My Girlfriend's Kitchen

Bread Bowls

2011-10-10T10:34:00.000-06:00

I googled Quick and Easy Bread Bowls and found a couple recipes. I was skeptical, (I usu sally am with bread recipes I find on the internet) but because this one took the least amount of time I thought it was worth a shot. Well they turned out great! It did make less than the 8 that the recipe says. I made 2 really big ones and 2 small kid size ones. I did potato cheese soup in them. A family favorite for which we have no recipe. (My mother never cooks with recipes. Just to her taste.It drives me CRAZY cause I can never replicate it like she makes it). So I don't have that recipe for you, but here are the bread bowls. Courtesy of Tammy's Recipes

Description:

A hearty homemade bread bowl, perfect for serving chili or other soups

Yield:

8 bowls

Ingredients:

1 cup warm water (110-115 degrees F)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons dry yeast
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. In mixing bowl, combine water, sugar, and salt.

2. Add flour and yeast (start with 2 cups of the flour). Stir and then knead to make a smooth, slightly sticky dough. Knead for about 5 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes

3. Grease the outsides of eight 6-ounce glass custard cups (oven-safe). Place cups upside down on ungreased cookie sheets.

4. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Pat or roll each piece into a 5-6 inch circle, on a lightly floured surface (or oil your hands and just form the dough in your hands). Shape dough over the outsides of the greased cups. Allow dough to touch cookie sheet, but not to curl under the edges of the cups.

5. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes or until slightly puffy.

6. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix egg yolk and water; brush gently over the bread bowls. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until bread is done and bowls are golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately, carefully remove bread from bowls. (I used oven mitts, since bowls and bread are very hot.)

7. Cool bread bowls upright on wire rack. Serve with chili or soup of your choice! :)

Sweet and Sour Pork

2011-07-24T15:04:00.007-06:00

2lbs pork boneless top loin
vegetable oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in syrup, drained and syrup reserved
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 medium carrots, cut into thin diagonal slices
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 3/4in pieces
hot cooked rice

1. Remove fat from pork. Cut pork into 3/4in pieces. Heat 1 inch oil in deep fryer or deep pan.

2. Beat flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 cup cold water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the egg in large bowl with hand beater until smooth. Stir in pork until well coated.

3. Add pork pieces, one at a time, to oil. Fry about 20 pieces at a time, turning 2 or 3 times, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

4. Add enough water to reserved pineapple syrup to measure 1 cup. Heat syrup mixture, brown sugar, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, the soy sauce, carrots and garlic to boiling in large pan. Cover and simmer about 6 minutes or until carrots are crisp-tender. (I didn't have any carrots at the time, but I added some red cabbage.)

5. Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water; stir into sauce. Add pork, pineapple and bell pepper. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly, Boil and stir 1 minute. Serve with rice.

We loved loved loved this--new favorite!

Wingless Buffalo Chicken Pizza

2011-03-17T10:02:00.006-06:00

3/4lb chicken breast cutlets
olive oil
2 tsp grill seasoning, such as McCormick's Montreal Steak Seasoning
1 pizza dough
2 Tbs butter
1 Tbs worcestershire sauce
2 to 3 Tbs hot sauce
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

Preheat oven to 425.

Place chicken on a plate and drizzle with olive oil. Season it with grill seasoning. Cook on grill pan or pan until it is cooked through.

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the worcestershire, hot sauce, and tomato sauce.

Remove chicken from pan and slice it thin. Add the chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. Cover the pizza dough with the saucy buffalo chicken and cheeses. Bake until crisp.

*Note: I have never used the blue cheese before--too afraid. But we love this!

Marshmallow Brownies

2011-02-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

(Picture from Prepared Not Scared)

Brownies:
1c. Butter
1/2 c. Cocoa
1 and 1/2 c. Flour
2 c. Sugar
4 eggs
1 1/2 c. Chopped Nuts
2 tsp. Vanilla
Pinch of Salt

1 lb. Bag of Marshmallow

Icing:
1/2 c. Butter
1 2/3 c. Powdered Sugar
1/3 c. Cocoa
1/3 c. Canned Milk
1 tsp. Vanilla

Mix all the brownie ingredients together. Pour into greased 11 by 18 pan (cookie sheet with sides). Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Put the marshmallows on the top of brownies for the last 3 minutes of baking. Completely cool the brownies. Mix the ingredients of the icing. Spread on top of the marshmallows.

Upside-Down Pizza Casserole

2010-12-21T12:45:00.005-07:00

Yay! I finally have a picture!!

1 1/2lbs ground beef
1 15-oz can Italian-style tomato sauce
1 4oz can sliced mushrooms, drained
1/4 cup sliced pitted black olives (optional)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
15-20 slices pepperoni
1 12-oz pkg refrigerated biscuits (10)
basil (optional)

Preheat oven to 400. In large skillet, cook meat over medium heat until brown. Drain off fat. Stir in tomato sauce, mushrooms, and olives; heat through. Transfer mixture to an ungreased 2-qt baking dish. Cover with pepperoni slices. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheese.

