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Sunday, December 29, 2013

Nutty Bacon Cheese Ball

Ingredients 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese , softened 1/2 cup milk 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/4 cup (1 ounce) blue cheese , crumbled 1/4 cup finely minced green onions (white part only) 1 jar diced pimento , drained 3/4 cup Fisher pecans , divided (Of course, any nut will do!) 10 slices bacon , cooked, drained, finely crumbled and divided Salt and pepper 1/4 cup minced parsley 1 tablespoon poppy seeds Directions Place cream cheese in mixer bowl. Attach bowl and flat beater to mixer. Turn to Speed Two and mix 1 minute. Stop and scrape bowl. Turn to Speed Two and gradually add milk, mixing until well blended about 1 minute. Stop and scrape bowl. Add cheeses, onions, pimientos, half of the bacon and half the pecans. Turn to Speed 4 and beat until well blended, about another minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap. Form into a ball and wrap tightly. Refrigerate (or freeze) at least 2 hours. Combine the remaining bacon and remaining pecans, parsley and poppy seeds in a pie plate. Then, remove the plastic wrap and roll the cheese ball lightly in the bacon/nut mixture until evenly coated. Wrap it back up in plastic wrap and refrigerate again until ready to use. Paula Deen

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Holiday Cheesecake Bites

Yield: 24 bite-sized desserts Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 20 min Ingredients: One 9.5-ounce box Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Cups (24 count) 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream pomegranate arils 24 small mint leaves Directions: 1. Bake the Puff Pastry Cups according to package directions. Use the rounded end of a wooden spoon to poke down the hole in the middle of each pastry immediately after baking. Let cool. 2. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the cream cheese. Then mix in the sugar and vanilla. Add the whipping cream and mix until thick. Transfer the mixture to a plastic baggie. Snip off the corner of the baggie and squeeze the filling into each of the Puff Pastry Cups. Garnish with POM arils and a mint leaf. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. TIPS: Bake the cups up to 24 hours ahead. Assemble the desserts up to several hours ahead of serving time. They'll keep just fine in the refrigerator. Tips: *If you prefer, you can make these in larger- one serving- dessert form. Use a box of Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Shells (6-count) instead. *This recipe can be easily doubled- just double all of the ingredients listed. recipegirl.com

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Crock-Pot Crab Rangoon Dip

Ingredients 2 8oz Cream Cheese, softened 1/2 Cup Sour Cream 4 Green Onions, chopped 1 1/2 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce 2 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder 1 12oz Package Imitation Crab Meat, pulverized Instructions Add ingredients to crock-pot. Stir as well as you can. Cook on low for 2 hours stirring at least once. Serve with crackers crockpotladies.com

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Yield: 2 1/2 dozen cookies Prep Time: 30 min Cook Time: 12 min When the fall holidays arrive, the Candy Cane Kisses begin to appear on supermarket shelves too. These are an incredibly delicious flavor delivered by the Hershey’s Kisses people. And they’re amazing tucked into a cookie too. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 1/4 cups butter, at room temperature 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, optional 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 large egg 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup Candy Cane flavored Hershey's Kisses, finely chopped granulated sugar additional, unwrapped Candy Cane Kisses- about 30 Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Make room in either refrigerator or freezer for your cookie sheet. 2. In large mixer bowl, combine powdered sugar, butter, extracts and egg. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often until creamy (2-3 minutes). In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to wet mixture and beat, scraping bowl often until well blended (1-2 minutes). The mixture will be a bit crumbly. Stir in chopped Kisses. 3. Shape dough into 3/4-inch to 1-inch balls; roll in granulated sugar. Place 1-inch apart on cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set. As soon as they come out of the oven, press a Candy Cane Kiss in the center of each cookie. They'll crack a little around the edges, so just use your fingers to kind of hold the cookie together while you set the kiss inside. Put cookie sheet (with cookies) immediately into the freezer (preferred) or refrigerator so that the Kisses will set quickly. As soon as you press them into the cookie, they will begin to soften... so if you can get them into the freezer then they will keep their Kiss shape. 4. Store in a covered container- at room temperature for up to a week. In the freezer they should be ok for a couple of weeks. Tips: *The addition of peppermint extract is completely optional. The cookie gets plenty of peppermint flavor from the addition of the chopped kisses, but if you’d like it really minty then go ahead and add the peppermint extract. *I’ve spotted these Kisses at Target and CVS Pharmacy. Source: RecipeGirl.com

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Turkey, Mushroom & Bacon Puff Pastry Pockets

Leftover turkey from Thanksgiving? Yield: 4 servings Cook Time: 20min ingredients: 1 pkg. (17.3 ounces) Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed 4 slices bacon One 8-ounce package sliced mushrooms, roughly chopped 3 green onions, sliced 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard salt and pepper, to taste 1 1/2 cups chopped or shredded cooked turkey 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 1 large egg, whisked with 1 tablespoon water directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat. 2. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove to paper towels to drain, then crumble. Remove all of the bacon fat from the skillet except for 1 tablespoon. 3. Add the mushrooms and onions to the skillet and saute over medium heat until softened. Stir in cream, Dijon and salt/pepper. Cook until reduced slightly and thickened. Set aside to cool a bit. 4. Assemble the pastries. Cut each sheet of Puff Pastry into 4 equal squares. Divide the mushroom mixture between 4 squares. Top with turkey, bacon and Swiss cheese. Roll out each of the remaining Puff Pastry squares so they're a little bit larger (or just use your fingers to press and stretch them). Place the second piece over the top of each with filling. Use a fork to seal the edges to form "pockets." Brush each square with egg wash and use a knife to poke a few slits in the top for steam to escape while baking. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve immediately. Source: RecipeGirl.com

