Blueberry Lemon Muffins

 Blueberry Lemon Muffins

2 c. blueberries, fresh or frozen

3 c. flour plus, 1/4 c. if using frozen berries

1 t. baking powder

1 t. salt

1 c. butter crisco

2 c. sugar

3 eggs

1 c. lemon yogurt

1 t. lemon extract

1 t. vanilla

zest of 1 lemon (optional)

1 - 2 T. powdered sugar for sprinkling 

If using frozen blueberries, toss them in a bowl with 1/4 c. flour and set aside.  If using fresh ones skip this step.

In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.

In mixer bowl, cream together the crisco and sugar.  Beat about 1 minute, until fluffy.  

Beat in the eggs one at a time.  Add the yogurt, extracts and lemon zest and mix in.

Slowly add the flour mixture and mix in.

Fold in the blueberries.

Place 24 cupcake papers in muffin pans and spray them with cooking spray.  Fill them with 1 scoop of batter.  Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Remove from pans to cool.  

This can also be baked in a bundt pan for a cake.  Bake for 1 hour.  

Dutch Oven Omelet

 Dutch Oven Omelet
1/4 c. butter
16 eggs  (4 cups)

2/3 c. sour cream

2/3 c. milk

1 1/2 t. salt

1/4 c. green onions, chopped

1-2 c. grated cheese

Melt butter in 12 inch Dutch oven.

Beat together eggs, sour cream, milk and salt. 

Stir in green onions and pour into Dutch oven.  

Place 16 briquettes on the lid and 8 under the bottom.  

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.  

Top with cheese and return lid until the cheese has melted.

This can be baked in a 9x13 pan at 350 for 40 to 50 minutes.  

Sometimes I add ham and bell peppers.  

Dutch Oven Rolls

Dutch Oven Rolls 
1 1 ⁄3 c. warm water 
2 T. powdered milk
2 T. instant potato flakes
1 egg 
2 T. butter or coconut oil
4 c. bread flour 
1 t. salt
¼ c. sugar
1 T. yeast 
Place ingredients in bread machine pan in the order listed and set DOUGH only setting. When dough is ready shape into 16 rolls and place in 12 inch deep Dutch Oven.  Let rise 20 to 30 minutes.  Bake at 375° for 15 to 20 minutes. If baking with briquettes, place 8 on the bottom and 18 on the lid.  

Dutch Oven Stew

 This was my Mom's recipe.  

DUTCH OVEN STEW 

2-3 lb. stew meat or round steak 

8 carrots, cut up 

3 stalks celery, cut up 

3 sm. onions, chopped fine 

1 bay leaf 

1 tsp. salt

1/2 t. pepper

1/2 t. garlic powder

1 pkg. beef soup mix

32 oz. V8 juice

Simmer meat in one quart water with ½ t. thyme and ½ t. marjoram and ¼ cup onion flakes. Simmer until tender. 

Add all ingredients to dutch oven and cook 45 minutes with briquettes on top and bottom.

Dutch Oven Chicken Dinner

 DUTCH OVEN CHICKEN  (Make as much as you need)  
onions, sliced 
carrots 
potatoes, sliced

Pancake Mix

season salt 

garlic powder 
chicken pieces 

1 can evaporated milk, optional

Make this in a deep dutch oven. Make as much as you want. Place in
dutch oven; A layer of onions, a layer of carrots, & a layer of potatoes.
Place pancake mix, season salt & garlic powder in a bag. Shake chicken
in bag until coated. Layer chicken on top of potatoes. Place lid on dutch
oven. For a 12" dutch oven put 12 briquettes on top & 12 on the bottom.
For a 14" put 15 briquettes on top & bottom. Cook for 1½ hours. Pour
over evaporated milk the last 15 minutes of cooking to make a gravy
if desired. (I add it!)

If making for a crowd.....I have stacked 2 or 3 of these and cook them all at once.  When I check them I put the top one on the bottom of the new stack to rotate them around.  Replenish briquettes as needed, they probably will burn out before this is done. 

Dutch Oven Enchilada Pie

 Dutch Oven Enchilada Pie

1 lb. hamburger 

3 c. grated cheese

small can sliced olives (if desired)

(8-oz.) Tomato Sauce 

(10-oz.) Enchilada Sauce 

10 flour tortillas 

(16-oz.) can refried beans 

sour cream & taco sauce, for serving

Brown hamburger in a skillet and add the tomato & enchilada sauces. Spray a 10" dutch oven and place a small amount of the meat mixture to cover the bottom. Spread a thin layer of refried beans on a flour tortilla and place in the dutch oven. Add a layer of the meat mixture and sprinkle with grated cheese & olives. Repeat layers until all 10 tortillas are layered in the dutch oven. Place lid on dutch oven and cook with briquettes at 350° for 30 minutes until heated through. Cut like a pie thru all layers.

