"Pass the Mashed Potatoes"

Cream Cheese Chicken and Vegetable Soup

2012-01-19T07:04:00.001-08:00

from melskitchencafe.com
*Note: this recipe calls for already cooked chicken. I usually cook the chicken breasts in the crockpot with a little chicken broth the morning I make this soup, but you could also go ahead and cook the chicken in the first step with the onions and other vegetables that cook together.
*Serves 4

2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 cup diced carrots (about 2 regular carrots or a handful of baby carrots)
3 cups chicken broth
2-3 potatoes, peeled and finely diced (I like to leave the peels on red potatoes, if using them)
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons flour
1 (8 oz. package) regular or light cream cheese
2-3 (about 1 pound) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced

In a large pot, melt the butter and add the onion, garlic, celery and carrots. Saute, stirring often, for 3-4 minutes, until the veggies are slightly tender and the onions are translucent. Add the chicken broth and potatoes. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. In a liquid measuring cup, vigorously whisk the flour and milk together until smooth. Whisk the mixture into the soup, stirring quickly, and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until the soup begins to thicken slightly. Stir often to ensure the soup doesn't burn. Soften the cream cheese in the microwave until it is very soft/melty. I usually place the unwrapped cream cheese on a plate and microwave it for one minute at 30% power. I like it really, really soft so it doesn't leave lumps in the soup. Add the cream cheese to the soup in small tablespoon-size pieces. Let the pieces sit in the soup and warm through then whisk or stir the soup until the cream cheese melts and mixes in well. Add the cooked chicken and heat through. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Crockpot Creamy Chicken

2012-01-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

Recipe from Jamie cooks it up
This list of ingredients is something I thought looked Weird, and never would have thought would be good together. I only tried it because I needed dinner and it was a recipe that I had all the ingredients already. It turned out delicious!

5 FROZEN chicken breasts
1 1/2 C salsa
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 1/2 T taco seasoning
1 T maple syrup
1 t lime juice
1 T butter
1/2 C sour cream

1. Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray and place the chicken breasts inside.
2. In a small mixing bowl stir together all other ingredients but the butter and sour cream.
3. Pour the sauce over the top of the chicken. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 7-8 hours.
4. Take the chicken out of the crock and onto a plate. Shred it all up with a fork and throw it back in.
5. Add the little pat of butter and the sour cream, stir it all around until incorporated.

We served ours on tortillas with black beans, rice, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, more lime juice, salsa or tomatoes. Very delicious.

Pumpkin Chocolate Whoopie Pies

2011-09-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

For the cookies:
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of kosher salt

For the filling:
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup canned pure pumpkin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of kosher salt

Make the cookies: Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper (or use 2 baking sheets and bake the cookies in batches). Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Using a stand mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then the buttermilk and vanilla. Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Drop 8 scoops of batter, about 2 tablespoons each, onto each prepared baking sheet, spacing them 3 inches apart. Bake until the edges are set but the cookies are still soft, about 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool 2 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to racks and let cool completely.

Make the filling: Beat the cream cheese and butter in a small bowl with a mixer until smooth. Slowly beat in the confectioners' sugar until smooth. Add the pumpkin, cinnamon and salt and beat until smooth.

To assemble the whoopie pies, spread a heaping tablespoonful of filling on the flat side of a cookie and sandwich with another cookie. Repeat with the remaining cookies.

Pizza Hummus

2011-09-17T07:15:00.001-07:00

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 to 3 cloves garlic
3 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, 1/2 cup liquid reserved
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt

Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomato paste, oregano and basil and cook until slightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Transfer the tomato paste mixture to a food processor. Add the garlic, chickpeas, chickpea liquid, tahini, lemon juice and 1 teaspoon salt. Puree until smooth and creamy.

Sour Cream and Onion Hummus

2011-09-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

3 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, 1/2 cup liquid reserved
2 to 3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup tahini
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
Kosher salt

Put the chickpeas, chickpea liquid, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, dried onion, onion powder, granulated garlic and 1 teaspoon salt in a food processor. Puree until smooth and creamy.

The Baked Brownie

2011-08-05T06:47:00.001-07:00

Yield: 24 brownies

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Bake Time : 30 minutes

1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons dark unsweetened cocoa powder
11 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
5 eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the sides and bottom of a 9×13-inch glass or light-colored baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and cocoa powder together.

3. Put the chocolate, butter in a large bowl and set it over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth. Turn off the heat, but keep the bowl over the water and add the sugars. Whisk until completely combined, then remove the bowl from the pan. The mixture should be room temperature.

4. Add 3 eggs to the chocolate mixture and whisk until combined. Add the remaining eggs and whisk until combined. Add the vanilla and stir until combined. Do not overbeat the batter at this stage or your brownies will be cakey.

5. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the chocolate mixture. Using a rubber spatula (not a whisk), fold the flour mixture into the chocolate until just a bit of the flour mixture is visible.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with a few moist crumbs sticking to it. Let the brownies cool completely, then lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.

7. Store at room temperature in an airtight container or wrap with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.

(Recipe adapted from Baked: New Frontiers in Baking)

Alton Brown's Soft Pretzels

2011-08-04T10:54:00.001-07:00

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115 degrees F) water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 package active dry yeast
22 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 4 1/2 cups
2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
Vegetable oil, for pan
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Pretzel salt

Directions

Combine the water, sugar and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam. Add the flour and butter and, using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line 2 half-sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with the vegetable oil. Set aside.

Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.

In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope. Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel. Place onto the parchment-lined half sheet pan.

Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 1 by 1, for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula. Return to the half sheet pan, brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt. Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Marshmallow Popcorn

2011-07-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

Marshmallow Popcorn

2 bags of microwave popcorn
3 cups of mini marshmallow
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
½ cup corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla

Mix popcorn and marshmallows together and set aside. Mix in heavy saucepan butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour over popcorn and mix well.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

2011-07-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from Aunt Cathy, but I also found it here. They are AWESOME. Cathy makes them even better by making a thick(ish) lemon glaze to put on top. So yum.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Makes 2-3 dozen

Ingredients:
½ cups butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 whole egg
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoons baking powder
⅛ teaspoons baking soda
1½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cups powdered sugar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease light colored baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Whip in vanilla, egg, lemon zest, and juice. Scrape sides and mix again. Stir in all dry ingredients slowly until just combined, excluding the powdered sugar. Scrape sides of bowl and mix again briefly. Pour powdered sugar onto a large plate. Roll a heaping teaspoon of dough into a ball and roll in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.
Bake 9-11 mins.

I make a glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice and put it in a ziplock and snip off the corner and squeeze a swirlly line of it on each cookie. YUM, Best Part!!!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

2011-07-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

from melskitchencafe.com

Base:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

Cream Cheese Layer:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apples:

3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup quick cooking oats

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1 cup caramel sauce (homemade recipe below)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, two tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine all the streusel topping ingredients and mix until crumbly. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two forks until mixture is crumbly but combined. Press evenly into a 9X13-inch baking pan lined with aluminum foil. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

While the crust is baking, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Then add eggs, one at a time and then the vanilla. Mix well. Pour over the warm crust.

Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples. Bake for 30 minutes until the filling is set.

Cool the bars to room temperature. Drizzle with the caramel topping (or plate individual slices and drizzle with topping one by one).

Caramel Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

½ cups half-and-half or cream

Pinch of salt

1 tablespoon vanilla

Mix butter, brown sugar, half-and-half or cream, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook while whisking gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until thickened slightly. Add the vanilla and cook another minute to thicken further. Turn off the heat and pour the sauce into a jar. Refrigerate until cold. If the caramel sauce has cooled in the fridge long enough to harden, warm slightly before drizzling on bars.

Chocolate Kiss Cookies

2011-06-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Michele made these sunday and I've probably eaten well over a dozen. They are amazing!!! She added the toffee bits to part of the batch, which were my favorite, especially with the caramel kisses. thinking I might try some with hugs. The white kiss might look pretty awesome!

1 1/4 cups butter
2 cups white sugar
2 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
54 milk chocolate CARAMEL candy kisses, unwrapped
1/3 cup granulated sugar for decoration
Toffee Bits, (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
In large bowl mix butter and sugar till fluffy, add eggs and vanilla mix well. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt, toffee bits and add to creamed mixture.
Roll dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter then roll in white sugar. Place balls on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Place unwrapped chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie while still hot. Let cool and enjoy!

Sweet and Sour Dutch Oven Chicken

2011-06-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Got this recipe from a friend, and we just had it while camping. We made some white rice to go with it. SOOOO GOOOD!

-The ingredient sizes are huge, so she usually halves things. Just so you know, you might have to experiment and adjust.

1 lb. bacon

6 Chicken breast, skinless/boneless

1 C Onion, diced

1/2 C Green Pepper, diced

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

12 oz Ketchup

2-3 T Cornstarch

1/2 T Season salt

1/8 tsp Pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 C Brown Sugar

1 C Pineapple juice

1/4 C Bamboo Shoots, drained

16 oz Pineapple tidbits, drained

1/2 T Soy Sauce

With 12 coals on bottom and 12 on top, add bacon and cook until done. Drain grease. Add Chicken, onion, and green pepper. Cook together until chicken is done. Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, and pineapple juice, bamboo shoots, pineapple tidbits, and soy sauce. Mix in well. Cover and cook for 20 minutes. Uncover and let mixture simmer down until thick, stirring often. Serve over rice.

Peanut butter bars

2011-06-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

School Lunch Peanut Butter Fingers!

3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cup old fashioned oats

Heat oven to 350 degrees, cream together butter, sugars and peanut butter, then add eggs baking soda, salt and vanilla. Add flour and oats. Smooth into 11x15 baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes or until just golden brown.

As soon as you pull the pan out of the oven, lightly spread 1/2 - 3/4 cup peanut butter over the top letting it melt.

