Nana's Recipe Box

Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

2012-01-11T08:15:00.000-05:00

Now this is a delicious pasta salad.! It has chicken, cashews, grapes, apples . . . mmmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. I got the recipe from Sister Turner who I served with at the Columbia South Carolina Temple. Makes a lot, so great for a big crowd.

Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

4 chicken breasts
2 packages bowtie pasta
2 cups celery, chopped
4 stalks green onion, chopped
1 (16 oz.) can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup mayonnaise
1 bottle cole slaw dressing (Kraft Cole Slaw Dressing or Marzetti Low Fat Cole Slaw Dressing)
2 cups red grapes
2 cups red apples, chopped
1 (10 oz.) can salted cashews

Cook pasta. Drain, set aside, and let come to room temperature.
Cook chicken and cut into pieces. (You can use already cooked chicken breasts from Sam's or any store.)

Combine celery, onion, pineapple, mayo, and cole slaw dressing. Set aside

Chop apples with the skin. Combine pasta, chicken, apples and dressing mixture. Add whole or chopped grapes. Mix until well blended. Add cashews before serving.

Green Bean and Corn Casserole

2012-01-02T09:05:00.006-05:00

Over the holidays I did find a great green bean casserole. My husband's cousin made this for Thanksgiving and it was a big hit. So if you're tired of the classic green bean casserole with mushroom soup and fried onions, you have got to try this. I definitely like this one better.

Green Bean and Corn Casserole

2 cans French style green beans
1 can white shoepeg corn
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped onion

Mix all ingredients together and put in a baking dish sprayed with Pam.

Topping:
1 stick butter, melted
1 roll of Ritz crackers, crushed
1/2 cup toasted almonds

Mix together and put on top of green bean and corn mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.

Pears with Bleu Cheese and Honey

2011-12-29T08:44:00.009-05:00

Hope everyone had a Happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas!

Here is a simple appetizer that your guests will love. My friend Angie made this when my husband and I went to their home for dinner. It was so good! Angie shared the recipe with me and now I'm sharing it with you! Happy New Year!

Pears with Bleu Cheese and Honey

Golden pears
Bleu Cheese
Honey

Slice pears and put on a tray. Sprinkle cheese on top and drizzle with honey.

That's it! How simple and how delicious!

No Bake Reindeer Cookies

2011-12-20T08:36:00.056-05:00

Looking for something quick and easy to make for a Christmas treat? I found this at http://www.southernliving.com/ and I thought they were so cute. Come on, you gotta admit they are CUTE! And they are QUICK and EASY. My grandkids and their friends loved them. They can even make them themselves. Watch this VIDEO to see how to make them.

No Bake Reindeer Cookies

Nutter Butter Cookies
M & Ms
White Classic Icing (not whipped)
Pretzels

Watch this VIDEO to see how to make them.

Merry Christmas!

Zucchinni Bread

2011-12-10T08:16:00.002-05:00

I've had this post since this summer when zucchini was growing in our garden. Sorry I didn't get it out sooner. Maybe next summer when you have tons of zucchini in your garden and don't know what to do with it, you can make this bread. You can also grate the zucchini and put 2-3 cups in a freezer bag and freeze until you want to make the zucchini bread. It is so delicious!

Zucchini Bread

3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 1/4 cups sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla
2-3 cups grated zucchini
1 cup nuts (optional)

Grease and flour two 8x4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Put all ingredients except zucchini and nuts in a bowl and mix together. (I used a hand mixer.)
Add zucchini and nuts. (Batter was a little thick but once I added the zucchini it was much easier to mix.)
Bake at 325 for 50 - 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool 20 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely.

Marinated Braised Beef Brisket

2011-12-02T15:20:00.000-05:00

Okay! Okay! I know you're tired of looking at the picture of my wheat pancakes. So here is a recipe you can sink your teeth in. Of course I got it from one of my favorite recipe books, The Pioneer Women Cooks. I usually make my mom's brisket, but I decided to try Ree Drummond's braised brisket recipe and it was delicious. My family really enjoyed it. And so will you. But be sure to plan ahead--brisket has to marinate at least 24 hours before cooking.

**I only cooked a 4 pound brisket so I halved the recipe.

Marinated Braised Beef Brisket

2 cans beef consomme (not beef broth), 10.5 oz. cans
1 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
Juice of 2 lemons
5 garlic cloves, chopped
1 Tablespoon liquid smoke (optional) I didn't use this.
1 brisket (7 - 10 pounds), untrimmed I trimmed mine a little bit. Can't stand all that fat.

In a roasting pan, combine the first 5 ingredients. Place brisket in pan, fat side up. Ladle some of the liquid on top. Cover tightly with foil and place in the refrigerator to marinate for 24 - 48 hours.

When you're ready to make the brisket, put into a 300 degree oven and cook for about 40 - 50 minutes per pound. When the meat is fork tender, place on a cutting board. Cut away the slab of fat from the top of the meat. Then slice against the grain.

Now, put the sliced meat back into the pan, juice and all. Cover with foil and place in the oven to warm up. Serve.

And as Lee Drummond says, "It's a major crowd pleaser!"

Wheatberries and Blender Wheat Pancakes

2011-11-01T09:27:00.000-04:00

I know you've been wondering where I have been. Well, I was just called as Relief Society President in our ward so I've been BUSY! The first activity we had (2 weeks after I was called) was a ward activity on cooking with wheat. I didn't realize you could make such delicious foods using wheat--actually using wheat berries. Cooking wheat berries provide an excellent way to extend meats, enhance soups and stews, add nutrition to desserts and introduce your family to the wonderful taste of wheat.

Pictured above are the Blender Wheat Pancakes, which were absolutely delicious--and so easy. I've also included some of the other recipes we made that were unbelievable. Yes, unbelievable because they tasted so good. So hope you enjoy, but be careful if you're not use to eating wheat. Don't eat too much at one time. But these recipes are so good it will be hard to stay away!

Wheat Berries

1 cup wheat kernels
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups water

Combine ingredients. Bring to a boil and let simmer about one hour.
Now you can eat them hot and cooked (great breakfast food). You can add brown sugar and milk, or even a little honey. You can use wheat berries like you would use rice and you can use them in the following recipes.

Blender Wheat Pancakes

1 cup uncooked wheat berries
1 cup milk
Blend about 3 minutes and then add:
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons baking powder
Blend until well mixed.

Cook on hot griddle and serve with toppings of your choice.

Boston Baked Wheat

4 cups wheat berries
1/2 - 1 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce
1 onion , sauteed
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup molasses
3 - 4 teaspoons mustard
3 slices bacon, cooked and diced
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all together and bake 30 minutes at 325 degrees.

Wheat Chili

1/2 pound hamburger
4 ribs celery, chopped
l large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 cups cooked chili beans
1 quart whole tomatoes, chopped (or use diced tomatoes)
2 cups wheat berries
3 - 4 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano

Brown hamburger with onion, celery and green pepper. Add beans, wheat, tomatoes, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer for the flavors to blend. Taste test for personal spiciness.
**You can add wheat berries to your favorite chili recipe.

Tuna Wheat Salad

2 large cans tuna (drained)
2 1/2 cups wheat berries
1/2 cup celery, diced
2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 hard boiled eggs (chopped)
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup Italian dressing
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Mix all together and serve as salad, sandwiches, or on crackers.

Wheat Berry Waldorf Salad

5 cups wheat berries
2 medium apples, cored and chopped
1 cup finely chopped parsley
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup seedless raisins
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup brown sugar

Mix together and serve. You can also add craisins and mandarin oranges.

Well, better end this post now. Gotta go to a meeting!

Uncle Alan's Mock Crab Vegetable Medley

2011-08-24T10:41:00.022-04:00

I didn't know this, but my brother-in-law, Alan, is a great cook. He makes this mock crab vegetable dish that is so good. He made it up himself. I'm impressed!

Uncle Alan's Mock Crab Vegetable Medley

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

Olive Oil

fresh mushrooms

1 - 2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 - 2 packages imitation crab (pull apart)

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

fresh tomatoes

Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
pasta

In olive oil, saute the onions, bell pepper, mushrooms, garlic, salt and pepper until tender. Add the imitation crab and juice. Simmer until the crab is fork tender. Add fresh tomatoes and remove from stove. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve on top of pasta.

Here's Alan joking around, showing off his culinary skills!

5 Cup Salad

2011-08-18T08:21:00.005-04:00

I love when my friends share their recipes with me. Here is one my friend Kathi shared with me. It is so light and fruity. Plus, I love anything with marshmallows.

5 Cup Salad

1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup pineapple chunks (drained)
1 cup coconut
1 cup mandarin oranges (drained)
1 cup sour cream

Combine all ingredients, mix well and chill before serving.

For variations, you can add a cup of whipped topping. Of course, then it becomes a 6 cup salad :)

Kathi has also added small amounts of food coloring to "jazz it up" for special occasions--like pink for her daughter's baby shower.

Easy Cookie Recipe

2011-08-11T09:07:00.004-04:00

My friend, Angelyn, shared this easy cookie recipe with me. She made our family some using a spice cake mix. She said you can use any kind of cake mix, so I used chocolate and I also made some with the confetti cake mix. Each one was delicious. So choose your favorite cake mix and make you a batch of these delicious, easy cookies.

Easy Cookie Recipe

1 cake mix (your choice)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs

Mix all ingredients together. Drop by teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes.

**The ones pictured above are the cookies made with spice cake. Just sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top.

Below are some chocolate ones I made and I added some sprinkles. I've also made chocolate ones with sugar sprinkled on them.

Fruit Sushi

2011-08-04T08:40:00.002-04:00

My little grandchildren (with the help of their dad) made this Fruit Sushi for Family Home Evening dessert. I thought it was so cute, and surprisingly it tasted good! They found the recipe in the June 2011 Friend. All you need is 1 banana, 1 piece of fruit leather, and some sprinkles. Wrap the fruit leather around the banana and cut into 1 inch slices. Use toothpicks to hold it together. Add a few sprinkles on top and there you have it--Fruit Sushi!

Notice that they served it on their Princess plate :)

Best Chocolate Bundt Cake Ever!

2011-07-29T09:24:00.001-04:00

I love making and eating desserts--especially chocolate desserts. When I saw the name of this recipe, it was almost like it was daring me to make it to see if it truly was the "Best Chocolate Bundt Cake Ever". I must admit, it is a Chocolate Lover's dream. Happy eating!

Best Chocolate Bundt Cake Ever!

1 cup fat free sour cream
1/2 cup apple sauce
1/3 cup water
4 eggs (or 1 egg and 3 egg whites)
1 package chocolate cake mix
1 (3 oz.) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (12 oz.) package chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into bundt pan sprayed with Baker's Joy or grease and flour. Bake 45 minutes or until toothpick comes our clean. Let cool about 15 minutes and then remove from pan.

Frosting
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
3 Tablespoons milk
2 Tablespoons cocoa
2 cups powdered sugar (or more to consistency)

Combine first 3 ingredients in saucepan. Heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and pour in powdered sugar. Pour over top of cake.

**I serve at the Columbia South Carolina Temple once a week and took this cake for the workers to eat. I over-heard one worker tell another, "This is the best chocolate cake ever!" Enough said!

