Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Rocky Road Recipes....a Culinary Mystery by Josi S. Kilpack

I love Josi Kilpack's culinary mystery books and all the fun recipes.
Here are the recipes from the latest book......Rocky Road


Ol’ Dad’s Dutch Chicken
Breading:
11/2 cups flour
11/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons salt
21/2 teaspoons paprika
11/2 teaspoons sugar 
3/4 teaspoons red pepper powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Combine breading ingredients and coat 18 pieces (approximately 4 pounds) split boneless, skinless chicken breasts.  Brown breaded chicken in skillet in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. When browned, place chicken in 12-inch Dutch oven. Cover and cook over low heat 2 to 3 hours. Check occasionally; if contents are too dry, the pot is too hot. Do not stir. When chicken is tender, serve as desired. (Chicken may tenderize
in pan for approximately 1 hour.)

Slow cooker directions: Place 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in bottom of slow cooker before adding browned chicken. Cook 2 to 4 hours on low heat setting.

Oven directions: Place browned chicken in 9x13-inch pan, cover with foil, and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.
Makes 18 servings.

Ol’ Dad’s Dutch Potatoes

1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup (or any cream soup or homemade white sauce)
8 pounds potatoes, unpeeled and sliced 1/3-inch thick
3 medium onions, finely chopped
2 pounds cheddar cheese, sliced or grated
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste 
1/2 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing mix, blended with 2 tablespoons water (mixture should be thick, like condensed soup)
Spread undiluted soup over bottom of Dutch oven. Fill oven 1/3 full with sliced potatoes. Add a layer of 1/3 of the chopped onions; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add two more layers of potatoes, onions, salt, and pepper; top with ranch dressing mixture.  Place over low heat about 2 hours, being careful not to let potatoes burn; stir every 30 minutes. If potatoes seem dry, the pot is too hot. If potatoes on bottom of pot burn, do not disturb them—the rest of the potatoes may still be enjoyed without tasting the burned ones. When potatoes are tender, cover with ½ of the cheese. When cheese is melted, stir potatoes a final time. Just before serving, add remaining cheese; allow cheese to melt and serve this delicious dish.*

Feeds about 18 adults as a side dish.

*When potatoes are tender, serve within 10 minutes or dish will turn mushy.

Note: One-half or one-third of this recipe may be made in a slow cooker. Grease slow cooker before adding ingredients as listed. Cook 2 hours on high heat setting before adding 1/2 of the cheese, stirring, and then adding additional cheese.


Maddox Rolls    -    The Maddox Ranch House is located in Perry, Utah.
1 tablespoon active dry yeast or instant yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup scalded milk* 
1/2 cup cold water
2 eggs, beaten
31/2 cups flour
For regular yeast: In small bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water; set aside. In separate larger bowl, combine sugar, shortening, and salt; mix well. Add scalded milk, cold water, and beaten eggs; mix about 1 minute, or until well combined. Stir in dissolved yeast. Add flour. Mix four minutes.
For instant yeast: In mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon yeast, sugar, and salt; mix well. Add shortening, eggs, scalded milk, and 3/4 cup hot water; mix 2 minutes. Add remaining 11/2 cups flour; mix 2 minutes more. (This is a “batter” roll rather than a “dough” roll. Batter will be soft.)
When ingredients are combined, cover bowl; let batter rise in warm place 45 to 60 minutes, or until doubled in size. Stir batter down. Spoon into greased muffin tins, filling 18 muffin cups about 2/3 full. Cover; let rise an additional 45 to 60 minutes, or until double in size.  Bake at 400 degrees 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Makes 18 rolls.
*Evaporated milk may be substituted for scalded milk.

Raspberry Butter 
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup raspberry jam
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Makes about 3/4 cup.

No-Brainer Fruit Salad
10 cups fresh fruit of your choice, such as mangos, strawberries, bananas, and grapes, cut into 1-inch pieces (well-drained canned fruit may be used)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons maple syrup (real maple syrup is best)* 
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Place fruit in large mixing bowl. In small bowl, mix yogurt, syrup, and vanilla together. Pour dressing over fruit; toss to coat. May be made the night before.
*Shawn likes a few handfuls of mini marshmallows added because syrup just isn’t sweet enough.
Note: Lasts well in the fridge (as long as no bananas are used) for up to five days. (If you use bananas, add them just before serving.)

Note: To slice grapes easily, line up a row of grapes on your cutting board. Get a rectangle-shaped plastic lid and hold it against one end of the grapes, leaving the other end poking out. Use your knife to cut down the middle. Easy-breezy.

Mormon Muffin Recipe     -    Recipe from The Greenery Restaurant in Ogden, Utah
2 cups boiling water
5 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 quart buttermilk
5 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups All-Bran cereal
2 cups bran flakes
1 cup walnuts, chopped
Add soda to boiling water and set aside. Whip shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs slowly; mix well. Add buttermilk, flour, and salt; mix again. Very slowly add soda water. Gently fold cereals and walnuts into the mix. Spoon 1⁄8 cup batter into greased muffin tins. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool 5 minutes.

Muffin mix must sit in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Mix will last one week, covered and refrigerated.

Yields 3 dozen muffins.

Funeral Potatoes
White sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 
1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
Casserole:
1 (32-ounce) bag frozen hash brown potatoes, cubed or shredded
1 to 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 
1/4 cup French’s fried onions, crushed
2 cups cornflakes, crushed 
1/4 cup butter
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. To make white sauce, melt butter in sautĂ© pan. Add flour and mix until a thick paste forms. Add milk and whisk constantly until sauce thickens. Add bouillon, salt and pepper, and sour cream, and mix well. Remove from heat.
Put potatoes in very large bowl. Add cheese and mix together. Add white sauce mixture and stir until combined. Add onions and mix well.Spread potato mixture into 9x13-inch pan or casserole dish.  Melt butter and combine with cornflake crumbs. Sprinkle buttered crumbs on top of potato mixture.*
Bake until melty and bubbly, about 40 to 60 minutes. If cornflakes begin to brown too quickly, cover with foil.
Feeds 2-16, depending on how much they love it.
*Use less cornflake/butter mixture if desired. If using pre-crushed cornflakes in a canister, use about 1 cup. But it’s best to crush the cornflakes yourself and not worry about the pre-crushed ones. You get a better texture.

Note: For easy white-sauce preparation, mix equal amounts of butter and flour. Drop by tablespoons on wax paper, freeze, and remove to an airtight container. Keep frozen. To make white sauce, put frozen base in a frying pan, using 1 tablespoonful per cup of milk.

