Momma Hen's Kitchen

Buttery Garlic Pasta

2012-02-11T18:49:00.000-08:00

Buttery Garlic Pasta - adapted from cbsop.com

13 oz whole wheat rotini
3 Tbsp olive oil
3 Tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, peel and mince the garlic. Melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic to the butter and olive oil. Cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic just begins to brown. Add salt, pepper, and parsley, and stir to combine.

Add the pasta to the skillet, toss to coat all noodles evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve.

Low-Fat Chocolate Chip M&M Oatmeal Cookies

2012-02-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Low-Fat Chocolate Chip M&M Oatmeal Cookies - slightly adapted from Six Sisters' Stuff

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbs unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups old-fashioned oats
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini M&Ms

Preheat oven to 350°; line two baking sheets with parchment paper or use a silpat.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, with a mixer, cream together the butter and the sugars on medium speed.

Add the egg, followed by the applesauce and vanilla extract.

Stir in the flour mixture and the oats until just combined and no streaks of flour remain; stir in the chocolate chips and M&Ms.

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the dough onto prepared baking sheets, flattening each cookie slightly. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until cookies become light brown at the edges.

Let cool on baking sheet for 3 or 4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 30 cookies.

Rosette Apple Pie

2012-01-12T15:09:00.000-08:00

Rosette Apple Pie - adapted from Household Diva

Pie Crust:
1 cup flour
1/3 cup Crisco

Add water until workable. Roll out and place in pie dish.

Filling:
7 - 8 apples (Granny Smith or Macintosh)
4 tbs butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Slice apples on the stem axis. Thinly slice them again. Place apples in a rosette formation, starting at outside of pie dish.

In a skillet on medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Simmer for 2 minutes, until a syrup forms. Drizzle over apple pieces. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.

Funfetti Cookies

2011-12-12T20:38:00.000-08:00

Funfetti Cookies - Pillsbury

1 pkg Pillsbury Funfetti cake mix
1/3 cup oil
2 eggs

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, and eggs; stir with spoon until moistened. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls; place 2" apart on parchment-lined cookie sheets. Bake for 6 - 8 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets.

Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

2011-11-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls - slightly adapted from allrecipes

1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup margarine, melted
2 1/2 cups bread flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup margarine, softened
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup margarine, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.
After the dough has doubled in size turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, cover and let rest for 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll dough into a 16x21 inch rectangle. Spread dough with 1/3 cup butter and sprinkle evenly with sugar/cinnamon mixture. Roll up dough and cut into 12 rolls. Place rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees..
Bake rolls in preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, 1/4 cup margarine, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Spread frosting on warm rolls before serving.

Chocolate Chip Cookie and Oreo Fudge Brownie Bars

2011-10-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie and Oreo Fudge Brownie Bar - Kevin and Amanda

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips
1 pkg Double Stuffed Oreos
1 Family Size (9×13) Brownie mix
1/4 cup hot fudge topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream the butter and both sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well to thoroughly combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt, then slowly incorporate into the mixer until the flour is just combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread the cookie dough in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish that’s been lined with wax paper and sprayed with cooking spray. Top with a layer of Oreos. Mix together brownie mix, adding an optional 1/4 cup of hot fudge topping to the mix. Pour the brownie batter over the cookie dough and Oreos. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-55 minutes.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

2011-10-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie - Our Best Bites
Recipe from Nestle

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought.
2 large eggs
1/2 C flour
1/2 C white granulated sugar
1/2 C packed brown sugar
3/4 C real butter, softened (1 1/2 sticks)
1 C chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark works best, you might find milk too sweet)
1 C chopped pecans (you are welcome to make it without nuts)

Vanilla ice cream, or sweetened whipped cream for serving (a must! I prefer ice cream)

optional: chocolate sauce (honestly, doesn’t really need chocolate sauce, but it looks pretty!)

Preheat oven to 325° F.

Beat eggs in large mixer bowl on high speed until foamy. Beat in flour, granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat in butter. Stir in morsels and nuts. Spoon into pie shell.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted halfway between edge and center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack or serve slightly warmed. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Copycat Wendy's Frosty

2011-09-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

Copycat Wendy's Frosty - adapted from food.com

8 oz. fat free Cool Whip
7 oz. fat free condensed milk
1 pint chocolate milk

Place ingredients in ice cream freezer in order recommended by manufacturer. Turn machine on and freeze. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer.

Parmesan Potato Wedges

2011-09-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

Parmesan Potato Wedges - Mel's Kitchen Cafe

3 medium russet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds total), scrubbed

5 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

2/3 cup panko bread crumbs

2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoons paprika

2 teaspoons dry mustard

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place a rimmed baking sheet on a rack in the middle position. While the sheet is preheating, cut each potato lengthwise into 6 wedges. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave the potatoes until the edges of the potatoes are translucent but the centers remain firm, about 4-5 minutes, shaking the bowl to redistribute halfway through without removing the plastic wrap.

When the potatoes are finished, carefully remove the plastic and drain the potatoes well. Return the potatoes to the bowl, add 3 tablespoons oil, and gently lift and stir (careful not to break the potatoes apart), until the potatoes are coated with a starchy film, about 1 minutes. This will help the coating adhere to the potatoes.

In a shallow pie plate or similar-size dish, combine the panko, Parmesan, paprika, dry mustard, salt, garlic powder, thyme and cayenne. Dredge 1/4 of the potatoes in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Transfer the potatoes to a large plate or platter and repeat with the remaining potatoes in shifts. Let the potatoes sit in a single layer for 15 minutes after coating.

Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and brush with the remaining oil.

Arrange the potatoes, cut side down, in a single layer. Bake, flipping the potatoes halfway, until the potatoes are cooked through and are crisp and golden brown, about 25 minutes. Serve.

Bacon Cheese Pinwheels

2011-09-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

Bacon Cheese Pinwheels - Buns in My Oven

1 tube of crescent roll dough
2 ounces light cream cheese
6 turkey bacon slices, fried and chopped
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
sprinkling of garlic salt

Unroll the crescent roll dough and smoosh together all the seams. Roll it out with the rolling pin to flatten it a bit. Spread with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese, right out to the very edges. Sprinkle with garlic salt. Sprinkle on the cheese and bacon as evenly as possible. Roll it up from long end to long end. Slice into 1/2 to 1 inch (ish) slices and place on a baking sheet. Bake as directed on the crescent roll package.

Pastalaya

2011-09-16T18:46:00.000-07:00

Pastalaya

1 lb Cajun chicken sausage
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1" cubes
1 tbs olive oil
1/4 cup finely diced green peppers
1/4 cup finely diced green onions
6 cups water
1 chicken boullion cube
1 tsp Kitchen bouquet
1 tsp Worcestershire
1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
1 tsp parsley
12 oz. fettucine noodles

Heat olive oil in a large pot (preferably Magna-lite) over medium high heat. Brown sausage links and chicken breasts. Remove and set aside. Cut sausage into 1/4" slices.

Turn heat down to medium low and brown peppers and onions for 3 - 4 minutes. Add water slowly, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pot. Add meat back to pot. Bring mixture to boil and add chicken boullion cube, Kitchen Bouquet, Worcestershire, Cajun seasoning, and parsley. Turn heat down to medium high and boil for 15 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium and add pasta. Cook for 15 more minutes, until most of liquid is dissolved. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

2011-08-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

Biscuits and Sausage Gravy - Family Fun Magazine

For biscuits
2 cups flour
1 tbs baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 stick cold salted butter, cut into 1/2" slices
3/4 cup cold 2% milk

For gravy
1 lb bulk breakfast sausage
1/2 cup flour
4 cups 2% milk
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
cayenne pepper (optional)

First prepare the biscuits. Heat the oven to 400°. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry blender* or two butter knives to cut the butter into the mixture until it has a coarse, pea-size texture. Add the milk and stir the mixture until it forms into a shaggy dough.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Use your fingers to gently flatten it into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle. Fold the dough over itself and flatten it once more. Repeat three or four times, working quickly so that the butter remains solid.

