"Our little somethings..."

2nd Easiest Cookies Ever...NO BAKE COOKIES

2009-05-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

Remember these old things?? I remember making No-Bake Cookies on Sunday nights in Mom's large, heavy pot (with the handles broken off). I'm never sorry when I make these...they always hit the spot.

2 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup milk
1 pinch salt
3 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
1. In a saucepan bring sugar, cocoa, margarine, milk, and salt to a rapid boil for 1 minute.
2. Add quick cooking oats, peanut butter, and vanilla; mix well.
3. Working quickly, drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper, and let cool.

Easiest Cookies Ever Ever Ever

2009-04-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

So I have gotten really lazy these days. I have needed to make goodies really quick twice these past few weeks and looking through the family cookbook, this is what I cam up with. Maybe all of you already know this trick, in which case this is a refresher. By the way, these have nothing wheat in them so most of you probably wont even think about making them. Anyway, Chalonns recipe for homemade Oreos sprung and idea in my mind. We had no cream cheese to make the filling, but I did have two Devils food cake boxes, and some leftover melting chocolates in the freezer from Christmas. It was the easiest thing ever.

Just dump a box of cake mix into the mixer. Add 2 eggs. Add 1/3 C oil. Throw the melting chocolates into the blender or food processer or Magic Bullet or whatever for a bit until they are crumbled. (About 1.5 C probably, I didnt measure) And then throw the white chocolate crumbles into the mixer and mix it all up until the cake mix has been moistened and gets thick. Then roll into about 1" balls and bake @ 350 for 8-10 minutes depending on your oven. They turn out deliciously and are oh so quick. It is my new favorite thing. Next time I am going to try white or yellow cake mix with chocolate chips I think. Or maybe I will do something healthier. Whole wheat oatmeal chocolate?

The cookies went fast between my visiting teaching girls and the friends we have had over, plus this guy who lives with me and steals my food. Needless to say there is one left so that will have to do.

Oatmeal Whole Wheat Quick Bread

2008-12-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

Adapted from Allrecipes.com

This is very dense, hearty bread we tried yesterday. DJ described it as "old-school-working-on-the-farm-bread". Of course, I was flattered. It is so easy and pretty tasty right out of the oven with some butter and honey on it. It was good for my first bread attempt because it has no yeast and doesn't have to rise. Like I said...SOOOO EASY! (side note: it doesn't save very well, so serve it up fresh)

2 cups Rolled Oats
2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Salt
3 Tbsp Honey
2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
1-3/4 cup Milk

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grind oatmeal in a food processor or blender. In a large bowl, combine oatmeal, flour, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve honey in vegetable oil then stir in the milk. Combine both mixtures and stir until a soft, sticky batter-like dough is formed. Pour into greased bread loaf pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until bottom of loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

*Try some add-ins or replacements like flax seed, sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, or dried fruits. Try replacing vegetable oil with extra virgin olive oil or applesauce to make extra healthy.

BLT's reloaded

2008-11-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

Ok. So maybe I shouldn't call these BLT's. Maybe their more like a glorified veggie sandwich with turkey bacon. Honestly, when Mat and I eat these, we kind of sink in our chairs and talk about how much we love good food. Good food is so good isn't it?!

-Bread, toasted (get exciting and try some cook bakery bread)
-bacon slices cooked (i cook them on the George Foreman)
-avocado (in this particular picture my avocado was mushy and needed to be spread, usually i like thin slices)
-cheese of your choice
-lettuce/spinach
-tomatoes
-cucumbers
-sliced pepper of your choice
-condiments

Random Corn on the cob tangent that I was reminded of when I saw the picture: Have I shared our new way of baking corn? Just throw it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes at 375. It's perfect, and EASY. No boiling, and each to their own husking.

Chicken Fingers

2008-11-22T19:26:00.000-08:00

Chicken
egg
bread crumbs
Parmesan cheese
paprika

Cut chicken into strips. Mix bread crumbs, cheese (i like lots), and paprika. Dip chicken in eggs and then cheese mixture and cook in oiled skillet. OR bake at 350 for 30 min. Above I served with sweet potato fries and cooked fresh green beans.

Chicken and Chilies

2008-11-22T19:19:00.001-08:00

I got this off of Chalonn's friends blog "On my menu". I like it b/c its, easy, simple and tasty.

2-3 chicken breasts (or can)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped or minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 can tomato sauce
1 can black (or pinto) beans
1 can chopped chilies
1 tsp chili powder (or less)
1/2 tsp gr. cumin

Cube or shred chicken. (As always, I'm a big fan of putting chicken in the crock pot for a couple of hours and then shredding it when I'm ready to use it. So easy.) Add all ingredients. Serve over brown rice. Top with sour cream, cheese, or avocado.

Two bean Tamale Pie (also from Jo)

2008-11-22T19:18:00.002-08:00

1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 med. chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 15-oz can kidney beans, rinsed, drained and slightly smashed
1 15-oz can pinto beans, rinsed, drained, slightly smashed
2/3 cup veg juice or tomato sauce
1 4-oz can diced green chili peppers
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 recipe of basic cornbread (I make my own with ww flour)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, snipped

Grease a 10 inch square baking dish; set aside. In a medium skillet cook sweet pepper, onion, and garlic in hot oil until tender. Stir in beans, tomato sauce, chili peppers, chili powder and cumin; heat through. Spoon bean mixture into prepared dish.
Preheat oven 400. Prepare corn muffin mix adding cheese and cilantro and stirring just until combined. Spoon cornbread mixture evenly over the top of the bean mixture. Bake uncovered about 25 min. or until golden. Serve warm with sour cream and salsa.

Chicken Penne Pasta Bake

2008-11-22T19:18:00.001-08:00

I got this recipe from Kraft Family Food Magazine, and just changed it a little to make it my own.