Flatten each biscuit slightly with your hands. Arrange the biscuits on top of meat mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and, if desired, basil.

Bake, uncovered, for 15 to 17 minutes or until mixture is heated through and biscuits are golden. Makes 5 servings.

*I could only find huge biscuits, so only 4 would fit on mine, and they took longer to bake. I actually had to flip them over to cook the under part because they were still doughy.
*This recipe is SO easy and the kids LOVED it!!

Cranberry-Mustard Pork Tenderloin (for crockpot)

2010-11-22T12:39:00.003-07:00

1 16oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
3 Tbs. lemon juice
4 Tbs. Dijon mustard
3 Tbs. brown sugar
2lbs of pork tenderloins

In a small mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, lemon juice, mustard and brown sugar. Place pork tenderloins in crockpot and pour cranberry mixture on top. Cover; cook on low 8-10 hours (or on high for 4-5 hours).

*I buy four small thick cut tenderloins (it equals about 2lbs), and never have to cook them for the full amount of time. It is soooooo good! We usually eat them with stuffing and a vegetable.

Floating Tacos

2010-10-25T13:10:00.005-06:00

(I forgot a picture again! Photo taken from www.mylittleredkitchen.blogspot.com)

Some friends and I do a freezer meal swap once a month, and so I made this. It froze/unfroze perfectly and was SO good! It easily feeds a family of 4, plus leftovers.

1 lb hamburger
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 cans kidney beans
1 can (6oz) tomato paste
1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 cup uncooked rice
3 cups water

1 T. sugar
1 T. cumin
1 T. oregano
1 T. chili powder
*Fritos and taco toppings

Saute meat, onion, and garlic in large pot until onion is tender. Add tomato sauce, paste, water, beans, rice, and taco seasoning. Stir in sugar, cumin, oregano, and chili powder; bring to boil. Cover; reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30 min, stirring occasionally until rice is fully cooked. Add water if mixture becomes too thick.

Serve over Fritos and top with taco toppings (lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, olives, sour cream, etc.).

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-10-25T13:02:00.005-06:00

(I forgot to grab a pic before they were all gone, so picture is taken from www.cookiemadness.net)

1 pkg Spice Cake Mix *Just the powder mix: don't make the cake mix!
1 15oz can pumpkin
1 bag chocolate chips

Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes. My batch made 2 1/2 dozen cookies. I am SOOO not a baker, so I love this easy recipe!

Halloween Spritz Cookies

2010-10-21T15:30:00.000-06:00

Wow so much for me being recommitted. This is a sad and neglected blog. :(

These were just too cute not to share with all of you.

Happy Halloween!

Trying to google a cute varriation of spriz cookies for halloween I came across lots of them that I loved and wanted to try out. Someday right...Here they are. Do you all know what Spritz cookies are? I have a link to Wilton at the bottom that explains it. My grandmother use to make them. Wilton's recipe is a good one.

Instructions for these here

these are on the same page

Instructions Here

No Instructions just a picture from Better Homes and Gardens

Another sandwich variation.

For those of you who haven't seen a cookie press this is what they look like

This is the one I have. I got it at michaels with a 40% off coupon. I think it was originally $12-23. So with the discount its not bad.

Here is a link to the Press at wiltons site with a video on how to use it. At here is their recipe. It takes a little practice to get the hang of the press but you catch on pretty fast.

Recommited???

2010-05-18T14:32:00.000-06:00

Hello Ladies! How are all of you??? Sometimes I feel like I'm taking life a minute at a time. lol! Life is crazy. Especially with an active 14 mo. old. I know everyone is just as crazy (or more so) than I am. Some of us are pregnant (thats not an announcement btw) some of us have new babies and lots of other things that take up our time. So I'm wondering do we want to keep doing this blog???

I have had a few people comment to me (other than us) how much they love it and use it. I for one could really use new dinner ideas right now. What do you think??? Are we willing to put in the time and effort? Could maybe get one recipe up a month? Lets here some ideas.

Orange Chicken

2010-04-13T14:50:00.002-06:00

I was a little skeptical but when I tried it I was hooked. Jeff says it is way better than Panda Express.

Its really yummy and pretty easy to make too!

Try it. I found it here. Sister Stuff is a fun blog.

Baked Spinach Dip

2010-02-16T15:12:00.001-07:00

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese softened

1 cup mayonnaise

1 package (10 ounces) frozen shopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

1 green onion, chopped

2 teaspoons dill weed

1 garlic clove, minced

½ teaspoon seasoned salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 unsliced round loaf (1 pound) sourdough bread

Raw Vegetables

1) In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and mayonnaise. Stir in the spinach, cheese, bacon, onion and seasonings.

2) Cut a 1-1/2 in. slice off top of the bread; set aside. Carefully hollow out bottom, leaving a ½ in. shell. Cube removed bread and set aside. Fill the shell with spinach dip; replace top. Wrap in heavy- duty foil; place on a baking sheet.