Flatten the dough a final time, then use a 3-inch biscuit cutter or a drinking glass to cut out 10 dough rounds. Transfer them to a 12- by 17-inch baking sheet and bake them until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.

While the biscuits cook, make the gravy. Brown the sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the pan.

Slowly sift the flour into the pan as the meat continues to cook. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to work the flour into the meat. Add the milk, then let the mixture simmer, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken. Add the salt and pepper and let the gravy continue to simmer as you stir, until it reaches the consistency of a creamy soup. Be sure to maintain medium heat so that the mixture doesn't boil. If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it with more milk, adding a small amount at a time.

Add a few pinches of cayenne, if using, and more salt and pepper, if needed, and stir in well. To serve, put a biscuit on a plate and ladle the gravy alongside or on top.

Pizza Bites

2011-07-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Pizza Bites - Annie's Eats

½ batch pizza dough (enough for 1 pizza)
4 oz. mozzarella cheese, cubed (about 20-24 pieces)
Sliced pepperoni

For topping:
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or cake pan. Divide the pizza dough into 20-24 roughly equal sized pieces. Take one of the dough pieces, top with a cube of cheese and a slice or two of pepperoni. Pull the edges of the dough around the fillings and pinch closed. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining dough pieces.

Lightly brush the tops of the dough balls with olive oil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Serve warm, with dipping sauce as desired.

Ooey Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies

2011-06-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

Ooey Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies - Our Best Bites

3/4 cup fat free sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
1/4 cup skim milk
1 box devil’s food cake mix (18.25 oz)
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
1 7 oz. jar marshmallow creme
3/4 cup peanut butter morsels

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With an electric mixer, combine 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk, milk, butter, cake mix, and egg white. Mixture will be very thick. Spray 9" x 13" pan with cooking spray. Press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Use either floured hands, or spray your hands with cooking spray in order to press it down without having it stick to your fingers. The layer will be thin. Bake for 10 minutes.

Combine 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk and marshmallow creme in a bowl and combine until smooth. Stir in PB morsels. No one will tell if you stir in some extras. Spread marshmallow layer over brownie layer in pan. Carefully drop remaining brownie batter by spoonfuls over marshmallow mixture. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes. (The original recipe calls for 30 minutes, but many readers have noted that 20 minutes was perfect, and I usually only bake for about 20-25). Remove from oven and cool before cutting into squares.

JoJo's Enchilada Casserole

2011-06-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

JoJo's Enchilada Casserole

1 lb ground turkey

2 10 oz. cans enchilada sauce

1 can Wolfe turkey chili without beans

1 can fat free refried beans

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

8 fajita size whole wheat tortillas

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook ground turkey until no longer pink; drain. Add 1 can enchilada sauce, 1 can refried beans, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. In a separate pot, combine remaining can of enchilada sauce and 1 can Wolfe chili.

Spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with cooking spray. Fill tortillas with turkey mixture; roll up and place in pan. If any meat mixture remains, pour over top of tortillas. Top with chili mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.

**Can be frozen before placing cheese on top and baking. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, top with cheese, and bake according to directions.**

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

2011-06-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins - adapted from food.com

3 medium bananas

1 egg

1/3 cup milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat muffin tin with cooking spray. In a large bowl, mash bananas with fork. Whisk in egg, milk, sugar, and brown sugar.

In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to banana mixture and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Peanut Butter Chocolate M&M Cookies

2011-06-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Peanut Butter Chocolate M&M Cookies

1/2 cup margarine

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup peanut butter

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup cocoa powder

3/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup chocolate chips

3/4 cup M&Ms

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together margarine, sugar, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add in cocoa powder, flour, and salt and stir until well mixed. Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms. Bake for 8 - 11 minutes.

Bacon Deviled Eggs

2011-06-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Bacon Deviled Eggs

10 hard boiled eggs

1/4 cup mayo

1 tsp mustard

2 tsp spicy brown mustard

1/8 tsp Cajun seasoning

2 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

Peel eggs. Slice in half lengthwise. Remove yolk and set aside in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, mustard, spicy brown mustard, and Cajun seasoning. Mix together well. Add bacon, reserving 1 tablespoon. Fill each egg half with mixture. Sprinkle with remaining bacon and additional Cajun seasoning if desired.

Sesame Chicken

2011-05-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

Sesame Chicken - adapted from food.com

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 tbs olive oil

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup soy sauce

1 cup water

2 tbs cornstarch

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1 tbs sesame seeds

Cut chicken breasts into 1" cubes. Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Cook chicken about 6 minutes, until no longer pink.

In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth. Pour sauce into skillet with chicken. Cook 5 - 8 minutes on medium heat, until sauce thickens. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-05-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies - Nestle

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups Nestle Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375° F. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Baked Taco Pasta

2011-05-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

Baked Taco Pasta

8 oz. whole wheat pasta

1 lb ground turkey

1 14 oz can tomato sauce

1/2 cup water

1 package taco seasoning

1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, cook ground turkey until no longer pink. Drain fat. Stir in tomato sauce, water, and taco seasoning. Simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes. Add sauce to pasta, along with 1/2 cup of cheese. Pour into a greased 9" baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Crock Pot Shredded BBQ Pork

2011-05-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

Crock Pot Shredded BBQ Pork

3lb pork roast

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp chili powder

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup ketchup

1/2 cup BBQ sauce

2 tbs brown sugar

2 tbs honey

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp mustard

1/2 cup water

Season pork roast with Cajun seasoning and chili powder. Rub garlic into roast. In a bowl, combine ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and water. Place roast in crock pot. Cover completely with sauce, reserving 1/2 cup sauce in refrigerator. Cook on high for 4 - 6 hours or low 6 - 8 hours. Drain fat, shred, add reserved sauce, and serve on buns.

Turtle Cheesecake

2011-05-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

Turtle Cheesecake - Blog Chef

1 ¾ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (crushed)
½ cup melted butter (or margarine)
3 (8 oz) packages of softened cream cheese
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
2 tablespoons caramel sundae syrup
½ cup pecans (chopped)
¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees and grease a 9 inch spring form pan. Combine Chocolate graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press mixture onto the bottom and 1 inch up the side of the spring form pan.

In a bowl beat cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until its smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat together until fully mixed.

Microwave chocolate morsels in 10 second intervals until morsels are just melted. Stir 2 cups of cheesecake batter into the melted morsels. Then spoon separate batters alternatively into the crust. Start with the batter without the morsels, then with the morsels, and end with the batter without the morsels.

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until cheesecake is set (when the center moves just slightly). When cheesecake is done, cool completely. After the cheesecake is cooled top with chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, pecans, and chocolate morsels.

Fudge Lover's Cream Cheese Cake

2011-04-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

Fudge Lover's Cream Cheese Cake - Betty Crocker

Cake

1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist devil's food cake mix

1 box (4 serving size) chocolate instant pudding and pie filling mix

1 cup hot water

3/4 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla

4 eggs

Filling

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Frosting
8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3 tbs milk
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Heat oven to 350 degrees (or 325 degrees for dark or nonstick pan). Spray bottom only of 13" x 9" pan with baking spray.

In a large bowl, beat cake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Pour into pan.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and 1 egg on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Stir in chocolate chips. Spoon filling by tablespoonfuls evenly over top of batter. Using table knife, swirl filling through batter.

Bake 40 - 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

For frosting:
Melt chocolate; cool slightly. Blend in cream cheese and milk. Add sugar slowly. Stir in vanilla. Spread frosting over cake. Store covered in refrigerator.

