Dining as a Domestic Goddess

White lightning Chili

2009-11-05T13:29:00.005-05:00

My mom sent me this recipe and it is a winner! It has few ingredients and very simple to make. It would also be easy to double for a crowd. I served it with rolls. It also can be a bit spicy but for my kids I either add sour cream to tone down the spice, or I had the thought that before I add the cheese to divide some out for them and add a cheddar cheese or something with less kick!

2 C. cooked, shredded chicken

(I sear my chicken for 2 minutes on each side in a skillet on the stove and then immediately place the whole skillet in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes. This is by far the best way I have found to have really moist chicken. I've always overcooked my chicken. If your skillet is not oven safe because of the handles (mine aren't) just wrap the handle with two layers of foil and they will be fine. I promise. I have done it several times.)

2 cans corn, partially drained

2 cans white beans, not drained
1/4-1/2 c. grated onion
1/2 lb. pepper jack cheese
1 small (6-7 oz.) salsa Verde (green salsa)
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot and and cook on low for 6-7 hours or

on the stove top for 1 hour on medium.

Enjoy!

Jamie :)

Cheesy Garlic Bread Swirls

2009-09-05T12:14:00.002-04:00

I love this food site! Kristy asked me to post these after I made them the other night. They were so good and so easy. Not really on the healthy side but everything in moderation right? Instead of retyping the whole recipe you can find it HERE

Peanut Butter and Nutella Truffles

2009-07-16T15:42:00.004-04:00

Nutella is the bomb! It's in the peanut butter isle at the grocery store. It's made of hazelnuts, skim milk, and cocoa. If you've never tried it, go get some NOW! There are lots of Nutella recipes online, if you want to make other desserts with Nutella.

1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
8 ounces peanut butter
8 ounces Nutella
1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)

Sprinkles or colored bark for decoration

Bake cake according to package directions for a 13 x 9-inch cake. As soon cake is baked, split the cake into two halves and crumble each half into a large bowl. Mix each bowl of crumbled cake thoroughly with peanut butter in one and Nutella in the other. Roll each mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet lined with wax paper (should make about 40). Chill for several hours.

Melt chocolate in microwave in 30 second intervals stirring in between. When chocolate is completely melted, roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. Use a fork to roll the balls in chocolate and then gently tap off extra. If you chose to decorate with sprinkles, immediately sprinkle the balls after you have rolled them in chocolate.

To decorate with drizzled chocolate, place chocolate in a sandwich bag on a microwave safe dish and microwave in 30 second intervals moving the chocolate around between. Using scissors, cut the very tip off the sandwich bag. Use the sandwich bag to pipe the chocolate back and forth over the hardened chocolate covered pretzels until you reach the desired look. When the drizzle has hardened (you can put them in the freezer to speed up the process) break off any extra chocolate with your fingers.

Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus

2009-07-16T00:48:00.006-04:00

My friend Julie gave me this recipe and it's sooo good! It's fast and easy and lick the bowl yummy!

Ingredients:

8 oz any dry pasta (elbows, rotini, penne, whatever)

5 tablespoons olive oil, divided (you can easily use less to reduce the fat)

2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into cubes

salt and pepper to taste

garlic powder to taste

3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 bunch slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced, and divided (2 for the chicken, 1 for asparagus)

1/2 cup diced onion

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add pasta, and cook as directed. Drain, and set aside.

Warm 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in chicken, 2 cloves of garlic, and onion and season with salt, pepper. Cook until chicken is cooked through and browned, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and cover.

Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Then stir in asparagus, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover, and steam until the asparagus is just tender, about 7 mins. Return chicken to the skillet, and warm through.

Stir chicken mixture into pasta, and mix well. Let sit about 5 minutes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, stir again, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

The Best Banana Pudding

2009-07-14T11:15:00.003-04:00

This recipe is from Paula Deen. I love it....it's sooooo good! The only thing I do different is use 1 small box of Banana Cream pudding and 1 small box of Vanilla pudding, with 3 cups of milk. You can also use Nilla Wafers instead of Chessmen cookies.

Ingredients

2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (large) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream

Directions
Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.
In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Party Chicken and Pasta Salad

2009-06-03T14:34:00.003-04:00

This a great salad to serve as a main dish for a lighter meal or it can also compliment other main courses. If you choose to serve it as a side I would recommend adding half the amount of chicken.

Salad:
5 cups uncooked Rotini pasta (16 0z)
4 cups cubed cooked chicken (rotisserie or seasoned meat)
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped green onions
12 oz fresh snow pea pods, trimmed, halved crosswise
2 cups seedless red and green grapes, halved
1 can (80z) pineapple tidbits in juice, drained, reserving liquid
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted if desired (optional- I omit)
6 to 8 leaves leaf lettuce (put salad on top of if serving as a main course)

Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon garlic salt
2 tablespoons reserved pineapple liquid
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey

1. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool, drain well.

2. Meanwhile, in large bowl, mix remaining salad ingredients except almonds and lettuce. In small bowl, mix dressing ingredients until well blended.

3. Add pasta and 1/2 cup of almonds to salad; stir gently to mix. Add dressing, toss to coat. Liner serving bowl or platter with lettuce. Sprinkle with remaining almonds.

Chili Pasta Bake

2009-04-26T02:02:00.003-04:00

10 oz. penne pasta (you could probably use most kinds of pasta though)

1 lb. ground beef

1 c. chopped onion (optional)

2 T. chili powder

1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 c. salsa

1 can diced green chilies, drained (I don't use these)

2 c. shredded cheese

Cook pasta; drain. Cook meat and onion. Add rest of ingredients, except for pasta. Cook 5 min. Toss pasta with mixed ingredients. Spoon into 13x9 dish and top with cheese. Bake 350 for 20 minutes.

**The great thing about this recipe is you can play with the ingredients without messing it up. It just depends on what you like. I made it the other day with 1/2 the meat, only had 1/2 c. salsa and a smaller amount of tomato sauce and it still tasted great. Just depends on your taste, for a chunkier or runnier type of sauce. It's super yummy!!

