Ravioli Casserole

This is very similar to Lasagna. You can use ravioli stuff w/cheese or meat, I use cheese. It's really easy and very yummy.

Ravioli Casserole

1 large jar spaghetti sauce(any kind you like)
1 package frozen ravioli
1 24oz container small curd cottage cheese
2C mozzarella cheese-shredded
Italian seasoning
1/2C Parmesan cheese

Use one cup of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Boil the Ravioli til done(they will float to the top of pan). drain then layer in bottom of dish on top of the spaghetti sauce. Layer 1/2 container of Cottage cheese, then half the package of moz cheese. Add the rest of the ravioli. Layer the rest of cheeses and spaghetti sauce and sprinkle top w/Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30-40 min til cheese is bubble. Serve w/some garlic bread.

Party Mix

A favorite that brings back memories of Home Ec lol.

2 1/2 C Rice Chex cereal
2 1/2 C Corn Chex cereal
2 1/2 C Wheat Chex Cereal
1 1/2C nuts
1 1/2C pretzels
1 C oyster crackers(or Gold Fish Crackers, whatevers ur favorite)

Mix all together in a VERY large bowl.

1Stick butter
1/2 t onion powder
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t chili powder
1/4 t salt
5t worcestershire sauce

Melt in microwave and stir. Then pour over cereal mixture and stir really well.

Microwave cereal w/sauce for 2min, then stir. Microwave another 2 min then stir. One more time, microwave another 2min then stir. Pour out on paper towels to cool. Then store in airtight container :)

* if you do not want to use all the different cereals just buy Crispix cereal ;) and use 7Cups of it.

Peanut Butter Fudge

This has to be one of the easiest peanut butter fudges ever made. It's yummy and very sweet, so a little goes a long way.

2Cups Sugar
1/2C milk( I used skim bc that's what we use)
1 1/3 C peanut butter
1 (7oz) jar marshmallow cream

In a medium saucepan(non stick) bring sugar and milk to a boil(rolling boil); boil for 3 min. while stirring. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and marshmallow cream; mix well. Quickly pour into a buttered (I use spray) 8in. square pan. Chill until set. Cut into squares.

Chess Pie Bars

I made these for my uncle Bobby yesterday. I guess everyone likes them b/c there is only two left lol. Very easy and really good.

For the crust:

2C all purpose flour
1/4C Sugar
1/2tsp Salt
3/4C cold butter, cut up

For the filling:
3 eggs
1 1/2 C Sugar
6 tbsp butter -melted
1 tbsp cornmeal
1tsp vanilla
1 tsp white vinegar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13x9 baking dish w/cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the crust ingredients. Beat the flour,sugar,butter and salt on low speed til crumbly. You can use a good processor as well. Press mixture in bottom of pan about 1/2in up sides of the greased pan.

Bake the crust at 350 for 20 min or til very light brown.

Meanwhile,in a large bowl, beat the eggs and add sugar. Stir in the melted butter, cornmeal,vanilla and vinegar. Mix well. Pour filling over hot crust. Return to oven and continue baking 20-25min or until the filling is set. Filling may puff up during baking but will settle as it cools.

Cool the bars in the baking pan for 1 hr then cut into bars. store in well covered dish in the fridge.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

This has got to be one of my all time favorite cookies. I remember being in grade school and on the day we had these, everybody was so excited. I don't know anyone that doesn't like these beauties.

2C sugar
1stick butter
1/2C milk
3 tbsp Cocoa(big spoons)
This is what I mean by BIG SPOONS lol. Use a big "table spoon" not a spoon you would eat cereal with or a measuring spoon. This was how the recipe was created :)

put in pan and bring to boil. Boil for one min. Remove from heat and stir in;

3C quick oats
1/2C-1 cup peanut butter
1/2-1 tsp vanilla extract

drop on wax paper til cool

These are also known as "no bake" cookies. :) Please use REAL vanilla extract and not imitation. I mean, you're already going to use a whole stick of butter and 2 cups of sugar, so come on, use the real vanilla lol.

Taco Casserole

This is a favorite dinner in my house. It is very simple and kids love it. You can experiment w/the ingredients and even add more stuff if you like.