Susan's Berry Peach Fruit Cobbler

2011-07-21T10:00:00.002-04:00

Here is a delicious recipe from my friend Susan. It is very similar to my Peach Cobbler recipe. Susan mixed peaches with blackberries and served it with vanilla ice cream on top. Mmmm! It was sooooo good!

Susan's Berry Peach Fruit Cobbler

1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup self-rising flour
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix above ingredients and crumble over sliced fruit (peaches, blueberries, blackberries, or mix them up!).

Melt 4 Tablespoons of butter and pour over batter. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Another Mexican Casserole

2011-07-15T08:40:00.015-04:00

So here is another Mexican casserole that I tried. No, it's not Brandi's recipe, but it is similar. This one doesn't have the beans in it. My family really liked it and I think you will too.

Another Mexican Casserole

4 -6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 large onion, chopped and divided
1 small piece of celery
2 cups grated cheddar cheese (I used the Mexican blend)
1 small can/jar taco sauce
1 cup broth, divided
1 package nacho cheese flavored Doritoes (I used the baked Doritoes)

In a pot, boil chicken in salted water with a small slice of the onion and a small piece of celery for about 30 - 45 minutes). Remove from pot and cut chicken into pieces. Save 1 cup broth and set aside.

Mix taco sauce, soup, 1/2 cup broth, and onions with the chicken. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with Pam and line bottom with Doritoes and alternate layers of Doritoes, chicken mixture and cheese. Top with the grated cheese and pour the remaining 1/2 cup broth over dish. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 25 - 30 minutes.

Mississippi Mud Brownies

2011-07-07T19:13:00.000-04:00

Talk about an easy dessert. You can't get any easier than this recipe! But it is ooey gooey like mud. Maybe that's why they call it Mississippi Mud!

Mississippi Mud Brownies

1 brownie mix
1 jar of marshmallow cream
1 can of chocolate frosting

Make brownies according to package directions. Remove from oven and while hot spread marshmallow cream on brownies. Then spread on the chocolate frosting. (Chocolate frosting was hard to spread so I just took a knife and swirled it.)

Swiss Chicken Parmesan

2011-06-27T08:25:00.000-04:00

Here's a delicious, easy chicken main dish that you and your family will enjoy. I added Parmesan cheese to the stuffing mix so I call it Swiss Chicken Parmesan. Really good. Really good! It does take 2 hours to bake, so plan ahead.

Swiss Chicken Parmesan

6 - 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, to taste
6 - 8 slices Swiss cheese
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) water
1 1/2 cups Pepperidge Farm herb stuffing mix
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons butter

Place chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Top each piece of chicken with a slice of Swiss cheese. Mix soup and water together. Be sure to mix well. Pour over chicken. Combine stuffing mix and Parmesan cheese and toss with the butter. Sprinkle over the chicken. Bake for 2 hours at 300 degrees.

Rocky Road Squares

2011-06-21T07:42:00.008-04:00

When I came across this recipe I thought it not only sounded delicious, but it looked easy to make. Right on both counts--delicious and easy!

Rocky Road Squares

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 (6 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup nuts, chopped

Combine butter and sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Mix flour and graham cracker crumbs together and add to creamed mixture. Pat into greased 9 x 9 or 11 x 7 x 1.5 inch pan. Sprinkle marshmallows, chocolate chips, and nuts on top of crust. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.

Lemon Lush

2011-06-13T19:23:00.009-04:00

As I have mentioned in past "lemon" posts, my mother-in -law loves lemon. When I saw this recipe I knew I had to make it for her. If you're a lemon person too, you'll love this delicious dessert.

Lemon Lush

1 stick butter
1 cup flour
1/2 cup nuts
1 cup powdered sugar
1 small carton Cool Whip, divided
1 (8 oz.) cream cheese
2 packages instant lemon pudding mix
3 cups milk

Mix butter, flour and nuts and press in bottom of a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes at 350 degrees then let cool. Mix powdered sugar, 1 cup Cool Whip and cream cheese. Spread on baked crust.

Mix lemon pudding and milk until set. Spread on cream cheese mixture. Put the remaining Cool Whip on top and keep refrigerated.

**Can be made with chocolate puddding.

Eggplant Parmesan Casserole

2011-06-07T07:50:00.001-04:00

Eggplant? Yuck! No, you won't think that after you try this Eggplant Parmesan Casserole. Personally, I don't like eggplant, but I loved this dish and my family loved it too. You'll become an eggplant lover with this casserole as well.

Eggplant Parmesan Casserole

1 large eggplant, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup flour
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
2 (15 oz.) cans of tomato sauce
2 cups Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetable oil

In a bowl mix together the flour, salt and pepper. In another bowl mix the egg and milk. Then dip the peeled and sliced eggplant in egg and milk and dredge in the flour mixture. In a large skillet, heat oil and brown eggplant slices on both sides. Drain on a brown paper bag. (I'm sure you can use paper towels instead.) Rinse skillet and saute ground beef or turkey and season with salt, pepper and garlic salt to taste. Add onion and green pepper and cook until meat is done and onion and peppers are tender. Drain. Add tomato sauce, salt and pepper to taste, and Italian seasoning. (I also added a packet of Stevia.) In a greased 9 x 11 baking dish place alternating layers of meat mixture, eggplant and Mozzarella cheese. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes until bubbly.

Hamburger Noodle Delight

2011-05-30T19:47:00.053-04:00

Here's a hamburger noodle casserole that is different and delicious. It will definitely delight your taste buds.

Hamburger Noodle Delight

1 (8 oz.) package medium egg noodles

1 1/2 pounds ground round
1 medium onion, chopped fine
2 small (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
1 (8 oz. ) package cream cheese
1 (8 oz.) carton sour cream
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese

Cook noodles and set aside. Combine tomato sauce, sour cream and softened cream cheese. Mix until creamy and set aside. Brown meat (I sprinkled salt, pepper and garlic powder on the meat) and onion together and drain the juices.

Spray a 2-quart baking dish with Pam. Layer half the noodles in the bottom of the dish. Then put the creamed mixture on top of the noodles (do not stir) and the rest of the noodles on top of the creamed mixture. Finally place the meat mixture on top of the noodles and sprinkle with the grated cheese (remember, don't stir). Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and browned.

Pecan Pie Squares

2011-05-24T10:30:00.000-04:00

Have a taste for pecan pie? Try these Pecan Pie Squares. They are more like a cookie than a pie. Cookie? Pie? It doesn't matter because they are absolutely delicious!

Pecan Pie Squares

Crust:
3 cups flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 teaspoon salt

Grease 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 inch jelly roll pan. Beat on medium speed until crumbly. Press firmly in pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Filling:
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups Karo light or dark syrup (I used light)
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
3 tablespoons butter, melted

Mix all ingredients, except nuts, until well blended. Add nuts and pour over baked layer. Bake until set, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.

South of the Border Dinner

2011-05-16T09:01:00.022-04:00

Top

Bottom/Inverted

I tried this recipe because I knew my husband would like it. My husband kept saying, "This has a real nice taste to it!", as he went back for seconds and thirds and . . . Yep, I knew he'd like it.

South of the Border Dinner

1 - 1/2 pounds ground beef or turkey (I made mine with turkey)

1 medium onion, chopped

1 small bell pepper, chopped

1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce

4 tablespoons chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1 box cornbread mix (I used Jiffy)

In a skillet cook meat until browned, stirring so it will be broken up.(I seasoned meat with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.) Add onion and bell pepper and cook until soft. Add tomato sauce, chili powder and salt. Cook until mixture is heated. Pour mixture into a 9 x 9 baking dish ( I used a 11 x 7 dish). Mix cornbread according to package directions. Spread cornbread on top on mixture. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes until lightly browned. Loosen side of pan with knife and invert onto platter. Serve hot.

Parmesan Chicken Breasts

2011-05-10T07:29:00.002-04:00

Now this is a delicious chicken breast recipe! We eat a lot of chicken so I'm always looking for new recipes. This is definitely one I will put at the top of my list. My husband even said he was looking forward to me making this again.

Parmesan Chicken Breasts

6 - 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 stick butter, melted
1 1/2 - 2 cups Pepperidge Farm herb seasoned stuffing mix
1/2 - 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

In a bowl crush dressing mix and add Parmesan cheese and mix together. Season chicken with salt pepper and garlic powder. Dip chicken breasts in melted butter, then coat with dressing mix. Place in a shallow baking pan (I covered my pan with aluminum foil and sprayed with Pam). Sprinkle a little more salt and pepper on top. Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour.

Yummies

2011-05-02T08:21:00.026-04:00

As I was looking through my old cookbooks for recipes to try, I came across this recipe called "Yummies". I guess the name intrigued me so I had to make them to see if they really were "yummy". And yes, they smelled yummy while baking and tasted oh so yummy--plus they were so easy to make! Man, these are some yummy "Yummies"! You gotta try 'em!

Yummies

1 yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, melted
1 egg
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
2 eggs
1 pound box powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix first three ingredients together and put in the bottom if a 9 x 13 pan. (I sprayed my baking dish with Baker's Joy first.) Next, beat together cream cheese, eggs, powdered sugar and vanilla. (I used my mixer.) Pour over above mixture. Bake at 350 for 35 - 40 minutes. Cool, cut into squares and refrigerate.

Comfort Meatballs

2011-04-21T10:10:00.008-04:00

I wanted to find a recipe where I had everything I needed and didn't have to make a run to the store to buy an ingredient. So I was browsing some cookbooks and I found it--Comfort Meatballs. You can find the recipe in The Pioneer Woman Cooks, page 172. The author, Ree Drummond, says "These delicious meatballs are not in the same category of regular Italian meatballs that would go in spaghetti. . . These are more in the comfort food/meatloaf category." Whatever category, these are absolutely delicious!

Comfort Meatballs

Meatballs:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
3/4 cup quick oats
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons very finely minced onion
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Plenty of ground black pepper

4 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup flour

Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 to 6 tablespoons minced onion
Dash of Tabasco

1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef and oats.
2. Pour in the milk, then add the diced onion and salt.
3. Add the black pepper, then stir to combine.
4. Roll the mixture into tablespoon-size balls and refrigerate them for 30 to 45 minutes to firm.
5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Dredge the meatballs in the flour.
7. Brown the meatballs in batches until light brown.
8. As they brown, place them into a rectangular baking dish.
9. Stir together the sauce ingredients and drizzle the sauce evenly on the meatballs.
10. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until bubbly and hot.

Spiced Honey Pretzels

2011-04-11T11:36:00.005-04:00

Here's another easy recipe from the 2010 Taste of Home Annual Recipes book. Quick, easy, and tasty!

Spiced Honey Pretzels

4 cups thin pretzel sticks ( I used the square ones)
3 Tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder

Line a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with foil; coat the foil with cooking spray. Place the pretzels in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, combine the honey, butter, onion powder and chili powder. Pour over pretzels; toss to coat evenly. Spread into prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes, stirring once. Cool on a wire rack, stirring gently several times to separate.

Gooey Chocolate Cookies

2011-03-28T10:56:00.000-04:00

I was looking for an easy cookie recipe and found this one in my 2010 Taste of Home Annual Recipes book. Not only was it easy, but the cookies were delicious.

I always try to make my cookies and other sweets on the weekend so my daughter can take them to her Young Women. That way I'm not tempted to eat all of them. You know, I'm on a diet :-) Well, the Young Women loved them. Of course, they're just happy to have treats. But I know they really liked these because they wanted the recipe. So, here it is girls.

