Best Ever Cheesecake

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar

Filling/Topping

• 2 - 8 oz. packages cream cheese (softened)
• 2 eggs lightly beaten
• 2/3 cup sugar (divided)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided)
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup sour cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs, butter and sugar; mix well.  Pat evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9" pie plate.  Place in refrigerator to chill while preparing filling.

In mixing bowl combine cream cheese and eggs and beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.  Add 1/3 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and salt.  Continue beating until well blended.  Pour into chilled pie crust and bake for 35 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Combine sour cream, remaining sugar and vanilla extract in a small bowl.  Spread evenly over cooled cheesecake and return to oven for another 10 minutes.  

Cool completely on a wire rack and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. 

~ Another recipe from my friend's mother's kitchen .. thanks again Sheri! ~

No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1 box lemon flavored gelatin (4 serving sized box)
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 - 8 oz package of cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups whipped topping
• 1 pre-made honey graham cracker pie crust

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water.  Set aside.

In medium bowl, with electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth.  Gradually beat in dissolved gelatin mixture.  Fold in whipped topping.  Spoon into pie crust and chill for 4 hours or until firm.

~ An easy recipe that I received from a friend's mother.  Thanks Sheri! ~

10 Bean Soup With Ham

Ingredients

• 3 cups ham (cubed)
• 16 oz. package of ten bean soup mix
• 2 celery ribs (chopped)
• 3 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 1/2 medium sized yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 medium sized potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 2 heaping tablespoons chicken soup base or bullion
• 3 strips of bacon (chopped and browned)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Soak beans in medium stock pot overnight according to bean package directions.

Add more water to beans until pot is about 1/2 to 3/4 full.  Add chicken soup base, bay leaves, onions, pepper, and garlic.  Allow to simmer on medium heat for about 2 - 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Add potatoes, carrots, celery, ham, and bacon.  Add more water if needed and continue to simmer for about another 1 - 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, or until veggies are tender.

~ This was tonight's dinner, and a hearty 2 day meal as well.  You can add more, or less of the vegetables I've listed, depending on how you like it.  If you prefer more garlic and onion, don't be afraid to add more.  I taste it as it simmers and make additions as well, such as more black pepper.  I'll be serving this with home made bread and/or crackers.  Great for chilly winter nights. ~

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs 
• 1 1/2 cups rolled or quick-cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup raisins

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease 3 baking sheets or spray lightly with cooking spray.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.

Place the brown sugar and butter in a large bowl.  Beat with an electric mixer set on high speed until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.  Gradually stir in the flour mixture with a wooden spoon until thoroughly combined.  Stir in oats and raisins until blended.

Drop the dough by rounded spoonfuls 1 1/2 inches apart on baking sheets.  Flatten the dough slightly with a fork.

Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes.  Cool on the sheets for about 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to finish cooling.

~ This recipe is pretty flexible if you aren't a raisin fan.  Simply replace the raisins with 1 cup of chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips. ~

Easy Baked Chicken

Ingredients

• Vegetable Oil
• Cooking Spray
• 4 Chicken leg quarters
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In large frying pan, add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan.  Heat oil over medium heat.  Season leg quarters with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning on both sides and fry 2 at a time, turning when golden brown.

Spray casserole dish with cooking spray and add the chicken.  Cover and bake for about an hour and a half.  Serve with your favorite side of veggies and/or potatoes.

~ This is what we had last night.  Totally easy and the chicken falls right off the bone.  This is the technique we used when catering, although my dad used to deep fry the chicken first to brown, instead of pan fry, because of the massive quantities we had to prepare.   Super easy! ~ 

Shrimp With Garlic And Smoked Paprika

Ingredients

• Cooking Spray
• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. 

Rinse shrimp and dry them well with paper towel. 

In large bowl, stir together olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt and cayenne pepper until combined.  Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.

Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 4 minutes to preheat it.  Remove baking sheet and place shrimp on it and cook for 6 minutes.  Turn shrimp and continue to cook and additional 4 minutes more.  Transfer to platter and serve.

~ I found this recipe in a magazine and thought it looked pretty darn easy.  I love shrimp, and I love garlic, so to me this will definitely be something I could make for a quick and easy dinner, possibly over rice. ~

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa 
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar (or maple syrup)
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup water (or milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Sift together the flour, cocoa, soda and salt.  

Cream together the sugar, mayonnaise, water and vanilla.  

Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture; stir until well blended.  

Pour into a greased and floured layer cake pan (or 9x13 pan).  

Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes.  Frost if you like, but good plain.

~ Thanks goes to my sister for this recipe via email.  It's a recipe similar to the one that has been in the family for many years.  My dad's sister used to make mayonnaise cake and everybody loved it! ~

Blueberry Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (thawed)

Topping

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Grease or line muffin tins.

Combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder in mixing bowl.  Add vegetable oil, egg and milk.  Fold in blueberries.  Fill muffin tins about 3/4 full.

In a small bowl, mix together topping ingredients with a fork and sprinkle over muffins before baking.

Bake 20 - 25 minutes or until done.

~ I made these tonight with some fresh, frozen blueberries we had in the freezer from last fall.  They turned out very good and I'll let you guess what I'll be having for breakfast tomorrow morning with my coffee! ~

Potato Pancakes

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 egg 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• vegetable oil

Directions

In mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, onion, flour, egg, salt and pepper.  Mix well. 

Coat skillet with vegetable oil for frying on medium/high heat.  Drop mixture by heaping tablespoonfuls into hot oil, careful not to overcrowd the pan.  This is usually done in a few batches.  Fry until golden brown on both sides.  Place on paper toweling to drain excess oil.  

Serve as is or with the toppings of your choice.

~ This is what I find to be the easiest way to use up your mashed potatoes from a previous night's dinner.  I know you can use fresh potatoes (grated) as well, but I prefer to think of this as a tasty way to revamp those leftovers without wasting them.  My family likes these with a dollop of sour cream.  You can sprinkle with grated cheese, or just eat them as they are.  A tasty side dish that I know you will enjoy! ~

Cranberry Muffins

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen (roughly chopped)

Topping

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Grease or line a 12 slot muffin tin.

In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar.  Add eggs and vanilla and mix well.  Fold in sour cream.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and salt.  Add this flour mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring just until moistened.  Fold in cranberries.

In a small bowl combine topping ingredients.

Fill muffin tin slots 2/3 full and sprinkle with topping.

Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean (although it will most likely be stained red).  Cool in tins for about 5 minutes before removing.  Makes a dozen muffins.

~ I had leftover cranberries from the cranberry upside down cake I made the other night and wanted to use them up, so I made these muffins.  I think they turned out pretty good.  Again, tart, yet semi sweet.  I think maybe an addition of orange zest (or maybe even orange juice) to the batter might take it up another notch, but all in all, good muffins. ~

Yorkshire Puddings

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 6 teaspoons vegetable oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large bowl combine the flour, salt, milk and eggs. Mix all together with a hand beater or whisk briskly until smooth. Let stand about 30 minutes.   

Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of oil in each slot in muffin tin and place in oven until oil is hot.

Re-whip batter briskly again just before pouring into muffin tins, filling them about 3/4 full.

Bake about 30 - 35 minutes or until puddings have puffed up and are golden brown and crispy.

~ Now, I married an Englishman, so I leave the making of these little gems to him.  He does a lot of this by feel and not so much by measurement.  That's the English way I guess.  When I traveled to other side of the pond, this was one of my favorite things to eat with Sunday roast.  I couldn't get enough.  If you've never tried these, you have absolutely no idea what you're missing.  You will never have bread or rolls with your dinner again after giving these a try! ~

Cranberry Upside Down Cake

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
• 1/2 cup butter, softened and divided
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon melted butter
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Coat a 9 inch square or 10 inch round baking pain with cooking spray and dust lightly with flour.

In small bowl, combine cranberries, walnuts and orange peel.  Set aside.

In small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.  Stir in brown sugar, orange juice, and cinnamon.  Cook for 3 minutes stirring constantly.  Pour into pan.  Sprinkle with cranberry mixture.

Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl.  Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, with an electric hand mixer set on medium, beat white sugar and remaining butter until creamy.  Add vanilla, egg, buttermik, and flour mixture.  Spoon over cranberries.

Bake about 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean.  Cool in pan for 5 minutes then invert onto a rack to finish cooking. 

Mix the powdered sugar, melted butter and orange juice and drizzle over cake before slicing.

