Mint Sandwich Cookies

Ingredients:

1 can (16 oz. vanilla frosting)
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
3 to 5 drops green food coloring (optional)
72 butter-flavored crackers (we use Ritz crackers)
1 lb. dark chocolate candy coating, coarsely chopped

Directions:
In a bowl, combine the frosting, extract, and food coloring. Spread over half of the crackers; top with remaining crackers.

Place candy coating in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until smooth. Dip the cookies in coating. Place on waxed paper until chocolate is completely set. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Makes 3 dozen cookies.

Potato Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 C. shortening
2 eggs
2 C. flour, sifted
1 C. nuts, if desired
2 C. potato chips, crushed
1 C. sugar
1 C. brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt


Directions:
Cream together sugar, brown sugar, and shortening. Add eggs and mix well. Mix flour, salt and soda. Add to batter. Stir in potato chips and nuts. Make small balls and press on un-greased cookie sheet with floured fork, flatten each cookie. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Makes 4 dozen cookies.

One Cup of Everything Cookies

Ingredients:

1 C. butter softened
1 C. brown sugar
1 C. white sugar
1 C. peanut butter
1 C. chocolate chips
1 C. flour
1 C. oatmeal
1 C. raisins
1 C. pecans (chopped)
3 eggs
1 Tbsp. baking soda

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat margarine, both sugars, eggs, and peanut butter until creamy. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Drop by tablespoonfuls on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Makes approximately 9 dozen cookies.

Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole

found this here and can't wait to try it!!http://www.plainchicken.com/2011/11/chicken-rice-roni-casserole.html

Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole
1 box chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni

1 can cream of chicken soup (I use 98% fat-free)

1 cup sour cream (can use low fat)

3-4 cups cooked, chopped chicken (or 1 whole Rotisserie Chicken)

1 (6 oz) can French fried onions




Preheat oven to 350 F.




Prepare Rice-A-Roni according to package directions. Add soup, sour cream and chicken. Stir to combine. Spread rice mixture in a lightly sprayed 9x13 pan. Top rice with fried onions. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Hot Jello Punch

This can be kept in the fridge and reheated.

HOT PUNCH

2 small pkg black cherry Jello
2 small pkg lemon Jello
Dissolve Jello in 8 cups hot water.
Add 2 quarts apple juice and 1 large can pineapple juice
Keep hot in crock pot.

Chicken Pillows

Found this here http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/2010/08/chicken-pillows.html

1 can of 8 Pillsbury crescents
8 oz. block of cream cheese
1/4 cup butter
2-3 cups shredded chicken, cooked (I usually just buy a Rotisserie chicken and shred it up to make it even easier)
1 egg
saltine crackers, crushed




TOPPING

1 can cream of chicken
sour cream (a couple spoon fulls worth)
milk
shredded cheese


Preheat oven to 400 F

Soften 1/4 cup butter and 8oz. block of cream cheese. Then stir to a smooth consistency. Add cooked shredded chicken to the bowl.

Lay out the 8 crescents on a cookie sheet.

Stretch the crescent out. Place a couple spoon fulls of the creamy chicken mixture into the center of the crescent to fill it. Then fold the crescent around the mixture so that none of it is showing. I'll call this the "pillow"

In a separate smaller bowl, put the egg and a little bit of water, maybe a couple Tablespoons worth and beat together.

Dip the "pillow" into the blended egg.

After dipping into the blended egg, proceed to dip it into the crushed saltine crackers and place on cookie sheet. Repeat for the remaining 7 crescents.

Cook the pillows at 400 F for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them your oven might cook them quicker.


For the sauce topping:

Put can of cream of chicken and milk into a sauce pan. Add as much milk as you want to get it to the consistency you want i.e. thicker or runnier. When hot enough add 2 spoon fulls of sour cream and cheese to your liking.

Sunrise Breakfast Casserole

this recipe is adapted from this recipe http://www.johnsonville.com/recipe/sunrise-casserole.html
WHAT YOU NEED
2 pkgs. (12 oz. each) Johnsonville® Breakfast Sausage Links
9 large eggs
3 cups milk
1-1/2 tsp. ground mustard
1 tsp.salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 pkgs.(20 oz. each) Ore-Ida country style potatoes (thawed)
2 cups (8 oz. each) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup sweet red pepper, diced small
1/3 cup green onions , thinly diced

salsa or picante sauce (optional)

PREPARATION
Place sausage on a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.
Bake at 375˚F for 15-20 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, turning once; drain and slice into 1/4-in. coins.
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper.
Add the hash browns, sausage, cheese, sweet red pepper and green onions; mix well.
Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish.
Cover and refrigerate overnight or not!! .
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
Bake, uncovered, at 350˚F for 65-70 minutes or until set and golden brown.
Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve with salsa or picante sauce if desired.

Potato Chip Cookies

Found these here...love the sweet and salty taste http://thestir.cafemom.com/food_party/129316/potato_chip_cookies


Makes 30 cookies.

Ingredients:

•1 cup butter or margarine, softened
•1/2 cup sugar
•3/4 cup crushed ridged potato chips
•1/2 cup ground pecans
•1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•2 cups all-purpose flour
Directions:

•In a mixing bowl, combine butter and sugar. Stir in potato chips and pecans. Add vanilla; mix well.
•Stir in flour just until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball.
•Shape into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Flatten with a glass dipped in flour.
•Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
For extra fun, drizzle melted chocolate on the finished product or sprinkle with powered sugar. Yum yum yum!

The Party Apricot Bars

1 C. Dried Apricots
1 C. Sifted All Purpose Flour
1/3 C. Granulated Sugar
1/2 C. Uncooked Rolled Oats
1/2 Butter
1/3 Sifted Flour
1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
1/4 Tsp Salt
2 Eggs well beaten
1 C. Packed Brown Sugar
1 Tsp Almond Extract
1 C. Flaked Coconut and Extra Coconut for topping

In saucepan simmer apricots in water to cover for 10 mins. Drain and set aside to cool.

Combine sugar, 1 C. Flour and the rolled oats. With pastry blender cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.

Press the mixture into a greased 9x9x2 inch pan making sure mixture comes up on sides as well as bottom. Bake @ 350 for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile cut apricots into small pieces. Shift the 1/3 cup flour with baking powder and salt. Into well beaten eggs gradually blend in the brown sugar and almond extract. Stir in the flour mixture, aprictos and cocoanut. Spread this mixture carefully over the hot baked shell and sprinkle top with extra cocoanut. Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes more and let cool and cut into bars.

I usually let the bars get almost completely cold before cutting. If cut too soon the filling tends to fall apart.

Cream Cheese Pastry Dough

found this on the Martha Stewart site... http://www.marthastewart.com/341164/cream-cheese-pastry-dough

For a novice baker, this is the most forgiving dough to work with. The cream cheese allows this pastry some elasticity but still produces tender and flaky results.

Yield: Makes 10 pocket pies or 1 double-crusted 10-inch pie

Ingredients
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons, plus more for rolling out the dough
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
Directions
1.Process the butter, cream cheese, and cream in a food processor, electric mixer, or by hand to thoroughly combine.