Amazing Bran Muffins

2009-03-24T15:08:00.004-04:00

This recipe is really easy and takes almost no time at all. It took me an hour to make and bake 18 muffins.

1 1/2 cups wheat bran

1 cup buttermilk

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

2/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup raisins

1/3 cup walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 375* and grease muffin tins or line with paper muffin liners.

Mix together wheat bran and buttermilk; let stand for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat together oil, egg, sugar and vanilla. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

Add egg mixture to bran mixture and mix together. Then add the flour mixture and mix until just blended together. (I used a spoon, not a mixer)

Fold in raisins and nuts.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

I didn't have buttermilk and used regular milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. You add the juice to the milk and let it stand for 5 minutes so that it can get thick.

These are delicious, I am pretty sure kids would like them too!

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole OR Stuffed Bell Peppers

2009-03-19T10:36:00.008-04:00

2 (6.2 oz) Boxes of fast cooking long grain and wild rice mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
3 cups chopped cooked chicken (I seasoned the chicken with lemon pepper and thyme)
1 1/2 cups fat free half-and-half
1 (4.5-ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 (2.5-ounce) package sliced almonds
Preparation
Cook rice mix according to package directions; set aside.
Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, and saute until tender. Add flour, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add broth, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
Stir in rice, chicken, and next 7 ingredients. Spoon into a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Top with almonds. Bake 350 for 15 to 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Yummy!!

Stuffed Bell Peppers
Clean out bell peppers. Spoon chicken and wild rice casserole inside. Cook 350 for 15 to 20 minutes or until peppers are tender.

Donna's Super Soft Comfort Sugar Cookies

2009-02-25T14:12:00.005-05:00

Wow that is a mouth full, but this past valentine's day my mom gave me her BEST sugar Cookie recipe and it turned out great! I made mine into "popcicles" but obviously you don't have to do that. They were so soft but not to dense and chewy. The best part is that you DON'T have to chill this recipe so the process isn't quite as long as usual. Always a plus when you have kids that want cookies now!

3 1/4 c. all purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. butter, room temperature (I just put a cold square of butter in the microwave for 20 seconds...)
1 c. granulated sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 t. vanilla
1/4 t. almond flavoring(you could use vanilla, but I think the almond gives it that little something special. It is a very subtle flavor)
1/2 c. sour cream

Into a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, egg, vanilla & almond flavoring. Add sour cream and then add 1 cup of the flour mixture and blend, adding the rest of the flour a cup at a time. (You may have to use a wooden spoon for the last little bit) Divide dough in half and roll each portion out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. Cut with floured cookie cutters. Place cookies onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. (This is the tricky part... don't over bake! You want them just done and no more). Frosting 3 c. powdered sugar 1/2 c. butter (softened) 1 t. vanilla 1/2 t. almond flavoring (my secret!) 2 T. milk (add and stir the milk a little at a time to get just the right consistency...not too thick and not too runny!) Add coloring if desired. Enjoy!

Southwest Chicken Kiev

2009-02-24T16:37:00.003-05:00

1 cup cheese crackers, crushed
1 1/2 tsp taco seasoning
5 tbsp butter, divided
3 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp canned chopped green chilies
2 tsp dried minced onion
1/2 tsp salt
4-6 boneless chicken breast halves

In a shallow bowlcombine crackers and taco seasoning; set aside. In another bowl combind 3 tbsp butter, cheese, chilies onion and salt. shape into 6 balls.
Flatten chicken. Place butter ball in the center of each. Roll up and secure with toothpicks. Melt remaining butter. Roll the chicken in butter and toss in cracker mixture. Place seam down on sheet pan in the oven for 30-45 min or until chicken reaches 170.

Pork Chops with Golden Apple sauce

2009-02-18T17:04:00.000-05:00

4 Golden Delicious apples, chopped
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 ounces golden raisins, a handful
1-inch piece fresh ginger root
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 cups all natural apple juice or cider, plus a splash for pan sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
4 (1-inch) thick center cut boneless pork loin chops, 6 to 8 ounces each
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter

Combine first 8 ingredients in a medium pot placed over medium high heat and cook until a chunky sauce forms, 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If sauce begins to spatter as it bubbles, reduce heat back a little, but it should be allowed to reduce and form quickly. Once apples are soft and sauce forms, remove it from the heat.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add oil to the pan. Season chops on 1 side with salt and pepper. Using a pair of tongs, add chops to hot skillet seasoned side down. Season the opposite side of the chops with salt and pepper. Brown and caramelize the chops 2 minutes on each side, then reduce heat to medium and cook another 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until juices run clear. Remove chops from heat and let them rest a couple of minutes for juice to redistribute. Deglaze the pan with a splash of apple juice and 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour pan sauce over chops. Remove ginger from the sauce and top chops with generous portions of warm golden apple sauce.

Easy Burrito

2009-02-18T17:01:00.002-05:00

Really good and easy, the kids loved them!

1/2 lb ground hamburger
1/2 c onion (or equivalent of onion powder)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1/2 c ketsup
1 can Bean and Bacon Soup

Brown hamburger add onion. Add the rest- simmer until warm. Serve in tortilla with cheese and other toppings next to rice.

Chocolate Chip cookies

2009-02-05T15:04:00.002-05:00

Thanks for all those who have given me advice on cookies. After too many batches in the past week here is the BEST recipe I found. The trick is the lemon juice, it helps activate the baking soda, making the cookies soft and chewy.

1/2 c rolled oats
2 1/4 c flour
1 1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon (yum!)
2 sticks butter, softened
3/4 c brown sugar
3/4 c white sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp lemon juice
1 bag chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place rolled oats in blender or food processor until finely ground. Combine oats, flour, soda, salt and cinnamon in mixing bowl. In another bowl cream butter and sugars until creamy. Add vanilla, lemon juice and eggs, beat until fluffy. Stir the flour into egg mixture blending well. Add the chocolate chips. Scoop into round balls. Bake for 7-10 min.

