What's for Dinner?

Hamburger Biscuit Casserole

2008-09-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

This is such a yummy southern comfort dish. As the weather starts cooling down its the perfect dinner.

1 lb Hamburger Meat
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can kidney beans
1 can tomato soup
4 oz cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp minced onion
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 can of biscuits (I make my own)

Brown meat and drain. Mix rest of ingredients together (except biscuits) and put in a casserole dish. Put biscuits on top and bake 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. (My recipe calls to dip the biscuits in butter but you can definitely omit that for health reasons)

Instead I make my own drop biscuits, here's a recipe i really like

2 cups all purpose flour
1 TBSP sugar
3tsps baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup milk (can do part sour cream rest milk)
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Cut in shortening using pastry blender or criss-crossing 2 knives until mixture looks like fine crumbs. stir in milk until dough leaves side of bowl

Then just drop about 8-12 (depending on what size you want) spoon fulls of biscuit on top of the casserole and bake about 15 minutes or until biscuits are cooked, YUMMY!

Bran Muffins

2008-08-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

Our Mom always made these growing up and they are so yummy and healthy. I just made them yesterday and was reminded of why I love them so much!

All bran muffins
3 C. Sugar
1 C. oil
1 qt Buttermilk
4 Eggs (beaten)
2C. Boiling water

2C. Nabisco 100%bran or bran buds
5tsp. Soda
1 tsp Salt
5 C. flour
4 C. kellogs all bran

Pour boiling water over 100%bran. In a separate bowl, beat oil and sugar. Add Buttermilk,eggs. and hot bran. Add flour, soda, and salt. Add all bran mix well. Bake 15 or so minutes @ 400 degrees ( I bake around 380 degrees in my oven)

Healthy Mozzarella Sticks

2008-07-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

My friend Dyan made these for us Super Bowl Sunday and we love them. We make them all the time! They are baked instead of fried but I promise they are still SO yummy!

16 mozzarella sticks (a.k.a. string cheese)
1/8 cup flour
1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1 TBS oregano
2 eggs
1 TBS water
Marinara sauce for dipping

1. Mix eggs and water together
2. Mix dry ingredients together
3. Foil line a baking sheet
4. Coat cheese stick with egg
5. Coat with crumb mixture (make sure to get the ends and everything)
6. Place on cookie sheet
7. Place in freezer and let set for a bit (at least 30 minutes but you could do hours too)
8. Do a second coating of the egg and then crumbs
9. Bake at 400 for about 10 minutes--but check starting at 6 minutes to make sure they're not oozing out)

Eat them while still warm but if the cheese hardens throw them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds and cheese will melt again.

Granola bars

2008-07-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

My friend Meghan introduced me to this recipe. I made them a couple days ago and they are so yummy! They taste like a dessert and I love that they use oatmeal, wheat germ and whole wheat flour.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups rolled oats
1/2cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup raisins (I did 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup chocolate chips)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, raisins and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well using your hands. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 18-20 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut.

Citrus Summer Chicken

2008-07-05T09:32:00.001-07:00

This is a great and easy Marinade for Chicken, and It is Citrus base so it is perfect for Summer!

Ingredients:
1 Lemon
1 Lime
1 Orange
2 Tbl Olive oil
2 Green Onion
2 Tbl Honey
Salt and Pepper

Preparation:
Zest the Lemon, Lime, and Orange into a bowl and then squeeze the juice from the 3 fruits and add it to the zest. Add Olive Oil, and Honey to the bowl and mix well. Chop the Green Onion and add it as well, mixing the entire mixture well. Season Chicken Breasts with Salt and Pepper and put Marinade over them in either a Ziploc or a glass dish. Marinade in the fridge for 2-4 hours, taking Chicken out 20 min prior to grilling. Grill the Chicken and Serve! Enjoy!

LITTLE THIMBLES SCIUE SCIUE (SHWEE-SHWEE)

2008-06-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Chelsea's Recipe and it is so easy and delicious! I added Sauted Shrimp also for a little protein, grilled Chicken would be great too!