3) Bake at 375˚ for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until dip is heated through. Open foil carefully. Serve warm with bread cubes and vegetables.

Pizza Factory Breadtwists Copycat

2010-02-15T14:50:00.003-07:00

I got this recipe from my sister in law. I was a little sceptical at 1st considering the small amount of ingredients and how fast they are to make. But with a bit of practice they are FABULOUS!!!

Seriously where was this recipe when I was teaching Foods!!!

1 ½ cups of warm water

1tbls yeast

2tbls sugar

½ tsp salt

3-4 c. flour

Butter & parmesan cheese

Mix and knead for 5 min. Let rest for 10 min. butter and twist sprinkle with cheese and let raise 15 min. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 till golden brown

Really great if wrapped around wooden dowels, in a criss-cross pattern and baked same as above. When done, dip in butter and shake garlic salt on bread.

(I actually haven't tried the dowels yet but I do mine like cresents and they turn out fine.)

ENJOY!

Microwave Caramels

2009-11-24T10:49:00.002-07:00

I thought it was about time someone posted something new....so here it is. SO EASY! SO FAST and SO GOOD!!! Perfect for holiday parties and gifts. Love to all my Ladies!!!

2 c. Sugar
1 c. Butter
1 c. Light Corn Syrup

14oz. Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 c. Chopped Nuts (Optional)-(I like Almonds.)
1 tsp. Vanilla

Microwave on high, uncovered, sugar, butter and corn syrup. (A total of 15 minutes). Stir every 3 minutes. When you stop to stir, gradually add the milk. Use a clean spoon every time you stir. At the end of 15 minutes add the nuts and vanilla. Pour into a buttered 9 by 13 glass pan. Cool thoroughly, cut into strips and wrap in waxed paper.

Makes 2 lbs.

Chicken Crepes

2009-03-25T10:47:00.003-06:00

Crepe:
1 1/2 c. milk
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 1/2 c. flour
1/8 tsp. salt

Put all ingredients together. Mix eggs well separately. Put about 1/8 cup of batter into small fry pan; distribute evenly in pan. When golden brown, turn over and cook other side.

Chicken Filling:
1 c. cooked chicken, small pieces
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 small can mushrooms
1 small can sliced black olives

Mix ingredients together in saucepan and heat until bubbly. Fill crepes and roll up. Cover with sauce.

Sauce:
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 (8oz) container sour cream

Mix and pour over crepes. Top with grated cheese. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Sour Cream Apple Pie

2009-03-25T10:41:00.003-06:00

3-4 C tart apples - peeled, chopped
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C brown sugar
3 T flour
1/8 tsp. salt
1 - 1 1/2 C sour cream
1 tsp. cinnamon + 1 1/2 T sugar
1 9" pie crust, unbaked

Combine sugar, salt, and flour. Add sour cream and beat until smooth. Add chopped apples and mix thoroughly. Pour mixture into unbaked crust. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over top of pie. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes then reduce to 350 degrees and continue 35 more minutes.

*This is a different type of apple pie, and it has become one of our family favorites! I personally don't love sour cream by itself and I LOVE this pie.

Cherry Delights

2009-02-17T10:29:00.007-07:00

well it's about time someone post a recipe on here! i got this recipe from the wonderful laurie Ta'ase in our ward. she is the best cook. she made these for our enrichment night last week and they were so good that i decided to make them valentines weekend. they were a hit. i can't remember the name of them so i am calling them...

Cherry Delights!

Ingredients:
1 box brownie mix (make according to the box)
3/4 cup sugar
1 8 oz cream cheese
1 tsp. almond extract
1 cup whipping cream
1 large container cool whip
Cherry pie filling
Chocolate syrup

In a foil cupcake liner (this works best), or you can use paper ones, but i would spray them with pam. put about 1 tbsp. brownie dough. Bake until done. Shouldn't take too long, so watch them. Let cool.

In the meantime, whip up the cream cheese really good with the sugar. Then add the almond extract and whipping cream and whip again. Now just fold in the cool whip.

Place the white mixture on top of the brownie. Top with 2 to 3 cherries and chocolate syrup. I like these after they have been in the refrigerator for a while because they set up.

Enjoy :)

Pumpkin Bread

2008-10-16T21:35:00.003-06:00

(picture courtesy of http://vintagepretties.typepad.com/vintage_pretties/2007/10/pumpkin-yum-yum.html)

3 c. sugar
2 c. pumpkin
4 eggs beaten
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3 1/2 c. flour
1 c. oil
2/3 c. water
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cloves

Mix in the order given. Bake in greased bread pans at 350° for about an hour. Makes 2 large loaves. If using medium loaf pans, bake at 325° for 65 minutes. Makes 3 medium loaves.