I cook them till they are starting to show brown and take them out. That way they can continue to cook out on the sheet.
Enjoy!!

Indian Tacos (also called Navajo Tacos)

2009-01-20T00:19:00.003-05:00

This is a super fast meal, and you probably have most of it in your pantry!
To make the scone type thing the taco is on mix with a fork:
2 c. flour
1 t. salt
1 t. baking powder
1 T. shortening
Add 3/4 c. cold water
Mix and knead with hands into balls and flatten, to make a round scone like shape.
Fry in heated oil, turning when the first side is cooked.
Top with chili, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, or whatever else you enjoy on your tacos.
*These scones are also good with just honey on them!!

Quick Chicken skillet

2009-01-20T00:04:00.001-05:00

1 med. onion, chopped (or dried onion seasoning)
1/4 c. butter or margarine
2 c. diced, cooked potatoes (about 4 small potatoes)
2 c. diced cooked chicken or turkey
1/2 c. salsa
1 t. ground cumin
1/2 t. salt
1 c. cheese

Cook onion in butter in large pan. Add potatoes, chicken, salsa, cumin and salt; mix well. Simmer 5 min, stirring occasionally. Top with cheese; cover pan with lid to melt.
So yummy!!!!!!!!!!

Spaghetti Carbonara

2009-01-20T00:01:00.003-05:00

1 lb. bacon (or real bacon bits-like the big bag from Costco)
4 T. butter
1/2 lb. spaghetti
3 well beaten eggs
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
freshly ground pepper.

Chop and fry bacon. Strain and let sit. Boil spaghetti noodles. Don't rinse in cold water!! Put noodles in bowl. Mix in butter and bacon with 2 forks. Mix in well beaten eggs. Sprinkle with cheese and pepper and mix again. Zap in microwave just for a minute to make sure the egg is heated enough and serve. This is so simple and soooo yummy!!!

Italian Beef au Jus

2009-01-18T11:16:00.005-05:00

Ingredients:

3-5 lb. boneless beef roast

10-oz. pkg. dry au jus mix

1 pkg. dry Italian salad dressing mix

14 1/2-oz. can beef broth

half a soup can water

Directions:

1. Place beef in slow cooker.

2. Combine remaining ingredients. Pour over roast.

3. Cover. Cook on low 8 hours.

4. Slice meat and spoon onto sandwich rolls with strained spoon (we like to add cheese- Pepper Jack gives it a big kick). Serve au jus in small bowl on side.

Fresh Orange Cake

2009-01-18T10:56:00.003-05:00

This is a quick and easy Bundt cake that uses a box mix. It's perfect when you have last minute company coming over.

1 box of yellow cake mix.
1 c. fresh orange juice (about 5 medium oranges) or from the carton
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1 t. pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs

Glaze:
1 c. powdered sugar
3 Tbls. fresh orange juice (from about 1 medium orange)
1 t. fresh grated zest (from about 1 medium orange)

1. Place rack in center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly mist Bundt pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.

2. Place cake mix, orange juice, oil, sugar, vanilla, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Scrape down sides of bowl. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes longer scraping down sides again if needed. The batter should be thick and well blended. Pour into prepared pan.

3. Bake 45 to 47 minutes until golden brown and the cake pulls away from the sides of pan. Cool on rack for 20 minutes. Run knife around edges, invert on serving platter, and cool another 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile prepare glaze. Combine sugar, orange juice, zest in a small bowl and stir with wooden spoon until smooth. Drizzle over cake. Let sit a couple minutes before serving. Store under plastic wrap at room temp.

White Chicken Chili

2009-01-18T08:24:00.003-05:00

6 tablespoons butter
1 cup chopped onion (or however much you would like)
1/4 cup flour
1 (4-ounce) can of diced green chilies
2 cans chicken broth (low-sodium, if desired)
1 cup half and half
2 (16-ounce) cans of navy beans, rinsed and drained (can use great northern, or both)
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
4 cups cooked and chopped chicken breast
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, can use to garnish)
1/2 cup light sour cream
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
salt and pepper to taste
In a stockpot, cook onion in butter over moderate heat until onion is softened. Add flour and stir
Add chicken broth and half and half, stir till it thickens a bit. Add green chilies, beans, garlic, chicken, hot sauce, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer for about 20 minutes. Last, stir in sour cream and cheese. I serve with garlic bread. Yummy!!!

Chicken Cheese Soup

2009-01-16T14:07:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:

1 cup carrots, shredded
1/4 cup green onion, sliced
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 10-3/4 oz. can chicken broth
1 12.5 oz can Chicken Breast chunks
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

In a medium saucepan, cook carrots and green onion in hot butter about 10 minutes or until tender but not browned. Stir in flour. In separate bowl combine milk, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce and black pepper. Slowly add liquid into saucepan, stirring until smooth. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Stir in chicken and cheese. Cook and stir over low heat until cheese melts. Serve hot.

Tomato-Basil Chicken

2009-01-12T10:20:00.003-05:00

4 boneless, chicken breast
3 Tbsp butter
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 small onion, shopped
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 c heavy cream
2 Tbsp basil, chopped

Season chicken. In 12 inch skillet melt 2 Tbsp butter.Cook chicken 8 min or until chicken is no longer pink, turning once. Remove chicken and set aside. In same skillet melt 1 Tbsp butter cook tomatoes, onion and salt stirring occasionally, 3 min or until tomatoes are tender. Stir in broth and cream. Reduce heat to low and return chicken to skillet. Simmer uncovered 4 min or until sauce is thickened and chicken is heated through. Garnish with basil.

Black Bean Corn Salsa

2009-01-12T10:14:00.002-05:00

1 can black beans, rinsed
1 can corn, drained
about 4 roma tomatoes chopped
green onion
chopped olives
italian dressing (2 dry packets)

Make 1 dressing packet as directed. Add to above ingredients. Let sit overnight. Right before serving add avocado and sprinkle second packet before serving for extra flavor. Enjoy with chips!!