Frosting:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Combine butter milk and cocoa in a saucepan and heat until boiling. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and mix until spreadable. Spread on top of peanut butter.

Cinnamon Roll/Twist Recipe

2011-05-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

Cinnamon Roll/Twist Recipe

So this is my sister's recipe that she posted on my other blog. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks great. So if any of you try it out let me know how it goes. :)

Ingredients:

2 pkg quick rise yeast(or 2 Tbs) dissolved into 1/2 cup lukewarm water
2 cups milk scalded
1/2 shortening
1/2 sugar
2 tsp salt
2 eggs
6 cups flour (add more if needed)

Directions:

When milk is lukewarm, add shortening, sugar, eggs, yeast, and 3 cups flour. Beat well with mixer. Add the rest of the flour one cup at a time until dough is soft but not sticky. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in size. Roll dough to aprox. 25 x 22 inches spread with butter, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

Fold in half lengthwise. Cut into strips 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide, twist, and turn starting in the center to form a roll. Place on baking sheet and bake at 375' for 15 to 20 mins or until golden brown. Spread Icing over top right while hot. Serve warm.

Icing :Mix 1 pound powdered sugar, 1/2 cube butter, 1 tsp vanilla, add milk to consistency to spread.

Picture before icing....

Aren't those pretty!?

After Icing

Mint-Chocolate Pudding Pops

2011-05-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

Our Best Bites Popsicles

1 small box instant chocolate pudding
1 3/4 C half and half
10 Oreo cookies, crushed (about 1 heaping cup)
1/4 t peppermint extract

Blend pudding mix, extract, and half and half in a blender until smooth. Stir in crushed cookies by hand. Place in molds and freeze.

Strawberry Cream Popsicles

2011-05-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

Our Best Bites have loads of Popsicle recipes. These are some I want to try and thought you'd enjoy. Check out their site for more.

1 small box instant vanilla pudding
1 C milk
6oz vanilla yogurt (strawberry is great too)
12 medium strawberries (about 1 3/4-2 C roughly chopped)
2-3 T sugar

remove stems from berries and pulse with 2 T sugar in a food processor until completely smooth. Taste and add more sugar if needed. You should have just over a cup of puree. Set aside.

In a blender combine pudding, yogurt, and milk and blend until combined. Layer or swirl the pudding mixture with the strawberry mixture in Popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

Sourdough bread - Cranberry bread

2011-04-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

Sour Dough Bread

3 cups flour
¼ tsp instant yeast (SAF)
1 ¼ tsp salt
¼ - ½ cup sour dough start
Variations – cranberry/Almond/Cinnamon bread
Add 1-1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
½ cup craisins
½ cup almonds
¼ tsp more yeast
2 tsp more water
1/2 bag white chocolate chips

Mix above ingredients in a glass or plastic bowl. Do not use metal.
1-1/2 cups water
½ tsp vinegar
Stir all the ingredients only until combined.
Dough should be pretty stiff. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rest for
at least 12 - 18 Hours. When surface is dotted with bubbles the dough is ready.

After dough is rested, place dough on well floured surface and lightly dust with flour. Knead dough gently about 7-8 kneads.

Spray a second oiled bowl and place dough seam side down in the bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled in size and doesn not readily spring back when poked , about 2 hours in a warm room.

After the dough has risen about 1 ½ hours begin preheating oven and cover pot with a lid (dutch oven is best) for last 30 mins. To about 450º F. Pot should be at least 4 – 8 qt. Heavy covered pot.

When dough is risen, carefully remove HOT pot from oven. Turn dough over into the pot ( now seam side up). Cover with hot lid, and bake 27 min. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 5 + mins. Remove to wire rack and cool before cutting ( if you can wait!)

Teriyaki Sauce

2011-04-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

OBB has a really great Teriyaki Sauce! I loved it. You all should try it. Specially with the Bacon Chicken Skewers from OBB. It's a beautiful bite of magic in your mouth.

Teriyaki Sauce

1 tb Cornstarch
1 tb cold water
1/2 cup White Sugar
1/2 cup Soy Sauce
1/4 cup Cider Vinegar
1 clove Garlic, Minced or pressed
1/2 tsp. Ground Ginger
1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

Combine Sugar, Soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, pepper in a sauce pan. While it's coming to a boil mix cornstarch and water together. When it boils add in the cornstarch. Stir until thickened. Remove from Heat. Use how desired.

*Mom don't be afraid of the Garlic. This really is good. You can also use fresh ginger.

Ice Cream Crunch "Cake"

2011-04-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

2 (1.5 qt) Vanilla Ice Cream
1 (9oz) pkg Chocolate cookies
1 (7-8oz bottle) Chocolate Shell Ice Cream Topping
1 (1.5qt) Chocolate Ice Cream
5 cups Whipped Cream

Put a 9'' spring form pan in the freezer for 15 minutes. Let 1 container of Vanilla Ice cream soften to room temp.
Remove the pan from freezer. Spread a 1/2 inch thick layer of Vanilla on the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Freeze until firm About 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, pulse the chocolate cookies in a food processor to break into large chunks. Add the chocolate shell topping and pulse until the crumbs are moist, about 5 pulses; set aside.
Let the chocolate ice cream soften. Spread over the vanilla layer, firmly packing the ice cream into the pan. Spread the chocolate cookie mixture over the chocolate ice cream. Freeze until set, about 1 hour.
Remove the remaining vanilla ice cream and spread over the crumb layer. Packing it tightly, them smooth with an off set spatula. Freeze until firm.
To un mold, wipe the outside of the pan with a hot wash cloth., then run a hot knife around the inside. Unlatch and remove the side. If the ice cream is too soft refreeze.
Spread 3 cups whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake. Freeze until set. Put the remaining 2 cups in a pastry bag and decorate the edges and top of the cake. Sprinkle with colored sprinkles if desired.
To serve, slice with Hot knife.

* Try mixing this up with different flavors of cookies and ice cream. There are unlimited choices!

Breakfast Frittata

2011-03-31T16:54:00.001-07:00

Anyone seen the movie Morning Glory. Harrison Ford's character has a big part in it about Frittatas. He goes on and on about how you can use anything in your refrigerator. He's right. Look what I did.

Left over dinner Fajita mixins:
Onions
Peppers
Meat, diced
Eggs
Cheese
Potato, grated and washed

We had fajita's for dinner. Onions, peppers, steak, and chicken. Obviously you see we had leftovers. In the morning I took out the random bits of meat and veggies and sauteed them up with a potato that I grated and washed. Right there you could have some awesome hash browns. We on the other hand added Eggs beaten with a splash of milk. Pour it on top and let the eggs set a bit. The top will still have some raw egg so throw on some grated cheese and put it in your broiler until it's all cooked up. Enjoy with Salsa or Ketchup! Yum!

You could do this with anything. I know mom sure hates onions and peppers. Add in some spinach, or tomatoes. Maybe your husband is a bacon lover. Or the kids only like Ham and cheese.
Whatever makes your omelet happy in the morning will make a tastey frittata.

Cheeseburger Roll

2011-03-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

If you have a husband like mine-- a meat and potatoes kind of guy-- he may like this.
Its kind of like a meat loaf with a crust.

Fresh from the oven

Cheeseburger Roll

1 lb ground beef
6 Tb. shortening
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
2 c. flour
3/4 c. milk
2 Tb. chopped onion
1/4 c. ketchup
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
salt and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef and onion in 3 TB of the shortening.

Add the ketchup and cheese. Remove from heat. Stir until cheese is melted.

Sift flour with baking powder and salt. Cut in last 3 Tb. of shortening, add milk. Knead. Roll out onto a floured surface into a 1/2 in. thick rectangle. Top with hamburger mixture. Wrap sides up over hamburger and pinch sides together so its sealed nicely.

Place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 30 mins or until golden brown.

Serve with country gravy.

Sliced and topped with the brown gravy we had.

I made this tonight for Steve. He doesnt get it often, because I'm not crazy about it. I didnt have a country gravy packet (I'm lazy that way) so we had brown gravy instead. I had mine with a big salad. The best part is that the outside bread is nice and crusty. Its good with the gravy.

I think this could be good with any ground meat. Maybe ground turkey? Steve wanted me to use up some of our ground elk, but I didnt. I hate the smell of it cooking. It may be a nice change to your meal. And its sure to be a man pleaser. :)

homemade chicken broth

2011-03-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

I made homemade chicken chicken broth!

Steve and I had a rotisserie chicken one night for dinner. After dinner, we stuck it in the fridge.
Next afternoon I pulled it out, plopped it into a pot, threw:
a couple carrots
a couple leafy ribs of celery
1/4 of a large onion
2 smashed cloves of garlic

Then, measured by small palmfuls (equivalent to a tablespoon or so) I added:
thyme
parsley
rosemary
bay leaf

Filled the pot with water, and brought it to a boil. After it boiled, turned it down to simmer and covered.
Let that pot simmer for about an hour. I left mine for longer.
Strain all the solids out of the broth, and ta da!

You can package it up and freeze it, or use it right away, which is what I did.
I made a yummy chicken noodle soup to take care of us sickies at the house.

