My Year living in the Cuisinart!

2010-12-31T17:26:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am not going make it. I had a hard month of December. I had all these yummy Christmas stuff planned and then Eli got sick. It was a half week in the hospital and then were in the doctors office a couple times and they never really know what was wrong. Then on top of it all, he got the chicken pox. It was a hard month for Eli. However I will finish out the 365. Give me a week or two. Also I plan to keep trying new things and I will blog the ones that we love. Please know if you tried anything and loved it or you have a great recipe for me to try!

339. Golden Cornbread

so good!

*1 cup flour
*1 cup cornmeal
*2/3 cup white sugar
*1 tsp salt
*3 1/2 tsp baking powder
*1 egg
*1 cup milk
*1/3 cup vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 400
Mix together and pour into a round cake pan
Bake for 20-25 minutes

340. Chili

I got to break in my fancy new dutch oven. My mother in law gave me a Le Creuset and its awesome!

*2 lb ground beef
*1 lb sausage, crumbled
*3 cans chili beans, drained
*1 can chili beans in spicy sauce
*2 cans diced tomatoes
*1 can tomato paste
*1 onion chopped
*2 cubes beef bouillon

Brown the beef and sausage with the onion
Add the rest of the ingredients in the dutch oven and simmer for 2 hours

341. Garlic Bread

It was not the best bread.

342. Baked Spaghetti

So good! Easy to make the the kids loved it.

*1 lb spaghetti
*1 lb ground beef
*1 jar sauce
*4 ounces cream cheese, softened
*1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350
Boil noodles in salted water
Brown the beef
Mix the beef with sauce and noodles
Mix in the cream cheese and top with cheese
Bake for 20-25 minutes

343. Chocolate Chip cookies

Not as good as the ones I made earlier in the year!

344. Pork chops

These were good. Not something I would eat every week but worth making!

*4 pork chops
*1 tsp garlic powder
*1 tsp salt
*2 eggs
*1/4 cup flour
*1 cup bread crumbs
*2 TBSP olive oil
*1 can cream mushroom soup
*1/3 cup white wine

Preheat oven 350
Season pork with salt and garlic powder
Place beaten eggs in a swallow dish
Dredge pork in flour and dip in egg and then coat with bread crumbs
Heat oil in medium skillet over medium high heat
Fry the pork for 5 minutes per side
Transfer to baking dish and cover with foil
Bake for 30 minutes
Combine the soup, milk and wine
Cover with mixture and replace foil cooking for another 30 minutes

Holiday time!

2010-12-25T19:20:00.000-08:00

329. Beef Tenderloin

this was good. I was was tired of the normal meats I make for holidays and so I went whole hog....well cow I guess. I bit the bullet and spent the money on the whole tenderloin. It helped that mom paid for half! We all loved it. I did not have yell at Elise to eat her meat and it was awesome

*1 beef tenderloin (4-5 lbs)
*2 TBSP thyme
*1 TBSP pepper
*1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
*3 TBSP finely chopped shallots
*1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
*1/4 tsp salt

Heat oven to 425
Combine Thyme and pepper, reserve 1 tsp for sauce
Press all over meat
Roast for 50-60 minutes (145 degrees)
Meanwhile prepare sauce
Combine vinegar and shallots in a small saucepan; bring to boil
Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes
Stir in cranberry sauce and bring to boil
Reduce heat and simmer for 6 minutes
Crave meat and serve with sauce!

330. Scalloped Corn

So good. It took longer than the recipe said it would to cook but it was worth it. Elise even loved it and she is always the test in this house

*1 can cream corn
*1 can whole corn
*8 ounces sour cream
*2 eggs
*1/2 cup butter
*2 TBSP sugar
*1 package corn muffin mix

Preheat oven to 350
Mix everything together and back for 35-40 minutes
It took almost 50 minutes to firm up when I made it

331. Garlic Green Beans

These were really easy to make and was something that went over well. The kids thought it was ok but the adults really liked it. It called for canned bean but I used fresh.

*1 TBSP butter
*3 TBSP olive oil
*1 medium head garlic, minced
*2 cans green beans, drained (I used fresh)
*salt and pepper
*1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil; add garlic and cook until lightly browned
Stir in green beans and season with salt and pepper
Cook until Beans are tender, about 10 minutes
Remove from heat and add cheese

332. Creamy Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

So I thought it was odd that your boiled the potatoes in chicken broth but they were rich and wonderful!

*2 lbs red potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
*1 cup chicken broth, I used a little more
*4 onces Cream Cheese
*1/2 cup sour cream
*3 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese

Cook potatoes in boiling broth for 15 minutes
Simmer for 5 minutes
Drain if broth is left over
Stir in cream cheese and sour cream and Parmesan
mash and serve

333.Yellow Squash Casserole

I was that person who never ever would touch squash and my sister in law made this type of casserole when we went over for dinner. To be kind I tried and found that I really liked it. I needed something to go with ham on Christmas eve night and this was perfect.

*4 cups sliced yellow squash
*1/2 cup chopped onion
*35 ritz crackers, crushed
*1 cup shredded cheddar
*2 eggs, beaten
*3/4 cup milk
*1/4 cup butter, melted
*1 tsp salt
*pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400
Place squash and onion in a large skillet over medium heat
Pour in small amount of water
Cover and cook until squash is tender, about 5 minutes
Drain and place in large bowl
In a medium bowl, mix together cracker crumbs and cheese
Stir half of mixture into cooked squash
In a small bowl mix eggs and milk and add to squash mixture
Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper
Spread into a 9x13 baking dish
Sprinkle with remaining cracker mixture
Bake for 25 minutes

334. Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffing

What is there not to love about stuffing and this was good. I had to add some broth to make it even better

*1/2 cup uncooked wild rice
*1 1/2 cup water
*2 cups chopped broccoli
*1/2 cup butter
*1 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
*1 cup chopped onion
*1 package herb seasoned stuffing mix
*1 can chicken broth (I used a little more)

Bring rice and water to boil
Cover and reduce heat to low, simmer for 45 minutes
Cook broccoli until slightly tender, drain
Preheat oven to 350
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and saute mushrooms and onion until tender
Mix in rice, broccoli, stuffing mix and broth
Cook for 30 minutes

335. Candied Sweet Potatoes

These are good! the kids thought that it was like candy! Well, not really but close!

*4 lbs sweet potatoes. (I must admit that I used canned)
*1 1/4 cups butter
*1 1/2 cup brown sugar
*3 cups mini marshmallows
*Ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 400
mash the sweet potatoes
In a mixer, combine the sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar and cinnamon
Pour into baking dish
Cook for 15 minutes
Take out and top with marshmallows and cook for another 15 minutes

336. Breakfast Casserole

I have made the same one for years and this one was so easy to make and we all liked it even more!

*1 lb pork sausage
*1 tsp mustard powder
*1/2 tsp salt
*4 eggs beaten
*2 cups milk
*6 slices bread, cubed
*8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded

Cook sausage in a skillet; drain
In a medium bowl, mix together mustard powder, salt, eggs and milk
add sausage, bread cubes and cheese
Pour into baking dish and refrigerator overnight
Preheat oven to 350
Bake, covered for 45-60 minutes
uncover and bake at 325 for 30 minutes

337. Harvest Apple Cider

*4 cups apple cider
*4 cups pineapple juice
*1/2 cup water
*cinnamon sticks

Put the cider, juice and water in a slow cooker on low
serve with cinnamon stick!

338. Potatoes

last week I made some that were nothing to make again!

2010-12-21T14:53:00.000-08:00

328. Pot Roast

This was my own thing and Dave loved it. I just threw whatever I had in the crock pot and hit start. Dave said that it was a 10! So there you have it.

*1 Pot roast (I used about 3 lbs)
*1 can cream mushroom soup
*1 pack onion soup mix
*1/4 cup water
*3 TBSP red wine vinegar

Mixed all together and cooked on low for about 5 hour

2010-12-19T15:21:00.000-08:00

319. Pumpkin Bread

So I went through the trouble of making this pumpkin bread and here is the thing....go to the store and buy the pillsbury quick bread. It was better, easier and cheaper to make.

320. Easy Roast

This was just ok.

*1 medium roast
*1 medium onion
*1 tsp butter
*1 can cream mushroom soup
*2 cups water

Heat oven in a large skillet over medium heat
Brown roast on all sides
turn burner down to low
Slice onion and place over roast
Add water, cover and simmer for several hours
When Roast is done remove from pan and add soup, mixing well with juices in the pan
Place roast back in and cook for 45 minutes

321. Garlic Red Potatoes

So good! They took a long time to cook but they were worth it!

*2 lbs red potatoes, quartered
*1/4 cup melted butter
*2 tsp minced garlic
*1 tsp salt
*1 lemon juiced
*1 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350
Place potatoes in 8x8 baking dish
In a small bowl mix everything and pour over the potatoes, topping with grated cheese
Cover and cook for 30 minutes
Uncover and cook for 10 minutes or until potatoes are browned and soft.

322. Oatmeal Cookies with a twist

This is a recipe I found in a little church cook book. the kids and dave loved them. I am not sure if I ever tasted one!

*1/2 cup butter
*1/2 cup brown sugar
*1/2 cup white sugar
*1 egg
*1 1/2 cup flour
*1/2 tsp baking soda
*3/4 cup white choc chips
*1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 375
In a bowl cream together butter, brown sugar and white sugar
Beat in egg
Combine the flour and baking soda; Stir into sugar mixture
Mix in the chips and cranberries
Drop onto cookie sheets and cook for 8-10 minutes

323. Beef stir fry

So good. We have really loved the stir fry this year!

*1 1/2 lb boneless beef sirloin, cut 1 inch thick
*4 cups assorted fresh veggies
*1 clove garlic, minced
*1/2 cup stir fry sauce, I used ginger flavored
*1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
*3 cups cooked rice
*2 TBSP peanuts

Cut beef into 1/4 inch strips
Combine the veggies and 3 TBSP of water in large nonstick skillet
Cover and cook over medium high heat 4 minutes or until crisp-tender
Remove and drain
Heat same pan over medium-high heat until hot
Add beef and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes
Add the veggies and sauce to pan and heat though
Spoon over rice and top with peanuts

324. Tuna pasta

Dont waste your time or money.

325. Hoisin stir fry

This was good and seems like a lot to make but it was easy. the kids both liked it!

*1 lb pork chops, cut into strips
*1 TBSP hoisin sauce
*1 TBSP cornstarch

*2 TBSP hoisin sauce
*1 TBSP cornstarch
*1 TBSP rice vinegar
*1 TBSP white sugar
*1 tsp cayenne pepper
*1 TBSP sesame oil
*2 cloves garlic, minced
*2 tsp ginger
*1 carrot peeled and sliced
*1 bell pepper, sliced
*1 can water chestnuts

Slice the pork and mix with 1 TBSP hoisin and 1 TBSP cornstarch in a bowl and set aside
Combine the 2 TBSP hoisin and 1 TBSP cornstarch with rice vinegar, sugar and cayenne, set aside
Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium high hear
Stir in pork; cook until fragrant
Mix in carrot, bell pepper and water chestnuts, cooking until carrots are tender
Stir in hoisin mixture and cook about 3 minutes

326. Balsamic Roasted Potatoes

Two of my favorite things. Potatoes and balsamic vinegar.

*1 1/2 lb potatoes (I used fingerling)
*2 1/2 TBSP olive oil
*1 TBSP sea salt
*1/2 tsp pepper
*1 TBSP rosemary
*3 TBSP balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 450
Mix everything together and roast for 20-30 minutes!

shopping list

327. Pork chops

These were nothing to knock you over.

2010-12-07T07:14:00.000-08:00

316. Quick Crescent Pecan Pie

So this was so darn good. I am not a really a fan of pecans but I loved this. The kids were not crazy about it but the adults loved it!

*1 can of crescent rolls

filling
*1/2 cup chopped pecans
*1/2 cup sugar
*1/2 cup corn syrup
*1 TBSP melted butter
*1/2 tsp vanilla
*1 egg, beaten

Heat oven 350
Unroll dough,separate dough into 2 long rectangles
Place in 13x9 pan; press over bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides
Make sure to press the seals
Bake for 8 minutes
Meanwhile in a bowl mix everything together
Pour filling in crust
Bake for 18-22 minutes
Cool for an hour

317. Cheddar Cheese Bread

Yummy! The kids loved it!

*1 package yeast (2 tsp)
*3 cups bread flour
*1/4 cup dry milk
*1 TBSP butter
*1 tsp salt
*2 tsp sugar
*1 1/4 cup warm water
*1 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese

put in bread maker and press start

318. Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

So this was easy to make and we all really liked it. Dave gave it a 9 out of 10. The kids really liked it too!

*3 cups chopped cooked chicken
*1 package frozen vegetable blend, thawed, drained
*1/2 lb Velveeta cheese cut into cubes
*1 can cream of chicken
*1 can crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 375
Combine first four ingredients in a baking dish
Unroll dough and place on top
Bake for 25 minutes (mine too longer for the dough to cook through)

2010-12-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

312. Turkey soup

I went off a recipe but in the end just did my own thing! it was good. I am not the kids would have liked it but they dont like soup

*1 onion, diced
*1 clove garlic
*1 tsp veg oil
*3 cups turkey, chopped
* can chili beans
*3 cups chicken broth
*1 can corn, drained
*1 can rotel
*1 pack taco seasoning

Cook onion and garlic together with veg oil
Add everything into a large pot or dutch oven
Bring to boil and then simmer for at least 30 minutes

313. New York Strip steak

Dave got home last for work and we did not eat with the kids. So while they had corn dogs Dave and I had steak from Whole Foods and it was so good.

*1/2 cup olive oil
*1/4 lemon juice
*3 cloves garlic, minced
*2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
*pepper to taste
*New York Strip

Add to a gallon bag and marinate for at least 30 minutes

314. Turkey Tetrazzini

So we were going to use all the left over turkey and I am close to using it all without just having a plate of turkey. We all really liked it. Elise was a but of a pill about the mushrooms!

*1 package spaghetti
*1/2 cup butter
*4 onces mushrooms, sliced
*1/2 small onion, sliced
*1/2 cup flour
*2 cups milk
*3 cups chopped turkey
*1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400
Cook Spaghetti in salted water
Heat butter over medium high heat
Cook mushrooms and onion
Stir in flour and slowly add milk
Cook until thick
Place the cooked pasta on the bottom of pan, then the turkey and pour sauce over turkey
Top with cheese and cook for 20 minutes

315. Garlic and Herb bread

This was a good bread and went well with any meal!

*1 cup warm water
*3 TBSP dry milk
*2 TBSP veg oil
*2 TBSP sugar
*1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
*1 1/2 tsp onion powder
*1 1/2 tsp basil
*1 1/2 tsp dill
*1 1/2 TBSP parsely
*3 cups bread flour
*2 tsp yeast

Place in bread maker!

2010-11-30T06:33:00.000-08:00

306. Meatloaf

It was not very good. I dont know why I try and try to find another meatloaf when I love the recipe I have.

307. Toffee cookies

These were the cookies on the back of the health chips! they were really good, if you like toffee!

308. Green Bean Casserole

So Dave wanted green bean casserole but I did not want to just do the one on the Cream of Mushroom soup can! this was good. It was almost like you made your own cream of mushroom soup to cook it in.

*2 TBSP butter
*4 ounces mushrooms, minced
*1 cup chopped onion
*3 TBSP flour
*1 1/2 cup chicken stock
*1/2 cup half and half
*3/4 tsp salt
*pepper to taste
*1 1/2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

Topping
*2/3 cup crushed croutons
*2/3 cup chopped walnuts
*2 TBSP melted butter
*1/2 cup minced onion

Melt the butter over medium heat
Add mushrooms and onion, cook for 10 minutes
Stir in flour; cook and stir for 5 minutes
Slowly add stock and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes
Stir in half and half and season with salt and pepper; set aside
Preheat oven to 350
Cook bean in salted water for 5 minutes
Drain well and add mushroom sauce
transfer to an 11x7 dish
Mix toppings and place on top
Bake for 20 minutes

309. Sweet Potato Casserole

This was good. I normally make it different and top it with marshmallows. Dave liked this one more and I like me old one more.

*4 1/2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
*1/2 cup melted butter
*1/3 cup milk
*1 cup white sugar
*1/2 tsp vanilla
*2 eggs, beaten
*1 cup light brown sugar
*1/2 cup flour
*1/3 cup butter
*1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350
In a large bowl mix sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup butter, milk, sugar, vanilla and eggs
Spread in 9x19 baking dish
In a small bowl mix brown sugar and flour
Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly, then stir in pecans
Sprinkle over sweet potatoes
Bake for 25 minutes

310. Mashed potatoes

These were just average. After I bought all these potatoes and peeled them....I could have just made boxed potatoes. No one cared for them!

311. Stuffing

we all loved this. LOVED IT!!!

*1 lb sausage
*1 large onion, diced
*3 stalks celery, diced
*1 package cubed stuffing
*1 tsp poultry seasoning
*2 1/2 cups chicken broth
*1/2 cup melted butter

Cook the onion
Mix together sausage, cooked onion, celery, stuffing, seasoning and chicken broth
Place in fridge overnight
before you stuff the bird add the melted butter and mix

2010-11-26T06:45:00.000-08:00

302. Chicken and rice

This was just a mess. We ended up having to have pizza for dinner. I dont know what happened.

303. Broccoli- Cheese bake

my sister in law had us over for Thanksgiving dinner and I asked what I could bring. She said an app and a side dish. I make an awesome broccoli casserole but I can make it in my sleep and since this point of this year is to make something different....here goes. It was really good. I did see one of the older kids go back for more that is a huge hit to me!

*can of cream of mushroom soup
*1 cup mayo
*1 egg beaten
*3 (10 on) packages of chopped, frozen broccoli (I used fresh with bigger pieces)
*8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I used more)
*salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350
Mix everything together and place in a 9x13 baking dish
Bake for 45 minutes

304. Spinach dip

This was good. If you have little the kids the red pepper flakes are a bit much! it was really good and all the adults really liked it!