2.Add the flour and salt. Process just until combined and the dough holds together in a ball. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Divide into 2 pieces. Flatten into disks and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. If the dough is chilled overnight, take it out 15 minutes before rolling out.

3.Rub flour all over a rolling pin. Working with one dough disk at a time, place the disk on a clean, well-floured surface. Applying some pressure with the rolling pin, roll gently from the center of the dough to the top and bottom edges. Rotate the disk and roll to the top and bottom edges again. Reflour the work surface and rolling pin, turn the dough over, and continue to roll the dough from the center out to the edges. Turn over and roll again, rotating the disk to ensure even rolling until the dough is about 12 inches in diameter, thin but not transparent.

7UP Biscuits (Just like Popeye's chicken biscuits)

Found this recipe here and I have made them they are WONDERFUL!!!

http://www.plainchicken.com/2010/04/7up-biscuits.html

2 cups Bisquick
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup 7-up (or any lemon lime soda)
1/4 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 450.
Cut sour cream into biscuit mix, add 7-Up. Makes a very soft dough.

Sprinkle additional biscuit mix on board or table and pat dough out about 1"thick, don't work the dough very much. Cut biscuits with a sharp biscuit cutter or cookie cutter don't use a glass or the biscuits won't rise very well. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a 9 inch square pan. Place cut biscuits in pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Pineapple and Cheese Casserole

Pineapple and Cheese Casserole


Drain 2 20oz. cans of chunk pineapple reserving the juice
Place pineapple in a bowl add half the reserved juice
Add 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese and mix together.
In seperate bowl mix 1 cup sugar and 6 Tbsp. Self rising four. Add to pineapple and mix
Place in a 2 qt. casserole dish.
Top with 1 1/2 cups of crushed Ritz
Melt 1 stick of butter and pour over casserole
Cook for 30 min. in a preheated oven at 350*

Pumpkin Pie Bars

I have had this recipe since the early 70's. I was pregnant with my son the first time I made it...I just found it again in my recipe box, I might have to make this for Thanksgiving!!

1 box of yellow cake mix
1/2 cup melted butter
3 eggs
3 cups canned pumpkin pie filling
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 teasp Cinnamon
1/4 cup butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease bottom of a 9x13 cake pan

Pour 1 cup of dry cake mix into a medium bowl and set aside

Combine remaining cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 egg, Mix well and press into the bottom of the 9x13 pan

Combine pumpkin pie filling, 2 eggs and milk in a medium bowl, mix until smooth. Pour evenly over crust in the 9x13 pan.

pour the sugar and cinnamon into the bowl containing the 1 cup of cake mix, cut in the butter until mixture looks crumbly, Sprinkle over the pumpkin filling

Bake for 45to 50 minutes or until knife inserted into center comes out clean.

Let cool before cutting
serve with whipped cream!!

Bread for Dummies: Super Easy Yeast Bread Recipe

found this here...might have to try this for Thanksgiving!http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/bread-for-dummies/

Seriously, this is a bread recipe that you can’t goof! As long as your yeast is good you can add something extra, take something away only use a partial amount of an ingredient, make substitutions, this bread tastes good no matter what! There is nothing I love more than yummy fresh baked bread.



Ingredients:

■2 cups of water (warm, it should feel like the bath tub)
■2/3 cups of oil
■1/2 cup of sugar
■1 tablespoon of yeast
— let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

■1 egg
■6 cups of flour
— knead until elastic.

■1/2 teaspoon of salt
— knead a tiny bit more, then cover the dough ball with plastic wrap. Let rise to double in size, then form into rolls, loaves, pizza dough, whatever. Start the oven at 350-400, while it is preheating let the bread re-rise. Bake till golden brown.

Variations:

■Add a knife-full of molasses to the warm water. Your bread will have a fuller flavor.
■Roll the bread out like a square pizza and coat with butter and then sprinkle heavily with cinnamon and sugar, or garlic, or grated some cheddar cheese over the dough, or even layer with lunch meat and onion, roll the dough and slice for rolls.
■Substitute a cup of potato flakes in the flour. Yummy, potato bread.

Pierogi Casserole

"Full of flavor, this pierogi-layered casserole is nothing short of rich and hearty. It's a wonderful change from the usual humdrum casserole."

Original Recipe Yield 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients

5 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 pound bacon, diced
1 onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Place the potatoes in a large pot with water to cover over high heat. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender. Remove from heat, drain, then combine with the milk and 6 tablespoons of butter, mash and set aside.

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Saute the bacon, onion and garlic in the butter for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked.

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions and cool under running water.

Place 1/2 of the mashed potatoes into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top this with 1/3 of the cheese, followed by a layer of lasagna noodles. Repeat this with the remaining potatoes, another 1/3 of the cheese and a layer of noodles. Then arrange the bacon, onion and garlic over the noodles, then another layer of noodles, and finally top all with the remaining cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with sour cream and chopped fresh chives.

Brown Sugar Pie

Can't wait to try this!!! gotta LOVE brown sugar http://asoutherngrace.blogspot.com/2009/12/playing-favorites.html


the appearance of the pie that comes out of the oven isn’t always predictable. Sometimes it can be runny, while other times it sets up just perfectly. Sometimes there are pock-marks along the surface, while other times it’s completely crater-less.

Regardless of how it looks, though, one thing remains constant—the flavor. A thin thick slice of this sweet treat is a welcome and fitting conclusion to any meal.



3 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup margarine, melted and slightly cooled
3 eggs, beaten well
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup milk
2 regular 9-inch pie crusts or 1 deep-dish pie crust

Prepare the pie crusts per package instructions, or make up your own favorite dough.
In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and salt. Be sure to break up any clumps of brown sugar. In a smaller bowl, mix together the melted margarine, beaten eggs, vanilla, and milk; beat well. Add this wet mixture to the brown sugar mixture and blend very well with a handheld mixer. Pour into the pie crust(s) and bake at 350F for about 30 minutes for a regular crust, 60-70 minutes for a deep-dish crust, or until set (just a wee bit wobbly) in the middle. Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

Instant oatmeal (cheaper than store bought)

found this here...I need to make some of this http://chickensintheroad.com/farm-bell-recipes/instant-oatmeal/




Servings: equal to 16 packets

Prep Time: 5 min
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp allspice
4 cups instant oats

Directions
Mix brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice together in a bowl.

Grind 2 cups quick oats. I used my spice grinder in 1/2 cup intervals.

Mix the 2 cups ground oats and 2 cups quick whole oats in with the brown sugar mixture.

To make a bowl of oatmeal:
Use 1/3 cup flavored instant oatmeal with 1/2 – 2/3 cup hot milk or water. This, of course, is your preference, depending on how you like it. I mix the 2 together and put in the microwave for 90 seconds.

Add in some dried or fresh apples or bananas if you’d like. Or some raisins! Or some jam! Now, it’s all up to you what flavor oatmeal you have.

