Oreo Truffles

These are super easy and super yummy. Great to put in a tin and deliver to people for Christmas. They're best if kept in the fridge.

1 package Oreo cookies (take 7 out of box)Can't use double stuffed
1 package cream cheese
Bakers Chocolate(white or semi sweet) You can melt your favorite kind of chocolate chips if you prefer.

Put all Oreos(besides the 7) & cream cheese in food processor or blender. Blend until pretty smooth.

Scoop out with a melon scooper or shape in to balls and put on cookie sheet. Put in freezer to set. Melt your chocolate. Dip balls in to chocolate to cover. Place back on cookie sheet and put in freezer until chocolate sets.

Alfredo Sauce

This recipe is NOT for the "low fat" diet concious :-)

1 Cube real Butter
1 Cup Heavy Cream
3/4 Cup fresh grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 tsp. Garlic Salt

Mix all ingredients into a small sauce pan. Heat on medium until butter and cheese are melted and sauce is smooth.

Pour over your favorite pasta. I add cooked chicken or shrimp and broccli to make a complete meal then serve with garlic bread. It is super delicious!! Better than any restaurant

(I cut up chicken into bite size chunks. Stir fry in butter and sprinkle with Lawrey's Salt. Same with shrimp - just buy the kind with no shells and stir fry the same way)

To make easy garlic bread just cut french bread in half (lengthwise) spread with butter and sprinkle lightly with garlic salt and parsley flakes. Toast in a toaster oven (or under broiler) 'till golden brown. Remove from oven and slice into individual size servings.

ENJOY!!

Chicken Supreme

This is one of my kid's most favorite meals.
Layer the following in a 2-qt casserole dish:
1 cup rice, cooked
1 cup cooked, cut up chicken
1 can cream of something soup mixed with 1/2 cup milk and 1 cup peas.
The top layer is uncooked stuffing, crushed, mixed with 1/4 cup melted butter.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

This recipe is easily adjusted to your family's preference. (ie. more or less chicken, more or less peas.)

Posted by Kate (Ginger's sister)

super simple Peach Cobbler

If you haven't guessed yet, I LOVE desserts. I also love baking, I prefer it to cooking. This may be why I am responsible for 7 of the 10 dessert recipe posts now. :)

9x13 baking pan
1 or 2 Large can of peaches in HEAVY SYRUP
yellow cake mix
stick of margarine

Pour the can of peaches into the baking dish. (I personally like a lot of peaches so I use 2 cans but I drain most of the juice from the second can.) Pour the yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the peaches. Slice the margarine into thin squares. Place on top of the cake mix evenly all over trying to cover as much space as possible.

Bake on 350degrees. It usually takes around 45min. Watch it and take it out with the butter is completely melted and the cake mix looks a golden brown. It will thicken as it cools. Don't worry if there are a couple spots of dry cake mix, it will still taste yummy.

Chicken and Dumplings

So I have a husband who LOVES chicken and dumplings. I've tried it a couple times since being married and have never been able to get them to turn out correctly. Today I came across this very easy recipe! I don't have a soup recipe for you because usually I just wing it. I typically just make a thick chicken broth and add chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Anyway here is the dumpling recipe:

2 Cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
4 Tbsp soft margarine or butter
1 Cup milk (or more)

Combine: lour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in soft butter. Gradually stir in milk (add enough to be sure dough stays very moist and sticky).

Drop dumplings into simmering soup. You can drop in about a tsp for small dumplings and about a Tbsp or larger ones. (They do not need to be round because they are going to plump up anyway). Place lid on pan and simmer on a low heat. Check after 10 minutes. You can check with a knife to be sure center is cooked through.

CHOCOLATE Brownies

These brownies are to die for. I HATE cakey brownies and these are moist and yummy. If you're a chocolate lover you have to try it out. Don't make these if you're on a diet. :)

2/3 cup butter or 2/3 cup margarine

1 1/2 cups sugar (reduce to 1-1/4 cups for a less sweeter taste)

1/4 cup water

4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided (24 ounces) You can use semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate depending on what you like. I use the milk chocolate.

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon  baking soda 

1/2 teaspoon salt

• Directions:

1. Set oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
3. In a heavy saucepan, bring butter, sugar and water to a boil, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and sugar is dissolved (about 3 minutes).
4. Remove from the heat, with a wooden spoon, stir in 2 cups chocolate chips until melted; cool slightly, beat in vanilla.
5. In a mixing bowl,whisk eggs, gradually add in the chocolate mixture, beating with a wooden spoon until completely mixed.
6. Mix together flour, baking soda and salt; add to the egg/chocolate mixture; mix well to combine.
7. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips.
8. Spread into prepared baking pan.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes (don't over bake) Mine took just over 40min.