1lb ground beef or turkey
1pkg taco seasoning(and water)
1 can Mexican Corn
1 can Nacho Fiesta Cheese soup
1 can Kidney beans or black beans(which ever you like or have)
Tator Tots

Brown your ground beef or turkey then add the taco seasoning w/water. stir til well mixed. Pour into bottom of 9x9 baking dish. Drain all can veggies. Add Beans on top of beef, then Corn, then soup,then tator tots. Bake at 375 for 45min til potatoes are golden brown.

*you can add tomatoes,different kinds of beans,and if the mexican corn is spicy for you,use a can of regular corn. Just make sure you drain all your can veggies so your casserole will not be soggy. I think canned tomatoes would be really good in this as well. If you don't have the cheese soup or don't like it, try using shredded cheese and see how that works. We like the soup b/c it adds great flavor. This actually reminds us of Taco Johns lol.

Risotto

This is one of my favorite side dishes. Everyone thinks it's so hard to make Risotto, but I am telling you, it's not. It's simple and after it's done, you'll be glad you made it, I promise. It's soooooo good.

1C Arborio Rice
2 TBSP unsalted butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic salt(I use garlic powder)
1/2 C dry white wine
3 C hot chicken broth(I like chicken stock better)
3/4C Parmesan cheese, grated
freshly ground pepper

In a heavy saucepan,saute rice in 1 TBSP butter,stirring constantly.






Add onion and garlic. Saute until onion is tender. Add wine and saute until absorbed.





Slowly add 1 C hot broth, stirring frequently. As the liquid cooks down,continue to add remainder of hot broth,1/2C at a time, until all the broth is used and mixture is very creamy. Fold in the cheese,pepper and remaining butter. Serve immediately.



Now, I like using Garlic powder better than the garlic salt. I like to control my salt. I also like the flavor of chicken stock better than broth. As for the wine, you don't have to use an expensive bottle. I used what I had left in a bottle that I like to drink. However, if you don't like wine, you can buy a $3 bottle just for cooking. DO NOT buy the kind at grocery stores that are in the vinegar aisle. They are loaded w/sodium. You can add many things to risotto. Asparagus, mushrooms,pumpkin,butternut squash.....the list goes on and on.
Also, you don't have to use wine at all. If you don't like it, just use extra chicken broth/stock.

Easier Rotisserie Chicken??? whaaaa?

I love Rotisserie Chicken. You can have that great flavor w/out a rotisserie though. I buy either a whole chicken or whole chicken breasts. All you need for my recipe is;

Lemons
Chicken of choice
McCormick Rotisserie Seasoning


Zest a lemon and add the juice and zest on the chicken. Sprinkle the seasoning over Chicken and bake in oven at 375 til chicken is done.
So easy and so yummy.

Homemade Hush Puppies

Today, I decided that I wanted some catfish for dinner. I coated it in breading and put it in the oven b/c we all know that fried is BAD lol. Then I went out to the deep freezer for my frozen bag of hush puppies that I buy at Sams. THERE WERE NOT ANY IN THERE. ohhh no. So, off I go looking in my cookbooks for a good recipe. It never fails. If I need a recipe for something, something basic like Hush puppies, I find it in my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. This thing is falling apart lol.

Here's the recipe and my adjustments


1C cornmeal
1/4C all purpose flour
2 tsp sugar
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4tsp baking soda
1/4tsp salt
1 egg beaten
1/2C buttermilk or sour milk
1/4C sliced green onions
cooking oil

In a medium bowl,combine cornmeal,flour,sugar,baking powder,baking soda,and salt. Make a well in center and set aside.
In another bowl combine egg,buttermilk and green onions. This is where I changed it a bit. I didn't have buttermilk. SO there is a recipe on how to get sour milk:

For every ONE cup of regular milk add ONE tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Stir and let set for 5min. This recipe calls for 1/2C buttermilk so I used 1/2Tbsp on vinegar in skim milk. Remember buttermilk is actually LOW FAT!

I also didn't have green onions but remember that my granny use to use white onions so that's what I used b/c her hush puppies were always GOOD. I also added freshly ground black pepper which the recipe didn't call for but I thought it was needed haha.
Stir til moistened(batter should be lumpy).