1 pkg. whole wheat penne pasta
1 pkg. spinach leaves
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1 jar spaghetti sauce (i used the bottom of a can that i had, and also a small can tom. sauce)
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded (I had cheddar and it was yummy)
Grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 375F. Cook pasta. Cook and stir chicken and basil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Dice chicken then add sauce and tomatoes; bring to boil. Simmer 3 minutes. (the original recipe adds 2 oz of cream cheese here, i'm sure it would be yummy, i didn't use it). Add spinach (chop if desired) and let it cook down. Mix drained pasta and chicken mixture. Pour half of pasta into baking dish, sprinkle cheese. Add remaining pasta, sprinkle cheese. Add Parm. cheese as desired. I actually topped with some feta cheese. Bake 20 min.

Mexican Big Macs (from friend Jo)

2008-11-22T19:15:00.000-08:00

I love this! My friend first made it for me after I had Jackson. I begged her for the recipe and just recently got it. I'm attaching the picture of mine but it didn't look as good, the tortillas we buy are "homemade" and seem a little smaller, so I felt like it was hard to spread it all and it kind of turned into a mound. I also didn't follow the directions about the top. But it was soooo good, and even better for left overs. I did find it to be a little time intensive (with all the chopping), but well worth it.

1 can refried beans
1/2 cup sour cream (divided in half)
2 1/4 tsp chili powder
2 cups cooked chicken
1 medium red pepper
1/2 cup green onions with tops, thinly sliced
3/4 cup pitted ripe olives, sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, snipped
5 soft flour tortillas
2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
veg. oil spray
2 medium plum tomatoes, chopped
salsa

Preheat oven to 375 F.
-In a bowl combine refried beans, 1/4 cup of the sour cream and 2 tsp of the chili powder; mix well.
-Chop chicken and red pepper in small pieces, place in another bowl. Add sliced green onions, 1/2 cup of the olives and 2 tbsp of the cilantro; mix gently.
-Place 1 tortilla on flat pizza baking ston or lightly sprayed cookie sheet.
-Using a scoop put 1/4 of refried bean mixture on top of tortilla; spread to cover.
-Top evenly with 1 cup of chicken mixture.
-Put 1/4 of the cheese over the chicken mixture.
-Repeat layer of tortilla, bean mixture, chicken mixture and cheese three more times.
-Top with remaining tortilla; spray with vegetable oil.
-Bake 30-35 minutes or until top is golden brown.
-Mix remaining sour cream with 1/4 tsp chili powder; spread evenly over top of warm tortilla stack.
-Sprinke with chopped tomato, remaining olive slices and cilantro.
-Cut into wedges (like a cake) and serve with salsa.

Stir Fry -(mom c style)

2008-11-22T19:02:00.000-08:00

Chopped FRESH veggies (one or more of the following: broccoli, carrots, red pepper, asparagus, etc).
Brown Rice
Soy Sauce
(optional: ginger, chinese five spice, corn starch)
(also optional: meat of your choice)

O.k. So we recently made stir fry with fresh veggies and it one, made me think of sunday dinners and mom's wok, and two made me feel like I could never go back to frozen stir fry. I have a hard time getting my veggies, and we always have fresh broccoli, but I don't love to eat it...however this is my favorite way to eat it. The other day I had some left over fresh asparagus and chopped it up, sauted it in soy sauce and ate it over rice. It was ridiculously good.
Mat usually makes our sauce, but he'll mix the soy sauce, ginger, chinese five spice, and corn starch in a cup and then add it to the almost cooked veggies. The corn starch thickens it up a little. I'm sure there are some good recipes for sauce online, or just the soy sauce is good if that's what floats your boat.

Mom, did you do anything special?

Teriyaki Chicken salad

2008-11-22T18:59:00.000-08:00

Chicken breasts or tenders
Teriyaki Sauce
salad "fixins" (lettuce/spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, avacado, carrots, walnuts/almonds, fetta cheese, WHATEVER floats your boat).
Your favorite dressing or vinaigrette

Directions: (Ok. Before you get worried that your husband is not going to fill up on a salad, don't. This is so yummy and you can give them a man portion of chicken. You can also add a side of sweet potatoes/pots or rolls or something. Also, last time we had this Jackson was totally into it. So maybe kids will eat it too since it's packed with choices.)
Cook chicken in a pan and pour Teriyaki Sauce over chicken so that it soaks flavor. Cut up whatever else you are going to add to your salad.(I like to make a plate for each person so that I can make them look pretty :) Put chicken over salad and enjoy. Seriously, it's so tasty.

Something new

2008-11-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

Wow. Long time no blog. I was talking to Chelise the other night about some new recipes I've tried and decided to post some. So here it goes.

Thai Peanut Pasta
Linguini (I just use whatever I have)
1 lb. cooked and cubed chicken
1 can pinapple chunks drained
Handful of snow peas

Sauce: (serves 2)
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp. peanut butter
2 Tbsp. lime juice
2 garlic clove, minced or chopped.
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. crushed red peppers

Cook pasta and drain. Add chicken, pineapple, snow peas and sauce to noodles (or add it all to the sauce and serve on top of the pasta).
Sauce: Saute garlic, add chicken broth and PB until PB melts then add other ingredients. The red peppers are a little hot for me so I usually put it on the table so that we can serve to taste, I use a pinch.

Saturdays and Hamburgers

2008-08-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

Do any of you remember our traditional meal for Saturday nights? Dad's homemade hamburgers right? Well I know that Creshel would totally disagree with me on this, but sometimes I just crave a good old homemade hamburger. Ofcourse I'm a fan of turkey burger over hamburger, but whatever floats your boat. Everyonce and a while I love to create some kind of burger. There's lots of fun recipes out there, but just by adding minced onion, garlic salt, pepper etc...mmmhmmm!

And don't forget all the fixin's!

Easy Lettuce Wraps

2008-07-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

We just tried this recipe tonight! I got it from my friend Marci's blog. Anyway, it's a keeper and oh so simple!

Easy Lettuce Wraps

These were super easy and definitely would work to satisfy a craving for lettuce wraps! They are not as flavorful as the P.F. Chang's wraps so add some soy sauce when you dish them up. I will definitely make them again!

Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced (I just used 1)
- 1 T ginger root (I used 1/2 t. powdered ginger)
- 2 T oil (I used 1 T olive oil and then remembered I had sesame seed oil and did 1 T of that)
- 2 T rice vinegar
- 2 T teriyaki sauce
- 1 T honey
- 1-1/2 C shredded carrot
- 1/2 C green onion
- 1/3 C sliced almonds
- Lettuce Leaves

Directions:
- Mix all ingredients except chicken in a bowl until combined.
- Pour mixture into pan with cooked chicken and simmer for 8 minutes.
- Serve hot in prepared lettuce leaves.

More Summer Eats

2008-06-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

Fresh Salsa

2-3 Tomatoes, diced

1 Jalapeno, seeded, ribbed, minced

2 Tbsp. Minced onion

Juice of 1 Lime

1-2 Tbsp. Cilantro, chopped

Salt & Pepper

Mix together. Season with Salt & Pepper.

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Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

1 1/2 c. Flour

2/3 c. Sugar

1 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

1/4 tsp. Salt

1 c. Mashed Bananas

1 Egg

1/2 c. Butter

1/4 c. Milk

1 c. Chocolate Chips

- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

- In separate bowl mix bananas, egg, melted butter, and milk. Stir banana mix with flour mix until blended. Don't over mix. Stir in chocolate chips.

- Bake 350 degrees in a 8 x 8 greased pan for 35 minutes.

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Bro. Johnston's Crazy Chocolate Cake

(This is DJ's favorite cake. His mom got the recipe from a friend in their ward)

3 c. Flour

6 heaping Tbsp. Cocoa

1 tsp. Salt

2 c. Sugar

2 tsp. Soda

Sift above ingredients together in a 9 X 13 cake pan (with lid)

Then add:

2 tsp. Vanilla

2 Tbsp. Vinegar

3/4 c. Salad Oil

2 c. Water

Mix all together. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. After baking, put lid on to sweat for a few hours (VERY IMPORTANT). Then frost with chocolate frosting.

Frosting:

1/3 pkg of 2 lb bag Powdered Sugar

1/2 c. Butter

3 Tbsp. Cocoa

Enough milk/vanilla

Summer Eats

2008-06-28T08:36:00.001-07:00

I've tried a few new recipes lately that I wanted to share. Most of them are from a blog I discovered called Small Time Cooks and from emails I receive from EatBetterAmerica. A lot of them are great little Summertime treasures. What are all of you eating during the Summer? I'm hungry.

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Caprese Sandwiches

Recipe from Small Time Cooks; serves 4

1 fresh baguette (*we just used some fresh hoagie buns)

1 bunch fresh basil

2 roma tomatoes, seeded and thinly sliced lengthwise

8 0z. fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

- Slice the baguette crosswise into 4 pieces as evenly as possible. Slice each piece in half lengthwise. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil; season with salt and pepper.

- Starting with the bottom slice of baguette, layer fresh basil leaves, tomato slices, and mozzarella. Top with additional basil leaves and second baguette slice.

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Fresh-Peach Drop Cookies

Recipe and Photo from Small Time Cooks; Makes approx. 4 dozen

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2 Tbsp

3/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature

1 c. sugar

1 large egg

1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1/4 inch deces

1/3 c. peach jam or preserves

2 Tbsp. fine sugar (for sprinkling)

1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)

-Preheat oven to 375. Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.

-In separate bowl, beat butter and 1 c. sugar with a mixer on med-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Reduce speed to low. Beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture, and beat until just combined. Add peaches and jam, and beat until just combined.

-Drop doguh onto greased baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. (If not baking all of the cookies at once, refrigerate dough between batches; dough can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.) Combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle on each cookie.

-Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden brown and just set, 11 to 13 minutes. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes and then transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

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Southwest Turkety BLTs

Recipe from Small Time Cooks; Serves 2

4 slices whole wheat bread

1 avacado, pitted and peeled

2 Tbsp fresh lime juice

1 to 2 Tbsp pickled jalapeno (*we used some canned green chiles)

Salt and pepper

4 slices bacon

4 slices peppered turkey breast

1 Roma tomato, thinly sliced

Lettuce leaves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Bake bacon for 20 minutes, turning slices halfway through cooking time. Remove from baking sheet and place on paper towels to drain. While bacon is cooking, mash avacado, jalapeno and lime juice together in small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toast bread. Spread one slice with avacado mixture. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, 2 slices bacon, 2 slices turkey and second piece of bread. Repeat for second sandwich.

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Oatmeal Pancakes

Recipe from EatBetterAmerica

3/4 c. quick-cooking oats

3/4 c. whole wheat flour

1 c. skim milk

1 Tbsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 egg

In medium bowl, beat pancake ingredients with wire whisk until blended. Spray griddle or skillet with cooking spray. Heat griddle to 375 degrees or heat skillet over medium heat. For each pancake, pour slightly less than 1/4 c. batter from cup or pitcher onto hot griddle. Cook pancakes until puffed and dry around edges. Turn; cook other sides until golden brown. Serve with fresh fruit topping and syrup.

[Idea for topping: 1-10 oz bag frozen mixed berries, thawed and drained + 3/4 c. maple syrup. Cook ingredients in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture just begins to simmer. Set aside until ready to serve.]

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Oven Fries

Recipe from EatBetterAmerica

2 Large russet potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick lengthwise strips

1 Egg white, lightly beaten

1/4 tsp. Paprika

1/8 tsp. Salt

1/8 tsp. Pepper

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat baking sheet with tin foil and cooking spray. Brush potatoes with egg white. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake about 20 minutes, or until fries are nicely browned. Season with salt and pepper.

Cherry Delight Dessert

2008-06-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

1 can cherry pie filling 2 bananas, sliced or diced
1 c. coconut 1 can pineapple chunks

Spoon in graham cracker (or granola) crust in 9" square or pie dish. Top with whipped cream.

Quite easy and recieved requests for recipe at last social gathering.

Whole wheat what?

2008-05-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I got this recipe from my friend and these cookies are DE-lish! AND guilt-free. Well...any good cookie has got to have butter and sugar in it right? Let me know if you have any ideas to make them even healthier (but let's keep them tasty ok).