Pasta and Chicken Salad

2011-04-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

Pasta and Chicken Salad

16 oz. tri color rotini

4 oz. cheddar cheese, cubed

8 oz. muenster cheese, diced

3/4 cup grapes, sliced in half

3/4 cup diced cooked chicken

3/4 cup Italian dressing

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Serve cold.

Turkey Parmesan Burgers

2011-04-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Turkey Parmesan Burgers

1 lb ground turkey

3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1 egg

1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 slices mozzarella cheese

1 cup spaghetti sauce

4 whole wheat buns

Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Form into 4 patties. Cook over medium high heat for 5 - 6 minutes per side, until cooked through.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Separate buns and place bun bottoms on baking sheet. Place one burger on each bun. Spoon 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce over top of each burger. Top with a slice of cheese. Bake until cheese melts. Remove from oven and top with bun tops.

Mrs. Fields Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-04-22T05:39:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Fields Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
2 1/2 cups oatmeal
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
12 oz. chocolate chips
4 oz. Hershey bar, grated
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add to wet mixture, mixing thoroughly. Stir in chocolate chips, grated Hershey bar, and pecans.

Make golf ball sized cookies, placing 2" apart. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes.

Drunken Meatballs

2011-04-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

Drunken Meatballs

For meatballs:

1 lb ground turkey

3/4 cup breadcrumbs

1 tsp parsley

1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp black pepper

For sauce:

3/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

8 oz. beer

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper in a bowl. Form into golf ball size meatballs. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, until cooked through.

Meanwhile, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and beer over medium high heat. Simmer on medium low. Add cooked meatballs to sauce; toss to coat. Simmer for 30 minutes.

Chocolate Pudding

2011-04-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Pudding - allrecipes

1/2 cup white sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3 tablespoons cornstarch

2 cups milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sugar, cocoa and cornstarch. Whisk in milk a little at a time so the mixture does not have any dry lumps.

Place in the microwave, and cook for 3 minutes on high. Stir, then cook at 1 minute intervals, stirring between cooking times for 2 to 4 minutes, or until shiny and thick. Stir in vanilla.

Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the refrigerator. Serve cold.

Cream Cheese Frosting

2011-04-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz. low-fat cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 tsp vanilla

4 cups powdered sugar

Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla for 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing well. Makes enough to frost two 9" layers.

Cheeseburger Pizza

2011-04-13T05:36:00.000-07:00

Cheeseburger Pizza

1 lb ground turkey

1 clove chopped garlic

1 cup pizza sauce

3/4 cup mozzarella cheese

8 oz. Velveeta, thinly sliced

pizza dough

Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Brown ground turkey. Drain. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Meanwhile, roll pizza dough into pizza pan. Spread pizza sauce over crust; add meat on top of pizza sauce, spreading evenly. Top with sliced Velveeta. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10 - 14 minutes, until cheese begins to bubble and brown.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies

2011-04-11T03:23:00.000-07:00

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip M&M Cookies

1 cup margarine

3/4 cup white sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups oatmeal

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups M&Ms

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream margarine and sugar; add eggs and mix well. Add salt, baking soda, and vanilla; blend well. Add flour and oatmeal and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Whoopie Pies

2011-04-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Chip Cookie Whoopie Pies - Confessions of a Cookbook Queen

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

4 tablespoons vegetable shortening

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter, shortening, and both sugars and beat until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs and buttermilk and beat until combined.

In a measuring cup, combine the milk, baking soda, and vinegar. Add the milk mixture to the batter along with the flour mixture and beat on low until just combined. Add the vanilla and beat on medium for about 3 minutes, until completely combined.

Using a wooden spoon, stir in the chocolate chips until just incorporated.

Using a spoon, drop about 1 tablespoon of batter onto one of the prepared baking sheets and repeat, spacing them out at least 2 inches apart. Bake one sheet at a time for about 10 minutes each or until the cakes begin to brown. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool on the sheet for at least 3 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.

Classic Marshmallow Filling:

1 1/2 cups Marshmallow Fluff (or other prepared marshmallow cream, which will do in a pinch)

1 1/4 cups vegetable shortening

1 cup confectioners sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the Marshmallow Fluff and the vegetable shortening, staring on low and increasing to medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to low, add the confectioners' sugar and the vanilla, and beat until incorporated. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes more.

Pipe or spoon filling onto flat side of cookie and top with another cookie. Roll the edges in sprinkles, if desired.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

2011-04-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

6 chicken tenders

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 cup flour

1 tbs olive oil

1 tbs butter

1/2 cup chicken broth

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

10 oz. whole wheat pasta

1/2 cup steamed broccoli

Cook pasta according to package directions. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Coat chicken with flour. Shake off excess. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan on medium high heat. Cook chicken for 5 minutes on each side, until cooked through and juices run clear.

Remove chicken and set aside. Turn heat down to medium. Add chicken broth slowly, stirring. Add milk. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Serve over pasta with chicken and broccoli.

Baked Pork Tenderloin with Gravy

2011-04-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

Baked Pork Tenderloin with Gravy - adapted from food.com

2 - 2.5 lbs pork tenderloin

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp ground black pepper

3/4 cup flour

2 tbs olive oil

1/3 package onion soup mix

1 can cream of chicken soup

2 cups hot water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper. Coat tenderloin well with flour. Heat oil in an oven proof pot over medium high heat. Brown tenderloin on all sides for 5 minutes.

Mix onion soup, cream of chicken soup, and hot water. Turn heat down to medium low and add to pot. Cover and bake for 1 hour. Serve over mashed potatoes or cooked rice.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-04-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies - adapted from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
16 tablespoons margarine, melted and cooled
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 (12 oz) bag semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 325. Whisk the flour, baking soda and salt together in a large bowl and set aside.

Beat the butter and sugars in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until combined, about 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla until combined, about 30 seconds, scraping down the bowl and beaters as needed.

Reduce the mixer to low speed and slowly mix in the flour mixture until combined, about 30 seconds. Mix in the chocolate chips until incorporated.

Working with 1/4 cup of dough at a time, roll the dough into balls and lay on parchment paper (I didn't have any and just sprayed sheets with Pam) lined baking sheets, spaced about 2 1/2 inches apart. Bake until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft and puffy, about 17 to 20 minutes.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then serve warm or transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Brown Sugar Brownies

2011-03-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

Brown Sugar Brownies

1/2 cup margarine

2 cups brown sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1 tsp salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9" x 12" pan. Melt margarine over low heat. Add sugar. Stir until smooth and sugar is melted. Remove from heat. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Sift flour mixture into egg mixture. Stir to combine. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour into pan and bake 25 - 30 minutes.

Whole Wheat Pita Chips

2011-03-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

Whole Wheat Pita Chips

4 whole wheat pitas

4 tbs olive oil

1/2 tsp parsley

1/2 tsp basil

1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper

1/4 tsp sea salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking pan with cooking spray. Combine olive oil, parsley, basil, and pepper. Split pitas in half. Brush oil mixture onto inside of pitas. Slice into wedges. Sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 4 - 6 minutes, or until crispy. Watch closely - they burn quickly! Serve with hummus.

Beef and Veggie Stir Fry

2011-03-25T05:45:00.000-07:00

Beef and Veggie Stir Fry - adapted from food.com

1 lb stir fry beef

2 tbs water

2 tbs cornstarch

1/2 tsp garlic powder

2 tbs vegetable oil, divided

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1 cup carrots

1 cup broccoli

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup water

2 tbs brown sugar

1 tbs cornstarch

1/2 cups hot cooked brown rice

In a bowl, combine 2 tbs water and 2 tbs cornstarch. Mix in garlic powder until smooth. Toss beef in mixture until coated.