Parmesean Chicken with Pasta and Tomatoes

2008-10-16T21:11:00.002-06:00

(Last time I made this I forgot to take a picture, Sorry! This looks really close)

3/4 c. Parmesan Cheese
3/4 c. Seasoned Bread Crumbs
1/4 c. Melted Butter
4 Chicken Breast Halves
15 oz. can Diced Tomatoes
1 Tbs Brown Sugar
Pasta of your choice

Combine the cheese and bread crumbs in a gallon size ziplock bag.
Dip the chicken breast in melted butter and toss in the bag until coated.
Bake at 350 for 50 minutes
Prepare pasta of your choice, drain well. (I like to use Penne)
Heat tomatoes with brown sugar.
Serve chicken topped with pasta and tomatoes

Corn, Tomato, and Scallion Salad

2008-08-26T19:29:00.004-06:00

My mom makes this every now and then and I just love it! Its from epicurious.com and I like it hot or cold.

4 ears fresh corn, shucked
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup coarsely chopped scallion greens

Takes about twenty minutes to make.

Cut corn kernels from ears, discarding cobs. Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then saute corn with salt and pepper to taste, stirring, until tender, about 4 minutes.

Add garlic and saute, stirring 1 minute. Add vinegar and cook, stirring, until most is evaporated, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and cook, gently stirring for another minute.

Remove skillet from heat and stir in scallions. Transfer onto a cool plate.

You can also make this a day ahead and have it chilled. Yum- Brianne

Fruit Pizza

2008-07-14T09:52:00.002-06:00

This is more of a shortbread crust rather than a sugar cookie. This is one of our favorites!

Crust
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 C. butter (or margarine)
1 1/4 C. Flour
1/4 t. Salt

Cream Cheese Topping
12 oz cream cheese
1/2 C. Sugar
1 T lemon juice
1 C. Whipped topping

Crust
In a large bowl combine cream cheese and butter. Add flour and salt. Form into a ball, wrap in saran wrap and chill for about an hour. Foll out dough to form a 12 inch circle. Place on a pizza stone, or pizza pan and poke the bottom with a fork. Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes. Cool.

Topping
Combine cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice. Mix and then fold in whipped topping.

Top with strawberries, kiwi, peaches, blueberries etc.

Tomato Basil Pasta Soup

2008-07-09T13:02:00.004-06:00

(The picture was taken after I reheated it for lunch- so it is prettier when it is first made)

5-6 cups chicken broth

9 oz tortellini (I usually double this and use frozen bags- it’s cheaper)

½ cup chopped fresh basil

1/3 cup chopped tomato

1 can garbanzo beans

1-2 T. balsamic vinegar (or to taste)

Parmesan cheese to top

Start by bringing the chicken broth to a boil and boil the tortellini until done. Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the Parmesan cheese. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Add freshly grated Parmesan right before serving. I have found that this recipe is pretty forgiving and you can alter the amounts of all of the ingredients without it affecting the taste too much. I have also found it tastes really good with garlic bread. Enjoy!

Cinnamon-Roasted Almonds

2008-06-03T17:14:00.004-06:00

INGREDIENTS

1 egg white
1 teaspoon cold water
3 cups whole almonds
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Lightly grease a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan.
Lightly beat the egg white; add water, and beat until frothy but not stiff. Add the nuts, and stir until well coated. Mix the sugar, salt, and cinnamon, and sprinkle over the nuts. Toss to coat, and spread evenly on the prepared pan.
Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally, until golden. Allow to cool, then store nuts in airtight containers.

Easy Pork Chops

2008-05-23T21:08:00.004-06:00

So my mom made these growing up and I loved them. (Which is kind of ironic since I HATE Ketchup) There is really not any recipe. Which seems to be the case with everything she makes.

Lean Pork Chops
Ketchup
Brown Sugar

Cook in a Frying pan.
Top each pork chop with Ketchup (as much as you like)
Sprinkle on brown sugar liberally.
Flip chops over and repeat.
When the sugar and Ketchup melt it creates a glaze.
Saute until cooked through.

We serve with white rice or rice pilaf.

Honey Mustard Chicken (Outback's Alice Springs Chicken)

2008-05-13T21:05:00.002-06:00

Marinade:
1/2 c. dijon mustard
1/2 c. honey
1/2 tsp. oil
1/2 tsp. lemon juice

Mix together and pour 2/3 of sauce over the chicken. Cover and chill
for 2 hours.

4 skinless chicken breasts
1 Tbl. oil
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 Tbl. butter

salt, pepper, paprika

4 pieces cooked bacon--halved
1 c. shredded jack cheese
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sear chicken on stove with oil for 3-4
minutes. Remove from heat. Saute mushrooms in butter in another
pan.

Brush each breast with reserved marinade. Season with salt, pepper,
and paprika. Put 2 halves of bacon on each chicken. Put on
mushrooms, then sprinkle cheese on top.

Bake 20-25 minutes.

If you like lots of dipping sauce you might want to make a little
extra.

Stuffed Shells

2008-05-12T16:22:00.003-06:00

I got this picture off the internet b/c the one I took at home turned out blurry. This is what they look like, except mine have lots more sauce on top and around the bottoms. This dish is one of my favorite meals!