Drop batter my tablespoons into deep, hot oil. Fry about 3min or til golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Crispy Herb Baked Chicken

I adapted this recipe from one a friend gave me. I have to say that it is really good and easy. Also, my son LOVES it. You know anything your kids like is a keeper lol. You can actually add whatever herbs you like to this and make it your own. This is just what we like so far lol. I think some Basil would be really good as well. If you are sick and tired of the same ole chicken all the time, give this one a try!

Crispy Herb Baked Chicken

I use skinless chicken breast only.

INGREDIENTS
2/3 cup dry potato flakes
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic salt(I use garlic powder)
1Tbsp Parsley
1/2 tbsp Natures Seasons
Boneless Skinless Chicken breast
1/3 cup butter, melted

DIRECTIONS
Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease or line with foil a baking sheet or a 13 x 9 inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, combine potato flakes, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder,parsley,and natures seasons. Stir until well mixed.
Dip chicken pieces into melted butter or margarine, and roll in potato flake mixture to coat. Place in prepared pan.
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until chicken is tender and golden brown.

Rolls

I got this recipe from SistersCafe and I just had to try it out. I am always wanting rolls and never remember to make it til it's too late lol.

30-Minute Rolls

1 1/8 cups plus 2 tsp. warm water
1/3 cup oil
2 Tb yeast
1/4 cup sugar or honey
½ tsp. Salt
1 egg
3 ½ cups flour

Mix 1st 4 ingredients and let rest for 15 minutes. Add salt and eggs - gradually add flour. Shape into dinner rolls, or use in your favorite recipe that calls for dough. After shaped, let rest for 10 minutes. For rolls, Bake 10 minutes @400 degrees ‘till golden brown.


I do agree that these rolls need more salt and I think they could rise a little more. However, if you're in a hurry these are pretty good! I did have to add more flour as mine were pretty sticky. Thanks Melanie for this recipe, I will definitely make them again :)

Apple Dumplings

These little devils are so good. Give them a try and tell me what you think.

Apple Dumplings

3/4C orange juice
3/4C sugar(I usually use less lol)
6tbsp butter
1 can of 8 crescent rolls
One LARGE granny smith apple, cut into 8 slices
cinnamon, to taste

Combine sugar,butter and OJ in a small pan. Heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat stove and set aside. Separate rolls. Place one cut apple piece in the wide end of crescent roll and roll up. Do this for others. Place in a shallow baking dish. Pour OJ mixture over rolls.Sprinkle top w/cinnamon. Bake 350 until golden brown. Spoon mixture over rolls and let set a few minutes to allow juice to thicken. mmmmmmmmm

Homemade Salisbury Steaks...

These little babies are awesome. I got the idea from the Kraft magazine. I changed it a little to make us happy. They are super easy and very good.

1lb ground beef or turkey(I use turkey)
1 pkg Stove Top Stuffing Mix ( I use the Savory Herbs flavor one)
1C water
one small onion chopped

Mix all ingredients together and pat into patties. I get 5 out of this. You'll have to use a large baking dish to put them in. Preheat oven to 375. Bake for 25 min or til done.

Make some brown gravy(the kind that you would use on mashed potatoes and serve on top. The original recipe used BBQ sauce but we don't care for that version.

We like to serve w/Mashed potatoes(homemade of course) and black eye peas ;)

The easiest cookies ever...

Ok so I am not talking about the prepacked stuff or the ones in a roll lol. These cookies are so simple and soooo good. They are easy to make b/c you make them w/a box of cake mix. A friend (Susan ) gave me this recipe a while back and we've been having fun w/the different cookies you can make.

Cake box cookies:

1 box cake mix
1 stick butter(soft)
2 eggs
whatever you like in your cookies: chocolate chips,nuts,candy,heath bar....the possibilities are endless.

Mix the 1st 3 ingredients together( I used yellow cake mix for these cookies) until well mixed. Then add chocolate chips or whatever you like. Joe's favorite is a Heath Bar crunched up. Today, I used chocolate chip with PB chips and some walnuts. They are Aiden approved :)

OMG this IS better than sex....

