Swapping Secrets

Red pepper and Feta dip

2011-06-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Here's another one for ya Jennie! This dip is so good I could seriously eat the whole bowl!

Ingredients:

1 15oz. can garbanzo beans, drained
1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese
1 4oz. jar roasted red peppers, drained
(or make your own)
3 TBL. lemon juice
1TBL. chopped fresh flat leaf parsley I would probably use more
and maybe even cilantro
1/ 2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp salt

Place everything in food processor; blend till smooth, sometimes I needed to
add a little juice from the beans or from the peppers to make it a good consistency.

Dip with pretzels, tortilla chips, pita chips, or veggies or use as a spread on a wrap or a sandwich!

Sun-dried tomato artichoke Chicken

2011-06-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry we devoured this dish before I even thought to take a picture. I suppose that's how good it is! Enjoy, very simple but full of flavor!

1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or dried)
2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite size chunks
1/4 cup flour
2 tbs cooking oil
1/2 white wine (I used chicken broth)
1 Tbs fresh or bottled lemon juice
1 can quartered artichoke hearts (drained)
1/3 cup julienne cut sun dried tomatoes
2 Tbs or so of grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat large sauce pan on medium high heat, add oil. Coat chicken with flour. Cook chicken until golden brown. Stir in chicken broth, reduce heat to medium-low, cook 2-3 minutes or until liquid is slightly reduced. Sprinkle lemon juice over chicken, add artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cover and cook 3-4 min. Remove from heat, top with thyme and Parmesan. Serve alone or over any type of pasta. Also good with wild rice.

Pink Sauce

2010-09-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

this is one of my favorite pasta dishes, and can be healthy if you cut back on the butter and cream.

1 onion, finely diced (I think the smaller the better)

2-3 tsp minced garlic

1/2 stick butter

3 Tablespoons olive oil

1 8 oz. package of mushrooms, finely chopped (again, the smaller the better)

1 large or 2 small zucchini, shredded (I use a cheese grater)

1 yellow squash, shredded

1 large can petite diced tomatoes, drained

1-2 tsp basil (fresh is better but I always forget to buy it, if you use fresh basil, add more)

1/2 pint heavy cream

salt & pepper

1 pkg angel hair pasta

Melt butter and olive oil in pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic and cook until translucent. Salt and pepper after the addition of each vegetable. Add mushrooms and saute until cooked thoroughly. Turn the heat to medium low and layer the shredded zucchini and yellow squash on top. Don't stir, let the zucchini and yellow squash steam. Add diced tomatoes, basil and cream. Cook while stirring occasionally for as little as ten minutes or as long as an hour. The longer you let the flavors come together the better. Serve over pasta.

Chicken with Mushroom Cream Sauce

2010-09-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

2 5-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium shallot, minced (used 1 garlic clove)
1 cup thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps (used regular mushrooms)
2 tablespoons dry vermouth, or dry white wine
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons heavy cream (used milk)
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives, or scallion greens (just left this out :)

Preparation
Season chicken with pepper and salt on both sides.
Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Add shallot to the pan and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 minutes. Pour in vermouth (or wine); simmer until almost evaporated, scraping up any browned bits, about 1 minute. Pour in broth and cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in cream and chives (or scallions); return to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan, turn to coat with sauce and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

**This was super quick and easy but didn't make a ton of sauce - I served it over pasta. I might double the wine, chicken broth, and cream (I used milk) next time?

Honey-Soy Broiled Salmon

2010-09-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

Alright ladies, lets get back to our recipe swapping because I am in need of some new dinners! I made this one last night and it was delish

1 scallion, minced (I used 1 garlic clove instead)

2 T reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 T rice vinegar

1 T honey

1 tsp fresh minced ginger (I just used a couple shakes of dried ginger)

1 pound salmon, skinned

1. Whisk scallion, soy sauce, vinegar, honey and ginger in bowl until honey is dissolved. Place salmon in ziploc bad, add 3 T sauce and refrigerate; let marinate for 15 min. Reserve remaining sauce.

2. Preheat broiler. Line small baking pan with foil and coat with cooking spray

3. Transfer salmon to pan, skinned-side down. (discard marinade) Broil salmon 4-6 in from heat until cooked, 6-10 min. Drizzle with remaining sauce

From Scratch Brownies

2010-07-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

16 oz. can chocolate syrup
1/2 C. butter
1 C. all purpose flour
1 C. Sugar
4 eggs

Mix chocolate syrup, butter, flour and sugar together; add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour into a greased 13x9 baking pan; bake at 350 degrees for 30minutes. Makes 15-18 servings.

pizza dough

2010-04-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

1 package dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water

Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for ten minutes.

2 1/2 cups flour (add a little more if the dough seems overly sticky)
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp honey (sometimes I add, sometimes I don't)
3/4 cup cold water

In mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, olive oil, honey and cold water. Add yeast mixture and knead with dough hook (or by hand) for five minutes. Form into a ball and place in oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for about one hour.

Divide dough in half and shape each half into a 12" round. Prebake crusts for 10 minutes at 450 degrees before adding toppings. After topping pizzas, bake again for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 2, 12" pizzas.

Lemon Herb & Garlic Shrimp

2010-04-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 c. olive oil
4 to 6 T. butter
1 lb. pkg. frozen cooked shrimp
1.1 oz. lemon herb soup mix

Saute garlic in olive oil and butter for 2 minutes: add shrimp. Simmer until shrimp thaws; stir often. Dissolve soup seasoning mix in one cup warm water; pour over shrimp mixture. Simmer until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Homemade Oreo Cookies

2010-03-10T07:27:00.000-08:00

You have to try these they are SO easy and SO good! Warning: you may experience sugar coma!

oreo cookies
(a la julie)

1 package of devil's food cake mix
2 eggs
3/4 cup of shortening

blend all together at once.

roll soft dough in small balls
on a cookie sheet.
(don't press down,
keep balls intact before baking)

bake at 350 degrees
for 8 minutes
(don't you dare over-bake)

frosting for the middle:

8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 stick of butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 to 4 c. powdered sugar

mix until smooth.

when cookies are cool:
frost backs of cookies
and make sandwich with another cookie.

I got the recipe here.

Taco Pizza

2010-02-16T20:04:00.000-08:00

This is a great vegetarian meal that is SO filling! Eat your heart out missy :)

1 c black beans, rinsed
1/2 c chopped jarred roasted red peppers (I just use fresh)
1 medium clove garlic, quartered
1 tbsp chili powder
1/4 tsp salt
Pizza crust
1 c shredded monterey jack cheese
2 medium plum tomatoes, diced
1/4 c chopped black olives

Place beans, peppers, garlic, chili powder, and salt in blender or food processor and mix.
Spread bean mixture on pizza crust and top with tomatoes, olives, and cheese.
** I also add avocadoes, corn, and sometimes ground beef. It is so yummy!

***Also, did you know if you rinse your beans before cooking they will give you less gas?? Just a fun fact for you :)

super easy chili

2010-01-25T16:19:00.000-08:00

lately I've been into anything that is easy to make, so sorry this recipe isn't super exciting, but it is really good. I'm including the original and my vegetarian version.