Kristin’s Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1 stick of butter (1/2cup)

1/2 cup Crisco
1 large egg
1 ¾ cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup oatmeal
*1/3 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips or chunks
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375 F
Mix sugars, butter/crisco and egg in large bowl. Stir in flour, oatmeal, wheat germ, baking soda and salt (dough will be stiff). Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 8-10 minutes or until light brown (centers will be soft). Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet. Cool on a wire rack.
*If you don’t have wheat germ change wheat flour to 2 cups.

Note: My friend actually does 2 sticks of butter (instead of crisco) but dividing the butter with crisco makes a better cookie texture/less greasy for me. So it's whatever you like.

Chicken Pockets

2008-05-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe at Cooking with Hilary. We have made these twice already. We bake half of the recipe and freeze the other half for later. We also tried baking all of them, them freezing them once they're baked to take in lunches. Check out the blog link above to find other great freezable meals.

Chicken Pockets

1 8 oz. Pkg. cream cheese (softened)
1/4 Cup chopped green onions
3 Cups chicken pieces
1 Can cream of chicken soup
Bread Crumbs
2 Cans Refrigerator crescent rolls

Combine chicken, cream cheese, and onions. Pinch together two rolls and a spoonful of chicken mixture. Seal edges tightly. Brush with melted margarine and roll in bread crumbs. Put into bag and freeze.

When thawed, bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes (until golden brown). Heat cream of chicken soup and enough milk for desired consistency for gravy. Pour gravy over each roll.

Yum Yum for Your Tum Tum

2008-02-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

Chenae asked me to put a recipe for my favorite food, chicken enciladas, on here. They are so scrumptious and I grew up eating these. My mom made them for me all the time. They are great, and relatively easy to make. Plus as long as you use all of the suggested ingredients, they turn out good no matter how you put it together. Enjoy!! I tried to decide how much would be necessary for a 9x13 pan but I had no idea. I don't use a recipe ever I just make it and then add more if I need more so I tried to just guess what would be necessary. I usually make a 9x9 so if you don't like the flavor, or there isn't enough of any of the ingredients, try to tweek it a bit to make it work for the size you are making.

SOUR CREAM CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
15 corn tortillas
1.5 C sour cream
2 small cans Cream of Chix soup
3 boneless, skinless chix breasts
lots of cheese
small can diced chiles if desired
salt and pepper to taste
Begin by mixing the sour cream and the soup. Spoon some of the mixture into the bottom of the pan so that it is just a thin layer. Cut the tortillas into fourths. (I just do a cut down the middle and then the other way. Or you can just tear the tortillas into pieces.) Then lay down a layer of tortilla pieces, covering the entire pan. Then dice or shred the chicken into pieces. Place a layer of chicken over the tortillas. The chicken doesn't need to be covering the entire pan, just use about 1.5 chicken breasts. Then spoon more of the soup mixture, covering the whole pan. Use more than you did on the bottom of the pan to be sure that it gets between all of the chicken pieces and then to the tortilla layer. Then cover generously with cheese. Then cover that with another layer of tortillas, chicken, soup mixture and cheese. For the final layer, just spread the remaining soup mixture and lots of cheese. Bake @ 350 for 40-60 minutes until liquids are bubbling.
*Just use your judgement to decide how much of the ingredients you will need to use. Its a super easy recipe and sooo yummy.*

The Best Salad Ever!!

2008-02-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

So this is my first time posting a recipe. I am pretty excited, although it is not my recipe. Michelle made it last night for dinner and it was the best thing I have ever tasted mixing some of my favorite veggies. It is from Rachel Ray and Ace wanted her to make it, but I honestly think I ate more than half and then Michelle even let me take the left overs. It is soooo good. And really healthy!

TOMATO ONION AND CUCUMBER SALAD
5 tomatoes, chopped
1/4 red onion, peeled, diced
1 cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 splashes red wine vinegar
Coarse salt and black pepper
*I wonder what it would taste like to add a little avacado or feta to this? Maybe I will try it and let you all know.*

Okay so I made this, it did not last long. It was good the first night, but got progressively more oddly textured. Ace and Mich made it and intead of using EVOO and vinegar, they just used Balsamic Vinaigrette with EVOO already in it. It lasted longer, plus tasted way way better. Make it that way. It tastes so much more amazing.

Chocolatiest Chocolate Cake

2008-02-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

Does anybody else (in my family) remember when Jill made this for us when she lived with us in the Burg?
Jill's Hershey Chocolate Cake

2 cup sugar
1 3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp bkg soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup boiling water

Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Mix eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
Bake 4350 for 30-35 minutes.

Hershey Frosting:
1/2 cup butter or marg
2/3 cup cocoa
3 cup powder sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spread consistency. Add more powdered sugar to thicken frosting if needed. Stir in vanilla.

Mom's Minestrone

2008-01-24T17:40:00.000-08:00

I scored this recipe from Creshel who apparently got it from Mom. I don't remember eating this growing up?? Maybe my tastebuds weren't mature enough to realize how delicious it was. But they're mature now...and it is gooooooooooooooooooood!!!

Go on, give it a try. It will be ready in 10 minutes.

1 lb of Browned, Ground Beef (seasoned w/ onions and spices)
2 cans of Progresso Minestrone soup (or 3 cans of campbells)
2 cans of Diced Tomatoes
2 cans of Pork & Beans

Let sit in pot long enough for flavors to blend. Serve with rolls.

Caprese Appitizer for New Year!

2008-01-01T14:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I made this last night as an appitizer - and at least I enjoyed it! All healthy and EASY and pretty too!!

Caprese Salad

3 vine-ripe tomatoes, 1/4-inch thick slices

1 pound fresh mozzarella, 1/4-inch thick slices

20 to 30 leaves (about 1 bunch) fresh basil

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Balsamic or Red Wine Vinager, for drizzling

Coarse salt and pepper

Layer alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, adding a basil leaf between each, on a large, shallow platter. Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil and vinager and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

A Hearty Meal in Minutes!!