*1 cup water
*1 cup diced red bell pepper
*1/2 cup thawed frozen chopped spinach
*1 package cream cheese
*2 TBSP milk
*1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
*1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
*1/4 tsp salt
*pepper

Bring water to boil, add bell pepper and spinach
Bring back to boil, turn heat down to medium and simmer until pepper is soft, about 10 minutes
Drain as much liquid as possible out of spinach and bell pepper
Combine the cream cheese and milk in the saucepan and cook over medium heat until hot and softened
Stir in spinach and bell pepper, parm cheese, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper
Heat and serve warm

304. Chicken

I found this chicken breast recipe on line and now I cant find it again. I will keep looking for it and try to post it. It was ok! not the best.

2010-11-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

299. Beef and Corn Chowder.

I did not love this soup. Dave liked it more than I did. I found it lacking something.

*1 lb ground beef
*1/2 cup chopped onion
*3 cups diced potatoes
*1 can cream corn
*1 can beef broth
*3/4 cup water
*1/4 tsp salt
*1/4 tsp basil
*dash pepper
*sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

In skillet brown beef with onion, darin
Add everything, but the cheese in slow cooker
Cook on high for 3 hours
Serve with cheese

300. Corn Fritter bread

This was not good and did not cook well. So dont bother. I thought it sounded really good but not so much. Oh well!!!

2010-11-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

297. garlic pasta

We got a trader joes here at last! When I went I got this portobello ravioli and I needed a sauce. So I found this recipe on line and man it was good!!! Now after the kids ate it and said that they liked it I told them that it was filled with mushrooms. Eli was not happy about the whole meal at that point.

*3 TBSP olive oil
*8 cloves minced garlic
*1/2 cup heavy cream
*salt and pepper
*Parmesan cheese

Make the pasta
In a skillet heat oil and cook garlic
Add heavy cream and cook until thick over medium heat
Add to pasta and add cheese

298. Chicken Marsala

This was good. It was easier to make than I had thought it would be.

*1/4 cup flour
*1/2 tsp salt
*1/4 tsp pepper
*1/2 tsp oregano
*4 boneless skinless chicken breast- pounded thin
*4 TBSP butter
*4 TBSP olive oil
*1 cup sliced mushrooms
*1/2 cup marsala wine
*1/4 cup cooking sherry

In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper and oregano
Coat chicken in flour
In a large skillet, melt butter in oil over medium heat
Place chicken in pan and lightly brown
Turn over and add mushrooms
Pour in wine and sherry
Cover skillet and cover for 10 minutes

2010-11-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

290. No good.

291. Pulled Pork

We had a friend come to visit from Cali and I wanted to make something southern. So I made pulled pork and Mac and cheese. We all liked this but it was a huge hit with the kids! Oh well!!

*1 medium onion, chopped
*1/2 cup(s) ketchup
*1/3 cup(s) cider vinegar
*1/4 cup(s) packed brown sugar
*1/4 cup(s) tomato paste
*2 tablespoon(s) sweet paprika
*2 tablespoon(s) Worcestershire sauce
*2 tablespoon(s) yellow mustard
*1 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
*1 1/4 teaspoon(s) ground black pepper
*4 pound(s) boneless pork shoulder blade roast (fresh pork butt), cut into 4 pieces

In 4 1/2- to 6-quart slow-cooker pot, stir onion, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, tomato paste, paprika, Worcestershire, mustard, salt, and pepper until combined.
Add pork to sauce mixture and turn to coat well with sauce
Cover slow cooker with lid and cook pork mixture on low setting as manufacturer directs, 8 to 10 hours or until pork is tender
Using 2 forks pull the pork apart and put back into the sauce to serve

292. Mac n Cheese

This was good. The whole crowd liked it and when I saw what went into it I thought it had to be good. However I was not crazy about the bacon. So I would leave it out next time.

*1 package ziti
*3 cups cottage cheese
*1/2 cup butter
*1/2 cup flour
*1 tsp salt
*1/2 tsp pepper
*1/2 tsp garlic salt
*3 cups half and half
*1 cup milk
*4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
*1 cup crumbled bacon
*1/3 cup bread crumbs

Cook pasta
Meanwhile put cottage cheese processor and beat until smooth
In a large sauce pan melt butter
Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and garlic salt until smooth
Gradually add cream and milk
Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes
Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl
Add cheddar cheese, white sauce, cottage cheese and 3/4 cup bacon, toss to coat
Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish
pour breadcrumbs on top
Cook in 400 oven for 20 minutes
Add remaining bacon and cook for another 5 minutes

293. Potato Soup

this was good and easy. I threw it in the crock pot and it was ready when we got home from dance lesson.

*6 potatoes, peeled and diced
*1 cup chopped onion
*2 carrots, thinly sliced
*2 ribs celery. thinly sliced
*4 cups chicken broth
*1/2 tsp basil
*1 tsp parsley
*1 tsp salt and pepper
*1/4 cup flour
*1 1/4 cups half and half

Place potatoes, onion, carrots, celery,broth, basil, parsley, salt and pepper in the slow cooker
Cover and cook on high for 3 hours
Stir in flour and half and half into soup
Cover and cook for 30 minutes

294, Potato Bread

We had this with the soup. I had some left over mashed potatoes and this bread was really good.

*3/4 cup water
*1/2 cup mashed potatoes
*1 egg
*2 TBSP butter
*2 TBSP sugar
*1/4 cup powdered milk
*1 tsp salt
*3 cups bread flour
*1 1/2 tsp yeast

Place in bread maker!

295. Chocolate Chip cookies

As always on the hunt for the perfect cookies. These are good today but will they be good tomorrow? Time will tell!!

*1 cup butter, softened
*1 cup sugar
*1 cup brown sugar
*2 eggs
*2 tsp vanilla
*3 cups flour
*1 tsp baking soda
*2 tsp hot water
*1/2 tsp salt
*2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350
Cream butter with white and brown sugar
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla
Dissolve baking soda in water
Add to batter with salt
Stir in flour, chocolate chips
Bake for 10 minutes

296. Apple Pork Tenderloin

This was really good. I did not have to yell at the kids to eat. We had it with some rice and green beans. It was yummy.

*1 pork tenderloin
*1/2 cup apple juice
*1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
*3 TBSP brown sugar
*1 clove garlic minced

Combine all and marinade pork for a couple hours, or overnight
Preheat oven to 350 and cook until temp is 160 or grill

2010-11-08T16:19:00.000-08:00

282. sugar cookie

these were just average and I dont think it worth blogging about

283. Glazed Parsnips

So I am the only one who loves parsnips in my house. Elise told me that they tasted like soap!

*2 lbs parsnips
*1/2 stick butter
*2-4 sprigs rosemary

Cut the parsnips lengthwise and quarter
Boil in salted water for 5-8 minutes until just tender
melt butter in skillet and cook the parsnips with rosemary for 15 minutes

284. Turkey Pot Pie

I made this for my moms birthday dinner and we really liked it. It was good reheated and we all loved it. The kids ate it and I did not have to yell at anyone!

*1 package frozen mixed veggies
*2 cups cubed turkey
*1 can cream of potato soup
*1 cup milk
*1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
*1 can french fried onion
*1/2 tsp salt
*1 tube crescent rolls

In a large bowl combine the veggies, turkey, soup, milk, cheese, onions and salt
Transfer to a 2 quart baking dish
unroll the crescent rolls and cut into strips
Make lattice over the top and bake in 375 oven for 35-40 minutes

285. Chicken with Cauliflower and apples

This was really good. You can leave out the apples they really did not add anything to this recipe. Dave and I liked this more than the kids.

*4-6 bone in, skin on, chicken thighs
*1/2 head cauliflower, chopped
*1/2 head green cabbage, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
*4 sprigs thyme
*2 TBSP olive oil
*salt and pepper
*2 pink lady apples, cut into wedges

Preheat oven to 450
Place chicken, cabbage,thyme,and cauliflower on a baking sheet
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
Cook until cauliflower is tender, about 20 minutes
Remove and add apples, return to the oven and cook about 20 minutes

286. Garlic and Herb bread

this was good bread. We had it with the turkey pot pie.

*1 cup warm water
*3 TBSP dry milk
*2 TBSP olive oil
*2 TBSP sugar
*1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
*1 1/2 tsp onion powder
*1 1/2 tsp basil
*1 1/2 dill weed
*1 1/2 tsp parsley
*3 cups bread flour
*2 1/4 tsp yeast

place in bread maker and enjoy

287. Chocolate Chip bread

Our cute dog sitter was going to come over and do me a favor in return I was going to make her bread. She had the nerve to have her baby early! So we enjoyed it and I will it for her a little later

*1 cup warm milk
*1 1/2 tsp salt
*2 TBSP butter
*3 cups bread flour
*3 TBSP sugar
*2 tsp yeast
*1/2 cup chocolate chips
*2 TBSP cocoa powder

Place everything but the chips in the bread maker
the last couple minutes add the chips!

288. Pork Tenderloin

this was yummy. We really liked this and the kids ate it also. It was nice to make it really fast

*1/4 cup olive oil
*1 cup balsamic vinegar
*salt and pepper
*1 tsp minced garlic
*3 TBSP fresh rosemary
*2 pork tenderloin

Combine and place in bag to marinade for 30 minutes
Grill over medium high heat

289. French onion Mashed potatoes

So We had this french onion dip that was about to go bad. So I added to some mashed potatoes and it was good!!

busy day

2010-10-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

280. Beef Stew

This weekend has been wild and BUSY. The kids had halloween parties at school on friday. Friday night we went trick or treating on a local college in the dorms. Can you say Arbys for dinner at almost 8 at night. So no cooking. Sat we had the fall festival at Eli's school and then trick or treating. Can you say slow cooker for Sat? Today we had the fall festival at our church and more trick or treating. I think that Elise had a hot dog bun and bag of chips. healthy weekend! Then pile all the candy and can you say DONE IN!! The slow cooker got a lot of use. This beef stew was yummy. After a long day and time on our feet it was nice to come home and have it done!

*10 small potatoes, halved
*1-2 onion chopped
*5-8 carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-2 inch chunks
*1 red or yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
*1 1/2 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
*2 cups beef broth
*1 tsp oregano
*1/2 tsp paprika
*1 TBSP parsley
*8 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
*salt and pepper

Place in slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.

2010-10-30T13:25:00.001-07:00

279. Mexican Bread

I forgot this one. We had it with the taco soup and it was good

*3/4 cup water
3 1/3 cup bread flour
*1 1/2 tsp sugar
*1 tsp salt
*2 1/2 TBSP taco mix
*1/2 cup sour cream
*1 1/2 tsp yeast

place in bread maker and press start!

2010-10-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

272. Yukon Potatoes

I love yukon Potatoes and this just an easy way to make them

*2 lbs yukon potatoes
*2-3 TBSP olive oil
*salt and pepper
*1 tsp basil
*1 tsp garlic powder
*1 tsp oregano

Preheat oven 450
mix together and roast for 30 minutes

273. Cheese Dip

This was so easy. It was ok. Dave likes it more than I did and my kids would not touch it.

* 1 lb of Velveeta Cheese, cubed
*1 can rotel

Heat to melt cheese and stir

274. Apple Pie

It was no better than any recipe, so no need to type it out. To be honest I really like to use that canned Applie pie filling. I think its good and easy to make!!

275. Taco Soup

this was good. I am not going to lie and tell you that my kids loved it. They ate chicken nuggets!

*1 lb ground beef
*1 onion, chopped
*1 can kidney beans with liquid
*1 can chili beans with liquid
*1 can tomato sauce
*2 cups water
*2 cans peeled and diced tomatoes
* can diced green chile peppers
*1 packet taco seasoning

Brown the meat
Drain and pour into crock pot along with everything else
Cook on low for 6-8 hours

276. Chicken and dumplings

I made this one night when I did not have a lot of time and it was really good. The kids loved it. We loved it! No one had to sit in time out and that to me is a good night.

*1 whole chicken (to make this faster I just picked up a pre-cooked chicken
*5 carrots, peeled and cut until 1 inch pieces
*2-3 celery cut into 1/4 inch pieces
*2-3 cups chicken broth
*2 chicken bullion cubes
*1 bay leaf
*salt and peeper
*1 tube biscuits

Place the carrots and celery in a dutch oven and cover with broth.
Put the bay leaf and bullion in pot and season with salt and pepper
Cook for 30-45 minutes on a medium low heat or until carrots are soften
Carve the chicken and throw into dutch oven
Top with biscuits
Then I put it in the oven at 400 until the biscuits were cooked.

An easy take on chicken and dumplings!

277. Brownies

These were good if you like brownies. I am not a huge fan of brownies

*1/2 cup butter
*1 cup sugar
*1 tsp vanilla
*2 eggs
*1/2 cup flour
*1/3 cocoa powder
*1/4 tsp baking powder
*1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350
Stir together butter, sugar and vanilla
Add eggs and beat well
Stir in flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt until blended
pour into a 9 inch square pan
Bake for 25 minutes

278. Pot Roast

This was good and the kid liked it. It a different twist on just a pot roast. I am sure that you can also make it in the crock pot

*1 beef roast (4-5 lbs)
*2 TBSP oil
*salt and pepper
*1 cup water
*1 can tomato sauce
*1 sliced onion
*2 cloves garlic, minced
*2 TBSP brown sugar
*1/2 tsp dry mustard
*1/4 cup lemon juice
*1/4 cup vinegar
*1/4 cup ketchup
*1 TBSP worcestershire sauce
*dash of hot sauce

Heat oil in dutch oven and brown the meat on all sides
Sprinkle with salt and pepper
Add water, tomato sauce, onion and garlic
Cover and simmer for 2 hours
Add remaining ingredients, cover and cook for an 1 1/2 hours

2010-10-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

267. Sweet bread

Every time I use my bread machine I hear my friend JJ tell me that I would never use it. However I use it a lot and I love it! This is really good with some apple butter or pumpkin butter. this may come as a shock but we went apple picking and bought those 2 things.

*1 cup milk
*2 eggs
*2 TBSP butter
*1/3 cup sugar
*3/4 tsp salt
*3 cups bread flower
*2 1/2 tsp yeast

Put them in the bread machine and start!

268. Crab dip

This was really good. It was like something you buy while out to dinner. Plus it was easy and it was good cold too!

*11 ounces cream cheese, softened
*1 small onion, finely chopped
*5 TBSP mayo
*2 cans crab meat, drained and flaked
*1/8 tsp garlic powder
*salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350
Mix everything together and place in a small dish
Cook for 20-28 minutes

269. Cheddar Ranch dip

We went to a party at our best friends home. I had to find a dip to make. I will say that Dave liked this more than I did. It was a little too much bacon taste!

*1 (16on) sour cream
*1 pack ranch dressing mix
*3 ounce bacon bits
*1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Mix together and make sure to chill for at least 30 minutes

270. Gold crushed Potatoes

My husband went to cali and he brought back these gold temptation potatoes. They are these cute little yellow potatoes and they are tasty!

*yellow potatoes
*6 cloves garlic, minced
*1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
*1/4 cup olive oil
*salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400
Roast potatoes for 30 minutes
Take out and crush with fork to break the skin and flatten potato
Place in bowl and mix in everything
Serve warm

271. salt

It was this recipe that was way too much salt and just bad! It was a fish dish and not good!

October 14

2010-10-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

261. Baked Cheese Cake

What is there to not like about cheese cake. This was easy and I just used a pre-made pie crust

Filling
*2 packages cream cheese, softened
*1 TBSP lemon juice
*3/4 cup sugar
*1/4 cup milk
*1/2 tsp vanilla
*2 eggs

Topping
*2 TBSP sugar
*1 cup sour cream
*1/2 tsp vanilla

Beat Cream cheese until fluffy
Gradually add in lemon juice, sugar, milk. salt and vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time
Pour into crust
Bake at 325 for 30 minutes
Mix the sugar, sour cream and vanilla and spread over
Bake for another 10 minutes
Chill for 5 hours

262. Brownies

You know to be honest....just buy the box mix. there was nothing special about these.

263. Meatloaf
*1 1/2 lb ground beef
*1 egg
*1 onion
*1 cup milk
*1 cup breadcrumbs
*salt and pepper
*2 TBSP brown sugar
*2 TBSP mustard
*1/3 cup ketchup

Preheat oven to 350
In a large bowl combine the beef, egg, onion, milk and breadcrumbs
Season with salt and pepper
Place in loaf pan
In a separate bowl mix brown sugar, mustard and ketchup together
Pour over top of meat
Bake for 1 hour

263. two cheese spaghetti bake

This was really good. The kids really liked it and it made enough for us to have lunch the next couple days. Eli did want to have hot dogs and candy when I told him what I was making. Oh well!! There is always tomorrow

*6 ounces spaghetti. broken into thirds
*1 lb ground beef
*1/4 cup chopped onion
*1 jar spaghetti sauce with mushrooms
*2 TBSP butter
*4 TBSP flour
*1/4 tsp salt
*3/4 evaporated milk
*1/3 cup water
*4 ounces process cheese, cubed
*2 TBSP parmesan cheese

Cook spaghetti in salted water
Brown the meat with onion, drain
Add sauce to meat and cook until boils
Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes
In a small saucepan, melt butter
Stir in flour and salt; gradually stir in water and milk
Bring to boil; cook and stir until thickened and bubbly
Add Process cheese and Parmesan cheese and stir until melted
Spread half the spaghetti mixture in baking pan
Spread cheese mixture over it and top with spaghetti
Bake for 30 minutes in 350 oven

264. over the top Mac n Cheese

This was good. I made this for my sweet husband because he was out of town for almost a week and when he came home he wanted Mac n Cheese! This was good and it reheated really well!