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Caramel Apple Trifle

Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter 4 cups chopped peeled tart apples (about 5 medium) 1 cup Diamond of California Chopped Walnuts 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, divided 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 jar (12-1/4 ounces) caramel ice cream topping, divided 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided 2 loaves (10-3/4 ounces each) frozen pound cake, thawed and cut into 1-inch cubes Additional apple pie spice, optional Directions In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the apples, walnuts, brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice. Cook and stir for 8-10 minutes or until apples are tender. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in 1/2 cup caramel topping and remaining apple pie spice. Fold in 2 cups whipped topping. In a 3-1/2-qt. trifle bowl or glass serving bowl, layer a third of the cake cubes, cream cheese mixture and apple mixture. Repeat layers twice. Garnish with remaining whipped topping and drizzle with remaining caramel topping. Sprinkle with additional apple pie spice if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Yield: 14 servings. Taste of Home

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Chicken & Broccoli {In The Slow Cooker}

2 cups white rice 1 quart organic chicken broth 1 onion chopped 4 cups fresh broccoli very coarsely chopped 2 chicken breasts 3-4 Tablespoons cold butter, sliced Salt, to taste 1/4 teaspoon rosemary 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 16 ounces sour cream 3-4 cups shredded cheddar cheese Lightly spray a large slow cooker crock. Pour in rice and chicken broth. Sprinkle with salt and stir. Layer onion, broccoli and chicken breasts. Sprinkle breasts with salt, rosemary and garlic powder. Place sliced butter over chicken breasts. Cover and cook on high for 4 1/2-5 hours until chicken breasts are cooked through. Remove chicken breasts and cut into bite-sized pieces. Add chicken back to crock as well as sour cream and cheddar cheese. Stir all together. Add more salt, if desired. http://myblessedlife.net/ I tried this and everything turned to mush! Won't try this again

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Garlic Honey Mustard Slow Cooked Ham

Ingredients: 9-10 pound precooked spiral cut ham, bone in 2 cups honey 1 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons minced garlic (I use jarred) Directions: Combine all ingredients except ham in your blender and pulse until well blended. Reserve one cup of glaze. Place ham in crock pot, flat side down. Slowly pour glaze over ham, making sure to get some between each spiral slice. Lift ham to get glaze underneath as well. Cook on low for 2 hours. Pour remaining glaze over ham and continue cooking on low for an additional 1 to 2 hours. Enjoy! http://blissfullydomestic.com/

Monday, November 4, 2013

Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole

Ingredients 3 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced (about 1.5 lbs. or 4 1/2 cups) 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp, cooled and crumbled 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 4 green onions, sliced (green parts only for low-FODMAP/low-fructose) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces Instructions Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9" x 9" baking pan or casserole dish. Spread half of the diced potatoes in bottom of pan. Place the diced chicken breasts evenly on top. Season chicken with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Sprinkle with half the bacon crumbles, 1/2 cup of the cheese, and half the green onions. Spread the remaining diced potatoes on top, followed by the remaining bacon, another 1/2 cup cheese, remaining green onions and another 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Pour heavy cream over top of casserole and then dot with the butter. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Uncover and bake another 30 minutes. In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and bake until melted. Serve. http://inspiredreamer.com/

Saturday, October 26, 2013

"Rotisserie" Chicken- Crock Pot Style

I made this yesterday for a potluck and it was devoured! Ingredients: 1 whole chicken Pam coooking spray Lawry's seasoned salt Optional: garlic, onions, fresh herbs Directions: Spray crockpot with cooking spray. Pat dry chicken & salt chicken all over. Place in crockpot, adding any optional items desired. Cook on high for 6 hours or on Low for 8-10 hours. Eat!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Cheesy Spinach and Bacon Bread

Ingredients 3 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped 1 can of seamless crescent roll dough 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1 heaping cup of fresh baby spinach Directions Preheat oven to 375 and spray a cooking sheet with non-stick spray. Roll crescent sheet out on to baking sheet. In a small bowl or glass measuring cup combine cream cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. Spread crescent roll dough with cream cheese mixture then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bacon. Top with a layer of spinach. Working on the long side of the dough roll the dough up. Place seam side down and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before cutting. Slice into 12 pieces. (Cutting too quickly will squish your bread.) Serve alone or with marinara or spaghetti sauce for dipping. http://fenlason.net/BrightShinyThings/

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Squash Carbonara

Tried this sample at Trader Joe's & it was amazing! Hope I can make it taste that good tonight! 1/2 large TJ's Spaghetti Squash 3 slices TJ's Applewood Smoked Bacon, cut into moderate-sized bits 1 clove TJ's Garlic, minced 1/2 cup TJ's Light Cream Cheese, cubed 3/4 cup TJ's Fresh English Peas 3/4 cup TJ's Milk 1/3 cup TJ's Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese Cook the squash: Use a sharp knife to cut squash in half lengthwise. Use a large table spoon to scrape out the seeds and string. Season with salt and pepper, place cut side up in a microwave safe dish and add about an inch of water to the bottom of the dish. Cover dish with cling wrap and microwave on high for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool enough to handle before unwrapping. Use a table fork to scrape squash from top to bottom to separate flesh into strands of "spaghetti." Prepare Sauce: Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. Pour off bacon drippings. Add garlic to pan and sauté until opaque, about 1 minute. Add milk, cream cheese and peas; simmer over very low heat until cream cheese is melted and mixture is well blended and heated through. Add more milk if too thick. Add squash and bacon; toss to coat. Sprinkle on Parmesan cheese and serve right away. Serves: 4 Cooking Time: 30 - 40 Minutes Trader Joe's