Ingredients:

1½ c ditalini pasta (I used Wheat Penne because that is what I had in the pantry, any would do)
¼ c good extra-virgin olive oil
2 t minced garlic (use fresh in a garlic press)
Plum tomatoes, chopped (I used a generous handful because I like tomatoes, use however many you like)
6 oz shredded (not grated) parmesaen cheese (I used a mix of Romano, Parmesean, and Mozzerella)
8 large fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
1 can of whole black olives
salt to taste

Preparation:

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook abut 8 minutes, al dente. Drain. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes & olives & saute until heated through. Add the cooked pasta. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cheese and basil and toss to coat.

Fruit Salsa

2008-06-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

This is so good! I got this recipe from my mom & every time I make it some one always asks for the recipe. Try it, you will LOVE it!

2 apples peeled, chopped (gala, granny smith, braeburn-you want the crispy ones)
2 kiwis peeled, chopped
1 cup strawberries, chopped
1 orange (you only use the juice from the orange & grade 1 tsp of the rind)
Combine all the above ingredients in a bowl.

*When you chop all the fruit, do not use a blender or food processor. I use a fruit/veggie chopper.

When all mixed together in your bowl add:
1 T. apple jelly
2 T. brown sugar

Serve with cinnamon chips. I buy my cinnamon chips at Food City, they also carry them at some bakeries.

Sprinkles Frosting Recipe

2008-06-23T18:31:00.000-07:00

This was Stephanie's request. Katie posted this on her blog a long time ago and I just love this recipe. This is the ONLY chocolate frosting recipe I use now. Thanks Katie you seem to always know great recipes.

Sprinkles chocolate frosting:
6 oz. butter
pinch of salt
2 1/2 c. confectioner's sugar, sifted
1/4 tea. vanilla extract
3 oz. bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
Beat butter and salt in stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed, gradually add the sugar, until incorporated, stopping the mixer to occasionally scrape the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla and chocolate, mix until combined, careful not to over mix and incorporate too much air.

I have never made this one I am a total chocolate fan but I can only assume it is every bit as good as the chocolate. Let me know what you think!

Cream cheese frosting recipe.
8 oz cream cheese4 oz butter
3 3/4 c. confectioner's sugar, sifted
1/2 tea. vanilla extract
1/8 tea. salt
Cream the butter, cheese and salt in a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar until incorporated, then add the vanilla.

Spaghettie Pie

2008-06-23T17:23:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite recipes. It works great when I know I am going to have a busy afternoon. I can make it in the morning and then put it in the fridge until dinner time. If it sat in the fridge all day then I cook it longer then 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
6oz Spaghetti 1/2 lb Ground Beef
2 Beaten Eggs 1/2 onion diced
2 TB Butter 1 Jar Spaghetti Sauce
1/3 Cup Parmesan Cheese
1 cup Shredded Cheese
1 cup Cottage Cheese or Ricotta Cheese

Cook Spaghetti and drain. Stir in Butter, beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese. Form mixture into a 10 inch pie plate pushing noodles around the pie plate form(crust like). Spread cottage cheese or ricotta cheese on noodles. Cook onions and ground beef, add to spaghetti sauce. Spoon over cottage cheese or ricotta cheese and noodle. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and bake 5 to 10 minutes more(until cheese melts).

Blender Whole Wheat Pancakes!

2008-06-23T17:16:00.001-07:00

These are some of my favorite pancakes. It's great because you don't have to grind the wheat first the blender takes care of it for you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Blend 1 cup white wheat and
1 cup milk on high for 4 minutes

Then add
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup oil (I use olive oil)
1/2 tsp. salt
4 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
Blend for 3 minutes
Pour on hot griddle and serve.

Salsa

2008-02-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

At our house Mexican food is our favorite. I love making homemade salsa. My sister Lauren made this recipe and we all loved it so I took it to a party and it was a hit again. I Hope you enjoy!

Fresh Salsa

Ingredients
2-3 jalapeno chile peppers (depending on how spicy you like it)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
2 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
1 lime Squeezed

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Place jalapeno chile peppers on a medium baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven 15 minutes, or until roasted. Remove from heat and chop off stems.
Place jalapeno chile peppers, garlic, onion, white sugar, salt, ground cumin and diced tomatoes with green chile peppers in a blender or food processor. Chop using the pulse setting for a few seconds. Mix in whole peeled tomatoes. Chop using the pulse setting to attain desired consistency. Transfer to a medium bowl. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Soft Sugar Cookies

2008-02-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

What is a Valentines Day with out heart shaped sugar cookies? Every year I like to make some & give them out to our family. My favorite sugar cookies are thick, soft ones. Here is my best sugar cookie & frosting recipe.

