Saturday, August 4, 2012

Cheesy Spinach Pesto on Spaghetti


Pesto:
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 clove garlic
1/2 mozzarella, shredded
1/2 parmesan, grated
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tsp. dried basil
salt and pepper to taste

Pasta/chicken/veggie portion:
1 box spaghetti noodles
1 1/2 lbs. uncooked chicken, cut into bite size pieces
2 Tbsp. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 14oz. can artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed quartered
1/4 cup olive oil

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.  Prepare pasta according to package.  In a large skillet put olive oil and chicken and cook on medium heat.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Continue to cook and stir chicken until it is fully cooked.  On a large cookie sheet place tomatoes and artichoke hearts.  Drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.  Place in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until artichoke hearts are lightly browned.
In a food processor put in all pesto ingredients except for spinach.  Gradually pulse and add spinach until pesto is smooth.  In a large bowl, completely coat spaghetti with pesto.  Once veggies and chicken are finished mix those in as well.  Sprinkle with parmesan and serve.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Breakfast Cookies

3 ripened bananas, smashed
1/3 cup applesauce
2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon


Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  In a mixer combine all ingredients and mix on medium speed until completely combined.  Spoon onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Bake for 15-20.  Let cool.  Serve.  Keep refrigerated for up to a week.

Banana Muffins (Gluten Free)

2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup greek yogurt
2 ripened bananas
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.  Grease muffin tin with cooking spray.  In a blender or food processor blend oats, bananas and yogurt until smooth.  Pour into a mixer and add the rest of the ingredients.  Mix on medium until smooth.  Spoon into muffin tin, dividing evenly.  Bake 20-25 minutes.  Remove from tin to cool.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake with Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting

Cake portion:
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 small box chocolate instant pudding
1/2 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream
15 oz. canned pumpkin (separate 2 Tbsp. out for frosting)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting portion:
1 cup or 2 sticks butter, softened
2 Tbsp. pumpkin
1/4 ground cinnamon
4-5 cups powdered sugar
2-4 Tbsp. milk

Cake:
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease 2 9x5in. loaf pans.  In a mixer combine all cake ingredients except for chocolate chips.  Mix on medium speed until smooth.  Add chocolate chips and mix on low until completely mixed in.  Pour into loaf pans evenly.  Place in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Frosting:
In a mixer mix butter, pumpkin and cinnamon on medium speed.  Gradually add powdered sugar and milk.  Mix until smooth.

Cool cakes for about 10 minutes, remove from the pans and place on a cooling rack.  Once cakes are cool frost and serve.C

Honey Mustard Pork Roast

1 2-3lb. pork roast
1/3 cup spicy brown mustard
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. dried parsley

In a ziplock bag(I double bag) put pork roast, mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce and parsley.  Shake it a bit until it is all mixed and roast is coated.  Place in the fridge 4hr up to overnight.  Put in a Crockpot on low and cook for 6 hours.

Roasted Provencal Potatoes and Carrots

This one depends on how many you will be making this for.  I have a larger family, so I make a lot.

2-3 red potatoes per person, quartered
1/2 cup of baby carrots per person
1/4-1/2 cup of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp. dried parsley
1 Tbsp. dried rosemary
1 Tbsp. dried thyme
1 Tbsp. dried basil
Heat oven to 375 degrees F.  Dump all of the potatoes and carrots onto a cookie sheet.  Drizzle olive oil over the top.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Sprinkle the rest of the seasonings over the top.  Mix thoroughly with your hands until everything seems well-coated.  Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a fork can slide into the carrots and potatoes easily.

Corndog Muffins

2 packages of corn muffin mix(each package says it makes 6 muffins)
1 package of hotdogs
cupcake liners

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Slice up all the hot dogs.   Mix up corn muffin mix according to package directions.  Fill each liner about 1/3 full.  You will have about 18-20 muffins worth.  Put about 8 slices of hot dog in each.  You may add more if you can.  Bake in the oven for 15-17 minutes or until muffins are golden around the edges.  Serve.

