Cast Iron Brownies

I've been experimenting with this recipe for a bit....this version is perfection.  The best part is that you use the baking pan as your mixing pan so there is only one pan to clean up.  Did I mention they are soft and fudgy?! 

Cast Iron Brownies

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. oil

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

3/4 c. cocoa

3 eggs, beaten

1 t. vanilla

1/2 t. salt

2/3 c. flour

1/2 c. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips 

Melt butter in a 12 inch cast iron skillet over med-low heat.  Add oil, sugars and cocoa and stir for 1 minute.  Turn off heat and let rest for 10 minutes.  Stir in eggs and vanilla.  Fold in the salt and flour.  Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the top of the batter.  Bake at 325 for 30 minutes.   Best served  warm with homemade ice cream.  

 

When camping these can be made and baked in a 12 inch dutch oven.  Bake with 8 briquettes on the bottom and 16 on top for 30 minutes.  Checking at 25 minutes.  

Granola

Granola

4 c. old fashioned oats

1/4 to 1/2 c. brown sugar

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. salt

1 c. coconut

1 c. sliced almonds

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. honey 

Combine in a large bowl:  oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, coconut and almonds.  

In a saucepan or microwave: melt the butter, stir in the honey.  Cook until blended together, no need to boil.  Pour this mixture of the oat mixture.  Stir well.

Spread the granola onto a greased or parchment lined cookie sheet.  Bake at 325 for 20 to 25 minutes.  Stir after 10 minutes of baking.  

Cool. Store in an airtight container.  Keeps for 4-6 weeks.  

If you want to add other nuts or seeds add to the oat mixture before baking.  

If you want to add dried fruit or raisins add them after it is baked and cooled.  

A great topper for homemade yogurt.  

There are lots of yummy options.  

Irish Soda Bread

I decided to try making some Irish Soda Bread for a St. Patrick's Day Luncheon coming up.  We really like the bread but next time I am going to try baking it in muffin pans for an individual serving.  

Irish Soda Bread

4 c. flour

1/4 c. sugar

1 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

6 T. butter

1 3/4 c. buttermilk (or milk with 1 T. lemon juice, let sit 10 minutes)

1 egg

Sift together the dry ingredients.  

Cut 6 T. cold butter into small pieces and add to the flour mixture.  Using your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it looks like pea sized crumbs.  

Mix together 1 3/4 c. buttermilk and 1 egg.  Add to the crumb mixture and stir just until combined.  It will be a shaggy ball.  Place in a dutch oven lined with parchment paper.  Cut a deep X into the top,  brush with egg wash, if desired and bake at 400 for 35 to 40 minutes.  Bake in the upper half of the oven so the bottom doesn't overbake.  

Variations:  stir in 1 c. raisins or dried cherries 

or Omit the sugar and stir in 1 c. shredded cheese, 2 T. snipped chives, 1 t. granulated garlic

For a shiny crust:  brush the top with an egg/milk wash before baking.  

This recipe makes a very moist and quick bread.  

I plan to serve it with Irish Potato Soup.  

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

 Chicken Enchilada Casserole

1 c. sour cream

28 oz. green enchilada sauce

8 oz. green chilies, diced

3 c. cooked chicken, shredded

2 c. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

18 CORN tortillas

1 c. chicken broth

Mix sour cream,green sauce with chilies.  Smooth 1 spoonful of the sauce around the bottom of the pan.  

Simmer the chicken broth in a skillet and before placing each tortilla in the 9x13 pan.  Use tongs and pass the tortilla through the broth for a few seconds.  

Layer 6 tortillas over the first layer of sauce.  

Layering order:

tortillas

1/2 chicken

1/3 cheese

1/3 sauce

Repeat

Finish with final layer of tortillas, sauce and cheese.  

Bake 350 for 30-35 minutes uncovered until bubbly.  

Applesauce Muffins

 I needed to use some applesauce that I canned.  I adjusted a banana bread recipe that I like...this is the result.