3 cans of beans (pork and beans, pinto beans, chili beans)...for the veggie version I used 2 cans of chili beans and one can of black beans
1 lb browned hamburger
1 can tomato sauce
3 cans water*
1 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 chopped onion (optional)

*I never use three cans of water, I usually use between 1 and 2 until it's the desired consistency.
For the veggie version, I omit the hamburger and add zucchini, corn and mushrooms.

Cook in a saucepan until warm and simmer until you are ready to eat. This also works great in a crockpot. I garnish with cheese, sour cream and Fritos (not super healthy, but super yummy!).

Creamy Oatmeal

2010-01-25T07:13:00.000-08:00

Oatmeal (with sweet potato or pumpkin)
from Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld

1 cup nonfat milk
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup canned pumpkin or sweet potato puree
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 cup oats
2 tsp peanut butter
dried fruits and nuts

Bring milk, sugar, pumpkin or sweet potato, and vanilla to gentle boil. Add oatmeal and simmer 2-3 min. until it thickens and oatmeal is soft. Stir in peanut butter.

If you love oatmeal this is a great recipe. Its so creamy and tasty! We didn't put the peanut butter in ours but we did add craisins and it was delicious! My two year old loved it too.

Cinnamon Rolls

2009-10-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

These are a family favorite around here and they are really simple

Scald 1 cup milk

Pour over
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons Shortening/Margarine (I use butter and it works just as well)

Mix
2 yeast packages (2 Tablespoons)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup luke warm water

To the milk mix add 2 cups flour. Then beat in yeast mixture. Add 3 beaten eggs and then 5 more cups of flour. Let rise until double. Roll out into a big rectangle. Spread on melted butter cinnamon and sugar. Roll up and cut into inch size rolls using dental floss (make sure it is not flavored it will give your rolls a funny taste). Place on cookie sheet and let rise until double again.

Bake for 15 min.

Icing

I just make a butter cream frosting (the same as I use for sugar cookies, consistency and all) and ice the cinnamon rolls while they are still warm the frosting melts down into the cracks...yum!

1 stick butter
1 tablespoon milk (more or less depending on consistency and how much icing you want)
I usually make a little extra. You can never have enough icing.
powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream butter and add powdered sugar. Mix in milk and vanilla adding more powdered sugar until you get the desired consistency and taste you are looking for.

Pumpkin Bars

2009-10-21T12:17:00.001-07:00

As good as Old Grist Mill (do I dare say...?)

4 eggs
1 2/3 c sugar
1 c vegetable oil (I used applesauce)
15 oz can pumpkin
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

Mix eggs, sugar, oil (or applesauce) and pumpkin together. Sift dry ingredients together and add to pumpkin mixture. Mix well. Pour onto a greased cookie sheet (with sides) and bake at 350 for 25 mins or until done. Frost with cream cheese frosting. Wait to frost until it cools.

4-6 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup butter/margarine
1 tsp vanilla
2 c powdered sugar

Blend until smooth.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2009-10-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is a very easy recipe and it tastes wonderful. It is even better as leftovers. My mom has been making this forever so I think it's her recipe, but not sure. My hubby Jake loves this ... it's more like a tortilla chip dip for him than a soup. You can make it even quicker if you go buy one of those Roasted Chickens that are already cooked and shred it instead of cooking your own chicken. Enjoy!!!

Chicken Tortilla Soup
1 qt. V-8 Juice
2 c. chicken broth
2 c. frozen corn
1 (15oz) can kidney beans
1 tsp. ground cumin
½ tsp. pepper
4 corn tortillas
2 c. shredded cooked chicken
¼ c. chopped cilantro

In a large saucepan, over high heat, bring V-8, chicken broth, corn, kidney beans, cumin, and pepper to a boil. Meanwhile, cut tortillas in strips about 3” long. Add to pan, simmer two minutes. Add chicken and cilantro; heat through. Serve with tortilla chips and grated cheddar cheese, if desired.

Update

2009-10-14T13:25:00.001-07:00

Ok, I updated the side bar with two of my new favorite food blogs!! The Full Plate and Our Best Bites. The Full Plate is done by my amazing Aunt!! She has some AWESOME stuff on her blog, it's always so yummy and different.. . check it out! And the other one, Our Best Bites, a friend told me about and I have loved it. If you have any blogs or websites that you want to add to the side just let me know!! Keep the posts coming!

Love ya!

Cream of turkey and wild rice soup

2009-10-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a healthy twist on a cream soup that I absolutely love! It's really quick and easy, and good in a bread bowl too. Enjoy!

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms, (about 4 ounces)
3/4 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped carrots
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup quick-cooking or instant wild rice,
3 cups shredded cooked chicken, or turkey (12 ounces)
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, celery, carrots and shallots and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add flour, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more.
Add broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Add rice and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in turkey (or chicken), sour cream and parsley and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes more.

** I usually use the Uncle Ben's instant wild rice. Make sure it's "instant" - rice a roni will work you just have to let it simmer for a lot longer than what the recipe says. Also, make sure you add the seasoning packet from the rice box for extra flavor.

Best ever Birthday cake!

2009-09-29T11:09:00.001-07:00

From Jessica Seinfeld's cookbook (yellow cake pg. 186)

1 box yellow cake mix (18 oz) - I used strawberry and it was really good!
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup water
2 tbls vegetable oil
3 eggs
6 ounces nonfat lemon, banana or vanilla yogurt (little less than a cup) -any kind really

Preheat oven to 350, coat 9X13 baking pan with spray/flour.

In a large bowl combine all ingredients. Beat until smooth, 1-2 minutes. Pour the batter into cake pan. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. About 20 min. -I think I baked mine a lot longer, just keep an eye on it I guess!

We made this for Holly's birthday. It was sooooo moist! The best birthday cake I've ever had. I'll never go back!

Chicken Salad Pitas

2009-09-29T10:41:00.002-07:00

From Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious Cookbook
Chicken salad (pg. 84)

2 large eggs hard boiled

2-3 pieces cooked chicken (boiled, BBQ'd, or rotisserie)

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1-2 tbs mayonnaise

2 stalks celery finely chopped

1/2 cup cauliflower puree

1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt

1/2 cup grapes, coarsley chopped

Chop hard boiled egg whites up, discarding the yolk. Chop up chicken into bite size pieces. Combine eggs and chicken into a bowl and add seasonings. Depending upon how much chicken you used add cauliflower, yogurt and mayo. (Add in small amounts, so its not too wet, its just supposed to moisten everything up) Mix in celery and grapes. Serve on pita bread with lettuce.

My friend and I made this one day, and thought it was very delicious!

Greek Dip (hummus)

2009-09-29T10:41:00.001-07:00

Really, really good hummus! Recipe from Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious cookbook

1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup canned chopped artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon onion powder

In a food processor, process the chickpeas until chopped. Add the artichoke hearts and remaining ingredients until pureed.

Serve with any vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers) or pita chips or baked torillas cut in strips.

Very delicious and healthy! I made this for a girls night and it was a big hit!

Fast, easy, go-to meals...