Jumbo Shells -- Cook & drain.

Cook 1 lb. ground beef with onion & garlic; drain grease.

Shred & put together: Parmesan Cheese & Mozarella Cheese

Add beef to shredded cheese, then add spoonfuls of ricotta (or cottage) cheese to "paste" consistency (like cookie dough). (It takes about an entire small carton of cottage cheese. If you get too much, just add more mozzarella and it will make it thicker.)

Stuff about 1 heaping Tablespoon (don't overstuff) into shells and lay in greased pan.

Pour spaghetti sauce (I like Great Value Italian Garden) over shells and bottom of pan.

Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes - long enough to get hot.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2008-05-06T18:47:00.005-06:00

Two of my favorite recipes! I've tried many a salsas in my day and this is by far my favorite and don't shy away from the lime shake, it is delish!

Alyssa's Amazing Salsa(from Emeril)

3 or 4 garlic cloves
1 frozen bag of corn(small)
1/2 red onion
1 lime
handful of cilantro
cayenne pepper
1 T. chipolte/adobe sauce
2 cans diced tomatoes
chips

Brown corn on stove, sprinkle with cayenne pepper. Chop garlic, onion & cilantro and put in medium bowl. Also, add the chipolte pepper in adobe sauce, I usually chop up some of the pepper and add it in the sauce. The heat of the salsa depends on how much you use. Squeeze the lime juice in and mix. Throw in the tomatoes, try to use the best or freshest brand you know.

Lime Shake from Brandon

Fill a blender up halfway with milk. Quarter a lime and throw it in there, blend. Strain and put mixture back in blender. Add a cup of sugar and fill almost to the top with ice and a little more sugar. Blend and enjoy, so good and not what you expect!

Chicken Crescents

2008-05-04T18:33:00.004-06:00

This is one of our favorite dinner recipes. They are so easy to make and they taste SO YUMMY! I found a few recipes and combined them to suite Justin's tastes :) He is a picky boy, but I actually like these just the way they are. Sometimes simple is best! Hope you all enjoy these as much as we do.

\
8 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed/shredded

1 (8 count) pkg. crescent rolls

1 cup Italian style bread crumbs

3-4 Tbsp. butter, melted

garlic powder to taste

parsley to taste

pepper to taste

SAUCE:

1 can cream of chicken

1 cup sour cream

milk

**Mix cream cheese and chicken...then add the garlic powder, parsley and pepper. (I just sprinkle some on, then stir it up and then taste it...I usually do that a couple of times with each, but I like it with a lot of flavor!) Put melted butter and bread crumbs in separate bowls. Roll out crescent rolls and put desired amount of chicken mixture in each. Seal, brush with melted butter then roll in bread crumbs. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes...until golden brown. Mix soup and sour cream (add a little milk depending on how thin/thick of consistency you want it); heat thoroughly.

***I usually have some of the chicken mixture left over so I think you could actually use about 1 and a 1/2 cans of crescent rolls. Here's what I do. I buy 2 cans (8 count) and make as many chicken crescents as I can with the chicken mixture (even if you don't eat them all that night, they taste really good the next day...besides that's dinner for 2 days...but just make sure to refrigerate them withOUT the sauce on them :) then I use the extra crescent rolls for dinner the next day.

Broccoli Salad

2008-05-02T13:40:00.004-06:00

Since Sarah posted her yummy party pasta salad, I decided to post another salad that I have enjoyed at similar get togethers. My aunt is usually the host of all our family parties and showers and she always makes these same two salads and I LOVE them both. I am sure you all have had this one in some form or another, but I thought it would be nice to have 2 recipes handy, that have been tried and tested, for such occasions. Enjoy!

2 pounds broccoli, chopped (take stems off)

1 1/2 lbs. bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 1/2 cups mozerella cheese, grated

1/4-1/2 cup chopped red onion

1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed

1 cup sunflower seeds (not salted)

*Add all ingredients together and then mix in dressing. Top with sunflower seeds.

Dressing

1 cup mayo

1/3 cup white sugar

2 Tbsp. vinegar

*mix together and let set in fridge for 20-30 minutes.

Teriyaki Chicken

2008-04-29T23:36:00.004-06:00

1 c soy sauce
2 c water
2 onions, sliced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 piece fresh ginger
2 T brown sugar
1 tsp Chinese five spice
5 lb cut up chicken
Cold water
Cornstarch

Mix soy sauce, water, onions, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and Chinese five spice in large pot. Add chicken and boil, covered, for 1 hour. Thicken with cornstarch in cold water; serve over rice.

(The Chinese five spice is a special blend of spices, readily available in the spice section. I didn't have any when I made this tonight, so I left it out. We all liked this dish but Spencer thinks the extra spice would be better so we'll probably have it for next time. Also I used ground ginger instead of fresh. I am purposely not posting a picture because this meal wouldn't make a great picture. =) Its yummy, but you just probably wouldn't choose it according to the picture.)