Soft Sugar Cookies
Sift together:
6 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp salt

Put in beater bowl & blend:
1 c shortening
2 c sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
Then add: 2 c sour cream (1 16 oz tub)

Add sifted flour to above mixture & mix until well blended. Roll out on a slightly floured surface to 1/4 in thickness. Place on a greased cookie sheet & cook for 7 min at 350, or until edges are golden brown.

Frosting
1/3 c soft butter
3 c. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 Tbsp white Karo syrup
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
3 T cream or milk

Mix together & dye your favorite color.

Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

2008-01-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my good friend Autumn, I have this recipe and I love it. I have been making it for a few years now and it never fails to be one of my favorites!!!

1 1/4 C flour
1/2 C softened margarine/butter
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1 C oats
1/2 C sugar
1 C coconut
1/2 C brown sugar
Chocolate Chips (optional)

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt into a bowl. Add sugars, margarine, egg and vanilla. Beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Stir in oats and coconut and optional chocolate chips. Shape to form 1 inch balls. Bake at 350' for 12 to 15 minutes. Makes 2 dozen

Granola

2008-01-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

I love this granola recipe, it is so yummy in yogurt in milk or just by itself!

6 cups oats (rolled or quick)
1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Raisins or other dried fruit (craisins)
1 cup Coconut
1 Cup Chopped Nuts
1/3 Cup Sesame Seed ( I use flax seed instead)

Mix everything except the raisins and dried fruit and coat with the following

1/2 Cup Olive Oil
1/3 Cup Honey
2 tsp vanilla

Spread on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Add Raisins and other dried fruit and bake 5 minutes more.

I always half the recipe because it makes a lot. I have also make adjustments based on my preferences. I add more coconut, sunflower seeds and raisins then it calls for but you can make it to your liking!

Florentine Shells

2008-01-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

This is a Pampered Chef Recipe that is so easy and just delicious! It is meatless, so it is budget friendly and great when you are making dinner for many...

18 jumbo pasta shells (I use Barilla brand)
1 container (15 ounces) part skim Ricotta
1 package frozen spinach chopped, thawed, and drained and squeezed dry
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
3/4 cup half and half (divided)
1 garlic clove pressed
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/8 tsp. salt
28 oz. jar of spaghetti sauce

Preheat oven to 350, cook pasta according to directions, drain, then drizzle with Olive oil so the shells don't stick
Mix ricotta, spinach, 1&1/2 cups of Italian cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, and 1/4 cup of half and half. Press in garlic and seasonings. Mix well.
In another bowl whisk the rest of spaghetti sauce with remaining half and half. Pour some of sauce mix on bottom of cooking pan. Fill each shell with ricotta mixture (one scoop) I usually use my cookie dropper. Arrange filled shells in baking pan. Top with remaining spaghetti sauce.
Cover with foil, bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, top dish with remaining 1/2 cup of Italian cheese. Bake uncovered an additional 5 min. Let cool for 10 min. before serving.
Serve with crusty bread and asparagus. Enjoy!

Quick, Easy, and Healthy Dinner

2007-12-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

Whenever I have a TON going on and I NEED to make a quick dinner, this is what I make, and it couldn't be more simple, but it is tasty...even my husband could make it!

Ingredients:

Rotisserie CHicken (Already cooked for you...could be any easier?! Costco has the best ones!)
Green Chilie Enchilada Sauce
Whole Wheat Tortillas
Beans (Your choice...Kindey, Pinto, Black, whatever your family likes)
Salt & Pepper
Shredded Cheese

Directions:

Shred the Chicken off the Rotisserie and warm in a skillet. Sprinkle a dash of salt and pepper for seasoning as well. Once the Chicken is warmed through, add the beans and the enchilada sauce and warm for another 5 min or so. Once Chicken Mixture is done, fill in warmed tortillas and top with cheese. Seriously, it is that simple and you are getting great protein and good carbs in this meal. I usually like to serve it with homemade salsa if I have time and also Corn.