Breakfast for Dinner???

I love breakfast for dinner! My stomach is never awake enough to enjoy it in the morning. I hope a pancake recipe doesn't sound lame, but I hate box pancakes, the consistency is never how I like it. So here is the scratch recipe I like to use:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cups all purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of white sugar

1 1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter or margarine; melted

Directions:
Mix dry ingredients first. Then add milk, vanilla, egg and melted butter. Mix until most of the lumps are gone. Cook on griddle at 350 degrees. Yields 12-14 pancakes depending on how big you make them.

Cathy's crock pot Pulled Pork

Pork roast
3/4 cup brown sugar
2-3 tsp worsteshire sauce
tsp ginger powder
tsp dry mustard powder
apple juice
large bottle Sweet Baby Ray's Honey bbq sauce
sliced provolone cheese (smoke flavor added is best)
Pioneer rolls - (like hoagie rolls)

Mix the brown sugar, worsteshire sauce, ginger and mustard into a paste. Rub over roast, and place in crock pot. Pour apple juice over roast, until just covered. Cook on low over night for lunch the next day, or all morning and afternoon for dinner. Remove roast, and empty crock pot of all but about a half cup of the juice/drippings. Replace roast, and add bbq sauce. With fork, break apart roast, and coat with sauce. Simmer on warm until ready to serve. Serve on buns with the cheese.

Texas Egg Rolls

1 package egg roll wrappers
2 packages cream cheese - softened
approx 1/2 small can diced jalapenos and all the juice
Oil for deep frying
Pepper jelly

With mixer, blend the cream cheese, jalapeno juice and jalapenos. Spoon about a tablespoon of mixture into each egg roll wrapper, and fold according to package. Deep fry until golden brown. Serve with pepper jelly. You can either warm the jelly in the microwave, and dip the egg roll, or spoon it on cold. I prefer the mild version (green), Bill prefers the red.

Zuppa Toscana

I don't know who all posts on this blog, or if you're all in Southern California or what...but up here in North Idaho we are entering soup season! This is a copycat Olive Garden recipe, but honestly, I like this version better.

1 lb Italian sausage

2 large russet baking potatoes, sliced lengthwise once and then in 1/4 inch slices

1 large onion, chopped

1/2 can bacon bits (I'm sure real bacon would be fine as well)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 C kale or swiss chard, chopped

2 cans chicken broth

1 quart water

1 C heavy whipping cream (I used regular and it was fine)

Cook sausage in a 300° oven for approximately 30 minutes. Drain and cut into slices. Place onions, potatoes, chicken broth, water, and garlic in a pot, and cook on medium heat until potatoes are done.

Add sausage and bacon. Salt and pepper to taste.

Simmer for another 10 minutes and then add kale and cream.

Heat through and serve.

Tomato Corn Pie (sounds strange, tastes amazing)

Tomato Corn Pie

This seems like a lot of work but it was too delicious not to share and I think the next time I'll make it, it'll go a lot faster since I already know what to do. The crust is a biscuit-type and would also work well for a chicken pot pie. My husband and I LOVED it. Enjoy! (Taken from here).

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 3/4 teaspoons salt, divided
3/4 stick (6 tablespoons or 3 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, plus 2 teaspoons melted
3/4 cup whole milk
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 3/4 pounds beefsteak tomatoes
1 1/2 cups corn (from about 3 ears), coarsely chopped by hand (my preference) or lightly puréed in a food processor, divided
2 tablespoons finely chopped basil, divided (skipped this, no harm was done)
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
7ounces coarsely grated sharp Cheddar (1 3/4 cups), divided

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and 3/4 tsp salt in a bowl, then blend in cold butter (3/4 stick) with your fingertips or a pastry blender until it resembles coarse meal. Add milk, stirring until mixture just forms a dough, then gather into a ball.

Divide dough in half and roll out one piece on a well-floured counter, lift dough and invert into pie plate. Pat the dough in with your fingers trim any overhang.

Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle. If your kitchen is excessively warm, as ours is, go ahead and put the second half of the dough in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice.