Serve with sour cream & taco sauce.

Note: This recipe can also be layered in a deep casserole dish and cooked in the microwave for 15 minutes.  or Bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350°. Great for camping or anytime!!

Dutch Oven Hamburger Stroganoff

 A favorite for camping.  Makes a great one dish meal anytime.  I have been modifying this for years.  I have finally come up with a version Steve likes!!

Dutch Oven Hamburger Stroganoff

1 1/2 lbs. hamburger + 1/4 c. water

1-2 t. Lawry's season salt 

1 c. diced onion

3 cloves garlic

1 T. dried parsley

1/4 c. flour

4 c. egg noodles, uncooked

3 T. beef bouillon mix

3 c. water

1 c. sour cream or greek yogurt (more if needed)

2 c. grated cheese

Heat about 30 briquettes.  

Brown hamburger in 10" or 12" dutch oven with 1/4 c. water.  Once it starts to brown add the onion, garlic, season salt and parsley. Once the meat is all browned stir in the flour. Spread the egg noodles over the meat mixture. 

Mix together the bouillon mix and water.  Pour it over the egg noodles.  Put the lid on the dutch oven and place 16 hot briquettes on top of the lid and 8 briquettes around the bottom.  Cook for 30 minutes turning at least once (turn the whole dutch oven 1/4 turn clockwise and then turn the lid 1/4 turn counter clockwise).  After 30 mintues remove the lid and stir.  If the noodles are mostly done, then stir in the sour cream and sprinkle the grated cheese over the top.  Cook 10 more minutes.  Remove from coals and serve.  

If you need to serve more.  Add more noodles and water, until the noodles are mostly covered.  

If you don't want to cook it using briquettes you can put this in the oven at 350.  

Onion Soup Mix

 Onion Soup Mix
1 1/2 c. dried onion
3/4 c. beef bouillon mix

1/4 c. onion powder

2 T. celery seed

2 T. parsley

Pour all ingredients in a quart jar and shake well.  

1/4 c. = 1 packet of onion soup mix

Homemade Beef Bouillon

 This makes 1 pint.

Homemade Beef Bouillon

3/4 c. dry mustard

1/3 c. garlic powder

1/3 c. paprika

3 T. onion powder

3 T. chili powder

1 T. celery seed 

Mix and store in pint jar.  

1 T. bouillon mix to 1 c. water

Crock Pot Sticky Chicken

Crock Pot Sticky Chicken

3- 5  lbs. chicken thighs
salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce:

1/2 c. soy sauce
1/2 c. ketchup
1/2 c. honey
1 T. minced garlic
1 t. ground ginger
2 T. chili sauce
1 t. lime juice

For serving:
4 c. cooked rice
cilantro, for garnish

Place chicken in crock pot and season with salt & pepper..

Mix together the sauce and pour over the chicken.  

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.  

Serve over rice and garnish with cilantro.  

If you want to thicken the sauce at serving time:  Mix together some of the sauce with 2 to 4 T. cornstarch or clear jel.  Pour back into the crock pot and stir well,  cook about 10-15 minutes longer.  

Homemade Chicken Bouillon

Most purchased bouillon these days contains MSG and many more additives that I don't want to consume.  So after some research this is my new recipe.  

Homemade Chicken Bouillon

1 c. Nutritional Yeast

1/4 c. sea salt 

1/4 c. onion powder

1/4 c. garlic powder

1/4 c. dried parsley

1 T. sage

2 t. dried thyme

2 t. dried rosemary

2 t. turmeric powder

2 t. white pepper

1 T. celery seed

1 T. dried basil

1 T. dried oregano 

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend to create a nice powdered bouillon.  

Store in an airtight container.  

To use:  2 t. to 1 c. hot water.  When using in recipes calling for bouillon use 2 t. homemade bouillon in place of 1 t or use according to your taste.   

Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole

 My newest creation for our Spring Sturgeon trip since it was too windy to cook outside.

Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole

2 c. milk

8 eggs

1 t. salt 

1/2 t. pepper

1 t. dry mustard

8 c. cubed bread (8 slices) 

2 c. diced ham

1 c. diced peppers

1/2 c. diced onion

1 1/2 c. grated cheese

Whisk together: milk, eggs, salt, pepper & mustard.  Set aside.

Spray a 9x13 pan or dutch oven.

Layer in the bread, peppers, onion, ham and  1 c. cheese.