Applesauce Muffins

1/4 c. oil

2 eggs

2 t. vanilla

1/2  c. sugar (or stevia)

1/4 c. brown sugar 

2 c. applesauce

2 c. flour

2 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. nutmeg

1/2 t. cloves

1/2 t. salt

1 1/2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

Combine in mixing bowl:  oil, eggs, vanilla, sugars and applesauce; beat well.

Sift together the remaining ingredients and add to the wet mixture.  Mix until just combined; it's ok to be lumpy.  Scoop into cupcake pan, lined with cupcake liners.  Makes 12 muffins.  

Bake at 375 for 20 to 25 minutes.  

Parker only likes these if they are sprinkled with mini chocolate chips before baking.  A great addition!!   

These freeze well.  I often double the recipe.  It can be made into a loaf, pour into a sprayed loaf pan, baking 30-40 minutes.  

Homemade Ice Cream

I bought a 2 qt. ice cream maker for my Kitchen Aid Mixer with my birthday money from Granny!!  While I was waiting for it to arrive I did a little research and adjusted my favorite recipe so it would fit in the 2 qt. bowl without overflowing.  

Homemade Ice Cream Base Recipe 

1 c. milk

​3/4 c. sugar

Pinch of salt

2 c. heavy cream

​1 T. pure vanilla extract

​Alternative Liquid Bases

​Lighter Version (Half-and-Half): Replace the 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of milk with 3 cups of Half-and-Half. This results in a lighter, less "buttery" mouthfeel.

​Dairy-Free (Coconut Milk): Replace all dairy with 2 cans (approx. 27 oz) of full-fat coconut milk. Ensure you whisk it well to incorporate the coconut cream.

​Extra Creamy: Use 2 ½ cups heavy cream and ½ cup whole milk for a very rich, premium texture.

​Instructions

​Mix: Whisk the milk (or alternative base), sugar, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved. Stir in the cream and vanilla.

​Chill: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours (or overnight). A cold base churns faster and creates smaller ice crystals for a smoother result. Freeze the churning bowl so it is cold too.  

​Churn: Pour into your 2-quart freezer. Churn for 20–25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

​Add-ins: During the final 5 minutes of churning, fold in 1 cup of crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or fruit preserves.

Storage & Freezer Burn Prevention

​Surface Seal: Press plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream's surface before putting the lid on. This prevents a "skin" from forming and blocks ice crystals.

​Deep Freeze: Store the container in the back of the freezer (never the door) where the temperature is coldest and most consistent.

​Container Choice: Use a shallow, insulated container. This helps the ice cream freeze faster and stay creamy rather than becoming a hard block. 

Hint: add 1 T. corn syrup to base for a softer ice cream consistency.

My most recent batch:

5 c.  cream

1/2 to 1 c. sugar

1 1/2 T. vanilla 

1/4 t. salt

Chilled overnight and bowl in the freezer overnight.  Churned 25-30 minutes to freeze. 

The last few minutes I added 1/2 c. caramel syrup and 1/2 c. crushed pretzels.  Filled the 2 qt. bowl nicely.  

Another favorite is a half pint of jam added the last few minutes of churning.  

When adding other sweet things I cut the sugar back to 1/2 c.  If no additions I use 1 c. sugar. 

Shredded Chicken

Shredded Chicken

Place in Crock Pot:

4 lbs. chicken breasts, boneless skinless

1 jar salsa

1 t. cumin

1 1/2 t. granulated garlic

2-4 T. Sweet rub

Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.  Shred & Serve.

Birthday Feista

Shredded Sweet Pork 

1 jar mild pace picante salsa

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 can Soda (I like sprite or root beer)

1 pork roast

Cook in crockpot for 6-8 hours 

Mexican Pinto Beans

16 oz. dry pinto beans, rinsed

1 small onion diced

5 c. water

4 oz. green chiles diced

2 cloves garlic or 2 t. minced

2 t. cumin

1 t. chili powder

1/2 t. cayenne pepper

1/4 t. black pepper

1/4 c. brown sugar 

1 1/2 t. salt (add after cooking)

Add all ingredients except for salt into the Instant Pot. (Don't add salt until after pressure cooking to allow the beans to fully re-hydrate.)