Chicken and Pasta Salad

2008-04-29T13:55:00.005-06:00

-3 cups uncooked Bowtie Pasta (6 cups cooked)
-4 cups Chicken, cooked and diced
-1 cup Mayo
-1 cup Coleslaw Dressing
-2 cups seedless purple Grapes
-2 cups diced Apples (granny smith)
-1 (20 oz.) can of crushed Pineapple, drained
-1/3 cup Green Onions
-2 cups Celery
-Cashews

*Cook pasta and set aside. Mix mayo and coleslaw dressing together. Then add all ingredients into a bowl and stir in mayo/dressing mix.

My Favorite Fajita Recipe

2008-04-27T20:49:00.003-06:00

I love this recipe because you marinate the onions, pepper and beef in a yummy marinade

10 Flour Tortillas
1/4 c. soy sauce
3 T. oil
1/4 c. lime juice
hot pepper to taste
1 tsp. liquid smoke (optional)
1 onion, cut into thin wedges
1 bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 lb. beef (skirt steak, flank steak, or round steak, or whatever is cheap :)
1 tomato
1 ripe avocado

Prepare marinade of all ingredients except tortillas, avocado, tomatoes and meat. Place the meat in a plastic bag and cover with the vegetable/marinade, turning once or twice, and marinade 8 to 24 hours.

Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm in 250 degree oven for 10 minutes. Cut meat across the grain in thin strips. Broil or fry the meat in a little oil for 3-4 minutes. In the meantime, quickly saute the onions and peppers in the marinade just until tender. Add the meat and chopped tomato to the vegetable mixture. Toss until covered with marinade, and serve immediately with pipping hot tortillas. Top with sliced avocado. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

I used to have a chicken recipe for this same thing, and I think it is exactly the same. So you could probably replace the beef with chicken and it would taste good too.

Chicken Paninis

2008-04-22T15:33:00.006-06:00

My family loves these. You could easily add vegetables or any extras that you'd like to these sandwiches. This is how we do it though:

Pound chicken flat and cut in half (or thirds, depending on the size of your bread). Season chicken (I use garlic and pepper or an Italian blend that we love) and grill until done. In the meantime, slice French Bread diagonally (less that 1" thick) and spread Miracle Whip on each piece. When chicken is done, place 1 piece of chicken on every other piece of bread. Add a slice of cheese (we like Swiss) and then top with remaining piece of bread.

Butter the outside of the top piece of bread and place entire sandwich butter side down on the hot grill or sandwich maker (or skillet). Then butter the outside of the other piece of bread, which is now on top. Close grill and leave for just a couple of minutes. It doesn't take long. Its ready when your bread is golden and toasty!

(In the picture, I actually forgot to pound my chicken this last time I made it so it looks thicker than we've ever had it. Also I sliced my bread a little thicker than I usually do, but it was still delicious, none the less!)

panini - a traditional, small Italian sandwich filled with meat, cheese, grilled vegetables, etc., and usually toasted.

Peanut Butter Fingers

2008-04-22T12:14:00.002-06:00

These are one of my most favorite desserts! I am obsessed with anything peanut butter and chocolate so maybe that's why :) BUT I thought I would share this yummy easy recipe.

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup flour

1 egg

1/3 cup peanut butter

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 cup oats

1 cup chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients (except chocolate chips) and bake for 20-25 minutes. Top with 1 cup chocolate chips. Return to oven until chips are melted (about 1-3 minutes), then spread to a thin layer. Cool and cut into bars.

A 12x7 inch pan makes thick bars, 13x9 pan makes thin bars.

**They are very good right out of the oven but they fall apart. I prefer to cool them at least a couple of hours before serving them. I think they are even better the next day. ENJOY!

Rolo Cookies

2008-04-18T09:56:00.004-06:00

Picture from http://heyheygoodlookin.blogspot.com

CREAM:
1c. Sugar
1c. Brown Sugar
1c. Butter/Margarine

BEAT IN:
2 Eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla

SIFT:
2 1/2c. Flour
2/4 c. Unsweetened Coco
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 1/4 tsp Salt

Mix well, cover with plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Heat oven to 375. With floured hands, shape dough around a Rolo candy. (use most of a 14 oz. bag) Bake 10 minutes

Yield: Aprox. 4 Dozen

Italian Sandwiches

2008-04-17T23:08:00.002-06:00

My sister-in-law is an amazing cook...this recipe is from her.

Mayo
Italian Dressing

Focaccia Bread (Italian Bread)
Salami (Pepperoni)
Turkey
Provolone Cheese (Mozzarella)
Fresh Baby Spinach
Roasted Red Peppers

Mix mayonnaise and Italian dressing. Layer the ingredients into sandwiches; spread mayo mixture on both sides of the bread. Wrap in foil and bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

You can either buy canned roasted red peppers or make them yourself. I put a few things in parenthesis that I substitute so that its a little easier to make. I can't ever find Focaccia bread but I think it would taste so good with these sandwiches if you can find it or make it yourself!