In a large skillet or work over medium high heat, stir fry beef in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil until cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Add remaining tablespoon of oil to skillet. Stir fry broccoli and carrots for 4 - 5 minutes. Return beef to skillet. Combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and one tablespoon of cornstarch in a bowl. Add to skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Serve over hot brown rice.

Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes

2011-03-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes

For cake:
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup water
1 tbs vinegar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla

Sift together dry ingredients. Add liquid ingredients. Beat until well mixed. Fill cupcake liners 1/3 full with chocolate batter.

Cheesecake:
1 8 oz. package cream cheese
1 egg
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 tsp salt

Mix all ingredients together; stir well. Top each cupcake liner with a heaping teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes. Top with chocolate icing if desired.

Turkey Sloppy Joes

2011-03-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

Turkey Sloppy Joes

1 lb ground turkey

3/4 cup ketchup

3 tbs brown sugar

1 tbs Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp prepared mustard

1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Cook ground turkey over medium heat, until no longer pink. Drain fat. In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Pour over turkey and stir to combine. Simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve on whole wheat buns or sandwich thins.

Breakfast Sandwich Thins

2011-03-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

Breakfast Sandwich Thins

4 whole wheat sandwich thins

4 eggs

4 slices turkey bacon, cooked

4 slices Swiss cheese

Spray a skillet with cooking spray. Heat skillet on medium heat; fry egg until the bottom is cooked, about 3 - 4 minutes. Flip. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes. Repeat with remaining eggs.

To assemble sandwiches:

Open sandwich thin; place one fried egg, one slice of turkey bacon broken in half, and one slice of Swiss cheese on bottom of sandwich thin. Top with remaining sandwich thin. Repeat with remaining ingredients. These freeze well - just wrap in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Easy to grab, defrost, and go!

Take-Out Chicken

2011-03-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

Take-Out Chicken - adapted from food.com

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2" pieces

2 tbs olive oil

1 clover garlic, minced

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 cup apple juice

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 tbs ketchup

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup soy sauce

Heat oil in a large skillet. Brown chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside. Add remaining ingredients, heating over medium heat until well-mixed. Add chicken and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 - 15 minutes. Serve over hot brown rice.

Taco Crescent Casserole

2011-03-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

Taco Crescent Casserole

1 can crescent rolls

1 lb ground turkey

1 14 oz. can tomato sauce

1/2 pkg taco seasoning

3/4 cup sour cream

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9" x 13" casserole dish. Unroll crescent roll dough in dish and press seams together to seal. Meanwhile, cook ground turkey in a pan, until no longer pink. Add tomato sauce and taco seasoning; simmer for 5 - 10 minutes. Pour turkey mixture over crescent roll dough. Top with a layer of sour cream; sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 22 - 25 minutes.

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders

2011-03-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders (a.k.a. What to do with the "free" pretzels you get on an airplane)

5 boneless skinless chicken tenders

3 bags airplane pretzels (about 3/4 cup)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning

3/4 cup flour

1 egg

3 tbs margarine

Combine pretzels, breadcrumbs, chili powder, and Cajun seasoning in a food processor. Pulse until pretzels are crushed and mixture is combined. Place in a bowl. In another bowl, place flour. In a third bowl, place egg. Beat well.

Heat margarine in a large skillet over medium high heat. Dip each piece of chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Cook for 5 minutes on each side, until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.

Meatball Sandwich Thins

2011-03-09T06:37:00.000-08:00

Meatball Sandwich Thins

For sauce:

2 14 oz. cans tomato sauce

2 tbs brown sugar

1 tbs sugar

1 tbs parsley

1tbs basil

For meatballs:

1 lb ground Italian sausage

1 egg

3/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp parsley

1/2 tsp basil

1/2 tsp crushed black pepper

3 sandwich thins, split

3/4 cup Italian blend shredded cheese

Combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, sugar, parsley and basil. Simmer over low heat.

Meanwhile, combine Italian sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, oregano, parsley, basil and black pepper in a bowl. Do not over mix. Form into 24 2" meatballs and place on a greased baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 - 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

Drop meatballs into the sauce and stir to coat. Continue simmering on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Place split sandwich thins on a baking sheet. Place 3 - 4 meatballs on each. Top with cheese. Broil for 2 - 3 minutes, until cheese is melted and sandwich thins are crispy.

Mardi Gras Donut Muffins

2011-03-08T12:25:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras Glazed Donut Muffins - Buns in My Oven

3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup milk (low fat is fine)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and grease muffin tin with cooking spray. In a large bowl beat together sugar and egg until light and fluffy. In small bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Pour into sugar/egg mixture and stir until well combined. Add in vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well. Pour into muffin tins, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for about 15 minutes until tester comes out clean.

Glaze

1/4 cup milk

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

food coloring

Whisk milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together. Separate into 3 bowls. Add food coloring to make purple, green, and yellow. Dip each muffin into glaze or drizzle over the top.

Red Hot Potatoes

2011-03-07T05:40:00.000-08:00

Red Hot Potatoes

6 medium red potatoes, diced into 1" cubes

4 tbs margarine

3 tbs olive oil

1 tbs garlic, minced

2 cups water

1/4 tsp crab boil

2 tbs butter

1/4 tsp red pepper

Heat margarine and olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Cook garlic for 1 minute. Add potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water and crab boil. Bring potatoes to a boil; reduce heat to medium low and cover. Stir occasionally.

Cook potatoes until water is absorbed and potatoes are tender. Add more water if necessary, if potatoes are not fork tender. Smash potatoes and add in butter and red pepper.

Crunchy Garlic Chicken

2011-03-04T05:18:00.000-08:00

Crunchy Garlic Chicken Tenders

8 boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup bread crumbs
1 tsp parsley

2 tbs grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/4 cup flour
1 egg
1/4 cup margarine

Melt margarine in a large pan over medium heat. Combine garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning in a bowl. In another bowl, place 1/4 cup flour. In a third bowl, place beaten egg.

Dip chicken tender in flour, then egg. Coat well with breadcrumbs. Repeat with remaining chicken tenders. Cook for 5 minutes on each side. Repeat until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

Cheesy Bacon Potato Pancakes

2011-03-03T05:04:00.000-08:00

Cheesy Bacon Potato Pancakes

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

3 tbs flour

3 tbs margarine

Combine mashed potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, and flour. Melt margarine over medium high heat in a pan. Place 2 tbs of potato mixture in pan and flatten. Cook on each side for 4 - 5 minutes. Flip and cook other side for 4 - 5 minutes, until golden brown. Repeat with remaining potato mixture.

Cheddar Garlic Rolls

2011-02-28T05:43:00.000-08:00

Cheddar Garlic Rolls - dough from Pioneer Woman

2 cups 1% milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup sugar

1 package active dry yeast(2 1/4 tsp)

2 cups whole wheat flour plus 1/2 to 1 cup more

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tbs salt

3 tbs melted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/2 tsp parsley

Mix the milk, vegetable oil and sugar in a pan. “Scald” the mixture (heat until just before the boiling point). Turn off heat and leave to cool 45 minutes to 1 hour. When the mixture is lukewarm to warm, but NOT hot, sprinkle in yeast. Let this sit for a minute. Then add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 cups of whole wheat flour. Stir mixture together. Cover and let rise for at least an hour.

After rising for at least an hour, add 1/2 cup to 1 cup more cup of flour, the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir mixture together. (At this point, you could cover the dough and put it in the fridge until you need it – overnight or even a day or two, if necessary. Just keep your eye on it and if it starts to overflow out of the pan, just punch it down).

When ready to prepare rolls: Sprinkle rolling surface generously with flour. Take half the dough and form a rough rectangle. Then roll the dough thin, maintaining a general rectangular shape. Drizzle melted butter over the dough. Now sprinkle garlic over the butter followed by a generous sprinkling of cheddar cheese and parsley.