Close lid and turn knob to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes followed by a 10 minute natural pressure release. Then quick release any remaining pressure.

Open lid.  Add salt and stir. Let beans rest for 10 minutes on keep warm with lid off. Stir again. The liquid will start to thicken up in about 10-12 minutes.

Serve right away with chips or with your favorite Mexican meal! Also freezes great.

Rice in the Instant Pot

Place in instant pot:

1 c rice to 1 1/4 c. water (use this ratio for however much rice you want to make)

1 T. butter for each cup of rice 

Cook on high for 3 minutes and then natural release.  Fluff and serve.  

Cilantro Lime Rice

Add:  1/2 c. chopped cilantro

2 T. lime juice

1 T. lime zest

1-2 t. SPOG (salt, pepper, onion, garlic) to taste

Stir into a medium sized bowl cooked rice while still hot.  

Shredded Chicken

Place in Crock Pot:

4 lbs. chicken breasts, boneless skinless

1 jar salsa

1 t. cumin

1 1/2 t. granulated garlic

2-4 T. Sweet rub

Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.  Shred & Serve.

Katie's Queso

16 oz. Velveeta Cheese

1 jar salsa

Heat in crock pot.  

Shredded Sweet Pork

Shredded Sweet Pork 

1 jar mild pace picante salsa

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 can Soda (I like sprite)

1 pork roast

Cook in crockpot for 6-8 hours.  Shred & Serve.

Costa Vida Pinto Beans in the Instant Pot

 Mexican Pinto Beans

16 oz. dry pinto beans, rinsed

1 small onion diced

5 c. water

4 oz. green chiles diced

2 cloves garlic or 2 t. minced

2 t. cumin

1 t. chili powder

1/2 t. cayenne pepper

1/4 t. black pepper

1/4 c. brown sugar

1 1/2 t. salt 

Add all ingredients except for salt into the Instant Pot. (Don't add salt until after pressure cooking to allow the beans to fully re-hydrate.)

Close lid and turn knob to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 50 minutes followed by a 10 minute natural pressure release. Then quick release any remaining pressure.

Open lid.  Add salt and stir. Let beans rest for 10 minutes on keep warm with lid off. Stir again. The liquid will start to thicken up in about 10-12 minutes.

Serve right away with chips or with your favorite Mexican meal! Also freezes great.

Lazy Lasagna

Lazy Lasagna

1 pound hamburger

1/2 c. diced onion

1 t. granulated garlic or 2 cloves

1 t. oregano

24 oz. spaghetti sauce

3 cups water

4 c. egg noodles

1 c. cottage cheese

2 c. shredded mozzarella

In a large skillet cook hamburger until browned. Add onion, garlic, oregano, pasta sauce, water, and egg noodles.  Cover and cook about 10 minutes, until noodles have absorbed the liquid and are mostly cooked. Stir in the ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until cheese has melted.

If using less noodles use less water.  

Dutch Oven Breakfast Pizza with Hash Brown Crust

Dutch Oven Brakfast Pizza with Hash Brown Crust

Crust:

20 - 30 oz. shredded hash browns

2-3 T. butter

salt 

pepper

Lawrys' Season salt

1 egg, beaten

1/2 c. shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Toppings:

onions & peppers, diced, fresh or frozen 

1 lb. breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and diced

2 c. shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

4-6 eggs

Prep the Crust: Place butter in the bottom of a 12inch dutch oven over low heat until butter is melted.  Stir in Hash browns and sprinkle with seasonings.  Cook until hash browns are partially cooked.  Stir in  1 beaten egg and 1/2 c. grated cheese.  Cook a little longer.  Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides.

Add Toppings: Sprinkle onions and peppers over the hash browns, Then layer the cooked sausage or bacon, followed by shredded cheese.

Beat the eggs (or crack them directly on top for sunny-side up style) and pour over the cheese.

Cover and place over 8-10 briquettes on the bottom and 12-14 on the top.  Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your preference and the cheese is bubbly. 

Poppyseed Dressing

Joyce Hipwell shared this recipe with me. 