2009-09-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hey ladies,
I'm trying to prepare for this baby next week and have a list of meals I can make QUICK! Curious what all of your fast, go-to meals/recipes are when you are in a hurry. Seems like mine is breakfast foods... Strawberry waffles, eggs, juice things like that. If you have ideas please shoot them my way this week. thanks! Britany

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

2009-08-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

This recipe should come with an Warning sign because you could quite possibly eat the whole thing and justify it because of the zucchini and whole wheat flour. (I always say it is pretty much like eating a zucchini omlete with wheat toast and butter and jam)

1/2 Cup margarine/butter
1/2 cup oil
1 3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 cups grated zucchini (squeeze out the water)
2 1/2 cups flour (I use whole wheat and can't tell)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sour milk (1 T. lemon juice and milk)
4 T. cocoa
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Mix the wet ingredients and then add the dry. Don't add the brown sugar, chocolate chips and walnuts. Pour into 9x13 inch pan and sprinkle first with chocolate chips, then brown sugar and walnuts. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes.
(I am a purest and don't like to mix my nuts with my cake - I've never added the walnuts and it is still good. Also, I've never measured the toppings, but sprinkle on til it looks good and covered. Plus toppings don't really count in the calorie counting because they aren't really IN the cake. )

Panko-Crusted Chicken Bites

2009-08-13T14:27:00.001-07:00

Hi - I have never posted on here, so I thought I'd contribute.
This recipe is a really yummy appetizer or even main meal. I think it's from Martha Stewart, but can't remember where I got it. I made it awhile ago for a Sunday get together with my family and it was really YUMMY. Everyone LOVED it.

Panko-Crusted Chicken Bites
· Nonstick cooking spray
· 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
· Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
· 2 large eggs
· 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
· 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
· 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· Pinch of cayenne pepper
· 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 2 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes
· 1 cup apricot jam or preserves
· 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
· 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and fit with a wire rack. Spray with cooking spray; set aside.
2. Place flour in a large bowl and season very generously with salt and pepper. Whisk eggs in another large bowl with 2 tablespoons water until well combined. Place the breadcrumbs in a third large bowl, and drizzle with olive oil; toss to coat. Stir in cheese and cayenne and mix well.
3. Place chicken pieces in the seasoned flour and toss to coat. Working in 3 batches, shake off any excess flour from chicken pieces and transfer to egg mixture; stir to combine. Transfer coated chicken pieces with a slotted spoon to the breadcrumb mixture and toss until completely coated. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a rack-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Repeat process until all the chicken is breaded. Bake until golden brown and chicken is cooked through, 18 to 20 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, stir the apricot jam, mustard, and thyme together until combined. Allow chicken to cool 10 minutes before serving with apricot mustard mixture.

Slacker!

2009-08-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted ANYTHING on here for a LONG time. But I did find this awesome new blog that I love with great, fun recipes! Go HERE to check out a yummy stuffed zucchini recipe!

ENJOY!

easy alfredo sauce

2009-08-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

so this is one of those really naughty recipes, but it's sooo good.

1/2 c. butter
1 pint heavy cream
1 tsp. garlic powder
dash of cayenne pepper
2/3 c. shredded parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
pasta of your choice

melt butter in a saucepan. stir in heavy cream, garlic powder, cayenne pepper. simmer 25-30 minutes or until it thickens, stirring constantly. remove from heat and stir in parmesan, salt and pepper. serve over pasta.

usually I also steam some veggies to serve with it...broccoli, mushrooms and zucchini go great.

*unfortunately like most alfredo, this sauce does not reheat well at all so don't even bother keeping leftovers.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars

2009-07-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Haven't ever tried these but saw them on a cover of a magazine and almost ate the paper! From: Family Circle Magazine

Ingredients
COOKIE BASE:
1 pouch (1 lb. 1.5-oz.) Betty Crocker double chocolate chunk cookie mix
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 Tbsp. cold strong brewed coffee (or WATER)
1 egg
FILLING:
1 pkg. (8-oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 container (8-oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 bag (9- oz.) miniature chocolate-covered peanut butter cup candies, chopped
TOPPING:
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup milk
2 Tbsp. sugar
3 oz. bittersweet baking chocolate, melted
1 cup dry-roasted peanutsDirections
Preheat the oven to 350*F.
In a large bowl stir cookie base ingredients until soft dough forms.
Spread dough in bottom of an ungreased 13x9" pan.
Bake 12-15 minutes or until just set.
Cool completely about 30 minuted.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Fold in whipped topping and candies.
Spread over cooled cookie base.
In a small bowl microwaveable bowl, beat peanut butter, milk and 2 Tbsp. sugar with a wire whisk until smooth.
Microwave uncovered on HIGH 30 to 60 seconds, to thin for drizzling.
Drizzle mixture over filling.
Drizzle with melted chocolate.
Sprinkle with peanuts.
Refrigerate about 2 hours or until set.
For bars cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.
Store covered in refrigerator.

Rice Salad

2009-07-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

This is my cousin's recipe. . . I stole it from her and it's SOOOO GOOD!! Thanks Katie Jo!
Enjoy!!

1 Box Uncle Ben's long grain & wild rice
Juice of 1 Lemon
3 cooked & diced/ shredded chicken breasts
4 scallions diced
1 red bell pepper diced
2 avocados diced
handful of sugar snap peas cut in half
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted

DRESSING:
1/3 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 T Dijon mustard
1/2 t salt
1/2 t sugar
1/4 t. pepper

Prepare rice as directed on box and let cool a little bit. Combine dressing ingredients and toss with rice. Mix in other ingredients from above. Good chilled or at room temp!!
YUM!!

Oreo icecream pie

2009-06-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

If you don't love this...you're crazy! Worth the bazillion calories! :)

Grasshopper Ice Cream Pie
1 store bought oreo pie shell (or make one at home)
1/2 gallon mint chocolate chip ice cream
cool whip
caramel
hot fudge sauce
coursely crushed oreo cookies
There are no measurements, because you can put as much of everything as you desire. Make it your own! On the bottom of the pie shell, drizzle carmel and hot fudge sauce. Soften ice cream, and scoop into the pie shell until 3/4 of the way full. Top with cool whip and top that with the oreo cookies. Drizzle more caramel and hot fudge sauce and put back in the freezer to firm up. Yum!!!!!
From: Stephanieskitchen Blog

Indian Recipes anyone???

2009-06-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

I am going to make some indian food for Father's Day. I have a good recipe for chicken tiki masala, but I was hoping to make another dish as well. Does anyone by chance have a good indian food recipe??? Thought I would just check! Thanks, Brit

+ grilled chicken with corn/black bean salsa

2009-06-14T16:28:00.001-07:00

So good for the summer!

Chicken Marinade:

4 chicken breasts/tenders
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
2 - 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
2 -3 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp of each: pepper, cumin, coriander

Place chicken in bowl and top with above ingredients. Marinade for 2 hrs prior to grilling.

Salsa:

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained
2 tomatoes, chopped
3 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 - 2 tbsp olive oil

Mix all together and chill before serving. Serve alongside chicken. Yum. Yum.

+ franciscan

2009-06-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

Ok folks! Yummy bagel here. I can't get enough of it!