Now, starting at the opposite end, begin rolling the dough in a neat line toward you. Keep the roll relatively tight as you go. Next, pinch the seam of the roll to seal it.

Spread 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a seven inch round foil cake or pie pan. Then begin cutting the rolls approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick and laying them in the buttered pans.

Repeat this process with the other half of the dough. Let the rolls rise for 20 to 30 minutes, then bake at 400 degrees until light golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes.

Baked Shrimp Casserole

2011-02-25T05:20:00.000-08:00

Baked Shrimp Casserole

2 cups cooked brown rice

1 lb frozen peeled, deveined shrimp

1 can cream of mushroom soup

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tbs Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9" x 9" baking dish with cooking spray. Combine shrimp, cream of mushroom soup, cheese, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, and parsley in a bowl. Combine with cooked rice. Spread evenly into prepared baking dish. Bake for 35 - 45 minutes, until shrimp is cooked through.

Chicken Piccata

2011-02-23T05:21:00.000-08:00

Chicken Piccata

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 egg

2/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

4 tbs margarine
1 tbs butter

juice of 1 lemon, lemon halves reserved

3/4 cup chicken broth

Cut chicken into tenders. Place breadcrumbs in one dish and beaten egg in another. Dip each chicken breast in egg, then breadcrumbs.

Heat 2 tbs margarine over medium heat. Cook chicken breasts for 3 - 4 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Add more margarine as needed. Remove and set aside.

Melt butter in same pan. Add lemon juice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook for 2 minutes. Serve sauce over chicken. Garnish with reserved lemon slices.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

2011-02-21T07:20:00.000-08:00

Buffalo Chicken Dip - adapted from Frank's Redhot

8 oz. low fat cream cheese

1/2 cup low fat Ranch dip

1/2 cup Frank's Redhot sauce

1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese

2 cans chicken breast in water

Heat oven to 350°F. Place cream cheese into deep baking dish. Stir until smooth. Mix in salad dressing, Frank's RedHot Sauce and cheese. Stir in chicken.

Bake 20 minutes or until mixture is heated through; stir. Garnish as desired. Serve with crackers or vegetables.

Stuffed Shells

2011-02-17T06:49:00.000-08:00

Stuffed Shells

1 12 oz. box jumbo shells

3 cups spaghetti sauce

1 lb ground turkey

1 24 oz. carton cottage cheese

1 egg

1 tsp parsley

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, cook ground turkey until no longer pink. In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, parsley, pepper, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Fold in cooked ground turkey.

Spread 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce evenly in a 9" x 13" baking dish. Stuff each shell with cottage cheese mixture. Top with remaining spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 50 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.

Dark Chocolate M&M Cake Mix Cookies

2011-02-14T05:13:00.000-08:00

Dark Chocolate M&M Cake Mix Cookies

1 box triple fudge cake mix

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 cup dark chocolate chips

1 cup M&Ms

Combine cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large bowl. Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a parchment covered baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Velvet Dessert

2011-02-11T05:23:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Velvet Dessert - Taste of Home

1 1/2 cups Oreo crumbs

2 tbs sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

6 egg yolks

1 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

3 tbs cocoa powder

3 to 4 tbs milk

In a small bowl, combine Oreos and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 1/2" up the sides of a greased 9" springform pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

In a large microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Cool. In a small bowl, combine the egg yolks, cream, and vanilla. Gradually stir a third of the cream mixture into melted chocolate until blended. Fold in remaining cream mixture just until blended. Pour into crust

Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 - 50 minutes, or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.

For frosting:

In a small bowl, combine the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, and enough milk to achieve a piping consistency. Using a large start tip, pipe frosting on dessert.

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

2011-02-09T05:02:00.000-08:00

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas - adapted from Sing For Your Supper

3 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

1 large cloves of garlic, minced
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 small can green chiles

1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
9 corn tortillas
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar

Preheat the oven to 350. Melt butter over medium-high heat. Saute garlic for 1 minute. Stir in the flour and let cook 1 - 2 minutes. Whisk in the chicken broth until smooth and let cook until it bubbles and begins to thicken, about 3 - 4 minutes. Stir in the sour cream, green chiles, cumin, cayenne, and cilantro until the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.

Spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with cooking spray. Add 1/2 cup of sauce to the bottom of the pan. Add chicken and 1 tbs cheese to the center of each tortilla and roll, placing seam-side down in the dish. Pour the sauce over the enchiladas, top with leftover cheese, and bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until top is brown and bubbling.

Parmesan Tortilla Chips

2011-02-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

Parmesan Tortilla Chips

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

8 corn tortillas

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp Kosher salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, oregano, and pepper. Brush evenly onto both sides of tortillas. Cut tortillas into wedges.

Place wedges on baking sheets in a single layer. Sprinkle with cheese and salt. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes, or until chips are crisp.

Chocolate Chip Muffins

2011-02-04T06:15:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Chip Muffins - food.com

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup light-brown sugar, packed

1/3 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup milk

1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled

2 eggs, lightly beaten1 teaspoon vanilla

1 (11 1/2 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease twelve muffin cups. In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, stir together milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla until blended. Make a well in center of dry ingredients. Add milk mixture and stir just to combine. Stir in chocolate chips. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Now bake for 15-20 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in center of one muffin comes out clean. Remove muffin tin to wire rack. Cool for 5 minutes. Remove from tins to finish cooling.

Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Pork Chops

2011-02-02T06:46:00.000-08:00

Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Pork Chops

4 bone-in pork chops

10 oz. pineapple juice

1 tbs vinegar

3 tbs brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup

Place pork chops in crock pot. Combine pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, and ketchup. Pour over top of pork chops. Cook on high 4 - 6 hours or low 6 - 8 hours.

Mini Pommes Anna

2011-01-31T05:07:00.000-08:00

Mini Pommes Anna - slightly adapted from Buns in My Oven

4 russet potatoes

2 tbs butter, melted

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray.

Wash and peel the potatoes. Slice them as thin as you can get them using a mandoline. Place potatoes in a bowl and toss with the melted butter, salt, and pepper.

Layer the potatoes in the muffin wells until they are filled to the top. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil carefully and bake for another 15 - 25 minutes, or until the edges and tops start to turn golden brown and the potatoes are tender. Remove from the oven and scoop the potatoes stacks out with a small fork.

Chocolate Ganache King Cake Rolls

2011-01-28T05:16:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Ganache King Cake Rolls - dough recipe from Our Best Bites

2 cups 1% milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup sugar

1 package active dry yeast(2 1/4 tsp)

2 cups whole wheat flour plus 1/2 to 1 cup more

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tbs salt

Chocolate Ganache Filling

8 oz. semi-sweet or dark chocolate

8 oz. heavy cream

Icing

8 oz. powdered sugar
4 Tbsp. melted butter
1 - 3 tbs milk

Colored sugar

After rising for at least an hour, add 1/2 cup to 1 cup more of flour, the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir mixture together. (At this point, you could cover the dough and put it in the fridge until you need it – overnight or even a day or two, if necessary. Just keep your eye on it and if it starts to overflow out of the pan, just punch it down).

For filling:
Combine chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2 minutes and stir. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes or until chocolate is fully melted and can be whisked and incorporated into the cream.

When ready to prepare rolls: Sprinkle rolling surface generously with flour. Take half the dough and form a rough rectangle. Then roll the dough thin, maintaining a general rectangular shape. Spread chocolate ganache evenly over dough, leaving a 1″ edge.

Now, starting at the end furthest from you, begin rolling the dough in a neat line toward you. Keep the roll relatively tight as you go. Next, pinch the seam of the roll to seal it.

Spread 1 tablespoon of melted margarine in two 7″ round foil cake or pie pans. Then begin cutting the rolls approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick and laying them in the buttered pans.