*16 ounces Elbow Macaroni
*2 ounces Muenster cheese
*1/2 cup milk cheddar, sharp cheddar, monterey jack cheeses
*1/2 cup butter
*2 cups half and half cream
*2 eggs
*1 cup process cheese
*salt and pepper

Cook pasta in salted water
In a bowl mix the cheeses and set aside
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat
Stir in cream, eggs, process cheese, salt and pepper and 1 1/2 cups cheese mixture
Drain pasta add cheese sauce and stir to coat
Transfer to baker and top with remaining cheese
Bake in a 350 oven for 40 minutes

265. slow cooker lemon chicken with potatoes and mushrooms

this was good. I was worried that it was not going to cook and I was worried that the potatoes would be hard but it was great. Everything was well cooked and yummy

*3-4 lb chicken
*2 cubes chicken bouillon
*1 lemon
*1/4 tsp paprika
*3 TBSP parsley
*1 onion cut into wedges
*2 cloves garlic, chopped
*2 TBSP soy sauce
*1/2 tsp salt
*1/4 tsp pepper
*8-12 Yukon potatoes
*6 ounces mushrooms

Rinse and dry the chicken
Make sure that you take out the giblets and neck
put one bouillon inside cavity
squeeze the lemon and set juice aside
place rinds in cavity
put chicken in slow cooker, breast side up
sprinkle with paprika and parsley
place onions and garlic around chicken
pour soy sauce and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper
crumble remaining bouillon cube over chicken
Top with potatoes and mushrooms
Cook on high for 4-5 hours

266. Ham and Cheese Crescents

When Dave was out of town and I made this for the kids. They loved them and it was easy to make. Things we all have sitting around

*1 can crescent rolls
*8 thinly sliced ham
*4 slices cheddar cheese

Heat oven 350
Separate dough into 8 triangles
Place ham and cheese onto dough and roll
Bake for 15-19 minutes

October 4

2010-10-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

256. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

*4 cups sweet potatoes, cut into 1-2 in pieces
*1 TBSP paprika
*1 tsp garlic powder (I used 2)
*1 tsp onion powder
*1 tsp sugar
*1 tsp cumin
*1 tsp salt
*3 TBSP red wine vinegar or malt vinegar

Toss all this with the sweet potatoes
Cook in a 425 oven 30-45 minutes!!

257. Cola Pot Roast

Its cold outside. For those of you who live in the midwest maybe 62 is not cold, but it is for me!
So break out the crock pot

*2 lb pot Roast
*Dry onion soup mix
*dry gravy mix
*cream of whatever soup....I used mushroom
*1 can of coke

place all in crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours

258. award winning Chili

This is was good chili. We loved it. We even got the kids to eat a bowl. Elise tells us that she likes chili now!

*2 lb ground beef
*1/2 onion, chopped
*1 tsp pepper
*1/2 tsp garlic salt
*2 cups tomato sauce
*1 jar (8 onces) salsa, I used more
*4 TBSP chili seasoning
*1 can light kidney beans
*1 can dark kidney beans

Brown meat in a heavy pot with the onions over medium high heat
Drain meat
Add everything else into the pot with the drained meat
Cook over a low setting for an hour.(I covered it)

259. Corn bread

YUMMY! I would have made my own cornbread. It was easy to make and so good

*1 1/2 cup cornmeal
*2 1/2 cups milk
*2 cups flour
*1 TBSP baking powder
*1 tsp salt
*2/3 cup sugar
*2 eggs
*1/2 cup veg oil

Preheat oven to 400
In a small bowl combine the cornmeal and milk and let stand for 5 minutes
In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar
Mix in the cornmeal mixture, eggs and oil
Pour into 9x13
Bake for 30-35 minutes

260. Lemon Meringue pie

This was so good. I always thought it was harder to make than it is.

*1 cup sugar
*2 TBSP flour
*3 TBSP cornstarch
*1/4 tsp salt
*1 1/2 cup water
*2 lemons, juiced and zested
*2 TBSP butter
*4 egg yolks beaten
*1 pie crust
*4 egg whites
*6 TBSP sugar

Preheat oven to 350
To make the lemon filing:
In a medium saucepan whisk the sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt
Stir in water, lemon juice and zest
Cook over medium high heat, always stirring until it comes to a boil
Add the butter
Place the yolks in little by little always stirring
Bring back to a boil and continue to cook until thick
Remove from heat and place in pie shell
To make meringue
Whip egg whites until foamy
Add the sugar and beat until they form stiff peaks
Spread over the pie and bake for 10 minutes

2010-10-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

253. Chicken Stir fry

This was good and the kids really liked it too. That is what I call a win win for this house!

*3 chicken breast
*3 TBSP soy sauce
*3 TBSP rice vinegar
*3 TBSP teriyaki sauce
*2 TBSP corn starch
*rice

Cut the chicken into strips
Coat the chicken with everything
Put oil in the skillet and heat over medium high heat
cook the chicken until its cooked through
Serve over rice

254. no one liked....next

255. Pot Roast

Ok it was a tad tough to eat. I would for sure make it in the crock pot for longer!

*3 lb beef shoulder roast
*1 TBSP olive oil
*salt, pepper and Italian seasoning
*1 clove garlic minced
*1 large onion chopped
*1/2 cup red wine
*carrots

heat the oil in a dutch over over medium high heat
Sear the meat on all side
Add the onion and garlic and rest meat on top
Add wine and cook until its almost boiling
Turn heat down and cover
Simmer for 3 hours or until meat is tender
You can also cook this in a slow cooker

Sept 27

2010-09-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

250. Honey Bun Cake

*yellow cake mix
*3/4 cup vegetable oil
*4 eggs
*1 cup sour cream
*1 cup brown sugar
*1 TBSP cinnamon

*2 cups powdered sugar
*4 TBSP milk
*1 TBSP vanilla

Preheat oven to 325
In a large bowl mix together cake mix, oil, eggs and sour cream
Stir about 50 strokes until the large lumps are out
Pour half into a pan, I used a bunt pan
Pour the brown sugar and cinnamon
Pour the half over it and then swirl it
Bake for 40 minutes
Frost while hot

To make frosting mix together powder sugar, milk and vanilla!

251. Honey Pecan Chicken

We had company over! This was a hit with everyone!

*2 skinless, boneless chicken breast
*1/4 tsp salt
*1/8 tsp pepper
*1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
*1 tsp minced garlic
*1 TBSP butter
*3 TBSP honey
*3 TBSP chopped pecans

Brown chicken in butter in non stick skillet
Add garlic and reduce heat to medium; cover and cook until cooked through
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle pecans

252. Mac and Cheese

so this was in a mag that I read and I thought I would try it. It was ok. I was not overly in love with it. My daughter does not like Bacon. I know strange right! At least we made it through dinner with a guest without screaming and almost no crying!

*1/2 lb elbow mac
*3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 in pieces
*3 eggs
*12 on evaporated milk
*1/2 tsp salt
*1/2 tsp cayenne
*1/4 tsp nutmeg
*1 1/2 cup cheddar
*1 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese
*1/2 cup Parm cheese

Cook salt water and add noodles
Preheat oven to 475
cook bacon until its crispy
drain the noodles and add the bacon to the pot
mix together the eggs, milk, salt, cayenne, nutmeg and cheeses
pour into pan and bake until bubbling about 14 minutes

Sept 26

2010-09-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

245. Honey Glazed Pork

this was so good and we all really liked it.

*1/3 cup honey
*2 TBSP soy sauce
*1 TBSP brown sugar
*2 TBSP sesame oil
*TBSP balsamic vinegar
*2 pork tenderloins

Preheat oven to 450
In a bowl mix honey, soy sauce, sesame oil and vinegar
Place the tenderloins on a roasting pan cook for 15 minutes
Take out and lower heat on oven to 350
Baste with honey sauce
Cook for 45 minutes

246. Beef Pot Roast

This was good. It was easy and tasty!

*2 tsp olive oil
*4 lb chuck roast
*1 onion chopped
*2 cloves garlic minced
*2 bay leaves
*1 tsp satl
*pepper

Preheat over to 325
Heat a dutch oven over medium high heat
Add oil and sear meat for 4 minutes on each side
Arrange onion, garlic and bay leave on the bottom of the pan
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cover
Cook for 30 minutes
Reduce heat to 300 and cook for 1 1/2 hours

247. Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

My sister in law sent this to me and we all loved it. the kids really liked it and I have noticed this year that Elise really likes Broccoli

*4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
*salt and pepper
*4 TBSP butter
*1 onion chopped fine
*1/4 cup flour
*1 cup chicken broth
*1/2 cup heavy cream
*1/2 cup dry sherry
*1 1/2 lb broccoli florets
*1 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Heat the boiler
Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper
Melt 1 TBSP butter in a large non stick skillet over medium high heat
Cook chicken until golden brown about 3 minutes per side
Transfer to a plate
Add the remaining butter and onion to empty skillet and cook over medium heat until onion is beginning to brown, about 2 minutes
Stir in flour and cook until golden, about 1 minute
Whisk in broth, cream and sherry and simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes
Return chicken to skillet, reduce heat to low and cover
Cook until cooked through, about 15 minutes
Transfer to boil safe baking dish
Meanwhile, microwave broccoli, covered in a bowl for 2-4 minutes
Add broccoli and 1 cup cheese to skillet
Season with salt and pepper and pour broccoli mixture over chicken
Sprinkle with remaining cheese and broil until browned, about 4 minutes

248. and 249....not so well! Maybe next week!

sept 19...again

2010-09-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

242. Lemon Lime Cookies

I saw this recipe in a book I was reading and I thought maybe I would give it a try. Elise has never liked a cookie and I am on the hunt for one she will eat. Well, she loves these. We all really liked them and you can make them in any flavor

*1 package of Kool Aid powder, any flavor
*1 2/3 cups sugar
*1 1/4 cups softened butter
*2 eggs
*1/2 tsp salt
*1 tsp baking soda
*3 cups flour
*1/2 cup sugar

Mix the Kool Aid and sugar together and add the sugar until its fluffy
Add the eggs and mix well
Mix in the salt and baking soda
Add the flour in half-cup increments
Make into 2 tsp balls and roll in the 1/2 cup sugar
Bake for 10-12 minutes

243. Mini Deep Dish Pizza

The kids thought that these were really cute and we did not have cut up pizza!

*premade or home made pizza dough
* pizza sauce
*shredded mozzarella cheese
*pizza toppings

Preheat oven to 425
Place squares of dough into muffin pans
add the pizza sauce and cheese
top with whatever your family likes
Cook for 12 minutes, mine cooked fast!

244. Pad Thai

It was ok. I wont waste you time or mine to type it out!

Sept 19

2010-09-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

239. Broccoli Chicken Divan

This was good and while I was making Elise was telling me that she hated it. She was not going to eat it. I braced for a battle and then she ate it all and asked for seconds. So she loved it. Both kids ate it all!

*1 lb chopped fresh broccoli
*1 1/2 cup cubed, cooked chicken
*1 can cream broccoli soup
*1/3 cup milk
*1/2 cup shredded cheese
*1 TBSP melted butter
*2 TBSP Dried bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 450
Place broccoli in saucepan and cover with water
Bring to boil and cook for 5 minutes
Drain
Place broccoli in a 9 inch pie plate, I used a square baker
Top with chicken
In a bowl mix milk and soup and pour over chicken
Top with cheese
Melt the butter and mix in breadcrumbs and then sprinkle on top
Cook for 15 minutes

240. Key Lime Pie

This is so yummy. I love key lime pie and its really not hard to make.

*1 cup white sugar
*1/4 cup flour
*3 TBSP cornstarch
*1/4 tsp salt
*2 cups water
*3 eggs
*1 TBSP butter
*1/4 cup key lime juice
* pie crust
*1/4 tsp cream of tarter
*6 TBSP sugar

Preheat oven to 425
Separate the eggs
beat the yolks and set the whites aside
Combine the 1 cup what sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt in a saucepan
Gradually stir in the water
Cook over medium heat until thickened
Gradually stir in the sugar mixture into the egg yolks, beating constantly
Return mixture to saucepan and cook on low for 2 minutes, stirring constantly
Stir in butter and lime juice
Let mixture cook slightly
Beat the egg whites until light and fluffy
Add the cream of tarter and continue beating until stiff peaks form
Gradually beat in the 6 TBSP of sugar until meringue is stiff and glossy
Pour the lime mixture into the pie crust
Spread meringue over, make sure the push it to the sides
Cook for 6-7 minutes

241. Thyme Roasted Chicken

This was good and took almost no time. Plus I used the left over chicken for the Chicken Divan!

*1 small chicken
*thyme
*salt and pepper
*2 lb potatoes cut into quarters
*olive oil

Preheat oven to 425
Clean the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper and thyme
Place in a pan and nestle potatoes around the chicken
Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
Cook for 1 hour or until temp is 165
Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing

Sept 17

2010-09-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

237. Sweet Mustard Chicken Bake

This was so good and easy to make. The kids liked it and it was a god quick meal!

*4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
*1/2 cup honey
*1/4 cup dijon mustard
*1/2 cup butter, melted
*black pepper

Preheat oven to 350
Mix everything together and pour over chicken
Bake, basting frequently for 45 minutes

238. Biscuit Pizza bake

we had this earlier in the week and Eli and Dave really liked it. I thought that it was fine. Elise was not a fan. To be fair, we has been only eating oatmeal, kraft cheese slices and mac n cheese....So I cant judge based on her.

*1 lb ground beef
*2 tubes refrigerated biscuits
*1 can pizza sauce
*1 cup chopped bell peppers
*1/2 cup chopped onion
*1 can mushrooms, drained
*1 package pepperoni
*1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
*1 cup shredded cheddar

In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium heat (I would cook the onions in with this. I do not like the taste of raw onions and they needed to be cooked more)
Quarter the biscuits and place in a 3 quart baking dish
Top with pizza sauce
Drain beef and place in dish over pizza sauce
Layer with peppers, onion (if you did not cook with beef), mushrooms, pepperoni and cheeses
Bake, uncovered at 350 for 25 minutes

2010-09-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

228. Pesto eggs

*1 TBSP veg oil
*1 egg
*1/4 cup cheddar, shredded
*salt and pepper
*1/2 tsp pesto

Heat oil over medium heat
In a bowl beat egg, cheddar, salt and peeper together
Pour into pan and stir for 3-5 minutes
Stir in pesto

229. Spicy Meatballs

*1 lb ground beef
*1 lb sausage, crumbled
*salt and pepper
*1/2 (or more) seasoned breadcrumbs
*1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
*pinch of cayenne pepper

Mix together and bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.
Here is a trick that I do. I make them into meatballs and throw them in a large stock pot. Then I pour sauce in with the meatballs and cook them in the sauce. I cook them over low for maybe 45-50 minutes. They are so good and its really easy.

230. Seafood Skillet

We had this the other night and it was really good. Elise did not care for the bell peppers in the rice but other than that it was good. I did not love it as much as dave since I am a not a huge fan of Coconut!

*3 strips of bacon, chopped
*1 lb small bay scallops
*1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined
*2 cloves garlic, minced
*1 can coconut water
*1/4 cup water
*2 tsp chicken bouillon granules
*1/2 tsp salt
*1/4 tsp res pepper flakes
*1 bell pepper chopped, any color
*2 cups instant rice

In a large non stick skillet cook bacon for 4 minutes, over medium heat
Add scallops, shrimp and garlic; cook over medium high heat for 4 minutes
Add coconut water, water, bouillon, salt and red pepper flakes
Bring to boil
Add peppers and simmer for 3 minutes
Stir in rice, cover and remove from heat
Let stand, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes or into liquid of absorbed

231. Peanut Butter cookies

Today is Eli's fifth birthday party and we thought this year we would only do cake and ice cream. So I thought I would make some cookies to go with it. So all morning I will be making cookies

*1 cup butter
*1 cup peanut butter
*1 cup white sugar
*1 cup brown sugar
*2 eggs
*2 1/2 cup flour
*1 tsp baking powder
*1/2 tsp salt
*1 1/2 tsp baking soda

Cream together butter, peanut butter and sugars
Beat in eggs
In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt
Stir into batter
Put batter in fridge for one hour
Heat oven to 375
Roll into 1 inch balls, flatten with fork, making the criss cross
bake for 10 minutes, Do NOT over bake!

232. Chocolate covered marshmallow cookies

I made these too big and we did not have enough for the party. I will put a note in how to make them smaller!

*1/4 cup, plus 2 TBSP flour
*1/4 cup, plus 2 TBSP whole wheat flour
*1/4 tsp salt
*1/4 tsp baking soda
*1/4 tsp baking powder
*1/4 tsp cinnamon
*3 TBSP butter
*3 TBSP brown sugar
*1 large egg
*9 large marshmallows, halved
*9 onces semi sweet chocolate

Preheat over to 350
In a medium bowl whisk together flours, salt, baking soda and powder and cinnamon
In a large bowl beat the butter and brown sugar together, until light, about 4 minutes
Add egg and beat to combine
With beaters on low add the flour mixture and beat until combined
Drop dough by Tablespoon.....this will make cookies too big. So maybe a half tablespoon. they should not be huge cookies and mine were
flatten cookies so that they are 2 inches across
Cook for about 7 minutes, rotating pan half way through
Put marshmallow on top and cook for another 2 minutes or until marshmallow is soft.
Heat a glass bowl over a saucepan of water and melt chocolate
dip the cookie into the chocolate and let cool

233. Surprise cookies

these are good!!

*1/2 cup butter, room temp
*3/4 cup powdered sugar
*1 tsp vanilla
*2 1/4 cup flour
*chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350
Beat the butter for 30 seconds
Add in powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until combined
Add the flour and beat
You will need to kneed the dough a little
Roll into 1 inch balls and hind the chocolate chips inside
Bake for 12-14 minutes

You can then frost them or not.
I frosted mine and will put the recipe below and added sprinkles!

234. Icing

*1 cup powdered sugar
*1 TBSP milk
*1/4 tsp vanilla

mix in a small bowl.
You may need some more milk
dip cookies into the bowl to coat the tops
Let dry!

235. Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

We love these potatoes. you can get a big bag at Costco and they are not a lot of money!

*2 lb small fingerling potatoes
*6 cloves garlic, crushed
*olive oil, for drizzling, up to 2 TBSP
*Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 500
Spread potatoes over a cookie sheet
scatter garlic
Coat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
Roast for 20 minutes

236. Mozzarella Chicken

*4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
*1/4 cup butter
*salt and pepper
*4 slices mozzarella cheese
*1 egg, beaten
*2 cups flour
*1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
*1/4 cup butter
*2 tsp minced garlic
*1 cup dry white wine

Preheat over to 350
Please chicken between two pieces of wax paper and pound to 1/4 inch thick
Spread with butter over inside and season with walk and pepper
Place slice of cheese on breast and roll and close with toothpicks
Dip breasts in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs
Place in a 9x13 baking dish
To make sauce: in saucepan melt 1/4 cup butter and add garlic
Add wine and simmer
Pour over chicken and bake for 30-45 minutes

Sept 6

2010-09-06T17:54:00.000-07:00

223. Chocolate Cake

It is a good basic cake that you can so a lot with! We all really liked it.