Cut an X in bottom of each tomato and blanch in a large pot of boiling water 10 seconds. Immediately transfer with a slotted spoon to an ice bath to cool. Peel tomatoes, then slice crosswise 1/4 inch thick and, if desired, gently remove seeds and extra juices. Arrange half of tomatoes in crust, overlapping, and sprinkle with half of corn, one tablespoon basil, 1/2 tablespoon chives, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper and one cup of grated cheese. Repeat layering with remaining tomatoes, corn, basil, chives, salt, and pepper. Pour lemon mayonnaise over filling and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Roll out remaining piece of dough into a 12-inch round in same manner, then fit over filling, folding overhang under edge of bottom crust and pinching edge to seal. Cut 4 steam vents in top crust and brush crust with melted butter (2 teaspoons). Bake pie until crust is golden and filling is bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes, then cool on a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Hash brown quiche

Frozen or refrigerated hash browns
butter
grated cheddar cheese
grated swiss cheese
cooked bacon pieces
diced canadian bacon
approx 1 Cup milk
approx. 6 eggs
salt
pepper

Spray bottom of 9x9 pan with cooking spray. Add hash browns about 1 inch deep. Salt and pepper lightly, then brush with melted butter. Bake at 425 degrees for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Remove pan from oven. Add grated cheeses and meats. Beat together the eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over potatoes, cheese and meat. The egg mixture should just cover potatoes. Sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese over top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25-35 minutes, until eggs are set.

Banana chocolate chip bread

1/2 Cup applesauce
1/2 Cup softened butter
4 eggs
2 1/2 Cup sugar
1 Cup sour cream
1 T. baking powder
4 Cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (NOT imitation)
5 bananas mashed
3/4 Cup chocolate chips (regular or mini)

Mix in order of appearance. Bake in loaf pans for 50 min at 350 degrees. When tooth pick comes out clean, or center springs back at a touch, place in freezer for 1 hour. Store in ziplock bag in the fridge. I think it tastes best having sat overnight. Makes 3 regular loaves, or 5 mini loaves.

Billy's favorite White Salad

This is a salad in the loosest of terms:

4 C buttermilk
2 sm boxes instant vanilla pudding
1 (16 oz) tub cool whip
5 bananas cut in slices
2 lbs strawberries scliced

In a large bowl with mixer, blend buttermilk with pudding for 2 min. Fold in cool whip. Stir in bananas and strawberries. Chill and serve.

Cathy's salsa (pico de gallo)

6-8 vine ripened tomatoes, diced
1 white onion, diced
1 bunch cilantro finely chopped, mostly leaves
1 small can diced green chiles

1 T vinegar
1 T ketchup

Seasonings to taste:

salt
pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
cumin
chili powder (opt)

Cheesy potatoes

1 bag frozen or refrigerated hash browns
1 can cream of potato soup
1 tub sour cream (16 oz)
10 oz shredded cheddar cheese
dash salt
dash pepper
dash garlic powder
dash onion powder (opt)

Mix all ingredients except hash browns. Stir in hash browns. Place in a 9x9 or 9x13 pan. Bake on 350 covered with foil for 45 min. Remove foil, stir. Add a sprinkling of cheese, and bake for an extra 10-15 min.

Bags of Gold

Hearty tomato soup:

1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp basil leaves
2 T butter
1 package softened cream cheese
2 cans condensed tomato soup
1 soup can milk

Bags of gold:

Bisqiuck dough mixed according to package
cubed cheddar cheese


Make bags of gold by covering cheese cube with biscuit dough and shape into a small ball (not too large, as they expand). In medium saucepan, cook and stir onion and butter until onion is tender. Stir in cream cheese. Gradually stir in soup and milk. beat with wire wisk until smooth. Add garlic and basil. Add bags of gold. Heat , but do not let boil. Gently stir until dough is cooked through.

Minestrone Soup - Crock Pot

I got this recipe from my Aunt who had a catering business for many years.
1/2 pound sausage
3 lg carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 small onion, diced
1 can tomato sauce
3 cups caned tomatoes, undrained (diced)
3 cups water
1 can red kidney beans, drained
1 can green beans, undrained
3 beef bullion cubes
1/4 teaspoon basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon parsley
1 fresh clove of garlic, minced
1 cup dried macaroni noddles
grated parmesan cheese

In fry pan brown sausage then drain. place sausage and next 13 ingredients in crock pot. Simmer 8 hours on low. Add the macaroni noddles about 20 minutes before serving. sprinkle cheese on top and serve.

Harvest soup (or so I call it)

Since it is harvesting time I seem to make this soup a lot. I don't have a real set recipe for it but I'll give you a round about recipe and you can do whatever you'd like to it. (It is really good for freezing)

1 pound ground beef (browned)
1 or 2 cans (8 oz) tomato soup
1 or 2 cups chicken broth (I add as little or as much of this as I want depending upon how much soup i want to make)
1 can petite tomatoes (fresh work too)
1/2 onion
Vegetables from the garden/freezer/can (my favorites are zucchini, corn, green beans, carrots)
Taco seasoning to taste (I like to use a mixture or regular and hot to spice it up a bit or I'll add a jalapeno or cajun seasoning for spice)

Combine ingredients and bring to boil. Continue boiling until vegetables are tender.

Taco Braid

Tonight's Dinner is a Taco Braid. Zane and I love this.