Poppyseed Dressing

1/2 c. olive oil, or avacado or canola or vegetable oil

1/4 c. red wine vinegar (can use any type vinegar or even lemon juice)

1/4 c. sugar or honey or maple syrup

1 t. dried mustard

1 t. poppyseeds

1/2 to 1 t. salt

Make in a jar and shake well.  Best when made ahead of time so the flavors blend.  Makes about 1 cup.  Store in refrigerator.

Blackberry Hot Pepper Jelly

 Made this in 2025......This was a hit and it set up so well.  Our new favorite!!  Because I used clear jel it would be fine to double the recipe. 

Blackberry Hot Pepper Jelly 

6-8 jalapeno peppers mostly seeded

2 medium pepper peppers

1 c. apple cider vinegar

3 c. blackberry strained puree (use Victorio Strainer)  start with 9 c. blackberries

2 T. lemon juice

3 c. sugar

1/3 heaping c. regular clear jel

1 T. red pepper flakes

Place peppers and vinegar in blender and puree. Pour into a large pot.

Puree blackberries and add to the pepper mixture.  Stir in lemon juice and sugar. 

Cook over medium high heat until mixture comes to a boil, add a little cooking oil to prevent it from foaming over while cooking.  Remove 1 cup of the mixture and stir the clear jel into this portion. Then add it back into the main mixture.  Stir in the red pepper flakes.  

Continue to cook until the mixture has thickened.  

Pour into 1/2 pint jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace.  Process for 10 minutes for altitude of 2300 feet, adjust according to altitude chart.  

Makes 5-6 jars.  

NCHFP altitude chart for Processing Time (Boiling Water Bath): 5 mins (0-1000 ft), 10 mins (1001-6000 ft), 15 mins (above 6000 ft). 

Blackberry Lemonade Concentrate

This recipe can be used with Strawberries or Blackberries.  I chose Blackberries because I had so many!!!

Blackberry Lemonade Concentrate

6 c. pureed strawberries (I used by victorio strainer which also removed the seeds)

4 c. lemon juice (bottled)

6 c. sugar

Heat slowly to 190 degrees stirring to dissolve sugar.  Do not let it boil.  Skim if necessary.

Fill pints or half pints, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.

Water bath for 20 minutes at 2300 elevation.  Adjust processing times according to elevation.  

Mix a 1 to 2 ratio.  Adjust to taste.  

I mix a half pint jar with a package of kool-aid lemonade to make a 2 qt. pitcher.  

Hamburger Stroganoff

This recipe has been missing since the fire in 2014!!!  I finally got to the end of the boxes from the fire and there it was!!   One of my favorites!!!  

Hamburger Stroganoff

Brown 1 lb. hamburger with 1/2 c. chopped onion and a generous sprinkle of Lawry's season salt.

Add:  2 c. sour cream

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 to 1 c. milk or cream (enough to make it creamy)

Cook 8 c. (1 lb.) fancy cut egg noodles.  Drain and add to the sauce mixture.  Cover with grated cheese.  Serve.  

For 75 servings   (RS Progressive Dinner)

10 lb. hamburger

8 - 16 oz. sour cream

10 can cream of mushroom soup

4 to 6 c. cup milk or cream

6 lb. fancy cut egg noodles

4 lb. grated cheese 

Favorites of 2025

 Favorites of 2025!!!!

This was probably my most used recipe of 2025!!!

Salted Caramel No Bake Cookies

2 c. sugar

3/4 c. butter

2/3 c. evaporated milk

1/4 t. salt

1 t. vanilla

4 c. quick oats

3.4 oz. instant butterscotch pudding

1/2 c. toffee chips

course Kosher salt (for sprinkling)

Place in saucepan:  sugar, butter, evaporated milk and salt.  Cook over medium heat stirring frequently.  Bring to a full boil and boil for 45 seconds. Stir in the vanilla.   

Remove from heat and stir in the pudding mix until dissolved.  Add the oats and stir well.  Cool for about 3-5 minutes.

Stir in the toffee chips.  Scoop into cookie balls and drop on to waxed paper.  Sprinkle lightly with Kosher salt.  Cool until set up.  