2007-12-31T14:32:00.000-08:00

This morning I tried this idea I saw in a magazine. It was so fast, so easy, and so good. It's quite filling and made me feel real healthy.

1/2 cup rolled oats
brown sugar
almonds
dried cranberries or cherries
1/2 cup skim milk
Throw it all in the microwave for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes and Enjoy!

I Feel Like a GENIUS!!!

2007-12-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

I tried Chalonn's recipe for Cafe Rio salads and it was SO yummy and so easy with the food processor. We loved the rice and the dressing...it was so Cafe Rio-like. Thanks, Chalonn for the recipe. It tasted like the REAL thing!

All Hail Betty Crandra!

2007-10-01T13:16:00.001-07:00

As you can see this is a tribute to CRANDRA! Last night I made Candra's Betty Crocker Cookie Recipe (just click go to the index on the left of this blog and click on "cookie") for the second or third time now....and I've got to say DEEEEEEEEEE-LICIOUS! They always turn out just right and OH-SO-GOOD!
Here's a cookie tip that my friend told me that she learned from her Grandpa. I was telling her that I felt like my cookies were either too cakey, or flat. I've always wanted to be able to make the perfectly soft cookie...not hard, not gooey. So she told me that her Grandpa told her that you use HALF butter & HALF Shortening.
So for instance, on Candra's Betty Crocker recipe it calls for 1 cup of butter. And I found that it makes the perfect cookie when I do 3/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup shortening instead.
So three cheers for Candrac! Hip Hip HOORAY! Hip Hip HOORAY! Hip Hip HORAH! Way to go Crandolf!
Yours very truly,
Chenae

Please Pass the Proberts

2007-09-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

DJ loves soup. Candra loves Sandwiches. DJ loves Mexican. Candra loves Italian. Can you tell?

TACO SOUP
Cube and cook 2 chicken breasts w/ favorite seasonings. We like fresh lime juice and lemon pepper.

Mix the following in a soup/sauce pan:
1 can Corn (undrained)
1 can Black Beans (undrained)
1 can Diced Stewed Tomatoes (undrained)
1 can Chicken Broth
1 pkg Taco Seasoning
Add chicken when cooked.

Serve with cheese, sour cream, and avacado. We love it with Frito's, too.

SOUP & SANDWICHES
Toasted Turkey Sandwiches: turkey, cream cheese, tomato, cucumbers, red onion, and avacado on toasted bread (we even use bagels sometimes). Or try assembling your sandwich then pressing it in a Foreman Grill.

Serve with favorite soup. We like to keep it simple with Tomato Soup, and canned pears or some other fruit on the side.

BBQ PORK
Place Pork (we usually just get whatever is on sale, but pork chops are my favorite) in crock pot. Cover with your favorite BBQ sauce and a can of stewed, diced tomatoes. The acid from the tomatoes makes the pork really tender and adds great flavor.

Shred it and serve on buns for a pulled-pork sandwich. Try sides like a salad (green, macaroni, pasta, or potato) and fresh fruit.

OR, don't shred it at all! Serve with mashed potatoes and a green salad. MMM!

PITA PIZZAS & GREEN SALAD
On pita bread, spread tomatoe sauce, fresh sliced tomatoes, green peppers, pepperoni, italian sausage, and any other favorite toppings. Try other varities like a white sauce pizza or BBQ chicken pizza (I haven't ventured that far yet). Cover with cheese. Pitas make for a perfect individual-sized pizzas. Bake until cheese melts.

Serve with Salad. We like this salad combination: shredded dark green or red leaf lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced avacado. Toss with fresh squeezed lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. Add cashew nuts if you need a little crunch. As DJ has put it, "it just tastes so clean".

SPINACH LASAGNA
Filling:
Cottage Cheese (or something more exotic)
Mozzarella cheese (or whatever cheese you have around)
Parmasean cheese
Minced or freshly diced onion
Garlic salt
Oregano
Drained, thawed, frozen spinach

Mix all ingredients together in bowl. Layer between cooked lasagna noodles and pasta sauce in a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 until bubbling and cheese is melted. Serve with green salad, fruit, and garlic bread. I think I'm in love.

BROCCOLI CHEESE CHOWDER
1-2 bunches fresh broccoli, cooked untl tender. Do not overcook. Cut into small pieces. Set aside.
1 medium onion (or dry, minced onion) Cook in butter until soft and golden (in separate pan). Set aside.
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. flour
4 c. milk
1 c. chicken broth
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. grated cheese

In large saucepan prepare a white sauce: melt 1/2 c. butter over medium heat, then stir in flour until well blended. Gradually stir in milk, chicken broth, and salt. Stir constantly until mixture reaches a boil. Cook 1-2 minutes, until thickened. Add broccoli and onion. Stir in cheese. Avoid bringin gto boil. Serve immediately or keep warm over low heat. Serve with rolls or in bread bowls.

FRENCH DIP SANDWICHES
Cook roast in crock pot just as if you were making a pot roast...I normally cook it with cr. mushroom soup and a pkg of dry onion soup mix. Shred when cooked. Serve on favorite rolls w/ cheese.

For dip: prepare 2 (1 oz) pkgs of au jus mix according to pkg directions. Add 1 (10.5 oz) can beef consomme soup and 1 cup of water. Stir and heat.

Pour au jus into individual cups for dipping. Serve with a salad, chips, fruit, or whatever tickles ye' fancy.

Grilled Bell peppers

2007-09-20T21:33:00.001-07:00

Mom reminded me to post this new favorite produced by the master chef...Heber

Red bell pepper cut in half....
Clean out seeds and fill with feta cheese and cheddar...or whatever cheese you want.
Grill til cheese is melted and serve...
This is a great tasting side and looks pretty "Martha"!

Yummy! Pickles and Cheese!