Though this isnt their exact recipe, I got this idea from ourbestbites.com

Peanut Butter Brownies

2011-03-02T12:37:00.001-08:00

1/2 cup butter or margarine
4 4-oz. squares unsweetened chocolate
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup chunky style peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
Melt butter and chocolate over low heat or in microwave. Cool. Blend in
sugar, peanut butter, salt and vanilla. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in
flour. Spread in a greased 9" x 13" baking dish. Bake at 350° for 25 min

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

2011-02-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

from OurBestBites.com

1/3 C (3 oz) cream cheese
1/4 C green salsa
1T fresh lime juice
1/2 t cumin
1 t chili powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t granulated garlic, or garlic powder
3 T chopped cilantro
2 T sliced green onions
2 C shredded cooked chicken (for extra yumminess, use grilled taco chicken!)
1 C grated pepperjack cheese

small corn tortillas (and actually, flour ones are really good as well)
kosher salt
cooking spray

Heat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
Heat cream cheese in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds so it's soft and easy to stir. Add green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir to combine and then add cilantro and green onions. Add chicken and cheese and combine well.
You can prepare up to this step ahead of time. Just keep the mixture in the fridge.
Work with a few tortillas at a time and heat in the microwave until they are soft enough to roll without cracking. It helps to place them between damp paper towels. Usually 20-30 seconds will do it. If you find yours are cracking when you roll them or are coming unrolled right away, just try heating them longer and try the paper towel thing.
Place 2-3 T of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges.
Then roll it up as tight as you can.
Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Lay all of the taquitos on the baking sheet and make sure they are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or an oil mister and sprinkle some kosher salt on top.
Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown.
The ones pictured below are actually flour tortillas- which I found out I like just as well (maybe even better!) than corn ones.
Dip 'em in salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or this dressing.
Makes 12-16
Wanna make it a meal?
Serve with a side of Black Beans and a simple green salad with Creamy Lime-Cilantro Dressing. Wash it down with some Brazilian Lemonade!

Strawberry White Chocolate Mousse Crepes

2011-02-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

Serves 8-10
For the mousse:
1 cup milk, 2% or higher
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon butter
3 ounces best quality white chocolate, chopped
1/2 teaspoon gelatin
1 tablespoon cold water
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
For the crepes:
2 ounces (1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon) cake flour
2 ounces (1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup milk, 2% or higher
2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Powdered sugar, for garnish

Begin by preparing the mousse. In a medium sauce pan combine the milk, cornstarch, sugar, and egg yolk. Whisk until well mixed. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens and comes to a simmer, about ten minutes.
Turn off the heat and add the vanilla, butter, and white chocolate. Stir until completely melted then pour the mixture through a strainer into a separate bowl. Cover with plastic and chill for at least four hours, or overnight.
In a small bowl combine the gelatin with the water. Let stand for ten minutes to bloom. Once bloomed melt in the microwave for ten seconds. Let cool to room temperature.In a medium bowl combine the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat until it thickens. Gradually pour in the gelatin while still whisking. Beat until it forms medium peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the white chocolate base in three additions. Cover and chill for one hour.While the mousse chills prepare the crepes. In a medium bowl combine the cake flour, all-purpose flour, and the sugar until evenly mixed. Set aside. In a small bowl whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla. Add the milk and whisk to mix. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk until smooth. Cover and chill for thirty minutes. While the batter chills combine the strawberries with the sugar and vanilla. Toss to coat, cover with plastic and chill until ready to use.Once the batter has chilled heat an 8-inch crepe pan, or small non-stick skillet, over medium heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray and pour about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the batter into the center of the pan. Immediately swirl the pan to evenly distribute the batter in the pan. Cook until the crepe is just turning golden brown on the bottom, about 1 to 2 minutes, then flip the crepe and cook for 30 seconds to one minute more, or until the crepe is lightly golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and layer the cooked crepes between sheets of parchment paper. Cool to room temperature. To assemble spread about 1/2 cup of the mousse into the center of the crepe. Top with the strawberries. Roll the crepes into a tube and then dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

From http://www.evilshenanigans.com/2011/02/strawberry-white-chocolate-mousse-crepes/

Nikki's Hearty Pancakes

2011-02-06T08:15:00.001-08:00

3/4 cup flour (you can use whole wheat or white)
1/3 cup oatmeal
1 Tbs sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg beaten
1 cup buttermilk
2 Tbs oil
1/4 cup walnuts
If the batter is a little runny, I will add some more flour, until its the consistency that I desire.

Chocolate Gelato

2011-02-04T18:37:00.000-08:00

8 oz chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

put chocolate and cocoa in a blender. Bring 2 cups water and sugar to simmer in saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolved. Pour hot sugar syrup into the chocolate blender, cover and pulse until the mixture is smooth but not foamy. Add the extracts and salt and pulse to combine. Refrigerate until very cold.
Whisk the chocolate mixture and transfer to a ice cream maker and freeze according to ice cream maker instructions.

Zabaglione with Berries

2011-02-04T18:30:00.001-08:00

1 qt Strawberries, sliced
1 tbs sugar
5 egg yolks
1 egg white
3 tbs sugar
1 tbs grape juice
1/2 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt

mix sliced strawberries and sugar in a bowl. Set aside.
put yolks, white, sugar, grape juice, vanilla and salt in a double boiler. Whisk vigorously over medium heat until thick and creamy. 8-10 minutes. Immediately pour over berries and serve with biscotti.

Raspberry- Almond Pizza

2011-02-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

1 pizza crust
butter
sugar
1/4 cup Raspberry jam
1/3 cup mascarpone or cream cheese
3 tbs powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
raspberries
toasted almonds

Preheat 450º roll out pizza crust brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Bake until golden 8 or so minutes.
Brush with jam; then bake 2 more minutes. Beat cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread over the raspberry cooked crust. Top with raspberries and almonds.

Chocolate Chips Dutch Baby

2011-01-31T16:54:00.000-08:00

1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup half n' half
dash cinnamon
3 tbs butter

small bowl, combine chocolate chips and sugar. set aside.
Beat flour, eggs, cream, and cinnamon until smooth.
Place butter in 9'' pie plate. Heat oven 425º for 4-6 minutes or until melted. Pour batter into hot pie plate. Sprinkle with sugar chocolate mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Serve with butter, or syrup if desired.

Eggshell Chalk

2011-01-25T21:25:00.000-08:00

4-5 egg shells
1 tsp. flour
1 tsp. very hot water
drops of food coloring

Wash and dry egg shells completely. Place clean and dry egg shells in a small bowl and grind into fine dust. When egg shells are almost completely ground, discard any larger pieces. In a separate bowl, place flour and hot water. Mix well and add 1 tablespoon of the egg shell powder, stirring until a paste forms. Add drops of color and continue to mix. Remove mixture from bowl and shape into a log. Wrap mixture tightly with a strip of paper towel. Set aside chalk piece and let dry for about 3 days, until hardened. Carefully unwrap paper towel to reveal chalk. Use on Sidewalks only.

Modeling Clay

2011-01-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

1 cup bakingg soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup water
drops of food coloring

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine baking soda and cornstarch. Mix well and add water. Continue to heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture is the consistency of mashed potatoes. Continue to stir, as mixture will thicken very quickly. Cover a flat surface with additional cornstarch. Spread mixture over cornstarch and knead by hand until mixture turns into a workable clay. Divide clay into several sections. Make a hole in the center of each section and add a few drops of food coloring to the hole in each section. If desired, use a different color for each section. Knead the sections by hand until the color has distributed throughout. Use modeling clay to make fun sculptures and creations. For a permanent sculpture, let the modeled clay air dry over night. Place leftover clay in a ziplock bag and refrigerate. Use left over clay within 3 days.

Finger Paints

2011-01-25T21:08:00.000-08:00

2 cups flour
2 tsp. salt
3 cups cold water
2 cups hot water
food coloring

in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine flour and salt. Add cold water and using a whisk or hand mixer beat mixture until smooth. Add hot water and bring mixture to a boil, stirring until paint is glossy. Remove from heat and add drops of desired color food color. Stir until mixture is completely colored, adding more drops if needed. Let pain cool completely before using.

Homemade Bubbles & Wands

2011-01-25T21:05:00.001-08:00

1 cup Water
2 tablespoons corn syrup
4 tablespoons liquid dishwashing soap

In large dish, combine water, corn syrup, and soap. Mix thoroughly.

Wands:

Form wire clothes hangers or thin pieces of wire into various shapes.

Chocolate Fondue

2011-01-24T14:55:00.000-08:00

Ghirardelli chocolate chips - or any really good chocolate you have-
cream
cinnamon
vanilla

We made this for 6 people and used a pound of chocolate. There was left overs. Start small and work your way to more depending on how much you eat.

This is how I would start
1/2 bag chocolate
1/4 cup cream
light sprinkle of cinnamon
light cap full of Vanilla

Heat until melted and combined.

Dip: strawberries, bananas, angel food cake, rice krispies, apples, oranges, pretzels, marshmallows, graham crackers, nut clusters.
Anything that is good with chocolate.

Change the flavor by changing the mix ins. Raspberry extract, orange extract, coconut extract, almond extract would all be good. You could also change your chocolate, White, milk, semi sweet, or bitter.

brownies galore

2011-01-21T15:34:00.001-08:00

Mandy asked for some easy recipes to make as treats for her sunday class. Here are a few BROWNIE recipes. I have a baking cook book and there is a whole chapter on Brownies. They are the easiest recipes in the chapter and all sound delicious. I also have a cookie chapter, cake chapter, pie chapter. etc.
If any of you are interested in a recipe you know where to find me. There are so amazingly delicious looking brownies in here that are not as easy as these. BUT look well worth the time and effort. yum!

note: it is a very common thing to put walnuts in a brownie for the world. (All of these recipes have a nut in them.)
Except for us flukes who don't like them... just leave them out.

p.s. don't forget the amazing lemon bar recipe post found in MAY 2009!!