Gooey Chocolate Cookies

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (18 1/4 oz.) chocolate cake mix

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Add the cake mix and mix well (dough will be sticky). Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Roll rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough into balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 9 - 11 minutes or until tops are cracked. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

**You can replace the chocolate cake mix with a different flavor. I have a Lemon Supreme cake mix. I bet that would be delicious. I'm definitely going to try it. My 98 year old mother-in-law loves lemon anything. I think she will really enjoy these.

Moma Toby's Chopped Liver

2011-03-21T08:38:00.000-04:00

I know what you're thinking--GROSS! But have you ever tried Chopped Liver? Whenever the whole family gets together, my mom always makes chopped liver. It is so delicious. Honest! Even family members who hate liver, love my mom's chopped liver. I decided to try to make it this past Thanksgiving. Mom didn't really have a recipe, but she told me how to make it. I must admit it turned out scrumptious. Of course mom doctored it up a little when she arrived at my home for Thanksgiving dinner. She added a little more salt, a little more onion, sugar, etc. Whatever she did, it was the best chopped liver we have ever had. (Hope I've inherited "Mom's touch".)

Moma Toby's Chopped Liver

2-3 pounds chicken livers, rinsed well
2- 3 large onions, chopped
vegetable oil
8-10 hard boiled eggs
3 teaspoons sugar
3 or more teaspoons mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste

Boil rinsed livers in water. Add a little salt to the water and boil until livers get tender/soft and well done (about 45 minutes). Drain livers and rinse again. Clean grit from the middle (where it connects--Mom says you'll know when you see it).

Saute onions (Mom says lots of onions) in oil (about 1/4 cup) until onions are soft and clear. Add livers and saute some more. Mash livers with a fork when done.
(Poor mom, she never had food processors. But I mashed them with a fork, because I always do what "mom says"--usually.)

Add hard boiled eggs. (Mom says about 3 - 4 per pound of liver.) Mash together and add to liver mixture.

Add sugar. (Mom says about 1 teaspoon per pound of liver)
Add Mayo. (Mom says about 1 teaspoon or more per pound of liver.)
Add salt to taste.
Add more raw onion and mix well.

Mom says to go by taste and add more salt, onion, mayo, sugar, etc.

Serve with crackers--Mom says!

**Best if made a day or two before you serve--Mom says and she's right!

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

2011-03-11T07:34:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm on a diet--AGAIN! So now is the time to try those Mexican recipes that I usually don't eat because I won't be eating any. I'm on a diet, REMEMBER!

My family LOVED this chicken enchilada casserole! So I had to have a little taste. BIG MISTAKE! You know how everything that you're not suppose to eat tastes so good when you're on a diet. Did I say I was on a diet? Oh well, I'll start my diet tomorrow--AGAIN!

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

6-8 chicken breasts, cooked and cut into cubes
2 cans (10 oz.) Mild Green Chili Enchilada Sauce
1 - 1 1/4 cups light sour cream
8 corn tortillas (6 inch), cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with Pam. Layer half of the chicken, enchilada sauce, sour cream, tortillas and cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes longer, until bubbly. Remove from oven and let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

**If you have a small family and don't want to make a big casserole, this is an easy recipe to half.

Susan's Charleston Chocolate Cake

2011-03-03T10:25:00.001-05:00

Here is a recipe my friend, Susan, gave me after I raved about how delicious it was. I told her I wanted to put it on my blog, so here it is.

Susan's Charleston Chocolate Cake

Cake:
2 cups all purpose flour

2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon soda
2 sticks butter
1 cup water
4 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup sour cream

2 eggs, slightly beaten

Frosting:
1 stick butter
6 Tablespoons milk
4 Tablespoons cocoa
1 box powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, sift flour, sugar, salt and soda together and set aside.
Melt butter in a saucepan;then add cocoa and water
Remove from heat and pour over dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
Add sour cream and eggs.
Transfer to lightly greased and floured pan (15 x 10 x 2).
Bake 25 minutes. Frost while warm, still in pan.
For frosting, melt butter in saucepan and add milk and cocoa.
Cook over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Remove.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and nuts. ( i left nuts out and sprinkled them on top.) Beat with mixer.

**Susan made the cake in a 9 x 13 pan and baked it a little longer. This made it thicker and more fudgy (is that how you spell it?).

Cornbread Casserole

2011-02-21T09:59:00.002-05:00

Here's a great side your family will enjoy. I first had this a year ago at Thanksgiving, but it is good anytime. I actually served it with my turkey chili. The family loved it smothered in the chili.

Cornbread Casserole

1 can cream style corn
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 package Jiffy Corn Muffin mix

In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish that has been buttered or sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 for 45 - 60 minutes.

Orzo with Pesto

2011-02-14T10:05:00.023-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! You're going to LOVE this easy side dish. It was in the July 2010 issue of Southern Living with the recipe for the Balsamic Garlic Chicken Breasts. It was really good, too. And it was so easy!

Orzo with Pesto

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1/4 cup refrigerated pesto (I used the packaged pesto mix to make the sauce. Or you can use Tricia's homemade pesto recipe.)
Grated Parmesan cheese

Cook orzo according to package directions, drain and put into a bowl. Add the 1/4 cup pesto and stir together. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

Balsamic Garlic Chicken Breasts

2011-02-07T09:39:00.002-05:00

I found this recipe in my July 2010 Southern Living magazine. It was sooooo good! Can't wait to make it again.

Balsamic Garlic Chicken Breasts

4 (6 oz.) skinned and boned chicken breasts ( I made 5)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 Tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (I used olive oil)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons honey

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper. (I also put garlic powder on the chicken.)
Melt butter with oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken, and cook 6 - 7 minutes on each side or until done. (I cooked them longer, about 10 - 12 minutes on each side.) Remove chicken, and keep warm.
Add chicken broth and next 4 ingredients to skillet, and cook 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of skillet. Serve chicken with sauce. (After the broth cooked for 5 minutes, I put the chicken back in the skillet for about one minute on each side and let it cook in the sauce before I served it.)

This was really delicious. I enjoyed every bite!

Easy Conversions for Perfect Measures

2011-02-03T08:06:00.014-05:00

I knew teaching 3rd grade Everyday Math would come in handy one day. Here are some easy conversions for perfect measures.

Liquid
1 tablespoon = 1/2 fluid ounce
1 cup = 1/2 pint = 8 fluid ounces
2 cups = 1 pint = 16 fluid ounces
2 pints = 1 quart = 32 fluid ounces
4 quarts (16 cups) = 1 gallon = 128 fluid ounces

Dry
3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon
4 tablespoons = 1/4 cup
5 1/3 tablespoons = 1/3 cup
8 tablespoons = 1/2 cup
10 2/3 tablespoons = 2/3 cup
12 tablespoons = 3/4 cup
16 tablespoons = 1 cup

Ingredient Substitutions

2011-01-31T09:37:00.002-05:00

Don't you just hate when you're going to make something for dinner and you're missing an ingredient? Then it's a mad rush to the grocery store to pick up what you need and dinner is late. Not anymore! Here are some ingredient substitutions that may help:

If you don't have . . .

1 cup self rising flour, use 1 cup all purpose flour plus 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chopped onion, use 2 tablespoons dried minced onion or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon baking powder, use 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, use 1 tablespoon cider vinegar or red wine vinegar plus 1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 cup buttermilk, use 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to equal 1 cup (let stand 5 minutes before using) or 1 cup plain yogurt
2 cups tomato sauce, use 3/4 cup tomato paste plus 1 cup water
1 cup half-and-half or light cream, use 1 tablespoon melted butter or margarine plus enough whole milk to make 1 cup

I'm always missing spices and seasonings too. So here are some substitutes, but be sure to use only half of what the recipe calls for. That way you can add more to suit your taste.

If you don't have. . .

Ground allspice, use ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves
1 teaspoon dry mustard, use 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Paprika, use just a "titch" (got this word from Brandi) of cayenne pepper
Ground cloves, use ground allspice, cinnamon or nutmeg
Chili powder, use a dash of bottled hot pepper sauce plus equal measures of ground oregano and cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, use 2 to 3 drops of bottled hot pepper sauce
Ground cumin, use chili powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, use 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, use 3/4 teaspoon dried sage and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, use 1/2 teaspoon each of white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground red pepper, paprika and ground black pepper
Fresh herbs, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried herbs

Brandi's Orzo Salad

2011-01-25T10:46:00.020-05:00

Here's another one of our favorite "Brandi Recipes".

Brandi's Orzo Salad

8 oz. orzo , uncooked
1 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts
small garlic clove
1/2 cup basil chopped (optional)
1/4 pound feta cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt and Pepper
Cherry tomatoes and sliced black olives (however many you would like)

Cook orzo according to package. Rinse in colander to help cool pasta. Saute pine nuts in 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil. Drain on paper towel. Press garlic, mix with basil. Whisk vinegar and oil, salt and pepper. Stir all remaining ingredients in with cooked orzo.

Mexican Cassserole

2011-01-20T22:45:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm in Charlotte, NC helping my son, Brian, take care of his four precious children. His wife, Brandi, is in California visiting her mom. Brandi's sister, Tiffany, is returning from her mission in Ithaca, NY. She doesn't know Brandi is there. What a great surprise!

Speaking of surprises, before Brandi left she made this Mexican Casserole for us to eat. I'm not a real Mexican food lover, but I really enjoyed this casserole. Brandi said she did use the mild ingredients just for me. What a good daughter-in-law! Thank you, Brandi. I loved it.

Mexican Casserole
1 pound browned ground beef

2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 (15 oz.) can red enchilada sauce
1 (12 oz.) jar mild taco sauce

1 can black beans, drained
1 can pinto beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
8 oz. shredded cheese
1/2 bag large tortilla chips, crushed

In a big pot mix the first six ingredients. Bring to a boil, turn down, simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add beans and corn to mixture.

In a 9 x 13 pan, layer:
1/2 crushed chips
1/2 meat mixture
1/2 cheese
Repeat

Bake at 375 for 30 - 35 minutes until bubbly and hot.

NOTE: This makes a TON! Feeds about 10 people. (I don't know, Brandi. Brian, the 4 kids and I almost finished it off--it was that good!)

Pumpkin Loaf

2011-01-10T07:48:00.002-05:00

Many, many years ago (probably about 20 years) my friend shared her pumpkin loaf recipe with me. As I was looking through my old recipe cards, I came across it. I decided to make it for my friend for Christmas. It turned out so good I had to make one for my family as well.

Pumpkin Loaf

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup solid pumpkin
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup chopped pecans
powdered sugar

Filling:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
4 Tablespoons butter, softened (I microwave for about 10 sec. if I forget to leave out to soften)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Using your mixer, beat the 3 eggs for 5 minutes. Gradually beat in the 1 cup of sugar. Then stir in (by hand) the pumpkin and lemon juice. Put aside.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon,ginger, salt, and nutmeg. Fold into pumpkin mixture lightly to keep it fluffy.

Spray a 15 by 10 inch pan with Baker's Joy or Pam and pour mixture into pan. Move pan around to fit corners. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes (begins to pull away from edges). Take a kitchen (hand) towel and lay on counter. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar. Turn cake on top of towel. Beat the top with a knife or palm of your hand if needed to get loaf from pan. Take end of towel and roll up carefully. Set aside until completely cool.