2007-09-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

For the past 2-3 months I must confess I have hardly stepped a foot in the kitchen (the smells would make me sick). I've been living off of Grilled Pickle and Cheese Sandwiches. But, here are 3 new recipes we have tried before and really liked:

"Sweet Citrus Chicken"
1 pkg prepared Stove Top Stuffing Mix

6 boneless chicken breasts

2/3 cup orange juice

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

3 Tbsp. melted butter or marg

EASY! Mix sugar & butter well then pour over chicken. Top with stuffing. Bake at 400 for about 1/2 hour or till chicken is cooked through. We like this with steamed green beans and mashed potatoes.

"Chicken Yakitori KeBabs"

Put on Kabab Sticks:

-Chicken in cubes
-10 scallions or any type onion

-Red bell pepper cubed

-Pineapple cubed (fresh is best!)

Place kababs in deep sheet or cassrole pan.

Mix and drizzle over top of kebabs:

-1/3 soy sauce

-2 tsp. sugar

-3 tsp. rice vinager

-2 teaspoons sesame oil (i love this!)

-2 minced garlic cloves

Broil. Baste till chicken is cooked. Serve with rice!

"Saltine Cracker Cookies"

Lay a pack & 1/2 of Saltine Crackers in a pan.

Boil and Pour over top:

1 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

Bake at 400 for 5 minutes.

Take out and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Let cool and eat!

A Peak At Our Dinner Table

2007-09-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

I think we eat a little different than you with children. I keep things pretty simple and fast. But here is a look at last weeks table events:
-Dinner at Ashley's with BAKED SALMON, spiced potato chunks, fruit salad...delicious
-ROTISSERIE CHICKEN (purchased), green salad, watermelon,
-BBQ SHREDDED BEEF (cook roast in crock till very tender, add BBQ sauce recipe in family book) on buns with veg tray and baked chips and apples
-CHICKEN SALAD (use canned chicken or grilled chicken pieces, grapes, slivered almonds, celery, miracle whip), cantaloupe rings, bread & jam
-ENCHILADAS (recipe in family book) with lettuce and tomatoes, chips and salsa
-El BAJIOS GREEN CHILI CHICKEN SALAD
-Don't forget a little bite of chocolate after each meal for dessert or if visitors will eat it all so you don't have leftovers, be sure to try the ALMOND JOY CAKE in the family book.
-we also love a little fruit...APPLE SALAD (chopped apples, chopped nuts, raisins opt, yogurt)

CHOCOLATE FONDUE OR DIP (great with strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apples)
1-6oz Hershey Chocolate Almond bar 1/3 c whipping cream
1 Tbsp milk 1 Tbsp margarine/ butter
1 c mini marshmallows
cook in double boiler so won't burn, till melted and blended. Serve warm.

New and improved Easy meals

2007-09-20T07:40:00.001-07:00

Appease em all!

Crockpot:
add a few chicken breasts
a can of beans (black or pinto)
a can of salsa

Simmer and shred chicken...SERVE!

I like mine over brown rice (naked burrito style)
Heber likes his in a tortilla (burrito style)
Mckay likes his on a taco shell

CHICKEN FINGERS

We all love chicken fingers...super easy!
Slice chicken
dip in egg, then bread crumbs and fry in olive oil on stove top....

We serve with a green salad and steamed veggie...

SALMON FILLETS
Smother salmon with lemon, salt, brown sugar onion, garlic... and grill on foil on BBQ or bake in oven in a glass baking dish...super easy and super healthy....serve with rice and steamed veggie.

We've grown to love any steamed veggies....we discovered real green beans...not the canned...delicious! Steamed baby carrots, asparagus, zuccini etc....EASY side!

Cafe Rio dressing, chicken and rice look a like!

2007-09-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

For all you cafe rio lovers...I found something on the internet that has become our NEW favorite...you can be creative and make whatever salad, burritoes, enchiladas etc that you want and just use dressing on top of anything for a delicious taste.

Café Rio Dressing
1 buttermilk ranch dressing packet (make as per recipe)
2 tomatillos (tomato like vegetable with a husk around them)
½ bunch of cilantro
1 clove garlic
Juice of 1 lime
1 jalapeño (Use the seeds too if you like it spicy. You could substitute a few drops of green tobasco for the jalapeno.)

Use a food processor to blend all the ingredients well. Refrigerate.

Cafe Rio Chicken

1 small bottle Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
1 T chili powder
1 T cumin
3 cloves garlic—minced
5 lbs chicken breast

Cook all together in a crock pot for 4 hours, shred meat and cook 1 additional hour.

Café Rio Rice

3 c water
4 t chicken bouillon
4 t garlic –minced
½ bunch cilantro
1 can green chiles—or equivalent fresh
¾ t salt
1 T butter
½ onion
3 c rice (see note)

Blend cilantro, green chiles and onion together in food processor. Bring water to a boil and add all ingredients, simmer covered 30 minutes.

A WEEKS WORTH OF DUERDEN FAVORITES:

2007-09-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

Not in any special order...

Tostadas, Soft Tacos or Burritos (whatever you want to call them)
Tortillas (we like wheat)
Cheese
Put tortillas on hot pan to make them crusty and melt cheese on top (like Cafe Rio baby!) Take off pan and add any or all of the following: refried beans, black beans, fresh tomatoes, green or red peppers, avacado, sour cream, salsa, turkey burger, etc.

Homeade Hamburger & Fries
Hamburgers
Remember how we used to have homeade hamburgers every Saturday night? Well recently we started making these and they are delish!
Hamburger or Turkeyburger(how ever much you need)
Minced onion, garlic powder and anything else in your spice cupboard you'd like.
Mix burger and spices. I like to make patties on wax paper so that I don't have to touch the meat.
Fries (my weakness, these are better than fast food)
In a big bowl mix oil (about 1/4 cup or less), and any spices you want (we like: minced onion, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, Season salt, whatever). Add cut potatoes (I like to cut them thin like real fries) and stir them around (or shake them in a tupperware) to coat them. Spread on cookie sheet and bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes.
OR
Sweet Potato Fries (yum!)
Do the same as above except the only spice I add is a little Cayenne pepper to the oil.
This meal is also good with cooked, fresh green beans.