Strawberry Pretzel Pie
2 cups finely crushed pretzel sticks (about 8 ounces before crushing)* 
3/4 cup melted butter
3 tablespoons sugar
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup sugar
8 ounces Cool Whip
1 (6-ounce) package strawberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen strawberries, sliced, with sugar, partially thawed**

Mix the first three ingredients together and press in bottom of greased 9x13-inch pan. Bake 8 minutes at 350 degrees for a metal pan, or 325 degrees for a glass pan. Allow to cool completely.  While crust is cooling, beat together 1 cup sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread over pretzels, being careful to cover entire crust (or gelatin will make pretzel layer soggy).
Mix gelatin and water until gelatin is dissolved. Add strawberries. Stir until well combined, then set aside for 10 minutes (only 10, or gelatin will start to stick to the bowl) to allow gelatin to thicken slightly. Pour gelatin
mixture over cream cheese mixture. Chill until set, about 3 hours.
*If pretzels aren’t crushed finely enough, crust may be hard to chew.
**One 16-ounce container of fresh strawberries may be used as a substitute for two 10-ounce packages frozen strawberries.

Waffle Mania Waffles
21/4 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
11/2 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs
21/4 cups milk* 
3/4 cup salad oil
Sift together dry ingredients. Combine remaining ingredients; mix well. Just before baking, add flour mixture, beating only till moistened. Batter will be thin. Cook in preheated, greased waffle iron until golden brown.
Makes 4 4-square waffles.

*Substitute up to 1/2 of the milk with buttermilk for a tangy buttermilk waffle.

Note: Our family’s favorite way to eat these: fried diced Spam, whipping cream, and syrup over the top. Yum.

Café Rio-Style Barbacoa Pork
4 lb. pork roast (picnic roast works best)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
11/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 (12-ounce) can Coca-Cola (not diet)
1 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 cup brown sugar (more to taste, if desired)
The night before, in a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, cayenne pepper, cumin, and salt. Mix with a fork until blended well. Rub mixture over pork roast. Spray slow cooker with cooking spray, or line with a liner; add rubbed roast. Cook overnight on low heat setting. The next morning, pour Coke, chicken broth, garlic, and onion into slow cooker with pork. Continue to cook on low. One hour before serving, shred roast, and remove any pieces of fat. Add 1 cup brown sugar. Mix well.
Use tongs to remove shredded pork from cooker. Serve over salad or rice, or serve burrito-style with toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, rice, sour cream, cheese, etc. Makes 8 servings.

Note: May be made on serving day: Follow directions as indicated but cook 3 hours on high heat setting before adding cola, broth, garlic, and onion. Cook 2 additional hours on high. Shred pork, and add additional brown sugar. If there are a lot of juices after first cooking segment, chicken broth may be omitted.

Cilantro Lime Rice
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
1 teaspoon butter or margarine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice*
1 (15-ounce) can chicken broth
Sauce:
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons sugar
3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
In saucepan, combine rice, butter, garlic, 1 teaspoon lime juice, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 15 to 20 minutes over low heat, until rice is tender. Remove from heat. In small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon lime juice, sugar, and cilantro to make sauce. Pour over hot cooked rice, mixing as rice is fluffed.Makes 2 cups.

*Though fresh limes are always best, bottled lime juice works if it’s what you have on hand.
Note: This recipe works well in a rice cooker. 

Tomatillo Dressing
3 medium tomatillos, husked and washed, but not peeled (leave whole or cut in quarters)
11/2 tablespoons 
(1/2 packet) buttermilk ranch dressing 
1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed 
1/8 to 1/4 cup lime juice, or to taste* 
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Mix all ingredients in blender until well blended. Chill and serve over salad. Store leftovers in refrigerator.
Makes 21/2 cups.

*Fresh lime juice is always best, but bottled lime juice will work in a pinch. 

Fry Sauce 
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Dash salt
For spicy fry sauce, add: 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Mix all the ingredients together. Makes 1/2 cup.

Dream Cookies 
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened 
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
11/3 cups all-purpose flour 
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
21/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips*
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheet; set aside.
In large bowl, beat shortening and butter together with electric mixer 30 seconds at medium to high speed. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat until combined, occasionally scraping sides of bowl.
Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in flour and cocoa powder.
Stir in oats, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and nuts.
Drop by heaping tablespoons or 1-inch scoop 3 inches apart on prepared baking sheet. Flatten dough slightly. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until just set. Let stand 1 minute on baking sheet. Remove to cooling rack.
Makes 4 dozen.
*Dried cranberries are a good substitute for chocolate chips.
Note: For a flatter, chewier cookie, increase baking powder and baking soda to 1 teaspoon each.

Note: For a less-is-more version of this cookie, cut back to 13/4 cups oats and 1/2 cup nuts.

Granny Annie’s Rocky Road Fudge41/2 cups sugar
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
31/2 cups mini marshmallows, divided (2 cups frozen, 11/2 cups at room temperature)
1 stick butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces
31/2 cups (21 ounces) chocolate, such as chocolate chips or chopped candy bars*
11/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup nuts (any type, but peanuts are traditional)
Put 2 cups of miniature marshmallows in the freezer. Butter a 9x13-inch pan.
In 4-quart saucepan (or larger—mixture will triple in size once it begins to boil) on medium heat, combine sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil and boil for 7 minutes (to soft ball stage), stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Allow to cool 3 minutes. Do not stir mixture after removing it from heat or crystallization will occur.  While the sugar-milk mixture cools, mix together 11/2 cups mini marshmallows, butter, chocolate, and vanilla in large bowl.  Pour sugar-milk mixture in bowl with chocolate-butter mixture (do not stir before pouring in sugar-milk mixture and do not scrape pan). Mix until smooth.
Add nuts and pre-frozen marshmallows. Mix till combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan; smooth top. Allow to cool completely before cutting into 1-inch squares.
*Half milk chocolate and half semisweet chocolate makes a great combination.
Note: Fudge freezes well when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. Thaw before eating. 

Jam Bars
Crust

11/2 cups flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats, uncooked 
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened 
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Topping
3/4 cup flaked coconut
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened 
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup strawberry or raspberry jam
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For crust, in large mixer bowl, combine all crust ingredients. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until mixture is crumbly, 1 to 2 minutes. Using hands, press mixture in bottom of greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Be sure to spray or grease sides of pan as well as bottom. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.  
For topping, in same mixer bowl, combine coconut, nuts, flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Crumbling mixture with clean hands works well, too. Spread jam evenly on hot crust, almost to the edges. Sprinkle topping mixture over jam. Continue baking 18 to 20 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. 
Makes 15 to 24 bars, depending on size cut. Serve warm with ice cream or cool with whipped topping

Monday, October 21, 2013

Stretch Cake

I received this recipe today from Aunt Vera's Relief Society President....they featured this recipe in the South Slope Newsletter this week.  Can't wait to try it....
The following recipe was submitted by Linda Blaylock.  This was a favorite recipe of our sweet sister Vera BengeJ
Stretch Cake    Vera Benge                 Much more scrumptious than a box cake!         
In a large sauce pan, bring to a boil and mix by hand:
1/2 cup butter or margarine                           1 cup water
1/2 cup oil                                                           3 1/2 T cocoa
Remove from heat and add:
2 cups sugar                                         2 eggs stirring constantly
1 tsp baking soda
Stir in:
1/2 cup buttermilk                           1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
(You may want to use a mixer to beat in the flour a little better.)
Pour into a 9x13 or 15x10 inch pan, depending on how thick you want the cake to be. 
Bake at 350 °F for 20-25 minutes.
Frosting
Bring to boil:
1/2 cup Margarine or butter           3 1/2 T cocoa      
1/3 can of evaporated milk or 6 T. milk
Add all at once:
1 box powdered sugar                       1 tsp vanilla        
Add nuts if desired
Keep warm until cake is out of oven and frost immediately.  Basically, pour the icing over the cake.  