Ok ok, sorry dear, nothing is better than YOU lol. However, this comes pretty darn close. As a chocolate lover, this is heaven. It's super easy to make(who knew, right?) and so darn good that if my mother were here, I would have to smack her silly!!!!!!!!!!!






Chocolate Lava Cakes

4 Pieces (squares) semi sweet baking chocolate
1/2 C butter, yes that is a whole stick
1C powdered sugar
2whole eggs
2egg yolks
6 tbsp flour

Preheat oven to 425.Spray custard cups w/Pam and place on cookie sheet.
Microwave chocolate and butter in large bowl on hig for about 1minute until butter is melted. Stir or whisk until chocolate is melted. Stir in sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and yolks. Stir in flour. Divide between cups. Bake 13-14min until sides are firm but center is soft. Let stand 1min.

serve w/cream or ice cream. SO FREAKING GOOD!

Crock Pot style Swiss Steak

I was looking for a simple recipe for this online today. I wanted something to do w/Round steak but didn't want to make my typical swiss steak b/c that takes a while in the oven. It is way to hot here to run my oven. SO this is the recipe I found, and I must say, it's smells devine. AND it's really good...easy too.

Round steak(I used 3 large steaks)
1 packet Lipton Onion Soup mix
1can Cream of mushroom soup, although, I used the golden mushroom soup
1/4C water

Place steak in crockpot, sprinkle soup mix on top then pour on the soup and water. Let cook for 6hrs on high.

Zucchini Bread

2C sugar(I used splenda)
1C oil( I used 1C applesauce, 1/8C EVOO)
3eggs
3C flour(I used 1 1/2C whole wheat and 1 1/2 regular)
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1tsp cinnamon (add to taste)
2C grated fresh zucchini(which for me was one large zucchini)
1C nuts
2tsp vanilla
1C chocolate chips

Mix ingredients together in order. Bake at 350 for 50 min.

mmm see that chocolate-y goodness? Btw, it's very good!!! Eating some now hahahahahaha.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins=Heaven.

Pumpkin Chocolate chip muffins

3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil (most of the time I use unsweetened applesauce)
2 eggs
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease and flour muffin pan or use paper liners.
Mix sugar, oil, eggs. Add pumpkin and water. In separate bowl mix together the baking flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices and salt.. Add wet mixture and stir in chocolate chips.
Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes

Potato Bundles

This recipe comes fromPioneerWoman and I wanted to try it out. It looks amazing and so easy. We are having these little babies w/pork chops!

Potato Bundles

Russet potatoes, cut into chunks
Yellow or white onion, cut into chunks
Butter (regular, salted)
Heavy cream
Kosher salt
Paprika
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons minced parsley

Pile potatoes and onions on a square of foil. Add 2 tablespoons butter, splash on some cream, then sprinkle on salt, paprika, and black pepper. Wrap bundles tightly and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes, or until extremely tender.

Now I used Half and Half b/c that's what I had. Make sure you check out the Pioneer Woman's site, she's amazing. I love her site. oh and I did not use a whole stick of butter b/c I also didn't use as many potatoes since it's just the 3 of us lol.

Hashbrown Casserole

This is a dish that is excellent any time of year. My family wants it at Thanksgiving and tonight, we are grilling steaks, it's wonderful w/steaks! I hope you enjoy it just as much as we do.

1 bag frozen shredded Hashbrowns
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 (8oz)container sour cream
1 onion chopped up
1/2 stick butter or 4 TBSP
2C shredded cheese
salt,pepper, and paprika



Saute chopped onion in the 1/2 stick of butter. Meanwhile, I like to defrost the hash browns a little in the microwave. This helps the ingredients stick together better. After they are defrosted(don't have to be all the way)add the can of soup,sour cream,onion/butter mixture and 1 1/2 C of shredded cheese. Mix together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread in 9x13 baking dish and top w/remaining 1/2 C cheese. Sprinkle w/Paprika. bake at 350 for 45min or til bubbly.


*picture is taken BEFORE casserole was cooked. *

What's for dinner tonight? Stuffed Peppers!