Delicious and Easy Banana Bread

2007-11-18T16:30:00.000-08:00

This Banana Bread has been passed down from my Great Grandma Perkins and it is so easy and soooo yummy!

Ingredients:
6 very Ripe Bananas (the best to use when they are browned)
2 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Shortening
4 Eggs
2 1/2 Cups Flour (I use Whole Wheat so it is Healthier)
1 Tsp Baking soda
1 Tsp Salt

Directions:
Mash Bananas and add the eggs one at a time while beating together. Add the Shortening and mix till well incorporated. Add the Sugar and then add the soda, salt, and flour while still beating. Once all ingredients are together, mix until very well blended and pour into loaf pans. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. For an extra special treat, I like to sometimes add Chocolate Chips....YUMMY!

Baked Caprese Salad

2007-11-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many of you saw Giada on Oprah the other day but she was making some yummy Holiday appetizers. I found this one on the Oprah site that looked good and it was DELICIOUS. I made them tonight with homemade chicken noodle soup, they were so yummy. I could eat hundreds of these!!!

BAKED CAPRESE SALAD
1 baguette, sliced 1/2 inch thick, about 30 to 36 slices
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt
5 Roma tomatoes, sliced
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 pounds fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Leaves from 1 bunch of fresh basil

Preheat the oven to 450°.

Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush with some of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake until the bread is pale golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Top each slice of bread with a slice of tomato and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with a slice of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with salt. Return the baking sheet to the oven until the cheese and tomato are just warm, about 5 minutes.

Arrange the toasts on a serving platter. Top each toast with a basil leaf. Using the brush, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the basil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

(Be careful not to overheat the crostini. The cheese and tomatoes should be just warmed through and softened, but not melted or falling apart. It's perfect if you have slightly under-ripe tomatoes).

Cornflake Cream Chicken...

2007-11-16T11:03:00.000-08:00

My friend Chelsea gave me this recipe. I made it this week and we LOVED it.

Chicken Breasts (enough for your family)
2 cups of crumbled corn flakes
sour cream
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
1 stick melted butter

Put cornflakes in a zip lock bag and roll with rolling pin till crumbs (Let the kids do this, mine loved it)
Mix cornflakes with Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup), and mix in Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
Dip chicken in sour cream (coat it thick)
Then dip in cornflake mixture
Place in greased pan, and drizzle melted butter all over.
Bake in 400F oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden, and done in the center

I served mine with Veggies and cheese sauce, and bread sticks. Sooo easy and Yummy :)

Pumpkin Bread...

2007-10-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

-1 cup of olive oil(not extra virgin)
-4 eggs
-2/3 cup of milk
-1 can 15 oz. of libbys pumpkin
Mix in mixer for a few minutes
-3 cups sugar
-2 tsp. baking soda
-1.5 tsp of salt
-1 tsp of cloves and nutmeg
-2 tsps of cinnamon
Mix again
-31/2 cups flour
Mix one more time until just blended scraping sides if needed

Put in 2 loaf pans and bake at 325 for an hour or so. Middle should look a little mushy. DON'T overcook. :) Enjoy!

* Sometimes I throw in one cup of quick oats. Great for Breakfast!

Chicken-Asparagus Marsala

2007-10-24T22:18:00.000-07:00

I made this Sunday night, and it is sooo good! I even liked it better than Macaroni Grill's Marsala. Anyway, it is super easy and delicious...one of our new favorites. I paired it on top of whole wheat Linguine, but it would be really good with rosemary garlic roasted or mashed potatoes as well.

4 Chicken Breast (I use the thinly sliced ones...they cook faster)
2 Tbl Butter
1 Pound Fresh Asparagus
1/2 Pound Fresh Mushrooms
1 Clove fresh minced Garlic
1/4 Cup Marsala Wine
1/4 Cup Water
Salt and Pepper (however much you want to lightly season)
Fresh Chopped Parsley (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan Cheese

In a Saute' Pan, place butter and heat to medium-high temperature. Add chicken and cook, turning until browned and thoroughly cooked. Remove Chicken and set aside.

In same pan, add mushrooms and garlic an cook until mushrooms are heated and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Add Marsala Wine, water, and season with salt and pepper. Return Chicken to pan and arrange mushrooms on top of chicken.

Arrange Asparagus over chicken and mushrooms. Heat to boiling and then reduce to medium and cover until asparagus is steamed through (about 8 minutes).