1 whole wheat bagel - lightly toasted
light cream cheese
ripe tomato slices
avocado slices
lemon/pepper seasoning

Spread a generous amount of cream cheese on lightly toasted (and cooled) bagel. Top with sliced tomato, then sliced avocado. Generously shake seasoning on top! And eat!!!

Chocolate Brownie Trifle

2009-05-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

Brownie Trifle.... here you go! Sorry it took so long! And I didn't even get to chat with you at the BBQ. Hope things are well.
Ingredients:
1 package brownie mix for 9x13 pan
1 large pkg. (6 oz.) chocolate instant pudding
1 12 oz. tub of Cool Whip
Heath chocolate covered toffee bits (found by chocolate chips in baking aisle)
Method:
Make brownies according to package instructions. Cool slightly. Divide brownies in half. While still warm, crumble in bottom of trifle dish or small glass punch bowl. Make pudding according to instructions. Divide pudding in half. Pour ½ over brownies. Spread ½ Cool Whip over pudding. Repeat last three layers. Sprinkle toffee bits over the top for garnish. May also garnish with raspberries or strawberries to add "holiday color!" Set in refrigerator overnight. Super EASY, BEAUTIFUL and best of all DELICIOUS!!! It will be a hit wherever you take it. GUARANTEED!! Enjoy!!
http://www.maceys.com/
To reduce fat and calories, use Fat Free Brownies, Sugar Free Pudding, Skim Milk and Lite Cool Whip. Tastes just as good!!

yummy chocolate dessert

2009-05-18T13:30:00.001-07:00

hey Britany- would you mind posting the recipe for the chocolate deliciousness you brought to the bbq on sunday? It was sooo good! thanks!

+ Fast Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-05-06T18:11:00.000-07:00

This is my go to recipe when I want something fast, where I don't have to remember to leave butter out or process my oats. Yummy!

1 c. shortening
1 c sugar
1 c b. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp b. soda
½ tsp b. powder
½ tsp salt
1 c oats
1 tsp vanilla
2 c. flour
semi-sweet choc. chips

Mix shortening and sugars. Add eggs, vanilla. Follow with flour, oats, soda, powder, salt. Mix well and add your chips. Bake for 10 minutes at 350. Do not over bake!!

Stuffed Bell Peppers and Zucchini

2009-04-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

olive oil for baking dish
1 small onion, grated
¼ c chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 large egg
3 tbsp ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1/3 c grated pecorino romano cheese
¼ c plain breadcrumbs

1 lb ground turkey
2 zucchini, halved lengthwise
1 short orange bell pepper, halved crosswise and seeded
1 short red bell pepper, halved crosswise and seeded
1 short yellow bell pepper, halved crosswise and seeded

1 ½ cups marinara sauce (your favorite)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil 9 x 13 pan.

In large bowl combine onion, egg, parsley, ketchup, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheese and bread crumbs, and then add turkey. Combine with hands and refrigerate.

Using a melon baller or spoon, carefully scrape out the inside of zucchini. Fill the zucchini and pepper halves with the turkey mixture. Arrange vegetables in the prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over stuffed vegetables.

Bake uncovered until beginning to brown, about 45 – 50 minutes. Transfer to platter and serve!!

seleste pasta

2009-04-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

I got the recipe from my good friend seleste, hence the name. This is a quick, healthy meal and even Tim loves it.

1 cube vegetable bouillon
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
basil (to taste)
oregano (to taste)
1 yellow squash, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
4 small-med tomatoes, diced
penne pasta
romano, asiago, or mozzarella cheese (your choice)

Dissolve vegetable bouillon in olive oil in large skillet. Add chopped garlic. Add zucchini and yellow squash and cook until soft. Add tomatoes, basil and oregano. Allow to simmer until tomatoes have cooked down and liquid has somewhat evaporated, about 10-15 minutes. The longer you allow it to simmer the better all the flavors come together. Serve over penne pasta and top with shredded cheese. I apologize for not having exact amounts of spices, I don't usually cook from recipes and usually just add things until it tastes the way I like it.

Sugar Cookies

2009-04-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

Mix:
1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

Add:
1 cup milk
1 tsp vinegar
5 cups flour

Refrigerate for 1 hour

Frosting:
1 package powdered sugar
1 cube melted butter
1 tsp vanilla
Add warm milk to desired consistency

Roll out, cut, and bake at 350 for 10-12 min

Tips: I had to use quite a bit of flour when rolling them out because they were pretty sticky. Just be careful not to add to much because you'll taste it. Also, mine were pretty crunchy when I cooked them 12 minutes so 10 might be better depending on the oven. Oh, and roll them out pretty thin because they puff up quite a bit.

Breakfast pizza

2009-04-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

This is a tradition in my family...

Crust: 1 pkg. cresent rolls
1 lb. pork sausage (ground) or you could use diced ham
1 c. frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 c. shredded cheese (1/2 cheddar, 1/2 monterey jack)
5 eggs
1/4 c. milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 TBS. Parmesan cheese

Cook sausage- drain and rinse. Place rolls in 12 inch pizza pan. (I just use my 9x13 casserole). Roll onto form crust. spooon sausage evenly over rolls, then potatoes. Beat egg, milk, S & P, and Parmesan. Pour over potatoes. Sprinkle top with cheese. Bake at 375 for 25-30 min. (You could really put any sort of veggie toppings on this too.)

Breakfast?!

2009-03-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have a great breakfast casseroley type recipe?! I have one that I make all the time. . . and I feel like I need a little change. I've had french toast casseroles. . . but I can't find the recipe.

Any ideas would be AWESOME!!

Thanks!

Sweet Pork idiot

2009-03-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

My deepest apologies to those of you who made the sweet pork and had absolutely zero meat left in the end. Apparently I can't read my recipe and obviously hadn't made it in a while... Brit, you're right. It calls for a 3-4 lb pork roast, not a 3/4 lb pork roast. So sorry for the mistakeS.

Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

2009-03-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Alright, this seems really weird, but I saw it on Rachel Ray and wanted to try it. If you are into buffalo wings at all, you will like it! And it was something different to try, and very easy.This is a good recipe for left over chicken! I did the mild version and didn't have blue cheese crumbles, just feta, so I used that and it was good.

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
3-4 stalks of celery, chopped
1 large or 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 cups chopped cooked chicken, such as rotisserie, leftovers from the night before or cooked chicken breasts
1/2 cup hot sauce, such as Frank’s® Red Hot, for extra spicy or 1/4 cup tomato sauce or juice mixed with 2 tablespoons hot sauce, for mild
1 pizza dough, defrosted
1 cup Monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
3 scallions, sliced
1 egg
A sprinkle of sesame seeds or poppy seeds

Preparation
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the EVOO and cook the celery and carrots until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chicken and hot sauce to the pan and toss everything together with some salt and ground black pepper. Set aside and let cool.When the filling is cool, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cooled filling evenly out onto the entire dough, making sure not to get too close the any of the edges. Top with cheeses and scallions.Roll the stromboli, starting at one of the long sides, tucking in both ends firmly. Press the seam with you fingers to seal. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water then lightly brush it over the stromboli, covering the entire surface. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds, transfer to a baking sheet and bake in the oven until golden brown, about 40 minutes.