Warm Bean Dip

Saw this recipe here need to make this soon!http://www.thecountrycook.net/2011/01/warm-bean-dip-and-party-food-highlights.html


Ingredients:
2 cans (16 Oz) Refried Beans
1 can (10.5 Oz) Diced Tomatoes (see notes)
1 Tablespoon Taco Seasoning
4 cups Shredded Colby-jack Cheese (see notes)


Directions:
Preheat oven to 325F degrees.
Drain excess juice from tomatoes using a strainer.
In a medium bowl, combine refried beans, drained tomatoes, taco seasoning and 2 cups of cheese.
Spray an 8×8 baking dish with nonstick spray. Pour combined ingredients into dish and spread around evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until thoroughly heated through. Add remaining cheese on top of dip and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve warm with your favorite tortilla chips.


Cook’s Note: This is the basic recipe but you can definitely turn up the heat and flair with this. Use a can of tomatoes with diced green chiles (like Rotel) to turn up the heat or try using Pepper Jack cheese. Also, try spreading an 8 ounce block of softened cream cheese on the bottom of the dish first before spreading the bean dip on top. Throw in a small can of diced olives and you have a warm dip that is similar to a 7 layer dip. This dip still tastes great when it has cooled.

7up Biscuits ( like Popeye Chicken's biscuits)

found this recipe here...they sound delish!! http://www.plainchicken.com/2010/04/7up-biscuits.html
I made these and they are difinately just like Popeye's biscuits!!! when you pat them..leave them a little thick 1" to 1 1/2 thick...I made mine too thin but they were still goos...I also brushed the tops with melted butter!!!! my oh my...are they ever good!

2 cups Bisquick
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup 7-up
1/4 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 450.
Cut sour cream into biscuit mix, add 7-Up. Makes a very soft dough.

Sprinkle additional biscuit mix on board or table and pat dough out. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a 9 inch square pan. Place cut biscuits in pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

White Trash Dip

found this here...can't wait to try it!! http://mykitchenapron.blogspot.com/2011/08/white-trash-dip.html


White Trash Dip

1 can chili (15 oz)
2 packages cream cheese (8 oz ea), softened
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 lb. bacon
4 green onions, chopped
1 tsp red pepper flakes
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook bacon. Crumble.
Mix together chili, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions in a large bowl.
Spread mixture into a pie pan.
Cook for 20 minutes in a 250 degree oven.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Serve with chips.

Jalapeno Poppers

found this here....they look soooo yummy! http://aisletoaloha.blogspot.com/2011/01/pop-em-like-theyre-hot.html


You will need a can of Pillsbury Crescent dough, cream cheese, 2-3 fresh jalapeños, and bacon (if you want... I always want bacon.) Oven pre-heated to 350 degrees F.

Chop the jalapeños into small pieces. Clean out the seeds. Don't stick your fingers in your eyes or mouth for the rest of the day.

Cut the bacon into pieces and then cook it up. I usually cut it up first cuz then you have nice, neat pieces and it doesn't get too crumbly. Just watch it so it doesn't burn. Unless you like burnt bacon. But that's weird.

Roll out your dough. It's perforated into triangles, but I cut each triangle in half with a pizza cutter and do one popper on each half. Does that make sense?. You can do it without cutting the crescents in half, and they'll just be a little bigger than bite size.


Layer a small dollop of cream cheese, a piece or two of jalapeño, and bacon.

Bring the corners of the dough together and twist them together at the top. Press the edges of the dough together so the insides don't gush out.

Bake 10-15 minutes at 350 and munch away!

Cheesy Zucchini Rice

found this here...love this combination!! http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/2011/10/cheesy-zucchini-rice.html


1 1/2 cups water
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium zucchini, grated on the large holes of a cheese grater
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
salt and pepper

Combine the water and rice in a medium saucepan. Stir gently and briefly to incorporate. Bring to a rolling boil then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Turn off the heat, then add the butter and zucchini to the pan. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir to incorporate, then mix in the cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Crispy Oven-Roasted Potatoes

found this recipe here...sounds really yummy!! http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/2011/10/crispy-oven-roasted-potatoes.html

Crispy Oven-Roasted Potatoes
from The Best of America's Test Kitchen 2011

2 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 5 medium), rinsed and cut into 1/2-inch rounds
5 tablespoons olive oil
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 450 F. Place a rack in the lowest position in the oven and place a large, rimmed baking sheet on it.

Combine the potato rounds and 1 tablespoon of salt in a large pot and add cold water to cover by 1 inch. Set over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and continue cooking until the edges of the potatoes have softened, but the centers offer resistance when you insert a paring knife, about 5 minutes. Drain the potatoes and transfer to a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of the oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt then use a rubber spatula to toss. Add another 2 tablespoons of oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt then toss again - don't be gentle, you want to vigorously toss the potatoes until the outside of the slices are coated with a starchy paste, which should take 1-2 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle it with the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the potatoes to the baking sheet, spread in an even layer (skin side up for end pieces). Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the bottoms of the potatoes are golden brown and crisp. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the potatoes using a metal spatula. Return to the oven and continue cooking until the second side is golden and crisp, about 10-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving

Crock pot apple butter

For standard size crock pot, adjust for small or huge one.
12-14 apples (I do enough to fill my pot)
2 cups apple juice or cider

Wash, core, peel and slice apples. Put in crock pot, cover and cook on low 10-14 hours. I start mine before bed and finish the next day.

When fruit is tender, mash with potato masher or whisk. Measure amount of cooked fruit and put back into crock pot. For EACH 2 cups cooked fruit add:
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. cloves

Stir well, cover and cook on high for an additional 6-8 hours, stirring every two hours. After 3 hours, remove lid and continue to cook uncovered so butter will thicken. Spoon into hot jars and process in hot water bath. ( I did mine for 20 minutes, adjust to where you live. You can also just put into freezer jars and freeze!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

3 frozen chicken breasts
1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup salsa
1 package taco seasoning
1 can black beans
1 can mild green chilis

Add everything to crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours. Remove chicken after 8 hours and shred. Return shredded chicken to soup and serve with cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips if desired.

Brown Sugar and Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin

found this one here
http://www.candcmarriagefactory.com/2011/01/brussel-sprouts-with-bacon-and-walnuts.html

This was a cinch to make and seriously delicious. It made a fabulous meal served with Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Walnuts.


Ingredients:
1 (2 pound) boneless pork loin
1 teaspoon ground sage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 cup water


Glaze
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce


Directions:
Combine sage, salt, pepper and garlic. Rub over roast. Place in slow cooker with 1/2 cup water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. About 1 hour before roast is done, combine ingredients for glaze in small sauce pan. Heat and stir until mixture thickens. Brush roast with glaze 2 or 3 times during the last hour of cooking. Serve with remaining glaze on the side.

Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Walnuts

Found this here and can't wait to try it! http://www.candcmarriagefactory.com/2011/01/brussel-sprouts-with-bacon-and-walnuts.html

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon walnut oil (or oil of your choice, or apple cider)
4 slices thick cut bacon
1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and shredded (you can use the shredding blade on a food processor)
1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts
kosher salt, to taste
fresh ground black pepper, to taste


Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, and oil; set aside.


In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, cut or crumble into pieces, and set aside. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of drippings in pan (if there aren’t enough drippings to equal 2 tbsp, add a little butter or oil).