Stuffed Peppers
uncooked:

cooked:

1lb ground beef or turkey(I use turkey)
1Can diced tomatoes
1 onion diced up
1C rice
3-4 green bell peppers
Tomato Soup(big can)

eyeball these seasonings:

natures seasons
paprika
pepper
garlic powder

Worcestershire sauce
Brown meat. Add all spices,rice,can of tomatoes,tomato soup, and the Worcestershire sauce. Let come to simmer. In mean time, cut your bell peppers in half, and clean the seeds out. Set them in a baking dish. Then stuff the peppers w/the meat mixture. Bake covered w/foil at 375 for 45min or til rice is cooked and peppers are tender. At the end, if desired, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top.



This is one of my son's favorite dinners. He loves stuffed peppers.

Salsa Chicken in the crockpot...

If you have never made this, you must try it. It's soooo versatile. You can use it for tacos,tostadas, enchiladas....you get the point. It's super easy and one of our favorites. One, b/c it's so easy, two, b/c it's soooo good.

Salsa Chicken:

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast
1/2 jar(big one) of salsa, any kind you like
1 packet or 1/4C taco seasoning

add all ingredients to crockpot and cook til chicken is done. I like to put it on in the AM then by 5pm, it's done. I shred it up w/a fork(still in crockpot) and then use for tacos,or whatever we want.

You can add whatever toppings you like. We are having this tonight (tacos) and Aiden is going to be so happy lol!

Homemade Pizza....

....Is so much better than the other stuff. If you can find a good dough recipe, stick w/it. Then add the toppings of your choice. The possibilities are endless.

Pizza bread

1 cup warm water (about 110 degrees F)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional as needed
2 teaspoons sugar (1/4 ounce)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1/4 ounce package)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for kneading (11 3/8 ounces)
1/2 cup white or yellow cornmeal, plus additional for forming (2 3/8 ounces)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (1/8 ounce

To make the dough: Stir the water, oil, and sugar in a liquid measuring cup until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface over the liquid and set aside without stirring until foamy, about 5 minutes.

Whisk flour, cornmeal, and salt in a large bowl, make a well in the center, and add yeast mixture. With a wooden spoon or your hand, gradually stir flour into liquid to make a rough dough. Pull dough together into a ball. Turn onto a work surface dusted with flour. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 to 6 minutes, using a little flour if necessary to keep it from sticking. Shape dough into a ball.

Brush a large bowl with oil and turn dough around in bowl to coat lightly. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, trace a circle the size of the dough on the plastic, and note the time -- let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Turn dough onto a work surface; knead briefly to release excess air, re-shape into a ball and return to the bowl. Cover, and let rise until soft and puffy, about 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Bake for about 5-6 min. Then add sauce and any other toppings that you want. Put back in oven and bake til cheese is melted and dough is golden brown.

This is really yummy!!!

This recipe comes from a fellow blogger. SimplyRecipes

I decided to give it a whirl and it is sooo good. The dough is very light and doesn't taste heavy at all. A perfect summer dessert.



Cherry Clafouti Recipe


Traditional clafoutis recipes call for using cherries with their pits still in, which are supposed to lend some almond flavor to the dish. In this recipe the pits are removed, making the clafouti easier to eat, but you can do it either way.
Ingredients

* 2 cups of fresh sweet cherries, pitted
* 2 tablespoons of slivered almonds
* 3 eggs
* 1 cup of sugar
* 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
* 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, sifted
* 1/8 teaspoon of salt
* 1 cup of whole milk(I used soy light)
* 1 Tbsp of Amaretto -or- 3/4 teaspoon of almond extract
* 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
* Powdered sugar for dusting

Method

1 Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter and lightly flour a 9X9 or 10X7 baking dish. Toss in the cherries and slivered almonds.

2 Whisk the eggs, sugars, salt, and flour together until smooth.

3 Add the milk, Amaretto (or almond extract, if using), and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. Pour into the baking dish.
4 Bake for 40-50 minutes or until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When you pull it put of the oven it will wiggle a bit which is normal. Place on a wire rack to cool. The clafoutis will have puffed up quite a bit and will deflate while cooling. When cool dust the clafoutis with powdered sugar. Serve.

Serves 6.


yummy!