Hot Artichoke Spinach Dip

2008-04-17T23:00:00.006-06:00

1 cup thawed, chopped frozen spinach
1 1/2 cups thawed, chopped frozen artichoke hearts
6 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Boil spinach and artichokes in 1 cup of water until tender and drain. Discard liquid. Heat cream cheese in microwave for 1 minute or until hot and soft. Stir in rest of ingredients and serve hot.

I would microwave it again before you serve it (its much better hot). And be generous with the red pepper flakes!

Waffles

2008-04-17T21:55:00.005-06:00

Okay so I did not take this picture but we all know what waffles look like right?! You can make this recipe with a normal waffle maker or a belgium waffle maker. I have had them both ways and they always taste delicious!

Sift:
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. sugar

Mix:
1 egg
2 tsp. melted butter
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
splash of vanilla (if you want)

Makes only a few waffles but they really are delicious! I got this recipe from a friend from High School. His mom made these after his farewell for everyone. I usually top with buttermilk syrup (recipe below)...whipped cream and strawberries.

Buttermilk Syrup:

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cube butter
2 tbsp. karo syrup
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp soda

Put in a big sauce pan and boil for 4 to 7 min. Once done add 2 tsp. vanilla

ENJOY!

Cafe Rio Salad Dressing

2008-04-17T09:34:00.005-06:00

Kelly put a recipe for Cafe Rio Pork and Rice. I found a dressing for the Cafe Rio salad. I made it last night and wow it was amazing. It tastes just like the dressing. It makes a lot so you will have left over for other salad too!

CILANTRO RANCH

1 packet TRADITIONAL Hidden Valley Ranch mix (not BUTTERMILK)
1 c. mayonnaise
1 c. buttermilk
2 tomatillos, remove husk, diced
1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic
juice of 1 lime
1 jalepeno (we like it SPICY so we kept the seeds in it, if you like it mild, just remove the seeds)

Mix all ingredients together in the blender. That's it!

I found this recipe on another blog.

2008-04-16T19:13:00.004-06:00

So I know I am the one who keeps requesting for pictures of the food we make :) and well...I had every intention of taking one tonight, but we were so hungry that we ate it and then remembered :) SO...sorry girls. With that said, this is a REALLY REALLY easy and simple meal (that's all I am really able to do right now) but it is yummy. My mom used to make this for us when we were kids and as we got older she stopped making it. When I got married I remembered back to those childhood days and finally got the recipe from my mom. Justin LOVES it...but he eats pretty much like a kid--very picky :) Anyways, thought you all would enjoy it and I promise it is scrumptious :)

Skillet Chili-Chip Dinner
1 lb. hamburger
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz.) can chili-con-carne
Fritos Chili Cheese corn chips (small bag)
Grated Cheddar Cheese

Brown hamburger; drain grease. Add tomato sauce and chili con carne. Heat through and stir in 1/2 bag (or less depending on what you like) of the chips--crumbled. Mix together and then cover with grated cheese. When cheese is melted, top with remaining (whole) chips. Serve with sour cream. I also have added tomatoes and chopped onion.

**I usually just dish up the plates, add other toppings, then add the extra chips last because I like the chips crunchy :)

Vanilla Cheesecake with Chocolate Glaze

2008-04-13T16:05:00.005-06:00

I found this recipe on the Martha Stewart website. I made if for Melynda's baby shower yesterday. I thought it was yummy and it wasn't very hard! Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
Makes 1 nine-inch cake.
7 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups graham-cracker crumbs, (about 11 crackers)
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature
1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sour cream
Pinch of salt
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
4 tablespoons heavy cream

DIRECTIONS

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a small saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons butter. In a medium bowl, combine graham-cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir in melted butter until crumbs are moist. Pour mixture into a 9-inch springform pan; press firmly, forming a 1/2-inch crust up sides of pan. Bake until set, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack.
Reduce temperature to 275 degrees. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add remaining cup sugar. Scrape in vanilla seeds; reserve pod for another use. Beat until well combined, about 3 minutes.
Drizzle in eggs, one at a time, stopping occasionally to scrape down bowl. Beat in sour cream and salt. Pour batter into crust.
Bake cheesecake until sides have set but center appears soft, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool. Run a paring knife around the outside of crust, loosening it from pan. When cool, cover tightly with plastic; let set at least 4 hours or overnight.
To serve, place chocolate, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and cream in the top of a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted. Remove from heat; let cool slightly. Pour chocolate glaze over cheesecake; spread into a circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Chill just until chocolate has set, about 10 minutes.

They Fixed Us!

2008-04-10T12:02:00.000-06:00

Finally! :)

Cafe Rio Rice

2008-04-02T12:29:00.002-06:00

3 C water
4 tsp chicken bullion
4 tsp minced garlic
1/2 bunch cilantro
1 can green chiles
3/4 tsp salt
1 T butter
1/2 onion
3 C rice

Blend cilantro, green chiles, and onion together in food processor. Bring water to a boil and add all ingredients. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until rice is done.