Cajun Coconut Chicken Pasta

1 1/2 lbs. of chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces, uncooked
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning of your choice
2 Tbsp. butter
2 cups coconut milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. corn starch
1 tsp. black pepper
1 package or box of rotini pasta
2 roma tomatoes, chopped
3/4 cup green onion, chopped
Shredded parmesan

Cook pasta according to directions.  In a skillet on medium high heat add olive oil to the pan and chicken.  Sprinkle the cajun seasoning over the chicken as it cooks.  Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.  While chicken is cooking, in a medium sauce pan combine butter, cream, coconut milk, garlic powder and pepper.  Remove about a cup of the sauce and whisk in the cornstarch and then pour it all into the sauce.  Heat until boiling, stirring frequently.  Once the sauce is done combine it with the drained pasta and chicken.  Serve and top with tomatoes, green onion and parmesan.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

2 lbs. chicken, cut up into strips, uncooked
1 1/2 10oz. cans of cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 Tbsp. dried rosemary
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 Tbsp. dried parsley
1 Tbsp. dried basil
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 cups diced ham
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
6-8 oz. of croutons

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.  In a 13x9 casserole dish drizzle the bottom with the olive oil.  Then sprinkle the parsley, rosemary and thyme in the bottom of the pan.  In a medium mixing bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup with the sour cream.  Lay the chicken so that it covers the bottom of the pan.  Sprinkle the chopped ham over the top.  Next, pour and spread the cream of chicken mixture over the ham and chicken. Evenly top with the croutons and sprinkle the cheese over the top.  Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, uncovered.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Beef Taquitos

3 14oz. cans of beef or 2-3lbs. cooked and shredded beef
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. cumin
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup water
white corn tortillas, at least 30
cooking spray(vegetable oil)

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.  In a large skillet, combine all of the ingredients except for the tortillas and cooking spray(obviously).  Cook on med. heat until everything is well mixed and combined.  Warm the tortillas in any sort of non-stick pan on medium heat(I use my griddle because I can do about 5 at a time).  Heat one side for about 1 minute then flip and heat another minute.  Stack all of these on a plate and cover them with foil.  Spray a cookie sheet with vegetable oil.  Once everything is ready put a strip of the meat, about 3/4 of an inch thick, down the center of the tortilla and roll it.  Lay the tortilla flap side down on the cookie sheet.  Repeat until cookie sheet is full or meat mixture is gone.  Lightly spray all of the taquitos with the vegetable spray.  Place the cookie sheet in the oven and back for about 20-25 minutes.

Fiesta Chicken Pasta

2 cups of shell(or rotini) pasta, uncooked
1 Tbsp. of oil
1 1/2 lbs. of chicken cut into small bite-size pieces
1/4 cup of zesty Italian dressing
1 Tbsp. of chili powder
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup of your favorite salsa
3/4-1 cup of shredded mexican style cheese

Cook pasta according to the package.  While pasta is cooking put the oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken in it on med. heat.  Cook for about 4 minutes, then add the Italian dressing.  Cook until chicken is done and add the rest of the ingredients, except for the cheese.  Mix until everything is fully combined and let it simmer for about 3-4 min.  Next, drain the pasta and put it in a very large serving bowl.  Put all the cheese on top of that then dump your skillet mixture on top of that.  Mix everything until it is fully combined and serve!

No Name Pork Roast

1 2-3lb. pork roast
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup red sine vinegar
juice of 1 lemon or 4 Tbsp of lemon juice
1-2 Tbsp. of Worcestershire sauce
1-2 Tbsp. of fresh parsley, finely chopped.  Or 1Tbsp. of dry
2 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard
Pepper to taste
4 cloves of garlic, minced

The night before or the early morning of, put all the ingredients in a ziplock bag(I double bag to be safe) and shake well.  Keep this in the refrigerator for 4-24 hours.  When you're ready, dump the bag into a crock pot on low and cook for 6 hours.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Meatball Pasta

14-16 oz. of shell pasta
1 Tbsp. of olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
8 oz. of neufchatel cream cheese(1/3 less fat cream cheese), softened
1 cup of sour cream
3/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp. of lemon juice and lemon zest
10 oz. of frozen spinach, thawed with excess water squeezed off or about 2 1/2 cup of fresh microwaved for about 45sec with 3 Tbsp. of water, chopped
1 14oz. can of artichoke hearts, drained, rinsed and chopped
18-20 Turkey Italian Meatballs, roughly chopped
1 1/2 cups of Mozarella cheese
1/4 cup of pasta water
Salt and Pepper to taste

Heat oven to 425 degrees F.
Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Save 1/4 cup of the pasta water BEFORE you drain it.  Heat oil in the pan on medium-low.  Add onions and cook until translucent.  Add garlic and cook for another minute.  In a large bowl mix cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, lemon juice and zest.  Once onions and garlic are finished, add those to the cream mix.  Then add the pasta and mix.  Then add spinach, artichoke hearts, pasta water and meatballs.  Mix until everything is fully combined.  Pour into a 9x13 dish.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Sprinkle mozzarella over the top.  Place in the oven(uncovered) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown on the top.