Baked Chimichangas
1lb chicken or turkey burger
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp chili powder
taco seasoning (to taste)
3/4 cup shredded cheese
1 (4oz) can green chili peppers
1/2 cup snipped cilantro
12 large flour or wheat tortillas

Brown meat, add onion, garlic, chili powder and taco seasoning to taste. Drain any liquid. Add cheese, chili peppers, and cilantro. Assemble like a burrito and place in baking dish. Sprinkle cheese and cilantro on top for garnish. Bake at 400 for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

BLT's
I don't think you need a recipe for this one. But I would suggest adding avacado.

Pizzas
Make pizzas with your favorite toppings on flour or wheat tortillas. Bake at 400 for about 10-15 minutes or until edges are crisp.

Breakfast for Dinner
Sometimes we'll have German pancakes, or eggs and hashbrowns, or our favorite hearty waffle/pancake recipe from Michelle, who got it from Katie. (Hope you don't mind that we share it Michelle)

Pancake/Waffle Mix
4 cups old fashioned oats
2 cups white flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup instant milk
3 tbsp bkg powder
2 tbsp cinnamon (or more)
5 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cream of tarter
Mix ingredients and store in container or ziplock.

To made pancakes or waffles:
2 eggs
1/3 cup canola oil or applesauce
2 cups pancake mix
1 cup water
Beat eggs, add oil, mix and water. Makes 10 pancakes or waffles.

Chenae's AYAYAY! Tortilla Soup
Cooked chicken, shredded with a fork. (OR THIS CAN BE A VEGITARIAN DISH IF YOU DON'T WANT CHICKEN)
1/2 of an onion
1 clove of garlic
1 can of diced tomatoes
4 cups of chicken broth (or water with bullion cubes)
lime juice (to taste)
taco seasoning (to taste)
1 can corn
1 can white hominy (opt)
1 can black beans (opt)
1 avacado
cilantro
shredded cheese
corn tortillas (cut with pizza cutter into strips and bake spread out on cookie sheet at 400 for 10 min or until crisp)
Cook & Shred chicken, set aside. Saute onion and garlic, then add chicken again. Add tomatoes, broth, lime juice, taco seasoning, corn, hominy, and beans and a handful of chopped cilantro. Simmer until hot (its not rocket science right?). When you serve it, top it with cheese, crisp tortilla strips, cilantro and (drum roll please) avacado.
This is my all time favorite meal and I'm Mat's favorite chef when I make it.

If you can't tell...we like Mexican food. I think it's my way of coping without Cafe Rio. I'm always looking for good ones, so send any my way!

Grilling Tips

2007-08-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

(Dad got in a Grilling Class at BYU-I July 2007)
Ideas at Foodnetwork.com

Steak
-Meat that has fat marbled in it will be more tender and tasty
-The more you turn the meat the tougher it will be
-great marinade…salad oil, Montreal seasoning.
-Red cooking wine has enzymes that will always enhance the flavor
-some like to bake meat 15-20 min at 300 degrees first, then grill

-always preheat to 325-350 degrees.
-pay lots of money for NY steak or buy a roast and have butcher cut it in strips
-Rib Eye Steak always tender. Lean meat will always be tougher.
-Good steak will cook 7-8 min at 350 degree
-always use pan spray on the grill rack when it’s heated

-Grill meat on diagonal for ½ time then shift diagonally the other way to mark the meat, but don’t turn it. Turn only once and mark diagonally like the first side. Use diagonal to know what has been turned
-never meat outside refrigerator longer than 4 hrs.

Chicken/Pork
-Nice marinade is rice vinegar, salt, oil, liquid smoke
-Pork without bone is best for grill (2-3 hr marinade best)
-turn only once like in steak
-350 degrees preheat, open lid, then leave open while cook
-when cooking meat, look at side of meat and can see when ½ cooked, then know to turn it.

-Pkg marinade is best…Schilling, etc
-Soda pop in marinade is good
-buy metal tongs and thermometer to put in meat (like pencil size) to make sure temp is right
-Chicken at least 160 degrees by thermometer. Other meats 150 degrees.

Misc
-Hamburger that is pre-pattied and frozen is best.
-great fresh corn…put mayonnaise on it and Parm cheese and crushed pepper corn. Wrap in foil (always shiny side next to food). Grill 45 min-1 hr.
-Veg…make foil pouch (double foil if no skin on veggies, like pots), add onions, zucc, pot, mushrooms, etc, garlic, salt, olive oil. Close pouch up, seal, and grill 6-12 min
-Sm red potatoes will take 15-20 min in pouch.
-Fish cook 12-15 min…cook first on skin side. Fresh tuna is excellent…not fishy.

DELICIOUS HOMEMADE PIZZA

2007-08-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from a cooking class put on by a Cicilian lady in our ward. DJ and I made it lastnight and it was SOOO yummy.

DOUGH
2 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp olive oil
3/4 c. warm water
2 c. bread flour
1 tsp. instant yeast

(triple the recipe so you can freeze extra batches for later)

Bloom yeast in the warm water and half of sugar. Dump the rest of the ingredients into a bowl, except for the olive oil, and whisk to combine. Dump all the wet ingredients into the dry and stir, then knead to combine. Let dough sit for several minutes. Knead, then oil and put into large ziplock. This goes into the refrigerator overnight. When the dough has been in the fridge for a couple hours, unzip the bag to let the co2 out and punch the dough down.

If tripling: the next day, the dough can be seperated into three 1lb,3 oz. balls. Put in ziplock bags and freeze for future use.

PIZZA SAUCE
15 oz. can Roma style tomato sauce (Contadina)
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. water
1 tsp. salt
Pepper
2 tsp. basil
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. tomato paste

Sauce is to be used somewhat sparingly, otherwise you will have a soup instead of pizza.

TOPPINGS
Any thinly sliced vegetables, cooked meats, and cheeses.
Dashes of herbs like thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, etc.

Try grated cheeses like Asaigo, Fontina, Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, Provolone (mild), Reggiano Parmesiano, Whole Milk Mozzarella.