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Boston Cream Cupcakes

BOSTON CREAM CUPCAKES
1 Yellow Cake Mix
1 (3.4 oz) box Vanilla instant pudding
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream

(NOTE: this pudding mixture tastes like pastry cream..it can be used as a filling for a fruit tart or other pastry calling for cream filling such as cream puffs.)

1.Make cupcakes/cake according to directions on box. Use your favorite yellow cake, ours is Duncan Hines. Let cool.

2. Mix together pudding, cream, powdered sugar, milk, and sour cream. Beat on medium speed until stuff peaks form. For cupcakes, cut each cupcake in half and add a dollop of filling. Put top back on cupcake and frost with ganache. I am making it as a whole cake, so the entire filling is going over one layer and the second layer of cake will be covered in the ganache

Ganache:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat cream in sauce pan until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat, pour over chocolate in a mixing bowl. Stir to mix together. Let cool slightly.

Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve.

RECIPE courtesy of www.siixsistersstuff.com

No Bake Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies


http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/no-bake-pumpkin-oatmeal-cookies.html

No Bake Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
1 1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. butter
2/3 c. milk
1 (3.4 oz) box instant pumpkin spice pudding mix (or sub vanilla pudding & 1 T. pumpkin pie spice)
3 1/2 c. quick cooking oats
1 t. pumpkin pie spice
1 t. vanilla extract
In a saucepan, combine sugars, butter and milk. Bring to a boil. Boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add in the pudding mix, stirring to combine completely. Add in pumpkin pie spice, vanilla and oats. Stir to combine and let stand for 5 minutes. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper, and allow to cool completely. Store in airtight container.
Freezing Directions:
Follow directions above. When completely cool, transfer to gallon sized freezer storage bag.
Servings: 36 cookies

Oatmeal Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Candy Bars

These are HEALTHY!?!  and good!!!
Oatmeal Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Candy Bars
1 c. peanut butter
2/3 c. honey
1/2 c. coconut oil (no substitutes, this is what gives its creamy texture and flavor)
2 c. oats (not instant)
1 1/4 c. mini chocolate chips
3/4 c. dried cranberries
In a medium sized saucepan, melt together peanut butter, honey and coconut oil.
Remove from heat and add oats, chocolate chips and dried cranberries. Stir until combined and chocolate chips are melted.
Spread into a 9x13 pan. Refrigerate until hardened, about an hour.  Store in refrigerator...

Fudge Brownie Pie

This recipe was voted the best Blogger recipe in 2012 !!!!!!

Fudge Brownie Pie
3/4 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. cocoa powder, sifted
1 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1/2 c. butter or margarine, melted
2 large eggs, beaten
2 t. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped toasted pecans
2 handfuls of mini marshmallows
Frosting:
1/4 c. butter, melted
1/4 c. cocoa powder, sifted
1/4 c. evaporated milk 

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Beat together the butter, eggs and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Stir in the toasted nuts. Pour into a buttered 9" spring form pan.
Bake on middle shelf of the oven at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Immediately sprinkle the marshmallows on top and return to the oven for a few minutes to melt the marshmallows. Remove from the oven and carefully spread the chocolate frosting over top.
To make frosting; mix all ingredients together in a bowl, beating until smooth and thick. Spread on the hot marshmallows. Let cool completely. Cut into wedges to serve. 

Almond Joy Cookies

You can't go wrong with chocolate and coconut!!  These made my favorites list!!!  I keep these formed in cookie dough balls in the freezer.....ready to bake anytime.....YuMmY!!!

Almond Joy Cookies
1 c. butter
1 1/2 c.sugar
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
4 eggs
1 T. vanilla
4 1/2 c. flour
2 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
5 c. chocolate chips
2 c. sweetened coconut
2 c. chopped almonds
Combine dry ingredients, set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars together. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, stir in the vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients until well mixed then stir in the chocolate chips, coconut and almonds. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto lightly sprayed cookie sheets.
Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.

Pumpkin Muffins

2 ingredient muffins for fall!!  Yummy!!!

Pumpkin Muffins
15 oz. CAN OF PUMPKIN 
1 BOX OF CAKE MIX (yellow or spice)
Stir together, if your batter is not mixing together, you can add up to 1 cup of water to the recipe (it depends on the brand of mix you are using).  Pour batter into muffin tins.  Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 min.  

Apple Pie Enchiladas

These are easy to make and are Out Of This World Good! 
Apple Pie Enchiladas
1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling 
1 t. cinnamon 
1/2 c. butter 
1/2 c. sugar 
1/2 c. brown sugar 
1/2 c. water 
1 t. vanilla 
6 (8 inch) flour tortillas 
Spoon 1/4 cup of pie filling evenly down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with cinnamon, roll up, tucking in edges; and place seam side down in prepared dish. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, white sugar, brown sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour sauce over enchiladas and let stand 45 minutes .. Don't rush the 45 minute resting time for the sauce on the enchiladas before baking, this step magically transforms the flour tortillas into pasty dough.   Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, or until golden.  * You may want to make a double batch of sauce!       ♥✿´¯`*•.¸¸✿♥✿´¯`*•.¸¸✿♥✿

Oven Basted Shrimp

Attention shrimp lovers!! Try this quick way to make fabulous shrimp. 
Oven Basted Shrimp
Melt a stick of butter in a cookie sheet pan. Slice one lemon and layer it on top of the butter. Put down fresh shrimp, then sprinkle one pack of dried Italian seasoning. Put in the oven and bake at 350 for 15 min. 
Best Shrimp you will EVER taste:)

Coconut Cream Pie

When it comes to pie recipes, coconut pie takes the blue ribbon. 

Coconut Cream Pie
1 - 9 " pie crust, baked
Pie Filling:
1/2 c. sugar 
1/4 c. cornstarch 
2 c. half-and-half 
4 egg yolks 
3 T. butter 
1 c. sweetened flaked coconut 
1 t. vanilla
Whipped Cream:
2 c. whipping cream 
1/3 c. sugar 
1 1/2 t. vanilla
Garnish: toasted coconut 
Combine sugar and cornstarch in a heavy saucepan. Whisk together half-and-half and egg yolks. Gradually whisk egg mixture into sugar mixture; bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in butter, 1 cup coconut, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap, placing plastic wrap directly on filling in pan; let stand 30 minutes. Spoon custard mixture into prepared crust, cover and chill 30 minutes or until set. 
Beat whipping cream at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add 1/3 cup sugar and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, beating until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe whipped cream over pie filling. Garnish, if desired.