Turkey Italian Meatballs

2-2 1/2 lbs. of ground turkey
1/4 cup of olive oil
1/2-2/3 cup of Italian or garlic bread crumbs
1 Tbsp. of Italian seasoning
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium eggs or 1 extra large egg

Heat oven to 425 degrees F.
In a large bowl or mixer(I prefer not to touch raw meat too much) combine all of the ingredients.  Turn on the mixer to a medium speed or mix with your hands until everything is thoroughly mixed.  Spray 2 cookie sheets with cooking spray.  Roll 1in. balls and place on the cookie sheet.  This will make about 40-50 meatballs.  Bake 1 sheet at a time for about 15 minutes or until the meatballs begin to brown slightly.  These can be frozen after they are cooked and used in a lot of meals.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Most Delicious Loaded Baked Potato Soup

1 lb. of bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
8 medium red potatoes, chopped
1/4 cup of flour
2 cups of chicken stock or broth
Salt and Pepper to taste
4 cups of heavy whipping cream

Garnishes:
More chopped bacon or bacon bits
chopped green onions or chives
shredded sharp cheddar
red chili pepper

In a 6-8 qt. pot cook bacon until crisp over medium heat.  Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels. Cook the onions and the carrots in the bacon fat until the onions are translucent.  Add the potatoes and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Turn the heat to low and whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until the flour has cooked and the liquid in the pot has thickened a bit.  Add the stock/broth and half the bacon(the other half will be used for garnish).  Add salt and pepper.  Turn the heat up to medium-high and let it simmer for 25 minutes, turning the heat down as the soup boils.  Cook and stir until the potatoes are soft.  Add the whipping cream and cook for 5 minutes(still stirring).  Serve and garnish with toppings listed above.  Enjoy!  I promise you will!

Cream Cheese Beef Enchiladas


2 1/2 lbs. of shredded beef or 3 14oz. cans of beef(shredded)
2 14oz. cans of Stokes Green Chile Sauce: Pork Ranchero(make sure this is a brown sauce as this goes better with beef than the green)
1 14oz. can of diced tomatoes, drained
1 1/2 packages(12 oz.) of Neufchatel cream cheese(1/3 less fat cream cheese)fat free would also work for this
1 Tbsp. of chili powder
3 tsp. of cumin
3 tsp. of onion powder
3 tsp. of garlic powder
1 1/2 - 2 cups of Mexican cheese
12 lg. (burrito size) flour tortillas

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a large skillet heat, on medium heat, 1/2 can of the Stokes sauce, all the beef, cream cheese, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder.  Stir and simmer for about 7-8 minutes.  Warm the tortillas in a microwave in the bag for about 1-2 minutes. Pour the other half of the Stokes sauce into a 9x13 cake pan and spread it evenly on the bottom. Take 1 tortilla at time and spread the meat mixture over the tortilla(about 1/3 cup), then roll the tortilla and place it in the pan.  Repeat until there are about 12 total(squish them together to fit them all, they will fit!).  Take the other can of Stokes sauce and pour it all over the top of the rolled tortillas.  Spread the sauce, if needed, so that it is evenly dispersed.  Top with cheese.  Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes.


Homemade Goldfish Crackers


1 cup of flour
1 cup or 8oz. of shredded cheddar(sharp or medium) cheese
1/4 cup of cold butter, cut up
2 tsp. of onion powder
2 tsp. of garlic powder
2 tsp. of paprika
3-4 Tbsp. of water
Parchment Paper
salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Food processor instructions:
In a food processor, add flour, cheese, butter and seasonings.  Pulse until it looks like coarse meal.  Gradually add the water, while pulsing, until dough balls up on top of the blade.