~ I found this recipe in a magazine today and it looks way too good not to share.  I would think you could change it up with whatever fruit you choose depending on the season. ~

Autumn Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 pork chops, your choice of cut
• 1 medium sized yellow onion, diced
• 1 can of cream of celery soup
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 2 tablespoons spicy-brown mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper

Directions

Heat oil in large skillet. Brown chops on both sides, remove. Add onions to skillet and cook until semi translucent.  Add soup, apple juice, mustard, honey and black pepper to skillet, mixing well.  Return chops to mixture, cover and simmer on low heat until chops are tender.

~ You can have this over mashed potatoes or egg noodles as this gravy mixture is a wonderful addition with lots of flavor.  You can also change it up a bit, and instead of onions, try sliced apples. ~

Easy Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour 
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

In small bowl, combine coconut, sugar, flour and salt. Stir in egg whites and vanilla, mix well.  Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets.  Bake at 325 degrees F for 18 - 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool on a wire rack.

~ Simple, easy, sweet and delicious! ~

Horseradish Deviled Eggs

Ingredients

• 6 hard boiled eggs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Dash pepper
• 1 dash paprika

Directions

Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks and set whites aside. In a bowl, mash the yolks. Add mayonnaise, horseradish, dill, mustard, salt, pepper and mix well.  (For a creamer mixture you can whip with a electric hand mixer) Pipe or spoon into egg white halves. Sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

If you don't have a piping bag, you can cut a slit in the corner of a Ziploc baggie and use it the same way you would a piping bag.  Eggs can be garnished with sliced black or green olives and a sprig of parsley or chives for color.  Be as creative as you want to be when garnishing.  Remember, you eat with your eyes first!

~ Crowd pleaser for game day or any occasion! ~

Submitting Your Own Recipes

I thought it would be a cool idea, if you could share some of your own personal recipes here as well. So I've added a Submission Tab (above) where you can do so. Very simple, and self explanatory. 

Looking forward to sharing what you and your family enjoy! 

Thanks everyone!

Sweet And Buttery Acorn Squash

Ingredients

• 1 medium sized acorn squash (halved and seeded)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  In casserole dish or roasting pan, place squash, flesh side up, with a little water in the bottom of the pan to aid in cooking.  Add 1 tablespoon of butter and brown sugar to each half.  Bake for about an hour or until tender.

(If the squash seems unstable when you place into baking pan, trim off a small portion on the bottom half to create a flat surface before baking.)

~ I think even the kids who don't like their vegetables would love this!  Sweet and buttery and a nice addition, especially in the fall and winter months, to any meal. ~

Mock Raspberry Freezer Jam

Ingredients

• 5 cups chopped green tomatoes
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 6 oz. package raspberry flavored gelatin (or any flavor you choose)

Directions

Chop green tomatoes in blender.  Bring tomatoes and sugar to a boil in pot and simmer for 20 minutes.  Stir in gelatin and blend well.  Place in freezer safe containers or canning jars and freeze until ready to use.

~ It doesn't get any simpler than this.  Freezer jam at it's easiest and totally interchangeable depending on what flavor gelatin you choose.  Thanks for this one dad! ~

Easy Cinnamon Rolls With Icing

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of frozen white bread dough
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 tablespoon softened butter or margarine
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Grease 8 inch baking pan.

Thaw bread dough according to package directions. 

On lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 6 x 12 inch rectangle.  Brush with melted butter.  Sprinkle sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and raisins evenly over rectangle.  Roll up tightly starting with the 6 inch side of the rectangle.  Pinch seam to seal.  Cut into 8 slices.  Place cut side up in baking pan.  Cover and let rise at room temperature until size has doubled.  Bake 18 - 22 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from pan when cool.

To make the icing: combine powdered sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla and blend together until smooth.  Drizzle over rolls and enjoy!

~ Easiest cinnamon roll recipe ever!  They'll never know you didn't slave over a hot oven making these from scratch.  Best kept secret in town. ~

Banana Nut Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 very ripe)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts or 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease and lightly flour loaf pan.  Set aside.

Cream together sugar and butter.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add sour cream, vanilla, and bananas.  Add flour, soda, and salt.  Fold in nuts or chocolate chips.  Pour into loaf pan and bake 60 - 65 minutes or until golden brown.

~ I'm a sucker for a good banana bread, warm and buttered, right out of the oven.  I never realized just how easy it was to bake from scratch til mom gave me the recipe many years ago and I tried it for myself.  It's been a winner ever since! ~

Cheese And Tomato Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (cubed or grated)
• 2 cups monterey jack cheese (cubed or grated)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (or 1 large tomatoes diced)
• 1 package wide egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon onion salt
• 1 teaspoon sweet basil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup crushed plain potato chips, or crushed cracker crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In medium pot, over medium heat, melt butter.  Add flour to make a paste.  Slowly add milk.  Whisk until smooth, careful not to scorch.  Add parsley, garlic, onion salt, sweet basil, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.  Remove from heat and set aside.