When cool, unroll loaf and make filling by mixing all ingredients with a mixer until fluffy. Spread the filling on top of loaf and reroll. Put in refrigerator to chill. Slice and serve

Terrific Grilled Turkey Burgers

2011-01-07T08:46:00.043-05:00

Do you need something quick and easy for supper tonight? Here's the perfect solution--Terrific Grilled Turkey Burgers! Quick, easy and DELICIOUS!

Terrific Grilled Turkey Burgers

2 pounds ground turkey

1 package dry onion soup mix

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 egg, beaten

8 hamburger buns

Cheese slices (optional)

In a bowl, mix the turkey, onion soup, pepper, garlic powder, soy sauce, and egg. Refrigerate this mixture for about 10 minutes (I didn't do this because I was in a hurry), then form into 8 patties. Preheat the grill for medium-high heat. Lightly oil (or spray with Pam) the grill grate. Place patties on the grill and cook for 15 - 20 minutes, turning at least once, until well done. Add cheese on top if you like. Serve on buns.

Collard Greens

2011-01-04T14:46:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hope everyone has a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year. In the south we eat collards on New Year's Day to bring us wealth. I know this recipe is a little late, but put it away for 2012. These collards are delicious! My family members (except my husband) are not too fond of collards. As a matter of fact, I usually make spinach (because it's green) to represent wealth in the New Year. But this year I was determined to make collards.

Many years ago my friend gave me this recipe saying they were the best collards she had ever eaten. Well, my family agrees. They are definitely the best! Unfortunately, I halved the recipe because I was afraid no one would like them ("oh, ye of little faith"), and I should have doubled it because everyone wanted more. Hey, maybe it's not too late. I'm sure you'll still find fresh collard greens in the grocery store. Collards may not really bring wealth, but this will give you a great recipe to bring to your family dinner table.

Collard Greens

1 large bunch of fresh collard greens
2 Tablespoons bacon grease
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon sugar
6 oz. fat back or a ham hock
(My friend uses the ham hock. I didn't have either so I put in some uncooked bacon)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon soda
1 quart water

Pull leaves of the collards from the stems and discard the stem. Chop or tear the leaves. Wash them thoroughly in cold water. In a large saucepan combine all ingredients. Boil slowly for 2 hours until tender. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

**These are best if cooked a day ahead, chilled and reheated. I made mine in the morning and put them in the fridge to chill. That evening, I just put them in the microwave to reheat and served. Easy and convenient.

Crock Pot Candy

2010-12-20T02:05:00.002-05:00

Has it really been almost a month since my last post? Where did the time go? Well, I'm back and I have a recipe that is worth the wait. With Christmas almost here, I seem to spend most of my time in the kitchen stirring, standing and stirring some more, getting goodies ready to give to friends and family. Not any more! Crock Pot Candy to the rescue. You're gonna love this one!

Crock Pot Candy

1 jar (16 oz.) dry roasted peanuts, UNSALTED
1 jar (16 oz.) dry roasted peanuts, SALTED
1 package (12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 bar (4 oz.) German chocolate (broken up)
3 pounds or 2 planks white bark or Loghouse vanilla flavored candy coating or Almond Bark broken in pieces. (I used the white bark)

Put ingredients into a 4 or 5 quart crock pot IN ORDER listed. DO NOT MIX TOGETHER. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. DO NOT REMOVE LID, turn off. Cool slightly (about an hour). Mix thoroughly and drop by teaspoons onto wax paper. Let cool thoroughly.

I added some snowflake and candy cane sprinkles to some of mine to give them a little color. The plain ones did kind of look like reindeer poop and thought you might could put a few candies in a baggie with a note attached that reads:

I hear that you've been naughty,

So listen, here's the scoop.

All you get for Christmas

Is this Reindeer Poop!

I think that would make cute (and quick) gifts to give.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

Sweet Addy and McKinley in their Christmas dresses!

Aren't they precious?

Nacho Cheese Dip

2010-12-02T07:05:00.001-05:00

We have really enjoyed watching college football on TV this season. GO COCKS! Our favorite football snack is my nacho cheese dip with tortilla chips. It's actually the Rotel tomatoes recipe. So easy and so delicious. Last week when the Gamecocks crushed Clemson (YES!) we put out some cooked ground beef and some black beans and mixed it with the dip. Mmmmm! How sweet it is--especially when USC wins, which we seem to be doing a lot of this year. GO COCKS! Let's annihilate Auburn this Saturday for the SEC championship crown.

Nacho Cheese Dip

1 can Rotel Tomatoes
16 oz. Velveeta Cheese

Put in a mircowavable dish and mircrowave for about 6 minutes. Stir and mircowave a few more minutes until cheese is completely melted. Stir and serve with tortilla chips.

Roasted Apples with Red Onions

2010-11-29T08:01:00.030-05:00

Apples and Onions! I know that sounds gross, but it is delicious. My friend Lynn shared this recipe with me. She found the recipe at www.marthastewart.com/recipe/pork-tenderloin-with-roasted-apples-and-onions. Who would have thought--apples and onions? My family really enjoyed them.

Roasted Apples with Red Onions

3 - 4 medium red apples, halved and cored (I peeled mine), cut into 8 wedges
1 large red onion, halved and sliced into 1/2 inch thick slices
1 Tablespoon olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper

On a baking sheet, toss apples and onions with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer and roast (uncovered) until golden, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and toss again. Put back in oven for about 10 minutes or more to finish roasting. The onions should be tender and the apples soft. Serve and enjoy!

Cracked Pepper Tilapia with Lemon

2010-11-22T07:31:00.017-05:00

I was telling my friend Danna about my delicious Chilli Rubbed Tilapia with Asparagus and Lemon and she shared her favorite tilapia recipe with me--Cracked Pepper Tilapia with Lemon. It is quick, easy and delicious. I made it when I went to Utah to visit my grands. I served it with my Perfect Rice Pilaf. Everyone loved it!

Cracked Pepper Tilapia with Lemon

4 - 6 frozen Tilapia filets
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1/8 teaspoon cracked pepper (I used more)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Zest of one lemon
Juice from half a lemon

Spray a 9 x 13 pan with Pam. Put frozen tilapia in pan, dark side down. In a bowl mix together the olive oil, cracked pepper, salt, zest of lemon and lemon juice. Pour over tilapia and sprinkle sliced almonds on top. Bake uncovered at 425 degrees for about 18 minutes.

Mini Pumpkin Muffins with Chocolate Chips

2010-11-19T14:29:00.001-05:00

I've found that some of the best recipes I have come from friends. So, for the next few posts I will share some delicious recipes with you that my friends shared with me.

Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, here is a quick and easy pumpkin muffin recipe that my friend Tara shared with me. They are so moist and delicious. I'm sure you could make pumpkin bread or regular size muffins if you adjust the time. I think you're going to love this recipe. I'm planning to make it this Thanksgiving for sure.

Mini Pumpkin Muffins with Chocolate Chips

1 box Spice Cake Mix (I use Duncan Hines. It's the best!)
1 small can pumpkin
1 cup applesauce
1 package (12 oz.) chocolate chips

Mix the above ingredients together (I used my hand mixer, but you don't have to). Spray a mini muffin pan with Pam or Baker's Joy. Spoon mixture into each muffin tin (I did heaping Tablespoons) and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Weight Watcher's Vegetable Soup

2010-11-06T08:11:00.035-04:00

Well, I went back to the doctor for my recheck. Guess what! Everything is back to normal. My triglycerides are good, so I don't have to worry about eating a low carb diet. Yes! However, I do want to eat right and eat healthy. Therefore, I'm back on Weight Watchers. I love it! You can eat what you want and don't have to worry about the carbs. You focus on portion control and of course, count your points--which isn't too bad, especially when you can eat this delicious vegetable soup for 0 (yes, zero) points.

Weight Watcher's Vegetable Soup

2/3 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup diced onion
2 minced garlic cloves
3 cups fat free chicken broth (you can use beef or vegetable broth)
1 1/2 cups diced green cabbage
1/2 cup green beans
1 Tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup diced zucchini

Spray a large sauce pan with nonstick cooking spray, heat. Saute carrots, onion, and garlic over low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add broth, cabbage, beans, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered about 15 minutes or until beans are tender. Stir in the zucchini and heat for 3-4 minutes. Serve hot.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

2010-11-01T07:10:00.000-04:00

The only other vegetable that grew in our garden this year besides cucumbers was bell pepper. As a matter of fact, it's the end of October and we still have bell peppers growing. Here is a delicious stuffed bell pepper recipe that my family really enjoyed.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

6 green bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed so they are hollow inside

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil (can use canola oil or olive oil)
1 cup finely chopped onions
1/2 cup finely chopped green bell peppers
1 pound ground beef
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked long grain white rice (you can use Quinoa or brown rice)
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large pot of boiling water, parboil the peppers about 2 or 3 minutes until just tender. Remove and dry on paper towels.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and chopped bell peppers and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Add beef, garlic, parsley, salt and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned. Remove any grease and add the rice and tomato sauce. Stir well. Remove from heat and add more seasoning to taste.

Pour enough water into a baking dish just to cover the bottom about 1/8 inch deep. Stuff the bell peppers with the rice and meat mixture and place in the baking dish. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Halloween Ghosts Pops

2010-10-26T07:54:00.002-04:00

My friend, Marietta, shared these precious Halloween Ghosts Pops with me. They are so simple and yummy! Here's what you need:

Double Stuffed Oreo Cookies (use the orange Halloween ones)
White Melting Chocolate (you can get this at AC Moore or Michael's)
Melted Chocolate Chips for eyes and mouth
Sucker Sticks

Just put the sucker sticks through the Oreo center. Dip in the white chocolate. Let it set and then add eyes and mouth.

Mmmm! SPOOK-tacular!!!

Low Carb Cranberry Nut Bread

2010-10-23T09:32:00.008-04:00

The worst part about a low carb diet is not having any bread. I really miss my bread, but I did find a cranberry nut bread recipe that is worth sharing. It's made with almond flour. It is good, but I still want real bread!

Low Carb Cranberry Nut Bread

2 cups whole cranberries, fresh or frozen
2 1/2 cups almond meal/flour
1/3 cup powdered egg whites
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar or the equivalent with artificial sweetener
1 stick butter, melted (1/2 cup)
3 eggs
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a piece of parchment paper in the bottom of a large loaf pan and butter the bottom and a little way up the sides.

Chop cranberries or pulse in a food processor. Be careful--not too fine or they get lost because they shrink during cooking. (I just left mine whole.)

Mix dry ingredients together (almond meal, egg white, baking powder, salt, sugar or sweetener if it's powdered).

Add the wet ingredients and mix well. Fold in cranberries.

Pour batter into pan and bake about 40 to 50 minutes until top is golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

Low Carb Ranch Hamburgers

2010-10-18T17:30:00.002-04:00

Here's another low carb recipe I found at www.lowcarbfriends.com. Too bad I couldn't eat these delicious burgers with fries or mashed potatoes. I'll be glad when this diet ends :-)

Low Carb Ranch Hamburgers

1 pound ground beef
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
1 cup shredded cheese

Mix all above ingredients and make into hamburger patties. Broil, bake, grill--however you like your hamburgers cooked. The ranch dressing and cheese add lots of flavor. Oh, the ranch dressing packet has only 2 carbs.