Dough/Pastry Blender(wire thingy for pie and pastry making):
In a medium to large mixing bowl, add flour, cheese, butter and seasonings.  Mix with the dough blender until it looks like coarse meal.  Gradually add water until it becomes the consistency of dough.

Wrap in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for 20 minutes(can be stored for up to 24 hours).
Take half of the dough and roll it between two sheets of parchment paper until it is about 1/8 inch thick.  Cut out with a small cookie cutter(shape is your choice).  I made my own fish cookie cutter.  I cut a strip of an index card and wrapped it in foil.  I bent it into the shape of a fish and tape the ends together with scotch tape.  This works great since you don't have to push down hard on it.
Remove the top piece of parchment, remove the extra dough from around the shapes. Place the shapes with the bottom parchment onto a cookie sheet. Salt the shapes and cook in the oven for about 15-17 minutes.  Let cool for about 10 minutes. Repeat until dough is all used up.

Homemade Microwave Caramels

1/4 cup of butter
1/2 cup of corn syrup
1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2  cup of granulated(white) sugar
Wax Paper

In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl combine all ingredients.  Put it in the microwave for 2 minutes.  Then stir with a whisk and put in the microwave for another 2 minutes.  Then stir with a whisk and put it back in the microwave for another 2 minutes.  Stir with a whisk and pour into a greased 8x11 cake pan.  Let it completely cool and cut it into candy-sized pieces.  Remove each piece from the pan and wrap it in wax paper.  Store in an air tight container.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Homemade Granola Bars

(Please excuse my inability to rotate a dang picture.)
1/4 cup of butter
1/3-1/2 cup of peanut butter
4 1/2 cups(or one bag) of small marshmallows
6 1/2 cups of granola
1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips

In a large(6qt.) pot, melt butter and peanut butter on low heat.  Once butters are melted, immediately stir in marshmallows.  Continue stirring until marshmallows are melted.  Immediately add the granola.  Stir until it is completely combined and then turn off heat.  Gradually stir in chocolate chips.  Once everything is thoroughly mixed, spread evenly onto a greased cookie sheet.  Once it is evenly spread in the cookie sheet put it in the fridge to chill for about 20-25 minutes.  Cut into bars and wrap in plastic wrap.  Store in an air tight container.

Homemade Fruit Snacks(made with JELLO)


6 oz. of your favorite Jello flavor
1 oz. (or 4- .25oz. packs) of gelatin
2/3 cup of water

In a small saucepan on low heat, whisk in the Jello and gelatin.  Whisk over heat until Jello and gelatin are completely mixed in.  Pour into a measuring pitcher and pour into silicone ice cube trays(sometimes I spray these with cooking spray, but I don't think it's necessary) as seen above.  These ones are from Ikea.  Put in the fridge to chill for about 10-15 minutes.  Pop them out and start over again.  I do about 4 flavors and put one of each flavor into a little jewelry ziplock bag.  Don't worry about it not being enough because these are pretty decently sized fruit snacks.  They are the consistency of gummy bears.  These make about 28 bags of fruit snacks.

Great Northern Bean and Ham Soup

1 medium yellow onion, minced
2 Tbsp. of butter
2 cups of whole milk
1 cup of sour cream
1 Tbsp. of pepper
2 14 oz. cans of Great Northern Beans, undrained
1 1/2-2 cups of ham, chopped
3 Tbsp. of flour
salt to taste
2 Tbsp. freeze dried chives

In a large 6 qt. pot melt butter, then add onion.  Saute until fragrant.  Then add milk and sour cream.  Cook for about 4-5 minutes.  Next, add the 2 cans of beans and ham.  In a small sauce pan take about a 3/4 cup of the soup mixture, on medium heat and whisk in the flour.  Once they are fully combined stir that mixture into the soup.  Then the chives, pepper and some salt(however much or little you like).  Let simmer for about 5 or 6 minutes or until thick enough and bubbling.  Serve.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Breakfast Pizza


2 8oz. can of Crescent roll dough
1-1 1/2 lbs. of cooked breakfast sausage, ham, or bacon, chopped
1 1/2 cups of frozen shredded potato hash browns, thawed
1 1/2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan
5-6 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
Salt and pepper