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Hot Bacon Cheese Dip Recipe

Ingredients 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, cubed 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup half-and-half cream 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dried minced onion 1 teaspoon prepared mustard 16 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled Tortilla chips or French bread slices Directions In a 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker, combine the first six ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until cheeses are melted, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, stir in bacon. Serve warm with tortilla chips or bread. Yield: 4 cups.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Apple Pie Spread

Ingredients: 1 (8 oz.) package of reduced-fat cream cheese, softened 1 Tbsp apple juice 2 Tbsp brown sugar ½ tsp cinnamon 1 medium red apple, chopped ¼ c pecans, chopped Crackers, butter flavored (such as Keebler Town House or Ritz) Beat cream cheese and juice on medium speed until fluffy. Beat in brown sugar and cinnamon. Sir in apple and pecans. Garnish as desired (thin apple slices, additional chopped pecans, etc.). Serve with crackers.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Toasted Almond Green Beans Recipe

INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup slivered almonds 3 tablespoons butter, divided 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin Two 14.5-ounce cans cut green beans, drained, preferably Del Monte Cut Green Beans Salt and pepper, to taste OR use equal amount of frozen beans DIRECTIONS Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add almonds; cook2 to 3 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently, being careful not to burn. Add 2 tablespoons butter, Worcestershire, lemon juice, and cumin. Cook until butter has melted, stirring constantly. Set almonds aside on separate plate. Melt remaining butter in same skillet over medium-high heat. Add beans, and cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; season with salt and pepper, if desired. Sprinkle almond mixture over beans. Toss and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Crock Pot Apple Butter

Makes a little more than 1 pint 1 dozen apples, peeled, cored, cubed 1/2 Cup Water 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon All Spice Step 1: Peel, Core, and Chop a dozen apples. I used apples from our trip to the Apple Orchard. I’m no apple expert, but these apples were more dense than the apples I typically buy in the grocery store. The flavor was great, but it took longer to break down in the Crockpot. Step 2: Toss the apples in the sugar and spices. Step 3: Put everything in the Crockpot, then [say it with me] Set It, and Forget It! anyone else remember that infomercial? After a few more hours on low, I bumped it to high and propped the lid. it cooked down and thickened quite a bit. Step 4: I suppose it’s optional, but I decided to blend the butter down smooth. You can eat it right out of the Crockpot, I did. I just took a spoon to the Crockpot and dove in, it was divine. However, for the finished product I wanted it smoother and pulled out my Magic Bullet since I don’t own an immersion blender. Then poured it into clean canning jars. So after 15 hours and a dozen apples picked right from the tree, I had 1 pint of delicious apple butter. I froze half the batch and have the other half in the fridge just waiting to be eaten…maybe straight from the jar. http://changingmydestiny.wordpress.com/

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Angel Food Cake with Strawberry Whipped Cream Frosting

1 box of Angel Food Cake Mix 1 packet of Knox Gelatin 16 oz container of Strawberries 1 pint container of Heavy Whipping Cream 3/4 to 1 cup of Powdered Sugar 1 tsp pure vanilla Make and bake angel food cake mix according to the box. While cake is baking, wash, cut, and dice strawberries. Take a potato masher and crush the strawberries until they're all the same texture. Add the box of gelatin to the strawberries, mix, and let set. In a medium size bowl, mix the heavy whipping cream with a mixer until formed. Add vanilla and then add powdered sugar to the whipping cream until desired taste. Add strawberries and gelatin mixture to whipped cream in 1/2 cup increments, fold into the whipping cream, and continue until all the strawberries are folded into the whipped cream. Place the strawberry whipped cream into fridge. Take angel food cake out of pan and place onto a cake stand or plate. Cut the cake horizontally in the middle, take off top layer and put onto a separate plate. Take strawberry whipping cream and frost the middle and exterior of the cake. Once done, add the second layer of cake on top and continue to frost the rest of the cake. Don't forget to frost inside the middle hole. Place back in refrigerator when done to help set the whipping cream. Enjoy! Note: This cake doesn't do extremely well in the heat. I recommend you to not let it sit out in the heat for a period of time because the frosting will start to melt and the cake will collapse frysauceandgrits.com

Maple Glazed Ribs

Ingredients 3 pounds pork spareribs, cut into serving-size pieces 1 cup maple syrup 3 tablespoons orange juice concentrate 3 tablespoons ketchup 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 garlic clove, minced 2 green onions, minced 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted Directions Preheat oven to 350°. Place ribs, meaty side up, on a rack in a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Cover pan tightly with foil. Bake 1-1/4 hours. Meanwhile, combine the next nine ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain ribs; remove rack and return ribs to pan. Cover with sauce. Bake, uncovered, 35 minutes or until meat is tender, basting occasionally. Sprinkle with sesame seeds just before serving. Yield: 6 servings. Taste of Home 2013

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese

Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 20 min Ingredients: SALAD: 8 cups chopped spinach (1 bag) 1 cup halved cherry or pear tomatoes 1/2 cup corn (frozen, canned, or cut off the cob) 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken 1 large avocado, sliced 1/3 cup crumbled goat or feta cheese 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts DRESSING: 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Directions: 1. Place spinach in a large salad bowl. add remaining salad ingredients. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour over the salad and toss (a little at a time... as much dressing as you desire).