Fry Bread

Fry Bread 
4 cups of flour + some for rolling out the dough
1 T. baking powder 
1 t. salt 
2 T. powdered milk 
1 ½ c. warm water 
frying oil
Put flour in bowl, add baking powder, salt and powdered milk. Mix. Stir in warm water to form dough. Knead dough by hand or mixer until soft but not sticky. Cover with a cloth and let stand for 15 minutes. Shape dough into balls about 2 inches across then flatten by patting and stretching the dough. Place oil about an inch deep in frying pan and heat.   When hot put dough in pan. Fry one side till golden brown, then turn and fry the other. This is a wonderful bread that can be used as a dessert by topping with honey, powdered sugar, jam, butter, etc. or can be used for main dishes such as topping with taco ingredients for an "Indian Taco". 

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
16 oz. cream cheese, softened 
1/2 c. sugar 
1/2 t. vanilla 
2 eggs 
1 (9 inch) prepared pie crust (or Graham cracker crust) 
1/2 c. pumpkin puree 
1/2 t. cinnamon 
1/4 t. cloves 
1/4 t. nutmeg 
1/2 c. frozen whipped topping, thawed 
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Blend in eggs.  Remove 1 cup of batter and spread into bottom of crust; set aside. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to the remaining batter and stir gently until well blended. Carefully spread over the batter in the crust. Bake at 325 for 35 to 40 minutes, or until center is almost set. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Cover with whipped topping before serving.

Crock Pot Pork Chops

I made these for dinner tonight and will definitely do it again.

Crock Pot Pork Chops
Place in crock pot:
4 or 5 pork chops
2 to 3 T. ranch seasoning mix, sprinkle over pork chops
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
The pork chops are fork tender and there is plenty of gravy for mashed potatoes

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup

Karen Davis from Ola sent me this today....soup weather is about here.

EASY CROCK POT POTATO SOUP
1 (30 oz.) bag frozen hash-brown potatoes
2 (14 oz.) cans chicken broth...
1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/3 tsp. ground black pepper
1 (8oz) package cream cheese (softened)
Garnish: minced green onion
In a slow cooker, combine potatoes, broth, soup, onion, and pepper.
Cover, and cook on low for 5 hours.
Stir in cream cheese, cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until combined.
Garnish with green onion.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Apple Facts.....


I got 3 varieties this year.....Golden Delicious is my favorite for drying.  I put some Galas in the fridge for eating later.  I got some Jonathans and even though I was going to make applesauce with them I ended up drying them too


http://www.the4cs.com/~cathy/Apples/variety.html

Recommended Uses for Selected Apple Varieties

Of the thousand-plus (yes, there really are that many!) named varieties of apples grown in North America, I have chosen to highlight a dozen of my favorite varieties. I hope you will try them and like them, too. The Washington Apple Commission has lots more apple facts.

Variety
Flavor, Texture
Fresh & Salads
Pie
Sauce
Baking (Whole)
Red Delicious
Sweet, Crisp
Excellent
Fair
Fair
Poor
Golden Delicious
Sweet, Tender
Very Good
Excellent
Very Good
Very Good
Granny Smith
Tart, Crisp
Very Good
Very Good
Very Good
Fair
Jonathan
Moderately Tart, Tender
Very Good
Very Good
Very Good
Good
Rome Beauty
Slightly Tart, Firm
Good
Good
Good
Excellent
Winesap
Slightly Tart/Spicy, Firm
Very Good
Very Good
Good
Good
Criterion
Sweet/Complex, Crisp
Very Good
Good
Good
Good
Gala
Sweet, Crisp
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
Jonagold
Sweet-Tart, Crisp
Very Good
Very Good
Good
Very Good
Newtown Pippin
Slightly Tart, Firm
Very Good
Excellent
Very Good
Good
McIntosh
Tart, Tender
Good
Good
Very Good
Poor
Gravenstein
Sweet-Tart, Crisp
Very Good
Very Good
Excellent
Fair

Red Delicious

You are looking at the most controversial apple grown in North America. Red Delicious has become a symbol (a distinctively shaped logo, you could say) of the American apple. It represents the industry that has made it a stereotype. It also says much about a people who drop more of them in their shopping carts than any other apple.
Red Delicious is a marketer's ideal: as intensely red as the apple in Snow White, instantly recognizable, tall and wasp-waisted, and gorgeous even after the insides have gone to mush. And big. Riding on those qualities, the variety has pushed regional favorites aside.
There is nothing imperialistic in this apple's genes, of course. It simply has been the lead player in our evolving notion of what an apple should be. The rise of Red Delicious has been called the victory of style over substance. Still, Big Red has its defenders, who point out that the original variety was a damned good apple. The skin is thick and bitter and has to be chewed vigorously. At its best the yellow flesh can be juicy, somewhat tart, and highly aromatic. This apple ranks close to the bottom when cooked.
Harvest is in September, but the apples are sold year-round, so shop with skepticism. Delicious retains its cheerful good looks long after the flavor has departed.

Golden Delicious

Golden Delicious is not related to the red variety of that name, although both were christened by Stark Brothers. This is a very easy apple to like. The skin is thin; the flesh, firm and crisp and juicy. Flavor and aroma are unmistakable, without being particularly assertive. Even the shape is somehow agreeable: large, tall, and conical, Golden Delicious strikes some cooks as too timid for the kitchen, but it can be used for pies and sauce with little or no sugar. Its distinctive aroma carries over into cider.
Golden Delicious began as a chance seedling, perhaps of Grimes Golden, on a farmer's hillside near Bomont, West Virginia. In 1914 Stark bought the tree for five thousand dollars, and protected its investment with a tall cage, complete with burglar alarm.
Apples ripen from mid-September through late October. The skin color can be a clue to quality; look for fruits that are pale yellow, not the chartreuse of an apple picked prematurely or the darker yellow that signals overripeness. The skin is quick to shrivel if the apples are at room temperature, but Golden Delicious should keep well if refrigerated in the crisper or a plastic bag.