*1 package (18.25 ounces) devil's food cake mix with pudding
*1 cup sour cream
*1/2 cup vegetable oil
*3 large eggs

Mix together with a mixer
Spread in a 9x13 pan
Cook for 20-25 minutes at 350
Test with a tooth pick!!!

224. Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

As our friend Jason said, It taste like a wendys frosty. and it does!

*1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
*8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
*1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
*1 teaspoon pure almond extract
*4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

Mix the first four together until creamy
Add the powdered sugar in slowly.

225. Lasagna

It was good! I like the one I normally make more but oh well!

*1 lb ground beef
*1 lb sausage, out of casing
*1 small onion chopped
*2 cloves garlic minced

*box of lasagna noodles (you may not need the whole box)
*1 container of ricotta cheese
*1 tsp Italian season
*1 TBSP parsley
*1 egg
*1 LB mozzarella
*1 cup parm cheese

Ground the sausage, beef, onion and garlic together
Either you can make your own sauce or use jarred. (tonight I used jarred sauce)
Mix sauce with drained meat
Mix the ricotta, egg, parsley, It. seasoning and salt and pepper together
In hot water soak the noodles for 15 minutes. (this way you dont have to cook them.)
In a pan layer meat and sauce, then noodles, then ricotta and top with cheese
Repeat until you have used everything. I only did two layers!

226. Garlic bread

*1 cup warm water
*1 TBSP butter
*1 TBSP fry milk powder
*1 TBSP sugar
*1 1/2 tsp salt
*1 1/2 TBSP parsley
*2 tsp garlic powder (I used more)
*3 cups bread flour
*2 tsp dry yeast

Place in bread maker, 1 1/2 lb loaf on basic cycle

227. Garlic butter

*1/2 cup butter
*1/2 tsp minced garlic, I used a little more
*1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese
*2 tsp garlic salt
*1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
*1/4 tsp pepper
*pinch paprika

Mix together and serve with bread

2010-09-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

220. Steak Pizza

This was so good. I knew that my kids would not eat it so I made them their own pizza....so I cant tell you if its for kids or not.

*1 steak (I used sirloin)
*1 pre-made pizza crust
*8 ounces provolone cheese
*1 cup grated cheddar cheese
*2 TBSP spicy mustard
*2 tsp Monterey steak seaoning
*half a small onion, chopped
*2 tsp olive oil

In a small skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat
Add half of the steak seasoning and cook until clear
Sprinkle the rest of the seasoning on the steak and cook as you like. I just threw it in a skillet
Spread the mustard on the pizza crust
Cover with provolone cheese, then cheddar and top with the steak that has been sliced.
Add onion and cook for 7 minutes

221. Pie Crust

So I made my own...just buy the stuff from Pillsburry! I am not going to lie. It was just as good and so much easier to make.

222. Ginger Salmon

So there is a song by Barenaked Ladies, its on the kids cd. The guys talk about things they like and dont like. In the song one of the guys I dont like salmon....so we can not tell Elise what this fish is!

*2 tsp olive oil
*1 TBSP honey
*1 TBSP Dijon mustard
*2 tsp ginger
*1 lb salmon

Mix the olive il, honey, mustard and ginger in a bowl
Brush over salmon
cook for 15-20 minutes in a 350 oven or until fish flakes with a fork

2010-09-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

217. Applesauce

*3 lb apples, peeled, cored and chopped
*3 cups water
*1 cup sugar
*1 TBSP lemon juice

Place apples in a large saucepan and barley cover with water
Simmer over medium low heat until apples are tender 20 minutes
Run through a blender (dont put the water in at first. Blend it as you need it.)
Stir in lemon juice and sugar
Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes

218. Lime Steak

This was so good. I let it sit overnight and it was good. The kids liked it, we liked it. You could really taste the lime.

*1/4 cup lime juice
*1 orange juiced
*3 cloves garlic, smashed
*3 TBSP balsamic vinegar
*1/2 cup olive oil
*salt and pepper
*2 lb flank steak

Combine and place steak in marinade
Grill until medium rare

219. Zucchini Oven chips

So good!!!

*1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
*1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
*1/4 tsp salt
*1/4 tsp garlic powder
*1/8 tsp pepper
*2 TBSP milk
*2 1/2 cups sliced zucchini

Preheat oven to 425
Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl, stirring with a whisk
Place milk in shallow bowl
Dip zucchini slices in milk and dredge in breadcrumbs
Place on baking sheet, make sure to spray with cooking spray
Bake at 425 for 30 minutes

August 29

2010-08-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

215. Herb Rice

This was ok. However I would cut the soy sauce in half.

*2 cups water
*1 TBSP butter
*1 chicken bouillon cube
*1 cup long grain rice
*2 TBSP soy sauce
*1 tsp dried minced onoin
*1/2 tsp onion powder
*1/4 tsp basil
*1/4 tsp marjoram
*1/4 tsp thyme

In a large sauce pan, combine the water, butter and bouillon
Bring to a boil
Add remaining ingredients
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed

216. Chicken and Sweet Potato hand pie

So I thought that this would be a hit with kids. I would be wrong. Neither of them cared for it. Dave and I really liked it but they did not.

*roasted sweet potatoes. (so I cheated and popped it in the microwave. I only needed one large one for the four of us)
*1/2 cu heavy cream
*1/4 tsp ground coriander
*1/4 tsp cumin
*coarse salt and pepper
*1 sheet frozen putt pastry, thawed
*2 cups cooked chicken diced
*1 large egg, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 400
mash the sweet potato in a medium bowl
Add cream, coriander and cumin, stir to combine
Season with salt and pepper
Spread out the puff pastry and cut into 4 squares
Place sweet potato mixture and chicken on each square
Brush edges with egg
Fold top half of square to make triangle, then crimp the edges with a fork
Cut vents in the top and brush with remaining egg
Cook on a cookie sheet for 30 minutes, rotating half way through.

August 28

2010-08-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

213. Tangy Buttermilk Cheese bread

So I bought buttermilk to make something last week and had a bunch left. So I made this bread!

*1 1/8 cu buttermilk
*3 cups bread flour
*1 1/2 tsp salt
*1 1/2 tsp sugar
*3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
*1 1/2 tsp yeast

Throw in bread maker, 1 1/2 lb loaf on basic bread

214. Corn Tortilla Crusted Chicken tenders

We are really liked these and there were better than just normal chicken fingers.

*10 corn tortillas torn
*coarse salt
*1/4 cup flour
*1 cup buttermilk (I really dont want to throw it away)
*12 chicken tenders
*2 cup veg. oil
*3 TBSP mustard
*3TBSP honey

In a food processor, pulse the tortillas until they resemble corn meal
Season with salt and pepper transfer to a shallow bowl
Put flour in shallow bowl and buttermilk in another bowl
Dredge chicken through flour and shake
Dip in buttermilk
Roll in tortilla mixture
In a large skillet heat the oil over medium heat
Cook the chicken for 12 minutes flipping once
Stir together mustard and honey and serve with chicken

2010-08-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

212. Apple Pie

Ok, I did not make my own crust. I used to and then I discovered that Pillsbury Pie Crust. Its so good and I dont have to roll out dough...Which I hate to do. Once a year I make my Best friends, Shellys, Moms cookies and I have to roll those. So thank you Pillsbury! I bow to you for making this pie crust

*3/4 cup sugar
*2 TBSP flour
*3/4 tsp cinnamon
*1/4 ts salt
*1/8 tsp nutmeg
*1 TBSP lemon juice
*6 cups apples peeled sliced thin

Preheat oven to 425
Mix the first 5 things into the bowl and then add the lemon and apples
Pour into crust lined an
Top with second crust and seal, cut slits in the top
Cook for 40-45 minutes

August 26

2010-08-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

207. Fluffy Peanut Butter frosting

This was so good. It tasted like a buckeye candy.

*1/2 cup butter, softened
*1 cup creamy peanut butter
*3 TBSP milk
*2 cups powdered sugar

Place peanut butter and butter in a bowl and mix
Gradually mix in sugar and incorporate milk
Beat for 3 minutes for it get fluffy.

208. Chocolate Cake

This was not my cup of tea because I am not a fan of chocolate but my family really liked it. Its really rich. Its goes well with the frosting.

*2 cups sugar
*1 3/4 flour
*3/4 cup cocoa powder
*1 1/2 tsp baking soda
*1 1/2 tsp baking powder
*1 tsp salt
*2 eggs
*1 cup milk
*1/2 cup vegetable oil
*2 tsp vanilla
*1 cup boiling water

Preheat over to 350
Grease cake pans
Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder and soda and salt in a large borl
Add eggs, milk and vanilla; beat on medium for 2 minutes
Stir in boiling water, it will be think
Pour batter in pans
Bake for 30-35 minutes

209. Breaded Pork chops

We had this the other night and it was really good. Dave really liked the sauce, but he would eat anything that had cream cheese in it! ANYTHING. When Eli was a baby he called to tell me that Eli would not eat dinner. I asked what he gave our 11 month old child and he said, "a hunk of cream cheese and some crackers." Really?

*1 egg
*3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
*4 bone in pork chops
*1 container of chive and onion cream cheese (I used normal cream cheese and added chives)
*3 TBSP chicken broth
*2 TBSP milk

In a shallow bowl, beat the egg
Place the bread crumbs in another shallow bowl
Dip the chops into egg and then coat in crumbs
Bake uncovered at 350 for 25 minutes
In a small saucepan, combine the cream cheese, broth and milk
Stir for 5 minutes over medium heat or until smooth

210. Roasted Pork with onions and citrus

This was our Cuban night last night and man was this pork good. We all really enjoyed it. The kids ate without any fight.

*3 TBSP olive oil
*1 large white onion, diced
*1 head garlic chopped
*1 1/4 cup orange juice
*1/3 cup lime juice
*salt and pepper
*1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves
*1 boneless pork shoulder (3-4 lbs)

Preheat oven to 450
In a large skillet heat oil over medium high
Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about 4 minutes
Add orange and lime juices and bring to a boil
Season with salt and pepper, stir in oregano, remove from heat
Pat pork and season with salt and pepper
Pour onion mixture over pork
Place in the bottom heavy oven proof pot.....dutch oven!!!
Roast uncovered for 30 minutes
Remove pot from oven and reduce oven to 350
Ladle onion mixture over pork
Cook for another hour and a half until temp is 155.
Ladle with mixture every 30 minutes

211. Cuban beans and rice

*2 TBSP olive oil
*1/4 onion diced
*1/4 bell pepper diced
*2 cloves garlic minced
*salt and pepper
*1/2 tsp cumin
*1 TBSP oregano
*t cup long grain rice
*1 can red kidney beans or black beans
*2 cups chicken broth

In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium high heat
Add onion, bell pepper, garlic and cook until soft about 4 minutes
Season with salt and pepper
Add cumin, oregano and rice
Stir and cook for 1 minute
Add beans and broth, stir, season with salt and pepper
Bring to boil, then cover
Reduce to a medium simmer and cook for 20 minutes

aug 21

2010-08-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

206. Cranberry Pot Roast

Now I am going to admit that I love that canned cranberry sauce. It is my favorite part of thanksgiving and I just love it. My husband likes it as well. Elise liked it....Eli, not so much
The roast was good. I would cook it less time than they call for

*3 cups beef broth
*1 cup water
*2 cans cranberry sauce

*1 (4 lb) beef chuck roast
*salt and pepper
*3 TBSP flour
*2 TBSP Veg oil
*1 sweet onion, chopped

Bring beef broth and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat
Stir in cranberry sauce until dissolved
Pour sauce into a slow cooker and set to high
Meanwhile season beef with salt and peeper and sprinkle with flour
Heat veg oil in skillet and cook beef until brown on all sides
Transfer Roast to cooker along with chopped onion
Cook on high for 4 hours.

again

2010-08-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

205. Lasagna Corn Carne

This was really good. Eli, Dave and I loved it. The same could not be said that same for Elise. So she will not get a brownie for dessert

*1 lb ground beef, I used turkey
*1 jar salsa
*1 can kidney beans, drained
*1 can cream corn
*1 large onion, chopped
*1 medium bell pepper, chopped
*1 celery rib, chopped
*3 cloves minced garlic
*1 TBSP basil
*1 tsp salt
*1 tsp chili powder
*12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
*2 cups mozzarella cheese
*1/2 cup parmesan cheese

In a large skillet, cook the beef until no longer pink
After draining add the salsa, beans, vegetables, garlic and seasoning
Bring a a boil
Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes
Spread 1/4 meat and cover with 4 noodles
Repeat once and then add half the cheese
Layer remaining noodles and sauce and top with cheese
Cover and cook for 30 minutes
Uncover and cook for 15 minutes

August 20

2010-08-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

204. Bombshell Brownies

One of our dogs had a c section....yes you read that right. I wanted to thank my vet and the staff for taking care of our babies so I made these brownies. I got feedback that they were really good.

*1 cup butter, melted

*3 cups white sugar

*1 TBSP vanilla

*4 eggs

*1 1/2 cup flour

*1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp salt

*1 cup choc. chips

Preheat oven to 350

Combine butter, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl

Beat in eggs one at a time

Sift together flour, cocoa powder and salt

Gradually stir in flour mixture and beat until mixed

Blend in chocolate chips

Spread into baking pan (9x13)

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the toothpick comes out clean

august 18

2010-08-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

203. Garlic Herb pork

This is so good and simple. I have found that sometimes that is the best way to go!

*3 lb pork Tenderloin
*1/4 cup olive oil
*3 cloves chopped garlic
*1/2 tsp thyme
*1/2 TBSP rosemary
*salt and pepper

Cut the pork down the middle, leaving the halves attached
Rub pork with oil
Insert garlic into fatty pat of pork
Press thyme and rosemary into slit
Sprinkle with salt and pepper
Grill until cooked through, turn every 15 minutes

August 16

2010-08-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

201. BBQ Cheeseburger & rice

This sounded odd to me but the kids liked it. So I cant really complain. Plus it was easy and fast to make

*1lb ground beef
*1/2 cup chopped onion
*1 3/4 cup water
*1 cup BBQ sauce
*2 cups Instant white rice, uncooked
*1 cup cheddar cheese

Brown beef with onion, drain
Add water and BBQ and heat until boiling
Add rice and cook over low heat until rice is tender
Stir in cheese

202. Panna Cotta

What is it you ask? Its not something you see very often. Its an Italian cooked cream. Dave and I love it so much!
To celebrate after we got engaged Dave took me to the best place to eat. For dessert we had panna Cotta. Its a real Italian dessert and we love it. We later went to Italy on our honeymoon and ate it there. So I wanted to try to make it.
Its so good.

*1 packet gelatin
*3 TBSP water
*3 cups heavy cream
*1 cup milk
*1 cup sugar
*2 tsp vanilla

Apply thin coating over oil in ramekins
Into a small water add water and stir in gelatin
Set aside until softened
In a medium saucepan add cream, milk, sugar and vanilla
Stir while bringing to a simmer, do not let boil
Remove heat and stir in gelatin.
Stir for one minute
All mixture to cool for 20 minutes
Pour into ramekins and chill at least 6 hours
Remove and serve with seasonal fruit.

august 15

2010-08-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

199. Pizza casserole

None of us loved this so I am not going to bother blogging it. It was average at best.

200. Steak with Hoisin Mustard sauce

this was the best sauce. It was so good! Dave and I loved it. Eli and elise are still at the table trying to eat the rest of dinner. They be there until breakfast tomorrow.

*1 tsp minced garlic
*1 tsp pepper
*2 TBSP green onions chopped
*3 Boneless sirloin steaks
*1 tsp olive oil
*3 TBSP chopped onion
*2 minced garlic cloves
*1/2 cup beef broth
*1/4 cup hoisin sauce
*2 tsp spicy Dijon mustard
*1 tsp tomato paste
*2 tsp red wine vinegar

Mix together garlic, salt, pepper and green onions
Rub the steaks with mixture and chill for 30 minutes
Place on grill
In a sauce pan, over medium high heat, add olive oil
Add garlic and onion, cook 1 minute
Add remaining ingredients, stir and simmer for 6 minutes
Serve steak with sauce.

august 14

2010-08-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

197. Award winning Chocolate Cookie

So my sister was in town last week, (hi meg!) and she made cookies. Well, more like broke them apart and turned the oven on. Ever since Elise has wanted cookies. So since I am not the store bought cookie dough type, and I need to cook more. I found a new recipe to try. they are very good. Elise did tell me that its not Aunt Meg made them!

*2 1/4 cup flour

*1 tsp baking soda

*1 cup butter, softened

*3/4 cup brown sugar

*1/4 cup sugar

*1 package vanilla pudding mix

*2 eggs

*tsp vanilla

*2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat over to 350

Sift together flour and baking soda

Cream together butter and sugars

Mix in pudding mix

Add eggs and vanilla

Mix in flour mixture

Drop onto cookie sheet and cook for 10-12 minutes

198. Herbed Bread

This smells great. we will have it with dinner tonight and I will put that recipe up later.

*1 1/2 cup water
*1 TBSP butter, softened

*2 TBSP minced dried onion

*2 TBSP mashed potato flakes

*1 1/2 tsp sugar

*1 1/2 tsp salt

*1 tsp basil

*1 tsp thyme

*3 1/2 cup bread flour

*2 1/4 tsp yeast

Place in bread maker and start

Ps dinner last night was really good. We all really liked the pork and sweet potatoes. The cake was hit. I liked the icing better than the cake but red velvet is not one of my favs!

August 13

2010-08-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

193. Baked sweet potatoes

*2 TBSP olive oil
*3 large sweet potoates
*2 pinches oregano
*2 pinches salt
*2 pinches pepper

Preheat oven to 350
Coat the bottom of baking dish with some oil, enough to cover it
Wash and peel sweet potatoes
Cut them into medium pieces
Place in baking dish
Season with salt, pepper and oregano
cook for 60 minutes

194. Tangy Slow cooker Pork Roast

*1 large onion, sliced
*2 and 1/2 lb boneless pork loin roast
*1 cup hot water
*1.4 cup white sugar
*3 TBSP red wine vinegar
*2 TBSP soy sauce
*1 TBSP ketchup
*1/2 tsp salt
*1/4 tsp garlic
*1 dash hot pepper sauce

Arrange onion evenly over the bottom of slow cooker
Place Roast on top onion
In a bowl mix water, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, salt and pepper, garlic and hot sauce; pour over roast
Cover and cook for 6-8 hours on low

195. Red Velvet Cake

*2 1/2 cup flour
*1 1/2 white sugar
*1 cup vegetable oil
*1 tsp baking soda
*1 tsp white vinegar
*1 tsp vanilla
*2 eggs
*1 cup buttermilk
*2 onces red food coloring
*1 package cream cheese, softened
*1/2 cup butter, softened
*4 cups powdered sugar
*1 tsp vanilla

Preheat over to 350
Grease 3 round pans (I made a sheet cake)
In a large bowl mix sugar, oil and egs
Add food coloring and vinegar to buttermilk
Add baking soda to flour
Add flour mixture and buttermilk mixture alternately to the sugar mixture
Mix well and stir in vanilla
Bake for 20-25 minutes
When cake is cook; mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla and ice cake.