Joe Tacos (chicken lime tacos)

2009-03-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

(my family calls these joe tacos because an old boyfriend of my sister made these for us one time and his name was Joe! I'm sure my sister still loves that we call them that! Right!)

2 cooked chicken breasts (boiled)
1/2 bunch cilantro chopped
1 lime juice
couple table spoons chili powder

Shred chicken really good (the best way is with your hands) and add remaining ingredients in a bowl. On a hot griddle place a tortilla with a equal amounts of the chicken and grated cheese and fold in half making a quesadilla. Cook on both sides until browned and cheese is melted. We usually make a bunch and turn the oven on low and store them in there until they are all made so you can eat them together.

Open the tacos up and put all these fun toppings inside:
olives
avocado or guac
lettuce
tomatoes
black beans
OR ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD PUT ON A TACO! (I love putting the black bean and corn salsa on mine!)

Black bean and Corn Salsa

2009-03-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

1 can black beans
1 16 oz package or 2 cups frozen corn (can use canned corn also, be sure to use kernels though not cream corn!)
1 bunch cilantro chopped
1 jalapeno (deseeded if you don't like hot salsa)
1 purple onion chopped
1 lime (squeeze out the juice)
1 container pico de gallo (can find fresh in the produce section)
1 package dry italian dressing seasoning

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, get the chips out and dip away!

*the great thing about salsa is you can put pretty much anything in it and it will taste good. reduce or add more of any of the ingredients to your own liking. me and my husband are always squeezing more lime in and adding more cilantro!

Cream Cheese Chicken (for lack of a better name)

2009-03-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

4 chicken breasts
1 packet of dry italian dressing seasoning

Cook in crockpot on low for 8-10 hours. Add 1/2 cup water if chicken seems dry when its almost done cooking. Shred with fork when done then add...

1 8 oz package cream cheese
1 can mushroom or chicken or celery cream soup

Let cook about 30 min to an hour longer, serve over any type of noodles or rice.

Very yummy and very easy....just the way I like recipes~

Sweet pork correction

2009-03-04T18:41:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I think I made a mistake with the sweet pork. I hope you all haven't made it and had the same problem as Brit! ;) Try using a 1 to 1 1/2 lb pork roast because I think the 3/4 lb is a little too small. Best of luck!

Cafe Rio Sweet Pork

2009-02-19T16:13:00.001-08:00

So I forgot I had this good crockpot recipe. It's not Cafe Rio's recipe exactly, but it tastes way good.

3/4 lb pork roast
1 cup salsa
1 cup brown sugar

Cook on low in crockpot for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

** I usually make rice with some lime juice and cilantro in it that's way good. Then I serve it with black beans, lettuce and a tortilla and make a nice little salad. Oh here's the good dressing too :) Enjoy

Cilantro Lime Dressing
1 package Ranch dressing mix
1/2 salsa verde (green salsa)
1/2 bunch cilantro and stems
3/4 cup sour cream
1/8 tsp Tabasco
2 medium garlic cloves
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
Mix in blender. Add grated lime pill and juice and chill.

Best Stew I've ever had!

2009-02-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

Here you go Kenz!
Ingredients
5 cups Fresh chopped stew vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions, celery)
3 cups Water
1 package McCormick Beef Stew Seasoning
2 pounds Beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup Flour
Preparation
1. Combine vegetables, water and seasoning in the CrockPot. Coat beef with flour and stir into ingredients in stoneware.
2. Cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for 5 hours or until beef is tender.
Cook's Notes
For faster cooking time and more tender beef, brown the flour-coated beef in 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet placed over medium heat. Drain, and then add the browned beef to the remaining ingredients in the CrockPot. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or until tender.

Another request. .

2009-02-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

Does anyone have a recipe for creamy peas and potatoes? Is that even the official title of it?! Well, if you know what I'm talking about and have a recipe. . .do tell! I have been craving that, and really have no clue where to begin. Weird, because it's probably WAY easy.

Thanks!

Banana Bread

2009-02-11T08:40:00.001-08:00

1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1-2 c. mashed bananas
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine shortening, sugar, vanilla and eggs. Then add flour, baking soda and salt. The original recipe calls for 1 c. bananas but I usually add closer to 2 c. bananas. Grease and flour pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Banana Bread

2009-02-10T13:43:00.001-08:00

Does anyone have a GREAT banana bread recipe. . . . the one I have is . . .so, so!! Help me out please!

THANKS!

Crockpot Penne Pasta

2009-02-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

Crockpot Penne Pasta

1 lb sweet Italian Sausage (I use mild Italian sausage, it makes it a little spicy)

1 15 oz can tomato sause

1 14 oz can diced tomatoes

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

Dash of salt & pepper

¼ cup veggie oil

2 tsp granulated sugar

1/2 – 3/4 lb penne pasta

1 cup grated mozzarella or moterey jack cheese

-Cook sausage in frying pan on medium heat until brown and crumbly. Drain well.

OR cook sausage whole in castings; remove and dry, then cut into halved circles and place in crockpot.

-Add sauce and died tomatoes

-Add oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oil and sugar. Stir well.

Cook on low 7-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Salt large pot of water & cook pasta for 7-8 minutes. Add cooked penne pasta to crockpot and stir well. Top with 1 cup mozzarella cheese(I usually just put enough of the cheese on top to cover the pasta and save the rest for when I serve it). Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is tender and heated.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

2009-02-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

Jennie, I'm so sorry it has taken me so long to post any recipes - I guess I needed to find one worthy! :)

Chicken
6 chicken breast or 1 large fryer cut up
2 eggs, beaten
garlic salt
1 c. flour

Sprinkle Chicken with garlic salt and let stand awhile. Dip chicken in eggs, then flour. Brown in oil and place in baking dish. Pour warm sauce over chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve over rice. I used whole wheat flour and brown rice and it still tasted great!

Sweet and Sour Sauce
1/2c. sugar
1/2c. vinegar
1/4 c. pineapple juice
1/4c. ketchup
1 T. soy sauce

Combine all ingredients and heat in sauce pan. Pour over chicken before baking.

Bread Machine Pizza Dough

2009-02-04T11:01:00.001-08:00

We make this all the time and it's so good and way easy!

Put all these ingredients into your bread machine in the order listed below. Let the bread machine do it's thing on the dough setting. It will make two good size pizzas. Sometime I make one pizza and use the rest of the dough to make bread sticks (they aren't the best bread sticks I've ever had, but good enough!), just top them with butter, garlic salt and some sort of cheese. Yum! Anyways, spread the dough out on a pizza pan or cookie sheet and top with whatever your heart desires. Bake for 10 minutes at 450! DONE! It's awesome!

1 and 1/2 Cups Warm Water
2 T Powdered Milk
1 T Olive Oil
1 t Salt
3 to 4 T Sugar*
4 to 5 Cups Flour*
2 and 1/2 t Yeast

*The odd measurements for the sugar and flour are there so you can make a little more dough or a little less. I usually do the lower end of the scale. . . 3 T sugar and 4 Cups flour. But I've done it both ways and it still works great!! ENJOY!