Granny Smith

Granny Smith introduced American supermarket shoppers to the green apple. For a culture that had become unfamiliar with apples of that color, it came as a surprise that green does not necessarily mean unripe. Tart, Granny tends to be, but not sour and starchy.
The story goes that the first Granny Smith sprouted from a pile of apples tossed out by a southeast Australian named Mrs. Smith, back in 1868. This variety has succeeded commercially where other greens have not, for a few reasons. It is large. It is mild-flavored and has a good balance of tart and sweet. It is nearly as resilient as a tennis ball and holds up well in shipping. And Granny Smith will tolerate a half year of cold storage.
Brands of Granny applesauce and Granny apple juice are widely marketed. The apple can be baked as well. But eaten fresh, Granny is not an apple people tend to take to their hearts and name as their lifelong favorite. It's two-dimensional, lacking the hard-to-name qualities that make a fruit memorable.
The apples are harvested in October. As you sort through the piles of green fruits, keep in mind that paler Grannys, with a warmish cast, tend to be sweetest.

Jonathan

Jonathan has come a long way since its discovery in Ulster Count, New York, in the early 1800s. Within a hundred years it was the sixth best-selling apple in the United States, and it became Michigan's most popular variety. Jonathan's influence has been spread by a number of well-known crosses, most of them identifiable as family members because the names share the first four letters.
Jonathan can vary in flavor from mild to tart, depending on where it is grown. It has a spicy tang that some people also note in the apple's descendants. Beneath the thin, tough skin, the flesh is crisp, fine-textured, and juicy. It may be stained with red. This variety rates high for both eating fresh and cooking down into sauce, but it will not keep its shape when baked. Toss Jonathans into the hopper of a cider mill, and you'll retain something of their spicy character.
Jonathan ripens from mid-September through mid-October. The fruit does not keep particularly well.

Rome Beauty

Known also as simply Rome, this variety has a history that goes back to a fortuitous oversight. In the 1820s a tree planted along the northern bank of the Ohio River happened to send up a shoot from below the graft--from the part of the tree that is not supposed to bear fruit. Orchardists lop these unwanted shoots as routinely as they get haircuts. But this branch survived to bear splendidly colored fruit, and people began taking slips from it. The regionally famous tree was named for Rome Township, Ohio.
Sometime before the Civil War the waters rose up and washed the tree downriver. But by then Rome was well established. It continued to be grown more widely than many better-tasting varieties because of its size, conventionally handsome looks, and long shelf life.
Rome is a thick-skinned fruit that makes good eating but finds better use as a baker and in cider. The flesh, once you bite through to it, is crisp, firm, greenish white, and mildly tart.
Harvest is from late September into November. Beware of Romes that have become mealy and flavorless from storage.

Winesap

Winesap is the distillation of a crisp fall day. The apple has character-too much character for some. Beneath its sturdy skin, the yellow flesh is firm, toothsome, and very juicy, with a powerful sweet-sour contrast and the characteristic winy flavor and aroma. Winesap serves well in the kitchen, and its flavor carries over into sauce, pie, and cider. Note that its famously invigorating personality may be missing in areas where local climate or soil conditions are not favorable.
Winesap is thought to have come from New Jersey. By 1817 it was recorded as an important cider apple in that state. Its popularity spread, and Winesap remained a major late-season apple until the mid-1900s, when controlled atmosphere storage made it possible to offer many varieties in its season. But Winesap continues to be widely grown, in spite of its relatively small size and competition from a milder offspring, Stayman.
Apples are ready for harvest between late September and early November and remain enjoyable for months. In blossom a row of Winesaps will glow pinker than most.

Criterion

Criterion was discovered as a chance seedling near Parker, Washington. The variety's genetic mix includes Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, and Winter Banana. It was introduced in 1973.
The flesh is notably crisp, firm, and juicy. Criterion tastes mild and sweet, with a touch of tartness, and good aroma suffuses it all. This variety can be recommended for all kitchen uses, including drying.
Following the October harvest, the fruit will keep its quality for some months.

Gala

Gala is a strikingly attractive apple. The bright yellow skin is finely stippled with red, as if airbrushed, and the result is a near-neon intensity. From across a room you'd think you were looking at a peach. Gala was developed in New Zealand by J. H. Kidd, crossing Golden Delicious and his own Kidd's Orange Red. The work was done in the 1920s, but the apple wasn't named and introduced until the 1960s.
The pale, creamy yellow flesh is crisp and dense, with a mild, sweet flavor and good aroma. The fruit is not large, and especially small Galas are cleverly marketed here as lunchbox size. In taste tests Gala easily outscores McIntosh and is considered more sprightly than Golden Delicious. Tom Vorbeck of Applesource says that a typical first comment of people biting into one is "Best apple I ever had in my life." When cooked, Gala strikes some people as bland, but it can be dried with good results. Gala is also used in cider blends.
Fruits imported from New Zealand first appear in stores from August and on into October; your refrigerator will stretch the life of the apples another three or four months.

Jonagold

The fortunes of Jonagold reveal much about national differences in apple appreciation. Although released in 1968 by New York State's Geneva Station, this cross of Jonathan and Golden Delicious has succeeded far better in Europe than at home. Large plantings have been made in Britain, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Belgium - Jonagold may become Europe's number one apple - as well as in Japan. But the home crowd resists it, preferring the familiar red, sweet, tame Red Delicious. It has been said that Americans eat apples with their eyes, and Jonagold is a case in point.
Nevertheless, this variety is the leading apple west of the Cascades in Washington State, and in British Columbia Jonagold challenges McIntosh as the number one variety.
With its aroma of Golden Delicious and the sprightliness of Jonathan, Jonagold is an excellent sweet-tart dessert apple. The texture of the creamy yellow flesh is noticeably crisp and juicy. In a poll of nineteen apple experts in nine countries, Jonagold scored as the overall favorite. The fruit makes fair sauce and a good pie.
Harvest varies from mid-September to late October. The apples keep well unless picked late in their two-week harvest period.

Newtown Pippin

Newtown Pippin has been called the classic American apple. It holds the honor as the oldest commercially grown native variety in the United States. And it has a place in our lore, as the apple of George Washington's eye. Grafts found their way to Monticello, where Thomas Jefferson was eager to have the best and latest varieties.
The variety sprang from a seed in Newtown, Long Island. The original tree died when too many scions were cut from it for grafting. A greener version is known as Albemarle Pippin, named for the Virginia county, and Virginians claim it is more flavorful than Newtown.
Before Granny Smith invaded North America, Newtown was the best-appreciated green dessert apple. It continues to be enjoyed for a complexity that Granny lacks. Uncut, the apple may exhale a tangerine scent. The pale yellow flesh is crisp and tender, sweet on the tongue, and balanced by enough tartness. Some people detect a clean, pinelike quality. One minor drawback is that slices brown rapidly. Newtown makes a thick sauce, excellent pies with body, and a particularly clear cider.
Apples are ready to be picked in October, when they have warmed to a pale greenish yellow. They continue to get sweeter and richer in flavor for the next five months.