Baked Strawberry French Toast

2009-01-04T20:30:00.004-05:00

This is a great meal when you want something special but you're in a hurry... You prepare it the night before so you have no excuse when you're super busy and you settle on feeding your family cereal (for example on Christmas morning or before church when your husband is home from work).

1 loaf (16 oz) french bread, cut into 3/4" slices

1- 8 oz. container of *pineapple cream cheese (*I use strawberry)

4 eggs

1 c. milk

1/4 c. sugar

1.4 tea. salt

1/4 tea. ground Cinnamon

3 tablespoons of butter, melted

Topping

About 4 c. strawberries (I never need this much)

1/2 c. sugar

1. Spray 9 x 13" glass baking dish with cooking spray. Pair up slices of bread (making sandwiched) and spread about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese on one side. Place sandwiches in baking dish to cover bottom of dish. Mix together milk, eggs, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. Pour over bread. After sitting for 5 minutes flip the bread over to coat completely. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.

2. Chop 1 c. strawberries (put the rest in the refrigerator). In a nonmetal bowl, gently stir the berries and 1/2 c. sugar together. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 400. Uncover baking dish and drizzle melted butter over top. Place dish in oven while still cold (so as not to crack it) for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Meanwhile, slice remaining berries and gently mix in with the first cup. Serve hot french toast with berry topping.

Mexican Nacho Casserole

2009-01-04T01:43:00.004-05:00

I love to make this for others in need of a meal. It is all in one dish and I almost always have these ingredients at home!

6 c. of corn tortilla chips

1 lb. of hamburger meat

1 12oz. jar of salsa

1/2 c. corn *optional

1/2 c. black beans *optional

2 c. sour cream

2. c. cottage cheese

1 c. cheddar cheese

1 tomato(s) diced

1 avocado or guacamole dip

1/2 c. green onions

1 small can of diced olives

Brown meat. Add salsa to cooked meat and simmer; also add black beans and corn if using them. Layer chips in bottom of casserole dish. Spread 1/2 of meat mixture. Spread 1/2 of sour cream mixture. Repeat layers: chips, meat, sour cream. Next, top with cheddar, olives, tomatoes, avocado, and green onion. Surround in chips. The layered chips essentially become corn tortillas in the baking process. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Enjoy!

Baked Steelhead

2009-01-04T01:29:00.005-05:00

Are you unsure of how to prepare steel head? Here is a quick, easy, and tasty recipe.

1. Wash 6 fillets and pat dry. *I halve this recipe because we don't cook much for our little family.

2. Coat each side of fish lightly with seasoned bread crumbs.

3. Mix 1 c. sour cream with 1 c. mayonnaise. Add in fresh diced onion.

4. Spread on fish.

5. Coat top of mixture with another thin layer of bread crumbs.

6. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.

Apple Cobbler

2009-01-04T01:15:00.008-05:00

f you dislike making pies as much as I do, here is a delicious recipe to bake. It will satisfy the craving and it will save you time!

12 Johnny Gold Apples (Or other tart apples-peeled, cored, and sliced)

If you can get your hands on one of these, borrow or buy it. It does all the "dirty"work in one easy step!
Mix:
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. flour
1 teas. Cinnamon
Crust:
2 heaping cups flour
1 c. Crisco
1/2 teas. salt
1/2 c. ice water (or more/less depending on the texture- you want it moist enough to roll in to a ball but not so moist that it sticks to your pin or the rolling surface).

Layer apples in a 9 x 13" pan. Sprinkle with sugar mixture and a light sprinkle of nutmeg over the top. Keep layering until the apples and sugar are gone; remember the light nutmeg. I do about 3 layers. Slice 1/4 c. butter and drop across top. Make crust and roll out to fit pan. Cover top of apples and pinch to seal. Slice a couple slits in the top for air. Bake at 400 degrees for about 1 hour- make sure it is boiling. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

2008-12-15T22:30:00.004-05:00

This recipe makes a ton- 59 for us in our last batch, less a few eaten ones in the picture above!

1 c. sugar

1 c. butter

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. salt

2 (10 oz bags) of Hershey Kisses- (I just buy bulk)

1 c.brown sugar

1 c. creamy peanut butter

1/4 c. milk

3 1/2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 c. sugar for rolling dough in

Mix all ingredients above except kisses. Shape into medium size balls; roll in sugar bowl. Place on ungreased cookies sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool for a few short minutes and place 1 kiss on each blossom.

Orange Drop Cookies

2008-12-15T22:16:00.003-05:00

These cookies are so good! The batter is cake-like, therefore the cookie are too.

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 c. shortening

2 eggs

1 c. sour cream

3 1/2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. orange juice

1 orange rind-grated

Mix all above ingredients thoroughly. Drop by teaspoon on un-greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes; remove from cookies sheet and cool. Frost with orange frosting below.

2 c. powder sugar

2 tsp. butter

1/4 c. orange juice

Combine and beat until smooth. Frost and enjoy this old time family favorite!

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

2008-11-24T21:15:00.005-05:00

2-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
romaine lettuce
Avocado
Black beans
corn
cilantro
tomatoes
BBQ sauce
Ranch
tortillas

Grill or broil chicken with BBQ sauce basting during cooking, Meanwhile, cut up lettuce, avocado, tomatoes and cilantro. Slice tortillas and bake until crispy. when chicken is done cut into strips and serve over lettuce and whatever toppings you like. For dressing combine ranch and BBQ sauce. Pour on the goodness and enjoy!

My husband doesn't really like salad so he puts his in a tortilla. My girls liked it because they got to eat what they like not necessarily like a salad.

Roasted Red Pepper Tortellini with White sauce

2008-11-24T20:58:00.004-05:00

Boy, I know that sounds like a mouth full and you may think the recipe looks complicated but it really isn't and so worth it. I promise you'll love it!