Repeat this process with the other half of the dough and filling. Let the rolls rise for 20 to 30 minutes, then bake at 400 degrees F until light golden brown, about 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool before glazing.

For glaze:
Mix powdered sugar and melted butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Mix in enough milk to reach desired consistency. When the rolls are cool, spoon the glaze over the tops and sprinkle with green, yellow, and purple sugar.

Italian Sausage Pasta

2011-01-26T05:08:00.000-08:00

Italian Sausage Pasta

1 lb Italian turkey sausage, crumbled

1 tsp garlic, minced

2 14 oz. cans tomato sauce

1 tbs brown sugar

1/2 tsp parsley

1/2 tsp basil

1/2 cup whipping cream

8 oz. pasta

Parmesan cheese

Brown sausage over medium heat until no longer pink, stirring frequently. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add tomato sauce, cream, brown sugar, parsley, and basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Serve sauce over pasta. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Snickers Brownie Cake

2011-01-24T05:15:00.000-08:00

Snickers Brownie Cake

Brownie Cake (See recipe below)

Chocolate Ganache (See recipe below)

3/4 cup chopped Snickers

Brownie Cake - Annie's Eats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

8 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces

5 oz. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

3 large eggs

½ cup packed light brown sugar

¼ cup sugar

3 tbsp. light corn syrup

½ tsp. vanilla extract

Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350° F. Butter an 8-inch springform pan, dust the inside with flour, tap out the excess and line the bottom of the pan with a piece of parchment paper. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet.

To make the cake, combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl; whisk together and set aside. Add the butter and chocolate to a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the ingredients are just melted – do not let them get so hot that the butter separates. Remove the bowl from the heat and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugars until well blended. Whisk in the corn syrup, followed by the vanilla. Add in the melted butter and chocolate mixture, and whisk until combined. Gently whisk in the dry ingredients, mixing only until they are just incorporated. The batter should be thick, smooth and shiny. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and jiggle the pan a bit to even out the batter.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a thin knife inserted in the center comes out almost clean. Transfer the pan to a rack and cool for 15 minutes, then run a thin knife between the cake and the pan and carefully remove the sides of the springform. The cake may have puffed up during baking, but don’t be concerned if it develops a crater in the center while cooling. Allow to cool to room temperature. When the cake is totally cool, invert it, remove the base of the pan and peel off the parchment paper. Turn the cake right side up onto a serving platter.

Chocolate Ganache

8 oz. semi-sweet or dark chocolate

8 oz. heavy cream

Combine chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2 minutes and stir. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes or until chocolate is fully melted and can be whisked and incorporated into the cream. Be sure and scrape the sides and bottom to make sure you don't find any globby bits of chocolate when you start working with it.

The ganache will thicken as it cools, so if it's a little too thin for you, hang tight and it will be ready pretty quickly. When it's completely cool, it will be thick and fudgy and can be used like frosting. Store in an airtight container. You can reheat it to achieve your desired consistency.

Spoon ganache over brownie cake. Sprinkle with chopped Snickers.

Salsa Chicken Taquitos

2011-01-21T05:19:00.000-08:00

Salsa Chicken Taquitos

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts

3/4 cup salsa

4 oz. reduced fat cream cheese

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

12 corn tortillas

1 tsp kosher salt

Place chicken in crock pot. Pour salsa on top of chicken. Cook on high for 4 - 6 hours or on low for 6 - 8 hours.

Remove chicken and salsa from crock pot and place in a bowl. Stir in cream cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Heat 3 tortillas at a time between dampened paper towels in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Place about 3 tablespoons of chicken mixture on 1/3 of a tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas and chicken mixture. (Don't forget to warm your tortillas first, or they will tear!)

Bake taquitos for 13 - 16 minutes, or until tortillas are crisp and the edges begin to brown slightly. Serve with more salsa, sour cream, or enchilada sauce.

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

2011-01-19T04:55:00.000-08:00

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 14 oz. cans tomato sauce

1 6.5 oz. can mushrooms

1 tsp parsley

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp basil

3 tbs brown sugar

1 tbs sugar

1 tbs garlic, minced

Place chicken breasts in crock pot. In a bowl, mix remaining ingredients. Pour over chicken breasts. Cook on high for 4 - 5 hours or low for 6 - 8 hours. Serve over pasta.

Chocolate Mousse Snickers Cake

2011-01-17T05:25:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Mousse Snickers Cake

1 recipe for chocolate cake (box mix or homemade)

Chocolate Mousse

1 tsp. unflavored gelatin

1 Tbsp. cold water

2 Tbsp. boiling water (just heat it in a small bowl in your microwave)

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 c. whipping cream

1 tsp. vanilla

Chocolate Ganache

8 oz. semi-sweet or dark chocolate

8 oz. heavy cream

3/4 cup chopped Snickers

Bake cake according to package directions or recipe. Allow to cool and set aside.

Chocolate Mousse:

In a small bowl, combine gelatin and cold water and allow to stand for about 1 minute. While gelatin is softening, bring 2 Tbsp. water to a boil in the microwave. Whisk into the softened gelatin and allow to cool slightly.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, whipping cream, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until medium-stiff peaks form. Mix in gelatin mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Ganache:

With a serrated knife, carefully slice the dome-iest part of each cake layer off so the layers are level. Place one layer on the serving plate and spread about 1/2 of the chocolate mousse over the cake. Place second layer on top of mousse.

Spoon ganache over the top layer, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle with Snickers and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cheesy Chicken Roll

2011-01-14T05:21:00.000-08:00

Cheesy Chicken Roll

1 recipe pizza dough

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I used leftover rotisserie chicken)

4 oz cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Make pizza dough according to directions. Roll dough into a rectangle on a 9" x 13" baking pan. Mix chicken, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Spread mixture on 1/3 of the rectangle, lengthwise. Roll up, starting with filling side. Pinch seams to close. Bake at 450 degrees for 7 - 9 minutes. Slice and serve.

Rocky Road Fudge

2011-01-12T05:52:00.000-08:00

Rocky Road Fudge - allrecipes

1 package (12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 cups miniature marshmallows

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Line 13" x 9" baking pan with foil; grease lightly. Microwave chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in large, microwave-safe bowl on high power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10 to 20 second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. Fold in marshmallows and nuts.

Press mixture into prepared baking pan. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into pieces.

Bacon and Cheese Hashbrowns

2011-01-10T06:07:00.000-08:00

Bacon and Cheese Hashbrowns

3 russet potatoes, peeled

3 tbs vegetable oil

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 cup water

1 tbs margarine

1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Dice peeled potatoes into 1/2" cubes. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium high heat. Brown potatoes for 5 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper. Pour water into pan and cover for 5 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

Spray a baking sheet well with cooking spray. Spread potatoes onto baking sheet in one layer. Bake for 15 minutes. Top with cheese and bacon and return to oven until cheese is melted.

Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

2011-01-07T13:56:00.000-08:00

Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls

1 can crescent rolls

8 slices ham

4 slices Swiss cheese

Unroll and separate crescent rolls. Place a slice of ham and half a slice of cheese on each crescent roll. Roll up into crescent shape. Bake according to package directions.

Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

2011-01-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

16 oz button mushroom (stems removed)

3 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 tbs olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

4 oz. cream cheese

1 whole egg yolk

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp pepper

Remove stems from mushrooms. Finely dice 1/4 cup of stems. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook garlic for 2 minutes. Add mushroom stems and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine cream cheese, egg yolk, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Add in garlic/mushroom mixture and crumbled bacon. Spoon mixture into each mushroom. Bake at 350 for 20 -22 minutes, or until golden brown.