Transfer chicken to a serving platter and spoon sauce and mushrooms on top. Serve asparagus along side the chicken. Sprinkle fresh parsley over chicken and Parmesan cheese (if desired).

Enjoy!

Ruby Tuesday Potato Cheese Soup

2007-10-22T15:41:00.001-07:00

I made this soup tonight and had forgot how much I love it. It has been raining here all day and the weather has been cooling off so it was the perfect night for soup!

2 large potatoes
2 TBSP finely minced celery
1 TBSP finely minced onion
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
2 tsp white vinegar
2 TBSP flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup plus 1 TBSP shredded cheddar cheese
1 TBSP Monterey Jack Cheese (optional)
2 slices of bacon cooked
1 TBSP chopped green onion

1. Peel potatoes and chop them into bite-size pieces- you should have about 4 cups. Make sure the celery and onion are minced into small pieces. The carrot should be grated small also, not shredded.
2. Combine the vegetables with the chicken broth, salt and vinegar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil then turn down the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Whisk together the flour and milk in a medium cup or bowl.
4. Remove the saucepan of vegetables from the heat and add the flour and milk mixture. Put the pan back on the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5-8 minutes or until the soup has thickened.
5. Add 1 cup cheddar cheese to the soup and simmer until melted. By this time the potatoes should be tender an falling apart. If not, continue to cook until the soup is as thick as you like it.
6. To serve spoon the soup into bowls. Divide the remaining 1 TBSP of cheddar and the Monterey Jack and sprinkle on the soup. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it evenly on top of the cheese. Top off each bowl of soup with green onions.

New Layout

2007-10-18T23:04:00.001-07:00

Hi Girls! Since Matie Kay deleted all of her blog layouts, our cooking blog layout ended up just pink so I jazzed it up a bit, but feel free to change anything you want...I was just playing with some new layouts. Thanks :) I will be posting a new reciepe soon, I have totally been slacking, sorry!

Chicken lime tacos.

2007-10-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

I made these the other night for the boys in the family after priesthood session and they were so good. I put everything in the crockpot and once the chicken was cooked I shredded it. Just make sure that there is enough liquid in the crockpot so the meat doesn't dry out. We had it in tacos and I used corn tortillas.
INGREDIENTS

* 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - cubed
* 1/8 cup red wine vinegar ( I used about 1 1/2TB)
* 1/2 lime, juiced ( I used a whole lime)
* 1 teaspoon white sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 2 green onions, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregeno (I used cilantro instead)
* 10 (6 inch) flour tortillas
* 1 tomato, diced
* 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
* 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/4 cup salsa

DIRECTIONS

1. Saute chicken in a medium saucepan over medium high heat for about 20 minutes. Add vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, pepper, green onion, garlic and oregano. Simmer for an extra 10 minutes.
2. Heat an iron skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the pan, warm, and turn over to heat the other side. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Serve lime chicken mixture in warm tortillas topped with tomato, lettuce, cheese and salsa.

Yummy Brownies!

2007-10-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

I have never made Brownies from scratch before, I'm not sure why because I love to bake but I guess it's because my Mom never did and you know how that goes, for some reason if your Mom didn't do it, you don't either. Well I love brownies so I decided to try a recipe from scratch and they turned out DELICIOUS. They are so rich because they have frosting on them too but I love chocolate so I thought it tasted yummy. You can leave the frosting off if that's too much chocolate for your taste.

BEST BROWNIES

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Frosting
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners' sugar

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.
In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 21-24 minutes. Do not overcook.
To Make Frosting: Combine 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners' sugar and beat with mixer. (The frosting will be really thick so add a drop of milk to it until it's the consistency that you like). Frost brownies while they are still warm and enjoy!

Whole Wheat Muffins

2007-10-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

Okay....I am so sorry I haven't posted a recipe yet! My husband has been working ALOT lately from home & he is on the computer a ton, so I don't get to blog as much...but, hey at least my house is cleaner! Here is a really good recipe for Whole Wheat Muffins, from my mother-in-law, but I like to claim it as my own recipe ;-).....

Whole Wheat Muffins
1/2 butter or margarine
1 c brown sugar
1 egg
2 c whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 c milk
1/2 c chopped nuts, opt.

