busy day

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.

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

October 14

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

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

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 26

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 17

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

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 

aug 21

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

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 16

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

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.

yesterday

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

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 25, part 2

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 12

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

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

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.

june 10

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

may 26

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