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Meat Loaf (For the Crock Pot)

INGREDIENTS: 2 eggs 3/4 cup milk 2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs 2 teaspoons dried minced onion 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms or more, to taste 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 1/2 cup ketchup ¼ cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons ground mustard 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine eggs, milk, bread crumbs, onion, salt, sage, and mushrooms in a large bowl. Crumble ground beef over mixture and stir well to combine. Shape into a round loaf; place in a 5-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F (71 degrees C), 5 to 6 hours. 2. Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl; spoon sauce over meat loaf. Return to slow cooker and cook on Low until heated through, about 15 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. allrecipes.com

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Crock-Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 3-6 hours depending on setting Serves: 4-6 ingredients: 4-6 Frozen Boneless Chicken Breasts 1 Bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ Sauce 1 20oz can of Pineapple Chunks, drained directions: Place the frozen chicken breasts in the crock-pot, Add entire bottle of BBQ sauce, covering the chicken, Add drained can of Pineapple Chunks on top, Cover and cook: 2-3 hours on HIGH or 4-6 hours on LOW You can either serve this over white rice, or shred it and make sliders. YUM! http://adventuresnabbyland.com/

Saturday, July 20, 2013

BACON, CORN AND MASCARPONE TAGLIATELLE

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/3 pound lean, thick cut bacon or pancetta, diced 1 small onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped 4-6 ears fresh, sweet corn on the cob, kernels scraped 2 tablespoons thyme, chopped 1 cup chicken stock 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese Black pepper, espelette or cayenne pepper, to taste 1 pound egg tagliatelle or fettuccine Flat leaf parsley and chives, chopped Grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, for serving PREPARATION Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Heat the olive oil (two turns of the pan) over medium-high heat in large skillet; add the bacon and crisp. Remove to a plate; add the onion to the drippings and reduce the heat a bit. Cook to soften, then add the garlic, corn and thyme; cook until the corn just begins to lightly brown. Add the stock, bring to a bubble and reduce a minute or so. Stir in the mascarpone cheese and reduce the heat to low. Salt the boiling water and cook the pasta to al dente. Add a ladle of the starchy cooking water to the sauce, drain the pasta and add it to the pan. Toss vigorously with the corn sauce, bacon and a handful of cheese to combine and serve in shallow bowls with parsley and chives on top; pass extra cheese at the table. Serves 4 Rachael Ray

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Bacon, Avocado & Corn Salad

Yield: 6 small servings Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 15 min Ingredients: 5 strips thick-cut bacon 4 large ears corn, husks and silks removed 1/2 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro juice of 1 lime 1 large Hass avocado coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Directions: 1. Place a heavy skillet over medium heat. Arrange the bacon strips in the skillet and cook on both sides until the bacon is crisp, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to dry. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat from the skillet. 2. Cut the kernels off each cob by laying the cob flat on a cutting board and using a sharp knife to remove the kernels. Discard the cobs and transfer the kernels to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook the corn over medium-high heat until it is just slightly golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, crumble in the cheese, and add the cilantro and lime juice. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Roughly crumble the bacon into the corn mixture and toss to combine. 3. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise. Remove the pit from the avocado and discard. Remove the avocado from the skin, and cut the avocado into 1/2-inch pieces. Transfer the avocado to the skillet and toss. 4. Taste and season with salt and pepper before serving. Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate for later. Bring to room temperature before serving. recipegirl.com

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Cherry Cheesecake Dip

8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 cartons cool whip 2 cans cherry pie filling Graham crackers Marshmallow fluff 1.In a 13x9 pan (or 2-8x8 pans) crush one sleeve of the graham crackers & distribute oon the bottom of the pan. Do not pat down. 2.Mix together cream cheese & marshmallow fluff in a bowl. Add cool whip 1 tub at a time mixing thoroughly. Use a spoon or spatula, not a beater or mixer. 3.Using a clean spoon or frosting knife gently smooth the mixture to the outer corners of the dish (you will want to work from the outside in and make sure you are moving large amounts, the crumbs are not stuck to the bottom of the pan so you will need to work gently or you will end up mixing the crumbs in to your cheesecake dip. 4.Top with cherry pie filling. Use remaining graham crackers for dipping. http://shellythemomager.blogspot.com

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Brownie Batter Dip

Ingredients 8 oz CREAM CHEESE 1/2 cup BUTTER 2-3 cup POWDERED SUGAR -- varies by desired consistency 5 Tablespoons FLOUR 5 Tablespoons COCOA POWDER 2 Tablespoons BROWN SUGAR 3+ Tablespoons MILK -- varies by desired consistency 1 teaspoon VANILLA Dippers: Pretels, Graham Crackers, strawberries and anything else you can imagine! Instructions With a mixer, beat together the cream cheese and the butter. Add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and 1 tablespoon of milk until combined. Add the flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, vanilla and 1 more tablespoon of milk if needed. Beat until smooth. Add remaining powdered sugar and milk alternately until dip reaches your desired consistenc

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Pepperoni Chips

Watch out, these are addictive! Ingredients: 24 ounces pepperoni slices Directions: Line a Microwave-Safe Plate with several sheets of papertowel. Place the pepperoni slices in a single layer. Microwave for 30 - 60 seconds (depending on the wattage of your microwave). The pepperoni slices should be nice and crispy and most of the grease absorbed on the papertowels. If any in the center are not crispy looking and still feel soft, microwave more in 15 second increments.Mine took about 2 min total Salt if desired.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf

Serves: 6 Cooking Time: 55 min What You'll Need: • 2 pounds lean ground beef • 3 slices white bread, torn into small pieces • 2 eggs • 1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper • 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese • 2 scallions, sliced • 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided What To Do: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, bread, eggs, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until well blended. Place on a 12- x 16-inch piece of wax paper and pat firmly into a 10- x 12-inch rectangle. 3. In a small bowl, combine cheese and scallions; mix well. Sprinkle cheese mixture evenly over ground beef. Roll up jelly roll-style, starting from the short end, by lifting wax paper and removing the paper as you roll. Seal ends well. Place seam-side down in prepared baking dish. 4. Pour half of barbecue sauce over beef roll and bake 45 minutes. Remove from oven, pour remaining sauce over roll, and return to oven 10 to 15 minutes, or until no pink remains. Remove from oven and allow to stand 10 minutes. Slice and serve. MrFood.com

Saturday, June 8, 2013

PINEAPPLE CHEESE BALL

1-1/2 packages (12 oz) cream cheese 1 small can crushed pineapple (well drained) powdered sugar (to taste- approximately 2-3 Tbsp.) Green onion (optional-to taste, approximately 2 Tbsp.) Chopped ham (optional-to taste, approximately 2-3 Tbsp.) chopped pecans (about 1 cup worth) Combine all ingredients together. Mash into a ball and chill. Roll in crushed pecans. Refrigerate until served. Serve with crackers.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Green Grape Salad

INGREDIENTS: 4 pounds seedless green grapes 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream 1/2 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 ounces chopped pecans or almonds 2 tablespoons brown sugar DIRECTIONS: 1. Wash and dry grapes. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Add grapes and mix until evenly incorporated. Sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans, mix again and refrigerate until serving.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps

First & formost this weekend we celebrate Memorial Day and honor those who gave their lives so that we may be free. Memorial Day also kicks off BBQ & Grilling Season and here's a yummy recipe from Paula Deen! Even though this is for the oven, it adapts well for the grill. Prep Time:25 min Cook Time:30 min Level:Easy Serves:12 to 15 appetizer servings Ingredients • 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless, chicken breasts (about 4 breasts) • 1 (1-pound) package sliced bacon • 2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 2 tablespoons chili powder Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Wrap each chicken cube with bacon and secure with a wooden pick. Stir together brown sugar and chili powder. Dredge wrapped chicken in mixture. Coat a rack and broiler pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken wrap on rack in broiler pan. Bake 350 for 30 to 35 minutes or until bacon is crisp. If you want to ensure that your bacon is crisp, cook it partially in th microwave before wrapping

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Peanut Butter "Cheese Ball"

Ingredients: 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature 1 cup powdered sugar 3/4 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter (not all-natural) 3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar 1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate Morsels OR ¾ cup each chocolate & butterscotch morsels Graham cracker sticks and/or apple slices Directions: BEAT cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until blended. Spoon onto a large piece of plastic wrap; bring up all four corners and twist tightly (should form a ball shape). FREEZE for 1 hour 30 minutes or until firm enough to keep its shape. Place morsels in flat dish. Remove plastic wrap from ball and roll ball into morsels to completely cover (you may find it necessary to press morsels into ball). PLACE ball on serving dish; cover and freeze for 2 hours or until almost firm. (Can be made ahead. If frozen overnight, thaw at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.) Serve with graham cracker sticks and apple slices for dipping or spreading.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Cinnamon Baked French Toast

ingredients • 1 loaf stale bread • 8 whole eggs • 2 cups milk • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream • 3/4 cups sugar • 2 tablespoons vanilla • 1/2 cup flour • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1 stick cold butter, cubed • 1 cup chopped pecans or almonds directions 1. grease a 9 x 13 inch pan. 2. tear the bread into chunks and place them in the greased pan. 3. mix together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, nuts and vanilla. pour the mixture evenly over the bread. cover and refrigerate overnight. 4. in another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. add the butter and mix until the batter comes somewhat together, like little pebbles. store in a plastic bag in the fridge. 5. preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 6. take your pan with the soaking bread inside and sprinkle crumb mixture on top. 7. if you like soggier French toast, bake for 45 minutes. for a firmer and less liquid-y French toast, bake for an hour. 8. serve warm with maple syrup and butter, if desired.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Green Chile Sauce

INGREDIENTS: 12 corn tortillas vegetable oil for pan-frying 3 cooked boneless skinless chicken breast halves, shredded 10 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese 3/4 cup minced onion 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup sour cream 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained 2 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tortillas (one at a time) for 5 seconds on each side to soften and make them pliable. Add more oil to pan as needed. Drain between layers of paper towel and keep warm. 3. Divide chicken, 10 ounces of Monterey Jack cheese, and onion among the 12 tortillas. Roll up each tortilla and place seam side down in a greased baking pan. 4. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until mixture begins to boil. Slowly add the broth, stirring with a whisk until thickened. Mix in the sour cream and chiles, heat thoroughly but do not boil, stirring occasionally. Pour mixture over the enchiladas. 5. Bake in pre-heated oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining Monterey Jack cheese and bake for 5 more minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro. allrecipes.com