Filling:
1 pound lean ground beef
1/3 sliced mushrooms
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1-2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sliced olives
2 pkg refrigerator crescent rolls

Prepare braid by combining rolls and rolling out dough as seen in picture. With pizza cutter cut strips a few inches long.

In a skillet, cook beef and mushrooms over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in tomato sauce and taco seasoning. Set aside 1 tablespoon beaten egg. Stir remaining egg into beef mixture. Cool completely. Place mixture down center of prepared braid. Braid edges over top. Brush with beaten egg. Bake 25-30 minutes at 375

JELLO-O Magic Mousse

Grandma Naef use to make this for us when we were kids. I use to love watching the "magic" occur as the jello separates from the whipped creme. It was easy to make and tasted so yummy and refreshing too!!

INGREDIENTS:
3 cups boiling water 1 (16 oz) Cool Whip
1 pkg (8 oz) Jello-O


DIRECTIONS:
1. Stir boiling water into dry geletin. Stir till dissolved. Reserve 1 cup of the whipped topping, refrigerate. Add remaining whipped topping to geletin, stir with wire whisk until whipped topping is complete melted and mixture is well blended (Mixture will be thin)

2. Pour into 6 dessert glasses

3. Refrigerate for about 8 hours till firm. Watch for the "magic" happen.... Top with the reserved whipped topping just before serving.

Smashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
Red potatoes
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Rosemary (fresh or dried)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil
2. Cut potatoes in half then boil until tender
3. Place potatoes cut side down on the baking sheet then smash with a potato masher just until they flatten but don't break apart.
4. Drizzle each potato with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Then sprinkle on the rosemary.
5. Bake in the oven until lightly brown and slightly crispy. About 20 min.

you can add cheese before you bake them.

Chicken Roulade

Ingredients:
Boneless skinless chicken breast
Spinach
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Minced garlic
Salt, pepper and seasoning salt.
Stove top stuffing mix (follow directions on box)

Yield: Each chicken breast can feed one to two people depending on the size of the breast.

Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Save for chicken

2. Follow package directions for stuffing mix. Before stuffing is completely finished, add in you desired amount of fresh spinach and allow it to wilt. Mix in a generous amount of shredded Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt through out the stuffing mixture. Add in a small spoon full of minced garlic and season to taste. Set a side.

3. Place chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat tenderizer until thin. Remove top layer of plastic wrap and season both sides with salt, pepper, and season salt. Then, spoon some of the stuffing mixture on to one side of the chicken. Slowly roll up the chicken like a paper towel roll and wrap in plastic wrap twisting the ends like a candy wrapper. Repeat with each piece of chicken. Next, wrap each chicken roll in aluminum foil just like you did with the plastic wrap.

4. Place each wrapped chicken roll in the pot of boiling water. Let boil for 18 minutes then remove. Allow to cool for a few minutes before unwrapping. Slice each roll in to pieces and serve with rice or potatoes.

I don't have a picture of one of my Roulades, but this picture shows what it should look like. These are really simple but look very fancy.

Other stuffing ideas: Broccoli, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Asparagus and Parmesan cheese. Or any other combination your family likes.

Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil, and Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

3 ripe tomatoes, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced (isn't that word fun to say? and doesn't it make you think of fairies?)

2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

2 Tbs. fresh basil, chopped

1/2 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. olive oil

6-8 oz. uncooked linguini

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese

Using the flat side of a meat mallet, pound chicken breasts until properly humiliated (1/2-inch thickness). Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper (to make them feel better). In a large heavy skillet, heat 1 1/2 tsp. oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until well browned on both sides and cooked to an internal temperature of 170 degrees farenheit (does anybody actually take its temperature?), about 5 minutes per side.

In second skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil, simmer the tomatoes, garlic, parsley, basil, sugar, salt and pepper over low heat, stirring constantly until sauce is cooked. Add lemon juice until heated. Toss cooked chicken into the sauce. Keep warm.

Cook linguini according to package directions. Spoon sauce over hot linguini and sprinkle with cheese. Serves 2 giants or a regular family with picky eaters.

This recipe came in a King Soopers ad in the mail. I thought it was yummy.

Shredded Beef (for tacos or pitas)

1 Rump Roast (small one usually feeds my family of four for 2-3 meals, larger one can feed 6 adults plus kids)

Beef Broth (enough to almost cover roast in crock pot)

Seasonings- cumin, oregeno, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chili powder

Put roast in crock pot, pour beef broth over and season liberally. Cook on high for 6-8 hours or low for 8-12 hours. You amy want to check flavor after meat is cooked and add more seasonings if needed.

The roast should flake apart easily and can then be used for tacos, nachos, enchiladas, pita pockets. It's delicious and easy!