1/2 butter
1/4 t. garlic minced
2 C. Whipping cream
1/2 t. black pepper
1 C. Parmesan cheese
1 C. Roasted red pepper (the kind in the jar)
red pepper flakes to taste
3-4 C. Cheese or spinach tortellini (Cooked)

Melt a little of the butter in a medium saucepan and garlic. Saute on medium heat for about 1 minute. Then add remaining butter, cream and pepper. Bring to a boil and add cheese. Lower heat and simmer until cheese is completely mixed in. Dice up red peppers and add them to sauce. Serve over warm tortellini and top with grilled chicken if you want.

I think this sauce would be good over any kind of pasta. The tortellini was great though. Sorry the picture isn't great. Enjoy!

No Fail Stuffing

2008-11-14T14:28:00.001-05:00

This is the BEST stuffing for Thanksgiving, you might want to double it if there are more than 4 adults.

4 cups bread crumbs **
1/2 c melted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
3 Tbsp finely chopped onion
1/8 tsp pepper
chopped celery

Remove crusts from bread and crumble. Add seasoning and melted butter, cover with foil and bake for 1 hour at 325.
** We buy Great Harvest bread, white and wheat, it is the only bread that stands up to the recipe. And we don't cube the bread, we tear it really tiny, then let it sit out over night to dry out before we bake it.

Cream Puffs

2008-11-08T13:13:00.004-05:00

1 C. water
1/2 C. butter
1 C. flour
4 eggs
1 recipe Cream Puff Filling (See Below)

Bring Water and butter to a boil in a large saucepan, remove from heat. Immediately add flour all and once and stir vigorously with wooden spoon; (I didn't have one so I used a silicon spatula, I'm not sure why it matters) until mixture leaves pan and forms a ball; About 1 minute. Add eggs one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition until smooth. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto greased cookie sheet, allowing room for expansion. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until puffed and golden. Remove and cool while preparing filling.

To fill, cut puffs horizontally with sharp knife, removing lid. Scoop out any soft dough. Fill shells generously with cream mixture. Replace lids. (I put the filling into a large baggie and used that to help "pipe" the filling inside. Worked great!) Shells and filling can be made a day before serving and refrigerated. Fill the shells the day of serving. Makes 12 large or 20 small.

FILLING:
1 6 oz package vanilla instant pudding
2 C. milk
1 C. whipping cream

Prepare pudding as directed on package, using only 2 cups milk. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Whip cream. Gently blend pudding with whipped cream. Makes enough for 1 recipe cream puffs.

Cream puffs sound fancy and hard but they are an easy elegant finger dessert that I though many could use for Thanksgiving or Christmas! Enjoy :)

Southwest Chicken

2008-11-07T00:30:00.002-05:00

2 T. oil
1 clove garlic (or garlic salt/powder)
1 t. cumin
1 t. chili powder
1 t. oregano
1/2 t. salt
1 lb. chicken

Combine all ingredients but the chicken, and brush over the chicken and grill. Quick and tasty!

Zucchini muffins

2008-11-07T00:24:00.002-05:00

3 c. finely grated zucchini
1 2/3 c. sugar
2/3 c. oil
2 t. vanilla
4 eggs
3 c. whole wheat flour
2 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. ground cloves
1/2 t. baking powder

Bake at 350 for 15 min. for muffins, or 50-60 min. for bread. Add half bag of chocolate chips to the batter for a special treat. These are super yummy and moist and stay moist and good for even a few days, if they're not gone already!

Pumpkin Pancakes

2008-11-07T00:21:00.001-05:00

2 c. flour
2 T. brown sugar
1 T. baking powder
1 1/4 t. pumpkin pie spice (I use cinnamon instead)
1 t. salt
1 3/4 c. milk
1/2 c. pumpkin
1 egg
2 T. oil (can do applesauce instead)

Mix and enjoy. This recipe makes a ton!!! They are super delicious!

Can't Leave Alone Bars

2008-11-07T00:18:00.003-05:00

1 package yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 c. oil
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1 c. chocolate chips
1/4 c. butter, cubed

Mix first 3 ingredients. Press most of the mixture in the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 pan (Reserve a little). Combine milk, choc. chips and butter in separate bowl and microwave 45 seconds on high. Stir and cook another 45-60 seconds. Stir till smooth. Pour over cake mixture. Drop teaspoonfuls of remaining cake mixture over top. Bkae 350 for 20-25 min. or till lightly browned. Cool before cutting.
*These are amazing and you seriously will not be able to leave them alone! Enjoy with milk!

Pulled Pork Sandwichs

2008-11-07T00:14:00.003-05:00

1 pork shoulder blade roast (usually between 3-5 lb.)
1/2-1 bottle of hickory smoke (any brand)

Pour sauce over roast in crock pot, add salt to taste, and cook for around 5-6 hours on high. (I am totally guessing on the time--just until it looks done). Then shred the pork with a fork, put on buns with some BBQ sauce and enjoy. This is super easy and makes a ton, so invite over your friends. Everyone we've made it for loves it!

Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

2008-11-01T18:39:00.001-04:00

This is a GREAT low carb snack or entree, zucchini is one of my favorite veggies!

Cooking spray
2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound total)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (3/4-ounce)
1/4 cup plain dry bread crumbs
1/8 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds. In a medium bowl, toss the zucchini with the oil. In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs, salt, and a few turns of pepper. Dip each round into the Parmesan mixture, coating it evenly on both sides, pressing the coating on to stick, and place in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the zucchini rounds until browned and crisp, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove with spatula. Serve immediately.

Apple cake and Sauce

2008-10-27T11:08:00.001-04:00

1/2 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs

Cream together and add 4 cups of grated apples or diced apples.

Stir in:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Stir and bake in 9 x 13 pan at 325 for 45 min.

Sauce:
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
1 cup evaporated milk

Cream together and heat just to melt butter and sugar. Then add 2 teaspoons vanilla and 1 /4 teaspoon nutmeg. Serve. Pour sauce over single slices of cake.