Cream butter and sugar, add egg. Combine dry ingredients and add to butter mixture alternately with milk and vanilla. Spoon into muffin tins. Bake at 425 for 12 minutes.

Crockpot Fettuccine Alfredo

2007-09-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

My friend Megan Morris made this for me after I had Brooklyn. It was so good and I liked it even more when she told me how easy it was!

2-3 Chicken Breasts cubed
1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup
1 can water
8oz Block of low-fat Cream Cheese ( sometimes I use half)
1 stick of butter (to save on fat I use 1/4 a stick and it's still good)
1 packet Italian Dressing

Put in your crock pot on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours

Cook up a box of Fettuccine noodles (I use wheat) and mix with the Alfredo! The sauce will be runny at first but after it cools off it will thicken up.

2007-09-20T05:23:00.000-07:00

WELCOME KATIE PETERSON TO OUR COOKING SITE! I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE AWESOME RECIPES TO SHARE AND I AM EXCITED TO SEE WHAT YOU POST. BRIENE AND KATIE ARE GOOD FRIENDS AND BRIENE IS ALWAYS GIVING ME HER RECIPES, THEY ARE SO YUMMY.

Monterey Chicken !

2007-09-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

This recipes is so yummy. Katie Peterson Posted this recipe on her blog a few months ago. While I was grilling the chicken I put the veggies on foil on the grill that way they were cooked when I put them on the chicken. Thanks Katie for a great recipe.

Monterey Chicken

3 boneless chicken breasts, or 6 chicken tenders
1 green pepper, chopped
1/2 c mushrooms, chopped
1 c shredded cheese

Honey Mustard Sauce
1/2 c mayo
1 T honey
1 T mustard

Marinate chicken in 1/4 c soy sauce & 1 can of Sprite for a few hours to over night. Remove chicken and grill until juices run clear. Place a large piece of foil on grill, transfer chicken over to the foil & put them close together. Spread some sauce over each breast, cover with green pepper, mushrooms, and shredded cheese. Cook until cheese is melted. When serving place chicken on a small amount of sauce and top with bacon bits.

Cheesecake with Chocolate Lace...

2007-09-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

I found this on BHG. I thought the presentation was beautiful. The recipe sounds delicious as well, I mean who doesn't like cheesecake?! The idea of making the musical notes with chocolate was inspirational. It would be easy to adapt this idea to create other things. Hearts, Letters, stars, ext. Enjoy!

Ingredients
1-3/4 cups finely crushed chocolate wafers (about 33)
1/3 cup butter (no substitutes), melted
3 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon almond or mint extract
2 egg yolks
1 egg
1/4 cup half-and-half or light cream
1 6-ounce package white chocolate baking bars, chopped
2 tablespoons light-colored corn syrup
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon butter (no substitutes)
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
Whipped cream (optional)
Chocolate Lace Musical Symbols (optional)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degree F.
2. For crust, combine cookie crumbs and the 1/3 cup melted butter. Press crumb mixture onto bottom and 2 inches up sides of a 9-inch spring form pan. Set aside.
3. For filling, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, and extract in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until combined. Add egg yolks and the whole egg all at once, beating on low speed just until combined. Stir in half-and-half and chopped white chocolate. Pour filling into crust-lined pan. Place in a shallow baking pan in oven.
4. Bake in a preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until center appears nearly set when shaken. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Loosen the crust from sides of pan and cool cheesecake completely. Cover and chill cheesecake in the refrigerator at least 4 hours before serving.
5. Heat corn syrup, water, and the 1 tablespoon butter until butter melts and mixture just boils. Pour over chocolate pieces in a small bowl; let stand 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Spread over top of cheesecake. Chill 5 to 10 minutes or until chocolate is set. If desired, garnish with whipped cream and Chocolate Lace Musical Symbols. Makes 16 servings.
Chocolate Lace Musical Symbols: Melt 3 ounces semisweet chocolate and 1-1/2 teaspoons shortening. Let cool slightly. Place in a plastic bag. Cut a small hole in one corner and pipe the shapes onto waxed paper. Let garnishes stand in a cool, dry place until firm.

How do I choose?