+ Chicken Parmigian (crock pot baby)

2009-02-02T15:43:00.000-08:00

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
salt/pepper
1 -2 eggs - slightly beaten
dried breadcrumbs
1 jar pizza sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper chicken breasts. Dip in beaten egg, then in breadcrumbs. Coat both sides. Place in pan on stove with melted butter. Brown each side (about 2-3 minutes each). Place chicken in crock pot. Cover with pizza sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours or high about 3-4 hours. Right before serving place shredded mozzarella cheese on each piece. Let melt about 10 minutes. Voila!!

crockpot recipes?

2009-02-02T15:28:00.000-08:00

Does anyone have any good crockpot recipes? I'm tired of the boring cream of mushroom soup and roast.... Any ideas?

Pesto

2009-01-28T18:20:00.000-08:00

Here you go Jennifer

3 cups fresh basil

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup pine nuts

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

3-4 fresh garlic cloves

Throw everything in the blender or food processor and thats it!

Its stores really well so you can keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

Cajun Pasta

2009-01-26T10:43:00.000-08:00

a twist on shrimp alfredo. the recipe is not super homemade, but it is very easy and we love it.

1 green pepper
1 container sliced mushrooms
1 jar alfredo sauce
~40 med sized pre-cooked shrimp (more or less depending on size)
cajun seasoning (located in the spice aisle)
fettucine noodles (or your favorite type of pasta)

Slice green pepper and cook together with mushrooms. In another pan heat shrimp until warm and drain off any liquid (you could probably cook all three ingredients in the same pan but the water from the shrimp tends to make the green peppers mushy). Combine shrimp, mushrooms, green pepper and alfredo sauce in one pan until warm. Add 1-2 tsp. cajun seasoning, more or less to taste. Serve over pasta.
*You can also make this recipe with chicken.

Mac n Cheese

2009-01-24T20:53:00.000-08:00

Here's another favorite. I usually add ground beef too.

8 ounces whole-wheat elbow noodles (2 cups)
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped broccoli
1 3/4 cups low-fat milk, divided
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
3/4 cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta for 4 minutes. Add frozen broccoli and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the pasta and broccoli are just tender, 4 to 5 minutes more.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 1/2 cups milk in another large pot over medium-high heat until just simmering. Whisk the remaining 1/4 cup milk, flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl until combined. Add the flour mixture to the simmering milk; return to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in Cheddar, Parmesan and mustard until the cheese is melted.
3. Drain the pasta and broccoli and add to the cheese sauce. Return to the heat and cook, stirring, over medium-low heat, until heated through, about 1 minute.

Cream of chicken and wild rice soup

2009-01-24T20:37:00.000-08:00

I've totally dropped the ball on contributing to the recipe blog. This one should make up for it. It's way good. It's kind of a healthy twist on chicken and wild rice soup.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms (about 4 ounces)
3/4 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped carrots
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup quick-cooking or instant wild rice (see Ingredient Note)
3 cups shredded cooked turkey or chicken (12 ounces; see Tip)
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms, celery, carrots and shallots and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add flour, salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more.
2. Add broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Add rice and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in turkey (or chicken), sour cream and parsley and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes more.

Creamy Pesto

2009-01-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

I know that there are some GREAT pesto recipes out there! This is one my dear friend Heather gave me. I'm pretty sure she just made it up. She's like that! Love her.
Anyways. . . .

1 Can Cream of Chicken soup
Milk
Pesto

THAT'S IT!! So great and easy. My kind of recipe.
Just heat cream of chicken soup in a skillet, add milk until it reaches the consistency that you like. Mix in a couple of teaspoons of Pesto. Start with a little. . . taste and add more if you'd like. Heat all the way through.
You can do so much with this little sauce that you just made. I add grilled chicken and serve over rice or pasta. Add veggies. . . .whatever suits your fancy!
ENJOY!!

I need to start taking pictures of this stuff. I always make the recipes with pictures.

Baked Manicotti

2009-01-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

(this photo sucks. i need a better camera)

1 Package Manicotti Shells (12 shells)

2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

1 1/2 c ricotta cheese

1 egg

Dried Parsley

Salt/Pepper

1 Jar Marinara Sauce (or homemade)

Boil manicotti shells according to package. Drain. Set aside to cool. Pour some sauce in a 9 x 13 baking dish to cover the bottom. Mix cheeses, egg, parsley, salt/pepper to taste. Take a shell and cut open length-wise. Add cheese mixture. Fold together and lay seam side down in 13x9 inch baking dish. Continue until all are filled. Pour more sauce over the top of filled shells and sprinkle a bit more mozzarella cheese on top. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

I half this for my family (just 3 of us) and its plenty.

Brownie side note....

2009-01-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

sorry.... if you use the creme de menthe to flavor your frosting it is already green, so you don't need the food coloring!!! Also, you can get that at kitchen kneads (if you are in Logan) or at any specialty kitchen store.

Whole Wheat Flour Bread

2009-01-10T17:19:00.000-08:00

½ c water plus 2 tbsp
3/8 c milk
1 egg
1 ½ c whole wheat flour
1 ½ c white flour
1 tsp salt
1 ½ Tbsp oil
1 ½ Tbsp honey
2 tsp yeast

You can add to a bread maker in the exact order listed and make the dough. Take out of bread maker and let rise 30 minutes then bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Or you can do it the old fashioned way. Let yeast rise in water (warm) about 10 minutes. Add milk, egg, honey. Add dry ingredients. Mix. Knead for about 5 minutes. Let rise until double in size. Punch down. Roll into loaf of bread and place in bread pan. Let rise again until double in size and bake at 350 for 30 minutes!

Play Doh

2009-01-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

2 c flour
1 c salt
4 tsp cream of tarter

Mix together dry ingredients.

1/3 c oil
1 c boiling water (with food coloring)

Add oil. Then water. The key to really good play doh is the boiling water. It MUST be boiling.

Mix together and there you go! Store in zip lock bag.

Chocolate Lovers Favorite Mint Brownies

2009-01-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

These are to die for!!!
Brownies:
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
4 eggs
4 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
2 ½ cups sifted flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup broken walnuts or pecans (optional)
Mint Frosting:
½ cup butter
2 cups powdered sugar
3 TBS. Crème de menthe
Few drops red or green food coloring
Glaze Topping:
6 Tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 325. In a large bowl cream together sugar and butter until fluffy. Beat in eggs until well blended; then add melted chocolate. Sift flour, measure, sift again with dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture along with vanilla and nuts. Spread in greased and floured 9x13-inch baking pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until no imprint is left when touched with finger. Do not over bake.
Mix all frosting ingredients until creamy and spread on brownies. Refrigerate 1 hour. Combine butter and chocolate chips in top of double broiler; add vanilla and blend thoroughly. Pour gently over pink or green frosting and spread by tipping pan; refrigerate. Cut into squares when chilled. Serve at room temp.

fruit slushies

2009-01-08T12:37:00.000-08:00

2 cans orange juice concentrate
1 can pineapple juice concentrate
1 large container frozen strawberries
4 bananas
2 cans mandarin oranges
6 c. water
1-2 c. sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
sprite or 7up

mix all ingredients except for the pop. (optional: blend fruit before mixing.) freeze. scoop into glasses and cover with sprite. enjoy!

chicken Tikka Masala

2009-01-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

picture from spicedunes.com

{chicken tikka masala}

This recipe is a little more time consuming than the one I usually do, but Shane said it was worth. Too spicy for me, so I would only do the cayenne pepper in the marinade or gravy, but not both.... unless you like spicy of course! Warning... your house will smell like Indian food for a few days! It's So yummy!