Heat drippings over medium-high then add shredded brussels sprouts. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until just tender. Remove from heat and stir in bacon, walnuts, and dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.


Servings: 4

Comeback Sauce

found this recipw here http://syrupandbiscuits.com/comeback-sauce/


Ask anyone from Mississippi if they know about Comeback Sauce and they will look at you shocked for even asking the question. Of course, everyone in Mississippi knows about Comeback Sauce. Even if you’ve never heard the name, you probably know it, too. The sauce that’s served by the steak house chain made famous by the onions that bloom, is reminiscent of Comeback Sauce. Chances are you’ve had it on a burger or sandwich at a new age sandwich shop. It’s a versatile sauce that also makes a great salad dressing. The origins are debated, but most attribute the sauce to a Greek immigrant who settled in Mississippi after WWII.

Most recipes agree on the proportions of mayonnaise to ketchup to chili sauce and heavy on the black pepper. After that, the amounts of all the other ingredients are up for grabs.

I will be serving mine tonight with Salmon Patties. It is good on EVERYTHING, except Cheerios.

Here’s my version that makes a pint jar full.

1 cup Duke’s mayonnaise (one of my Favorites)

1/4 cup Heinz ketchup

1/4 cup chili sauce

1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

1/4 cup light olive oil

juice of one lemon

Mix all ingredients well and store in refrigerator overnight. It needs to sit to let the flavors become “acquainted”. They shouldn’t rush into marriage.

Biscuits that can't be beat

found this here http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/09/30/the-biscuit-recipe-that-cant-be-beat/?hpt=ea_r5

Biscuits
Makes 10 to 12 biscuits

Ingredients

•2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
•1 tablespoon baking powder
•1 teaspoon granulated sugar, plus more to taste
•1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
•8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold (1 stick)
•3/4 cup half-and-half or buttermilk
Cooking Directions

1.Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and grease a baking sheet or cast-iron skillet.
2.Mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.
3.Cut the stick of butter into pieces and work it into the flour mixture with your hands or pastry blender until it resembles pea-size crumbs. Add the half-and-half or buttermilk, mixing until the dough is a bit loose and sticky.
4.Pour the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for a minute. Dough should be smooth and no longer wet. You can sprinkle more flour on the surface if you find it's sticking. Make the dough into a ball and hit it with a rolling pin, turning it and folding it in half every few whacks. Do this for a couple of minutes.
5.Roll out the dough until it's 1/4 of an inch think, then fold it in half. Using a round biscuit cutter (you can use a glass or a cup if you don't have a biscuit cutter), cut out the biscuits from the folded dough. Place on a greased baking sheet or in a cast-iron skillet close together, about 1/8 of an inch apart (so they rise up not out), and bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.

NOTE: If you don't want to roll and cut them out, after kneading and beating the dough you can drop the dough onto the baking sheet with a spoon. They're not as symmetrical (dropped biscuits are also known as cat-head biscuits), but they're no less delicious.

Rachael Ray's Brown Butter and Black Pepper Gnocchi

found this on Rachael's website www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/meat-and-potatoes-meal

use this in the Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi soup recipe on this blog also


Ingredients
1 3/4 to 2 pounds (2 large) starchy potatoes, such as Russet
A couple of pinches of fine sea salt
A few grates of nutmeg
About 1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg

Preparation

For the Gnocchi:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and boil potatoes in their skins to tender, 40-45 minutes. Turn off heat, remove potatoes and reserve water. Cool potatoes a few minutes until just cool enough to touch but still hot.


Quarter potatoes and scrape away skins with sharp paring knife. Mill the potatoes into a crumbly mash with fork tines or run them through a ricer onto a work surface. Make a well in the potatoes and let cool completely. Season with fine sea salt and nutmeg, and spread flour around the potatoes. Add egg to the well and begin to mix into potatoes

Once incorporated fully, gently kneed potato dough for a few minutes then cut into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a 1-inch dowel then cut gnocchi with a small sharp knife. Press gnocchi with the tines of a fork to create ridges.

Return reserved water to a boil. Drop gnocchi and cook until they float

Remove with a slotted spoon and toss simply with brown butter and cheese, pesto or red sauce of choice.
Gnocchi freezes well: Toss uncooked gnocchi with a drizzle of oil and arrange in a single layer, so they lie flat in freezer-safe plastic food storage bag


For the Brown Butter and Black Pepper Gnocchi
Salt
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds gnocchi, homemade or store-bought
6 to 8 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
About 1 round teaspoon coarse black pepper
Freshly grated Pecorino cheese, to taste

Delicious Caramel Dipping Sauce

found this recipe at www.asouthernfairytale.com

Ingredients

3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/3 cup butter
2/3 cup whipping cream
Instructions

1.In a medium saucepan combine sugars, syrup and butter.
2.Cook over medum heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a full boil, about 5 – 6 minutes.
3.Remove from heat and cool 5 minutes.
4.Stir in whipping cream.
5.Pour into a jar and store in refrigerator. It will thicken when cold.

Rustic Apple Strudel

Another really good recipe from www.SouthernPlate.com go check out her other recipes...
\
Rustic Apple Strudel


Ingredients

1 Puff Pastry sheet (1/2 of a package)
1/2 stick margarine, melted
3 T granulated sugar
1 T all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp allspice
2-3 large granny smith apples, peeled and sliced (I used frozen ones)
Confectioners' sugar (optional - we used ice cream instead :)
Instructions

0.Remove one puff pastry sheet from the package and let sit at room temperature until thawed, about a half hour or so. Place on floured surface and roll out just a bit with floured rolling pin. In medium bowl, place sliced apples and add flour, 3 T sugar, and spices. Stir well to coat apple slices entirely. Spoon apples down the center of your puff pastry sheet. Fold over sides and press seams to seal. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with a little bit of sugar.
1.Place on baking sheet and bake at 375 for twenty minutes, or until golden

Pumpkin Bread (3 loaves)

Pumpkin Bread
Makes 3 loaves

3 cups canned pumpkin puree or one large can
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
4 cups white sugar
6 eggs
4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking
powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground
cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground
nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 9x5 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin, oil, sugar, and eggs. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; stir into the pumpkin mixture until well blended. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The top of the loaf should spring back when lightly pressed.

Stovetop Pork Carnitas

found this recipe at www.theclothesmakethegirl.com


Ingredients:

3-4 lbs. pork shoulder, boneless or bone-in
1/2 cup lime juice
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 heaping (!) tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon sea salt
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions:

1. Cut the pork shoulder into a few large chunks. You don’t want them bite-sized; I make mine about 3-4 inches.

2. Mix cumin, garlic powder, sea salt, and the two peppers together in a small bowl. Place the pork chunks in a plastic container with a lid or a Ziploc bag. Pour in the spice blend, then toss the bag vigorously until the chunks are completely coated on all sides.

3. Place the pork in a large, deep pan. Pour the lime and lemon juice into the bottom, then add water to just cover the meat.