196. Crusted Pork

This was so good. We had it last night and it was really good. I had never had a coating stick this well. It was good.

*1 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
*2 eggs
*1 cup flour
*1 pork tenderloin
*salt and pepper

Cook the breadcrumbs for 8-10 minutes in a 350 oven, they will turn brown
Raise oven to 400
Cut the pork into pieces
Place the bread crumbs in a shallow dish
In another dish beat the 2 eggs
In another dish place the flour
Coat the pork in flour
Then dip in egg and coat in breadcrumbs
Cook until temp is 160, or whatever done level you like in pork

August 9

2010-08-09T16:15:00.002-07:00

192. Balsamic Roasted Red Potatoes

You may ask yourself, why all the potatoes? I bought this HUGE bag of red potatoes at Costco. So we are going to eat them!
I threw these together last minute and they were good.

*2 TBSP olive oil
*2 lb small red potatoes, quartered
*1 TBSP chopped green onion
*6 cloves garlic, minced
*1 tsp thyme
*1 tsp rosemary, crushed
*1/8 tsp nutmeg
*salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400
In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium high heat
Add potatoes, onion and garlic
Add thyme, rosemary and nutmeg; toss well
Cook and stir for 3 minutes or until potatoes are hot
Transfer to a baking pan
Bake for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are golden and almost tender
Add the vinegar, salt and pepper.
Toss well
Bake for 5-8 minutes longer

August 9

2010-08-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

yesterday again.

2010-08-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

191. Lemonade Pie

My friend sent me this recipe and its so good. However I need to tell you that it will make 2 pies!

1- 12oz can evaporated milk
2- 3.4 oz packages lemon instant pudding mix
1- Tbs. Lemon zest (1 lemon will do two pies)
2- 8oz packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1- 12oz can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1- 9inch ready made graham cracker pie crust

Garnish:
crushed lemon drop candies
thawed frozen whipped topping
----------------------------------------------
Whisk together evaporated milk, pudding mix, and lemon zest in a bowl for 2 minutes or until mixture is thickened.
In separate bowl. Beat cream cheese and vanilla at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy.
Add lemonade concentrate, beating until smooth; add milk mixture, and beat until blended.
Pour into crust.
Cover and chill 8 hrs or until firm.
Dollop each slice with whipped topping.
Garnish if desired.
--Makes 8 servings--

yesterday

2010-08-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

188. Meatloaf

I must say that I like my normal meatloaf better. But this was good. We all really liked it and I did not have to level many threats at my kids to eat.

*1 1/2 lb ground beef
*1 egg
*1 cup sour cream
*2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
*1 package dry onion soup mix
*1/2 cup parm cheese
*1 12/ cup Italian style bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 375
In a large mix together beef, egg, sour cream and Worcestershire
Mix in soup mix, cheese and breadcrumbs
Place in a loaf pan or form into a loaf on a cookie sheet
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes
uncover and bake for 15 minutes

189. Bagel Bread

Oh my this was good. It said that it would taste like a big bagel and it really did. We all really liked it. It will nice for Breakfast tomorrow.

*1/2 cup milk
*1/3 cup water
*1 egg
*2 1/4 cup bread flour
*1 TBSP sugar
*1 tsp salt
*1 1/2 tsp yeast

Place in bread maker
1 lb on basic white cycle

190. Mashed Red Potatoes

I love it when they have the skins on them still. So I had to try this one!

*2 lbs small red potatoes, quartered
*1/2 cup butter
*1/2 cup milk
*1/4 cup sour cream
*salt and pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
Add potatoes and cook until tender, but firm (about 10 minutes)
Drain and place in a large bowl
Combine with butter, milk, sour cream, salt and pepper
Mash until smooth and creamy.

August 4

2010-08-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

186. Garlic Red Potatoes

These were really good. They took way longer to cook than the recipe said.
I was going to cook all week. Then I stepped on a roofing nail, got a tetnus shot and had the "rare reaction" to it and was sick for a couple days. I am back!

*2 lbs red potatoes, quartered
*1/4 cup butter, melted
*2 tsp minced garlic
*1 tsp salt
*1 lemon, juiced
*1 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat over to 350
Place potatoes in a 8x8 square baking plan
In a small bowl mix the butter, garlic, salt and lemon; pour over potatoes and stir to coat
Sprinkle with cheese
Bake, covered for 30 minutes, uncover and cook for about 10 minutes

187. Tender Flake Steak

I think that of all the flank steaks I have made this year this is the best. I marinated it for 2 days and it was so good. We all really liked it

*1/4 cup soy sauce
*2 TBSP water
*3 cloves garlic, minced
*1 TBSP brown sugar
*1 TBSP vegetable oil
*1 TBSP ginger
*salt and pepper
*1 lb flank steak

In a bag combine the first 7 ingredients; mix well
Add the steak and turn to coat
Marinate in fridge for at least 8 hours
Grill until cooked Medium rare (or how well down you like!)

July 29

2010-07-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

185. Texas Chicken Quesadilla

There are these raw tortillas at Costco. You can find them with the cheese and you cook them in a skillet on both sides. My sister in law told me about them. So if you are a member of Costco, run out now and buy them. If you are not a member of Costco, why not? Join and buy these! If you dont live near a Costco, I am sorry!

*2 TBSP veggie oil
*1 onion, sliced into rings
*1 TBSP honey
*2 skinless, boneless chicken breast cut into strips
*1/2 cup BBQ sauce
*1/2 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
*1/2 cup Monterey Jack, shredded
*8 Tortillas (Trust me, the ones at Costco rock!!)

In a large Skillet, heat 1 TBSP oil over medium high heat
Slowly cook and stir onion until translucnet
Stir in honey and stir until golden
Remove from Skillet and set aside
Place remaining oil and chicken in the skillet and cook until no longer pink
Stir in BBQ sauce
Layer chicken, onions and cheeses
Fold over and cook until cheeses are melted
I put them in the oven to keep them warm while I made the others!

2010-07-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

184. Pork with Mustard sauce

So this was really good. We both really enjoyed it

*1 TBSP olive oil
*2 pork tenderloins
*1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
*2 TBSP Dijon mustard
*2 TBSP sour cream (I used about 3 TBSP)

Heat olive oil in a skillet, over high heat
Season pork with salt and pepper
Add pork to skillet and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes
Reduce heat to Med-low
Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes
Let rest 10 minutes
To the skillet add the sour cream and mustards
Whisk until heated, but do not boil
Pour over sliced pork!

July 27

2010-07-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

183. Shrimp, tomato & Basil Pasta

We all loved the shrimp. The kids were not that crazy about the pasta. Dave also said that he likes the sauce thicker. I would have to agree.

*1 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
*6 tsp olive oil
*2 cloves garlic, minced
*1 can diced tomatoes, in juice
*1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
*1/2 lb linguine
*1 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn ingot small pieces

Season shrimp with salt and pepper
In a large skillet heat 4 tsp oil over high heat
Add shrimp, cook until opaque, turning occasionally (about 3 minutes)
Transfer to bowl
Make the sauce, to the skillet add 2 tsp olive oil and garlic
Cook about 30 seconds
Add canned tomatoes with juice and 2 cups water and cook until boiling, over medium high heat
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes
Remove sauce from heat and stir in cherry tomatoes
Meanwhile cook pasta in salted water
Drain and return to the pot
Add sauce and shrimp and basil
Toss

July 26

2010-07-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

182. Salsa Chicken

The kids did not eat with us, so I thought that this was better for just us. The kids dont seem to like Salsa. Plus its been a LONG day and I wanted something easy. I also did not feel like fighting the kids and make them fish sticks and sweet potato fries. (Which they complained about!)

*2 skinless chicken breast
*2 TBSP taco seasoning
*1/2 cup salsa
*1/2 cup cheddar cheese
*2 TBSP sour cream

Preheat oven to 375
Coat chicken with taco seasoning
pour salsa over the chicken
Bake for 25-30 minutes
Place cheese on top and cook until melted
serve with sour cream

July 25, part 2

2010-07-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

179. Sesame Parmesan Zucchini

This was so good. Now I will say that not a huge hit with the kids but its not always an easy sell with green veggies! My family really liked it.

*1 medium zucchini, quartered and cut into 1/2 in. slices
*2 TBSP olive oil
*1/4 sesame oil
*2 tsp sesame seeds
*2 TBSP Parm cheese
*1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
*1/2 tsp garlic salt

Preheat over to 400
In a large bowl toss the zucchini with olive oil, sesame oil, sesame seeds, Parm cheese, cayenne and garlic
Spread onto a baking sheet
Cook 20 minutes or until lightly browned!

180. Flank Steak

This was good. make sure that you like Lime. It had a real taste of lime to the meat. I love lime so I really liked it.

*1 1/2 lb flank steak
*1/2 cup fresh lime juice
*2 TBSP ginger
*2 TBSP soy sauce
*1/2 tsp read pepper flakes

Place in a large bag and marinate for at least 30 minutes (I did much longer!)
Grill over medium high heat
Let rest and slice

181. Parmesan Steak fries

These were ok. Not the best but they were good and Eli liked them. Elise is not really a potato child. I know strange!

*3 egg whites
*salt and pepper
*3 baking potatoes
*1 1/4 cup grated parm cheese

Preheat the oven to 425
Whisk the egg whites with salt until frothy
Cut each potato into 6 long strips
add potatoes to the egg whites and then dip into the cheese
place on baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes

july 25, part 1

2010-07-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

177. White Chocolate Bread

When I was on vacation last week the resort had this wonderful bread. I am now trying to make it. we have not tried it yet but I will let you know. It smells great.

*1/4 cup warm water
*1cup warm milk
*1 egg
*1/4 cup butter, softened
*3 cups bread flour
*2 TBSP brown sugar
*2 TBSP white sugar
*1 tsp salt
*1 tsp cinnamon
*2 tsp dry yeast
*1 cup white chocolate chips

Place in bread machine
Makes 2 lb loaf
start

178. Yogurt Waffles

These were really good and much better for you than normal waffles. We all really liked them and they are very filling

*3/4 cup flour
*1/2 cup whole wheat flour
*1/2 cup rolled oats
*3/4 tsp salt
*2 tsp baking powder
*1 tsp baking soda
*1/4 cup brown sugar
*3 TBSP melted butter
*3 eggs
*1 1/2 cup plain yogurt

Mix the flours, oats, salt, baking powder and soda together
In a small bowl mix the brown sugar, butter, eggs and yogurt together
Mix together and let stand 15 minutes
Make with waffle iron

July 24

2010-07-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

174. Caesar dressing

Ok...I have to tell you something. Its no better than the stuff you buy in the bottle. I remember when Dave and I went to Italy and I thought that the pasta was going to be awesome. Don't get me wrong it was good but you can buy pasta as good at your local grocery store. Same with this. It was not good enough to go through the trouble to make it yourself

*1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
*1/4 cup reduced fat mayo
*1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
*2 anchovy, chopped
*1 small garlic cloved

Mix in a blender until smooth

175. Croutons

Now these on the other hand were really good and way cheaper to make than buying them at the store. Plus it was easy

*4 ounces Italian bread, cut in 1/4 inch cubes
*2 TBSP olive oil
*salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 375
Place bread on cookie sheet and drizzle with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper
Toss and bake for 12-15 minutes

176. Pistachio Ice Cream

I will tell you that this is my favorite flavor. I love the Ben and Jerrys! This was so darn good. Even the kids liked it.

*2 cups heavy cream
*1 cup whole milk
*1 cup chopped pistachios
*1 cup sugar
*1/2 tsp vanilla

Mix and place in an ice cream machine.
turn on for 20-25 minutes

July 22

2010-07-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

171. Lime Sorbet

Yummy. Its nice and refreshing on a hot summer night. Plus any reason to use the ice cream maker

*3 cups whole milk
*1 cup limeaid concentrate, thawed
*3 TBSP sugar

Mix and place in ice cream maker
Mix in Ice cream maker for 25-30 minutes

172. Roasted Pork

This had a kick to it. I gave the end pieces to the kids so it was not too spicy for them. this was ok. It was nothing to really knock your socks off.

*1-1/2 LB pork tenderloin
*salt and pepper
*1 TBP paprika
*1 tsp thyme
*1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
*1 TBSP veg. oil

Preheat oven to 450
Combine the spices in a small bowl
Coat pork with the veg. oil and sprinkle with the spices
Place pork on a baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes

173. Black-eyed pea salad

This was really good. It was not a huge hit with the kids but I would have been more shocked if they liked it. They did eat a couple bites a piece!

*1 tsp Dijon mustard
*2 TBSP cider vinegar
*2 TBSP veg oil
*1 can black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
*1 package frozen corn, thawed
*1 red bell pepper, finely diced
*2 scallions, thinly sliced
*salt and pepper

Whisk mustard, oil and vinegar together
Add all the veggies and toss
Season with salt and pepper.

July 21

2010-07-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

170. Pork Quesadilla

I have been on vacation for a week. my friend and I went to a resort and they cooked and cleaned for us. I did not know what to do with myself with the cooking.
These were to DIE for! We loved loved loved them! Dave and I loved them. It was a struggle for the kids. I would make them again with the spicy mustard.

*6-8 tortillas
*3/4 - 1 lb pork tenderloin
*salt and pepper
*1 TBSP garlic
*8 onces swiss cheese (grated)
*Spicy brown mustard
*thinly sliced ham
*thinly sliced pickles

Season the pork with salt and pepper
Roll in come olive oil and garlic
Grill the pork on the grill over a medium heat
When its cooked through about 15 minutes on our grill, let it stand for 5 minutes and slice thin
Place the tortillas flat and spread the mustard on the tortillas
Place cheese, ham, pickle and pork and fold in half
Grill about 4 minutes and cook 4-6 minutes

SO YUMMY!!

July 12

2010-07-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

169. Mexican Pasta Skillet

The kids and I are leaving tomorrow morning for a week in Florida. So while we are basking by the pool, Dave will be working and I wanted to make something that was enough for him to eat on for a couple days. It was really easy to make and really good!

*1 lb lean ground beef
*1 jar mild salsa
*1 cup Tomato sauce
*1 1/2 cup water
*2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
*1 cup frozen corn
*1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a skillet cook beef until browned
Stir in salsa, tomato sauce and water
Heat to boil
Stir in Macaroni and corn
Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender
Sprinkle with cheese
Cover and let cheese melt

July 10

2010-07-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

168. Zucchini pasta with ricotta

Our kids have discovered that they both love zucchini. Eli told me that it likes it crispy better...well who doesnt like something fried better. We would eat about anything fried!
This was ok. I would make it again but leave out the ricotta. It really added nothing to the dish. we thought!

*2 TBSP olive oil
*2 lb zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
*coarse salt and pepper
*1 lb linguine
*lemon zest
*1/2 cup ricotta
I added some grilled chicken in with it and it was really good and a whole meal

Preheat the oven to 450
Arrange zucchini on cookie sheet and brush with olive oil; season with salt and pepper
Roast for 25-30 minutes, rotate sheet half way through
Meanwhile cook pasta in salted water
Drain and return to pot
Add oil and zest, then add zucchini; toss to combine
Top with Ricotta

2010-07-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

165. Marinated Flat Iron Steak

*3 TBSP honey
*3 TBSP balsamic vinegar (which I can not tell you enough how much I love)
*3 TBSP olive oil
*1 tsp fresh lemon juice
*1 tsp Worchestershire sauce
*1/2 tsp tarragon
*1/2 tsp rosemary
*1/2 tsp garlic powder
*1/2 tsp white pepper (I did not have that and just used pepper)
*1 pinch salt
*1 1/2 lb flat iron steak

Whisk together the honey, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, tarragon, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper
Pour into a bag and place steak in bag.
Seal and marinate for 6 hours
Preheat grill to medium high heat
Cook until med. rare

166. Mashed Potato Pancakes

*2 cups mashed potatoes
*1 large egg
*1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
*salt and pepper

In a large bowl stir the above together
In a large non-stick skillet heat a tsp veg. oil over medium high heat
In batched drop a heaping spoonful in the skillet and flatten with a spatula
Cook until brown on the bottom, about 3 minutes
Flip and cook about 3 minutes on other side

167. Fried Zucchini

My sister in law gave us the HUGE zucchini out of her garden. So this what Dave wanted to do with it. Ok! He got home early from work and we had a nice nice afternoon watching the much needed rain!!!

*olive oil for frying
*1 3/4 cups grated parmesan
*1 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
*1 tsp salt
*2 eggs
*3 medium zucchini, cut into 3-inches long by 1/2 inch wide strips

Pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach 2 inches
Heat the oil over medium heat
Stir the cheese, breadcrumbs and salt into a medium bowl and blend
Whisk the eggs in another bowl to blend
Dip zucchini in eggs to coat and then dip in breadcrumb mixture
When oil is hot, fry the zucchini until golden brown, about 3 minutes
Transfer to paper towels to drain

July 6

2010-07-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

163. Brownies/cheescake

We have not tasted these yet. I was told that they are better at room temp and so we are waiting for them to cool. This is a recipe my friend Amanda told me about. They smell wonderful

Crust
*1 box cake (I used white)
*1 stick butter melted
*1 egg
Mix together and pat firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 pan.

topping
*8 on cream cheese, softened
*1 box powdered sugar
*2 eggs

Mix the above, with a mixer and pour over crust
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes
It will et in 30 minutes.
Eat at room temp.

164. Beef stir fry

I can not even tell you how wonderful and EASY this was. we have had a busy weekend having a child with a fourth of July birthday. So Today I needed to make something easy.