2007-09-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

I added a new poll on the blog, what is your favorite dessert? So when I am finished with the poll, I decide I should take it myself. I am now staring at the answers and wondering how am I going to choose. OK, lets start with process of elimination. I know I am not a huge pie fan, don't get me wrong, if there is a good pie you better believe I will dive in but it's not my favorite. So then I continue to look at the list, cookies, brownies, ice cream and cake. I can't eliminate one of them. I start thinking about chocolate chip cookies, Betty Crocker double chocolate brownies, cold stone ice cream, Claim Jumper chocolate cake. Elimination, I would take any and all in a heart beat. I then come up with the question, what couldn't I resist? Cookies, probably, brownies and ice cream, maybe. Chocolate cake, NEVER! After much inner debate I have realized chocolate cake must be my favorite. I'm not talking about a Walmart Birthday Cake, or a cake mix you make at home. I am talking about Claim Jumper Chocolate Cake or Grandma Moore's Chocolate Cake, the good, rich, and moist chocolate cake with Chocolate icing. Now I am dying for a good piece of Chocolate cake.
I hope the poll doesn't find you having the same inner conflicts as I did. I am passionate about only the important things in life, DESSERT being one of them!

Jamie's Minestrone soup

2007-09-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 onions, chopped
2 cups chopped celery
5 carrots, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
3 cups tomato sauce
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 cup canned kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can green beans
2 cups baby spinach, rinsed
3 zucchinis, quartered and sliced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup seashell pasta
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for topping
1 tablespoon olive oil

DIRECTIONS

In a large stock pot, over medium-low heat, heat olive oil and saute garlic for 2 to 3 minutes. Add onion and saute for 4 to 5 minutes. Add celery and carrots, saute for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add chicken broth, water and tomato sauce, bring to boil, stirring frequently. If desired add red wine at this point. Reduce heat to low and add kidney beans, green beans, spinach leaves, zucchini, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, the longer the better.
Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until tender. Drain water and set aside.
Once pasta is cooked and soup is heated through place 2 tablespoons cooked pasta into individual serving bowls. Ladle soup on top of pasta and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Spray with olive oil and serve.

I made this in the crockpot and it turned out really good. I just waited to add the pasta until the end.

Cheesy Baked Tortellini

2007-09-11T22:23:00.000-07:00

Cheesy Baked Tortellini

This is a really easy, good comfort dinner. It is great with steamed Veggies and French or Garlic Bread. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 pound purchased cheese tortellini
2 ounces thinly sliced smoked mozzarella
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil an 8 by 8 by 2-inch baking dish.
Whisk the sauce, mascarpone cheese, parsley and thyme in a large bowl to blend. Cook the tortellini in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Add the tortellini to the sauce and toss to coat. Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top the mixture with the smoked mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and bake until the sauce bubbles and the cheeses on top melt, about 30 minutes.

Quick Fix Beef Burrito Skillet

2007-09-06T13:20:00.001-07:00

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 pkg. (1-1/4 oz.) TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Taco Seasoning Mix
1 can (19 oz.) kidney beans, drained, rinsed
1 cup TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Salsa
1 cup water
4 flour tortillas (6 inch), cut into 1-1/2-inch squares
1 cup KRAFT Mexican Style Shredded Four Cheese
1/3 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1/3 cup chopped green onions (about 1 large)

DIRECTIONS

BROWN meat in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat; drain.
ADD seasoning mix, beans, salsa and water; stir. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 min.
STIR in tortillas; top with cheese. Cover; let stand 5 min. or until cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and onions.

MODIFICATIONS

I love this recipe, I make it ALL the time. A few modifications I make are I add a can of black beans to it for more fiber. I also add a onion to the ground beef when I am cooking it. And then I usually don't put the tortillas in the skillet, instead I turn it into burritos by scooping the skillet into the tortillas and adding cheese, sour cream, more salsa etc. and folding it up.

Giada De Laurentis

2007-09-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

I noticed on the "What is your favorite type of food" quiz, that Italian won with a whopping 60%! With that being the consensus, I thought I would add this little bit about my favorite Italian chef: Giada De Laurentis. Her recipes are easy to follow and delicious. Anyway, her cookbooks are amazing and so is her show "Everyday Italian" on the Food Network at 1:30 and 4:30 weekdays. Check it out and you will be amazed at the yummy Italian dishes you can easily create at home in your own kitchen! If you can't be in Rome or Capri, why not eat like you are!!!