Dad's Homemade Bread - perfected!

2T yeast
5 1/2 c water
1/2 c sugar (i always add an additional 1/2 c of splenda--sugar substitute)
1/2 c oil
2 1/2 t of salt
flour 50/50 white/whole wheat 14+ cups
optional:
1/2-1c of gluten (wish I had it here) use it unless you want to knead bread a lot.
1-4 eggs
1/2 of powdered milk

directions:
warm water 110-120 deg F approx
add sugar and yeast, mix, wait for a few minutes to make sure the yeast is working.
add sugar subs, oil, and any opptional items.
add 1/2 of flour and mix well
add salt (i understand if salt is added to early in the process it kills the yeast, not sure if this a "wives tale" or not)
add flour a cup or so at a time and mix and knead, I u se my hands (wash first) and used to use rubber gloves, but don't anymore.
stop adding flour when lump is still tacky (the lump begins to pull away from the pan edge and from your hands)

knead, 10 minutes (unless using gluten, then can reduce the kneading)
oil coat a large pan, put lump in pan, make sure a thin coat of oil is on the exterior of the lump (facilitates rising)
cover with plastic bag set in semi warm place and let rise until lump is double in size, usually takes an hour or so.
grease 4 large bread pans or 5-6 smaller ones and divide the lump and knead and shape into loaves for each pan.

let raise another hour until double in size or so.

bake 1/2 hour 350-400 deg F depending on the type of crust you want.

Ice Cream Pie

25 Oreo cookies
4 T melted margerine
1/2 gallon chocolate chip mint ice cream
1 jar chocolate Hershey's fudge topping
1 9 oz container whipped topping

Blend cookies in blender until they are crumbs. Press into a 9x13 pan
Pour melted butter over crumbs, mix and spread evenly over bottom of pan. Put water on palm to keep crumbs from sticking to you. Slice ice cream about 1/2" thick and arrange on top of crumbs. Slightly warm fudge topping in can to pouring consistency and pour over ice cream. Spread whipped topping over fudge and sprinkle with more cookie crumbs or chocolate. Put this together quickly so as not to melt ice cream. Can be made a day ahead, and will keep well in the freezer for several days.

Shepherd's Pie

Bottom layer all mixed together:
1 lb ground beef, previously browned
1 can tomato soup (if it's too thick, add another half can)
1 can green beans or favorite veggies
dried onion, other favorite seasonings to taste

Top layer:
Mashed potatoes with melted cheese on top

Bake in oven until warmed all the way through and cheese is melted - 350, about 25 minutes

Salsa Chicken

This is a recipe that my mom used a lot on Sundays. Its hard to type out because it is done more by feel then by exact amounts.

She would get out enough boneless skinless chicken to feed the family. Place the chicken frozen or thawed in crock pot. Pour Pace Salsa over the chicken until fully covered (be generous). Cook on medium heat for 4-6 hours. Once cooked, shred chicken and use in tacos.

Banana Bread

Ingredients:
1 C sugar
1/2 C butter or margarine
3 mashed bananas
1 egg
1 t baking soda
1 1/3 C flour

Directions:
Cream sugar and margarine. Add egg and mashed bananas. Add flour and soda; mix well. Put in a greased pan and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Makes one loaf or 4 small pans.

tip: I use bananas that are past ripe when making banana bread, it always turns out sweeter!

Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients:
1/2 onion diced
2 T margarine or butter
1/2 t salt
5-6 medium potatoes cut into bite size pieces
1 1/2 C water
1 T chicken soup base

8 oz cream cheese
1/4 C flour
3 C milk

optional:
4 carrots chopped

Toppings:
grated cheddar cheese
bacon pieces
green onions chopped

Directions:
1. Saute' onions and butter in large pot. Add salt and potatoes and saute also for 1 minute. Add water and soup base. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked. (If adding carrots, do so while simmering)

2. While simmering, in separate bowl, blend cream cheese and flour together.

3. After potatoes are cooked add cream cheese mixture to pot and stir until smooth. Add milk. Heat until warm and creamy.

Easy Bisquits

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 T baking powder
1 t salt
1 T white sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1 cup milk

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually stir in milk until dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.
3. Turn our onto a floured surface, and knead 15-20 times (do not over knead, this will harden the dough). Pat or roll dough out to 1 inch thick. Cut biscuits with large cutter or juice glass dipped in flour. Repeat until all dough is used. Brush off excess flour, and place biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet.
4. Bake for 13-15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges begin to brown.