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.  Unroll the crescent dough onto the sheet and press seams and spread it out until it meats all ends.  Make sure you have a slight edge up on the longer sides for a crust.  In a mixing bowl, mix the eggs and milk.  Add some salt and pepper to taste to this mixture.
Evenly disperse the hash browns and meat over the crescent dough.  Next, evenly pour the egg mixture over the crescent dough.  Top with cheese.
Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes or until crust is browned.  Cut and serve.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Brisket Tacos and/or Quesadillas with Mango Barbecue Sauce


Crock Pot Brisket:
3 lb. Brisket
salt and pepper
1 Tbsp. of chili powder
3 cloves of garlic, minced
16oz. of Dr. Pepper

Mango Barbecue Sauce:
 1 1/2 Tbsp. of olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1/2 cup of ketchup
2 Tbsp. of lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. of spicy brown mustard
Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup of Mango Chutney

For Tacos and Quesadillas:
2-3 cups of Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
1 cup of fresh cilantro
taco sized flour tortillas

Crockpot Brisket:
Brown the brisket over medium high heat until it is completely browned.  Put the brisket into the crockpot.  Add all of the the brisket ingredients at this time.  Cook on low for about 8 hours.

Mango Barbecue Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a 2-qt sauce pan.  Then add onions and saute for about 5 minutes or until fragrant. Put the onions and the rest of the bbq ingredients in a blender or food processor.  Blend until it is completely mixed and smooth.

Brisket:
When brisket is done, shred it with a fork or put it in a mixer using the cookie dough attachment.  Add a little bit of sauce to the meat.

For tacos:
Put a bit of the meat on the tortilla.  Add some sauce, cheese and cilantro.  Enjoy!

For Quesadillas:
Heat griddle pan on medium heat.  Spread the meat on one tortilla.  Add some cheese and cilantro and then top with a second tortilla.  Cook about 2-3 minutes and flip, then another 2-3 minutes.  Cut and serve.  Dip in the Mango Barbecue Sauce and enjoy!!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Because People Like to Say "Salsa!"

These are my favorite kinds of salsa.  I can't seem to live without them.  They are the Walmart brand and are only about $1.98 each.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Cinnamon Roll Cake

I don't make cinnamon rolls from scratch, so this was a perfect alternative for me.
Cake Portion:
3 c. of flour
1/4 tsp. of salt
1 c. of granulated sugar
4 tsp. of baking powder
1 1/2 c. of milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. of vanilla(I always do like 3 cause I loves me some vanilla)
1/2 c. of melted butter

Cinnamon Mixture:
1 c. of butter, softened(yes, this calls for a lot of butter :)
1 c. of brown sugar
2 Tbsp. of flour
1 Tbsp. of cinnamon

Glaze:
2 c. of powdered sugar
5 Tbsp. of milk
1(or 2) tsp. of vanilla

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease a 13x9 pan.  Mix all of the cake ingredients together, EXCEPT for the melted butter, in a mixer until it becomes smooth.  Slowly stir in the melted butter at this time.  Pour all of the cake batter into the pan.  Set aside.  Next combine ALL of the cinnamon mixture ingredients.  Mix until smooth.  Plop(yes, I said plop) spoonfuls of the mixture onto the cake batter.  Swirl with a knife until it looks all pretty and a little bit more evenly dispersed. Bake in the oven for about 28-32 minutes.
While the cake is baking make the glaze.  Put all of the glaze ingredients into a measuring pitcher and mix with a fork until smooth.  Once the cake is done baking, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then pour the glaze evenly over the cake.  Let it cool for about another 5 minutes and serve.  Reheat when you eat the leftovers, it's like reliving the whole experience of the first bite.  Enjoy!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

2-Ingredient Fudge

Another quick and easy treat to make!
1 tub of frosting(I used vanilla, but I have also done this with caramel)
1 pkg of white chocolate chips(when I did the caramel frosting I used milk chocolate chips)
2 tsp. of raspberry extract