Chili-Rubbed Tilapia with Asparagus & Lemon

2010-10-01T08:32:00.005-04:00

I went for my yearly check up and found out my triglycerides were up. The doctor put me on a low carb, low sugar diet for the next two months. So I've been searching the internet for some good low carb recipes. If you have any, please share them with me. I found this delicious tilapia and asparagus recipe at www.kitchendaily.com and it is one of the best tilapia recipes I have ever made. I don't even like spicy foods, but I loved this. Of course, my son-in-law says it's not spicy, but it is to me. Spicy or not, it is out of the world!

Chili-Rubbed Tilapia with Asparagus & Lemon

2 pounds asparagus, tough ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces (I left mine whole)
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 pound tilapia, Pacific sole or other firm white fish fillets
2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 Tablespoons lemon juice

Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Put asparagus in a steamer basket,place in the pan, cover and steam until tender-crisp, about 4 minutes. (I didn't have steamer basket so I just put asparagus in the boiling water.) Transfer to a large plate, spreading out to cool.

Combine chili powder, garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt on a plate. Dredge fillets in the spice mixture to coat. heat oil in a large non stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and cook until just opaque in the center, gently turning halfway, 5 - 7 minutes total. Remove tilapia when done to a plate. Immediately add lemon juice, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and asparagus to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until the asparagus is coated and heated through, about 2 minutes (I covered the pan while they cooked). Serve the asparagus with the fish.

Jill's Summer Salad

2010-09-22T09:06:00.018-04:00

Well, it's official--Summer is over! Tomorrow is the first day of Fall. I thought a great way to end summer would be with this delicious summer salad my friend Jill shared with me. It's light and scrumptious, and I know you're going to love it.

Jill's Summer Salad

2 bags of spinach leaves or Spring Mix (I used the spring mix)
Small red onion, chopped
2 small cans of mandarin oranges, drained
Craisins

Put above ingredients into a large salad bowl.

Dressing
3/4 cup white vinegar
1 1/2 cups canola oil or olive oil (I used olive oil)
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cup sugar

Blend dressing ingredients in a blender. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds. Pour dressing over salad ingredients. We also added some sliced almonds to the salad---mmmm, so good!

**This makes a ton of dressing! I only used half of it or less, so I had enough to make another salad (I'm not complaining). If you want to half the recipe, here are the measurements:
1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons white vinegar

3/4 cup canola or olive oil

1/4 + 1/8 teaspoons dry mustard

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 + 2 Tablespoons sugar

3/4 teaspoon poppy seeds

When I made my 2nd salad (with the tons of dressing left over), I did not have spinach or spring mix. So I used my romaine lettuce and it was just as delicious!

Lemon Feta Cucumber Salad

2010-09-15T09:05:00.044-04:00

This year our garden has not done as well as in the past. I think the weather has been too hot, even though my husband has been faithfully watering and trying to keep it going. The one thing that is growing though is the cucumbers. We're glad because we love to make my Cucumber Cooler recipe. Last Sunday I was just too busy to make it, so I tried to make something quick. My husband loves feta cheese and I have seen recipes with feta and cucumbers together. I added some fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper and had a delicious cucumber salad. I call it "Lemon Feta Cucumber Salad". My husband loved it!

Lemon Feta Cucumber Salad

1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

(When I peeled it, I left a little green skin on it. Then I took a fork and ran the prongs up and down the cucumber to make it look pretty and have a little color to it before I sliced it.)

2 - 3 teaspoons olive oil

juice from 1/2 of a lemon (about 1 - 2 Tablespoons)

1/4 cup feta cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Put cucumber slices in a small bowl. Add lemon juice and olive oil. Mix together. Sprinkle with feta cheese and mix again. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Cucumbers grow so fast and they will get too big if you don't check on them often. Every day I remind my husband to pick the cucumbers and every day he tells me he picked them all. I think he forgot this one!

McKinley thought Papa had planted some watermelons.

Very Strawberry Cake

2010-09-10T07:04:00.011-04:00

A few weeks ago I went to a baby shower for a good friend. We had a great time. One of the foods that they served was a strawberry cake that was out of this world. So, I had to get the recipe. (Thanks, Jennifer!) Here it is. Enjoy!

Very Strawberry Cake

1 (18.25 oz.) white cake mix
1 (3 oz.) package strawberry jello
1 cup cooking oil
1/2 cup milk
4 eggs
1 cup mashed strawberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 9 x 13 pan. In a large bowl combine cake mix and jello. Add oil and milk, beating at low speed. Add eggs separately, beating after each addition. Blend in strawberries. Pour batter into pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool and frost cake with Strawberry Icing.

Strawberry Icing

1 (16 oz.) box powdered sugar
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup mashed (or finely chopped) strawberries

Cream butter. Add sugar and strawberries, mixing well.

**You can add 1 cup chopped pecans and/or 1 cup coconut to cake batter if you'd like. Also, you can add 1/2 finely chopped pecans and/or 1/2 cup coconut to icing. Personally, I like it without the nuts or coconut. My grandchildren like it better without it too.

Best Barbecue Ribs on the Grill

2010-09-04T08:48:00.022-04:00

It's almost Labor Day and I'm sure many of you will be getting out the grill. This Labor Day you'll have to try these Barbecue Ribs. Your family and friends will ask you to make them again and again. My family certainly does.

Best Barbecue Ribs on the Grill

1 - 2 racks of ribs (baby back, pork, beef--your choice)

Favorite Barbecue Sauce (I love Sweet Baby Ray's on the ribs)

Put ribs (I sprinkle a little salt and pepper on them) in a baking pan and cover with foil. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Remove from oven and place ribs on your grill. (If you cool them a little bit before putting on grill, the ribs are easier to work with.) Grill about 3-5 minutes on each side. Then baste with your favorite barbecue sauce and grill for about 3-5 minutes more on each side. Be sure to watch it because once you put the sauce on the ribs, they can easily burn. Of course, my husband thinks the best part is the burned part!

Can't wait to make these again this Labor Day. Hey, Brian and Brandi, do you want to drive in and join us?

Awesome Agave Avocado Smoothie

2010-08-31T07:52:00.027-04:00

When I was reading my Family Fun magazine (September 2010 issue), I came across an avocado smoothie recipe. It sounded interesting, so I changed it up a little bit (using almond milk and agave) to make it more healthy. Mmmm, it was delicious! Rich, creamy, refreshing! Tricia, you need to try this one.

Awesome Agave Avocado Smoothie

1 avocado, peeled and pitted

1 cup vanilla almond milk

1 cup crushed ice

4 teaspoons agave nectar (add more if you want it sweeter)
1/8 teaspoon vanilla

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Cranberry Almond Coleslaw

2010-08-28T09:00:00.018-04:00

We had a get together for a friend who was retiring. Everyone brought a salad and each salad was so tasty. I had wished I could have gotten all the recipes, but I did get one recipe for a delicious coleslaw. It's a Paula Deen recipe so you know it's got to be good. It's called Rene's Coleslaw.

I brought it to a cookout at a friend's house. Everyone loved it and you will too.

Cranberry Almond Coleslaw

5 cups shredded cabbage (I used a 1 pound bag)
1/2 cups almonds, toasted ( I used sliced almonds. My friend used whole almonds.)
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup chopped green onions, white and green parts
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 Tablespoon honey mustard
1 Tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine cabbage, almonds, cranberries, celery, green onions, and green pepper in a large plastic bowl with a snap-on lid. Combine all dressing ingredients, adding salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Pour dressing over the slaw just before serving. Stir well.

**I mixed the dressing with the cabbage mixture and then let it sit in fridge until ready to serve. It was so good. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti

2010-08-23T08:05:00.047-04:00

Now this is a recipe my son Jonathan is going to love. It's like the Chicken Spaghetti Casserole he loves, but without all the fuss. Jonny, this one's for you.

Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti

1 (8oz.) package spaghetti, broken into 3 parts
2 cups cooked chicken (I used 3 chicken breasts)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the chicken, 1 cup cheese, soup, milk, salt and pepper. Drain spaghetti and add to the chicken mixture. Mix well and put in a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes until heated and cheese is melted.

This was so easy to make that my 3 year old granddaughter, McKinley, helped me. Here she is wearing her chef's hat. She had to wear it while she was cooking.

Isn't she precious!

Boiled Peanuts

2010-08-18T09:24:00.000-04:00

One of the staple foods in the South is definitely boiled peanuts or as they say in the South "bald" peanuts. It is definitely easier to buy them than to make them yourself, but they are so good when you make them fresh. If you have a pressure cooker, you can make them in half the time. I don't have one so I boil my peanuts 7 to 8 hours. It's very simple to make boiled peanuts because you all you do is boil them, duh! It just takes time to boil them. So start them early in the morning so you're not waking up in the middle of the night to check on them.

Boiled Peanuts

2 pounds of fresh green peanuts
8 - 10 cups water
1/2 cup salt

Put green peanuts in a large pot. Add water to cover the peanuts. Add the salt and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low or medium low. Boil for 7 - 8 hours until peanuts are softened. You will need to add more water when you check them since the water evaporates ( and you need to check them often). You can add a little more salt if needed, but be careful--you want the peanuts salty, but not too salty. After about 6 hours of cooking, I will taste a peanut to see if it is soft or if it needs a little more salt. You just have to keep checking and tasting until they are cooked they way you like them. When done, pour into a colander to drain off water. Let cool. Of course you have to eat some while they are cooling, and if there are any left, store in refrigerator :-)

**Remember: You must use fresh green peanuts. You can't boil roasted peanuts.

That's Nacho Chicken

2010-08-14T08:17:00.013-04:00

I found this recipe for nacho chicken and it reminded me of this joke: There were three boys who stole some cheese from a store. When they met up, the first boy said, "I got some cheddar cheese." The second boy responded, "Well, I got some Swiss cheese." The third boy said, " That's nothing, I got some nacho cheese." "Nacho Cheese!" yelled the first two boys, "How do you know it was nacho cheese?" "Well", explained the third boy, "The man from the store was running after me shouting, 'That's nacho cheese, that's nacho cheese!' "

So I decided to name this chicken recipe "That's Nacho Chicken".

That's Nacho Chicken

4 -6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken in baking dish. Slice 3 cuts in the top of each breast. Mix the salsa and sour cream together and put on top of breasts. Put crushed tortilla chips on top of salsa mixture. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and cook another 5 - 10 minutes until chicken is done.

A Cini De Pepe Salad / "Frog-Eye Salad"

2010-08-09T09:21:00.001-04:00

My son-in-law's mom gave me this recipe. I made it when our whole family went to the beach. It makes a lot of salad and we have a lot of family, so it was the perfect fruit salad to make. Plus, it was delicious. It takes time to make it, but it is worth it, especially if you have a lot of mouths to feed. Be prepared--this salad needs to chill overnight, so plan to make this the day before you plan to serve it.

A Cini De Pepe Salad / Frog-Eye Salad

1 package A Cini De Pepe pasta (16 oz.)
1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cup pineapple juice (use juice from pineapple)
3 cans (11 oz.) Mandarin oranges, drained
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 carton (9 oz.) Cool Whip
2 eggs, beaten
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
2 cans (20 oz.) pineapple tidbits, drained
1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple, drained

Cook acini in 3 quarts water with 1 teaspoon oil and 2 teaspoons salt. When tender, rinse in colander and cool. (see package directions)

In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour and salt. Add pineapple juice and beaten eggs. Cook stirring until thickened and smooth. Add lemon juice and cool.