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Yield: 6 Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes Total Time: 1 Hour Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 6-ounce bag fresh spinach 1 14-ounce can quartered artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed, roughly chopped, and divided 4 ounces (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened 1 cup (4 ounces) Wisconsin Parmesan Cheese, shredded and divided 2 tablespoons shallots, minced 2 tablespoons garlic, minced and divided 1 12-ounce box whole wheat penne pasta 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons flour 2 1/2 cups milk 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup (4 ounces) medium Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese, shredded 1 cup (4 ounces) Wisconsin Havarti Cheese, shredded 1 tablespoon sriacha sauce Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. If using fresh spinach, heat olive oil in large sauté pan over medium heat, add spinach and wilt. Remove to plate to cool. Squeeze excess water from spinach. Set aside. In small bowl, combine half of drained spinach and half of chopped artichoke hearts. Stir in softened cream cheese and ½ cup Parmesan Cheese. Stir in shallots and 1 tablespoon garlic. Pour mixture into oven- safe baking dish and bake for 15 minutes or until the mixture is toasted on top and heated through. Remove from oven; cover to keep warm and set aside. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. In medium pot, melt butter and whisk in flour. Continue whisking vigorously over medium high heat until roux becomes golden brown. Add milk slowly, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking during each addition. Bring mixture to boil. Add mustard, pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic, remaining cheeses and sriacha sauce. Stir in reserved spinach and artichokes, mixing until evenly incorporated. Pour pasta into cheese mixture; mix to ensure all pasta is coated evenly. Plate and top with a generous spoonful of warm spinach and artichoke mixture. Serve and devour. countrycleaver.com

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Taco Stuffed Shells

Ingredients 1 lb. ground beef or turkey 1/4 cup taco seasoning, 1 envelope 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed 12 Jumbo Pasta shells, cooked according to package instructions 1 cup salsa 1 cup taco sauce 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded Jack cheese Optional Toppings: 1 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips 1 cup sour cream 3 green onions, chopped sliced olives guacamole sliced avocados tomatoes Directions 1. In a skillet brown meat over medium heat. Add taco seasoning and mix to combine. Add cubed cream cheese, cover and simmer so cream cheese can melt. Remove from heat and cool. 2. Fill cooked shells with about 1-2 T. of meat mixture. In a 9×13 glass baking dish pour salsa to coat the bottom of dish. Place filled taco shells on top then add taco sauce. Cover and bake @ 350 for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, uncover, and sprinkle cheese on top, return to oven for another 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with sour cream, and toppings of your choice. 3. Enjoy! Note: This is a recipe you may want to double because as long as you’re going to the effort of stuffing the shells you might as well double it and freeze half…..besides you will realize how amazingly delicious it is and you’ll regret not doubling it… http://saorganics.com/

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Cheese & Spinach Meat Loaf Muffins

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola 1/2 cup diced onion 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach 2 eggs 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a large muffin pan with cooking spray. 2. Combine ground beef, blue cheese, onion, bread crumbs, spinach, eggs, and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl until well blended. Divide meat mixture evenly into the prepared muffin pan. 3. Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, about 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Creamy White Chicken & Artichoke Lasagna

Ingredients 2 cups boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded 1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, chopped 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes 1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a Touch of PHILADELPHIA, divided 1/2 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 1 cup milk 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 cup basil, chopped 12 lasagna noodles, cooked Directions Heat oven to 350°F. Combine chicken, artichokes, tomatoes, 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan. Beat cream cheese, milk, and garlic powder with mixer until well blended; stir in 2 Tbsp. basil. Mix half with the chicken mixture. Spread half of the remaining cream cheese sauce onto bottom of 13×9-inch baking dish; cover with 3 noodles and 1/3 of the chicken mixture. Repeat layers of noodles and chicken mixture twice. Top with remaining cheese sauce and mozzarella; cover. Bake 25 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining basil

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Lemon Meringue Pie Dip

Ingredients: • 1-2 store-bought or homemade pie crust (amount depends on how much you dip and how much you eat with a spoon • 1 can sweetened condensed milk • 3 eggs, separated • 1/2 c. lemon juice (fresh is best!) • 3 tbsp. corn syrup (or sugar) • a pinch of cream of tartar Instructions: 1. Whisk together 3 egg yolks and lemon juice over medium-low heat*. Stir constantly until think and custard like (5-10, but closer to 5) minutes. 2. Pour into a ziptop bag, releasing all the air when you zip it, and put the bag into a small ice bath. 3. Meanwhile, toss the egg whites, corn syrup, and cream of tartar into a stand mixer, and whisk on high until stiff peaks form. 4. Once the egg yolk mixture has cooled (probably before your meringue is finished– it won’t take long), snip a corner of the bag and pour into a medium bowl. Whisk in the can of sweetened condensed milk. 5. Pour into your serving bowl if different. 6. Once the meringue is ready, heap and spread on top of the lemon filling 7. Put the bowl on a cookie sheet and into the oven. Broil for 1-2 minutes until meringue is slightly browned. Refrigerate to cool. 8. Cut out strips, circles, or other shapes from the prepared pie crust. Bake according to directions on package, but about half the recommended time. 9. By the time those have baked and cooled, your dip should be cool enough to enjoy!!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

I Won!