McIntosh

McIntosh is the best-selling apple in the northeastern United States and in Canada. Unlike Red Delicious, the number one North American variety, it isn't the subject of snide remarks by apple aficionados.
John McIntosh, a farmer in Dundela, Dundas County, Ontario, Canada, gave his name to a talented cross between Fameuse and Detroit Red. The variety was introduced in 1870 and went on to much fame and much crossbreeding. McIntosh has lent its good genes to several well-known varieties, including Cortland, Empire, Macoun, and Spartan.
The original tree was badly scorched when a fire burned down the McIntosh farmhouse in 1894. But the old Mac limped on, yielding its last crop in 1908. It fell over two years later, and a stone memorial now marks the site.
The apple, in case you haven't visited your supermarket's produce section lately, has white, tender, crisp flesh that's spice, highly aromatic, and full of juice. The characteristic flavor carries over into sauce, but in the slices lose their shape. Macs are the principal cider apple in the Northeast.
Harvest is in September. Beware of McIntosh as winter wears on; the apples turn mealy if stored too long.

Gravenstein

Gravenstein has wandered around much of the world on its way to America. It is thought to have originated in either Russia or Italy, before becoming established in Schleswig-Holstein, the neck of land that has been on both sides of the German-Danish border. So you may find the apple referred to as Russian, Italian, German, or Danish. Whatever its itinerary, the variety arrived in the United States in the late 1700s and continues to be grown commercially in California.
Gravenstein is thin-skinned and juicy, with sweetness and enough acid to make it interesting. It is an outstanding summer apple and an orchard antique deserving of its renewed interest. The Gravenstein personality carries through when cooking in pies and sauce and is noticeable in an all-Gravenstein cider.
The fruit is picked in late July and August. Be wary of Gravensteins still on the market in fall; their quality doesn't hold up in storage, and fruits may have become soft and mealy.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin Puree

  • 1-3/4 cups puree = one 15-oz. can pumpkin
  • Select a cooking pumpkin (about 4-6 lbs.)
  • Wash and dry pumpkin
  • With a small serrated or heavy knife, remove top of the pumpkin. Use a sawing motion to cut pumpkin into 4 quarters. Scrape out all of the seeds and stringy pulp.
  • Place pumpkin, flesh side down, on a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.
  • Bake at 350° for 45-60 minutes or until a fork inserted in the skin comes out easily.
  • Scoop out flesh, add a few chunks at a time to a food processor and process until smooth.
  • Place puree in a large strainer lined with 4 pieces of cheesecloth or 1 large coffee filter. Place strainer over a large bowl; cover and refrigerate for 8 hours. Remove pumpkin from strainer and discard the liquid.
  • Puree is ready to use or freeze for up to one year.

Pumpkin Delight


This is a re-make of one of our all time favorites, Butterscotch Delight.  

PUMPKIN DELIGHT
1 stick butter, melted
1 c. flour
1 c. chopped pecans
2 t. sugar
Combine butter, flour, chopped pecans and sugar and press into a 9 x 13 in baking dish. Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes. Let cool completely.
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
8 oz. cool whip
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 1/2 cups cool whip until smooth. Spread over crust.
2 small packages (3.4oz) of Jello Instant Pumpkin Spice Pudding
3 cup cold milk
8 oz. cool whip
Nutmeg for sprinkling
Mix pudding mixes with cold milk, whisking for several minutes. Set it in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to let it thicken. Spread over the cream cheese layer. Top with additional container of cool whip. Sprinkle with nutmeg.  Refrigerate.  Cut into squares and serve.

Snickers Fudge

Snickers Fudge
First Layer:
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup butterscotch chips
1/4 cup peanut butter

Lightly spray 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.
Over medium heat, melt milk chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butterscotch chips in small saucepan.
Stir together until completely melted and smooth, then pour into the baking pan. Spread the mixture evenly with a spatula, then refrigerate until set.
Second Layer:
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups chopped salted peanuts

Melt butter over medium-high heat in saucepan.
Add sugar and evaporated milk and bring to boil.
Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from the heat and quickly mix in marshmallow creme, peanut butter, and vanilla.
Add peanuts to mixture and spread evenly over chocolate layer.
Refrigerate until set.
Third Layer:
14 ounce package caramel cubes
1/4 cup heavy cream

Melt caramels and heavy cream over low heat until smooth.
Pour over peanut mixture and refrigerate until set.
Fourth Layer:
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup butterscotch chips
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Repeat first layer.
Melt chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter over low heat until smooth.
Pour over caramel layer and refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Today is Jake's 16th Birthday!!!   and the bummer is he is very sick!!  This is the cake we are making for him....maybe it will be the recipe to make him feel better.  
T'was a hit.......I think this may be my favorite 2013 recipe!!  yep..... pretty sure!!!!  
CHOCOLATE ECLAIR CAKE
Crust:
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour
4 large eggs
Filling:
8 oz.  cream cheese, softened
1 large box (5.1 ounces) vanilla instant pudding
3 c. milk
Topping:
8 oz. cool whip (just enough for a thin layer. I don't use the whole container) or one batch of homemade whipped cream
chocolate syrup or homemade chocolate sauce ( I used my Choice Chocolate Topping Recipe)

Preheat oven to 400. Lightly spray the bottom of a 9"X13" glass baking pan.
For the Eclair Crust: In a medium saucepan, melt butter in water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in flour. Mix in one egg at a time, mixing completely before adding another egg. Spread mixture into pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly.
Bake for 25 to 30  minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool, don't touch or push bubbles down.
For the Filling: Whip cream cheese in a medium bowl. In separate bowl make vanilla pudding by beating the pudding mix and the milk for 3 minutes and put in the fridge until set. Make sure pudding is thick before mixing in with cream cheese. Slowly add pudding to cream cheese, mixing until there are no lumps. Let cool in fridge.When the crust is completely cooled, pour filling in. Top with layer of cool whip however thick you want it and serve with a drizzle chocolate syrup.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Pudding Icing & filling

Pudding Icing/filling 
Mix one instant vanilla pudding packet (or whatever flavor you would like) with half of the milk called for on the package.
Whisk until it begins to thicken.
Then fold in 8 oz. of Cool Whip.
A great frosting ....spread on cakes and piped onto cupcakes, a tasty filling in crepes or on waffles along with some fruit...way less sugar too!

7 Up Biscuits

So easy and soooo good! 
7 Up Biscuits
4 cups Bisquick
1 cup sour cream
1 cup 7-up
1/2 cup melted butter
Mix bisquick, sour cream and 7 up. Dough will be very soft - don't worry Knead and fold dough until coated with your baking mix. Pat dough out and cut biscuits using a round biscuit / cookie cutter. Melt butter in bottom of cookie sheet pan or 9x13 casserole dish. Place biscuits on top of melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes or until brown at 425 degrees,

Tips for Freezing.....just about everything

THINGS YOU CAN FREEZE TO SAVE TIME & MONEY!   What's in your freezer?

CHEESE: You can freeze blocks of cheese without it becoming crumbly if you let it thaw completely before putting it in the fridge. If you prefer to shred your cheese first, add a tablespoon or so of cornstarch or flour to the bag and shake it to prevent clumping when it thaws.