Strawberry Jam Bars

2011-01-21T15:28:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon honey
1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2/3 cup strawberry jam
1/2 cup walnuts

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and honey. Combine the flour, baking powder, allspice, and nutmeg; gradually add to the creamed mixture.
Divide the dough in half; spread on portion into a lightly greased 9 inch square pan. SPread with jam. Drop remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over jam. Sprinkle with walnuts.
Bake 350 for 35-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Triple-Nut Brownies

2011-01-21T15:21:00.001-08:00

1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cold butter, divided
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup whipping cream
2/3 cups EACH of chopped walnuts, pecans, and almonds

Line greased 9 inch square pan with foil; grease the foil and set aside.
In a bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Cut in 1/4 cup butter until mixture is crumbly. Press into prepared pan. Bake 350 for 10 minutes.
In a sauce pan, heat the brown sugar, honey, and remaining butter until bubbly. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in cream and nuts. Pour over crust. Bake 16-20 minutes or until surface is bubbly.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Using foil lift bars out of the pan and cut into diamonds. **

** With a large knife, make a diagonal cut from one corner of the pan to the opposite corner. Make diagonal cuts at 1 1/2 inch intervals. parallel to the first cut.
Make a lengthwise cut through the middle of the pan. Make lengthwise cuts at 1 1/2 inch intervals parallel to the first lenthwise cut. Forming Diamonds.

Oatmeal Brownies

2011-01-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

1 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup m&m's
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 package (family size) fudge brownie mix

In a bowl, combine the oats, m&m's, flour, sugar, nuts, baking soda, and butter. Set aside 1 cup for topping.
Pat the remaining mixture into a greased cookie sheet. Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Spread over crust. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture.
Bake 350 for 25-30 minutes. Or until toothpick is clean.

Triple-Layer Cookie Bar

2011-01-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

1 1/4 cup flour
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1/4 packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter
2 eggs
TOPPING:
1 package (7oz) coconut
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

In large mixing bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Add eggs; mix well. Spread into greased 9x13.
Bake 350 for 8 min. Sprinkle with coconut over crust; drizzle with canned milk. Bake 20-25 minutes or longer just until lightly browned. In a heavy sauce pan or microwave melt chocolate chips and peanut butter; stir until smooth. Spread over top. Cool. cut into bars.

Polka- Dot Cookie Bars

2011-01-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon almond extract- or just use vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package white chips- leave 1/4 cup aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract.
Combine in another bowl the flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and white chips; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Spread into greased cookie sheet. Sprinkle top with 1/4 remaining chips.
Bake at 375 for 18-23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

I'm sure you could make this in a 9x13 for a more brownie like bar.

Fun Marshmallow Bars

2011-01-21T13:34:00.000-08:00

1 package devil's food cake mix
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup water
1 egg
3 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup chocolate m&m's
1/2 cup chopped peanuts

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, butter, water, and egg; mix well. Press into a greased 9x13. Bake at 375 for 20-22 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Sprinkle with marshmallows, m&m's and peanuts. Bake 2-3 minutes longer or until the marshmallows begin to melt. Cool on wire rack. Cut into bars.

You could change this recipe up by changing the cake flavor and toppings.

True Cafe Rio Cilantro Lime Dressing

2011-01-15T16:31:00.000-08:00

1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch
1 cup mayo
1 cup sour cream
1 cup buttermilk
3 Tomatillos
3 cloves garlic
1 cup cilantro
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 lime for juice

Blend until smooth.

tips: I used more lime juice and more cilantro for better flavor!

Creamy Ranch Pork Chops

2011-01-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

Also from Campbell's Kitchen- Made this for some friends, we all loved it. We ate it with some ranch mashed potatoes (smashers) and put the gravy over the potatoes. Not how I originally planned it, but very tasty.

1 tbs vegetable oil
4 boneless pork chops (3/4 in thick)
1 can cream of chickens soup
3/4 cup of milk
1 pkg ranch salad dressing mix

Heat oil in a skillet over medium/high heat. Add the pork and cook until well browned on both sides.
Stir the soup, milk and 1/2 the ranch (1 oz) in the skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10 mins or until pork is cooked through. Sprinkle with paprika (i didnt).

** I actually took the pork out of the skillet, and put it on a plate covered with foil while I mixed up the gravy. Then I put the pork back in at the end. This was simply because I didnt have a big enough skillet at the time.

Inside-Out Pot Pie

2011-01-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

I was really craving a pot pie, but didnt want to go to the hassle of the pie crusts. So I found this on Campbell's Kitchen.

4- chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 (16oz) frozen veggie combo (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
8 hot biscuits

Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium/high heat until well browned.
Stir the soup and veggies in the skillet. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 mins or until the chicken is done. Serve the chicken and sauce over the biscuits.

**This was super tasty and SUPER easy. I actually used fresh veggies but just steamed them a little first. I also threw in peas. You could easily change up the sauce for your tastes. I added a little milk to make it go farther. I added extra soup, too, now that I think about it. Steve and I both liked it.

Peach Cobbler

2011-01-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR POST!!!!

Preheat: 350

1 can Peaches !!save the syrup!! ( a can big enough for 9x13)
3 TBS Butter
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1 TBS peach syrup

Melt the butter, add the sugar and syrup and spread on bottom of 9x13 pan.
Next place the peaches on top.

my tip: I very lightly sprinkled my peaches with cinnamon. Nothing better than butter, brown sugar and cinnamon!!

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
mix together

then add:
1 cup flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup syrup from peaches.

Spread the batter on top of the Peaches and Bake 350 degree until Golden Brown! (15-20 min)

Chocolate Pudding Brownies

2010-12-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

Prepare one package of Chocolate Pudding set aside.

Brownie

1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
4 TBS cocoa
3/4 cup Flour

Preheat 325
Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, and cocoa
Add eggs and beat lightly
Mix dry together
Add to creamed mixture
Pour into greased muffin tins
Bake 20-25 minutes
Remove Immediately

While they are baking they'll puff up really big. Once the heat is gone, they'll fall and become a brownie "cup" or a "muffin shell". Fill that with Chocolate Pudding. Then top with a squirt of whipped cream to make it beautiful.

I'm still trying to master this myself. Mine wouldn't come out of the tin. We just scooped the shell out and ate it all mushed and ruined in a separate bowl. Or we ate it out of the tin. It's mighty tastey and a crowd pleaser if you can make it properly and have it look decent. Plus it's super easy!!!

Cream cheese Filled cake

2010-12-07T10:59:00.001-08:00

1 Chocolate cake mix
1 c sour cream
1 sm pkg instant Choc. pudding
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese
1 egg
2 Tbsp sugar
1 sm pkg instant vanilla pudding
1/4 c powdered sugar
1 c cold milk
2 c whipping cream

Prepare cake mix according to box directions. Add choc pudding and sour cream to cake mix as well.
Pour into prepared bundt pan.
Beat cream cheese, egg and sugar until well blended. Spoon into cake mix going around the pan. Bake at 350 for 35-40 min or till it passes the toothpick test. Cool for 10 minutes then carefully remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
Beat cream and sugar together until stiff. In a separate bowl mix milk and pudding together with a whisk for 2 minutes. Fold pudding mixture into cream. Frost cake with pudding mixture.
It also tastes pretty yummy to cover frosting with toasted coconut.

Eclairs

2010-12-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

1/2 cup butter
1 cup water
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
4 eggs

Preheat 450 degree!!
Boil butter and water.
Add in flour and salt. Turn off heat.
Stir until ball forms and dough comes away from sides of pan.
Put dough into your mixer. Mix dough for a few minutes to cool it down.
Once the steam has lessened start adding ONE egg at a time. Leave the mixer going so the egg has time to incorporate and they don't scramble.
Put the sticky, wet dough in a large ziplock bag.
Cut a hole and pipe onto parchment paper or greased sheet.
Bake for 15 min at 450. Keep oven closed.
Turn down the oven to 325 degrees and bake for 20 min more.
After the final 35 minutes open the oven and tap a shell lightly to check that it is light and sounds hollow.
Place on Cooling Rack.

Fill with a vanilla and whipped cream pudding mousse.
Top with Chocolate ganache.

tips: I drew the size of eclair I wanted on my parchment and then flipped it over and followed the pattern so they were all the same size. You can do whatever size you want. Remember they do puff so don't put them too too close together.
To fill; just cut the tops off and fill that way. Or pipe the filling in from both ends to make sure you fill the entire thing. I think cutting the tops off is easier.

candied nuts

2010-12-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

1 lb. your choice of nut

1 c. sugar

2 tsp cinnamon (i reduced to 1 1/2 tsp)

1/4 tsp. salt

6 Tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

preheat oven to 350. Spread nuts in a single layer on pan and toast for 8-10 minutes or until they start to brown. In a medium saucepan stir together sugar, cinnamon, salt, and milk. Cook over med-high heat for 8 mintues or until 236 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla immediately. Add nuts and stir to coat well. Spoon nuts onto wax paper and immediately separate with fork. Cool and store in airtight containers.

*chef's note: i think i cooked mine in a pot that is too small. my almonds didnt get coated very evenly. also, i didnt have a candy thermometer and i think i over cooked it. having said that- this was my first time making it. and i still got a pretty good batch and they were yummy!

White Chicken Chili

2010-12-02T17:07:00.001-08:00

Fast, flavorful and filled with fiber! Traditional chili takes a twist with ground chicken, white beans and green chilies. From eatbetteramerica.
Prep Time:35 min
Start to Finish:35 min
makes:6 servings (1 1/3 cups each)

1 lb chicken, ground or chopped
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 medium zucchini, chopped (about 3 cups)
2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans or 2 cans (15 to 16 oz each) great northern beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese

1. In 4- or 5-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, cook ground chicken, onion and garlic over medium heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly, until chicken is no longer pink.
2. Stir in all remaining ingredients, except cheese. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender.
3. Remove from heat; stir in cheese until melted.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): In step 1, cook chicken 6 to 8 minutes. In step 2, cover and simmer 12 minutes.

Most people added some sour cream and carrots.