4. Turn heat to high and bring the water to a rip-roaring boil. You want big bubbles! When it’s rolling, turn the heat to a simmer. Keep the pan uncovered. You want it bubble a fair amount, but not be a roiling boil. While it’s cooking, it will look like uninspired soup. Do not be discouraged!Essentially, you’re waiting for the water to evaporate from the pan, but while the water is evaporating, the powerful acidic qualities of the lime and lemon juice are tenderizing the meat. Yay, science!

5. At about the 2-hour mark, check the pot. The water should be much lower and maybe even almost gone. Now things get interesting… allow all the water to cook out of the pan and watch as the meat magically fries and carmelizes. It is a thing of beauty. But seriously, you need to watch it at this point.

6. Carefully turn the hunks of meat – without shredding them – to brown all sides, then remove the hunks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before eating

Pumpkin roll

Ingredients:
•3 Eggs
•1 cup Sugar
•2/3 cup Pumpkin
•1 teaspoon Lemon juice
•3/4 cup All-purpose flour
•1 teaspoon Baking powder
•2 teaspoons Cinnamon
•1 teaspoon Ginger
•1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
•1/2 teaspoon Salt
•.
•Filling:
•8 ounces Cream cheese -- softened
•4 tablespoons Butter -- or margarine
•1 cup Powdered sugar
•1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

Preparation:

In large bowl, combine eggs and sugar, beating with an electric mixer until thick and light yellow in color. Add pumpkin and lemon juice, mixing until blended.
In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, spices and salt. Add to egg mixture, mixing well. Spread batter into greased and waxed-paper lined 10-by-15-inch jelly-roll pan.

Bake at 350 ° for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Cool for 15 minutes. Place cake on clean tea towel sprinkled liberally with powdered sugar. Cool 10 minutes longer. From 10- inch side, roll cake up in towel. Set aside.

While cake is cooling in towel, prepare filling. Beat together cream cheese and butter; stir in powdered sugar and vanilla and blend until smooth.
Unroll cake. Evenly spread filling over cake. Roll up cake (without the towel). Wrap in plastic wrap. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Slice before serving. Keep leftover slices refrigerated. This pumpkin roll freezes well.
..

Grandma’s Sugar PoPs!

found this one at www.howdoesshe.com you can find the tutoria;l there...can't wait to try it!!

2 smaller bags or one large bag puffed corn (Chesters)- also called hulless popcorn. Put in a big soup or roasting pan and warm in oven while you make the syrup (this helps the sugar syrup coat better when it is ready to pour over the top)

Syrup:
4 sticks butter (2 cups)
2 cups sugar
4 Tbls. water (grandma says this helps the butter not burn on the bottom)

Bring to a low boil and boil softly for 7 minutes.
Turn off heat, then add 1 tsp. vanilla (grandma likes to dump a little more for good measure.:)

Take puffs out of the oven and pour syrup over puffs while stirring
pour and stir, pour and stir until they are all evenly coated.
Then dump out on wax paper.

Let dry over night, if you can wait that long…we couldn’t! They will get crunchier and meltier (new word:) as they dry.

Caramel Apple Jam

Ingredients:
6 cups diced peeled apples (1/8 inch cubes)
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon butter
1 (1.75 ounce) package powdered fruit pectin
3 cups sugar
2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:
1. In a large kettle, combine the apples, water and butter. Cook and stir over low heat until apples are soft. Stir in pectin and bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Add the sugars, cinnamon and nutmeg and return to a rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
2. Remove from the heat and skim off any foam. Ladle hot jam into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Adjust caps. Process for 10 minutes in a boiling-water bath

Peanut Butter Bark

found this one here can't wait to try it!www.chameleongirls.blogspot.com
This is such an effortless treat.
You only need 3 ingredients and about 10 minutes.


1 pound white chocolate bark (or white chocolate chips)
1/2 cup peanut butter (your choice of crunchy or smooth)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Melt white bark in microwave safe bowl for 2 minutes mix well, if not all the way melted put back into microwave for 15 seconds stiring smooth (for up to 1 minute longer). Once all the way smooth add peanut butter and until well blended.
Pour onto a foil-lined baking sheet and spread thin.
Melt chocolate chips in microwave for 30 seconds until chips are mixed smooth. If needed melt in 10 second intervals
(make sure not to over heat).
Drizzle chocolate over peanut butter mix.





Swirl with end of spoon or toothpick.



Freeze for 5 minutes or until set
Crack into small pieces.

Potato Chip Cookies

Salty Plus Sweet Plus Crunchy—a Delicious Combination With a Retro Flavor!

Cooking Time: Bake 10 to 15 minutes

Ingredients:
2-1/2 cups potato chips*, crushed (measure after crushing)
1/2 cup C&H Pure Cane Golden Brown Sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup C&H Pure Cane Granulated Sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup pecans or roasted peanuts, chopped

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine sugars, egg, milk, and vanilla and whisk together to combine in medium mixing bowl. In small bowl, stir together flour and baking powder to combine. Add dry ingredients to batter, then mix in the potato chips and nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space for the cookies to spread. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

* Thin, crispy potato chips work best. Avoid low-salt or flavored varieties.


Serving Size: 3 dozen cookies

crock pot chicken & rice

another good crockpot recipe..found here forkinit.blogspot.com

ingredients:


2-4 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese (let sit out to soften)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pkg. italian dressing seasoning (the dried kind in the packet)
rice

stir the cream cheese, cream of chicken, and seasoning together in the crockpot. i actually start it on low and let them sit in there for about 30 min so the cream cheese is softer to stir. Put the frozen chicken in and cover with the mix. cook on high 4-6 hour or until the chicken is cooked and fall-apart-tender. after the first two hours when the chicken is softer i cut it up into strips for easier eating. how easy is that!?




cook the rice in a pot (or rice cooker if you're not dumb like me and know how to use the stupid thing) and smother with chicken mixture! the italian seasoning is the secret ingredient! so yum!

Homemade Ranch Dressing

found this recipe here www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/1419

No preservatives. No high-fructose corn syrup. Homemade ranch dressing in 5 minutes!

Ingredients
◦3/4 cup mayonnaise
◦3/4 cup sour cream
◦1 Tbsp olive oil
◦1 Tbsp lemon juice
◦1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk
◦1 small bunch of chives
◦Small handful of parsley
◦1 clove garlic
◦1/2 tsp salt
◦1/4 tsp white pepper
Instructions
1.Place all ingredients with 1/4 cup of buttermilk in a blender
2.Blend for 10 seconds. Check consistency and blend in additional buttermilk if desired. Less buttermilk for dipping, more for dressing.
3.Store in an air-tight jar in the fridge.
Nutritional Information Calories: 102.3 | Fat: 10.7 | Fiber 0 WW Points: 3

Easy Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

Easy Beef Stroganoff Reply to Topic.Displaying all 7 posts..Gayle Fassino Helton
1 pound cubed beef stew meat
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed golden
mushroom soup
1/2 cup chopped onion

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup water
4 ounces cream cheese
Directions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the meat, soup, onion, Worcestershire sauce and water.
2. Cook on Low setting for 8 hours, or on High setting for about 5 hours. Stir in cream cheese just before serving.
serve over noodles or rice

Pumpkin Spice Latte (Just Like Starbucks!)

found this @ www.thekitchn.com

You can change the sugar and fat content of this recipe quite easily.

makes 1-2 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin OR 1 teaspoon of Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup (your choice)
2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute - you can halve this amount
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if you don't have an espresso machine.)