Another great idea…buy a big piece of Parmigiano Reggiano (the good stuff!!), grate in the food processor and put in a freezer bag. It keeps for months and all you have to do is open the bag and scoop out a couple of tablespoons when you need it.

HOMEMADE PANCAKES, WAFFLES, FRENCH TOAST: Make up a few batches over the weekend for quick “defrost and go” breakfasts during the week. Freeze on a cookie sheet, then toss them in a freezer bag. Reheat in microwave, toaster, or toaster oven. WAY better then frozen ones you buy in store!

FRUIT: When freezing fruit, it’s best to first freeze spread out on freezer or parchment paper on a cookie sheet, and then place in bags. Individual frozen pieces let you pull out just how much you need. Try keeping a “Smoothie Bag” in the freezer. Toss in extra apple wedges, peaches, pears, bananas, chunks of melon…any kind of fruit…and use in smoothies.

If you don’t like handling mushy bananas, just throw the bananas into the freezer with the skin on. Then when you need them for a recipe (banana bread anyone?), pull out what you need, microwave for a few seconds, then cut off the top and squeeze the insides into your mixing bowl!

RICE: Cook a big batch of rice, spread it on a cookie sheet on parchment paper and freeze. When the rice is frozen, just put in a freezer bag or containers and you have rice in a pinch! Great for BROWN rice which takes so long to cook! Use in casseroles, soups or fried rice.

PIES: Make apple pies in the fall to enjoy throughout the year. Bake them, freeze them in freezer bags wrapped in freezer paper then when you have a hankering for pie, take out of the freezer, remove wrapping, and place in oven for 2 hours at 200 degrees. You can also freeze SLICES after baking a whole pie.

CORN: An EASY way to freeze corn on the cob is to put the ears of corn, WITHOUT removing ANY silk or husk, straight into freezer. When you want to eat it, put it in microwave just the way you put it in the freezer and cook for 5 minutes on high for two ears or 4 minutes for one ear. The silk insulates and protects the corn while it cooks. Tastes like fresh-picked corn!

TOMATOES: Roast roma tomatoes in oven at a low temp (225 degrees) with garlic, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil for 4 to 5 hours. When cooled, transfer to freezer bags. Use them in chili or in your own tomato-based sauces.

PASTA: Whenever you make pasta, cook whole package. and freeze leftovers for later to add to soups and casseroles. Or freeze individual size portions in a baggie, making sure to squeeze out the air; get the bag as flat as possible. Reheat by running hot water over bag for a few minutes!

FLOUR AND OTHER GRAINS: Freezing flour and other types of grain for at least 3 days discourages uninvited “guests” from hatching. You can also store it in the freezer, just make sure to double wrap to avoid condensation and to keep it from picking up other freezer smells.

PESTO: Make (or buy) and freeze pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop it out and put in a freezer bag. Nice to have pesto whenever you want it.

MASHED POTATOES: Using an ice cream scoop, put even portions of mashed potatoes onto parchment-lined cookie sheet. Freeze until hard then transfer into a freezer bag. These will keep in the freezer for at least 2 months.

COOKIE DOUGH: Make a batch of cookie dough, scoop onto cookie sheets and freeze. When they are frozen solid. put them in freezer bags. When you NEED cookies, bake as few or as many as you NEED without lots of waste or guilt. Just add 1 to 2 minutes to the cook time. You can also make “slice-and-bake” cookie dough by shaping it into a cylinder, and freezing it wrapped in foil.

SOUPS AND CHILI: Cool leftover soup completely and transfer to a freezer-friendly container, leaving about 1 cup of empty space for expansion during freezing. The night before eating, move the container to the fridge to thaw safely and then reheat and serve.

BROTH AND STOCK: Keep a gallon bag in freezer and add any leftover veggie pieces, including onion peels, celery stalks, potato peels, etc. When you have enough, make vegetable stock. Keep another bag for pan drippings or sauces that are left after cooking chicken. This can be used to flavor soups.

SANDWICHES: When packing lunches for school/work, it’s a time-saver to pull a sandwich straight from the freezer. Just throw it into your lunch box/bag in the morning; it’s thawed by lunch time. It also helps keep meat cold. Peanut butter and jelly or honey, or deli meat and a slice of cheese work well. You can freeze butter or mustard but not mayo, lettuce, or tomato. Pack these separately or add in the morning.

You can also freeze breakfast sandwiches. Cook scrambled eggs and sausage/bacon in bulk, pile them onto biscuits or English muffins, wrap them individually and freeze. In the morning, grab out of the freezer, microwave, and enjoy.

POTATO CHIPS, CRACKERS, & PRETZELS: Stock up on chips, crackers, and pretzels when they're on sale and throw them in the freezer. FROZEN chips actually taste BETTER. Eat them straight from freezer; they are crisper and the flavors pop.

MILK: Ever wonder why plastic milk jugs have those circle indents on the side?? They are there to allow milk to expand while freezing! To use frozen milk, let thaw, and then SHAKE WELL before opening, to make sure any solids are remixed.
You can also freeze buttermilk. No more tossing out half a quart because you only needed a cup.

JUICE: Like milk, the only concern about freezing juice is leaving room for expansion. A good rule of thumb is to take out 8 ounces for every half gallon of juice. Stock up when it goes on sale or at a discount warehouse.

BREAD & BAKED GOODS: When your favorite bread is on sale, stock up; freeze it. Or when in a baking mood, make extras of your favorite baked goods and freeze them for later.

Tip for defrosting baked goods or breads: place them in your microwave overnight. It keeps them from drying out like they do on the counter.

BUTTER CREAM FROSTING: Freeze leftover frosting. When when you need to frost something, let it thaw in the fridge, then whip it up, and color/decorate as if it were just made.

TOMATO PASTE: Most recipes using tomato paste only call for one tablespoon out of the whole can. Then you’re left with an almost full OPEN can. What to do!? Put the rest in a sandwich bag, flatten it out in freezer, and when you need a tablespoon, just break off a piece and throw it into whatever you are cooking.

DICED VEGGIES: Dice onions, chili's, or bell peppers, then freeze flat in gallon freezer bags. As they are freezing, press “score lines” into the bags so you can break off as much or as little as you wish for recipes.

HOMEMADE & STORE_BOUGHT DOUGH: You can freeze all kinds of homemade dough – pizza dough, focaccia dough, pie crust – shaped in a ball and wrapped in Saran Wrap.
Or you can also freeze canned biscuits, crescent rolls, pizza dough, etc. right in the tube.

EGGS: Crack the eggs in a freezer bag, and freeze. Or crack eggs into an ice cube tray for cakes and cookies. Thaw out in refrigerator and use as you normally would.

SHREDDED CHICKEN: Cook a big batch and shred or when you get a rotisserie from the grocery store, shred the leftovers and put it in a bag.