Pour over the egg mixture.

Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.

Bake at 375 for 40 minutes, until golden brown.  

Dutch oven: 11 briquettes on bottom & 18 to 20 briquettes on top.  

Sugar Cookie Bars

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.  

Instant Pot Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Soup

Today was cold and rainy and we have lots of hamburger and potatoes, so I came up with this.  

Instant Pot Cheesy Hamburger and Potato Soup

1 lb. hamburger

1 c. chopped onion

4 cloves of minced garlic

4 c. water

1 T. beef bouillon

4 c. diced potatoes

1 t. paprika

1 t. parsley

1 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

1 1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese

1 c. cream or milk

1 T. cornstarch or regular clear jel

1 T. water

Brown hamburger on saute, add in onion and garlic.  Add water, bouillon, potatoes, and seasonings.

Cook for 5 minutes at high pressure and 5 minutes natural release.  

Return to saute mode.  Stir in the cheese until melted.  Stir in the milk.  Stir together the cornstarch and water and add to the soup.  Cook until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes.  Serve.  

Mayo

 With the huge increase in the cost of  Mayo.....I have decided to give homemade Mayo a try.  I simply cannot pay ten dollars for a jar of Mayo!!!

Mayo

1 egg

1 c. avocado oil

2 t. lemon juice

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. mustard

Place ingredients in a wide mouth jar.  Blend with an immersion blender until thick and turns to mayo.  Chill.

To make it longer lasting add fermentation.  2 T. Plain yogurt and let sit out for 12 to 24 hours.  

Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots

 Yesterday was Dale's birthday and we got together for lunch.  I made these and wanted to keep track of my recipe for future reference.  

Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots 

2-3 T. olive oil

1 onion cut in chunks

1 1/2 lbs. mini carrots

4 cloves of garlic

10 yukon gold potatoes, cut in 1 inch chunks

2 c. water or broth 

1/2 c. fresh chives and parsley, finely chopped

4 T. butter

salt and pepper

Place oil in instant pot on saute and add the onions.  When the onions are carmelized add the carrots and garlic.  Saute a few more minutes and turn off.  Add the potatoes, water and fresh herbs.  Cook on High for 5 minutes.  Natural release for 5 minutes and then quick release remaining pressure.  Drain most of the liquid off.  Top with butter and salt and pepper.   Serve. 

Salisbury Steak

My version of Salisbury Steak.  

Salisbury Steak in the Air Fryer

1 lb ground beef

1/2 c. bread crumbs

1 egg

1/2 c. diced onion 

1 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

1 tsp granulated garlic

1/2 t. dried oregano

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 t. mustard

1 T. ketchup

1/4 cup barbecue sauce (1T. per pattie)  or to taste

Preheat air fryer to 325 for 5 minutes.

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, salt, granulated garlic, oregano, ketchup,  mustard, Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.

Form the ground beef mixture into 4 large oval shaped patties.

Place patties inside of the air fryer and cook at 325  for 8 minutes.

Open the air fryer and brush the steaks with barbecue sauce on all sides. Cook for an additional  5-7 minutes or until fully cooked to 160 degrees.

Serve over mashed potatoes or with some veggies on the side.

Notes:

Can serve with brown gravy if you don’t like it with bbq sauce.

There is no need to flip the steak patties during air fryer cooking.

Peach Hot Pepper Jelly

This recipe came from the Sure Jell Pectin website.  

 Peach Hot Pepper Jelly

2 c. finely chopped peeled peaches (about 1 1/2 lbs.)

1 c. finely chopped red pepper (about 1 large red pepper)

1 c. finely chopped jalapeno peppers (about 10 peppers)

1 c. apple cider vinegar

1 pkg. Sure Jell Fruit Pectin

1/2 t. butter or margarine

5 c. sugar, measured into a separate bowl and set aside.  

Place peaches and peppers in 8 qt. saucepan.  Add vinegar.  Stir in pectin.  Add butter to reduce foaming. Bring to a full rolling boil on high heat, stirring constantly.  

Stir in sugar.  Return mixture to a full boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Skim off any foam with a spoon.  

Immediately ladle into prepared jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.  Wipe jar rims and cover with 2 piece lids.  Place filled jars in a water bath canner on a rack.  Cover with water 1 to 2 inches above the tops of the jars.  Cover canner and bring to a gentle boil.  Process for 10 minutes.  (Check to see if you need more time for your altitude.) 

Remove jars and place on a towel to cool.  Check seals and label jars for storage.  

Best of 2024

 A few favorites from 2024!!  