(Again, I have personally made this and it tastes just like Cafe Rio. I think I doubled or tripled it because we were feeding my entire family but it still worked great.)

Cafe Rio Pork

2008-04-02T12:28:00.002-06:00

2 to 3 pound pork roast
2 C brown sugar (reserve 1 C)
1 C Worcester sauce
1 tsp powdered ginger
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp oregano
2 T minced onion
2 C green enchilada sauce (reserve 1 C)

Place pork in slow cooker and pour other ingredients over it. Cover and cook on low for about 9 hours, or until pork is done and tender. Shred pork and add 1 C brown sugar and 1 C enchilada sauce.
Serve with tortillas, rice, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, etc.

(I have made this recipe myself and it is the real thing and soo yummy! However, I used a larger pork and then 1/2 more of the rest of the ingredients.)

Skillet Chicken Parmesan

2008-04-02T12:10:00.003-06:00

6 T grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 c spaghetti Sauce
6 small chicken breasts halves (about 1 1/2 lbs)
1 1/2 c (6 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Stir 4 T Parmesan cheese into pasta sauce.

2. Heat medium skillet to medium-high heat for 1 minute and add a little oil. When oil is hot, add chicken and cook 10 minutes or until browned. Drain.

3. Pour pasta sauce over chicken; turn chicken to coat both sides with sauce. Cover and cook over medium heat 10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.

4. Top with mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese. Let stand 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Ranch Style Chicken

2008-04-02T12:04:00.003-06:00

3-4 chicken breasts, cooked & cut up
white corn tostito chips
1/2 an onion finely chopped
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can Cream of Celery Soup
1 can Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 can Rotel

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix last 4 ingredients together.

Layer in 9x13 dish:
chips, chicken, onion, combined soups, chips. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

(This is my family's FAVORITE meal.)

German Pancakes

2008-04-02T10:26:00.001-06:00

GERMAN PANCAKES:
2 Tbs. Butter
2 Eggs
1/2 c. Flour
1/2 c. Milk
Dash of Salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Melt Butter in a 8x8 glass pan. Blend other ingredients ingredients together until Smooth with no lumps. Pour the batter mixture into the melted butter. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes. The edges should be a little brown and the butter won't be all absorbed. Serve plain or with Jam or top with Powdered Sugar.

It kind of tastes like a thick crepe.
Happy Eating!

Larson Traditional Sugar Cookies

2008-04-01T20:54:00.003-06:00

1/2 c. Shortening
1/4 c. Butter (softened)
1 c. Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
2 1/2 c. Fllour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp Salt

Cream wet ingredients. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Chill.
Bake 6-8 min at 400 degrees

(The great thing about this recipe is if you don't have time to chill, you can roll and cut anyway and it still works)

Vanilla Frosting:
1/2 shortening
1/2 tsp Salt
2 tsp Vanilla
3 c Powdered Sugar
1/4 c Mild

Mix shortening, salt and vanilla and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Add the milk and remaining sugar alternately. Mix until smooth.

Olive Garden Pasta Fragolli

2008-04-01T20:37:00.004-06:00

(I got this recipe from my mother in law. It is suppose to be an Olive Garden copycat, but I've never had it at the restaurant. Regardless it is yummy!)

1lb. Ground Beef
1 Sm Onion Diced
1 lg Carrot julienned
2 cloves of Garlic, minced

15oz Can Great White Northern Beans
15 oz can Kidney Beans (undrained)
12oz can V-8 Juice
2 Cans of Diced Tomatoes (14.5oz)
1 Tbs Vinegar
1 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Pepper
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp thyme

1/2 lb. Ditali Pasta

Brown ground beef in Large saucepan. Drain fat. Add onion, carrot & garlic. Saute for10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, except pasta. Simmer for 1 hour. About 50 minutes into simmering. Boil pasta in 1 1/2 qts water. Cook 10 minutes or until al dente (it should be slightly tough) Drain. Add pasta to soup. Simmer 5-10 min more and serve.

This is great left over but will be really thick, just add some water while re-heating.

2008-04-01T17:37:00.006-06:00

I guess I will be the first to post a recipe even though I have not cooked in over 7 months :( I LOVE to cook and I especially love to find and try new recipes...so I am very much looking forward to this blog. Anyways, here is a recipe that my sister has been telling me I need to try. I have wanted to for so long and so I decided to share it with all of you and hopefully I will be making this soon.

Santa Fe Chicken

4 chicken breasts

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese, cubed

1 jar of salsa

1 (15 oz.) can of corn, drained

sour cream

Shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese

*Place chicken in crock pot, cover with salsa and cook on low for 5-6 hours(or until chicken is tender) . Shred chicken and add black beans, corn and cream cheese. Cook for an additional hour until cream cheese melts and mixture is heated through. Serve over rice, corn chips, salad (or combine them all to make the ultimate taco salad) OR wrap up in a tortilla as a burrito. Top with shredded cheese and sour cream.