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)

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.

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 29

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

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

• 
  

July 29

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!

July 26

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

July1

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

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.

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

1. Rinse the mushrooms and pat dry. 
2. season the flour with salt and pepper and dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture. 
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat and saute the chicken until it is nicely browned on one side (about 3 minutes).
4. Add the garlic. Turn the chicken breasts and scatter the mushrooms over them. Continue frying, shaking the skillet and stirring the mushrooms. 
5. Cook for about 3 minutes, then add the vinegar, broth, bay leaf and thyme. 
6. Cover tightly and simmer over medium low heat for 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
7. Transfer the chicken to a warm serving platter and cover with foil.
8. Set aside. Continue simmering the sauce, uncovered, over medium high heat for about 7 minutes.
9. Swirl in the butter or margarine and discard the bay leaf.
10.  Pour this mushroom sauce mixture over the chicken and serve.

161. Garl

ic 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

1. Place the broccoli in a saucepan with a small amount of water; cover and cook until crisp-tender. 
2. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients. 
3. Drain broccoli and place in a serving dish; add lemon mixture and toss to coat. 
4. Serve immediately.

June 22- Mexican Night

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.

May 30

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.

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

may 17

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