Place cooked pasta in a large bowl. Pour thickened mixture over macaroni and cool well. Add other ingredients and blend well. Chill over night.

If everything is chilled well before you mix it, you get a fluffier dessert and it tastes better. It also must be allowed to chill over night to set. If you're a coconut lover, you can add 1 cup coconut.

Broiled Chicken

2010-08-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

When I was growing up, my family was a meat and potatoes family. I don't ever remember my mom making us a casserole. We always had steak, chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, peas. . . . never a casserole. Of course, I live on casseroled now, but sometimes I just want meat and potatoes. Here is my mom's broiled chicken recipe. It is easy and so delicious. It's great left over, cold , right from the refrigerator. I made it last night and as soon as I'm finished with this post I'm raiding the fridge!

Broiled Chicken

1 whole fryer, cut into parts (or buy chicken legs, split breasts or any other parts of the chicken you enjoy)
salt
pepper

garlic powder
butter

Wash chicken and remove most of the skin. I always leave a little bit of skin on the chicken because it gives it such good flavor. Pat dry and put on a broiler pan (or line a baking pan with aluminum foil). Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder all over chicken pieces. (I'm always heavy handed with these spices, but it makes it that more delicious!) Place a small dab of butter on each chicken piece. Place under the broiler for about 15 minutes on each side until each side of the chicken piece is browned (almost burnt). I even turn it over again and let it stay under the broiler for a few more minutes. Remove chicken from pan, place on a plate, serve and enjoy!

Tanji's Black Bean and Corn Salsa

2010-07-26T08:54:00.012-04:00

We went to Brian and Brandi's for a 4th of July cookout and Brandi made a delicious bean and corn salsa. She got the recipe from her good friend Tanji, so I'll call it Tanji's Black Bean and Corn Salsa. Thanks Tanji and thanks Brandi for sharing the recipe. Yum!

Tanji's Black Bean and Corn Salsa
In a large bowl put:
2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained and rinsed (I used white corn)
2 large chopped tomatoes (I used a can of petite diced tomatoes)
1 chopped purple onion
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 avocados, chopped (add this right before serving)

Marinade (mix together, then add to salsa)
3 - 4 Tablespoons lime juice
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
(Add more salt and lime to taste if you like)

Serve with you favorite tortilla chip. Brandi said this salsa is great with lime chips but they break easily. Hey, a broken chip tastes just as good as a whole one. Right?

Bakery Style Blueberry Muffins

2010-07-23T10:37:00.001-04:00

I've had a wonderful summer vacation with all of my children and grandchildren. We went to the Isle of Palms and enjoyed every minute of it. Can't wait til next year.

In the meantime I have some great recipes to share with you. I'll start with these delicious blueberry muffins.

Bakery Style Blueberry Muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg, beaten

1/3 cup milk

1 cup fresh blueberries

Topping:

1/2 cup white sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

2 Tablespoons butter, cubed

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line muffin pan with liners or grease muffin cups. Make the topping for muffins in a small bowl by mixing all topping ingredients with a fork until crumbly. Set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons baking powder. Add the 1/3 cup vegetable oil, beaten egg and milk. Mix together. Gently fold in blueberries and fill muffin cups. Sprinkle top with crumb topping and bake for 20 minutes until done.

Enjoying the beach and each other!

Artisan Bread

2010-06-10T10:02:00.000-04:00

I love to eat out at Carrabba's or Macaroni Grill because I love their bread. Here is a delicious bread recipe that is just as good if not better. My daughter-in-law, Brandi, gave me the recipe. You can find it in the book, Artisan Bread In 5 Minutes A Day.

Artisan Bread

3 cups lukewarm water
1 1/2 Tablespoons yeast
1 1/2 Tablespoons kosher salt
6 1/2 cups flour
cornmeal for dusting

In a large bowl or plastic container mix yeast and salt into 3 cups water (about 100 degrees). Stir in flour, mixing until there are no dry patches. Dough will be loose. Cover, but not with an airtight lid. Let rise at room temperature for 2 hours (or up to 5 hours).

Bake at this point or refrigerate covered for as long as 2 weeks. When ready to bake, dust dough lightly with flour and cut off a grapefruit sized piece of dough with a serrated knife. Turn dough in hands to lightly stretch the surface, creating a rounded top and a lumpy bottom. Put dough on pizza peel sprinkled with cornmeal (or parchment paper). Let rest 40 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough or refrigerate it.

Place broiler pan on bottom of oven. Place baking stone on middle or lower rack and turn oven to 450 degrees). Heat stone for 20 minutes.

Dust dough with flour and slash top with serrated knife three times. Slide onto hot stone, pour 1 cup hot water into broiler pan and shut oven door quickly to trap steam. Bake until well browned, about 20 - 30 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.

Yields 3 - 4 loaves

**This is best eaten the day it is baked. Serve with butter and enjoy!

Homemade Tartar Sauce

2010-06-05T21:17:00.020-04:00

We had fish for dinner tonight and I had a taste for tartar sauce. I hate the taste of tartar sauce you buy at the grocery store. So I decided to make my own, and it was YUMMY! My recipe only makes a small amount which was great because I thought no one else would eat it. I was wrong. I should have doubled it.

Homemade Tartar Sauce

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon sweet pickle cubes or relish (I used the cubes)
1/2 teaspoon pickle juice
1 teaspoon minced onion
2 teaspoons lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Set in refrigerator at least an hour before serving. (Mine was in the fridge for only about 20 minutes and it was still good.)

Peanut Butter Icing / Frosting

2010-06-02T08:43:00.001-04:00

We just had a family reunion for my husband's side of the family. I love family reunions because there is always such good food. Trouble is, I never get the recipes. Well, next year we plan to bring the recipes along with the food. I did get one recipe from my daughter-in-law, Brandi. She made brownies (from a box) with Peanut Butter Icing / Frosting. Man, it was the talk of the reunion--it was delicious! So whether you call it Icing or Frosting, this recipe will be on your list of favorites.

Peanut Butter Icing / Frosting

1 cup peanut butter
2/3 cup softened butter
2 Tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar

Beat peanut butter, butter, milk and vanilla together. Add powdered sugar and beat well. If necessary, add a "titch" (as Brandi says) of milk to consistency.

Dora's Delicious Spaghetti Sauce

2010-05-31T08:00:00.001-04:00

I have one more recipe from my sister that I want to share. Her mother-in-law, Dora, makes a delicious spaghetti sauce. My sister, Cathy, will make this when I come to visit. Everyone loves it. Unfortunately, my sister doesn't really have a written recipe and neither does her mother-in-law, so I wrote down everything Cathy did. When I tried to make it from my notes, it turned out really good. Hope you can follow my directions and hope that your sauce turns out just as good. My sister really is a good cook and I love her! She's the best sister in the whole world. Here's a picture of her cooking this delicious sauce.

Dora's Delicious Spaghetti Sauce

2 pounds lean ground beef

2 cans (14.5 oz.) stewed tomatoes

4 cans (6 oz.) tomato paste
2 cans (6 oz.) water (use the tomato paste cans)
2 - 3 large onions chopped (or use 2 (8 oz.) packages of chopped onion)
3 - 4 stalks of celery, chopped (or use 1 (6 oz.) package of chopped celery)

1 large bell pepper, chopped (or use 1 (8 oz.) package of chopped bell pepper)

Canola oil
2 - 3 Tablespoons minced garlic
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
1/4 cup of Sugar
Juice from 1/2 of a lemon

Pour canola oil to fill bottom of a large pot (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) on a medium-high to high heat. Add the 2 - 3 tablespoons of minced garlic, onion, bell pepper and celery and cook until soft and onions are transparent.

While the above is sauteing, season the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder (lots of garlic powder), onion powder--don't be stingy, season well--and as my sister says, "Mush it all together". Then all meat to onion mixture and let it brown. (My sister says to make the meat chunky, not little pieces.)

While browning the meat, open the cans. Add the tomato paste and tomatoes to the mixture. Again, Cathy says to "Mush" the stewed tomatoes into the mixture. Add the lemon and bring to a boil. Now you will need to heavily add more salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. HEAVY, HEAVY, HEAVY! Especially the garlic powder--Cathy must have put in 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Then add 1/4 cup sugar, bring to a boil again, stir and simmer for 2 1/2 hours, covered.

Here we are enjoying our delicious meal. Thanks, Cat!

By the way, HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! Sorry I didn't post any cookout recipes. I'll try to do better next year. I'm thankful for all those men and women who have served and do serve today protecting our country and preserving our freedom. God Bless America!

Cathy's Buttery Corn Bread

2010-05-24T08:22:00.000-04:00

Here is the recipe for the delicious corn bread my sister served with her "Not So Spicy Crock Pot Chili". She got the chili recipe and this corn bread recipe from her neighbor. It is so sweet and buttery, and so easy to make. Ummmm, I can taste it now.

Cathy's Buttery Corn Bread

2/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 2/3 cups milk
2 1/3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. In a small bowl, combine eggs and milk. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with egg mixture. (Or if you're like me, just put it all in the bowl and mix together!) Pour into a greased 9 x 13 pan and bake at 400 for 22 - 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cut into squares and serve.

Not So Spicy Crock Pot Chili

2010-05-18T13:19:00.001-04:00

Lately I've been doing more traveling than cooking. I visited with my children and grandchildren in Utah, Connecticut, and Charlotte, NC. I also went to visit my family in Charleston, SC. While in Charleston, my sister made some delicious chili and cornbread. I loved the chili because it wasn't so spicy--hence the recipe name, Not So Spicy Crock Pot Chili. Now you can make it spicy by adding 2 to 3 hot chili peppers of your choice, seeded and chopped. Also, my sister used 1 pound of venison and 1 pound of bison instead of the 2 pounds of ground beef. It was so good, and like my sister says, "Healthy for you!" So, here's to your health!

Not So Spicy Crock Pot Chili

2 pounds ground beef (or 1 pound venison, 1 pound bison)
3 cans (16 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 - 4 cups tomato juice

In a large skillet, cook meat over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain and put into your crock pot. Stir in beans, tomato paste, onion, green pepper, vinegar, seasonings and 2 cups of tomato juice. Cover and cook on low for 4 - 6 hours. Add more tomato juice if needed for desired thickness.

**My sister uses those crock pot liners in her crock pot. Sure does make clean up easy. You can find them in the grocery store by the plastic wrap.

Quick and Easy Skillet Garlic Chicken

2010-05-13T08:53:00.051-04:00

Now I must admit, this garlic chicken is not only quick and easy, but it is delicious! My family loved it and they keep asking when I'm going to make it again. You have got to try this recipe. Serve it with your favorite sides. I think your family will add this to their list of favorites.

Quick and Easy Skillet Garlic Chicken

4 - 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 teaspoon onion powder

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken breasts and season with the garlic powder, seasoning salt and onion powder. (I sprinkled half of the seasonings on one side and half on the other side.) Saute over medium low heat, covered, about 10 - 12 minutes on each side or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Then I took the chicken out and added a little bit of flour to the juices to make a gravy (you can add chicken broth to make more gravy) and put the chicken back in. I continued to cook it for a few minutes, then removed it from stove and set it aside to keep it warm until ready to serve.

