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

• 
  

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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 26

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

August 13

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

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

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 22

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.

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

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.