White Chicken Chili

stir together:
1can chicken broth (32 oz.)
2tsp. garlic powder
1tsp. cumin
2tsp. oregano
1/2 - 1tsp. cayenne pepper
1 can diced green chilis
1-2cup onion( I just use onion powder)

Pour this mixture over a pot full of 3cans(15oz.) Great Northern Beans

Bring to a boil.
Simmer 2hrs.
Add 4cups diced cooked chicken

About 15min. before serving add 2cups sour cream and 3cups jack cheese. Stir until metled but do not boil again.

No Bake Cookies

2 1/2 cup oatmeal (quick is best)
2 c. sugar
4 TBLS cocoa
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup peanut butter
1tsp. vanilla
1 cube of butter

Bring sugar, cocoa, milk vanilla & butter to a boil, stirring frequently. *Let boil atleast 2min. 
In a bowl put your oats with the peanut butter on top.
Pour chocolate mixture over the top of the oats and peanut butter and stir together.
Drop spoonfuls of mixture on to wax papaer. Let cool completely. Enjoy!

Chicken Rolls

2 cans Pillsbury Crescent rolls(16)
1 8oz. package cream cheese
2 TBLS butter, softened
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
1 TBLS dried onion flakes(or fresh onions if you prefer)
1 TBLS milk
chopped mushrooms(optional)
2 cups chicked diced (you can used canned or cooked)

1/4 cup melted butter
Parmesan Cheese

Blend cream cheese, butter, and milk until smooth. Add salt, pepper, onions. Fold in chicken and diced mushrooms.

Unroll crescent rolls in to seperate triangles. Put 1TBLS mixture on to the crescent roll. Fold the dough around mixture and pinch dough together.(some stuffing may show) Roll crescent roll in melted butter then roll in parmesan cheese.

Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 350degrees for 20min.

Pumpkin Cobbler

1q. can pumpkin
1 yellow cake mix
1tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 can evaporated mil
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cube butter (8TBLS)

Mix all ingredients except for the cake mix and butter. Pour in to 9x13 cake pan. Pour dry cake mix powder evenly over the top of the pumpkin mixture. Cut butter in to thin slices and place evenly on top of the cake powder.

Bake 350degrees for 50-60min. Let cool and set.

Strawberry Pie & Pie Crust

PIE
1 cup crushed strawberries
1 cup sugar
2 TBLS flour

Cook in pot until the juices become clear. (about 5min. or longer, if you don't cook long enough the pie will be runny but it will still taste great.)

Line a pie shell with whole strawberris. (fill in gaps with cut up strawberries) Pour strawberry mixture over strawberries in pie shell.  cool.

CRUST
2c. flour
3/4 c. Crisco (heaping)
1tsp. salt
7-8TBLS ice water

Put flour & salt in bowl. Cut Crisco into pea size w/fork and stir in to flour. Stir in water. Form in to a ball. (put in fridge to chill until easy to handle) Roll out & place in pie pan.
Prick sids and bottom with fork. Line with double layer of foil.
Bakd 450degrees for 8min. Remove foil then bake 5-6 more min.

German Chocolate Frosting

1cup evaporated milk
1c. sugar
3 egg yolkes(beat first)
1 cube butter(1/2 cup)
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Put all ingredients in sauce pan. Bring to boil. Simmer 10min.(stirring frequently)
*don't let egg scramble
Take off stove and keep in pan. Stir in 1 1/3 cup coconut & 1 cup pecans

Beat together. Beat on and off until cool enough for cake.

This really is more simple than it sounds. After you try this you'll never buy the canned german chocolate frosting again.

Crockpot Meatloaf

Robert and I have tried tons of meatloafs, either he'd like it an I wouldn't, or visa versa. We both love this one.
I always double this recipe and it works out great!

1 lb ground beef
1 egg
1/2 package of stove top stuffing
1 8 oz can of tomato sauce

Mix ground beef, egg, stuffing mix and 1/3 of the tomato sauce. When it is well mixed shape it in a loaf and put it in the crock pot. Pour the remaining tomato sauce on top. Let cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.

KD's favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup Butter (real butter, not margarine or shortening)
3/4 cup Sugar
3/4 cup Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tablespoon Vanilla
2 teaspoons soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups flour
1/4 cup corn starch
2 cups chocolate chips

Mix butter and sugar in electric mixer for 4 to 5 min. Must be very fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and whip and addition 3 min. Then gentle mix in flour, soda and salt. Add in the chocolate chips.
Preheat oven to 350 degree's.
Drop by teaspoons on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper and bake 7 to 8 min.
These cookies are soft and wonderful.

Crockpot Lasagna

Use your favorite recipe but Do Not Cook the noodles before layering in the crock pot. After you have layered all of the ingredients slowly pour 1/2 cup water on top. Cook covered on low for 3-4 hours.