Macaroni Salad

2010-05-10T08:35:00.000-04:00

I have the best macaroni salad recipe. It makes a lot, so make sure when you make it you are having friends over to share it with. But then again, it is so good, you may not want to share it with anyone.

Macaroni Salad

16 oz. macaroni (can use rotini or ziti)
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons instant beef boullion granules
2 Tablespoons hot water
1 1/2 cup mayonaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
Several dashes black pepper
3 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
2 small green peppers, chopped
1/3 cup sweet pickle
2 teaspoons dry dill weed

Cook macaroni in salted water and drain. Toss macaroni in 1/2 cup milk and cover and chill.

In a medium bowl, dissolve boullion in hot water. Add mayo, sour cream, salt, pepper. Stir into macaroni. Add tomato, onion, green pepper, pickle, and dill weed. Makes about 16 servings.

Tuna Pasta Salad

2010-05-06T09:00:00.002-04:00

Everyone loves my Tuna Pasta Salad. The secret ingredient-------Apples. Here is how I make it:

Boil 3 cups rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta) in salted water per package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside.

Open 3 small cans of tuna (at least one can should be white tuna, but doesn't have to be). Drain and then put some lemon juice in each can and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then drain again. Put the tuna in a bowl and mix well. Add 1 rib of celery, chopped. Then add 1 tablespoon sweet chopped pickle and 1 tablespoon pickle juice. Cut a large apple (I use Fuji or Pink Lady or both!) into small pieces and add to mixture. Sometimes I add more apple, because that's the best part! Then add mayonaisse or vegenaise to desired consistency (about 3 tablespoons). Finally add the pasta and a little more mayo if needed. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix well. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

**This is a great dish to make during the summer when it's too hot to turn on the oven. We serve it as a main dish with fresh raw veggies and fresh fruit. It's delicious!

Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

2010-05-03T08:25:00.024-04:00

Here's an easy crock pot recipe with chicken and rice. So I'll call it "Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice". Good name, huh? My daughter thought it was plain but was really good. My granddaughter, Addy, said it tasted like my chicken pot pie. I thought the rice was a little mushy. But it was quick and easy and everyone ate it, so I won't complain.

Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

4 - 5 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 cup long grain white rice

Cut chicken breasts into large chunks. Put the soups in the crock pot and mix together. Add the rice and the chicken chunks and mix together. Cook on high for 30 minutes then turn to low and cook for 4 hours. (I did stir it after about 2 hours and then let it finish cooking.)

Guacamole

2010-04-30T08:14:00.000-04:00

My daughter, Charen, makes the best guacamole. All she does is peel an avocado and remove the seed. Then she mashes the avocado in a bowl and adds salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. I love to put it on my tacos. Hey, did you know that if you save the avocado seed and put it in the middle of the guacamole, it will keep the guacamole from turning brown? Of course, we eat it so fast it doesn't have time to turn brown!

Grandma Cleo's Pecan Cookies

2010-04-26T09:28:00.010-04:00

We made a book for my mother-in-law about her life (she's 97 and will probably out-live us). It included memories from her children and grandchildren, pictures, some of her funny jokes and her delicious cookie recipe. I thought I would share this recipe with you. It really is a delicious cookie--you can't eat just one!

Grandma Cleo's Pecan Cookies

2 cups self-rising flour
2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
2 cups finely chopped pecans
1 stick butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs, beaten

Melt butter and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add flour and pecans. Mix well. Drop cookie dough by teaspoons ontp a greased cookie pan. Bake at 350 for 8 - 10 minutes.

Carrot Souffle

2010-04-26T08:59:00.000-04:00

Every week Publix has a food demonstration and tasting, and they give out the recipes. A few weeks ago they had this carrot souffle. It was delicious, so I made it for my family. My family loved it and I think your family will too.

Carrot Souffle

1 pound fresh carrots
1/3 cup butter (I used only 1/4 cup)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut carrots into 1/4 inch thick slices. Combine with butter and cover. Microwave on HIGH for 8 - 10 minutes or until tender.

Process carrots in food processor with remaining ingredients. (I used my blender.) Put into a baking dish sprayed with Pam. Bake for 30 - 40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes and serve.

Chicken Tacos with Mango-Avocado Salsa

2010-04-22T10:14:00.030-04:00

My friend, Stephanie, found a great recipe in Cooking Light magazine. She told me that it is so good that she makes it at least once a week. As a matter of fact, she loves it so much she made it for me and my family to eat. Man, it was good! This will definitely be on my list of favorites, too.

Chicken Tacos with Mango-Avocado Salsa

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

1 1/2 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 cup diced peeled mango

1/2 cup diced peeled avocado

1/2 cup chopped tomato

1/3 cup chopped onion

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper

tortillas

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Combine first 4 ingredients; stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt. Rub over chicken. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add chicken; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan; let stand 5 minutes. Cut into 1/4 inch thick slices.

While chicken cooks, combine mango, avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeno; stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Heat tortillas according to package directions; top with chicken and mango avocado salsa. oon paprika

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

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

I'm always up for trying something new. I found a lemon chicken orzo recipe and decided to try it. My family enjoyed it. I think the next time I make it, I will add more chicken and more peas. If you're up for trying something new, you're going to like this one.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

1 (16 oz.) box Orzo pasta

4 chicken breasts, cubed

1 onion, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 (8 oz.) package frozen peas, thawed slightly

Lemon Pepper seasoning

Salt to taste

Cook orzo pasta al dente, rinse in cold water and set aside. Cook cubed chicken breast in skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat with lemon pepper seasoning until partially cooked. Add onion and celery to chicken and continue to cook until chicken is done and juices run clear. In large bowl, add chicken mixture to orzo pasta. Add peas and mix thoroughly. Add more lemon pepper seasoning and salt to taste. Can be eaten warm or chilled.

**It makes a lot, but the recipe said you could freeze half of it. I'll never know because there is no chance of leftovers in my house!

Easy Cucumber Salad

2010-04-15T08:45:00.001-04:00

When I was growing up, my mom used to always make a quick, easy cucumber salad that we loved. She just sliced the cucumbers into a bowl. Then she sliced an onion (sometimes I use red onion to give is more color) and added fresh chopped tomatoes. Finally she poured Italian salad dressing on top, tossed and served. I make this quite often, especially when I don't have enough time to make my Cucumber Cooler. My family loves cucumbers no matter how they are served.

Tater Tot Hamburger Casserole

2010-04-12T08:54:00.044-04:00

The other morning I went to get something from the outside freezer. I reached to open the door to the freezer and realized it was already opened. My heart stopped! Why was the door open? Who left the door open? Was all my food ruined? I quickly opened the freezer door wide so I could see the inside. Oh, I was so sad. My chicken, hamburger and tater tots were all thawed. Well, I knew what we'd be having for supper that night--Tater Tot Hamburger Casserole! Of course the next evening we had my famous grilled chicken. Just goes to show that something good does come out of something bad.

Tater Tot Hamburger Casserole

1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 bag frozen tater tots
1 - 2 cups grated cheese
Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Brown meat and onion. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Drain juices from meat and add soups. Mix together. Spray a 9 x 13 dish with Pam and pour mixture into dish. Put tater tots on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, until tater tots are brown. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake 10 - 15 minutes more, until cheese is melted.

**In case you're interested, here's the scoop on the opened door to the freezer:
My granddaughter, Addy, went to the freezer to get a popcicle. As she grabbed the popcicle, she saw a huge bug in the garage. Screaming at the top of her lungs, she ran inside as quickly as she could. (She's like her mom, Charen--HATES BUGS!) And you know the rest of the story!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Brownies

2010-04-09T08:55:00.026-04:00

Now, talk about something good! These brownies are to die for. Chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallow--You may think you've been to heaven and back when you try this delicious dessert.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Brownies

1 package (19.8 oz) Brownie Mix (I used Duncan Hines chewy Fudge Brownie Mix)

1 package (10 1/2 oz.) miniature marshmallows (Kraft is the best)
1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
I cup creamy peanut butter (I use Jiff)
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cup rice krispies cereal

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom of 9 x 13 pan. Prepare and bake brownies following package directions. Remove from oven and sprinkle marshmallows on the hot brownies. Return to oven and bake for 3 minutes longer.

Put chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter in a medium pan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until chips are melted. Add rice cereal and mix well. Spread mixture over marshmallow layer. Refrigerate until chilled.

**Since my family loves anything peanut butter and chocolate, I made this dessert for Easter and put some pastel sprinkles on top to make it look Spring-like. It was definitely "heavenly"!

Strawberry Blueberry Poppy Seed Pasta Salad

2010-04-06T08:10:00.025-04:00

Now that is a mouthful--Strawberry Blueberry Poppy Seed Pasta Salad. And you're going to love every mouthful when you taste this delicious fruit and pasta salad.

Strawberry Blueberry Poppy Seed Pasta Salad

1 box (1 pound) bowtie pasta
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried mustard
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup vegetable oil (I use canola oil)
1 1/2 Tablespoon onion juice or grated onion
1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
Strawberries
Blueberries

Cook bowtie pasta according to directions on box. Rinse and set aside to let cool.

Put sugar, salt, mustard and vinegar in a small pot. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves. (It does not need to come to a boil.) Put this mixture in a blender. Slowly add oil and blend. Add onion and poppy seeds and blend. (This is the same recipe I use in my Poppyseed Salad, except for the onion.)

Put pasta in a bowl and pour 1/2 the dressing mixture in it and mix well. Let it marinate overnight. Add the strawberries and blueberries. Fold into pasta. Add the rest of the dressing. Toss and serve.

**Doesn't this salad look beautiful in my strawberry bowl? This would be a great salad to serve on a red, white and blue day--Memorial Day or 4th of July.

Oh, and speaking of special days. . . . . . . . . . . .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JONATHAN! I love you!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Delight

2010-04-03T09:21:00.005-04:00

I was making a meal to take to my friend and I needed a quick dessert. I found a recipe on a piece of torn notebook paper that was probably written over 30 years ago. It had chocolate bars written along the side, but I really I didn't know (or should I say remember) what it was. Since it looked easy to make and I had all the ingredients, I decided to try it. Personally, I liked the bars just they way they were because I love anything chocolate. My daughter, Charen, thought they needed something else. So we tried putting crunchy peanut butter between two pieces, making it like a sandwich. Of course, Charen loves peanut butter. You know the saying that "two heads are better than one"? Guess that's true when it came to creating one of our new favorite treats, Chocolate Peanut Butter Delight. We were delighted that this chocolate bar turned out so yummy! By the way, my friend and her family loved it, too.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Delight

2 squares unsweetened chocolate

1 stick butter

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

Crunchy Peanut Butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Melt butter and unsweetened chocolate squares together. Add all other ingredients, except peanut butter, and mix well. Spread evenly on a greased jelly roll pan. Bake 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Let cool and cut into squares. Spread peanut butter on one square and put a square on top like a sandwich. Serve and enjoy.

Pecan Crusted Tilapia

2010-04-01T08:35:00.008-04:00

I'm sad to say that this will be my last post--------------APRIL FOOL'S! Don't you just hate those silly April Fool's jokes? Well, this recipe is no joke. It is simple, tasty and you can substitute your favorite fish--catfish, flounder or orange roughy.