LEMON/LIME JUICE & ZEST: Squeeze lemons and limes into ice cube trays, then pop them out after they have frozen and store in freezer bags. Now you have “fresh” lemon and lime juice whenever you need it. Don’t forget to ZEST the lemons/limes first and keep that in the freezer as well.

HERBS: Freeze fresh herbs in ice-cube trays with a little water or leftover stock to use for soups, stews, and casseroles later in the year.

MARINATED MEAT: Place meat in a freezer bag, pour in marinade and freeze. When you defrost it, it will be fully-marinated and ready to cook.

HOMEMADE CASSEROLES: When you are cooking a casseroles (lasagna, mac and cheese, enchiladas, etc), why not make 2 and FREEZE one for when unexpected company drops by or to use during a busy school/work week.
You can do this a couple of ways.
1. Freeze entire casserole by lining base of dish with freezer paper, add ingredients, then freeze it in the dish. When it’s frozen solid, remove from dish (easy to do thanks to the freezer paper), rewrap the food, and put back in the freezer. When you want the item for a meal, unwrap and place in the original dish to defrost and cook.
2. Bake casserole, let cool, and then cut into individual servings and freeze. Reheat in microwave!

FISH STICKS: Forget those tasteless sticks in the blue box. Buy fresh fish in quantity, cut it crosswise into fish ‘fingers,’ dip in egg, and dredge in flour and bread crumbs, then freeze laid out on a tray before transferring to freezer bags.

HAMBURGER: Pre-cook ground hamburger and portion it out for meals. When you need hamburger for shepherd’s pie, sloppy joes, tacos, or whatever, just pull it out of the freezer, add the seasoning, and microwave. Three minutes, or 1 minute and 30 seconds if it’s going to be baked and doesn’t need to be thawed all the way. For crock pot meals, like chili, just throw it in frozen.

Peanut Butter Balls

No Bake Peanut Butter Balls

18 oz. jar of creamy or chunky peanut buter - I prefer creamy
16 oz. bag of confectioners sugar
1/4 c. butter, melted
chocolate almond bark or chocolate candy melts or 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips & 2 tsp. shortening

In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, confectioners sugar and melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Line a baking sheet with foil. Roll the peanut butter filling into 1 inch balls and line the baking sheet with rows of the balls. Set the baking sheet in the freezer for 5-7 minutes to chill the peanut butter balls for easier dipping.
While the peanut butter balls are chilling, melt the chocolate in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl that is deep enough for dipping.
Remove the baking sheet from the freezer. Insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into a peanut butter ball and then dip it into the chocolate, turning quickly to cover the entire candy. Place onto a second baking tray that has also been lined with foil. Swirl the chocolate on the top of each candy for a pretty design. Refrigerate until the chocolate had completely dried.

Applesauce Bread

This is so simple to make, and you probably have all the ingredients on hand!!

Applesauce Bread
1/2 c. softened butter
1 large egg
1 1/2 t. baking soda
3/4 t. nutmeg
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. of flour
1 t. ground cinnamon
1/2 t. kosher salt
1 1/2 c. applesauce
1 t. vanilla

In a large bowl, first blend together the butter, egg, & sugar.
Then add the flour, baking soda, spices, & salt.
After it starts to form a crumbly dough, pour in the applesauce and mix together.
I used two small loaf pans, pouring mixture evenly into both.
Spray 2 small loaf pans with cooking spray.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.

Chocolate Suicide

Chocolate Suicide
Cookie dough on bottom of 9x13 
Oreo arranged in the middle
brownie batter poured over the top.
Bake at 350 until brownies are done....top with ice cream and chocolate syrup to go on over the top!!!!!!!!!!

Mexican Pizza

MEXICAN PIZZA     by: Fit to be Skinny and Fabulous

This only makes 1 tortilla size pizza so if you are making for several, be sure to double or triple your recipe!

Approx 1/2 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
1/2 T. taco seasoning
1/4-1/2 c. re fried beans
1/4-1/2 c. salsa ( jarred or homemade)
1/4-1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese (or your desired flavor)
2 - flour tortillas
your choice of toppings, ex: tomatoes, green onions, olives

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown ground beef in skillet. Add in taco seasoning. Drain if needed. Spray baking sheet with non stick cooking spray. Lay one tortilla on sheet. Spread with beans, then, with meat. Cover with second tortilla. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Spread top tortilla with salsa, then, top with cheese and desired toppings. Bake an additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted completely. Cool slightly before cutting.

Wisconsin Cheese Soup

Wisconsin Cheese Soup

1 cup sliced carrots
2 cups chopped broccoli
1 cup water
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all−purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

In a small saucepan over medium−high heat, combine
carrots, broccoli, water, and bouillon. Bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from
heat, and set aside.

In a large saucepan, cook onion in butter over medium
heat until onion is translucent. Stir in flour and pepper;
cook 1 minute. Stir in milk. Bring to a boil, then stir
in cheese until melted. Stir in reserved vegetables and
cooking liquid. Heat through, and serve.

Crazy Good Casserole

CRAZY GOOD CASSEROLE
4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 strips of quality bacon – cooked and crumbled
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
1 box (16 ounces) dried spiral pasta
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste

Cook & crumble bacon. While bacon is cooking, cut chicken into bite-sized chunks. Set cooked bacon aside. In the same pan, cook chicken in bacon drippings. Add garlic powder & salt & pepper to taste. While chicken is cooking, prepare pasta according to directions.  Drain pasta, return to pot. Add chicken, both cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of Monterrey Jack cheese ~ stir to mix well. Pour into sprayed baking dish. Top with crumbled bacon. Top with remaining Monterrey Jack cheese. Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes, just until cheese is melted and beginning to brown on top.

Ice Proofing.....for car windows

Hate scraping ice off your car windows?
Ice Proofing for Car Windows
2/3 Vinegar 
1/3 water
Just spray on windows and ice will melt away! 

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Holy Cow Cake

Holy Cow Cake
Chocolate Cake Mix, baked as directed
14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
8 oz. jar of caramel topping
4-5 Butterfingers candy bars, crushed
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
12 oz. Cool Whip
Prepare and bake cake as directed on package.
Meanwhile, blend caramel and sweetened condensed milk.
After removing cake from oven, use a skewer or fork to poke holes into the top of the cake.
Pour caramel mixture over cake.
Crush candy bars and sprinkle half of them over the warm cake. Chill.
Stir cream cheese and Cool Whip together until blended well. Spread over cooled cake.
Sprinkle with remaining candy.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Easy Cookies

Horseshoe Bend Relief Society Activity

Easy Cookies   
1 c. peanut butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
Mix ingredients.  Scoop into small balls.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 400 for 10 minutes. 
EXTRAS:  Dot each cookie with chocolate chips.  Flash freeze formed cookies, pack in a freezer bag to bake later. 


Lacey Making Teddy Bear Cookies