Yummy potatoes

2008-10-27T10:02:00.000-04:00

8 large potatoes (boiled with skins on)
1 pt sour cream
1/2 c butter
2 cans cream of chicken
1/4 c grated onion
1 1/2 c grated cheddar cheese
1 c crushed corn flakes

Cook potatoes (until fork goes in but doesn't come out) Peel, cool and grate. Mix together remaining ingredients add to potatoes and mix well. Put in 9x13 pan, sprinkle with crushed corn flakes. Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour.
(A missionary favorite! DO NOT use hash browns it will not work.)

Peppermint Bark

2008-10-27T09:54:00.000-04:00

Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup
2 pounds white chocolate
Peppermint flavorings, optional

Directions
Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.

Great to give away at Christmas. You can really use any flavor candy cane you want with a corresponding flavor of oil (spearmint, cherry, wintergreen)

Homemade Oreos

2008-10-27T09:53:00.001-04:00

1 devil's food cake mix
1/2 c. shortening
2 eggs

Mix the above ingredients together. Roll the dough into dime-sized balls and place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Cool cookies.

FROSTING:
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 square butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 to 4 c. powdered sugar

Mix all of frosting ingredients until smooth. Frost BACKS of cookies and place together to make sandwich cookie.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

2008-10-27T09:47:00.001-04:00

This has some weird ingredients but it tastes just like if you ordered this from a Chinese place.

4 Chicken Breasts
8 oz apricot jam
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 cup Catalina Dressing

Mix together jam, soup and dressing, pour over chicken and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Serve over rice.

Yummy Pulled Pork Sandwiches

2008-10-10T14:30:00.001-04:00

2 pounds pork
3 cans Coke (NOT diet)
1/4 c. brown sugar
dash garlic salt
1/4 c. water
1 can sliced green chilies
1 can enchilada sauce (I used el paso brand)
1 c. brown sugar

Put the pork in a heavy duty ziploc bag to marinade. Add about a can and a half of coke and about 1/4 c. of brown sugar. Marinade for a few hours or overnight.

Drain marinade and put pork, 1/2 can of coke, water, and garlic salt in crock pot on high for about 3-4 hours (or until it shreds easily, but don't let it get TOO dry) or on low for 8 hours. Remove pork from crock pot and drain any liquid left in the pot. Shred pork.

In a food processor or blender, blend 1/2 can Coke, chilies, enchilada sauce and remaining brown sugar (about a cup, you can add a little more or less to taste..). If it looks too thick, add more Coke little by little.

Put shredded pork and sauce in crockpot and cook on low for 2 hours. Enjoy.

My husband likes KFC coleslaw on top of his and it actually was delicious. It would be just as good without it though. Sorry the picture is not great. IT doesn't do it justice. :)

Yummy peanut butter cookies

2008-10-10T14:20:00.002-04:00

My husband makes these cookies and they are the best! You can add anything from chocolate chips to Reese's peanut butter chips depending on what mood you are in. We usually double the batch and freeze dough for a later use. Our tip is to use an ice cream scoop ( Seen below) and scoop out dough rounds onto a cookie sheet. Then place the cookie sheet in the freezer until the dough is frozen solid. Then twist off the dough and place in a baggie until later use. Then if you just want to make a few cookies one night you can pull them out of the baggie and cook them up without all the mess. Very convenient. You will need to cook them a little longer because you'll be baking them from frozen. Enjoy!

1 C. butter or Crisco (I've found butter flavored Crisco works the best)
1/2 C. sugar
1 C. Brown sugar
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla

Cream together and add dry ingredients

2 1/4 C. Flour
1 t EACH soda and salt

Mix well and stir in 1 package chips of your choice.

Drop onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 375 for 10-12 minutes.

Yummy Pot Roast

2008-10-07T10:09:00.000-04:00

2-1/2 lb chuck roast
1 tbsp oil
2 carrots chopped
2 celery stalks chopped
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp pepper
1 med onion sliced
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp intant tapioca
1 14 oz can stewed tomatoes
1 6 oz can tomato paste

Cut roast into cubes. Brown in oil and put in crock pot. Add veggies, mix all other ingredients and pour over top. Cook on low for 10-12 hours or high for 5-6 hours. Serve over noodles or rice.
GREAT for sunday dinners when company comes!!

Cheese Soup

2008-10-01T14:43:00.000-04:00

3 Carrots
1 Onion
4 Celery
16 oz Velveeta Cheese
1 1/2 cubes Butter
3/4 Flour
1 can Chicken Broth

Boil veggies in 1 1/2 quart water and 1 can Chicken broth or 2 cups water and 3 Bullion cubes (if you do not have chicken broth).
Add one 16 oz cheese whiz then melt 1 1/2 cubes butter or margarine and 3/4 cup flour and add to soup. Salt and pepper to taste.

*I personally add less celery and I add potatoes. This soup is very good in bread bowls!

Chicken Pot Pie

2008-09-28T22:52:00.001-04:00

I made this tonight and it was delicious. I know that is looks like a lot of ingredients but it really isn't that complicated and you could even do a lot of the prep work ahead of time. It doesn't look very pretty but it is a great all in one meal, especially with the cooler fall weather starting. We're a family of 4 and there was left-overs! Enjoy!

1 Lb. chicken, cubed
2 potatoes, cubed
1 c. sliced carrots
1 c. frozen green peas
1-2 bouillon cubes
1/3 c. butter
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. sliced celery
1/3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 3/4 c. chicken broth
2/3 c. milk
1 c. corn (canned), drained
2 egg whites, beaten
2 (9 inch) Pillsbury unbaked pie crusts (you can find them near the dairy section by the biscuits in the ‘pop-open’ tubes, it will be a box with 2 crusts included)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a saucepan, combine chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas, and celery. Cover with water, add bouillon cube(s) and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat garlic, onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick (if you like a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth and milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency) and add corn. Add the other veggies (potatoes, carrots, etc..) and chicken to the sauce and stir to coat all the veggies in sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.