Yay! I'm officially an Award Winning Chef! We had a contest at work to make something healthy. There were 2 categories, Best Tasting & Most Unique and I won BOTH! I made a Cauliflower Cheesy "Bread" with a cauliflower crust & cheese. The cauliflower makes an amazing pizza crust that is carb-free & gluten-free and it tastes wonderful! Here's my recipe: Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe

Ingredients: 1 cup cooked, riced cauliflower 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1 egg, beaten 1 tsp Italian seasonings 1/2 tsp crushed garlic 1/2 tsp salt pizza sauce & toppings of your choice Directions: To rice the cauliflower, cut florets into chunks and pulse in a food processor until you see rice-like bits. You could also use a cheese grater to produce the tiny pieces. Do not over process, you don't want mush. Microwave the riced cauliflower in a bowl for 5-8 minutes depending on your microwave. No need to add water. One large head of cauliflower will yield about 3 cups of riced cauliflower. Use it to make more pizzas immediately, or store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray or use parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup riced, cooked cauliflower, 1 egg and your cheese. Next, add Italian seasonings, crushed garlic and salt. Making sure everything is well mixed, place your "dough" on the cookie sheet and pat out a 9" round. Be sure not to press it too thin as it's easy to create holes. Bake your dough at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Add sauce, cheese, and your favorite pre-cooked toppings to your pizza. Place pizza under broiler just until cheese is melted; be sure to keep an eye on it! Enjoy!

Saturday, March 23, 2013

EDIBLE BIRDS’ NESTS FOR EASTER

MAKES ABOUT 9 (3-INCH) NESTS 1 (7-ounce) jar, marshmallow crème 1/4 cup, creamy peanut butter 2 tablespoons, butter – melted 1 (5-ounce) can, chow mein noodles 1 cup, pastel M&M’s (or similar candy) Powdered sugar Pastel Peanut M&M’s (or similar, egg-shaped candy) In a mixing bowl, beat the marshmallow cream with the peanut butter and melted butter until mixture is smooth. Fold in (by hand) the chow mein noodles and the M&M’s. Chill the mixture until it firms and becomes easy to handle. Using about 1/3 cup of this prepared mixture for each nest, form about nine3-inch nests, and place them on a cookie sheet lined with waxed or parchment paper. Chill nests for at least 30 minutes. At serving time, dust the nests generously with powdered sugar (using a sifter or strainer for a light, powdery dusting), and place several Peanut M&M’s or other egg-like small candies in each nest. Variations: Another way to make nests – this time, using chocolate and coconut: Gently melt one package of chocolate chips, just until the chocolate can be stirred smooth. Remove from heat. Add stringy coconut (the larger the size of the shredded pieces of coconut, the better) to the melted chocolate until the mixture is thick enough to shape. Using a small spoon, form the mixture into small nest shapes, and place on wax paper or other non-stick material. Allow to cool (will become firm). Add a few small jelly beans to fill and decorate the nest, and maybe a marshmallow chick

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Irish Nachos

Cook time: 15 Min Prep time: 25 Min Serves: 4 to 6 Ingredients 5 potatoes, sliced thick with skin on 5 slices of bacon 1 c cheddar cheese, shredded 4 pickled jalapenos, sliced - (jar) 1/4 sweet onion, chopped 1 1/2 Tbsp seasoned salt 3/4 c corned beef, cooked and chopped vegetable oil, for frying TOPPINGS (optional): sour cream green onions, sliced tomatoes, chopped salsa additional jalapenos Directions 1. Fry potato slices in vegetable oil until golden & tender; drain paper toweling and sprinkle with seasoned salt. 2. Cook bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside; Add onion to bacon drippings, then cook until transparent and tender. 3. Layer potatoes on the bottom of an 8" or 10” cast iron skillet; add corned beef, crumbled bacon, onion, shredded cheddar cheese and jalapenos in that order. 4. Place under broiler for 10–15 minutes or until hot and delicious. 5. Finish with your choice of toppings and enjoy!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Peppermint Paddy Martini

Makes 4 servings. Prep Time: 5 minutes INGREDIENTS 8 ounces Irish cream liqueur 2 ounces crème de cacao liqueur 2 ounces vanilla vodka 2 ounces heavy cream 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Peppermint Extract Peppermint Whipped Cream, recipe follows (optional) DIRECTIONS 1. Fill cocktail shaker 1/3 full with ice. Add first 5 ingredients; shake until well mixed and chilled. Strain into martini glasses. 2. Top each with a dollop of Peppermint Whipped Cream, if desired. TIPS Peppermint Whipped Cream: Beat 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar and 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Peppermint Extract in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Makes about 2 cups. Test Kitchen Tip: Wet outside rim of martini glass with McCormick® Pure Peppermint Extract. Dip glass in coarse sugar to lightly coat.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