Directions:
In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy. If you don't have a blender, don't worry about it - just whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk.

Pour into a large mug or two mugs. Add the espresso on top.

Optional: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.

Pumpkin spice latte

1 1/2 C. brewed coffee (I used two k-cups)
4 C. milk
4 T. canned pumpkin (can easily go higher if you want a stronger pumpkin taste)
1 1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 C. sugar
3 T. vanilla
whipped cream to top

Add coffee and milk to slow cooker, whisk in pumpkin, spices, etc. Cover and cook on high 2 hrs. Whisk again before serving and top with whipped cream.

Pumpkin Butter Spread

1- 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 c. apples, peeled, and grated
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
3/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 c. apple juice

Combine all ingredients in the crock pot. Mix well and cook on high for 1 1/2 hrs. Reduce heat to low and cook an additional 5-6 hrs. Makes 3 cups!

Italian Beef

3-4lb beef roast,
1 jar of pepperoncinis
1 jar giardiniera drained
1 packet of dry Zesty Italian dressing
10oz beef broth.
hogie rolls
provolone cheese

Cook it for as few as 10 hours, as many as 18, on low. I serve this on French hoagie rolls with provolone. Make sure to spoon some of the juice from the crockpot onto the sandwiches (or put the juice in a dish and dip like French dip).

"Manly Beef" with noodles

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup
1 (1.25 ounce) package Lipton beefy onion soup mix
3 pounds beef stew meat
1 bag egg noodles

Pour the cream of mushroom soup, cheese soup and onion soup mix into a slow cooker, and mix well. Add beef, cover and cook on Low for 8 hours, or on High for 4 to 5 hours.

Serve over egg noodles or garlic mashed potatoes. We usually have green beans or a salad with this meal.

No water - no need to brown meat first! This recipe could not be easier!

Cilantro Lime Chicken Soft Tacos

3lbs Bonless skiness chicken breasts (can be frozen, if you want!!)
1 jar (16oz) your favorite salsa
1 packet taco seasoning
1 lime ( juice from 1 lime)
2 tbls fresh cilantro- chopped
tortillas

In a slow cooker, mix salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice and cilantro. Add chicken and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Remove chicken and shred.

Serve with tortilla. Add any favorite toppings (lettuce, onion, olives,cheese,etc).

Hot Wing Sandwiches

3-boneless (skinless)chicken breast
1 packet dry ranch powder
1 tbsp butter
1 Jar of wing sauce
cook on low for 6 hours.
Shred and place on sub rolls w/pepper jack cheese.
To Die for...

Spaghetti Casserole

1 1/2 pounds ground round
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (26 oz) jar tomato and basil pasta sauce (I used Newman's Own)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken into pieces
3 cups (12 oz) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese

Cook ground round and onion in large skillet, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink; drain meat, and return to skillet. Stir pasta sauce into beef mixture.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually whisk in milk; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly 8 minutes or until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat, and stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and pepper.

Spoon one-third of meat mixture into lightly greased 5 quart slow cooker. Spread half of broken spaghetti over meat, pour half of white sauce over noodles, and sprinkle with 1 cup Cheddar cheese. Repeat layers once. Spread remaining meat mixture over cheese. Top with remaining 1 cup Cheddar cheese.

Cover and cook on Low 4 hours. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve with Parmesan cheese. Makes 6-8 servings

Crock Pot Chicken & Dressing

8" Pan Baked Cornbread
8 slices of Toasted Bread
4 Beaten Eggs
1 Chopped Medium Onion
1/2 cup Chopped Celery
1 1/2 Tablespoons Sage or Poultry Seasoning
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
2 cans Chicken Broth
2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup
2 Tablespoons Margarine
4 Boneless Chicken Breasts Cooked & Chopped
In a large bowl crumble cornbread and toasted bread. Add all remaining ingredients but margarine. Spray your crock pot with Pam and Pour dressing mixture in....Dot with margarine..Cover and cook on High for 2 1/2 hours or Low for 3 to 4 hours....Makes about 16 servings...

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Makes 8 servings
Prep: 15 mins
Slow Cook on LOW for 6 hours

1 egg, lightly beaten
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons plain bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsely
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 large carrots, chopped
1 small head escarole (8 ounces), washed, trimmed and cut into 1/2 in strips
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 3/4 cups acini di pepe pasta (such as Ronzoni)

In a large bowl, stir together egg, beef, onion, bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon Parmesan, 1 tablespoon parsely and 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Form into 1 in meatballs (about 45 ) and place on baking sheet; refrigerate while preparing soup.

Combine broth, carrots, escarole and oregano in slow cooker. Gently add meatballs. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Stir in pasta for last 20 mins of cook time. Stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle each serving with remaining parsely and Parmesan cheese and serve.

Kahlua Pork/Pig Recipe

Kahlua Pork/Pig Recipe

If you've been to Hawaii, you've probably had this. They serve it all over the place there. Traditionally, it's made by cooking the pig in a hole in the ground, but who's got time for that?! This crockpot version is much more practical. Super easy and soooo delish!

Ingredients:
Pork roast (pork butt is best, but any cut will do)
hawaiian salt (kosher also works just as good)
liquid smoke

Directions:
Place pork in crockpot. Pour some liquid smoke (a little of this stuff goes a long way) and rub it all over the roast. Sprinkle the salt all over and rub again. Cook time will depend on your roast size. If you are pressed for time, use high temp. If not, low for longer. Check for doneness by sticking a fork in and twisting. If it shreds easily, it's done! Once completely cooked, shred all of it. You can either serve in crockpot or on a dish. If you transfer to serving dish, be sure to

White Bean Dip – 2 PointsPlus

White Bean Dip – 2 PointsPlus

Ingredients
6 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
1 cup white cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
3 scallions, minced
2 tablespoons FRESH lemon juice
2 teaspoons Olive Oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne

Preheat oven to 400. Wrap garlic in foil and roast 30 minutes until very soft. Unwrap and cool. When cool enough to handle, squeeze garlic from skins and put in a food processor or blender. Add all remaining ingredients and puree. Transfer to a small bowl. Serve at once or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Serving Size: 1/4 cup. 63 calories, 3g fat, 2 g fiber, 2g protein and 8g carbs

The BEST shredded pork tacos..

1 boston butt 1 bottle of mexican beer 1 jar of salsa Toss all ingredients into a crock pot, cook for 6 hours. The meat just shreds when you take it out Put meat on tortillas, top with cilantro, chopped white onions & a squeeze of lime juice! Super great & super easy!!

Easy chicken tacos

Easy chicken tacos:
4 frozen chicken breast
1 packet chicken taco seasoning
1 cup chicken broth
4 garlic cloves minced

Cook on low for 4 hours in crockpot, shread with fork, cook on low for 1-2 more hours! I serve it on corn tortillas with sauted red bell peppers and onions! YUM!