*1 TBSP soy sauce
*1 tsp rice vinegar
*1 tsp sugar
*3/4 lb New York Strip (I used more like a 1 lb) Thinly sliced
*1 TBSP vegetable oil
*1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch lengths
*6 ounces snap peas
*1 clove garlic, minced
*1 TBSP ginger
*cooked rice

In a small bowl combine soy sauce, vinegar and sugar
Season steak with salt and pepper
In a large skillet heat the oil over high heat
Cook steak, undisturbed, for about 2 minutes
Flip and cook for about 30 seconds
Transfer to bowl
Add asparagus, snap peas, garlic and ginger to skillet
Cook, stirring constantly, until veggies are crisp tender about 4 minutes
Add soy mixture and cook until fragrant, about 10 seconds
Remove skillet from heat and stir in beef
Serve over rice.

July1

2010-07-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

162. Sauteed Chicken in Mustard Cream sauce

This was easy and so good. It will become something that we go to because of its ease!

*4 chicken breast
*Salt and pepper
*2 TBSP olive oil
*1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
*1/2 cup heavy cream
*2 TBSP Dijon mustard
*1 tsp tarragon

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat
Season with chicken with salt and pepper
Add the chicken to pan and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until cooked through
Transfer to a plate and keep warm
Pour the wine or broth into the hot skillet and cook until reduced by half about 1 minute
Whisk in cream, mustard and tarragon
Cook whisking, until thickened about 2 minutes
Drizzle over chicken and serve.

For those who tell me that they cant cook. This was super easy and looks really nice and fancy!

June 29

2010-06-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

161. Black Bean and Corn Quesedillas

These were really good and we all really liked them. Elise claimed to hate black beans and yet she ate it all and loved it.

*2 tsp olive oil
*3 TBSP chopped onion
*1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
*1 can kernel corn, drained
*1 TBSP brown sugar
*1/4 cup salsa
*1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
*2 TBSP butter
*tortillas

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat
Stir in onion and cook until softened
Stir in beans and corn, then add sugar, salsa and pepper flakes; mix well
Cook until heated, about 3 minutes
Melt butter, a couple tsp at a time and place tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle evenly with cheese
Top with some of the bean mixture
Place another tortilla on top and cook until golden and flip

I added chicken to make it a whole meal for us.

2010-06-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

160. Chicken Breast with Balsamic Vinegar

This was really good. It tasted like something I would order when we are out to dinner. The kids liked it but would not touch the mushrooms. I know that has to come as a shock!

*4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
*salt and pepper to taste
*3/4 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
*2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
*2 tablespoons olive oil
*6 cloves garlic
*1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
*3/4 cup chicken broth
*1 bay leaf
*1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
*1 tablespoon butte
Rinse the mushrooms and pat dry.
season the flour with salt and pepper and dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat and saute the chicken until it is nicely browned on one side (about 3 minutes).
Add the garlic. Turn the chicken breasts and scatter the mushrooms over them. Continue frying, shaking the skillet and stirring the mushrooms.
Cook for about 3 minutes, then add the vinegar, broth, bay leaf and thyme.
Cover tightly and simmer over medium low heat for 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
Transfer the chicken to a warm serving platter and cover with foil.
Set aside. Continue simmering the sauce, uncovered, over medium high heat for about 7 minutes.
Swirl in the butter or margarine and discard the bay leaf.
Pour this mushroom sauce mixture over the chicken and serve.

161. Garlic broccoli

*1 pound fresh broccoli, cut into spears
*2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
*1 tablespoon lemon juice
*1 garlic clove, minced
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/8 teaspoon pepper
Place the broccoli in a saucepan with a small amount of water; cover and cook until crisp-tender.
Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients.
Drain broccoli and place in a serving dish; add lemon mixture and toss to coat.
Serve immediately.

june 24

2010-06-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

159. The best Mashed Potatoes

Now this is not the most creative but man are they good!

Get in your car and drive to Costco. This is wonderful.
I just made instant mashed potatoes and added about 1/2 to 1 cup.
It was so good!!
Enjoy

June 23

2010-06-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

158. Glazed Pork

Can you say yummy? this was so good. I had doubts when I read the recipe but it was good and easy to make.

*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon pepper
*1 (1 pound) pork tenderloin
*2 sprigs fresh rosemary
*1/2 cup pineapple preserves
*1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

Combine salt and pepper; rub over pork.
Place in a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray.
Place one sprig of rosemary under the pork and one on top.
Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat preserves and horseradish until preserves are melted; stir until blended.
Remove top rosemary sprig.
Brush pork with 1/4 cup pineapple sauce.
Bake 10-20 minutes longer or until meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F.
Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve with the remaining sauce.

June 22- Mexican Night

2010-06-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

I guess that I was in a mood for mexican food. So I went a tad overboard but I am behind and I need to catch up some.

155. Mexican Style Cornbead

This is a winner. It was so good.

*2 eggs
*1/4 cup corn oil
*1 cup buttermilk
*1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
*1 (8 ounce) can cream-style corn
*1 large onion, chopped
*2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
*1 cup cornmeal
*1/2 cup all-purpose flour
*2 teaspoons baking powder
*1/2 teaspoon baking soda
*1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350
Grease an 8 inch square baking dish or a cast iron skillet.
In a small bowl, beat eggs.
Mix in corn oil and buttermilk.
Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese, creamed corn, onion, and jalapenos.
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
Stir the egg mixture into the dry ingredients.
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until center is set and top is golden brown.

156. Spanish Rice

This meal was not a hit with the kids. It had some spicy to it and the kids ended up eating frosted flakes.

*1 cup uncooked white rice
*1 teaspoon minced garlic
*2 cups water
*1 (16 ounce) jar salsa

Combine the rice with the garlic in a large saucepan.
Pour water and salsa into the rice mixture.
Bring the water to a full boil and then reduce the temperature to simmer.
Simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Fluff the rice when finished.

157. Chicken Enchilades

*1 package cream cheese, soften
*2 TBSP water
*2 tsp onion powder
*2 tsp cumin
*1/2 tsp salt
*1/4 tsp pepper
*5 cups cooked chicken, diced
*20 flour tortillas (6 inch)
*2 can cream of chicken soup
*2 cups sour cream
*1 cup milk
*2 cans chopped green chilies
*2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, water, onion powder, cumin, salt and pepper until smooth
Stir in chicken
Place 1/4 cup down the center of each tortilla
Roll up and place seam side down in a baking dish
In a large bowl, combine the soup, sour cream, milk, and chilies; pour over enchiladas
Bake, uncovered in a 350 oven for 30 minutes
Sprinkle with cheese and bake another 5 minuted until cheese melted.

2010-06-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

154. Baked Ziti

This is good and it made enough for me to make 2 things and I am going to freeze one!!!

*2 pounds ground beef
*1 large onion, chopped
*1 jar (4 pounds 3 ounces) Prego® Fresh Mushroom Italian Sauce
*1 (16 ounce) package tube-shaped pasta (ziti), cooked and drained
*3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
*1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook the beef and onion in an 8-quart saucepot over medium high heat until the beef is well browned, stirring often.
Pour off any fat.
Stir the sauce, ziti and 2 cups mozzarella cheese in the saucepot.
Spoon the beef mixture into 2 (12 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 2-inch) disposable foil pans.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until the beef mixture is hot.

just sad....

2010-06-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

153. Smores

Now I know that you may be rolling your eyes and wondering what in the world. For fathers day we got Dave a fire bowl and fixing for smores. So we ate dinner and 4 adults were talking about how to make smores. Not one of us knew. My mother claimed to know but since she NEVER COOKS ANYTHING, no one believed her. So I get my cell phone out and google. Isn't that sad? So I laughed that I had to include it.

*1 large marshmallow
*1 graham cracker
*1 (1.5 ounce) bar chocolate candy bar

Heat the marshmallow over an open flame until it begins to brown and melt.
Break the graham cracker in half.
Sandwich the chocolate between the cracker and the hot marshmallow.
Allow the marshmallow to cool a moment before eating.

Now to cook the marshmallows my husband used WOODEN skewers. My mother pointed out that it was looking with match sticks.
I had to laugh.

fathers day

2010-06-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

151. Pork with Sweet Chili sauce

Happy Fathers Day! When I asked Dave what he wanted for Fathers day dinner, he told me pork chops and boxed Mac and cheese. Boxed. Come on, work with me. So that is what he is getting.

*1/2 cup bottled chili sauce, such as Heinz
*1/2 cup peach preserves
*2 TBSP orange juice
*2 TBSP Dijon mustard
*1/2 tsp salt and pepper
*8 pork loin chops (1 1/2 lb)

Mix the above together and marinate for at least an hour
Heat grill to high and cook until done about 5 minutes

Since I was cooking for 6 people I doubled everything. It smells great

152. Glazed Parsnips and Carrots

*5 Parsnips, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
*5 carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
*2 tsp sugar
*1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Place the parsnips and carrots in a skillet and cover with water
Add the sugar and vinegar
Cook on medium high until boils
Continue to cook for 20 minutes or until soft

Yummy. I do love the parsnips.

2010-06-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

149. Pork chops

We really love pork. That guy that was on Top Chef that loved pork so much he had a pig tattooed on his arm....that would be dave. Not imagine the horror to have a child who hates pork. Our daughter Elise does not hot dogs, bacon...you get the idea. So I knew that it would be a struggle tonight. To my shock Elise was fine. The same could not be said for Eli. This meal ranks in the record books as one of the worst times at a dinner table. (I am thinking of not just our family but in the history of families)
Eli thought the pork was hot, spicy, cold, wet, too hard....The cauliflower was gross and he hated it...the corn was no good. We started dinner with the normal milk meltdown. Then he went to his room for time out for screaming and crying. Then he got to come downstairs where he started to scream about his milk and meal. Back to his room. This went on time after time. So finally we seemed to have him off the ledge and he was playing around at the table and knocked the milk over and it went everywhere and his father snapped. As I type Dave is putting him to bed as he screams I am hungry. Hence the eye twitch and bottle of beer beside my chair.

*pork chops
*1/2 cup soy sauce
*1/4 cup red wine vinegar
*2 TBSP honey
*2 TBSP olive oil
*4 cloves garlic, minced
*2 TBSP garlic
*1 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (If making for kids, leave out.)
*1/2 tsp pepper

Combine and place in container with pork chops
Marinade for an hour or more
Grill on medium heat

150. Roasted Cauliflower with Cheese sauce

I thought that I could trick the kids to eat the veggies with the cheese. Dave and I loved it. Eli did manage to bite that took him about 6 minutes to finally get down in the middle of the meltdown

*2 small heads cauliflower, trimmed and cut into flowerets
*1/4 olive oil
*3/4 tsp salt
*1/2 tsp pepper
Sauce
*3 TBSP butter
*3 TBSP flour
*1 1/2 cup milk
*1 tsp salt
*1/4 tsp pepper
*pinch nutmeg
*6 ounces Gruyere cheese (now if you can not find this, its very close to swiss cheese)
*pinch of cayenne

Heat oven to 400
In a large bowl toss the cauliflower with olive oil, salt and pepper until coated
Transfer to a baking sheet
Roast cauliflower, stirring occasionally, about 30-40 minutes
Sauce
Neat end of roasting time, in a medium sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat
When melted whisk in flour for 3 minutes
Gradually whisk in milk until smooth
Add salt, pepper and nutmeg whisk for about 3 minutes over a low heat
Remove from heat and whisk in cheese and cayenne
transfer cauliflower to platter and spoon cheese over.

Update...Eli is still screaming.

june 10

2010-06-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

145. Fresh Lemon sorbet

This is really good. Its very refreshing when its hotter than anyone can stand. Even Elise liked it. It can be tart...be warned
Its very easy to make

*2 cups sugar
*2 cups water
*1 1.2 cup lemon juice
*1 TBSP lemon zest

Combine the water and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to boil over medium-high heat
Reduce heat to low and simmer until sugar dissolves about 4 minutes
Cool completely (either put in fridge overnight or put in pan in an ice bath for 30 minutes to cool)
When cool, add the lemon juice and zest; stir to combine
Pour into ice cream maker and turn on for about 30 minutes

146. Beef Tortilla Casserole

We went to our friends Jason and Alica for dinner and they break out a gift wrapped in Christmas paper! It was a book of casseroles. Funny story... On my first date with my sweet husband he said to me, "my favorite food is casseroles" Really? Not steak or something manly, but casseroles. I looked at him and said "Are you like 80 and named Edna?" one year later we were married. I have made many casseroles! So, thank you Loopers for some more casseroles to make.

*2 lb ground beef
*1 med. onion, chopped
*1 bottle taco sauce
*6 corn tortillas, halved and cut into 1 inch strips
*2 cups sour cream
*1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
*1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Now I want to point that you should make this is the darn MICROWAVE. I refused and I made Dave make it once I got everything together. We ended up making it together but not in the microwave.

Ground the beef with the onion
Stir in taco sauce and tortillas
Layer the mixture, sour cream and cheeses
Repeat the layers
Cook in 350 oven.
we cooked for about 20 minutes

147. Maple Glazed Beef

This was so-so. I thought it was a bit odd but we all ate it. I mean no one threw it away. It has chinese five spice and that is sorta odd to me. Its taste like Christmas. Dont ask!!!

*1 cup maple syrup
*1/2 cup cider vinegar
*2 TBSP soy sauce
*1 tsp Chinese five spice
*1 tsp red pepper flakes
*1 1/2 flank steak
*2 TBSP corn starch

In a bag mix together syrup, vinegar, soy sauce, five spice, pepper flakes and add the steak
Marinade for one hour
Pour our the marinade and into a saucepan and mix in the corn starch
Cook over high heat until boils.
Boil for 3 minutes or until thickened
Grill over high heat, brushing with the sauce
Serve sliced

148. Garlic Roasted Potatoes

this was awesome!

*2 1/2 lb small new potatoes
*8 cloves garlic, halved
*1/4 cup olive oil
*coarse salt and pepper
*1/4 cup lemon juice
*2 TBSP parsley flakes

Preheat over to 425
In a large roasting pan, toss the potatoes, garlic, oil, salt and pepper
Roast for 30-40 minutes
Remove to large bowl; toss with lemon juice and parsley

June 7

2010-06-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

144. SPAGHETTI CHEESE BAKE

We had some friend over for dinner. There were 4 preschoolers and I did not want to make something that they would not eat. I thought that this was a safe bet and man I loved it. My kids both loved and ate a good bit of it. So it was a hit.

*1 lb. ground beef
*1/4 c. chopped onion
*Sm. jar prepared spaghetti sauce
*1 1/2 c. broken spaghetti (6 or 7 oz.)
*2 tbsp. butter
*1 c. or more grated Cheddar cheese
*1 tbsp. flour
*2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
*1/4 tsp. salt
*3/4 c. evaporated milk
*1/3 c. water

I changed this some. I will put in the changes I made but I wanted to put in the real recipe.

Brown ground beef and onion. Drain.
Add spaghetti sauce. Simmer 1 minute.
Cook spaghetti noodles according to directions on package.
Rinse and drain.
Mix spaghetti and sauce.
Melt butter in saucepan.
Stir in flour and salt.
Add evaporated milk and water. HERE IS THE CHANGE= I did not have evaporated milk so I used a cup of milk instead of the evap. milk and water. It was good.
Cook over medium heat until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
Add Cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stir until melted.
Spread 1/2 spaghetti in baking dish, then all of sauce, then remainder of spaghetti.
Spread 1/2 cup shredded cheese on top.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

June 2

2010-06-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

143. Pesto sauce

I was in no mood to really cook tonight. So I made some yummy pre-made ravioli from Costo (it was that frozen crab ad shrimp one and its good) and I threw some pesto on top

*3 cups fresh basil leaves
*1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
*4 cloves garlic, peeled
*1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
*1 cup olive oil
*salt and pepper to taste

In a food processor, blend together basil leaves, nuts, garlic, and cheese.
Pour in oil slowly while still mixing. Stir in salt and pepper.

2010-05-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

139. Potato Salad

*2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch chunks
*1 cup Real Mayonnaise
*2 tablespoons vinegar
*1 1/2 teaspoons salt
*1 teaspoon sugar
*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
*1 cup thinly sliced celery
*1/2 cup chopped onion
*2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped (optional)

Cover potatoes with water in 4-quart saucepot; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Drain and cool slightly.
Combine Real Mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, sugar and pepper in large bowl.
Add potatoes, celery, onion and eggs and toss gently.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

I used my new favorite things in the world...fingerling potatoes. We love them and they sell them at Costco for not that much money.

140. sweet slaw

*1 (16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix
*2 tablespoons diced onion
*2/3 cup creamy salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip™)
*3 tablespoons vegetable oil
*1/2 cup white sugar
*1 tablespoon white vinegar
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds

Combine the coleslaw mix and onion in a large bowl.
Whisk together the salad dressing, vegetable oil, sugar, vinegar, salt, and poppy seeds in a medium bowl; blend thoroughly.
Pour dressing mixture over coleslaw mix and toss to coat.
Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

141. Boston Baked Beans

Trust me....Go out and buy the Bushs Baked Beans. This was a pain in the butt to make and it took forever. My darn oven has been on all day cooking these things. Just go get the can and a can opener and throw them in a bowl.

*2 cups navy beans
*1/2 pound bacon
*1 onion, finely diced
*3 tablespoons molasses
*2 teaspoons salt
*1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
*1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
*1/2 cup ketchup
*1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
*1/4 cup brown sugar

Soak beans overnight in cold water.
Simmer the beans in the same water until tender, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Drain and reserve the liquid.
Preheat oven to 325
Arrange the beans in a 2 quart bean pot or casserole dish by placing a portion of the beans in the bottom of dish, and layering them with bacon and onion.
In a saucepan, combine molasses, salt, pepper, dry mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar.
Bring the mixture to a boil and pour over beans.
Pour in just enough of the reserved bean water to cover the beans.
Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
Bake for 3 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until beans are tender.
Remove the lid about halfway through cooking, and add more liquid if necessary to prevent the beans from getting too dry.

142. Cheesecake Brownies

This was good. You only need a little piece because its so rich.