Pumpkin Pancakes

2010-11-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Pancakes

Whisk together:

1 ¼ c. all-purpose flour

2 TBSP sugar

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp each cinnamon, ground ginger and salt

1/8 tsp nutmeg

Pinch of ground cloves

In a separate bowl, stir together:

1 c. milk

6 TBSP canned pumpkin puree

2 TBSP melted butter

1 egg

Fold wet mixture into dry ingredients.

Melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat; pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake. Cook pancakes about 3 min per side; serve with butter and syrup, makes 8-10.

(first published: Oct 2006, Martha Stewart)

Buttermilk Variation:

1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

1 cup buttermilk

(mix in to make very thick pancakes! Let batter “sit” for a few minutes after mixing, before cooking.)

Vanilla Syrup

1 c. whipping cream

1 c. sugar

½ c. butter (1 cube)

2 tsp. vanilla

Combine all ingredients. Cook on low heat until butter is melted and sugar dissolved. DO NOT BOIL!!

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

2010-11-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

Taken from Just Cook Already check their blog for more good looking pumpkin recipes!

COOKIES:

2 sticks butter (1 cup), at room temperature

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup pure pumpkin puree

1 large egg

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

ROLLING SUGAR:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp allspice

1. In a large bowl, cream butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and pumpkin puree and beat well. Mix in egg and vanilla, scraping down sides of the bowl to incorporate all of the ingredients.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and ground cinnamon. Beat flour mixture into liquid mixture a little at a time until incorporated.

3. Cover dough with plastic and chill at least an hour, or until dough becomes slightly firm.

4. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper (or spray with nonstick spray). Mix rolling sugar in a small bowl.

5. Remove cookie dough from refrigerator. Use a medium cookie scoop (1 1/2 Tbsp.) or a large spoon to scoop out dough and roll into balls. Use your hands to roll the balls in the cinnamon sugar and make sure they’re coated really well. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Use a glass with a nice, flat bottom to dip in sugar and flatten the balls.

6. Bake at 350°F. for 10 to 14 minutes, or until they are slightly firm to the touch. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes or so, then remove them to a wire rack to cool completely.

{tip: immediately transfer your cookies to a cooling rack. most people don't know that they'll continue to bake on that hot pan and often burn the bottom of the cookie!}

Yield: About 3 doze

Molasses cookies with Pumpkin Dip

2010-10-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Cookies:
3/4 c. butter
3/4 c. Crisco
2 c sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. molasses
4 c. all purpose flout
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
3/4 tsp. salt
- additional sugar

In mixing bowl cream butter, Crisco and sugar together. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add molasses; mix. Combine flour, soda and baking powder, spices and salt. add to creamed mixture and mix. Shape into small balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 inches a par on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375º for 6-7 min. Cool 2 minutes before removing to wire rack. Serve with pumpkin dip.

Pumpkin Dip
1/4 Dark brown sugar, packed
2 Tbsp sugar
1/4 c water
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. cloves

Combine the sugars, water, and spices in 1 qt. glass measure. Mix well and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stir. Add pumpkin and mix well. Microwave on high 3-5 minute, cool in refrigerator. (This part is called Pumpkin butter and can be kept in fridge for several weeks.)

To complete the Dip
Add 1-8 oz. packager cream cheese
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Mix well and fold in 1 - 8 oz. Cool Whip.

Recipe Book

2010-10-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Received a recipe book for a wedding gift. "America's Most Wanted Recipes" It has all sorts of recipes in there from everyone's favorite restaurants. If you have something you want, send a request and I'll check the book. There are a ton I've never heard of but also some good ones. Such as Applebee's; Arby's; Cheesecake Factory; KFC; Red Lobster etc.

Subway Sweet Onion

2010-10-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

1/2 cup Light corn syrup
1 T minced white onion
1 T red wine vinegar
2 t white vinegar
1 t dark brown sugar
1 t balsamic vinegar
1 t buttermilk powder
1/4 t lemon juice
1/8 t poppy seeds
1/8 salt
pinch cracked pepper
pinch garlic powder

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for about 2 minutes, until mixture boils.
Whisk well and remove from the heat. Cover and let cool. Refrigerate for 30 min serving.

Pillsbury Chicken Enchiladas

2010-10-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
1 1/4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Directions

In 2-quart saucepan, mix chicken and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Separate or cut dough into 8 long rectangles (if using crescent rolls, press perforations to seal). Spoon chicken mixture and 1 tablespoon of the cheese onto 1 long side of each rectangle. Roll up; pinch edges to seal. Place seam side down in 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees F 15 to 20 minutes.

Texas Roadhouse Rolls and Butter

2010-10-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

I found this on some copy cat recipes sites. I haven't tested them yet. I will get on that this week. Hopefully they are close or I'll be pretty disappointed. Most of the recipes online are really weird and I can't imagine the restaurant doing it any way but this. I'll keep you updated.

1/2 solid cake of yeast or 1 pkg of active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup honey
2 quarts all purpose flour
2 TBS melted butter
2 whole eggs
2 tsp salt

Directions:
Soften yeast in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar. Scald milk; cool to lukewarm. Add yeast, sugar and enough flour to make medium batter. Beat thoroughly. Let stand until light and foamy. Add melted butter (which has been cooled), eggs, and salt. Beat well. Add enough flour to form soft dough. Sprinkle small amount of flour on counter and let dough rest. Meanwhile, clean and dry bowl; grease clean surface of bowl. Knead dough until smooth and satiny. Put in greased bowl; turn over to grease top. Cover, let rise in warm place until double in bulk. Punch down. Turn out on floured board. Divide into portions for shaping; let rest 10 minutes. Shape dough into desired forms. Place on greased baking sheets. Let rise until doubled. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes; reduce temperature to 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes more. Cool on rack. Makes 5 to 6 dozen.

Like Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Butter
1/2 cup Butter
1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup Honey
1 tsp Cinnamon

Blend all ingredients at room temp.

Sweet n' Sour Crock Pot Chicken

2010-10-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

4 Chicken Breast
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup Ketchup
4 TBS Soy Sauce
2 TBS Worcestershire Sauce
2 TBS Vinegar
and of course my staple, a few drops of Cholula Sauce!

Put chicken breasts in crock pot. Mix up all the other ingredients. Pour over Chicken. Cook on High for 5 hours Low for 8-10.
Eat with Rice.

I cooked mine on Low for 5 hours. I only used two chicken breasts but kept the sauce the same. We like a lot of sauce for our rice. You'll want to thicken it a little before serving. Ours was very runny.
I shredded up the chicken to make it go farther.

Chocolate cupcakes w/ Peanut butter frosting

2010-10-11T15:40:00.001-07:00

Chocolate cake mix
1 instant chocolate pudding mix
1 1/2 c water
eggs and oil same as box
Beat full 2 min. bake 350 15-17 min

Peanut butter frosting
1/2 c. butter
1 c. creamy peanut butter
3 TB milk
4 c powdered sugar

Decorate with brown sprinkles.

Raspberry frosted lemon cupcakes

2010-10-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Lemon cake mix
1 pkg. instant lemon pudding
1 1/2 c water
3 eggs
oil - same as cake mix
Mix 2 full min. Bake same as box

Raspberry frosting
2 or 3 TB raspberry jam
1 tsp. imitation raspberry flavoring
1/4 c milk
4 ox. cream cheese
4 c powdered sugar

Lime Cupcakes

2010-10-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

1 golden vanilla cake mix (Betty Crocker is best)
3/4 c. limeaid concentrate
3/4 c. water
1/3 c oil
3 eggs
5 drops green food coloring
Mix full 2 minutes.
Bake 350º for 15-18 min.

Frosting
1 tesp lime zest
juice of one lime
4 oz cream cheese
1/4 c. butter
3-4 c. powdered sugar

Chicken Pot Pie

2010-09-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

I'm a Pie freak! Trav is sick of sweet pies so I've moved on to Chicken!!
I went to the store and bought myself another pie pan, 8 mini pie pans, and a (silicone) pie crust measuring mat! Hurray!!!
This recipe is something I created. I don't really know what I did.

2 Boiled Chicken breasts
carrot
celery
onion
1 handful peas
1 handful corn
1/2 stick butter
1/8 cup flour
1 bullion cube mixed in with 1/4 cup hot water
1 cup heavy cream
pinch garlic pwd
pinch sage
pinch salt
pinch white pepper
2 shakes chalua sauce-- the secret ingredient to all delicious foods. Learned that from the chef at my work.
1 shake worcestershire sauce-- same as above.

Mince the carrot, celery, and onion. ((Probably a handful of all three minced all together. )) Boil the Chicken and dice it in small pieces. Melt the butter and saute the minced veggies until tender. Add the flour and cook for 1 min. Whisk in the Cream and stir until thickened. Add the chicken stock. Mix in Chicken, Peas, and corn. Season with Garlic, Salt, W. Pepper, Sage, Chalua, and Worcestershire. Cook until all is up to temperature. Add into your pie crusts. Bake 400 for 20 min for the mini pies or a full pie 30-40. You just need to cook the crust the filling is already cooked. IT IS SO DELICIOUS!!

Skillet Nachos

2010-09-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

1 TB olive oil
1 med. green bell pepper, chopped
1 small zucchini, chopped
1/2 c. salsa
1 -15 oz. can chill with beans
1 bag tortilla chips
1 1/2 c. grated Monterey Jack cheese
Sour cream
1 2/25 oz can sliced black olives

In 12- skillet, heat oil and saute bell pepper and zucchini for 2 min.
Stir in salsa and chili, cook until hot. Remove mixture from skillet
and wipe skillet clean.
Arrange some tortilla chips in single layer in the bottom of the pan. Spoon
mixture over chips then sprinkle with cheese. Either cover with lid or put
in oven and cook until cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and olives.
Serve with additional salsa.

Fried Pickles!