In large pot, boil noodles until not quite done.  Drain.

Grease casserole dish or 9 X 13 cake pan.  Layer noodles, milk mixture, cheeses, and tomatoes.  Sprinkle crushed chips over the top and bake uncovered for about a half hour.  Serve and enjoy!
 
~ This is straight from my childhood.  A dish my mother used to make us that we all enjoyed.  I guess you could call it a grown up version of mac & cheese.  So from my mom, to you .. enjoy this simple and delicious dish! ~

Coconut Oil

I wanted to share a little something that my sister told me about a few years ago.  Coconut oil.  Not something I had even heard of before, let alone bought.  She told me that it's 100% natural and she uses it as a moisturizer and makeup remover.  I thought, okay, what the heck, I'll try it.  

So, I went to my local grocery store, and found it in the baking aisle next to the cooking oils.  Yes, it's used for cooking!  It comes in a cylinder type tub and has the appearance of I guess you could say, lard, for lack of a better word.  But when you scoop it out, it melts right in your hands.  

Anyway, I gave it a try and in all honesty, it works.  I was very surprised.  I've applied it after a shower for my dry winter skin.  I've used it on my face for a moisturizer.  And believe it or not, it's aided in healing sores on my father's legs and feet, as he's diabetic.  It's truly wonderful.

The other night, I thought I'd try it as a leave in conditioner after I washed my hair and low and behold, that worked too.  I massaged a small amount into my hair working down to the ends to tame any split ends and by the time my hair had dried it was soft and silky.  I read that you can warm it and use it as a hot oil treatment, so that will be my next experiment. 

I was pretty astonished that something you can cook with would be so beneficial topically.  If you've never tried it, I suggest you do.  It's not expensive at all and a little goes a long, long way!  I bought that tub like 2 years ago now and haven't even used half the container.  The picture above is the brand that I purchased for myself.

Here's a link I found about the health benefits of Coconut Oil .. take a look .. http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html 

Fried Cabbage, Noodles, And Bacon

Ingredients

1 head of cabbage (chopped)
1/2 pound thick sliced bacon (chopped)
1/2 bag extra wide egg noodles
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 pound butter
1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

In large pot, boil egg noodles until tender, drain.  Chop bacon and brown with onion in large pot.  Chop cabbage and add to bacon and onions along with 1/2 pound of butter.  Cover and simmer until cabbage is tender, stirring often so the cabbage doesn't stick.  Add cooked noodles, remaining butter, and pepper.  Heat through and serve. 

~ This was one of my mother's favorites and inevitably mine as well.  Makes a great side dish in place of potatoes. ~

Calico Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound thick sliced bacon
• 1 can pork and beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can lima beans
• 1 can butter beans
• 1 can garbanzo beans
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard

Directions

In large skillet, brown ground beef, drain fat and set aside.  Chop bacon and brown in smaller skillet, drain fat and set aside.  In large covered casserole dish combine remaining ingredients.  Do not drain liquid from canned beans, add them as they are.  Add ground beef and bacon.  Stir to combine.  Bake at 350 F for about an hour.

~ This makes a nice side dish to a simple dinner, such as grilled hamburgers, brats, hot dogs etc.  One of those set it and forget it dishes, easy and good! ~

Seven Layer Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/3 cups shredded coconut

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Place butter in 13 x 9 inch pan and melt in oven.  Swirl to coat the bottom and sides with butter.  Spread graham cracker crumbs evenly over bottom of pan.  Layer chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and nuts over the crumbs.  Pour condensed milk over the nuts, then sprinkle the entire pan with the coconut.

Bake until the edges are golden brown, about 25 minutes.  Allow to cool before cutting and serving.

~ Delectable, heavenly sweet treat that is so simple to make! ~

Chicken Stew With Dumplings

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds chicken (your choice)
• 5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon 
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 3/4 pound potatoes - diced
• 3 carrots - chopped
• 2 celery ribs - chopped
• 1 medium onion - diced
• 1 package frozen peas (or 1 can)

Dumplings

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup minced parsley

Directions

Place chicken and water and bouillon into a 5 quart pot.  Cover and cook over medium heat for about an hour and a half or until chicken is tender.  Remove chicken from broth and allow to cool before deboning and cutting into chunks.  Return chicken to pot with broth.  Add salt, pepper, basil, thyme, and vegetables and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  In small mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Stir in milk and parsley.  Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls into simmering stew.  Cook, uncovered for 10 minutes, then cover and continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes. 