Cheese Cake
*1/4 cup cornstarch
*1/2 cup sugar
*3 packages of soften cream cheese
*3 large eggs
*3/4 cup sour cream
*2/3 cups milk
*1 tsp vanilla

Brownie....I am not going to lie. I used a box mix and it was just as good. With all the cooking I did today I just did not want to make brownies from scratch!

Heat the oven to 350
Make the cheese cake by mixing the cornstarch and sugar until blended
Beat in cream cheese until smooth
Beat in eggs, sour cream and milk until its smooth
Then mix in the vanilla

Pour the browning mix into the pan
Top with cheesecake mix
Cook for 1 hour and 5 minutes...Mine cooked faster
cook completely before cutting.
Top with fruit.

May 30

2010-05-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

135. Strawberry Cake

I had a huge thing of Strawberries that would have gone bad so I found a recipe for a cake. It was really good and really strawberry tasty!

*1 package strawberry cake mix or white cake mix
*1 package strawberry jello
*4 TBSP flour
*1 cup vegetable oil
*1/2 cup sugar
*1/2 cup whole milk
*4 eggs
*1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries

Preheat oven to 350
Spray three 9 inch cake pans
Mix in a mixer on low for 1 minute
Scrape the sides and mix for 2 minutes on medium
Pour into pans and bake for 33-35 minutes
Allow to cool before icing

136. Strawberry Icing

*1 stick soften butter
*4 cups confectioners sugar, sifted
*1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries with juice

Mix and ice the cake.

Goes with the cake. It was good but I would go with a cream cheese icing for the cake next time. It was almost too much!

137. Chicken with Red Pepper sauce

*2 cloves garlic, peeled
*2 bell peppers, quartered, lengthwise, ribs and seeds removed
*1 TBSP red wine vinegar
*3 TBSP olive oil
*3 TBSP water
*coarse salt and pepper
*4 boneless, skinless chicken breast

Heat the grill to medium
Wrap the garlic in foil and grill until soft (10-15 minutes)
Meanwhile grill the peppers, skin down until charred, 6-8 minutes
Let peppers and garlic cool slightly
Remove skin for peppers; squeeze the garlic from skins
In a blender combine garlic, peppers, vinegar, 2 TBSP olive oil, and water; season with salt and pepper
Blend until emulsified, add some more water is needed
Rub chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
Grill chicken until browned on both sides 5-8 minutes per side
Serve with sauce!

This was good if you liked Red bell peppers. Dave thinks that it needed a pop of heat but I liked it as is. The kids thought that the sauce was gross and then got ranch to finish off their chicken. I almost made those potatoes on the grill and they are so good. The ones in the tin foil packet. Yummy!

138. Home Style Mac and cheese

This is the best Mac and Cheese I have tried yet.

*7 ounces macaroni
*1/4 cup butter
*3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
*2 cups milk
*1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/2 teaspoon black pepper
*2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
*2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

*1 cup dry bread crumbs
*2 tablespoons butter
*2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 400
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Add macaroni pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
In a 3 quart saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in flour.
Cook for about 1 minute, until smooth and bubbly; stirring occasionally.
Mix in milk, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.
Continue cooking until sauce is thickened.
Add cooked macaroni and Cheddar cheese.
Pour into 2 quart casserole dish.
In small bowl mix together bread crumbs, butter and parsley; spread over macaroni and cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.

2010-05-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

133. Marshmallow Fluff Cheesecake

Today is Elis last day of school and when I asked what he wanted for dinner he told me cheesecake. I dont know where he got that and I am not sure he ever had cheesecake before. So since I still had one of the marshmallow fluff left I thought this was perfect. It smells great. The filling tasted good!

*24 onces Cream cheese, softened
*1 container of fluff
*2 eggs
*3 TBSP flour
*9 inch graham cracker crust

Mix together and pour into crust
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes
Turn oven off and crack open the door for an hour

134. Real Italian Calzones

This was really good. I have a lot of respect for those ladies who make dough everyday! It was messy and not that easy. It was really good.

*1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
*1 cup warm water
*1 tablespoon olive oil
*1 teaspoon white sugar
*1 teaspoon salt
*2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
*1 teaspoon olive oil
*1/2 cup ricotta cheese
*1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
*1/2 cup diced pepperoni
*1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
*1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
*1 egg, beaten

To Make Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water.
Add the oil, sugar and salt; mix in 1 cup of the flour until smooth.
Gradually stir in the rest of the flour, until dough is smooth and workable.
Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it is elastic.
Lay dough in a bowl containing 1 teaspoon olive oil, then flip the dough, cover and let rise for 40 minutes, or until almost doubled.

To Make Filling: While dough is rising, combine the ricotta cheese, Cheddar cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms and basil leaves in a large bowl.
Mix well, cover bowl and refrigerate to chill.
Preheat oven to 375
When dough is ready, punch it down and separate it into 2 equal parts.
Roll parts out into thin circles on a lightly floured surface.
Fill each circle with 1/2 of the cheese/meat filling and fold over, securing edges by folding in and pressing with a fork.
Brush the top of each calzone with egg and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.
Serve hot.

may 26

2010-05-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

130. Garlic Marinated Chicken with Grilled potatoes

This was good. The potatoes were to die for. Plus it was really quick to throw together

*1 1/2 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
*1 TBSP olive oil
*3 cloves garlic minced
*2 TBSP white wine vinegar
*1 1/2 TBSP thyme
*coarse salt and pepper
* 1 1/2 lb chicken cutlets
*1 TBSP butter

Heat the grill to medium
Fold 4 feet of aluminum foil in half to make a double layer
Form a packet and seal the potatoes in the foil
Place on the grill and cook for 25 minutes, flipping once
Turn the heat up to high and oil the grates
Meanwhile, make the marinate; in a large dish, whisk the oil, garlic, vinegar, thyme, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper
Add the chicken, turning to coat
Let set at room temp for 10 minutes
Put on grill and cook for 4-8 minutes per side
Toss the potatoes with the butter and salt and pepper

131. Best Beef Burger

Now I must say that I think I like the burger I normally make a little more. These are good ane easy to make. We came home from swim lessons and I had to throw something together really quick...and this was really easy. The kids both ate a whole cheese burger

*2 LB ground beef
*1 TBSP dijon mustard
*1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
*Salt and pepper
*4 buns

Heat the grill to high
In a bowl mix the meet with mustard, worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper
Form into 4 patties
Place the patties on the hottest part of the grill to sear for 1-2 minutes
Move to cooler part of the grill and cook for 4-8 minutes per side

132. Caramelized Pineapple

Yummy!! Even the kids loved it

*2 TBSP butter
*1 pineapple, coed, peeled and sliced lengthwise into eighths
*1/2 cup sugar

Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet
Coat pineapple with sugar; place in hot pan
Cook, turning once and shaking the pan often, until pineapple is golden brown 8-10 minutes
Remove pineapple
Stir 3 TBSP water into pan and heat briefly; drizzle over pineapple
serve with ice cream if desired

May 21

2010-05-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

129. Speedy little devils

These are in the oven now but I am sure that they will be good. I must tell the story on the fluff. Before Christmas I sent my husband to the store for a couple things. He came home with 2 jars of fluff. I am have been looking for a way to use it. The Whoopie pies were awesome. So I had one jar left. I still have the Almond paste he brought home once.

*1 stick butter, melted
*1 box devil's food cake mix
*1 16-oz. jar Marshmallow Fluff
*1 cup peanut butter (I heat it a little in the microwave)

In a bowl, mix butter and cake mix to form a crumble mixture.
Set aside 3/4 of a cup and crumble the rest into a 9 x 11-inch cake pan.
Remove the lid from the jar of Fluff and warm the glass jar for 30 seconds in the microwave. Plop a little Fluff on top of crumble mixture randomly.
Then heat the peanut butter and drizzle it on top of the marshmallow.
Use remaining cake mixture and crumble it on top as the last layer.
Bake at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes or until the marshmallow puffs up.
When cool, cut into small bars.

Serves how many: Makes 16 bars
Takes how long to make: 30 minutes

may 19

2010-05-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

127. Linguine with sausage and peppers

This was really good and so easy to make. I must start by saying that if my husband can put something off he will. So when we ran out of gas for the grill on sat he told me he would get a new tank on sunday. I did not think about it and I went to turn the grill on the cook a chicken dish that I was planning. No gas....so this was not planned until the weekend but I had to go with it. It was very good for something done at the moment.

*salt and pepper
*1 lb linguine
*1 lb turkey sausage, casings removed
*6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
*4 yellow or red peppers, thinly sliced
*4 TBSP butter
* cups arugla, torn

In a large pot boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente
Drain, reserve 1 1/2 cup of the pasta water, return pasta to pot
Meanwhile cook the sausage, over medium heat, and 2 TBSP water in a large covered skillet until the fat renders, about 5 minutes
Uncover and raise the heat to medium high
Brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, about 7 minutes
Add the garlic, bell peppers and 1/4 cup pasta water; cook until the peppers are soft, about 6 minutes
Add 3/4 cup pasta water and the butter, stick until combined
Toss the pasta with sausage and add arugula
Season with salt and pepper

128. Cantaloupe with Honey and Lime

I am not a fan of honey but Dave loves it. Neither of us loved this. It was odd.

*1 cantaloupe, peeled and seeded
*1/4 cup honey
*juice of a lime and zest

Using a sharp knife, slice the cantaloupe as thin as possible
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with lime juice

may 17

2010-05-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

125. Homemade Lemonade

Ok I will admit that normally I open the Crystal Lite tub and add water. When I was at Costco the other day I bought this huge thing of lemon juice. When I got home I thought what on earth am I going to do with all this lemon juice. Plus it came in a 2 pack. So I need to be using lemon juice.

*1 cup lemon juice
*1 cup sugar
*enough water to make 2 quarts

Mix and enjoy.
Eli told me that it was good. better than the normal stuff. So I guess that is good!

126. Stuff Chicken breast

This is really good. It called for bone in breast and I hate bone in meats so I used boneless breast. We all really liked this.

*1 cup parsley
*1/4 cup parmesan cheese
*1/4 cup breadcrumbs
*lemon zest
*salt and pepper
*bone in Chicken breast

Preheat over to 450
Mix the cheese, parsley, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper and zest in a small bowl
Clean chicken and slit a pocket into chicken and stuff with the breadcrumb mixture
Bake in oven for about 30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165

2010-05-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

122. BBQ Chicken

Now we love some good BBQ chicken. I normally open my favorite BBQ sauce and am done with it. So in this year I though why not make my own. It was really good and so easy to make. So I am not sure I will be buying the jars anymore.

*1 tsp hot sauce
*1/3 cup cider vinegar
*1/3 cup light brown sugar
*1/4 cup molasses
*3 TBSP Dijon Mustard
*3 cloves garlic
*1/2 cup ketchup

Mix this all together in a sauce pan over medium heat until it reduces to 1 1/4 cups, about 7 minutes
Cook chicken on the grill and baste with the BBQ sauce.
Save sauce to also dip the chicken in.

123. Pecan Crusted Catfish

Yummy! The kids both ate the fish and I am not sure that they knew it was really fish. Plus the crust was not overwhelming like some crust can be. I hate it when you have something crusted and that is all you can taste is the darn crust!

*1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
*1/4 cup pecans
*salt and pepper
*4 catfish fillets, rinsed and patted dry
*4 TBSP veg. oil

In a food processor mix the cornmeal, pecans and salt and pepper until nuts are finely ground
Transfer to a swallow bowl.
Dredge fish through the mixture
Heat oil over medium high heat
Add fish and cook until golden about 4 minutes per side

124. Glazed Carrots

Elise, Dave and myself really loved these. Eli was not overly thrilled and had to go to time out once in the middle of dinner for screaming about the carrots. He wanted to know if he can change them in for pudding. Oh no...that is not how this works!

*9 carrots, peeled, quartered and cute into 2 inch pieces
*1 TBSP sugar
*1 TBSP butter
*salt and pepper

Mix in a skillet with 1/2 cup water
Heat until boiling
Reduce heat to low and simmer, partly covered for 6 minutes
Cook uncovered over high heat for another 4 minutes or until tender

2010-05-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

121. Chicken Parmigiana

Oh my goodness was this good. We thought that it could served in any restaurant. I can not begin to tell you how good it was. Even the kids liked it when they had a taste.

*3/4 cup breadcrumbs
*3/4 grated parmesan cheese
*4 boneless, skinless, chicken breast, halved horizontally
*Coarse salt and pepper
*1 large egg, lightly beaten
*2 cups tomato sauce
*1/4 cup olive oil
*6 onces Fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into slices

Heat the boiler
Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl
Season chicken with salt and pepper
Dip the chicken in the egg and then dredge through the breadcrumbs, coat on both sides
Spread the tomato sauce in a 10x15 baker
Heat 2 TBSP olive oil in a nonstick skillet
Place the chicken in the hot oil and cook until golden (about 2 minutes)on each side
Transfer to baker
Top each breast with the cheese
Cook until cheese has browned in spots, 5-8 minutes

may 11..again

2010-05-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

120. Best Chocolate Cookies

One of my best friends little boy is sick and he is having surgery in a couple weeks. So Elise and I made him cookies today. Still on the hunt for the best Chocolate cookies. There are good. I will see if they stay chewy tomorrow.

*1 cup butter, softened
*1 cup white sugar
*1 cup packed brown sugar
*2 eggs
*2 teaspoons vanilla extract
*3 cups all-purpose flour
*1 teaspoon baking soda
*2 teaspoons hot water
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350
Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt.
Stir in flour, chocolate chips.
Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.

may 11

2010-05-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

119. Honey of An Oatmeal Bread

It is so yummy. We all love it and Dave toasted it and put a little more honey on top.

*1 cup water
*1 tablespoon vegetable oil
*1/4 cup honey
*1 teaspoon salt
*1/2 cup rolled oats
*2 1/3 cups bread flour
*1 teaspoon active dry yeast

Place ingredients in bread machine pan in the order suggested by the manufacturer.
Select Light Crust or Basic setting, and press Start.

May 8

2010-05-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

117. Mexican Lasagna

Our friends, Jason and Alicia, came over for Daves birthday and help put new flooring down. Dave asked for Mexican food. I did not want anything too spicy because the kids were eating it as well. Alicia said to make sure I wrote that this go 2 thumbs up from her. Dave thought it was very good. The rice was good that they thought it was from a box mix but it was not. The rice really tasted like something from your local mexican joint!

*1 pound lean ground beef
*1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
*1 (14 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes with juice
*10 (6 inch) corn tortillas
*1 cup prepared salsa
*1/2 cup shredded Colby cheese

Preheat oven to 350
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, and stir in the taco seasoning and tomatoes.
Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with half the tortillas.
Spoon the beef mixture into the dish, then top with the remaining tortillas.
Spread salsa over the tortillas and sprinkle with the cheese.
Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

118. Mexican Rice

*3 tablespoons vegetable oil
*1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
*1 teaspoon garlic salt
*1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
*1/4 cup chopped onion
*1/2 cup tomato sauce
*2 cups chicken broth

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add rice.
Cook, stirring constantly, until puffed and golden.
While rice is cooking, sprinkle with salt and cumin.
Stir in onions and cook until tender.
Stir in tomato sauce and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
Fluff with a fork.

This was so good and easy it going to become a staple here after this project. I had no idea that is how they made that rice.

2010-05-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

115. All American Pot Roast

We had friends over for dinner last night. We also had a dance recital rehearsal and a soccer game. So I needed something that I could put in the crock pot and go about our busy day. This was yummy. Our friend is a picky eater and he liked it. The kids ate a grilled cheese sandwich. I did not feel like chatting with friends and no fighting them to eat.

*1 large onion, diced
*1 cup baby carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick
*1 rib celery, sliced 1/4 inch thick
*2 cloves garlic, chopped
*1 boneless chuck roast (about 3 pounds), tied
*1 teaspoon olive oil plus 2 tablespoons
*1 teaspoon salt
*1/4 teaspoon black pepper
*2 cups sliced white button mushrooms OR: 1 package (8 ounces) sliced white button mushrooms
*4 sprigs fresh thyme
*1 bay leaf
*1 cup beef broth
*1/2 cup dry red wine
*2 tablespoons tomato paste
*2 tablespoons olive oil
*3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
*1 pound egg noodles

Now I did not tie it. I was in a hurry and I did not use the noddles. I have to say that I am not a fan of the egg noodle.

In 5- to 5 1/2-quart slow cooker, layer onion, carrots, celery and garlic.
Rub the roast all over with the 1 teaspoon olive oil; season the roast with the salt and pepper. Scatter the mushrooms over the vegetables in the slow cooker, and place the chuck roast on top. Tuck thyme sprigs and bay leaf into mixture.
In medium-size bowl, whisk together beef broth, wine and tomato paste; pour over meat.
Cover slow cooker; cook on high heat for 6 hours.
Remove chuck roast from slow cooker; keep warm.
Pour the liquid with the vegetable mixture from the slow cooker into a medium-size saucepan; remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
Bring to a boil.
In a small cup, stir together the 2 tablespoons olive oil and flour until well blended and smooth.
Stir the flour mixture into the liquid in the saucepan.
Boil, stirring, until liquid is slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
Meanwhile, cook noodles in large pot of lightly salted boiling water following package directions.
Drain the noodles well.
Slice pot roast.
Serve with gravy and cooked noodles.

116. One Bowl Chocolate Cake

*2 cups white sugar
*1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
*3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
*1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
*1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
*1 teaspoon salt
*2 eggs
*1 cup milk
*1/2 cup vegetable oil
*2 teaspoons vanilla extract
*1 cup boiling water

Preheat oven to 350
Grease and flour two nine inch round pans.
In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, mix for 2 minutes on medium speed of mixer.
Stir in the boiling water last.
Batter will be thin.
Pour evenly into the prepared pans.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the cake tests done with a toothpick.
Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Its my husbands birthday so we have not had the cake yet. It smells good. I normally use a boxed cake but I thought I would go all out!

may 3

2010-05-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

114. glazed pork with pineapple

This was so good I cant even tell you. Dave and I loved it. The kids did not eat with us since Dave got home late from work

*4 slices fresh pineapple (about 1/2 in thick)
*3 TBSP Hoisin sauce
*2 tsp ginger
*1 clove garlic, minced
*1 tsp Dijon mustard
*1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin
*coarse salt and pepper

Quick Ginger sauce
*2 TBSP hoisin sauce
*2 TBSP pineapple juice
*2 tsp ginger
*1 tsp soy sauce
*fresh pepper
mix in a bowl and serve with dinner

Heat Broiler
Place pineapple slices on a foil-lined baking sheet
In a small bowl mix hoisin sauce, ginger,garlic, and mustard
Place pork on a broiler pan, brush with sauce season with salt and pepper
Place pork under broiler with pineapple and cook until 15-20 minutes or until 155.
Cook Pineapple longer until it browns
Serve with the ginger sauce.

may 2

2010-05-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

113. Beef and Orange Stir-fry

This was really good. Dave and I thought that it could use some spice but I did not want to add spice to it with the kids eating. Well, the kids was not impressed with this meal. As I type, Dave is cleaning the dishes while the kids are still at the table.