Jane says, add coconut.  I need to try that!!!

This one was a big hit too!!!  

Karla's Sugar Cookie Bars

2 1/2 c. flour

1/2 t. salt

1 t. baking powder

1/2 c. butter, softened

3/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. powdered sugar

1 t. vanilla

2 eggs

1/4 c. sour cream 

Frosting

1/4 c. butter, softened

3 c. powdered sugar

3 to 5 T. cream or milk (as needed, for desired consistency

1/4 t. salt

1 t. vanilla

1/4 t. butter extract

1-2 drops pink food coloring (opt.)

Sift together dry ingredients and set aside.

Cream together:  butter and sugars.  Mixing about 3 minutes.

Add vanilla, eggs & sour cream and mix until combined.

Add sifted dry ingredients and mix just until combined.  

Spread into a sprayed 9x13 glass baking dish.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, until lightly browned.    Don't over bake.  

Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Make frosting by combining all ingredients in mixer bowl and beat until smooth and fluffy.

Spread frosting over cooled bars.  For a decorative touch sprinkle with sprinkles (opt.).  

Cut and Serve.  

This is a long-time favorite!!  I always make it for Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember!!!  Lacey asked for the recipe and since it wasn't on here I decided it should be.  It has a favorite for too long not to share.  

This recipe came to me from Steve's Aunt, Maggie Dunlap at my Bridal Shower in  June of 1978.  Everyone raved about it and wanted the recipe, because they had never tasted anything like it before.  Aunt Maggie happily shared the recipe along with this story.  Her friend had gone to a fancy restaurant in New York and had this for dessert.  She commented to the waiter how much she like it and he asked her if she would like the recipe, to which she replied YES.  The recipe was immediately brought to her.  Then shortly after, she was brought her bill with a $100.00 charge added for the Butterscotch Delight recipe.  She tried to give the recipe back but they said you have already seen it and now you must pay for it.  To this she replied fine, but I am going to share it with everyone I know.  And so!!!   We are still sharing it and nowadays you see it in every flavor of pudding ever made (lemon, chocolate, pistachio) and lots of different titles too (Pudding cake, Lemon Lush, Chocolate Delight, 4 Layer Dessert and more).  

Butterscotch Delight

1 c. flour

1/2 c. margarine, melted (I use butter)

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

8 oz. cream cheese

1 c. powdered sugar

2 - 8 oz. Cool Whip

1 small pkg. Instant butterscotch pudding

1 small pkg. Instant vanilla pudding

3 c. cold milk

1 c. coconut, toasted (optional)

1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)  

Mix together in a 9x13 glass baking dish, flour, margarine and chopped walnuts.  Press into the bottom of the pan to form a crust.  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.  Cool completely.

Mix together, cream cheese and powdered sugar.  Fold in carton of Cool Whip.  Spread over cooled crust. 

Mix together both boxes of pudding with the milk.  Beat until thick, about 2-3 minutes.  Spread over the cream cheese layer.  

Top with the remaining carton of Cool Whip.  The original recipe definitely had the toasted coconut and chopped walnuts sprinkled over the top.  And Aunt Maggie always made it that way too!  And I love it that way too!!!   BUT.....most of my family doesn't like coconut!  So I usually drizzle it with caramel topping or sprinkle with crushed toffee pieces.  You top it however you want....Enjoy!!! 

My newest creation, we love soup in the winter!!

Green Enchilada Chicken Soup in the crockpot

2 c. cooked chicken, diced

2 cans (15 oz.) white beans, rinsed and drained

1 c. corn, frozen or canned

10 oz. green enchilada sauce

2 to 3 c. chicken broth

1 t.. onion powder

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. chili powder

1/2 t. salt

1/2 c. sour cream

Place all ingredients except the sour cream in the crockpot.  Cover and cook on high for 2 - 3 hours.

Stir in the sour cream.  Serve with tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream and cilantro as desired.  

Last summer's favorite....I love anything cucumber!!