Picnic Pasta Salad

2007-09-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS:

8 ounces curly pasta (I like using whole wheat)
8 fluid ounces Italian dressing
2 tablespoons salad seasoning
1 cup chopped broccoli florets
1 cup diced cheddar cheese
1/2 medium cucumber, peeled seeded and sliced
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 can (2.25-oz.) sliced black olives, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup diced seeded green bell pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1-2 cups Halved Grape Tomatoes

DIRECTIONS:
Cook pasta according to package directions (do not overcook, as dressing will continue to soften pasta as it sits). Rinse with cold water and drain. Toss with Italian salad dressing and salad seasoning. Refrigerate until needed (may be done up to 1 day in advance).Gently toss pasta with tomatoes, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cucumber, mushrooms, olives, green bell pepper and onions until evenly coated. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve. BEST IF REFRIGERATED FOR A COUPLE HOURS BEFORE SERVING.

Simple Salmon

2007-09-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

As you all know, Fish is VERY good for you; especially Salmon because of the high content of Omega 3. We love fish in our home and I always make this very simple, low-fat, and healthy salmon dish...ENJOY!

Ingredients:
Salmon (6 oz. per person is usually best)
Olive Oil
Garlic Powder
Lemon Pepper

Line baking tray with tin foil and set the oven to Broil at 500 Degrees.

Baste Salmon with Olive Oil, about a 1/2 Tbl. per Portion (eyeball it)
Sprinkle Garlic Powder and Lemon Pepper to taste on the Salmon.

Place seasoned Salmon Portions on the foil-lined tray and broil in the oven till no longer pink in the middle (about 10 min.)

This Salmon is best served along side with Mashed Potatoes, over a light pasta, or Rice Pilaf and Veggies. Or if you are watching your carbs, it is great with just some simple veggies.

Crunchy Salad

2007-09-03T18:31:00.001-07:00

SALAD
Romaine Lettuce
Broccoli
Green Onions

CRUNCHY PART
2 packages of Ramen Noodles crushed up
Sunflower Seeds (about 1/4 cup)
Slivered Almonds (about 1/2 cup)

Saute Crunchy ingredients in 2 Tbsp of butter until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. (The recipe called for a STICK! I did 2 Tbsp and it was fine, next time I will probably try just using Pam and no butter).

DRESSING
1/2 Cup Crisco Oil
1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
1/2 cup Sugar
1 tsp dry mustard
Mix dressing ingredients together and shake up well.

Mix lettuce, onions and broccoli together (add as many onions and broccoli as you prefer). Then add some of the crunchy topping to the salad, once again add all by preference. You wont use all of the topping, I put the extras in a bag, it will last for a while. I am still on the same batch and I have eaten it every day for the past week! Then add the dressing and mix up (I put my salad in a Tupperware and shake it good to coat it). I only put on less than a TBSP of dressing for my plate of salad. You should have lots of dressing left over to store in your fridge. Some people like a lot of dressing but I like it just to barely coat my salad.
I love this salad, it is so so yummy. Mike was teasing me tonight that I am going to turn green from eating it too much. Let me know if you have any questions, I don't have an official recipe for it so I tried to explain the best I could. (Sorry, I know the pictures doesn't make it look so good, I was eating it for dinner tonight so I took a quick picture of my plate).

Beef Penne Layered Pasta

2007-09-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 pound dried penne pasta, prepared according to package directions

8 ounces lean ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

2 cups water

2 cans (6 ounces each) Italian tomato paste

1/3 water

1 tablespoon MAGGI Instant Beef Flavor Bouillon

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:

PREHEAT oven to 350° F.

COOK beef and onion in large saucepan, stirring occasionally, until beef is no longer pink. Add water, tomato paste, wine and bouillon; cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes or until flavors are blended.

LAYER ingredients as follows in ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking dish: 1/2 pasta, 1/2 sauce and 1/2 cheese. Repeat layers; cover.

BAKE for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Season with salt.

FOR FREEZE AHEAD:
PREPARE as above; do not bake. Cover; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.

PREHEAT oven to 350° F.

BAKE for 45 to 55 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Season with salt.

Suggestion:
Serve with Seasoned Steamed Broccoli and French Bread. Enjoy!!!