Lasagna
Spaghetti sauce(canned or homemade)
8 oz lasagna noodles
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups ricotta or cream-style cottage cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 lb mozzarella cheese grated

Mix eggs, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese and parsley flakes. In shallow, oblong crock pot cover bottom with spaghetti sauce, a layer of lasagna noodles, a layer of cottage cheese mix, a layer of lasagna noodles, a layer of spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese then start over. ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese. slowly and evenly pour 1/2 cup water over the top. Then cover with lid and cook on low for 4 hours.

Make sure you don't skimp on the spaghetti sauce. It cooks some of it off so use a little more than usual.

Grandma Naef's Pickle Recipe

AKA: Sweet Pickle Chunks

10 Med Cucumbers
8 C. Sugar
2 Tbl. Mixed Pickle Spice
4 tsp. Salt
4 C. Cider Vinegar

Cover whole cucumbers with boiling water and let stand overnight. Drain. Repeat for 3 more days. On the fifth day, drain and cut into bite size chunks. Combine remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Pour over cucumber chunks. Cover and let stand for 2 days. Bring the mixture to a full boil. Fill hot scalded jars to 1/2 inch of top. Cover with hot lids and rings (rings don't need to be hot). Do not close too tightly. Process in boiling hot water bath for 5 minutes. Jars must be covered with water and standing upright. Start timing as soon as jars are placed in hot water. When jars are removed, they will pop and seal as they cool. Makes 9 pts.

Turkey breast loaf

1/4 cup sliced green onion (I used less)
1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper (I used less)
1/4 cup grated carrot
1 slightly beaten egg
1/2 cup dry rolled oats
2 tbsp skim (fat free) milk
1/3 cup bottled chili sauce (ketchup with a kick)
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 pound ground turkey breast
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp vinegar

1. In a large bowl mix together the egg, rolled oats, milk, 2 tbsp of the chili sauce, the oregano, and black pepper. Add the vegetables and the ground turkey; mix well.

2. Pat the mixture firmly into a loaf pan. Invert pan into a shallow baking pan; remove loaf pan. Bake the turkey loaf in a 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine remaining chili sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar, spoon over turkey loaf. Bake for 15 minutes more. Makes 6 servings

Mominoes pizza

Rhodes frozen Texas rolls (let thaw according to package)

1 can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic
1/4 tsp sugar

Shredded mozarella cheese

Favorite pizza toppings

For sauce: heat olive oil, and spices, and add tomato sauce. Simmer for a few minutes. Roll out dough individually. Lay onto greased and floured cookie sheet. Spread with sauce. Top with cheese and toppings. Bake at 350 for about 15 min.

Always Easy Taco Salad

Taco salad is great, because you don't always have to use the same ingredients every time. If you are preparing a meal for several people (roommates), place each mix-in into separate bowls. Then people can make their own salads.

Brown some ground beef, or use ground turkey, or even chicken instead. Season it with salt and pepper, or a taco seasoning packet.

Chop up some lettuce.

Crush up chips in your hands, and place in the bottom of your bowl... I use tortilla chips, but corn chips, or Doritos work too.

Then add some beans... I use pinto beans, but there are also kidney beans, chili beans... whatever you might have on hand.

Suggestions of mix-ins:

tomatoes
olives
onions
avocado
cheese

Top it off with sour cream, and/or a favorite salad dressing.

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preparation time: 30 to 35 minutes
Baking time: 8 to 13 minutes/baking sheet
About 3 dozen cookies

1-1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup Butter Flavor CRISCO all-vegetable shortening or 3/4 Butter Flavor Crisco stick
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (6-ounce package) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips

Heat oven to 375ºF. Combine brown sugar, Butter Flavor Crisco Shortening, milk and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Beat egg into creamed mixture.
Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Mix into creamed mixture until just blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if used.
Drop rounded measuring tablespoonfuls of dough 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet.
Bake one baking sheet at a time at 375ºF for 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies (they will look light and moist), or 11 to 13 minutes for crisp cookies. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet on a cooling rack; remove cookies to rack to cool completely.

Cathy's famous pasta salad:

Cooked rotini shaped pasta (drain, and run under cold water, until no longer warm)

diced tomato
matchstix carrots
chopped celery
chopped black olives

Wishbone italian dressing
Salad Supreme seasoning
Parmesan cheese

In a large bowl, mix pasta and veggies with about 1/2 cup of Wishbone Italian dressing, 1/4 cup (approx) salad supreme (seasoning), and 1/2 cup (approx) parmesan cheese.