Tangy Cucumber Salad

4 c. sliced cucumbers

2 - 3 T. finely chopped fresh chives

1/4 c. vinegar

1 1/2 T. oil (olive or avocado is best) 

2 T. sugar or stevia 

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

Place cucumbers and chives in a serving bowl.  Set aside.

Whisk together the vinegar, oil, sugar, salt and pepper.  Pour over the cucumbers.  

Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Hope 2026 is filled with all things good!!!  

Butterscotch Delight

I was first introduced to this recipe by Steve's Aunt, Maggie Dunlap at my Bridal Shower in  June of 1978.  Everyone raved about it and wanted the recipe, because they had never tasted anything like it before.  Aunt Maggie happily shared the recipe along with this story.  Her friend had gone to a fancy restaurant in New York and had this for dessert.  She commented to the waiter how much she like it and he asked her if she would like the recipe, to which she replied YES.  The recipe was immediately brought to her.  Then shortly after, she was brought her bill with a $100.00 charge added for the Butterscotch Delight recipe.  She tried to give the recipe back but they said you have already seen it and now you must pay for it.  To this she replied fine, but I am going to share it with everyone I know.  And so!!!   We are are still sharing it and nowadays you see it in every flavor of pudding ever made (lemon, chocolate, pistachio) and lots of different titles too (Pudding cake, Lemon Lush, Chocolate Delight, 4 Layer Dessert and more).  

This Thanksgiving we introduced it to Seth, our grandson in law.  He loved it!!  Lacey made it yesterday to take to Seth's family Christmas party today.  Lacey said, Grandma you need to post this recipe because I looked for it and it wasn't there.  So here it is.....

Butterscotch Delight

1 c. flour

1/2 c. margarine, melted (I use butter)

1/2 c. chopped walnuts

8 oz. cream cheese

1 c. powdered sugar

2 - 8 oz. Cool Whip

1 small pkg. Instant butterscotch pudding

1 small pkg. Instant vanilla pudding

3 c. cold milk

1 c. coconut, toasted (optional)

1/2 c. chopped walnuts (optional)  

Mix together in a 9x13 glass baking dish, flour, margarine and chopped walnuts.  Press into the bottom of the pan to form a crust.  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.  Cool completely.

Mix together, cream cheese and powdered sugar.  Fold in carton of Cool Whip.  Spread over cooled crust. 

Mix together both boxes of pudding with the milk.  Beat until thick, about 2-3 minutes.  Spread over the cream cheese layer.  

Top with the remaining carton of Cool Whip.  The original recipe definitely had the toasted coconut and chopped walnuts sprinkled over the top.  And Aunt Maggie always made it that way too!  And I love it that way too!!!   BUT.....most of my family doesn't like coconut!  So I usually drizzle it with caramel topping or sprinkle with crushed toffee pieces.  You top it however you want....Enjoy!!! 

Mexican Street Corn Salad

 Saving this here for next year's garden club.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

3 to 4 c. frozen or fresh corn kernels, OR 6 to 7 ears fresh corn on the cob

1 T. butter

1 T. oil

¼ c. mayonnaise

¼ c. sour cream

¼ c. chopped fresh cilantro, plus more garnish

2 T. fresh lime juice

1 t. chili powder

1 t. salt

1/8 t. pepper

¼ t. ground cumin

¼ t. paprika

½ c. mexican blend cheese

Lime wedges, for garnish

For the corn: heat the butter and oil in a skillet. Add the corn in an even layer and let cook for 1-2 minutes without stirring. Continue to cook, stirring until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. For corn on the cob, brush the corn with oil or melted butter and grill over medium heat until golden and starting to char, 3-4 minutes. When cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cob.

For the dressing: in a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, salt, pepper, cumin and  paprika.

Add the corn kernels and stir to combine well (add the corn while slightly warm). Add additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Sprinkle cheese over the top, and more cilantro, and serve with fresh lime wedges. Can be served warm, or chilled.  Delicious!!

Green Enchilada Chicken Soup in the crockpot

 We love soups in the winter.....this is this year's newest favorite.  So yummy!!  