Back in the old days, Lori Stiles and I would get together and make candy.  This recipe was from a Charlie Brown cookbook and it was called "Lucy's Lemon Lollipops".  Below is a picture of how we made them before the days of sucker molds.  The twins asked me if I could make some hard candy for Christmas this year.  So, I did some experimenting to come up with a microwave version so I didn't have to stand at the stove stirring for 20 to 30 minutes.  Here it is.....

Hard Candy

Mix together in a microwaveable 8 c. measuring bowl:

1/2 c. corn syrup

1 c. sugar 

Cover with plastic wrap microwave for 3 minutes on High.  Remove plastic wrap carefully.  

Stir quickly and cover with a new sheet of plastic wrap and microwave for 2 more minutes.  

Carefully remove the plastic wrap and stir in:

1/2 to 1 t. flavoring (lemon, orange, root beer extract)  If using flavored oil it only takes a small amount.

Pour into sprayed molds or onto a sprayed cookie sheet.  

Let cool about 20 minutes and then remove from molds or break into pieces.  

Hints:

Have all your supplies ready before your start.

A sprayed wooden spoon works best for stirring.

I like to shake the candy pieces in a baggie with 1 to 2 T. powdered sugar. Shake off excess.  This keeps it from sticking together.  

Microwave cooking times may vary due to the wattage of your microwave (mine is 1000 watts).  

This recipe became our summer favorite!!  We even liked the leftovers, cold straight out of the refrigerator.  Great on a hot summer day.  

Taco Pasta Salad

16 oz. cooked pasta (I used Penne, and cooked it for 2 minutes, 5 minutes NR in the instant pot)

1 lb. hamburger

1/3 c. water

2 T. taco seasoning

1 c. diced tomatoes

1/2 c. diced red onion (or green onions)

1/2 head lettuce, chopped  **

15 oz. corn, drained

15 oz. black beans, drained and rinsed)

1 1/2 c. crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos

16 oz. French Dressing 

Cook pasta and rinse with cold water.  Set aside.

Brown hamburger and then add water and taco seasoning and simmer for a few minutes. Set aside to cool.

Chop the tomatoes, onions and lettuce into a large mixing bowl.  Stir in the cooled pasta and hamburger.  Add the corn and black beans, doritos and french dressing.  Serve immediately or chill until serving time.  

Top with fresh cilantro at serving time.  

** With time I decided to leave the lettuce out entirely.  It goes mushy when leftover and this recipe makes a big salad and we like it leftover.  

My Sister, Janet sent me this recipe to make for our sibling reunion to celebrate Dad's 100th birthday.  It has become a big favorite.  I have made all the Jello flavors and they are all good!!!   

Lime Blender Salad

1 - 6 oz. Lime Jello

1/4 c. sugar

2 c. boiling water

8 oz. cream cheese

2 c. ice cubes

Pour Jello and sugar into blender, add boiling water and blend for 1-2 minutes.  Add cream cheese and blend until all flecks of cream cheese disappear.  Add ice cubes and blend until completely melted.  Pour into a bowl or individual serving dishes.  Chill for at least 1 hour.  

I have been working on this recipe for some time now.  I finally have it perfected! 

Strawberry Bundt Cake

1 Strawberry Cake Mix

1 3.4 oz. vanilla instant Pudding

1/2 c . strawberry jam (homemade freezer jam)

4 eggs

1 c. water

1 c. oil 

Place all ingredients in the mixer bowl and beat for 2 minutes.  Pour into sprayed bundt pan.  

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes for regular sized cake or 35 minutes for smaller sized cakes or 25 minutes for minis.  Cool in pan for 15 minutes, run a knife around the edges and dump out onto cake stand or plate.  Drizzle with strawberry glaze.  

Strawberry Glaze

1 1/2 to 2 c. powdered sugar

3 T. strawberry jam

2 T.  milk (more as needed for desired consistency)

Stir together and drizzle over cake.  

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup

 We like soup in the winter.  I needed something new.  This is what I came up with.

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup

1 T. oil

1 c. chopped onion

2 c. carrots, cut in thick circles 

2 c. diced celery

3 cloves garlic or 1 1/2 t. granulated garlic

1 1/2 t. Italian seasoning

1 T. parsley 

1 1/2 T. chicken bouillon

5 to 6 c. water

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken

3/4 c. white or brown rice, uncooked

Set instant pot to Saute and add:  oil, onion carrots, celery, and garlic. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the remaining ingredients, except for the chicken and rice.  Stir well. 

Add the chicken and rice.  

Cook on High for 12 minutes.

Natural release for 10 minutes.  Then quick release.

Remove the chicken and dice or shred and add it back to the soup.