Banana Streusel Muffins

These are so good. I recommend them w/a tall glass of milk, or soy in my case :)

1 3/4C all purpose flour
1/3C sugar(I used Splenda)
2tsp baking powder
1/4tsp salt
1 egg beaten
1/2C milk(I used soy vanilla)
1/4C oil(I used unsweetened applesauce)
3/4C mashed banana I didn't measure this, I added 4 bananas lol

Grease 12 muffin cups. In a medium bowl combine, flour,sugar,baking powder,and salt. Make a well in center of flour mixture and set aside. In another bowl,combine egg,milk,oil,banana and I also added some vanilla and butter extract. Since I didn't use butter or oil and used the applesauce,the extract gives it a nice flavor. Pour into well, and stir just til moistened. Overbeating will make muffins chewy. Fill each muffin cup two-thirds full.

To make the streusel topping:

3tbsp all purpose flour
3tbsp brown sugar
1tbsp oatmeal
1/4tsp cinnamon
2tbsp butter

mix all together til it looks like course crumbs. Sprinkle on top of muffins.
Bake muffins at 400 degrees for 18-20min or til golden brown on top.

If you make these as "jumbo muffins" you'll need to lower your oven to 350 and bake about 30min!

Enjoy!

OH MY MY!

I got this recipe from Melanie over at The Sisters' Cafe and I wanted to try it tonight. This was so simple to put together and very very good. You all know how I love Banana Bread lol, so having chocolate in w/that, OMG, I was thrilled lol. I did tweak the recipe a little(I usually do lol).

Double Chocolate Banana Bread
submitted by Melanie
Recipe adapted from Cooking Pleasures

1 cup sugar(I used 1/2 C splenda and 1/2C granulated sugar)
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil (I used 1/3C unsweetened applesauce)
1 1/4 cups mashed bananas (about 3)---(I used 5 bananas b/c that's what I had lol)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour (I used 1C flour and1/2C whole wheat)
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1. Heat oven to 350. Spray bottom of 8x4 inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

2. Beat sugar, eggs, and oil in large bowl at medium speed until combined. Beat in banana and vanilla at low speed. Combine flour, cocoa and baking soda in medium bowl; beat into banana mixture at low speed just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

3 Spoon batter into pan. Bake 60-70 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack.


I took it out of the oven, and instantly had to have me a taste lol. I have to say, it is SUPER yummy and Joe will be mighty thrilled when he sees what I have made lol. I plan on having a piece of it w/a glass of soy light vanilla milk later ;)

Strawberry Raspberry jam...

I had some strawberries that needed something to be done w/them before they started to mold. I also had a package of frozen raspberries....so I made jam lol.

This is what is known as freezer jam. This brand, you don't have to cook on the stove. There is another freezer jam that you do have to cook but only for a short time. I have to say, I LOVE THIS idea. And the jam, ohhhhh it's so good. Very fresh tasting and so easy to make. Plus,I have noticed that you do not use as much sugar!

I have a wonderful Cuisinart Food Processor and that's what I used to mix this all up. I put the fruit pectin and sugar in the Cuisinart and pulsed for a few seconds. Then I cut and washed the strawberries, washed the raspberries and added those. I also added some lemon juice/zest. Turn that bad boy on and go to town. When it's all smooth, ladle into plastic jars so you can freeze. I had some glass ones and plan on giving those to family.

It's easy,pretty and taste way better than the store bought. not to mention, it's healthier!

A lifesaver for me...

If you're a Southern gal, you know how much we love our pecans. Those little boogers can get expensive during the holidays. I buy huge bags of them from Sams and then FREEZE them. That's right, you can put those babies in the freezer, pull them out anytime you need pecans and they are perfect. I also NEVER buy chopped pecans. When you buy them in bulk, you can chop them up in your food processor or by hand. Then freeze them and pull those out anytime you need chopped pecans. I have been doing this for years and it's been such a life saver for me. I always have pecans on hand and they don't go bad this way!