*pick up indian spices at your local indian grocery store.

ingredientschicken marinade

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, chopped i cubes about 1 inch

1 inch ginger root,

finely grated or chopped2 cloves garlic,

finely grated or chopped

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper powder

2 tbs tandoori masala mix

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 tsp kosher salt

directions mix all the marinade ingredients with chicken, and marinade at least 2-24 hours in fridge.

preheat oven to 400 degrees f.

place in oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes.

ingredients for gravy

1/3 cup oil [light canola or vegetable]

2 bay leaves

4 green cardamom pods

4 whole black pepper corns

4 whole cloves

3 inch cinnamon stick

1 red onion, finely diced

1/2 green pepper, seeded and diced

1 inch ginger root, peeled and grated or finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped

1 [10 3/4 oz] can, or 1 1/4 cup of tomato puree

1 [10 3/4 oz] can of diced tomatoes, cut up very small

1 tbs ground coriander

1/2 tbs ground cumin

1 1/2 tbs garam masala mix [rajah brand]

1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp turmeric

1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 tbs brown sugar

half-pint [1 cup] heavy whipping cream

1 cup water

2 tbs butter

8-10 sprigs of fresh cilantro chopped

1 tbs fresh lemon juice

directions

lay chicken on lined baking sheet
while the chicken is baking, make the gravy.

heat 1/3 cup of oil in a non-stick heavy bottom stock pot over medium heat.
after the oil is heated, add the bay leaves, cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon stick, and peppercorns. cook for about 30 seconds.

add onions and green peppers and fry until onions get translucent. about 10 minutes.

then add ginger and garlic and fry for another couple of minutes.

add the tomato puree and diced tomatoes.

cook this mixture for another 10-15 minutes, stirring continuously until oil appears on the surface.

add the ground coriander, cumin, garam masala, salt, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and tumeric. fry for another minute.

the chicken should be baked by now.

add the baked chicken along with any juices from the sheet to the mixture along with the heavy cream and water.

mix well and bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

taste for seasonings.

remove from heat and add cilantro [reserve some for garnish], butter, and lemon juice.

mix well.

check the thickness of the sauce. add water to make sauce thinner if desired.

serve with hot basmati or jasmine rice.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-01-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

I am pretty sure these are the best oatmeal cookies. Please try them!

1 c butter
1 c b. sugar
1 c white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 c flour
2 ½ c oatmeal (blend in processor)
½ tsp salt
1 tsp b. powder
1 tsp b. soda
12 oz choc. chips

Cream together sugars, butter, and eggs. Add vanilla. Combine flour with salt, powder, soda. Put 2 ½ cups oatmeal in food processor. Process to a finer oatmeal. Add to flour mixture. Slowly add flour mixture to butter mixture. Add choc. chips.

Bake at 375 for 9 minutes. Do not overbake!

+ Chicken Corn Soup*

2008-12-29T18:48:00.000-08:00

This is a really good chicken soup that is a bit different from the traditional recipe. Try it out on the next cold day!* (compliments of Ashley)

6-8 small chicken tenderloins

1 onion

4-6 carrots

3-4 stalks celery

dried parsley

1 bag extra wide egg noodles

1 lg or 2 small bags super sweet white corn (frozen)

4-6 eggs (optional)

4-8 chicken bouillon cubes

Boil chicken in large pot halfway full of water. Take chicken out and shred it. Reserve water.

In separate pot, take onion and chop small. Peel and shred 4 carrots. Chop celery into small pieces. Place in small pot and fill with water. Add 1 - 2 tbsp parsley. Boil until tender (8-10 min). Turn off pot.

Boil eggs to add later.

Place shredded chicken in water it was boiled in. Add carrot mixture. Turn heat to medium and add noodles, corn, and bouillon cubes. Stir and let simmer. Add eggs before serving.

Rolo Cookies

2008-12-20T20:01:00.000-08:00

These are super easy because you don't have to dirty all your measuring cups and get out a bunch of ingredients! I need to post a different version of these tommorrow after I make them!

1 package of Devils' food cake mix

2 eggs

1/3 cup oil

1 bag Rolo's

Mix ingredients into a thick dough. Flatten 1 tablespoon of dough and then wrap it around a Rolo into a ball. Bake at 350 degrees for 7-10 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet. After they cool a bit, I sift a little powdered sugar on the top. It makes them look pretty.

Yummy Pasta Salad

2008-12-20T19:51:00.000-08:00

Here you go Kenz and Jen... my friend Heather made this at my wedding shower.

2 pkg. Tortelini (cooked/drained)
1 can artichoke hearts (drained and quartered)
1 tomato (cut into wedges) (I like to use grape/cherry tomatoes)
1 c. feta cheese crumbles
1/2 c. sliced olives
chicken (optional)
brocolli (optional)
Dressing:
1/4 c. white wine vinegar
1/4 c. chopped green onion
1 lg. garlic clove (minced)
1 Tb. Basil (Fresh or dried)
1 tsp. dried dill
1/2 c. olive oil

Toss pasta, veggies, and dressing together!

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

2008-12-20T19:39:00.000-08:00

2 lbs. ground meat

2 eggs

salt and pepper

1 1/2 c. catsup

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. soy sauce

1/4 c. white vinegar

Combine meat, eggs, S & P. Shape into balls and bake 375 for 20 min.

Combine other ingredients into saucepan to heat together. Add meatballs and simmer 10-15 min. Serve over brown or white rice.

Garlic Cheese Bread

2008-12-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

1 loaf french bread, unsliced
1 c. butter
4 to 6 cloves garlic, crushed
2 c. cheddar cheese
1 container sour cream
1 10-oz. can artichoke hearts
2 tomatoes

Cut french bread in half lengthwise. Scoop out soft centers of bread, making two "boats". Place "boats" on aluminum foil covered baking sheet. Cut or pull apart soft bread into 1-inch cubes. Melt butter in a large skillet. Add garlic and bread cubes. Saute bread cubes until they are golden brown. In a large bowl combine the cheddar cheese, sour cream, and artichoke hearts (cut into smaller pieces). Fold in sauteed bread cubes and spoon into the french bread boats. Sprinkle with sliced tomatoes (and extra cheese if you wish). Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.

This can be served as a great appetizer, but we often make it as a meal. You can also decrease the amount of butter and use reduced fat sour cream without noticing much of a difference. I usually use pre-chopped garlic from a jar because its just that much easier.

Taco Dip

2008-12-11T14:26:00.000-08:00

1 pkg 8 oz cream cheese
1 container (regular size) sour cream
1 packet taco seasoning
1 pkg. shredded cheddar cheese
1 small can sliced black olives
1 tomato, diced
shredded lettuce
tortilla chips

Combine cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add taco seasoning. Spread on 8x13in pan. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomato and black olives. Serve with tortilla chips.