Cheeseburger Soup

another great "Taste of Home" Recipe

8 Servings
Prep: 45 min.
Cook: 10 min.

Ingredients
1/2 pound ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
4 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cups chicken broth
4 cups diced peeled potatoes (1-3/4 pounds)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups (8 ounces) process cheese (Velveeta)
1-1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup sour cream
Directions
In a 3-qt. saucepan, brown beef; drain and set aside. In the same saucepan, saute the onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1 tablespoon butter until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add the broth, potatoes and beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining butter. Add flour; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until bubbly. Add to soup; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cheese, milk, salt and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from the heat; blend in sour cream. Yield: 8 servings (2-1/4 quarts).
this can be doubled!

Gingerbread Cookies

found this recipe here...love her blog! www.chickensintheroad.com

Fragrant with spices, gingerbread cookies make a house smell like the holidays! And gingerbread men are soooo cute.


How to make Gingerbread Cookies:

5 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ginger
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup shortening, melted and cooled
1 cup molasses
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine flour and other dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix shortening, molasses, brown sugar, water, egg and vanilla. Add flour and dry ingredients. Mix well and divide into thirds on pieces of plastic wrap. Wrap thirds and place in refrigerator for at least three hours.

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Take cookie dough out of the refrigerator one section at a time. Dust chilled dough with flour and roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks then decorate however you choose! Makes 3-4 dozen cookies or gingerbread men.

To hang on a tree or use as a gift tag, insert a toothpick at the top when cookies are just out of the oven to make a hole. Tie a ribbon or wire through the hole after decorating.

Gluten-Free Lemon & White Chocolate Puppy Chow Recipe

found this recipe here www.glutenista.com
I HAVE TO TRY THIS

1 1/2 Cups Gluten-Free White Chocolate Chips, Such as Ghiradelli
1/4 Cup Butter
3-4 Tablespoons Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Grated Lemon Peel
6-8 Cups Gluten-Free Rice Chex
2 Cups Powdered Sugar

Microwave White Chocolate Chips, Butter, Lemon Juice and Lemon Peel for 1 minute. Stir and microwave in 15-30 second increments, until mixture is completely melted and stirs well. do not overheat, stir in-between microwaving
Pour white chocolate mixture over Chex. Stir until all chex are fully covered. Place in a gallon freezer food storage bag (or a sealed container) and pour in powdered sugar. Shake until all pieces fully covered.
Serve immediately. Store any leftover puppy chow in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Rigatoni with Bacon and Asparagus

found this recipe here dailydishrecipes.com

Can't wait to try it!

Rigatoni with Bacon and Asparagus
(recipe found in Taste of Home Healthy Cooking)

1 package rigatoni or large tube pasta
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and coarsely chopped
8 bacon strips
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2/3 cup half and half
1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
4 or 5 leaves of fresh basil (chopped)
Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a dutch oven, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add asparagus; cover and boil for 3 minutes. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry.

In same pan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. Crumble bacon and set aside. Saute garlic in butter and oil until tender. Stir in cream. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3-4 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in mozzarella until melted. Drain rigatoni; add to pan. Stir in the salt, asparagus and reserved bacon. Sprinkle with parmigiano-reggiano cheese and parsley.

Slow-cooker Chicken Dressing

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup oil
1 tbsp sage
1 tsp poultry seasoning
8 slices cups white bread torn into pieces
8 cups corn bread
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 14 oz cans chicken broth
4 eggs lightly beaten
4 cups cooked chicken
8 tablespoons butter (for dotting on top)

Directions:
cook the onion and celery until tender in the oil. Add salt, sage and poultry seasonings; combine the breads in a large mixing bowl.

Stir in the cooked onion, celery, salt, sage and poultry seasonings.

In a small bowl combine the soup, broth, eggs, and chicken. Combine with other ingredients in a large bowl, mix well. Pour into a 5 qt Crock-Pot and cook on low for 7 hrs or on high for 3-4 hours

if you want a crusty top, pour into a baking dish and bake in oven at 400 degrees until brown and crusty

Caramel Frosting

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Add brown sugar and milk Bring to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar.
Remove from heat.
Beat confectioners' sugar into milk mixture until smooth.

*NOTE: The recipe states that "although the amount of icing seems small, it is enough to frost the cake. If you wish, the recipe may be doubled." I've found this to be true, but I recommend that you either double it or make a batch & a half, which is what I do.

I bake a Duncan Hines Butter recipe cake mix in a 10 inch springform pan cool and remove from pan. poke holes in it with the handle of a wooden spoon and poor frosting over cake...YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Lisa's Shrimp and Corn Chowder

This delicious soup is the kind that most people have in mind when they think of comfort food.

2 cups chopped yellow onions
8 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces bacon, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 quart (4 cups) chicken stock
1 quart (4 cups) heavy cream
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup finely chopped carrots
2 cups frozen corn
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill weed
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled, deveined and cut into thirds


Saute the onions, garlic and bacon in the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until the onions are translucent and most of the drippings have been rendered from the bacon. Reduce the heat and stir in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Mix in the chicken stock, cream, salt and white pepper and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add the carrots, corn and dill weed and return to a boil. Stir in the shrimp and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Ladle into soup bowls and serve immediately.

Serves sixteen

A few suggestions…..use 4 ears of fresh corn instead of frozen and 1 lb of bacon. Serve with warm corn bread.

Rolo Cookies

found this here sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com

1 pkg. Rolo's
1 box Devils Food Cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 c. oil

Mix cake mix, oil, and eggs. Take a small ball of dough and form a ball around the rolo. (Only use enough dough to cover the rolo so it can spread through the cookie.)

Place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 7-8 minutes. Yields about 3 dozen.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

Chicken Pillows

found thia here and it looks YUMMMMMY
recipeindulgence.blogspot.com

Ingredients:




1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 1/2 tbsp dried chives

1 1/2 tbsp fresh onion, minced

3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

2 (8 ounce) cans crescent rolls

1/4 cup melted butter

Italian bread crumbs

1 (14.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup

1 package chicken gravy mix




Directions:




1. Using a hand mixer, beat cream cheese and sour cream until well combined. Stir in salt, pepper, onion, chives, and diced chicken.


2. Using Pillsbury crescent rolls, take 2 triangular rolls and push together at perforated seam to make into a square. Make sure you seal the perforations well so your filling doesn't come out. Put about 3 tablespoons of chicken mixture in the center of each square. Fold the dough corners to the center over the chicken mixture forming a pillow.

3. Dip each pillow in melted butter on both sides. Roll in bread crumbs on both sides. Shake excess crumbs off. Place chicken pillow on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

4. Make gravy by mixing one package of chicken gravy mix, one can of cream of chicken soup and 3/4 can of water in a small pot. Mix together and heat until warm. Serve chicken pillows with gravy poured over top.

Celebration Popsicles

Celebration Popsicles

1 pkg. (3 oz.) red Jell-o
1 pkg. (3 oz.) blue Jell-o
1 pkg. red Kool-Aid (unsweetened; 2 quart size)
1 pkg. blue Kool-Aid (unsweetened; 2 quart size)
2 cups sugar; divided
4 cups hot water; divided
4 cups cold water; divided
Ice pop molds

Mix red ingredients and 1 cup sugar together. Add 2 cups hot water and stir. Add 2 cups cold water and stir. Pour into molds.