2010-09-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

Any of you Eaten at The Garden Restaurant at Temple Square? This is their Fried Pickle Recipe. Delicious and Easy!!
All of you that say you can't cook with out a recipe and can't do this. Well, let me tell you. YOU CAN! This recipe will not change flavor, texture, look, appeal, etc just because you don't know what to do. Folks it's just a fried Pickle. I promise you'll love it.

Pickle Spears
Juice from Spears
Pancake Batter
Flour
Old Bay spice
Baking Powder
Dill Weed Spice

Start out with a 1/2 cup of Pancake Batter
Then add 1/4 cup of Flour
Pinch of Old Bay spice or Less. You don't want your batter turning red. -Don't have any old bay? Leave it out. You'll never be able to tell. Or Just make your own. Emeril Lagasse has a great old bay recipe. Found on Food Network.
Pinch of Baking Powder
Sprinkle of Dill. You can add as much dill as you like.
Start with 1/2 of your pickle juice and mix it in to the dry ingredients.

TO MAKE A FRIED PICKLE:
Take a pickle. Cover it in Flour. Then cover it in Batter. Fry in Hot Oil. Remove from oil when slightly brown. Dip in Ranch or 1000 Island Dressing. Chomp. Chew. Swallow. Repeat

You want a thin batter. Slowly keep adding the pickle juice until it's just a touch thinner than a regular batter for something like pancakes. In between Pancakes and Crepes. It REALLY doesn't matter. If you run out of Juice just add some water. I make this at work in a HUGE BATCH Some days it's really thin, some days it's thick. Some days I add a ton of dill some days I just add a touch. You just have the play with it until it's the way that you like it.

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

2010-08-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

2-1/4 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup sour cream
1 egg -beaten-
1-1/2 tsp. almond extract

Filling:

1 pkg cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup raspberry jam
1/2 cup slivered almonds

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Remove 1 cup and set aside.
To remaining crumbs, add baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the sour cream, egg, and almond extract, white chocolate chips; mix well.

Spread in the bottom and 2 in'. up the side of a greased 9-in' springform pan.

For the filling , in a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and egg until blended. Pour over batter; spoon raspberry jam on top. Sprinkle with almonds and reserved crumbs.

Bake at 350 degree for 55-60 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of pan to loosen; remove sides from pan.

*Change the flavor by changing jams!
*The crust is really dry in order to change that we've updated the recipe by adding white chocolate chips to the crust. VERY DELICIOUS!

Watermelon Salsa

2010-08-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

Like any awesome salsa there is not a recipe for this other than:

Watermelon
Jalapeno
Cilantro
Red Onion
Fresh Lime juice if wanted

Dice up your watermelon into small cubes. Mince your jalapeno (how ever many you want depending on your heat level) Mince your cilantro and Onion and toss all together.

The recipe doesn't call for Fresh Lime Juice and it actually doesn't need it since it isn't a citrus salsa but I'm a fresh lime juice addict and put it in everything. I just put a tiny bit so you couldn't even tell, I love that fresh liveliness it gives to it.
I used a chunk of watermelon you buy at the store next to all the cut up packaged fruit salad mixes. I didn't need a whole lot for just a few of us. It was the same price as an entire watermelon which sucks, but better that then have an entire watermelon go bad. I used one Jalapeno; half an onion and a couple tears of cilantro and just put them into my food processor buzzed it a few times until it was all very small. I don't like biting down on a big piece of onion or a jalapeno. Plus in this case the watermelon is the star and it shouldn't be hidden.

Eat this over anything meat, veggies whatever. I made Raspberry Chipotle chicken with this on top. TO DIE FOR!!
Travis and Dillion ate it with Hint of Lime Chips after dinner was done.

Chicken Wings

2010-08-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

Fry oil
24 chicken wings
4 eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
2 Tbs cayenne pepper
salt & pepper
2 cups flour
1 cup cornstarch

In a large pot, heat oil to 375 degree.
In a large bowl, whisk together, eggs, & cream.
In a different large bowl, add cayenne, salt & pepper, flour, and cornstarch.
Dip chicken wings in egg mixture and then flour mixture. Coat well and then Repeat egg and flour.
Fry for until chicken reaches 165 degree. Takes 13 minutes.
Coat in your favorite sauce.

Chef notes: I left out the cayenne. Thought it a little too much for my mild pallet. I placed paper towels down on a cookie sheet that had a wire rack above it. I let the wings drip dry a bit before I coated them in sauce.

Erock: thought you could work your awesome chicken wing magic and try this out and tell me your changes to make this even more awesome!!

Winger's Sauce

2010-08-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

2 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
3 Tbs corn syrup
1/3 cup Franks Red Hot Pepper Sauce (has to be Franks)
1 Tbs apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup hot water

Boil all ingredients.

chef tips: when I made this, I boiled it way to long and it turned to a rock. Just boil until the sugar is dissolved and also; it seemed a little too sweet so you might want to start small and work your way to bigger.

UPDATE: UPDATE: UPDATE:

1/2 cup Brown Sugar
2 teaspoon corn syrup
1 heaping Tablespoon Franks Hot Sauce
1/2-1 teaspoon apple cider
2 Tablespoons Hot Water -- I just added a small splash.

Add all ingredients in to a sauce pan. Stir. When it boils. It's done.

This is only enough for just a few people. I'll continue to work on the regular recipe and update again when done.

NieNie's Chocolate cake

2010-07-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

NieNie's Mud Cake Magnifique
with Chocolate Mascarpone Mousse & Ganache Bittercream
*
8 oz. unsweetened chocolate (8 squares)
¾ c. olive oil
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 c. powdered sugar
½ tsp. salt
½ c. cocoa powder
1 c. flour
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking powder*
½ tsp. baking soda
In a microwave, melt squares of chocolate with olive oil. Once melted, beat until smooth then add sugars and egg. Beat again until well creamed. Add remaining ingredients. Beat just until all ingredients are incorporated. (If you are baking BELOW 5000 feet altitude, double baking powder and add an additional 1/2 cup of flour). Pour batter into two 9-inch cake pans that have been generously greased & dusted with cocoa powder. Bake in an oven preheated to 375 degrees for 26-28 minutes, or just until center of cake springs back to the touch. Remove from oven. Allow to cool before inverting on a cooling rack and removing from pan. Before layering cake, use a knife to gently cut away any uneven parts at the top or sides of the cake. You'll want a nice, even surface to begin with in order to have your finished product look amazing.
*
Mascarpone Mousse
1 c. whipping cream
¼ c. sugar
1 c. 60% Bittersweet cacao chips
8 oz. mascarpone

In a large bowl, whip whipping cream until fluffly. Add sugar & mascarpone and whip until smooth. In a small bowl, melt chocolate chips in microwave, stirring every thirty seconds until smooth. Chocolate should not be warm to the touch, if it is, allow it to cool just slightly before spooning the melted chocolate into the whipping cream mixture & beating until light and fluffy. Spoon carefully atop one layer of cake. Spread evenly, then top with the second layer of cake. Refrigerate until ready to frost.

Bittercream Frosting
1 pint heavy cream
11.5 oz. 60% Bittersweet cacao chips
½ c. butter
4-5 c. powdered sugar

In a medium saucepan, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream until a thick, smooth ganache forms, to keep the mixture from burning, stir constantly. Put in fridge until chilled. Remove from fridgidaire and beat in butter & powdered sugar until frosting is a spreadable consistency. Frost. Chill cake. To serve, remove from fridge 10-15 minutes before serving.

ToH Braided Bread

2010-07-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

2 pkg yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1-1/2 cups warm milk
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup sugar
1 Tbs salt
3 eggs
7-1/2- 8 cups flour

Topping:
Mix:
1 egg; splash milk
sesame seed

In large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, shortening, sugar, salt, eggs, and 4 cups flour. Beat until smooth.
Stir in enough remaining flour to form soft dough.

Knead for 6-8 min.
Place in greased bowl and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
Punch down and divide in half.
Divide each half into thirds.
Place on greased pan.
Shape each piece into ropes, and braid together.
Tuck ends under.
Repeat with other half.
Let rise 45 min or until doubled.
Brush with Egg wash and sprinkle with seeds.
Bake 350 degree 30-35 minutes. or until golden brown. Cool.

Meat Loaf #2

2010-07-23T12:14:00.001-07:00

Laurel had these two Meat Loaf recipes. We both tried one last Tuesday and compared notes. Not being a trained Culinary expert- I followed my recipe. Only thing I did was add more cheese (who doesnt want more cheese?) I liked it fairly well. I liked that they were mini loaves for each person. Steve LOVED them. (Honestly, out of the 8 loaves, I only ate 1- I'm just not crazy about ground beef.) He said I could add it to the menu rotation. I think next time I make them I'll add some of La's changes and mix and match the recipes to make yummy little meat loaves.

Ingredients

1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound ground beef
2/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the egg, milk, cheese, oats and salt. Add the ground beef, mixing well, and form this mixture into eight miniature meatloaves. Place these in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a separate small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard. Stir thoroughly and spread over each meatloaf.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes.

meatloaf

2010-07-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 cup finely crushed saltine cracker crumbs
Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan.
Press the brown sugar in the bottom of the prepared loaf pan and spread the ketchup over the sugar.
In a mixing bowl, mix thoroughly all remaining ingredients and shape into a loaf. Place on top of the ketchup.
Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until meat temp is 160 degree

This is the original recipe. Here are my added parts:

Saute' until very soft it's important to do this so your loaf isn't crunchy.
1/2 a carrot- minced
1 celery stalk- minced
1/2 onion- minced
a sprinkle of garlic powder
you want them very small so you're not chomping on a big piece of crunchy veggie in your meatloaf.