Green Enchilada Chicken Soup in the crockpot

2 c. cooked chicken, diced

2 cans (15 oz.) white beans, rinsed and drained

1 c. corn, frozen or canned

10 oz. green enchilada sauce

2 to 3 c. chicken broth

1 t.. onion powder

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. chili powder

1/2 t. salt

1/2 c. sour cream

Place all ingredients except the sour cream in the crockpot.  Cover and cook on high for 2 - 3 hours.

Stir in the sour cream.  Serve with tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream and cilantro as desired.  

Roasted Turkey in a bag

Every year I try to remember what I did last time.  I decided it is time to record it.

 Roasted Turkey in a bag

1 Whole turkey 12-24 pounds, thawed

1 large oven safe roasting bag

1/2 to 2/3 c. butter, softened or oil

1 t. salt

1 t. pepper

2 T. dried herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley)

4 cloves garlic, minced

small sprig of rosemary (opt)

1 onion, roughly chopped

3 stalks celery

2 carrots, roughly chopped

1 T. flour

Preheat oven to 350.  Place oven rack one level below the center.

Mix together the softened butter with salt and pepper, garlic, and herbs.  

Remove the neck and giblets.

Rub the entire turkey generously with the butter mixture, even rub some under the skin of the turkey.  .  Place the rosemary, celery, carrots and onion in the cavity of the turkey.

Put flour in the roasting bag and then place the turkey inside the bag.  Seal the bag and cut several slits on top the bag to allow steam to escape.  Place the bagged turkey in a large roasting pan.  Roast according to weight.

12 - 15 pounds = 2 to 2.5 hours

15 - 20 pounds = 2.5 to 3 hours

20 - 24 pounds = 3 to 3.5 hours

Check for doneness by ensuring that the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh is 165 degrees.  I use a digital oven thermometer.  Reduce heat if the temperature is rising fast.  Low and slow roasted turkey is best.  

Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.  Carefully remove the bag and carve the turkey.  

Last year we raised our own turkey.  It dressed out over 40 pounds!!  It was huge and delicious.  We roasted it all night.  Here are a few photos of it.  Notice it in the freezer, it took the whole shelf, on the shelf below it is a store purchased turkey.  

                                                 Mr. Gobble Gobble.....he was a noisy bird!!! 

Creamed Corn

 Last week The Elder Quorum made dinner for all the empty nesters.  Andrea Thayn shared this recipe from their menu. It was delicious!

Creamed Corn

5 c. corn (canned/drained, frozen/thaw and drain, Costco has a frozen white corn)

1 c. heavy cream

1 t. salt

2 T. sugar

1/4 t. pepper

2 T. butter

1/2 c. milk

2 T. flour

1/4 c. parmesan cheese

Cayenne or chili powder to taste, maybe a little garlic (opt)

Heat together in saucepan: corn, cream, salt, sugar, pepper & butter.

On the side mix together the milk & flour.

Once corn mixture is heated thru slowly stir in the milk mixture.  Stir until thick and creamy, about 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and add cheese.  Add additional seasonings as desired.  This will thicken as it cools.  

Keep warm in a slow cooker or 200 degree oven for up to 1 hour..  

Enjoy!!  

Sheet Pan Quesadilla

Sheet Pan Quesadilla

3 c. shredded rotisserie chicken 

3 c. shredded cheese  (Monterey jack) 

14 burrito flour tortillas

1 stick melted butter

1 can black beans, drained & rinsed

1 can corn 

1 can rotel tomatoes and chilies

1 c. chopped green onion

1/2 c. diced red onion

1 c. sour cream

2 T. taco seasoning

Toppings:  sour cream, avocados, salsa, limes, cheese and cilantro

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the chicken, cheese, beans, corn, rotel, green onion, red onion, sour cream and taco seasoning. Set aside.

Brush sheet cake pan with melted butter, layer 10 tortillas on pan overlapping the sides with 2 in the center.  Spread the filling mixture covering the tortillas.  Top with 2 tortillas in the center and fold in the overlapping tortillas.  Brush with melted butter.  Put another sheet pan on top and place in oven at 450 for 30-35 minutes.  

Cut with a pizza cutter.  Serve with desired toppings.