I love to top this salad with diced avocados (Hass)

Cathy's fish tacos

6 fish fillets (Gorton's crunchy are my favorite)
6 corn tortillas
shredded green cabbage
lime juice

Sauce (mix together):

1 1/2 cup Mayonaise
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
2 1/2 - 3 tablespoons lemon juice

Mix sauce while fish is baking (according to package). When fish is a few minutes from being ready, heat tortilla. I usually use a flat fry pan over low heat, and repeatedly turn tortilla until warmed through. Lay tortilla on a plate, add one fish fillet. Squeeze about a teaspoon of lime juice over fish, and sprinkle shredded cabbage over the top. Finally, add the sauce. I like a lot of sauce on mine, but you can use as much or as little as desired.

Cranberry Jello salad (great for special occasions)

6oz raspberry jello
1 1/4 cup boiling water
1 can (16 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple

mix together, let cool slightly

Add:

1/2 cup cranberry juice
1 cup chopped walnuts

refrigerate, and let set:

spread topping:

8 oz cream cheese
1 cup sour cream

sprinkle with chopped walnuts

Cathy's Peanut butter cookies

2 ts Vanilla extract (NOT imitation)
1 c Peanut butter -- creamy
3 Eggs
1 c Butter-flavored Crisco

1 1/4 c Sugar
1 1/4 c Dark brown sugar
1/4 t Salt
1/2 t Baking soda
2 c Flour

Preheat oven to 300ºF.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, soda, and salt. Mix well with a wire whisk.

In a large bowl, blend sugars using a mixer at medium speed. Add butter and mix to form a grainy paste.

Add eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the flour mixture and mix at low speed until just mixed. (Do not overmix).

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet, 1 1/2 inches apart. With a wet fork, gently press a crisscross pattern on top of the cookies.

Bake for 8-22 minutes until cookies are slightly brown along the edges. Transfer cookies immediately to cool surface with a spatula.

Aunt Anne's sweet potatoes

1 lg can of yams, drained
1 jar marshmellow creme
2-3 tbl brown sugar
2 tbl butter
1/4 can evapoated milk
1/2 tsp salt
Mash and mix the above incredients and put them into a baking dish.
Bake at 400 degrees for 1/2 hour.

Topping
8 tbl butter
8 tbl brown sugar
2 cups pecans (halves or pieces)

Melt butter and stir in sugar and pecans. It should be moist but thick. Add brown sugar if needed or desired. The more brown sugar and butter, the better. Especially if you use a wide mouth baking dish, you will get better coverage. After yams have baked for 1/2 hour, spread topping on the yams evenly. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbling. Let the entire souffle/casserole rest for about 10 minutes or more before serving.

Fettucine alfredo

12oz cream cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup butter
1 cup milk (added slowly)
1/2 tsp garlic powder

cooked fettucine pasta


In a large sauce pan, melt butter,
add cream cheese, parmesan cheese,
milk, and garlic powder. Stir sauce
until smooth. Pour over cooked fettucine.
More or less milk may be used, depending
on desired thickness. Top with grilled
chicken if desired

Easy Chicken Enchaladas

Sauce (stir together):
1 can cream of chicken soup
16 oz sour cream
Green (mild or med) taco sauce or
enchalada sauce (add to taste)

Cooked boneless skinless chicken breast chopped
shredded cheese
flour tortillas

Spread some sauce on the bottom of
baking dish (9x13) lay flour tortilla on
flat surface, spread a spoonfull of sauce
on it, add chicken, and shredded cheese,
Roll tight. Place in baking dish, and
repeat until full. Spread a layer of sauce
on the top of enchaladas, sprinkle cheese
over top, and bake on 350 for 20-30 minutes.

Cathy's Pastrami Sandwich

What you need:

deli pastrami sandwich sliced
sour dough bread sliced
swiss cheese sliced
mustard (any kind) or thousand island dressing
deli cole slaw
dill weed

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place two slices of sour dough bread on cookie sheet. On one slice spread mustard. If using thousand island, spread after bread is grilled.
Lay a couple slices of pastrami on both slices of bread, and top with swiss cheese. Heat in oven for about 5-10 minutes.
While baking mix dill weed into coleslaw. Remove from oven, and put sandwich together. Flip over slice of bread without the
mustard, and spread a layer of cole slaw on it. Put it back together again, and enjoy.

Laura's Alfredo Chicken

So I came across a super easy recipe for crock pot chicken alfredo. We had it for dinner tonight. It isn't Olive Garden alfredo (or even Cathy's) but for how simple it was I will certainly make it again.

2 lb. Chicken
1 package cream cheese
1 can cream of chicken
1/2 cup water
pepper to taste (I also added garlic)

Cut chicken and place at bottom of crockpot. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve over rice or noodles.

My crock pot cooks fast so it didn't take as long. It is a very nice and easy Sunday meal. Just thought I would share! :) Since I work during the week I'm always looking for crock pot recipes if anyone has any good ones (preferably inexpensive ones).