~ You'll be surprised how hearty this is.  I like to chop my vegetables a little thicker too, but however you like them is fine.  I tried this version with the dumplings and it was a total hit with the family for yet another quick and economical two day meal! ~

Chicken And Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 - 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups uncooked rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup frozen peas (or 1 can)
• 1 cup frozen corn (or 1 can)
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 can cream of celery soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Dice or chop chicken breasts into desired chunks, set aside.  In large covered casserole dish combine rice, water, cream soups, vegetables, bouillon, salt, and pepper.  Season the chicken breasts with poultry seasoning and add to the rice mixture.  Cover and bake for about an hour and a half.  About half way through the cooking time, uncover and stir .. add additional water if the rice mixture seems to be clumpy or solid.  Cover and continue to bake for the remaining time.

~ This is one of my favorite quick and easy dishes.  You can add what you want vegetable wise, but the variety of different colors is truly appealing.  A two day time saving, money saving meal! ~

Busy Day!

Had a pretty busy day today, doing "spring cleaning" .. even though it's no where near spring yet.  No time for much of anything other than that, so I'm grateful to have made a two day meal yesterday. 

I'm a fan of two day meals.  Whether it be a roast with all the fixings, a huge pot of spaghetti or chili, or even a nice casserole, or a huge tray of enchiladas .. two day meals are economical and a definite time saver when you have other things planned the next day. 

I'm hoping to share some of things I make on a regular basis, that are both time saving and money saving, especially if you have a few mouths to feed.

Thanks for stopping by .. we'll see what I get posted for you guys tonight.

Hearty Meatloaf With A Zip

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 - 2 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (Heinz 57 or A1 Steak Sauce)
• 2/3 cup cracker crumbs

Glaze

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (Heinz 57 or A1 Steak Sauce)
• 2 tablespoons medium salsa
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Heat vegetable oil in skillet over medium heat.  Add onion, celery, green pepper, salt, thyme, and black pepper.  Cook, stirring until the vegetables are tender and onions are semi translucent, approximately 6 minutes.  Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

In a medium mixing bowl, wisk together eggs, milk, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Add ground beef, vegetables, and bread crumbs and mix all together with your hands.

Place the mixture into a 9 x 5 loaf pan using your hands to form a rounded loaf type top.

To make the glaze, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire and salsa in a small bowl.  Whisk to mix and spread evenly over the meatloaf.

Bake for about an hour and 15 minutes.

~ This is one hearty meatloaf with a tangy zip .. better than just plain old ketchup and bacon topped meatloaf,  like mom used to make! ~

Chocolate Crackle Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.  Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in medium bowl.  Set aside.  Combine butter and brown suger in large bowl and beat at medium speed with mixer until fluffy.  Beat in eggs, one at a time.  Beat in vanilla.  Add flour mixture and beat at low speed until stiff dough forms.  Place powdered sugar in shallow dish.  Roll dough into balls, about 2 level teaspoons each.  Toss in powdered sugar to coat, shaking off excess.  Place about 1 inch apart on baking sheets.  Bake 8 - 10 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned on the bottoms and have crackled appearance on top.  Cool on wire racks.  Cookies can be stored in airtight container for up to 3 days.  Makes about 52 cookies.

~ I found this recipe in a magazine and thought it looked pretty simple so I decided to try them.  I made these over the holidays and they were like little heavenly balls of fudge.  A total delight! ~

Welcome To Cooking With Kaos

Hey everyone!  Welcome to my first ever blog.  I thought it would be kind of a cool idea to start a blog about what everyone loves .. food!  I'm no chef by any means.  I'm just a housewife, that has to cook and feed a family, most times on a budget.

So, I'm here to share some of the recipes I've tried and enjoyed.

I love watching all the famous chefs on television, and on occasion, I pick up a few pointers and give them a try for myself at home .. sometimes with my own twist, sometimes I just need to improvise.  Usually it turns out, sometimes it doesn't .. but you never know, until you try.

I'm hoping to make a positive impact to kitchens across the states .. sit back, relax, cook, and enjoy!