IRISH CAR BOMB CUPCAKES

yield: 24 cupcakes prep time: 40 minutes cook time: 17 minutes total time: 1 hour INGREDIENTS: For the Cupcakes: 1 cup Guinness stout 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature ¾ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups granulated sugar 1½ teaspoons baking soda ¾ teaspoons salt 2 eggs 2/3 cup sour cream For the Whiskey Ganache Filling: 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate 2/3 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature 2 teaspoons Irish whiskey For the Baileys Frosting: 2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature 5 cups powdered sugar 6 tablespoons Bailey's Irish Cream DIRECTIONS: 1. To Make the Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 24 cupcake cups with liners. Bring the Guinness and butter to a simmer in a heavy, medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Cool slightly. 2. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl to combine. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sour cream on medium speed until combined. Add the Guinness-chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and beat just to combine. Reduce the speed to low, add the flour mixture and beat briefly. Using a rubber spatula, fold the batter until completely combined. Divide the batter among the cupcake liners. Bake until a thin knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 17 minutes. Cool the cupcakes on a rack. 3. To Make the Whiskey Ganache Filling: Finely chop the chocolate and transfer it to a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream until simmering and pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for one minute and then, using a rubber spatula, stir it from the center outward until smooth. Add the butter and whiskey and stir until combined. Let the ganache cool until thick but still soft enough to be piped. 4. To Fill the Cupcakes: Using a 1-inch round cookie cutter (or the bottom of a large decorating tip), cut the centers out of the cooled cupcakes, going about two-thirds of the way down. Transfer the ganache to a piping back with a wide tip and fill the holes in each cupcake to the top. 5. To Make the Baileys Frosting: Using the whisk attachment of a stand mixer, whip the butter on medium-high speed for 5 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Reduce the speed to medium-low and gradually add the powdered sugar until all of it is incorporated. Add the Baileys, increase the speed to medium-high and whip for another 2 to 3 minutes, until it is light and fluffy. 6. Using your favorite decorating tip, or an offset spatula, frost the cupcakes and decorate with sprinkles, if desired. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container. (Recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen)

Saturday, March 2, 2013

FRENCH TOAST WITH STRAWBERRY BUTTER

Cook Time: 20 min Directions: Combine 1/2 cup butter, 1/3 cup powdered sugar and preserves in small bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Cover; refrigerate until serving time. Cut bread slices with a 2 1/2- to 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter. Combine half & half, eggs and vanilla in 9-inch pie plate; mix well. Dip 4 bread shapes into half & half mixture, turning to coat both sides; let stand 1 to 2 minutes. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in 10-inch nonstick skillet or griddle until sizzling; add coated bread. Cook over medium heat, turning once, until golden brown (3 to 4 minutes). Remove from skillet; keep warm. Carefully clean skillet with paper towel, if necessary. Repeat dipping remaining bread shapes into egg mixture. Melt remaining butter in skillet and cook bread as directed. To serve, lightly sprinkle hot French toast with powdered sugar; serve with Strawberry Butter. Bon Appetit!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Favorite Banana Bread

What You Need 2-1/4cups flour 1-1/2tsp. CALUMET Baking Powder 1/2tsp. baking soda 1pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1/4cup butter, softened 1cup sugar 1cup mashed fully ripe bananas (about 3) 2 eggs 1cup chopped PLANTERS Walnuts . Make It HEAT oven to 350°F. MIX flour, baking powder and baking soda. Beat cream cheese, butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add bananas and eggs; mix well. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in nuts. POUR into greased and floured 9x5-inch loaf pan. BAKE 1 hour 10 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 min.; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Hamburger Meal in One

Serves: 4 Cooking Time: 40 min What You'll Need: • 1 pound ground beef • 1/2 cup crushed butter-flavored crackers • 1/4 cup chili sauce • 2 large potatoes, thinly sliced • 1 large onion, thinly sliced • 2 green and/or red bell peppers, cut into 1-inch chunks • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 1 (10 ¾-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup What To Do: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a medium-sized bowl, combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, and chili sauce; mix well. Form into 8 patties and set aside. 2. Coat four 12- x 18-inch pieces of aluminum foil with cooking spray and top each one with equal amount of potatoes, onion, and green pepper. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over vegetables. 3. Place 2 beef patties over each pile of vegetables and top each with an equal amount of soup. Seal each foil packet and place on a large baking sheet. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink and vegetables are tender

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Birthday 59

Today is my birthday and I have had an amzing weekend with my wonderful husband. No recipes today. I have completed 2 years of recipes every day and I am done! I may post a recipe once a week, but I really want to try them all out.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

CHOCOLATE FONDUE CUPS

INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate pieces • 2/3 cup heavy cream • 2 tbsp. honey • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • 1 pkg. (10 ounces) Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Shells, prepared according to package directions • Assorted fresh fruit (strawberries, banana slices, kiwi slices, pineapple chunks and grapes)
DIRECTIONS 1. Heat the chocolate pieces, heavy cream and honey in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over low heat until the mixture is melted and smooth, stirring occasionally. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. 2. Spoon 1/4 cup chocolate mixture into each pastry shell. Serve with the fruit for dipping. 3. Recipe Note: You can serve the fruit with skewers or toothpicks to make dipping easier. 4. Easy Substitution: You may substitute orange, coffee or raspberry-flavored liqueur for the vanilla extract in this recipe. 5. Easy Substitution: Some other ideas for dipping include marshmallows, pretzel sticks, dried fruit and/or your favorite Pepperidge Farm® cookies

Friday, February 8, 2013

Strawberry & White Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

Ingredients • 1 box strawberry cake mix • 1 stick {8 Tbls} butter, melted • 1 egg • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 4 oz Neufchatel cheese {light cream cheese}, room temperature • 3/4 cup white chocolate chips • 3/4 c M&Ms
Instructions 1. Combine, butter, egg, vanilla, and cream cheese in a bowl. Mix together thoroughly. 2. Add cake mix, half of the box at a time, mixing until well combined. 3. Stir in chips and candies by hand. 4. Refrigerate for at least one hour and then roll dough into 1 inch balls. 5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 6. Place dough balls onto parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 9 minutes - you don't want the cookies to brown at all! Set a timer. 7. Let cookies cool on a baking sheet for several minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. 8. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for 4-5 days. 9. Makes 3 dozen cookies. http://www.momontimeout.com/2013/01/strawberry-white-chocolate-cake-mix-cookies/