Mix blue ingredients and 1 cup sugar together. Add 2 cups hot water and stir. Add 2 cups cold water and stir. Pour into molds.

Put in freezer to harden

Save remainder in covered containers in refrigerator.

Ultimate Shortbread Cookies

found this one here www.lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com

1 cup of unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
non-pareils, coarse sugar, or chopped nuts (optional)


In a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter, sugar and extracts until the mixture is light and fluffy (2-3 minutes on high).

Add the flour, half a cup at a time, beating well between each addition.

Roll the dough a log and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then chill until very firm or up to three days.

After "logs" are very firm, roll them in sprinkles or nuts (optional) and slice into ¼" slices. Bake on ungreased baking sheet in a 350 degree oven for 18 to 20 minutes Cool on baking rack.

Makes about 24 cookies. Recipe can be doubled.

Olive Oil Dough (can be used for Pizza)

From Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day
Makes 4-1 lb loaves. (This recipe can easily be doubled or halved.)

Ingredients
2-3/4 cups lukewarm water
1-1/2 tablespoon granulated yeast (2 packets)
1-1/2 tablespoons Kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
6-1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

Directions
1. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, or in a large (5 quart) bowl working with a wooden spoon, mix the yeast, salt, sugar, and olive oil with the water.
2. Mix in the flour without kneading. I found this process to be incredible simple with my stand mixer, but it will certainly come together the old fashioned way. If you are not using a machine, you may need to wet your hands in order to incorporate the bit of flour.
2. Transfer dough to large (5 quart) bowl or lidded food container. Cover (not airtight), and allow to rest at room temperature until dough rises and collapses (or flattens on top), approximately 2 hours.
3. The dough can be used immediately after the initial rise, though it is easier to handle when cold. Refrigerate in a lidded (not airtight) container and use over the next 12 days.

Pineapple Cherry Glory Pie

Shortbread Crust
1 1/2 cups flour
2 tbsp. sugar
3/4 cup butter or hard margarine
--------------------------------------------
Filling
19 oz. can crushed pineapple (with juice)
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice
3 tbsp. corn starch
1/3 cup chopped maraschino cherries
3 tbsp. maraschino cherry juice
1 tsp. almond extract
-------------------------------------------
Meringue
3 large egg whites, room temperature
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbsp. medium unsweetened coconut

How to make it

Shortbread Crust:
Combine flour and sugar in medium bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly in bottom and up side of 9 " pie plate. Bake in 350 F oven for about 15 minutes until golden. Cool.
----------------------
Filling:
Stir first 4 ingredients in small saucepan until cornstarch is dissolved. Heat and stir on medium until boiling and thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in next 3 ingredients. Pour into crust.
----------------------
Meringue:
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Add sugar, 1 tbsp. at a time, beating constantly until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Add vanilla. Stir. Spoon over filling. Spread evenly to edge of pastry. Sprinkle with coconut. Bake in 350 F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until golden. Cool.

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

found this here http://annies-eats.net/2011/03/23/cinnamon-sugar-pull-apart-bread/

Yield: one 9 x 5" loaf


Ingredients:

For the dough:

2¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed

¼ cup granulated sugar

2¼ tsp. instant yeast

½ tsp. salt

4 tbsp. unsalted butter

1/3 cup whole milk

¼ cup water

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 large eggs


For the filling:

4 tbsp. unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

½ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg


Directions:

To make the dough, combine the flour, sugar, yeast and salt in the bowl of a mixer fitted with a dough hook. Combine the butter and milk in a small saucepan and heat just until the butter is melted. Set aside and let cool briefly, until the mixture registers 115-125˚ F on an instant-read thermometer. Add the milk mixture, water, vanilla and eggs to the mixer bowl. Mix on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Continue to knead until smooth and elastic, adding additional flour as needed 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough clears the sides of the bowl and is tacky but not sticky. Knead about 3-5 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat, and cover. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. (After the dough has doubled, it can be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before proceeding.)


While the dough rises, add the butter to a small saucepan and melt until browned. Set aside. Combine the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a small bowl and mix well.


Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and gently deflate. Roll into a ball, cover with a clean towel and let rest for 5 minutes. Roll the dough out into an approximately 12 x 20-inch rectangle. Brush the dough with the browned butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough in an even layer. (Yes, really, use all of it.)


Lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Slice the dough vertically into 6 even strips. Stack the strips on top of each other and again cut again into 6 equal slices. Stack all the squares on top of each other and set into the prepared loaf pan. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place, 30-45 minutes.


Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Transfer the loaf to the oven and bake 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown. (If the top seems to be browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil at the end of baking.) Remove from the oven and let rest in the pan 20-30 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen and carefully turn the loaf out, transferring to a serving plate. Serve warm.

Espresso Chocolate Chip Shortbread

found this here http://userealbutter.com


1 tbsp instant espresso powder (I like Medaglia D’Oro)
1 tbsp boiling water
8 oz. unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped OR 3/4 cup store-bought mini chocolate chips
confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Dissolve espresso powder in boiling water. Set aside to cool to tepid. Beat butter and confectioners’ sugar together on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is very smooth. Beat in vanilla and espresso, then reduce mixer speed to low and add flour, mixing only until it disappears into the dough. Don’t work the dough much once the flour is incorporated. Fold in the chopped chocolate or chips with a sturdy rubber spatula. Using the spatula, transfer dough to a gallon-size zip-loc bag. Put bag on a flat surface, leaving the top open, and roll the dough into a 9 x 10 1/2 inch rectangle that’s 1/4 inch thick. As you roll, turn the bag occasionally and lift the plastic from the dough so it doesn’t cause creases. When you get the right size and thickness, seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or for up to 2 days. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Put the plastic bag on a cutting board and slit it open. Turn the firm dough out onto the board (discard the bag) and, using a ruler as a guide and a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1 1/2-inch squares. Transfer the squares to the baking sheets and carefully prick each one twice with a fork, gently pushing the tines through the cookies until they hit the sheet (okay, I didn’t poke the cookies and they’re fine). Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating the sheets from top to bottom and front to back at the midway point (I didn’t do that either – I bake one sheet at a time). The shortbreads will be very pale–they shouldn’t take on much color. Transfer the cookies to a rack. If you’d like, dust the cookies with confectioners’ sugar while they are still hot. Cool the cookies to room temperature before serving. Makes about 3 dozen.

What to do with left over pickle juice

1. Heat it up the pickle juice in a saucepan
stuff raw veggies (carrots, cauliflower, celery,green beans,asparagus etc) in the jar a sterilized jar pour the juice over everything and tighten the lid...in about a week, you got "magic" in the jar!!!!

2.Marinate chicken in it before grilling.

3.Add peeled boiled eggs to it for pickled eggs

4.Put sliced onions and let them marinade. Then use them on burgers and grilled food

5.Cut cucumbers in the shape of Vlasic pickles and marinate them!