Another tip:

We country girls love our green beans w/bacon. Well ok, we like black eye peas w/bacon, white beans w/bacon....you get he point. I like the flavor bacon gives things when you cook w/it. Buy a big thing of bacon, then cut the bacon stip into thirds. Lay those strips of bacon(say three pieces at a time)on a Freezer Press n Seal and seal around the bacon-individually. Put in a zip lock bag and label w/name and date. Then anytime you need bacon to flavor beans, taaa duuuuh you have it!

It's Derby time!

In honor of the Kentucky Derby,I will share a recipe for a Kentucky Derby Pie. It's rich and very good w/a scoop of vanilla ice cream. My sister adores this pie as well as some other chocolate lovers in my family. It's super easy to make,I promise, anyone could make this pie!

Kentucky Derby Pie

1C sugar
1stick of butter, melted
2 eggs
1/2C all purpose flour
1C chocolate chips
1tsp vanilla
1 C nuts(I use pecans)

Mix all ingredients together and put into an unbaked pie shell. Bake at 325 for one hour or til golden brown. It will form a crust on top.

See how easy that is??? I told you anyone could do it! It takes maybe 5 minutes to put together.

Another Banana Bread...

This has to be a favorite recipe for banana bread. It is super moist and Aiden will not stop asking for more lol.

1 1/4C all purpose flour
11/4C whole wheat flour (or 2 1/2 cups of either one)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4tsp ground nutmeg
1/4tsp salt
5 large ripe bananas
2lg eggs
3/4 C sugar(I used Splenda)
1/2C(one stick)unsalted butter, melted
chopped walnuts or pecans
confectioners' sugar for dusting(optional)

Heat oven to 350. Coat two loaf pans w/nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl,combine flour,baking soda,cinnamon,nutmeg, and salt. Make a well in the center. Mash bananas in a medium size bowl.Add eggs,sugar and butter and beat until fairly smooth. Pour banana mixture into well in dry ingredients and stir just until blended. Divide batter evenly between prepared loaf pans. Sprinkle top w/walnuts or pecans(I used pecans).
Bake at 350 for 35minutes until browned and tops spring back lightly when gently pressed. Remove to wire rack, dust w/confectioners' sugar if desired.

It should be called "sin"

Because it's sinfully delicious. This recipe is for incredible Double Chocolate Brownies. They are easy(which by now, you all should know that I love easy!) and to die for! Give them a try soon!


Double Chocolate Brownies

3/4C (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
4 oz (4 squares) unsweetened chocolate
2C sugar (I used one cup splenda and one cup regular sugar)
4large eggs
1 1/4 C all purpose flour(I used one cup white and 1/4 C whole wheat)
1C chopped pecans
1 bag(12oz) chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350. Line 13x9 baking pan w/nonstick foil, leaving overhang.
In large glass bowl, heat butter and chocolate squares in microwave on HIGH for 2min. Stir until smooth then let stand for 5 min to cool.
Whisk in sugar,eggs,vanilla and flour. Mix well. Stir in pecans and half bag of chocolate chips. Pour into prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the rest of the chips on top. Bake at 350 for 35 min until top is dry to touch. Let cool completely in pan. Lift brownies from pan w/foil. Cut into squares and serve.

per brownie: 279 calories, 17g fat,4gprotein,33g carbs,2g fiber,14mg sodium,50mg cholesterol



I am telling you, if you don't smack your mama, then something is dreadfully wrong w/you!!!!!

lip smacking good!!!

Amish Oatmeal

This recipe is out of a cookbook. It's the Taste of Home, Prize Winning Recipes book. This is my husbands favorite oatmeal. It's super easy and you can put it together the night before then bake the next morning.

1 1/2 C quick cooking Oats
1/2C sugar(I use splenda)
1/2C milk(I use vanilla light soy milk)
1/4C melted butter
1 egg
1tsp baking powder
3/4tsp salt
1tsp vanilla extract

warm milk
fresh fruit
brown sugar,optional

Combine the 1st eight ingredients;mix well. Spread evenly in a greased baking dish. Bake at 350 for 25min or until edges are golden brown. Immediately spoon into bowls; add warm milk,brown sugar and fresh fruit.We like bananas and strawberries the most!

Potato salad with Cream

I got this recipe from a friend. It is soooo good. I highly recommend it and give it 5 stars!!! It's so good.