BAKE
Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Dust your countertop with flour or cornmeal. Aseemble your pizza evenly, sliding it onto your pizza pan or baking stone. Bake immediately for a crisp crust. Resting the dough 30 minutes will result in a chewy crust. Bake for about 7 minutes or until toppings are bubbly and crust is golden brown. Rest two minutes before slicing.

Crock Pot Thai Chicken

2007-07-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Mat and I tried a new recipe last night and really liked it. It was REALLY easy (gotta love the crock pot!) and it was different. Check it out.

6-8 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs or tenders
3/4 cup salsa
1/4 cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy...i like crunchy)
1 tsp ginger (opt)
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp lime juice

My opinion: I would consider doubling the sauce...last night we wished we had more sauce with the chicken.

Put all the ingredients in a crock pot on low for 6-8 hrs. Garnish with cilantro, scallions and/or peanuts. Serve on rice (you can also make rice with coconut milk by doing 1 cup rice, 1 cup water, 1 cup coconut milk).

Betty Crocker's Chocolate Chip Cookies

2007-07-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Good old, Betty. We discovered these cookies and are crazy about them. DJ thinks I'm some kind of cookie genius. They're that good.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
1 large egg
2 1/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 bag chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375.

Beat sugars, butter, vanilla, and egg in large bowl with electric mixer. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop dough into balls on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown, golden on the edges. Cool on wire rack.

Southwestern Style Cobb Salad

2007-07-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

You may be wondering, "Where am I? Have I accidentally stumbled onto Martha Stewart's website?" No. You're in the right place. This is just a Little Something...a salad that we tried tonight that I wanted to share. I got the recipe from my friend Clarissa. It was so tasty and so fresh for a hot, summer evening. Enjoy!!

SOUTHWESTERN STYLE COBB SALAD

Romaine Lettuce
1 can black beans or pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
1 can corn (rinsed and drained)
2 tomatoes
1 c. cheddar cheese
Cubed Chicken, cooked in lime or lemon juice and w/ any other spices
Avacado
Cilantro (opt)

Serve with Ranch Dressing

It's that easy! Let me know what other fun things you add to it!

Verlie’s Bottled Salsa

2007-07-11T12:41:00.001-07:00

½ bushel tomatoes (I know this is farmer talk but a bushel is about a laundry basket half full)
12 green peppers (I have taken out the peppers because our family doesn’t like the green pepper taste)
10 med onions
1 whole garlic
4 C. vinegar
10 jalepeno peppers (This makes mild salsa. The hotter you want it the more jalepenos you put in. Last year Adam wanted it HOT so I put in habenero peppers. Whew!)
3/4C salt
Grind or chop everything.
Bring to a boil then simmer until thick (about 2 -3 hours) Bottle and process in canner at 12 lbs for 20 min.

Teriyaki Beef and Pineapple

2007-07-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

2 to 2 ½ lbs. of London Broil or Top Round Steak sliced as thinly as possible (Partially freeze meat and then cut for thinner slicing).
½ cup soy sauce
4 TBLS brown sugar
1 TBLS honey
1 can pineapple chunks
1 minced garlic clove
2 slices ginger root minced
1 TBLS sesame oil
Skewers
Combine all marinade ingredients into one bowl and marinate meat 24 hours. Weave beef strips onto skewers with pineapple chunks between each section of meat. Grill or broil for 3 minutes on each side.

Aaron's Steak-on-a-Stick

2007-07-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

2 to 3 lbs. of London Broil or Top Round Steak sliced as thinly as possible. (Partially freeze meat and then cut for thinner slicing).
1 cup oil
¾ cup soy sauce
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 TBLS dry mustard
3 tsp salt
1 TBLS pepper
½ cup wine vinegar
1 ½ tsp dried parsley flakes
2 crushed garlic cloves
1/3 cup lemon juice
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Add steak strips and mix thoroughly. Marinate 24 hours. Weave steak onto skewers and grill over hot coals or broil.

Mat's Latest Obsession

2007-06-09T14:56:00.000-07:00

Someone in one of Mat's classes brought some Mookies. He came home that night and HAD to make us some....I have to admit they were OH SO YUMMY. They are a mix between Muffins and Cookies ...and we ate some hot out of the oven with ice cream. DE-LISH!

The Mookie Cookie
Prep & Cook time: about 40 minutes
Makes: 16 Giant cookies

1 cup (1/2 lb) butter or marg, at room temp
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups regular rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup each sweetened shredded dried coconut and raisins (optional)

1. Mix butter and brown sugar until thoroughly blended. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Combine oats, flour, salt, and bkg powder. Blend oat mixture and butter mixture. Stir in walnuts, coconut, and raisins.
2. Pack cookie dough into an ice cream scoop (4 oz size), 1/2 cup measuring cup (we liked them this way) scrap dough level with rim, and empty onto lightly oiled baking sheets, spacing dough about 3 inches apart. OR pack dough into muffin tins.
3. Bake at 350 until cookie edges are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Cool cookies on a rack; serve, or store airtight up to 2 days.

My Newest Favorite Easy Enchiladas

2007-06-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

My 2 cents: First of all...you have to know that these Enchiladas are super simple and delicious to make. But I have added some optional ingredients that make them even better and heartier. So don't fret if you don't have everything...they'll still be yummy...but enjoy all the extra goodness if you do.

1/2 lb ground turkey
1/4 cup chopped onions (opt)
1 small can green chilies (opt)
1 small can tomato sauce
1 green or red pepper diced (opt)
1 can of corn (opt)
1 can of black beans and/or kidney beans (opt)
8 tortillas (corn, flour or OUR favorite...wheat)
2 cups shredded cheese
1 can mild enchilada sauce
1/2 cup sour cream (opt)
lettuce (opt)
Garnish: chopped green onions and/or black olives (opt)

In a large skillet, saute onions and brown turkey. Stir in green chilies, tomato sauce, pepper, corn, beans and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Place a spoonful of meat mixture in the center of each tortilla, roll tortilla up, and place in cookie sheet or casserol dish seam side down. Pour enchilada sauce over tortillas; sprinkle rest of cheese. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Garnish however you want. And hey, feel free to serve it with sour cream and lettuce.