*3 oranges
*2 garlic cloves, minced
*2 TBSP soy sauce
*1 1/2 lb sirloin, sliced in 1/2 inch pieces
*1 TBSP corn starch
*1-2 TBSP vegetable oil
*6 scallions, green part only, cut into i-inch pieces
*white rice

In a small bowl finely grate the zest and squeeze juice from one orange
Mix in the garlic and soy sauce
Peel and slice the remaining oranges (make sure to get the seeds out)
In a medium bowl toss the meat with the corn starch to coat
Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over high heat
Add the meat and cook until brown on both sides, (3-5 minutes) You may need to work in batches to not crowd the meat.
Transfer to plate
Pour the juice mixture into the skillet and cook until syrupy about 1 minute
Return beef to skillet with orange and scallions
Cook until heated and coated
Serve over rice

may 1

2010-05-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

111. Asian Chicken with Peanuts

It was really good. I will make this again and again. Very filling.

*2 tablespoons cornstarch
*1 3/4 cups Swanson® Chicken Stock
*2 tablespoons soy sauce
*1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
*1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
*2 tablespoons vegetable oil
*1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into strips
*2 cups broccoli florets
*2 small red peppers, cut into 2-inch-long strips
*2 cloves garlic, minced
*1/2 cup salted peanuts
*4 cups Hot cooked regular long-grain white rice

Stir the cornstarch, stock, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil, if desired, in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth.
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and stir-fry until it is well browned, stirring often. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
Reduce the heat to medium.
Heat the remaining vegetable oil in the skillet.
Add the broccoli, peppers and garlic and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Stir the cornstarch mixture in the skillet.
Cook and stir until the mixture boils and thickens.
Return the chicken to the skillet.
Stir in the peanuts and cook until the mixture is hot and bubbling.
Serve over the rice.

112. Strawberry Whoopie Pies

I have to say that this was not a huge hit with the kids. They both thought that it was not a good cookie. So I dont know what to tell you. The adults liked it. I must say that I like the Chocolate ones better, from back in Jan.

*1/2 cup butter, soften
*1 cup, plus 3 TBSP light brown sugar
*1 tsp vanilla
*1 large egg
*2 1/4 cup flour
*3/4 tsp baking powder
*1/4 tsp baking soda
*1/2 tsp coarse salt
*1 cup whole milk
*3/4 cup heavy cream
*3/4 cup mashed strawberries (I put them in the food processor)

Preheat oven to 350
Mix butter and brown sugar(1 cup) until fluffy
Add in the vanilla and egg
In a different bowl mix, flour, baking powder and soda and salt
Slowly add in the flour mixture and milk, alternating until you end with flour
Drop batter onto baking sheet in 2 TBSP mounds
Bake for 16-18 minutes, rotate tray half way through
Let cook on wire racks
In large bowl whip cream and brown sugar in a bowl until it forms soft peaks
Fold in the strawberries
Place between two cookies to form a cake

May 1

2010-05-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

110. Waffles

Again these were really good and not from a box. I am guessing that it has to be cheaper. It was stuff I already had. Eli told me that Egos are better. Oh well...there is always dinner tonight.

*2 eggs
*2 cups all-purpose flour
*1 3/4 cups milk
*1/2 cup vegetable oil
*1 tablespoon white sugar
*4 teaspoons baking powder
*1/4 teaspoon salt
*1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat waffle iron.
Beat eggs in large bowl with hand beater until fluffy.
Beat in flour, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla, just until smooth.
Spray preheated waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray.
Pour mix onto hot waffle iron.
Cook until golden brown.
Serve hot.

april 29

2010-04-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

109. Salsa Chicken

This was so easy and super yummy. It had a little kick to it, but you can make it as spicy or mild as you want.

*6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken breast
*1-2 cups salsa
*2tsp res pepper flakes
*2 tsp cumin
*3 TBSP lime juice

Put chicken in crock pot and cover with salsa
Cook on high for 3-4 hours
In the last 15 minutes mix in the spices and lime juice
Serve hot.

april 28

2010-04-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

108. 30-minute spaghetti and meatballs

This was easy to make. Other than the sauce jumping out of the pat and staining the shirt I was wearing, it was a breeze. Yes, I own an apron or 2 but never think to use them.
Elise ate it and other than the fact that it had chunks of tomatoes in it, she was happy. Eli just looked me when I put it down in front of him. if he could roll his eyes he would have!

*salt and pepper
*1 1/2 lbs of sweet or spicy Italian Sausage
*1 tsp olive oil
*1 medium yellow onion, diced small
*2 cans (28 onces) whole peeled tomatoes
*1 lb spaghetti

Set a large pot of water to boil
Remove sausage from casings and roll into 24 balls
In a dutch oven, over medium high heat, add sausage
Brown on all sides, about 5 minutes
Using a slotted spoon remove the sausage and set aside
Add onion and cook until soft about 5 minutes
Add tomatoes, breaking apart as you put them in, season with salt and pepper
Bring sauce to boil and cook for 5 minutes
Add pasta to cook
Meanwhile add meatballs to sauce and simmer for about 7 minutes
Drain pasta and mix

April 23

2010-04-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

106. Old Fashioned Pancakes

These were really yummy. I normally must say that we just crack open the box of pancake mix and beat in the eggs. This was very easy and good. Elise claimed that they looked crazy, but to be fair...crazy is her favorite word. She told our neighbor that he had crazy eyes! So I dont know I would call her a fair judge. Eli, Dave and myself really liked them.

*1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
*3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
*1 teaspoon salt
*1 tablespoon white sugar
*1 1/4 cups milk
*1 egg
*3 tablespoons butter, melted

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat.
Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.
Brown on both sides and serve hot.

107. Cinnamon Bread

*1 1/4 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
*2 tablespoons margarine, softened
*3 1/4 cups bread flour
*1/4 cup white sugar
*1 1/2 teaspoons salt
*1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
*3 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
*3/4 cup raisins

Place ingredients in order suggested by your manufacturer.
Select the sweet bread and light crust settings.
Add raisins when indicated by your manufacturer.

This is cooking at the moment and smells good. The minute I hit the start button my kids want bread...when its done they want no part of it.
Sorry that last week was so bad. we had a huge childrens clothing sale and it was a kiler of a week. Now I am back and read to cook.

april 19

2010-04-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

105. Chicken Florentine Casserole

This was easy to make and the adults liked it. Elise was not having any part of it. She did not even like the bacon. I mean who will not eat bacon?

*4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
*1/4 cup butter
*3 teaspoons minced garlic
*1 tablespoon lemon juice
*1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
*1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
*1/2 cup half-and-half
*1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
*2 (13.5 ounce) cans spinach, drained
*4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
*2/3 cup bacon bits
*2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350
Place the chicken breast halves on a baking sheet; bake 20 to 30 minutes, until no longer pink and juices run clear. Remove from heat, and set aside.
Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Stirring constantly, mix in the garlic, lemon juice, cream of mushroom soup, Italian seasoning, half-and-half, and Parmesan cheese.
Arrange the spinach over the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish.
Cover the spinach with the mushrooms.
Pour half the mixture from the saucepan over the mushrooms.
Arrange chicken breasts in the dish, and cover with the remaining sauce mixture.
Sprinkle with bacon bits, and top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes in the 400 oven, until bubbly and lightly browned.

april 17

2010-04-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

104. Roast Beef

this was really yummy. We had some friend over for dinner and they all claimed to like it.

*3-4 lb roast beef
*5 red or yellow bell peppers, cut into 1 inch slices
*1 onion cut into wedges
*yellow potatoes cut into 1 inch pieces
*salt and pepper
*1-2 TBSP olive oil
*3 tsp crushed garlic
*1 tsp thyme

Pre Heat oven to 400
Place the bell pepper slices, onion and potatoes on a cooking sheet.
Toss with the olive oil, salt and pepper
Push over to the side and place the roast on the sheet
Cut 12 slits into the meat and put the garlic in.
Then cover with salt, pepper and thyme
Cook for 50 minutes or until 150.

april 15

2010-04-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

103. Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Happy Tax Day!! I hope everyone is having a good day. I cant tell you how this tasted but right now it smells great. I will update with how it tasted.
Since we have soccer tonight and its Eli's first game it means crock pot night.

*4 pounds chuck roast
*salt and pepper to taste
*1 packet dry onion soup mix
*1 cup water
*3 carrots, chopped
*1 onion, chopped
*3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
*1 stalk celery, chopped

Take the chuck roast and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Brown on all sides in a large skillet over high heat.
Place in the slow cooker and add the soup mix, water, carrots, onion, potatoes and celery.
Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours.

april 14

2010-04-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

102. Incredible Italian Meatloaf

None of us really loved this. It was just ok. I have a much better meatloaf recipe and Dave told me that he misses it, so I am going to have to make it soon for him. He always asks me for it for his birthday!

*1 pound mild Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
*1 pound ground turkey
*2 eggs, beaten
*1 1/2 cups rolled oats
*1/2 cup chopped onion
*1/2 cup milk
*1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
*1 teaspoon Italian-style seasoning
*1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*2 cups spaghetti sauce
*5 dashes hot pepper sauce
*1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
*1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring (now I did not use this. I dont even know what it is.)

Preheat oven to 350
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, sausage, eggs, oats, onion and milk.
Season with 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and salt.
Mix well and form into a loaf.
Place into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the spaghetti sauce, hot sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke.
Smooth over the entire meatloaf.
Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes.

april 12

2010-04-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

101. Chicken, Edamame, and noodle Stir-Fry

This was super good. We both loved it. Dave got home too late to eat with the kids. So they enjoyed a corn dog and we had a great dinner. Elise enjoyed some of the noodles and loved them. These noodles were so good.

*8 onces udon noodles
*2 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
*1 TBSP cornstarch
*2 TBSP vegetables oil
*1 small red onion, thinly sliced
*2 cloves garlic minced
*1/2 head napa cabbage, thinly shredded
*2 cups frozen shelled edamame
*2 TBSP rice-wine vinegar
*2 TBSP soy sauce

Bring pot of water to a boil, add salt
Cook noodles according to package
Drain and rinse with cold water and drain again.
While noodles are cooking, toss chicken with cornstarch; season with salt and pepper
In a large skillet heat oil and add the chicken.
Cook until chicken is done about 4 minutes
Transfer to a plate
Add remaining oil to skillet, cook onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes
Add cabbage and cook until tender 4 minutes
Add edamame, vinegar, soy sauce, chicken and noodles; season with salt and pepper
Cook until warm about 5 minutes

Udon noodles are in the Asian isle of the grocery store. If you can not find them then use Linguine and break in half.

April 11

2010-04-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

98. Peanut Crusted Chicken Breast

this was really good. We all really liked it. Dave added some honey on top of his.

*1 TBSP olive oil
*3/4 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
*3 slices white bread, torn into small pieces
*Salt and pepper
*2 large eggs
*4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
*1 1/2 lb asparagus, trimmed
*1 TBSP butter
*2 tsp lemon zest

Preheat oven 475
In a food processor, pulse peanuts and bread until coarsely ground
Transfer to a shallow bowl; whisk in oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper
In a large bowl lightly beat eggs, season with salt and pepper
Add chicken and turn to coat
Dredge chicken in peanut mixture to coat complete
Transfer to baking pan
Bake until crust is browned and chicken is just cooked through (10-15 minutes)
Meanwhile bring water to boil with generous amount of salt
Cook the asparagus for 4 minutes
Transfer to bowl and mix in butter, salt and zest
(I left out the butter. I did not think that it needed it.)

99. Brown-Sugar Sweet Potato Wedges

Now we all love sweet potatoes and this was really really good. It was a toss up which Sweet Potatoes were better. These were just super yummy and I cant wait to make them again.

*6 small sweet potatoes, scrubbed
*1 TBSP butter
*1/4 cup walnuts chopped
*1/4 cup, plus 2 TBSP brown sugar
*2 TBSP cider vinegar
*1/2 tsp salt
*1/4 tsp pepper
*1/4 tsp allspice

Heat gas grill to medium high
Pierce sweet potatoes with fork
Place in microwave and cook for 10 minutes, or until partially cooked , but still firm (Do not over cook them)
When they are cook enough to handle cut each lengthwise into quarters
Meanwhile in a small skillet melt butter over medium heat
Add walnuts, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper and vinegar
Remove from heat
Brush cut side of the potatoes with sugar
Grill potatoes, cut side down for 5 minutes (Leave grill open)
Grill second side for 5 minutes
Turn potatoes skin down for 5 minutes, brush the potatoes with the sugar
transfer potatoes to a bowl and mix with the remaining sugar and walnuts

YUMMY!!!

100. Cheese Stuffed Flank Steak

100!! I cant believe I have made to 100. Its been fun but I still have so many more to do. This was really good. It was not a huge hit with the kids.

*2 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese
*1 TBSP parsley
*1 TBSP olive oil
*2 cloves garlic, chopped
**1/2 tsp salt
*1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
*1/4 tsp pepper
*1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
*1 (1 1/2 lb) flank steak
*1/2 lb sliced provolone cheese, sliced
*1 jar roasted red bell peppers

In a small bowl mix, parmesan cheese, parsley, olive oil, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper and red pepper flakes to form a paste
Lay steak flat, if its not a large steak you can cut it, not all the way through, and open like a book. (the steak we had was big enough to just roll.)
Rub steak with paste
Arrange provolone over surface, leaving 1 inch around the border
Top with Roasted peppers
Roll up steak to enclose filing
Tie steak with twine, I did not have twine, so I put tooth picks in to hold it close
Wrap steak in plastic wrap
Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight
Heat oven to 425
Remove plastic wrap
Let Meat stand at room temp while oven is heating, but no more than 30 minutes
Place steak on broiler pan
Roast steak at 425 for 25 minutes
Turn on broiler
Broil steak for 15 minutes or until steak reaches 150
Remove twin and cut crosswise

So stay tuned for the next 100!!! (that sounds better than 265...right?)

2010-04-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

96. Spicy Asian Wings

This was really good. I did not think that it was that spicy. Eli thought that it was spicy and was not thrilled about todays meal. Elise ate it and even asked me for more food, which almost never happens. Normally its the fight and threats with her.
This recipe said to grill them, however I cooked them in the crockpot and I thought that it turned out really good.

*1/2 cup soy sauce
*1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
*2 TBSP honey
*2 TBSP olive oil
*4 cloves minced garlic
*2 TBSP ginger
*1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
*1/2 tsp black pepper
*4 lb chicken wings, tips removed

Now, here is what the the recipes said to do....
Whisk together everything and add chicken, turning to coat
Marinate, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
Heat Grill on high
Grill for 12-16 minutes (180 degrees)

I doubled everything but the chicken and I put it the crock pot after I let it marinate.
I cooked it on low for 5 hours.
YUMMY

97. Sesame Broccoli

Now Elise ate all this and seemed to really like it. I thought that it was ok but nothing that shattered my world. Eli did not like the seeds and did not like the bell pepper and did not care for the broccoli, so not a hit for him!

*1 bunch fresh broccoli, cut into pieces
*1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
*2 tsp veg. oil
*1 tsp dark sesame oil
*1 clove garlic, minced
*1 slice ginger very thin slivers
*3 TBSP teriyaki sauce
*1 tsp lemon juice
*1 TBSP sesame seeds, toasted

Steam broccoli and pepper for 5-7 minutes
In a non-stick skillet, heat veg. oil and sesame oil
Add garlic and ginger, stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds
Stir in teriyaki sauce and lemon juice
Toss vegetables in sauce to coat
Sprinkle with sesame seeds

April 8

2010-04-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

94. Pulled Pork

This was my own things that I just threw into the crock pot. It was really good. We all liked it and other than burning my fingers while pulling the pork apart, it was easy to make.

*2-3 lb Pork Butt
*bottle of BBQ sauce
*1 can coke
*1-2 TBSP Garlic
*1-2 TBSP Cayenne Pepper
*salt and pepper

Add everything together in crock pot
Season the meat with salt and pepper and put meat into crock pot
Cook on low for 8 hours
Let meat cook and pull it apart

95. Pineapple Smoothie

this was a big hit with the kids and adults alike. Plus it was a good way to sneak in fruit.

*RIPE banana
*1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
*1 cup OJ
Mix together in the blender. You can always use Pineapple juice but I did not have any!

April 5

2010-04-05T17:42:00.000-07:00

93. Pizza Casserole

5 years ago today my husband and I were standing in a court room to finalize our sons adoption. So we have a celebrate Eli day. I asked what he wanted for dinner and he told me that he wanted Pizza. So I found this recipe for Pizza casserole. Plus it was a good way to get them to eat from vegetables.

*1 TBSP olive oil
*1 medium onion, chopped
*2 sweet bell peppers cut into large pieces
*2 medium zucchini, cut into rounds
*2 cloves garlic, chopped
*3 cans diced tomatoes, drained
*5 fully cooked sausages, sliced
*1 tsp italian seasoning
*1 tsp salt
*1/2 tsp pepper
*1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
*2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
*1 tube refrigerated breadsticks

Heat oven to 350
Grease 9x13 baker
In large skillet heat oil over medium high heat
Add onion and bell peppers, cook for 5 minutes
Add zucchini and garlic and cook about 5 minutes until barely tender
Add tomatoes, sausage, IT seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes
Add 2 TBSP parmesan cheese
Spoon half the mixture into baking dish
Top with one cup of mozzarella
Add remaining tomato mixture
Arrange breadsticks on top in lattice pattern
Sprinkle with remaining cheeses
Bake for 25 minutes

The kids really liked it. They really did not put up a huge fight to eat their veggies! That is always good for me to not have to yell to eat!