The saltines suck up all the moisture and keep your loaf very moist and yummy. You just have to make sure that you crush the crackers very fine. Mine were done by hand and there were some big chunks in there and when I would bite on a big piece it was mushy and yuck in my mouth.
I put all the brown sugar ketchup sauce on top to add some more juices around on the meat. It's very good with that sauce.

Meat Marinade

2010-07-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

Marinade

½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup water
1/3 cup salad oil (Italian dressing)
2 Tbs. Dried Minced Onion
2 Tbs. sesame seed
1 Tbs. sugar
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. dried red pepper
¾ tsp. garlic powder

Mix all together and add your chicken or steak.
For best flavor, marinade over night.

Basil Tomato Toast

2010-07-20T15:20:00.001-07:00

For those of you who have seen the movie "Julie and Julia" there is a scene where she makes a garlic toast with tomato salsa dinner. Every time I watch the movie I want to eat it. I did a little digging online and I came up with this. Hopefully it tastes as good as it looks.

Bruschetta alla Julie and Julia – Recipe

 4 slices of french bread 
16 oz. assorted heirloom type tomatoes; Cherry tomatoes work best. Chop and seed them. 
Extra virgin olive oil
 1 clove garlic, peeled and halved 
Sea salt 
Chopped fresh basil 

1. Toss tomatoes with 1 T. olive oil and about 1 tsp. sea salt.
2. Fry bread in 2-3 T. butter or olive oil in skillet, browning on each side. 
3. Rub cut half of garlic over 1 side of fried bread. 
4. Spoon tomatoes (with oil and accumulated juices) over bread. Top with chopped basil and more sea salt to taste. 
5. Eat with plenty of napkins on hand. 
Serves 2.

Gandolfo's Chocolate Cake

2010-07-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

Recipe:
1 Devil’s Food box cake mix
2 chocolate instant pudding packages, the smaller packages: 3.9 oz (1 for the cake, 1 for the topping)
3 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil (I used canola oil)
3/4 cup water
1 cup sour cream (I used Daisy brand light)
Cool Whip, 8 oz container
2 cups cold chocolate milk (use vitamin D)

Mix the cake mix, 1 pudding package, eggs, oil, water, and sour cream in a medium bowl with a hand mixer. Mix at high speed for 2 minutes until it is smooth and combined. Pour batter into a 9x13 inch baking pan. I like to use one of these, so I can cover and refrigerate the finished product with ease. Smooth batter evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. When toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Preparation for topping: With the wire whip attachment of your hand mixer, mix 1 pudding package, 2 cups cold chocolate milk. Whip for 2 minutes. Now whip in Cool-Whip. Whip until Cool-Whip is all combined and there are no traces of it.
When cake is cooled, pour your moussey pudding over the cake. Smooth evenly with a rubber scraper. You could serve the cake right now, but I like to refrigerate mine for at least a 1/2 hour before serving. Any leftovers must be refrigerated. Enjoy!

Orange Julius

2010-07-11T15:11:00.001-07:00

1 - oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate
1 cup cold water
1 cup cold milk
1/3 c. sugar (opt.)
One tray of ice cubes
1 tsp. vanilla

Blend all together.

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken

2010-07-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

This is not my recipe, its one I got from the cookbook "101 Things to do with a Slow Cooker" which I love.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 envelope of italian salad dressing mix

1/4 cup water

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can of mushroom pieces

Grease slow cooker and place chicken inside. Combine salad dressing mix and water, pour over chicken. Cover and cook on high 3 hours. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and soup until blended. Stir in mushrooms. Pour over chicken. Cook 2 hours longer on high, or until chicken juices run clear.

Server over hot noodles or rice.

*I make this for just Steve and I. I only use 2 chicken breasts. (Now I realize why it was extra Italian-y, I need to cut that back too, duh.) I omit the mushrooms, because we don't like them. After I've added the cream cheese mixture it really doesn't need 2 more hours, because the chicken is already cooked from the first 3 hours, just let it heat through. I also shred the chicken before I take it out of the slow cooker. I think it goes further.

Laurel's favorite No-Bake Cookies

2010-07-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

2 c sugar
2 Tbsp cocoa
1 cube butter
1/2 c milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
3 Tbsp peanut butter
Oatmeal ( approx. 3 cups)

Boil first 5 ingredients for 2 minutes.
Add vanilla, peanut butter and enough oatmeal to make mixture thick.

Homemade Lemonade

2010-06-28T13:11:00.001-07:00

I tried making some homemade Lemonade today. It turned out So yummy, so I thought I would share.

Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

5 lemons
5 limes
5 oranges
5-6 cups cold water
1 1/2 -3 cups sugar, to taste

Once you have juiced all the fruit, add the water and sugar to taste. It really depends on how sweet/tart the citrus are and how much juice you get out of them. Also it depends on how sweet you like your lemonade! Serve ice cold and enjoy!

Easy Dutch Oven Cobbler

2010-05-24T16:57:00.000-07:00

1 stick butter
1 tsp. salt
2 cups flour
1 1/2cup milk
2 cups sugar
4 cups sliced peaches
1 Tbs. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon

Melt butter in a 12" Dutch oven using 10-12 briquettes bottom heat.

In a separate bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; stir to mix. Add milk and beat until batter is smooth. Pour batter over melted butter -- do not stir. Carefully add peaches over top of the batter -- do not stir. Sprinkle cinnamon over top.

Cover and bake using 10-12 briquettes bottom and 18-20 briquettes top for 45 to 60 minutes rotating oven and lid 1/4 turn in opposite directions every 10 minutes until crust is golden brown.

Serve topped with whipped cream or with vanilla ice cream.

Serves: 12

Baked Lemon Pasta

2010-05-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

So in our house we tend to have the same repeat pasta meals with the same sauces. Spaghetti sauce, Alfredo, and a cheddar cheese. I LOVED this recipe offered another yummy option for us to try, and I'll definitely keep using it. It was ssooooo yummy. Next time I do plan to add some chicken and some kind of veggie with it though, which I would recommend.

Ingredients:

1 pound Thin Spaghetti
4 Tablespoons Salted Butter
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 cloves Garlic, Minced
1 whole Lemon, Juiced And Zested ( I didn't have a lemon, so i just questimated lemon juice)
2 cups Sour Cream
½ teaspoons Kosher Salt, Or More To Taste
Plenty Of Grated Parmesan Cheese
Flat-leaf Parsley, Chopped
Extra Lemon Juice

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook spaghetti until al dente. In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over LOW HEAT. When butter is melted, add minced garlic. Squeeze lemon juice into the pan. Turn off heat. Add sour cream and stir mixture together. Add lemon zest and salt. Taste, then add more salt if necessary. Pour mixture over drained spaghetti and stir together, then pour spaghetti into an oven safe dish. Bake, covered, for 15 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes. (Don’t bake too long or the pasta will dry out.) When you remove it from the oven, squeeze a little more lemon juice over the top. Top generously with Parmesan cheese, then chopped parsley. Give it a final squeeze of lemon juice at the end or feel free to add as much as you like.

Queso Soup

2010-04-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

2 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 - 4 oz. can diced green chilies
2 tbsp. snipped cilantro
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 can of beans (whatever is your favorite)
Mix together in crockpot

Add 3-4 cups chicken broth

Cook on low for 6 hours or high 3-4 hours
Or if you are in a hurry you can cook on the stove and let simmer for a couple hours.

In last 30 minutes add:
6 - 8 oz. velveeta cheese (you can use the cheaper brand)
3/4 cup sour cream

Do not boil after adding sour cream!
Serve with tortilla chips.

Lime Cheeseball

2010-04-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ready In: 3 Hours 15 Minutes
Servings: 16
"One lime flavors a sweet cheese ball to make a very refreshing snack for a spring or summer get-together. Serve with mini graham crackers. "
Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 tsp. Zest of a lime
Juice of one lime
1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs or chopped nuts

Directions:
1.In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, lime zest and juice using an electric mixer. Refrigerate for 3 hours.
2.When the mixture is completely chilled, shape into a ball and roll in graham cracker crumbs. Serve on a platter with your favorite crackers.

This makes a great dip. We had it with homemade waffle cones broken up. It would be good as a fruit dip as well.

Summer Tortellini Salad

2010-04-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

I love the sistercafe blog. I try a lot of recipes off of there. This one the most recent. I know it seems kinda random, but it was actually REALLY yummy. We were pleasantly surprised. I know it's more of a summer dish, but with us getting snow this week, we are dreaming of warm weather.

Summer Tortellini Salad

1 pkg. (9 oz.) uncooked refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini (You can also use dry tortellini. Barilla has a yummy four cheese and Costco has really good tortellini as well)
1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped (I use the equivalent of baby carrots instead)
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
4 green onions with tops, thinly sliced
1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley (or 4 tsp. dried parsley if you don't have fresh...fresh is always best of course, but dried works fine too)
1/2 cup home-made or you're very, very favorite ranch dressing (I tend to skimp a bit on this measurement but 1/2 a cup isn't too much, just trying to be healthy:)
Parmesan Cheese - to taste
*Option - I have added left over Rotissere chicken to this and really liked it

Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain and rinse under cold running water. Place tortellini in a large colander and set aside. Meanwhile, slice zucchini. chop carrot(s). Cook the vegetables. Cut tomatoes in half and slice green onions. Snip parsley, if using fresh. Add vegetables to tortellini. Pour salad dressing over salad. Grate parmesan cheese over salad. cover; refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Yield: 6 servings

I think this recipe works great as a main dish, especially if you added chicken, or a side salad.

Crockpot Beef Stew

2010-04-01T08:42:00.001-07:00

I love anything easy to make in a crockpot. With the weather still deciding if it wants to be warm here, it was nice to have on one of our rainy days. Here's the yummy easy recipe.

