I wish I got a picture of it while cooking it, but I wasn't able to get one.