Crock Pot Pork Stroganoff

2011-01-03T05:30:00.000-08:00

Crock Pot Pork Stroganoff

4 boneless pork chops

1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup sour cream

8 oz. whole wheat pasta

Season pork chops with Cajun seasoning. Add to crock pot. Top with cream of mushroom soup. Cook for 4 - 6 hours on high or 6 - 7 hours on low. 30 minutes before serving, add sour cream to crock pot. Cook pasta according to package directions. Remove pork chops and cut into bite size pieces. Add pasta and pork chops to crock pot and stir. Serve immediately.

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

2010-12-31T06:47:00.000-08:00

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

1 package refrigerated crescent rolls

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

6 eggs, beaten

3 tbs milk

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Grease a 9" x 11" baking dish. Unroll the crescent roll dough in the bottom of the baking dish and press seams together to form a crust. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon. In a bowl, mix eggs, milk, salt and pepper . Pour over crescent roll dough. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. At this point, you could cover and place in the refrigerator overnight if necessary.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 - 25 minutes, or until eggs are set and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Chicken Fried Chicken

2010-12-29T09:47:00.000-08:00

Chicken Fried Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin or butterflied

2 eggs, beaten

3/4 cup flour

1 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp red pepper

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a pan. In one shallow bowl, place beaten eggs. In another shallow bowl, place flour, black pepper, salt, and red pepper. Mix well. Dip chicken breasts in flour, eggs, then flour again. Fry on each side for 5 minutes. Reduce heat and cook until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Salted Double Chocolate Cookies

2010-12-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

Salted Double Chocolate Cookies - slightly adapted from Annie's Eats

8 oz. semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
4 tbsp. unsalted butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
2 large eggs, at room temperature
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Combine the 8 ounces chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, and heat until the chocolate and butter are melted and smooth, stirring occasionally. (Alternatively, heat in the microwave in 25-second intervals, stirring in between.) In another mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the eggs, brown sugar and vanilla. Beat on medium-high speed until the sugar has completely dissolved, about 4-5 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and add the melted chocolate mixture, blending until incorporated. Add in the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Fold in the remaining chopped chocolate with a spatula. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2-3 inches apart (I used my medium-sized dough scoop).

Bake, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the cookies are just slightly soft in the center and crackly on top, about 10-12 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with additional salt and let cool on the baking sheets 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Fluffy Biscuits

2010-12-21T05:04:00.000-08:00

Fluffy Biscuits - Allrecipes

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon white sugar

1/3 cup shortening

1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually stir in milk until dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.

Turn out onto a floured surface, and knead 15 to 20 times. Pat or roll dough out to 1 inch thick. Cut biscuits with a large cutter or juice glass dipped in flour. Repeat until all dough is used. Brush off the excess flour, and place biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for 13 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges begin to brown.

Brownie Covered Oreos

2010-12-20T05:13:00.000-08:00

Brownie Covered Oreos - Picky Palate

1 brownie mix (from scratch or box mix)

1 package Oreos

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Leave in mixing bowl. Dip Oreos in brownie batter then place in bottom of cupcake tins that have been generously sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until brownies are cooked through (doesn’t take long). As soon as you remove, take a plastic knife and run along edges.

Let cool for 5 minutes, then decorate.

Makes entire package of Oreos

Breakfast Crescents

2010-12-17T05:17:00.000-08:00

Breakfast Crescents

1 package crescent rolls

3 eggs

2 tbs milk

1 tbs margarine

1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

3 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven according to package directions. Combine eggs and milk in a bowl. Whisk well. Melt margarine over medium heat. Scramble eggs until cooked through. Add in cheese and crumbled bacon.

Unroll and separate crescent rolls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Place 2 - 3 tablespoons of egg mixture onto each crescent roll. Roll each crescent. Bake according to package directions.

Christmas Baking Ideas Part 2

2010-12-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Oreos with Peanut Butter Cream

5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Double Chocolate M&M Cookies

Oreo Stuffed Double Chocolate Cookies

Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling

Oreo Cheesecake Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies

Christmas Baking Ideas

2010-12-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

If you are still looking for ideas for your holiday baking, here are a few easy and delicious recipes:

Cheesecake Brownies

Whole Wheat Chewy Chocolate Cookies

Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookies

Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge

Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Filling

Reese's Bars

Check back tomorrow for more ideas!

Whole Wheat Pita Chips

2010-12-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

Whole Wheat Pita Chips

3 whole wheat pitas

1 tbs olive oil

1/2 tsp sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice pitas into wedges. Toss with olive oil. Place on greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 7 - 9 minutes. Serve with hummus or other dip.

Potato Pancakes

2010-12-10T05:21:00.000-08:00

Potato Pancakes

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

3 tbs flour

3 tbs olive oil

Place olive oil in a pan over medium high heat. Mix potatoes and flour together. Drop 1/4 cup of mashed potato mixture at a time into pan. Flatten to form a pancake shape. Cook for 3 - 4 minutes at a time, until browned on both sides. Repeat with remaining potato mixture.

Panko-Topped Macaroni and Cheese

2010-12-08T05:02:00.000-08:00

Panko-Topped Macaroni and Cheese - Baked Bree

2 tbs butter

salt and pepper

1 lb pasta shells

1/4 cup flour

1 tsp dry mustard

4 cups whole milk

12 oz. cheese

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the crumb topping:

3/4 cup Panko crumbs

4 Tablespoons melted butter

salt and pepper

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain it 2 minutes before it should be done, you want al dente pasta. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and mustard. Whisk together for at least one minute.

Pour in the milk. Whisk in the milk and let it come to a boil. When it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the sauce is thickened. It should coat the back of a spoon, maybe 3 minutes more. Remove the sauce from the heat. Whisk in the cheeses.

Add the Worcestershire sauce and season generously with salt and pepper. Add the pasta, give it a toss in the cheese sauce and check for seasoning. Put the macaroni and cheese in a buttered dish (or in single serving dishes if you would like). Add the 4 tablespoons of melted butter to the Panko crumbs and season with salt and pepper. Toss until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle the crumbs on top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Venison Turkey Chili

2010-12-06T04:47:00.000-08:00

Venison Turkey Chili

1 lb ground turkey

1 lb ground deer meat

1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes

2 15 oz. cans tomato sauce

1/2 cup water

1 tbs chili powder

1 tbs Zatarain's seasoning (Cajun seasoning)

2 tbs Worcestershire sauce

1 tbs sugar

2 tbs brown sugar

Cook turkey and deer meat together over medium in a large pot until no longer pink. Drain grease. Add remaining ingredients, stirring well. Bring to a boil; turn heat to medium low. Cook for 2 hours. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or with Fritos.

**Can be frozen flat in freezer bags after cooking. Defrost in refrigerator over night and reheat on stove on medium low heat.**

Peanut Butter Fudge

2010-12-02T05:06:00.000-08:00

Peanut Butter Fudge

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

1 cup peanut butter

1/2 tbs butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

Butter an 8" x 8" dish. In a saucepan, combine sugar and milk. Measure remaining ingredients and set aside. Cook over medium heat stirring occasionally till it comes to a boil. Do not scrape sides or bottom of pot. Let boil for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining ingredients until melted and smooth. Pour into prepared dish and refrigerate until firm.

No-Knead Dinner Rolls

2010-11-29T05:19:00.000-08:00

No-Knead Dinner Rolls - Pioneer Woman

4 cups milk

1 cup sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

4 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

4 1/2 tsp active dry yeast

1 heaping tsp baking powder

1 scant tsp baking soda

2 tbs salt

Pour 4 cups of milk into a stock pot or Dutch oven. Add one cup of sugar and 1 cup of vegetable oil. Stir to combine. Now, turn the burner on medium to medium-low and “scald” the mixture/lukewarm (between 90 and 110 degrees).