In a medium to large mixing bowl dump the entire little tub of frosting.  Add the raspberry extract and mix well.  In a small saucepan over the lowest heat, melt the whole bag of chips.  I don't do a double-boiler or the microwave.  I simply put my burner on its lowest heat and stir constantly until becomes smooth.  This works great, actually.  Then add the melted chips to the mixing bowl and immediately start mixing with a mixer until it is completely mixed and smooth, almost fluffy.  Grab a cookie sheet and some wax paper.  Lay the wax paper on the cookie sheet and tape it to the ends of the cookie sheet.  Dump the fudge mixture onto the cookie sheet and spread it until it is about 1/2-1/3 in. think all over.  You can do some sort of design if you want or add sprinkles.  There is no need to spread this too the edges of the pan, it will not reach.  Stick the fudge into the fridge for about 20-30 minutes.  Cut and serve.  Enjoy!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Strawberry Cherry Chip Cookies

These are so quick and simple to make!!
1 box of strawberry cake mix
1 bag of cherry chips(I found them at Walmart, I have also seen them at Target)
2 eggs
1/3 c. of oil(vegetable or canola)

Heat your oven to 375 degrees F.
In a large bowl or mixer combine the oil and eggs.  Then gradually add the cake mix.  Once these are completely mixed add the chips.  Spoon out Tbsp.-sized spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet.  Bake for 8-10.  Cool.  Enjoy!!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Chicken Parmesan Casserole/Bake

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 Cloves of Garlic, crushed or2 tsp. of garlic powder
Hot red pepper flakes, to taste
4-6 boneless chicken breasts, halved
2 cups of marinara sauce
1/4 c. chopped fresh basil or 1 Tbsp. dry basil
1 c. of shredded mozzarella
1/2 c. of shredded Parmesan
1 6 oz. pkg. of garlic croutons

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a 13x9 baking dish, drizzle the olive oil in the bottom of the pan, add the garlic and pepper flakes.  Mix it up a bit and spread it around.  Then lay the halved chicken breasts so that they are spread out evenly in the pan.  Cover the chicken with the marinara sauce.  Sprinkle the basil all over the chicken.  Then cover the chicken with about 2/3 of the cheeses.  Sprinkle the entire bag of croutons evenly over the chicken.  Then sprinkle the rest of the cheeses on top of the croutons.  Bake uncovered in the oven for about 35 minutes.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Burritos-Danielle Style

1-1 1/2 lbs. of ground turkey
1 can of re-fried beans
1 can of diced tomatoes
1/4 c. of fresh cilantro
1 Tbsp. chili powder
3 tsp. of cumin
3 tsp. of onion powder
3 tsp. of garlic powder
2 Tbsp. of Cholula hot sauce
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups of shredded Mexican-style cheese
10 burrito(lg.) tortillas

Heat your oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large skillet or non-stick frying pan brown your ground turkey.  As this gets closer to being done add your tomatoes and seasonings(except the cilantro).  Let them simmer for a minute or two then add you re-fried beans.  Continue to cook and stir until the beans are completely incorporated into the meat mixture.  Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.  Heat up your tortillas in the microwave on high for about 1 1/2 minutes.  Turn off your burner and add the cilantro and mix that in.  When you fill your tortillas put a small handful of cheese in and then a spoonful(pretty good-sized) of your meat and beans.   Fold/roll your tortillas and lay the burritos in a lightly greased(like cooking spray) 13x9 dish.  You should have a total of about 8-10 burritos.  They can even be slightly layered when trying to fit them in.  Cover your dish with aluminum foil and bake in your oven for 20 minutes.  Serve and enjoy!!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Cajun Cilantro Chicken Tacos(by Dylan and Holly)

1 1/2 lbs. of chicken, chopped
1-2 Tbsp. (depending on how flavorful you want it) of any Cajun seasoning
1 Tbsp. of canola or vegetable oil
Shredded Mexican cheeses of your choice
Fresh Cilantro
Black Beans(1 can drained and rinsed)
Sour Cream
White Corn Tortillas

In a frying pan(med. to med. high) heat up your oil then add your chicken.  Add your Cajun seasoning and cook the up the chicken until it is fully cooked.
While this is going on, pull out the old griddle pan(this is the fastest way to do this) and turn your burners to medium.  Throw on(not literally) as many tortillas as will fit.  Heat for about 30sec. on one side then flip for another 30sec. until they are heated through.  Put them on a plate and cover them with foil.
Feeding time!!: Grab a tortilla, put some sour cream(adding this first makes everything stay in better), then chicken and your other toppings.  Enjoy!  Repeat 2-3 more times as you will not be able to stop eating these!!