2 1/2 lbs potatoes
1/2 C vinegar,boiling
4 eggs,beaten(I just used 3)
1 tbsp butter
1C heavy cream(I used half and half)
4tbsp chopped fresh parsley
half chopped onion
2tsp dry mustard
1tsp salt
1/2tsp black pepper
1 pinch red pepper

Peel potatoes and boil in water til tender. OR for a fast way, wash red potatoes, steam in microwave til tender. Drain, and let cool.

In a double boiler, bring vinegar to a boil. Beat the eggs. Then once the vinegar is boiling, temper the eggs. Then pour in tempered eggs into the rest of the boiling vinegar. Cover and let simmer til thickened, occasionally stir to prevent scorched eggs. Stir in Butter,and cook one minute. Whisk in cream,parsley,onion,mustard,salt,pepper,and red pepper.Pour over potatoes and combine.Cool and sprinkle w/Parsley(or bacon bits) and refrigerate til ready to serve.

Pizza Burgers

A very kid friendly meal, that makes everyone happy. This is my own recipe but feel free to "tweak" it any way you like. Joe and I both were served these as kids and it's a simple and fun thing to share w/other kids.

1lbs ground beef or turkey
1-2 jars pizza sauce(or you can make homemade)
mozzarella cheese
any veggies you like on your pizza, you can even use pepperoni

Brown your ground beef/turkey(you can use sausage too)then add sauce and veggies. Serve over hamburger buns and top w/cheese.

Warm Steak Salad

Warm Steak Salad

This recipe is in a cookbook of mine. It sounded super yummy and a great idea for a quick dinner. It's from The Family Circle Cookbook.

1lbs of red potatoes
3 strips of bacon
1 red onion, chopped
1 lbs sirloin steak, cut into strips
1/4tsp salt
5TBSP honey
5TBSP cider vinegar
1/2tsp cornstarch mixed w/1/2 tsp cold water
1bag baby spinach
1C grap tomatoes,halved

Place potatoes in medium sized pot and cover w/cold water. Salt lightly and bring to boil. Simmer for 15min or til tender.(I steamed potatoes in microwave)
Meanwhile,in a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to paper towel. Add onion to bacon drippings and cook for 3min. Add steak and salt. Cook about 2 min or til steak is no longer pink. Transfer steak and onions to plate and keep warm.
Add honey and vinegar to skillet; cook over medium heat for 2min. add cornstarch/water mixture cook and cook for 30 sec. Remove from heat.(I skipped this part and used a balsamic vinaigrette instead. )
Drain potatoes; run under cold water. Cut potatoes into quarters and place in bowl along w/the crumbled bacon and steak-onion mixture and tomatoes. Add spinach and dressing and then toss well to coat.


This was good, however, I don't care for the skillet method on the steak. I think next time I will grill the steak! Would be awesome to use left over grilled steak for this! Also, I didn't think we would like the cider vinegar as much as a balsamic one. We love balsamic lol

we just love...

+



=

HEAVEN


The Puffs Plus w/Vicks. They are soooo wonderful. Not long ago, we were all sick w/URI and these were sooo nice. I could just curl up w/one and sniff it and it made me feel better lol. Now Joe says that for all he cares, these can be the only tissues we ever buy! He likes them that much. I NEVER would have thought that he would like them so much, he typically hates Vicks on him!

If you have not tried them, do! My allergies have been bugging the heck out of me and I have been using the heck out of them lol.


I wish I had a scratch and sniff on here hahahahahahaha.

Have you tried it yet?

Stevia that is? The all-natural sweetener Sun Crystals, is made from a blend of pure cane sugar and sweet stevia.

I bought a box of the little green packets. I am usually a Splenda or just plain ole sugar, kind of gal. However, I am in love w/the Stevia! It is crystals like regular sugar, not powdery. Also, one packet was plenty in my big glass of ice tea! It does have 5 calories, however, w/new studies saying that artificial sweeteners can actually make you crave more sugar, this seems to be a great choice. I do not think it's that much more expensive than the other artificial sweeteners sold. So price wasn't an issue to me. All in all, this is great. It's also a wonderful sweetener for diabetics!