Before the mixture boils, turn off the heat. NOW. Very important stuff here: walk away. Walk away and allow this mixture to cool to warm/lukewarm. The mixture will need to be warm enough to be a hospitable environment for the yeast, but not so hot that it kills the yeast and makes it inactive. I don’t usually use a thermometer, but if you’d like to, a good temperature is between 90 and 110 degrees. I usually feel the side of the pan with the palm of my hand. If it’s hot at all, I wait another 20 minutes or so. The pan should feel comfortably warm.

When the mixture is the right temperature add in 4 cups of flour and 2 packages of (4-1/2 teaspoons) of active dry yeast. After the yeast and flour are nicely incorporated, add another 4 cups of flour. Stir together and allow to sit, covered with a tea towel or lid, for an hour. After about an hour it should have almost doubled in size. If it hasn’t changed much, put it in a warm (but turned off ) oven for 45 minutes or so. When it had risen sufficiently add 1 more cup of flour, 1 heaping teaspoon of baking powder, 1 scant teaspoon of baking soda and about 2 tablespoons of salt. Stir (or knead just a bit) until combined.

Butter 1 or 2 muffin pans. Form the rolls by pinching off a walnut sized piece of dough and rolling it into a little ball. Repeat and tuck three balls of dough into each buttered muffin cup. Continue until pan is full. Cover and allow to rise for about 1 to 2 hours.

Bake in a 400-degree oven until golden brown, about 17 to 20 minutes.

Hot Chocolate Cookies

2010-11-26T07:08:00.000-08:00

Hot Chocolate Cookies - Baked Bree

2 sticks room temperature butter
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/4 cups flour
4 packages Hot Chocolate Mix (not sugar free)
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup mini chocolate chips
2 cups mini marshmallows

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream butter and sugars until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. In a separate bowl, combine flour, hot chocolate mix, salt and baking soda. Add to wet ingredients in 3 to 4 parts, making sure all is incorporated. Fold in chips. Chill the dough for an hour or so.

Use a 1/4 cup as a scoop to scoop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are golden brown. During the last two minutes of cooking time, add the marshmallows to the tops of the cookies. You will need to press them in a bit and let them bake for another 2 minutes or until they start to puff.

Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Bagels

2010-11-24T05:05:00.000-08:00

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Bagels

12 slices turkey bacon, cooked

6 eggs, scrambled

6 slices Swiss cheese

12 whole wheat mini bagels

Separate each bagel. Assemble half a slice of cheese, 2 tbs eggs, and 1 slice of bacon broken in half. Top with bagel top. These freeze well - just defrost in the microwave.

Oreo Cheesecake Cookies

2010-11-22T05:45:00.000-08:00

Oreos Cheesecake Cookies

3/4 cup butter, softened

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1 egg yolk

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup crushed Oreos

3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper. Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla. Add flour and salt, a little at a time, until thoroughly mixed. Fold in Oreos and chocolate chips. Place tablespoonful on baking sheet. Flatten with fork. Repeat with remaining dough. Bake 11 - 14 minutes, until bottoms are slightly browned.

Pecan Panko Crusted Chicken

2010-11-19T05:15:00.000-08:00

Pecan Panko Crusted Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin

1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup crushed pecans

1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 egg

3/4 cup flour

margarine

Heat a large pan over medium high heat. Meanwhile, combine Panko, crushed pecans, Cajun seasoning, and chili powder in one bowl; in another bowl place well beaten egg. In a third bowl, place flour. Dip chicken breast in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Set aside. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.

Cook chicken breasts in margarine for 6 minutes on each side, until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Crackers

2010-11-17T06:47:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Crackers

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 bag mini peanut butter crackers

sprinkles

Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Dip each cracker in chocolate, coating both sides. Remove with fork; tap excess chocolate on side of bowl. Push cracker off of fork with a toothpick and place on wax paper. Top with sprinkles. Repeat with remaining crackers. Allow to cool completely. If chocolate doesn't harden, put chocolate covered crackers in refrigerator.

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Chicken

2010-11-15T04:07:00.000-08:00

I realize this photo is not very appetizing, but you MUST make this! It is so easy and delicious.

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Chicken - A Year of Slow Cooking

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Sprite
2/3 cup vinegar
3 cloves minced garlic
2 tbs soy sauce
1 tsp Cajun seasoning

Place the chicken into your crock pot. Cover with the brown sugar, pepper, chopped garlic, and soy sauce. Add the vinegar, and pour in the soda. It will bubble.

Cover and cook on low for 6-9 hours, or on high for 4-5. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and has reached desired consistency. The longer you cook it, the more tender it will be. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes. The leftovers are great mixed with BBQ sauce on a sandwich.

Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling

2010-11-10T06:38:00.000-08:00

Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling - Redbook Magazine October 2010

1 box devil's food cake mix with pudding

3 eggs

1/2 cup canola oil

1/2 cup water

Beat all ingredients in a bowl with a mixer on medium speed 3 minutes, or until batter is smooth. Let batter rest 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper. Drop level 1 1/2 tbs of batter into mounds on baking sheets, spacing them 3" apart.

Bake each sheet 11 minutes, or until puffed and a toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Fill one cookie with 2 tbs cream cheese frosting. Top with another cookie. Repeat with remaining cookies.

Cream Cheese Frosting - Food Network

4 oz. butter

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer. With the mixer on low speed, add the powdered sugar a cup at a time until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract.

Tortilla Roll-Ups

2010-11-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

Tortilla Roll-Ups - Let's Dish

2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese
1 small can diced green chilies
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, minced
2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
20 medium-size flour tortillas

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients, except tortillas. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Roll up tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour. Slice roll-ups into 1-inch pieces and serve.

Sweet and Spicy Pork Chops

2010-11-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

Sweet and Spicy Pork Chops

6 thinly sliced pork chops

2 tbs olive oil

1 clove minced garlic

2 tbs brown sugar

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 - 2 tbs additional olive oil

Place first 5 ingredients ziploc bag. Shake to mix thoroughly. Marinade in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours.

Remove from refrigerator. Heat 1 - 2 tbs olive oil a large skillet. Place chops and marinade in skillet. Cook chops 3 at a time for 3 - 5 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Repeat with remaining chops.

Oreo Stuffed Double Chocolate Cookies

2010-11-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

Oreo Stuffed Double Chocolate Cookies - The Boys Made Me Do It

1 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
12 Oreos

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. In a large mixing bowl, using a mixer on medium speed, beat together butter and sugar until creamy - about 1-2 minutes. Beat in vanilla and egg until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and beat in dry ingredients until combined. Beat in melted chocolate chips until combined.

Divide dough into 12 balls.(I found that it was easier to use a cookie scoop to do this). Place in refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes to allow dough to cool.

Once cooled,flatten a ball in the palm of your hand and place an Oreo in the center; evenly wrap dough around Oreo. Repeat process with remaining dough and Oreos. Place balls on greased sheet pans and bake 10 minutes or until puffy and set. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.

Garlic Butter Turkey Burgers

2010-11-02T05:02:00.000-07:00

Garlic Butter Turkey Burgers - adapted from Real Mom Kitchen

1 lb ground turkey

4 tbs butter, softened

1 clove garlic, minced

garlic salt and pepper to taste

hamburger buns

Finely mince garlic cloves and mix into softened butter. Place seasoned butter in medium glass bowl and put in freezer 20-30 minutes or until butter has hardened.

Break butter up using a fork into little pea-size pieces and mix into ground beef. Form into 4 patties and cover, returning to fridge for about 15 minutes.

Sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper and grill over medium heat. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite condiments.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-11-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups flour

1 cup quick or old-fashioned oats, uncooked

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 cup Libby's solid pack pumpkin

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Cream butter; gradually add sugars, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Alternate additions of dry ingredients and pumpkin, mixing well after each addition. Stir in chocolate chip.

For each cookie, drop a heaping tablespoonful of dough onto lightly greased or parchment paper covered baking sheet. Bake 13 - 15 minutes, until cookies are firm and lightly browned.