Place one of the pie crusts in a 9” pie pan (use a deep-dish pie pan if you have one) and lightly brush with egg whites. Bake in the oven for about 5 minutes, remove, and pour in the sauce/veggie mix. It’s ok if you pile it on (we could barely cover ours with the other crust it was overflowing so much!) Cover with the other crust and seal the edges. Cut some slits in the top, brush with egg whites and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Barbecue Chex Mix

2008-09-25T16:38:00.000-04:00

3 cups rice chex
3 cups corn chex
1 1/2 cups pretzel twists
1 1/2 cups cheese crackers
3/4 cup honey roasted peanuts
1/2 cup bbq sauce
1 tbsp vegie oil
3/4 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp garlic powder
In a large microwave bowl mix pretzels, cereal crackers and peanuts. Mix remaining ingredients until well blended. Pour over cereal and mix well. Microwave fro 7 min stirring every 2 min spread on foil to cool.

Yummy salty snack!! Great for game night munchies!

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Chili

2008-09-17T14:53:00.000-04:00

1 Package Rice-A-Roni Spanish rice
2 3/4 water
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 can (15 oz) kidney or pinto beans rinsed and drained
1 can (16 oz) stewed tomatoes
1 medium green pepper cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 c shredded cheese

In a 3 quart saucepan combine rice vermicelli mix, special seasoning, water chicken, beans, tomatoes, green pepper and chili powder. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered about 20 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally. Top with cheese, sour cream.

We love this because it makes a lot and I freeze half. We also have wrapped it in tortillas. Once I added corn and black beans for more of a southwest dish. One of our favorites!

White Chocolate Fruit Tart

2008-09-13T18:15:00.000-04:00

I made this today for a game night we are having with some friends and it turned out great. I wanted to share the recipe while fruit is in abundance. It takes some time to make, but worth it!

3/4 C. butter, softened
1/2 C. confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 C. all-purpose flour

Filling:
1 package (10 to 12 oz) white chocolate chips
1/4 C. Heavy cream
1 package cream cheese (8oz) softened
1 can (20oz) pineapple chunks, un-drained
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 can (11oz) mandarin oranges drained
2 Kiwifruit, peeled and sliced

Glaze:
3 T. sugar
2 t. cornstarch
1/2 t. lemon juice

1. In small mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour; mix well. Press into an ungreased 11 in. tart pan with removable bottom. Bake at 300 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack.

2. For filling, in small mixing bowl, beat melted chips and cream. Add cream cheese and beat until smooth. Spread over crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Drain pineapple, RESERVING 1/2 C. juice and set aside. Arrange the pineapple, berries, oranges, and kiwi over filling.

3. For glaze, in small saucepan combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in lemon juice and pineapple juice until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat. and cook until thickened. Cool, brush over fruit. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

16 servings

Chicken Spaghetti

2008-09-10T13:16:00.000-04:00

This is super easy and my fam loves it.

Ingredients
16 oz spaghetti noodles
2# chicken cooked and cubed
2 green bell peppers sliced
1 onion sliced
4-6 green onions sliced
family size can Cream of Mushroom
1 c sliced roasted red bell pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 c Ritz cracker crumbs
1 c shredded cheddar cheese

Boil spaghetti noodles with green bell peppers and onion (not green onion) till noodles are done. Drain and mix everything but the crackers and cheese. Put into a 9x13 top with cheese then cracker crumbs. Bake at 350* for 20 minutes and your done. This freezes up nice too.

Honey Orange Chicken

2008-09-09T13:20:00.000-04:00

1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1 Tablespoon grated orange rind
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup honey
4 chicken breasts
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup butter

Mix the first four ingredients. Dip chicken breasts in orange juice, then roll in the crumb mixture. Arrange in shallow pan. Bake 350 degree oven for 30 min. Combine remaining ingredients and heat until butter is melted. Pour over chicken and bake, basting occasionally 30 min or longer.
* I double the sauce, its nice to have extra to pour over rice. I also cut the breast into strips, cooks faster and is smaller for kids.*

Frozen Fruit Cocktail

2008-09-08T13:33:00.000-04:00

This is the best to do when the peaches are in season (sept) and it keeps all winter so your kids have some yummy fruit in the off season. It is also a treat on a hot summer day.

3 lbs fresh peaches (about 12 medium)
2 cups of sugar
1 lb of seedless grapes (green seedless work best)
1 2/3 sups crushed pineapple
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 cups orange juice
Peel peaches and cut into bite sized pieces, sprinkle with sugar and allow to sit while preparing other ingredients.
Wash grapes, break off stems and add to other ingredients. Mix well. Put in containers or
Freezer bags. Makes 3 qts of salad. Thaw until frosty- add banans and raspberries and serve.

Chicken Nuggets

2008-09-06T02:24:00.000-04:00

If any of you are a health fanatic, these are obviously not for you. Being fried in oil, I don't make these too often, but when I do they are a hit. My daughter who doesn't like chicken even eats them.

Use however much chicken you want--the batter makes probably enough for 3 breasts
Mix:
1 egg
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. flour
3/4 t. salt
dash of paprika or Johnny's seasoning
*opt. 2 t. sesame seeds (I never use these)

Cut chicken in small pieces, coat in batter and fry in preheated oil. Delicious!!

Cafe Rio Chicken

2008-09-02T14:21:00.000-04:00

4 lbs. chicken
1 bottle Italian dressing
1 t. chili powder
1 T. cumin
3 cloves minced garlic

Place in crock pot on low for 8 hours. Remove chicken and shred. Place shredded chicken back in crock pot and let meat soak up the juice. Side note: I always double this recipe, because it covers all the chicken better and 4 lbs of chicken makes a lot!