Pecan Crusted Tilapia

1/2 cup pecan halves, finely chopped (I used my food processor to chop them)

4 - 5 fresh or frozen tilapia fillets ( I used frozen)

Salt, Pepper, Garlic powder to taste

3 Tablespoons butter

Sprinkle fish fillets with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Dip fish in the finely chopped pecans. (Some did not want to stick, so I just placed the pecans on the fish.)

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until well browned and fish flakes with a fork. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of parsley, if desired.

**I served it with lemon wedges in case someone wanted to put a squeeze of lemon on the fish. It was fantastic. My family really loved it.

Grandma Sylvia's Passover Sponge Cake

2010-03-31T09:15:00.006-04:00

When my Grandma Sylvia was alive, she would always make a delicious sponge cake for Passover. We were always excited about Passover because we knew Grandma would make us this special cake. She also made a tasty Gefilte Fish from scratch. If I'm brave, I'll try to make it next Passover and post it. My cousin, Rozy, makes the sponge cake and gefilte fish for the family now.

When I was in Charleston, my sister gave me the recipe for Grandma's sponge cake. I just had to make it and it turned out delicious. It brought back childhood memories of my sweet grandma and the wonderful times we shared--especially eating her Passover sponge cake!

Grandma Sylvia's Passover Sponge Cake

10 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

3/4 cake meal

1/4 cup potato starch

Juice of half a lemon (about 1 1/2 Tablespoons)

Separate eggs. Place yolks in mixer bowl and gradually add sugar, beating until light and creamy. Combine cake meal and potato starch and add to mixture. Pour in lemon juice.

In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until very stiff and gently fold into yolk mixture. Put mixture in an ungreased 10 inch tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes, until cake springs back when pressed. Invert to cool.

**My sister said she has trouble making this cake--that it always falls. I don't know what I did different from her, but I did mix everything in glass bowls rather than my plastic bowls. I also used an angel food cake pan and I let the cake cool completely before I tried to remove it from the pan. Mine turned out perfect. My family loved it.

Now I don't know if it is really kosher to do this, but I tried a piece of sponge cake with cool whip and strawberries on the top. Ummm, that was delicious, too. But I love it just plain.

Matzo and Eggs

2010-03-30T10:32:00.000-04:00

I just got back from visiting my family in Charleston. I had a great time and was very excited to come home with a box of Matzos. Usually I get my matzo after Passover--my sweet sister gives me her leftovers. But this year she surprised me and gave me a box before Passover. (She knows I love matzo.) So, this morning I made me some Matzo and Eggs. Ummmmm, it was soooooo good! Brought back lots of memories. Thanks, Cat!

How to make Matzo and Eggs:

Crack 2 eggs into a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste and beat eggs together.

Take 1 square of matzo and rinse it with water for several seconds.

Break matzo up into eggs. Mix the eggs and pieces of matzo together, coating the matzo. Set aside.

Now heat a frying pan on medium high and add a slab of butter. Coat pan with the melted butter and add the egg and matzo mixture. Turn heat down to medium. Stir often until egg is cooked, only takes a few minutes. Put in a dish and enjoy!

Now this is could be enough for 2 people, but I always eat the whole thing and still want more. Can't wait to fix it again tomorrow morning.

HAPPY PASSOVER!

Perfect Rice Pilaf

2010-03-29T08:22:00.004-04:00

Looking for the perfect side dish to serve? Try this rice pilaf. It's the perfect choice for any meal.

Perfect Rice Pilaf

2 Tablespoons butter

1/2 cup orzo pasta, uncooked

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 -2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup uncooked white rice

2 cups chicken broth

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add orzo pasta. Cook and stir until pasta is golden brown. Stir in onion and cook until onion becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add rice and chicken broth. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed (about 20 minutes). Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and it's ready to serve.

Broccoli Corn Bread

2010-03-27T09:05:00.004-04:00

For the Chili Cook-Off, I also made some corn bread and again wanted to make something different. I found this broccoli corn bread recipe in a church cookbook, so decided to try it. It was a hit--everyone loved it.

Broccoli Corn Bread

1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix

4 eggs beaten

1 small onion, chopped

1 box frozen broccoli, chopped (I chopped it into very small pieces and let it thaw a little)

4 oz. (1 cup) shredded Cheddar cheese

1 stick butter, melted

1/2 cup sour cream

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Bake in a greased 7 x 11 inch pan at 425 degrees for 25 minutes.

Crock Pot Veggie Chili

2010-03-24T10:17:00.005-04:00

Every year at church we have a Chili Cook-Off. I usually make my Turkey Chili recipe, but every year I come home without a prize. So this year I decided to try something different. I made a veggie chili that I saw in Southern Living. It was absolutely delicious! No, I didn't win a prize (they let the youth judge and you know they hate vegetables), but my friend who was in charge of the cook-off said that I would always be a winner in her eyes and she handed me a handful of candy. I think she just felt sorry for me. But you won't be sorry when you make this delicious veggie chili.

Crock Pot Veggie Chili

1 cup diced carrots

1/2 - 1 cup diced celery

1 sweet onion, diced

Cooking spray or olive oil

1 large package sliced fresh mushrooms

1 - 2 zucchinis, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

1 yellow squash, chopped (about1 cup)

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon seasoned pepper

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

3 cups tomato juice

1 (14 1/2 oz.) cans petite diced tomatoes, undrained

4 (15 oz.) cans pinto, black, kidney, or great Northern beans, rinsed and drained (I used one of each)

1 cup whole kernel corn (frozen or canned)

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons sugar (I also put 2 Tablespoons of brown sugar to cut that tomato taste)

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. Saute the carrots, celery and onion over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until onions are translucent. Add the mushroom, zucchini, and squash and saute for about 3 more minutes. Add the chili powder, basil and seasoned pepper and continue to saute for 5 more minutes. Set aside.

In a crock pot, stir together the tomato sauce and tomato juice. Add the diced tomatoes, beans, corn and vegetable mixture and mix together. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Salt and pepper to taste.

**I changed the recipe just a little bit from the one in Southern Living, but it did say that you can freeze cooled leftovers for up to 2 months. Well, I never have any leftovers to freeze!

Oh, by the way, I tried to get a copy of the winning chili recipe, but they said they really didn't have a recipe. It was just made with lots of spice and lots of love. But I did find out the secret ingredient--------ELK! (He went to Montana to hunt for elk.) Do you believe that? It's just not fair. I don't think we have any elk in South Carolina. Now, how can I compete with that? :-)

Spanish Rice

2010-03-22T07:08:00.003-04:00

Sometimes you just need a quick, easy delicious side to serve with your main dish. This Spanish Rice does the trick--quick, easy, and delicious!

Spanish Rice

1 - 2 Tablespoons oil (I used olive oil)

1 small onion chopped

1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup chunky salsa

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add rice to skillet, stirring often. When rice begins to brown, stir in chicken broth and salsa. When it comes to a boil, cover and reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed.

**This makes a lot of rice, so if you have a small family just cut the ingredients in half. Of course, my family enjoyed the left-overs!

Baked Lemon Chicken

2010-03-20T08:42:00.002-04:00

I'm always looking for a good chicken recipe. I tried this baked lemon chicken recipe and we really enjoyed it. It reminded me of the Chicken Poupon Dijon my family loves. By the way, did you notice the new white dish? My sister, Cathy, bought this for me to display my food on because she thought my brown dishes were so ugly! She said it was all about presentation. Well, you're right Cat--that chicken does look good on my new white plate. Thanks for taking care of your big sister.

Baked Lemon Chicken

3 Tablespoons butter, melted

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Combine the butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Place bread crumbs in another dish. Dip chicken in the butter mixture, then coat with crumbs. Place in a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Drizzle any remaining butter mixture on top of chicken. Bake, uncovered at 350 for 40 - 45 minutes.

Cherry Chocolate Dessert

2010-03-18T09:05:00.003-04:00

I love cherries--cherry pie, cherry tootsie pops, chocolate covered cherries, cherry jello, cherry popsicles, cherry applesauce--cherry anything! Now I've added Cherry Chocolate Dessert to my list. Absolutely Delicious!

Cherry Chocolate Dessert

2 (21 oz.) cans of cherry pie filling

1 cups (12 oz.0 chocolate chips

1 cup chopped pecans toasted and divided

1 (18.25 oz.0 chocolate cake mix

3/4 cup butter

Spread cherry pie filling on bottom of lightly greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup pecans. Sprinkle chocolate cake mix evenly over pecans. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup pecans over cake mix. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake at 350 for 50 - 55 minutes or until bubbly.

Baked Chicken Nuggets

2010-03-15T07:43:00.007-04:00

Kids love chicken nuggets. I don't know why. They're so bad for you--all processed and everything. Well, here's a homemade chicken nugget recipe you and your kids are going to love.

Baked Chicken Nuggets

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut chicken breasts into 1 1/2 inch size pieces. In a medium bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, cheese, salt, thyme and basil. Mix well. Put melted butter in a bowl for dipping. Dip chicken pieces into the melted butter first, then coat with the bread crumb mixture. Place coated chicken pieces on a lightly greased cookie sheet in a single layer, and bake at 400 for 2o minutes. Turn the chicken pieces over on other side and bake for 5 more minutes.

**To make this lower in fat content, dip chicken in a beaten egg rather than butter. You can also dip in skim milk if you'd rather. Another tip for getting the nuggets crispy on both sides is to bake them on a cooling rack on top of the cookie sheet (this way you don't have to turn chicken nuggets on other side). I'll have to try this next time I make these delicious homemade chicken nuggets.

No Cook Salsa

2010-03-13T09:53:00.004-05:00

Sometimes you just have a taste for salsa and chips. Here is a delicious no cook salsa recipe. You will need to plan ahead because you need to make this the day before you serve it. The salsa needs time to let the flavors develop. It keeps well in the fridge and the longer it sits, the better it is. Serve with corn chips and other dippers.

No Cook Salsa

1 can diced or whole tomatoes (I put it in a blender because my son-in-law doesn't like chunks of tomato.)

1 chopped onion

1 chopped bell pepper

1 can black beans, drained

1 can white shoepeg or niblet corn (I used shoepeg.)

Picante sauce to taste

Tomato sauce to taste (I didn't even put this in. I thought the picante sauce was enough.)

1 pinch sugar

1 juice of a lime

1 juice of a lemon

Cilantro

Combine all ingredients, adding picante sauce to taste. Place in a container and refrigerate over night.

**Try other additions and develop your own "special salsa".

Luscious Lemon Cake

2010-03-10T09:36:00.004-05:00

My mother-in-law loves lemon--lemon cookies, lemon pie, lemon jelly, lemon anything! So I made her a lemon cake and it was luscious. So I call it Luscious Lemon Cake. If you're a lemon lover and even if you're not, you're gonna love this one. It's a keeper.

Luscious Lemon Cake

1 box lemon cake mix

1 box instant lemon pudding

1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons water

4 eggs

1 stick butter, softened (I always forget to take the butter out, so I just microwave it for about 5 seconds)

Mix cake mix, eggs , lemon pudding, butter and water together. (I used my hand mixer to mix it together.) Put into a greased 9 x 13 cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Take out of oven and cut into squares. Leave in pan.

Icing:

1 can (16 0z.) frozen lemonade

1 box powdered sugar

Mix lemonade and sugar together. Pour over hot cake squares. Put back in oven for 5 minutes.