This was a staple in college and still one of my favorite snacks!

peanut butter blossoms

2008-12-09T16:17:00.000-08:00

Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
1 c butter
1 c sugar
1 c brown sugar
2/3 c peanut butter
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
3 1/2 c flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp soda
Hershey kisses baby

Mix cookies. Shape into small balls. Place on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes. Take out and place unwrapped Hershey kiss in center. Bake an additional 2-5 minutes.

Tastes Just Like Butterfingers!

2008-12-09T14:18:00.000-08:00

My Aunt Kim makes this every year for Christmas and it's WONDERFUL! I have never tried making it myself. . . but she swears it's easy!

1 Cup sugar
1/2 Cup Corn Syrup
1/3 Cup Water
1 Cup Peanut Butter
Dipping Chocolate

Combine all ingredients expect Peanut Butter and Chocolate in a sauce pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until mixture is smooth and not grainy. Remove from heat and add peanut butter, stir VERY quickly only until the syrup mixture and peanut butter are mixed together, HURRY ON THIS NEXT PART, pour on counter top or marble slab and quickly form into three logs or three ropes. Cut with kitchen shears into mini candy bars size pieces. When cool, dip in chocolate. Let chocolate harden and enjoy!

Orange Julius

2008-12-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

Place in a blender:

1/2 Can Frozen Orange Juice

1/2 Cup Sugar

1/2 Cup Milk

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 1/2 Cups Water

Put Ice cubes in until it reaches the top of the blender.

Blend and serve immediately!!

YUM!!

Foil Pack Chicken Taco Dinner

2008-12-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

4 tsp. Taco seasoning Mix

2 Cups thinly sliced peeled potatoes

1 Cup Shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 Cup Salsa

1/4 Cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 400.

Divide potatoes up and place on the center of each of four large sheets of tin foil; top each with one chicken breast, cheese and salsa.

Fold up sides of the foil sealing the food inside, leaving room for heat to circulate inside while cooking. Place in a single layer in a baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes.

Top with sour cream and serve hot.

Saucy Honey Mustard Chicken

2008-12-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

1 Tbsp. Oil

4 Small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1lb.)

1/4 Cup Italian dressing

1/4 Cup cream cheese

2 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard

1 Tbsp. Honey

HEAT oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cover. Cook 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until cook through.

ADD dressing, cream cheese, mustard and honey

COOK and stir for 2ish minutes or until sauce is smooth and bubbly.

Serve over rice.

Any Ideas??

2008-12-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

I'm looking for a pasta salad recipe. Does anyone have a good one to share? Thanks!

Maple Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

2008-12-07T18:05:00.000-08:00

This is my friend Sheena's recipe but I don't think she'd mind if I shared. It is really yummy!

1 lb chicken tenderloins
1 small onion, cut into strips
1 large sweet potato, cut into thin strips
2 tbsp olive oil
1/3 c maple syrup (must be real thing)
1 tsp kosher salt
ground pepper
6 sprigs fresh thyme

Toss chicken, potatoes, and onions in olive oil. Place in baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of ingredients over the top. Bake at 425 for 45-60 minutes!

I usually add a few more sweet potatoes to it. It smells AWESOME while baking! enjoy!

Russian Chicken

2008-12-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

So easy and SO good...

1 cup russian bottled dressing
1 cup apricot jam
1 packet lipton onion soup mix

Combine in a bowl and pour over four pieces of chicken in 9x13 pan bake at 400 until chicken is cooked through.

Serve over rice!

The last time we made this we threw in junks of onion, bell peppers, carrots and pineapple and it made it sort of a sweet and sour dish.

(This recipe is so easy and it is by far one of my favorite things to make!)

Baked Mac

2008-12-04T13:57:00.000-08:00

3 Whipped Eggs

3/4 Cup Sour Cream

2/3 Stick of butter, Melted

1 Cup Milk

2 & 3/4 Cups Shredded Cheese

1/2 tsp. Salk

1/2 tsp. Pepper

About 5 Cups COOKED elbow Mac

Combine in a casserole dish. Top with seasoned bread crumbs and add a little more cheese to top everything off.

Bake uncovered for 37 minutes at 350. . .

weird time I know. . but that's the recipe I was given and it works!

I had a friend who added artichoke hearts to this recipe to spice it up a bit and she loved it.

Tortellini & Zucchini Soup

2008-12-04T10:20:00.000-08:00

This one is sooo good. I highly recommend it
(from Eating Well magazine)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 large carrots, finely chopped
1 large onion, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
2 14-ounce cans vegetable broth
2 medium zucchini, diced
9 ounces (about 2 cups) fresh or frozen tortellini, preferably spinach-&-cheese
4 plum tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add carrots and onion; stir, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and just beginning to brown, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and rosemary and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Stir in broth and zucchini; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is beginning to soften, about 3 minutes. Add tortellini and tomatoes and simmer until the tortellini are plump and the tomatoes are beginning to break down, 6 to 10 minutes. Stir vinegar into the hot soup just before serving.

Simple Taco Salad

2008-12-03T18:26:00.001-08:00

Lettuce (iceburg and green leaf) - washed and chopped

Black Beans (heated through)

Chopped Tomatoes

Grated Cheese

Cilantro

Crushed Tortilla Chips

Combine all on plate. Squeeze fresh lime juice over salad. Top with Cilantro Pepita Caesar dressing or you can use Ranch. Enjoy!

Tunes

2008-12-03T14:31:00.000-08:00

If anyone has any FOOD songs. . . let me know and I'll add them to the play list.

I can't think of anymore.

I KNOW the Swedish chef is soooo annoying. . but he's a Chef, right?!

Please think!

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

2008-12-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

2 Cups Prepared Stuffing

4 Small Chicken Breast Halves

4 Slices of Ham (I use lunch meat)

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup

1 Tbsp. Brown Mustard (Any mustard will do)

1 Cup Shredded Swiss or Mozzarella Cheese

Prepare Stuffing as indicated on the box and set aside.

Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with ham.

Mix together soup and mustard.

Spoon over chicken. Top with prepared stuffing.

Bake at 400 for 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese

Bake for 5 more minutes.

Breakfast Pizza

2008-12-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

1 Can of Fridge Crescent Rolls

7 Eggs

Bacon, Shredded Cheese. . . whatever you want to put on your pizza. Ham, Sausage, Peppers, Onions, Olives.. . . you get the idea.

Roll dough out onto a cookie sheet to make one big rectangle.

Top with your choice of toppings and cover with cheese.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes

AGAIN, really easy and good!

Ridiculously Easy Pumpkin Cookies

2008-12-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

1 Soup Size Can of Pumpkin

1 Box Spice Cake Mix

Combine

Add chocolate chips or nuts. . . whatever you feel the need to add!!

Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes

Ta Da!!!

So Easy and soooo Good!

Christmas Wassel

2008-12-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

Simmer for 2-3 Hours

1 Quart water

2 Cups Sugar

4 Cinnamon Sticks

1 teaspoon whole cloves

Remove Spices and Add:

4 Quarts more water

1 12oz can of Lemonade concentrate

1 12oz can of Orange Juice concentrate

Serve Hot

Will keep in the fridge for 2 weeks!

YUM!