Lime Cilantro Rice

2008-09-02T14:07:00.000-04:00

3 c. water
3 c. instant rice

Blend the following in blender:
4 t. chicken bullion
4 cloves garlic
1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro
3/4 t. salt
1 T. butter
1 can green chillis
1/2 chopped onion (optional)
1 grated lime peel and juice from that lime

Let water come to boil, add rice and blended ingredients. let rest until rice is done.

Cafe Rio Sweet Chicken

2008-09-02T13:58:00.000-04:00

4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 Cup Salsa

1 can of coke

Put everything into the crock pot for 8 hours on low. Remove meat and shred. Put meat back into crock pot and let juices absorb into meat. Side note: 4 lbs is a ton of chicken, so if you're having friends come over, it feeds like 10 people plus kids! Also, I put a bottle of salsa verde in it and it was great. We served this with tortillas, salad, beans, rice, and the cilantro ranch dressing.

Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing

2008-09-02T13:45:00.000-04:00

1 pkg Ranch Dressing Mix
3 Tbl Salsa Verde
1/2 tsp Tabasco Sauce
1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro
2-3 small garlic cloves (can be crushed or minced)
3/4 cup Mayonaise
2/3 cup sour cream
grated lime peel and juice from 1 lime

Place all ingredients into blender and mix till smooth. Use buttermilk to correct consistency.

BEST EVER No fail Sugar Cookies

2008-09-02T11:05:00.000-04:00

This recipe is from my old Young Woman President, she is a chef!!

4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp powder
1 tsp soda
1/3 cup milk
1 stick crisco
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Combine crisco, flour and powder. It will be lumpy. In a separate bowl add eggs, sugar, milk, soda and vanilla. Beat. Combine wet and dry until dough consistency. No need to refrigerate. Roll out and cut into shapes. We like footballs and helmets (and flowers!). Bake 350 for 7-9 min. DO NOT over bake.

Kid Friendly Deviled Eggs

2008-08-29T11:20:00.000-04:00

Your kids can help you make this and also decide what they want in theirs.

Ingredients:
6 hard boiled eggs
mustard
mayo or Miracle Whip
relish or chopped pickles
plastic ziploc baggies
paprika

Shell the hard boiled eggs(the kids can help!)Slice in half. Separate the yolks into the plastic ziploc baggies depending on how many kids you have helping you. Let each child decide which ingredients they want for their deviled eggs and add the ingredients to their baggie. All they need to do to mix the ingredients is mash up everything in the baggie. Once everything is mixed well cut off a corner of the bag for easy filling of the remaining egg havles. Garnish with paprika if desired.

Hot Artichoke Spinach Dip

2008-08-28T16:29:00.000-04:00

This is a great recipe where you let your mixer do the work!

1 8oz Package Cream Cheese
1 Clove Garlic, Minced
1 14oz Can Artichoke Hearts
½ tsp Basil
½ C Frozen Chopped Spinach (thawed and well-drained)
¼ C Mozarella
¼ C Mayo
¼ tsp Garlic Salt
½ C Parmesan Cheese

Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature. Cream it together with mayo, parmesan, garlic, basil, & garlic salt. Mix well. Add artichoke hearts and spinach, mix until blended. Store in a container until ready to use.
Spray pie pan with cooking spray, pour in dip, & top with mozarella. Bake @ 375˚ for 25 minutes or until top is browned. Serve with toasted bread or tortilla chips.

* I usually end up doubling this recipe if there are more than 4 people eating it- it goes pretty fast!

Pinwheel Sandwiches

2008-08-27T18:54:00.000-04:00

3 large flour tortillas (11 inch)
3 Tbsp. Mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
6 cheese Singles
1 pkg. (16 oz.) lunch meat
3 large lettuce leaves
SPREAD each tortilla with 1 Tbsp. of the mayo and 1 tsp. of the mustard; top with 2 Singles. Arrange meat down centers of tortillas; cover with lettuce.

ROLL up tortillas tightly. Place, seam sides down, on cutting board.

CUT each roll-up into 8 slices. Secure each with toothpick.

Crispy Rice Jack-o-lantern

2008-08-27T18:47:00.000-04:00

1 Stick Butter
2 (10 oz). Packages Marshmallows
12 C. Rice Crispy Cereal
1 tsp. Yellow Food Color
1/4 tsp. Red Food Color
Green Decorating Icing in Tube
Black Decorating Icing in Tube
Decorating Tips
12 C. Bowl (not plastic)

Preparation:
Melt butter on low heat and add marshmallows. Stir marshmallows frequently. When marshmallows have dissolved, add food colors and mix well. When the marshmallow mixture is uniform in orange color add cereal and stir and mix until rice crispies are completely coated.

Pour mixture into the bowl that has been well sprayed with a non-stick spray. Carefully press down cereal (spray the spoon or your hands when pressing the cereal, this helps so the cereal will not stick). Place into the refrigerator until completely chilled and firm. When the pumpkin is chilled remove from refrigerator and invert onto a plate. Remove bowl and decorate with leaves and stem. A great jack o lantern smile will be the finishing touch.

Italian Pasta Salad

2008-08-27T12:39:00.000-04:00

3 cups rotini pasta, cooked in unsalted water, drained
6 slices Smoked White Turkey, chopped
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
1/2 cup chopped pitted ripe olives (optional)
1/4 tsp. black pepper
3/4 cup Italian Fat Free Dressing

TOSS all ingredients except dressing in large bowl.

ADD dressing; mix lightly. Cover.

REFRIGERATE several hours or until chilled.

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

2008-08-27T12:34:00.001-04:00

2-1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup Sour Cream, divided
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese, divided
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, divided
12 flour tortillas (8 inch)
1-1/2 cups Salsa
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Mix chicken, soup, 1/2 cup of the sour cream, 1 cup of the cheese and 3 Tbsp. of the cilantro until well blended.

SPOON about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up. Place, seam sides down, in greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Top with the salsa and remaining cheese.

BAKE 25 min. Sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbsp. cilantro; top with the remaining 1/2 cup sour cream.