1 can minestrone soup
1 can tomato soup
1 can water
1 - 1 1/2 lb stew meat
3-4 carrots, peeled and thickly sliced
1 large onion, chopped
3-4 potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

Combine all ingredients in a crockpot. Cook on low 8-10 hours or high 4-5 hours. Salt and pepper to taste.

Artisan bread

2010-02-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

Check out this website for Artisan Bread recipe :

http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/?p=1616

Uncle Rody's Oatmeal Pie

2009-12-02T12:26:00.000-08:00

2 eggs, well beaten
3/4 c corn syrup
3/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. coconut
3/4 c. quick oats
!/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 c. butter
pinch of salt

Unbaked pie shell -

Mix together all but pie shell. Pour into an unbaked pie shell. Bake at 325º for 45 minutes. It is done when golden brown and a knife comes out clean from the middle.
Similar to a pecan pie only better.

Chocolate Mint Napoleans

2009-12-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

Half a package of puff pastries - thawed
1 box of chocolate pudding, prepared - let thicken for several minutes in fridge.
1 cup whipping cream - whipped and sweetened
3 crunched up candy canes
Powdered sugar for garnish

Cook three strips of puff pastry (half the box) according to directions. Slice in half horizontally. Set aside.
Mix small box of chocolate pudding according to pie directions. Fold in 3 large tablespoons of whipped cream.

Place one bottom of pastry on plate, fill with some pudding (not to overflowing). Layer on another pastry and fill with whipped cream, sprinkle with candy cane. Add 3rd layer of pastry. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar.

Now duplicate with the other 3 layers of pastry starting with a bottom and ending with a top crust (it looks best). Refrigerate for an hour or so. Slice to serve. You can swirl on a little Hersey's chocolate if you'd like just before serving.

Chocolate Cake!

2009-10-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Ever seen the movie Julie and Julia??? If you have you'll really appreciate this recipe. It's Julia's Child's Chocolate Cake! I saw that movie and just loved all the food and cooking in it and this cake just screamed at me from the screen. I googled it and found the recipe! Yay!

Cake:
4 ounces or squares semisweet chocolate , melted

2 Tbsp. rum or coffee

1/4 pound or 1 stick softened butter

2/3 cup granulated sugar to mix with butter

3 egg yolks

3 egg whites

Pinch of salt

1 Tbsp. granulated sugar to beat with egg whites

1/3 cup pulverized almonds

1/4 tsp. almond extract

1/2 cup cake flour , scooped and leveled, turned into a sifter

Chocolate-Butter Icing

To make cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Butter and flour the cake pan. Set the chocolate and rum or coffee in a small pan, cover, and place (off heat) in a larger pan of almost simmering water; let melt while you proceed with the recipe. Measure out the rest of the ingredients.
Cream the butter and 2/3 cup of sugar together for several minutes until they form a pale yellow, fluffy mixture. Beat in the egg yolks until well blended.
Beat the egg whites and salt in a separate bowl until soft peaks are formed; sprinkle 1 Tbsp. sugar and beat until stiff peaks are formed.
With a rubber spatula, blend the melted chocolate into the butter and sugar mixture, then stir in the almonds, and almond extract. Immediately stir in one fourth of the beaten egg whites to lighten the batter. Delicately fold in a third of the remaining whites and when partially blended, sift on one third of the flour and continue folding. Alternate rapidly with more egg whites and more flour until all egg whites and flour are incorporated.
Turn the batter into the cake pan, pushing the batter up to its rim with a rubber spatula. Bake in middle level of preheated oven for about 25 ·minutes. Cake is done when it has puffed, and 2 1/2 to 3 inches around the circumference are set so that a needle plunged into that area comes out clean; the center should move slightly if the pan is shaken, and a needle comes out oily.
Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan, and reverse cake on the rack. Allow it to cool for an hour or two; it must be thoroughly cold if it is to be iced.

Icing:

2 ounces (2 squares) semisweet baking chocolate

2 Tbsp. rum or coffee

5 to 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Place the chocolate and rum or coffee in the small pan, cover and set in the larger pan of almost simmering water. Remove pans from heat and let chocolate melt for 5 minutes or so, until perfectly smooth. Lift chocolate pan out of the hot water, and beat in the butter a tablespoon at a time. Then beat over the ice and water until chocolate mixture has cooled to spreading consistency. At once spread it over your cake with spatula or knife.

Chicken Noodle Soup

2009-09-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

2 chicken breasts
some carrots cut into circles
half an onion (or more if you like it lots)
2 stalks of celery and the center of the stalk with the leaves on it
6 or 8 cups of water
2+ TBSP of chicken bouillon
Fresh ground pepper to taste
Thyme (preferably fresh)
5 or 6 new potatoes cut small
Homemade noodles

I saute'd the onion in a little olive oil first. In large pot mix onion, chicken, carrots, celery, water, bouillon, and thyme together. When chicken is done, cut into small pieces and add back into the soup. The last 15 minutes add the potatoes and then in the last 10 minutes add the noodles. Makes a great chicken noodle soup. If you need to add more water during the simmering time, go ahead. Fish out the thyme stems - they aren't very eatable.

Homemade Noodles

2009-09-09T17:56:00.000-07:00

2 1/2 cups a.p. flour
1 pinch salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 TB butter
Mix the flour and salt. Add the eggs, milk and butter. Knead for 5 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes. Roll out really thin and cut into strips. If you're really good you can loosely roll up the dough and cut like a jelly roll. I didn't do it very well and had to re-roll and cut flat. Hang or lay out on a dish towel. Let dry for at least an hour.

Orange Waffles/Pancakes - w/ Buttermilk syrup

2009-08-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

- 6 eggs

-1/2 teaspoon salt

-6 oz. can of orange juice concentrate, thawed (i've used regular o.j. as well)

-1/2 cup butter, melted

-1/4 cup sugar

-3 3/4 cup flour

-3 cup milk

-In one bowl beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. In separate bowl mix, egg yolks, salt, orange juice, butter, and sugar. Beat until smooth. Alternate adding flour and milk. Fold egg whites into batter. Bake in waffle iron. Serves 5.

This actually makes a lot and I always have tons left over. I also will make them into pancakes on my skillet, which my family likes better. They are so yummy. We love them. Here is a butter milk syrup recipe in case you don't have one. (We also have eaten them with fruit/powdered sugar and regular maple syrup. Both yummy options. )

-1 1/2 cups white sugar

-3/4 cup buttermilk

-1/2 cup butter

-2 Tablespoons corn syrup

-1 teaspoon baking soda

-2 teaspoons vanilla extract

in sauce pan, stir together sugar, buttermilk, butter, corn syrup, and baking soda. bring to boil, and cook for 7 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla.

I recommend making this in a large sauce pan, cause if it spills over-it SUCKS to clean up. :)

enjoy!

Rotisserie chicken Article

2009-08-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

I read a great article on Allrecipes.com about using Rotisserie chicken. The link is http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Rotisserie-Chicken-Jump-starts-Snazzy-Meals/Detail.aspx check it out.

Monkey Bread

2009-08-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

2 tbsp. yeast
6-8 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp salt
2 eggs, beaten
4 tbsp. oil
2 cups butter (not marg.)

Make a sponge: 1/2 cup warm water, yeast.
Add 2 cups flour. Let rise.
Add to this mixture 2 cups warm water, sugar, salt, eggs, oil. Mix well, let double in size.
Add 6 cups flour. Let rise again.
Melt 1 cup butter in each of 2 bundt pans. Roll dough 1/4 in thick. Cut 25 pieces per pan using a soup size can. Dip both sides of dough in butter as you stack them vertically (on side) in budt pans. Let rise to top of pans. Bake 400 º F for 20-25 minutes.

Cinnamon Rolls

2009-08-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

1 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup sugar
3 tsp. salt
1 cup warm water
2 tbsp. yeast softened in 1/2 cup lukewarm water
4 eggs, beaten with 1 cup cold water
7-1/2 to 9 cups flour (make a med. soft dough)
1/2 cup butter, melted and divided
Cinnamon and brown sugar for filling
Nuts and raisins, optional

Mix butter, sugar, 1 cup water. Add 3 cups flour followed by yeast. Alternate rest of flour with egg mixture until soft dough. Knead about 15 minutes. Let rise until doubled. Divide dough in half. Roll out 1/4" thick rectangle. Spread with 1/4 cup butter and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar. Add nuts. raisins. Roll up like a jelly roll and cut 1" thick slices. Repeat with other half of dough. Set on large cookie sheet and let rise about 30 minutes to an hour. Bake 12 to 14 minutes (or until golden on top) at 400ºF. Frost with butter cream frosting while still warm.

Smoothies

2009-07-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

I found these recipes on my niece's blog - Zuka Juice smoothies, the real McCoy. - Enjoy

Raspberry Refresher:
12 oz raspberry juice
2 scoops raspberry sherbet
1 cup raspberries
2/3 cup bananas
Ice

Cranberry Splash:
12 oz cranberry juice
2 scoops raspberry sherbet
1/2 cup strawberries
1 cup raspberries
Ice

Pineapple Squeeze:
12 oz pineapple juice
1 scoop pineapple sherbet
1 scoop nonfat frozen yogurt
1 cup bananas
Ice

Ocean Sunrise:
12 oz raspberry juice
2 scoops orange sherbet
1 cup strawberries
2/3 cup bananas
Ice

Mango Mango:
12 oz passion fruit juice
2 scoops pineapple sherbet
1 1/2 cups mango
Ice

Just Peachy:
12 oz peach juice
2 scoops nonfat frozen yogurt
1 1/2 cups peaches
Ice

Strawbanna:
12 oz apple juice
2 scoops nonfat frozen yogurt
1 cup strawberries
1/2 cup bananas
Ice

Orchard Oasis:
12 oz peach juice
2 scoops pineapple sherbet
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
Ice

Caribbean Passion:
12 oz passion fruit juice
2 scoops orange sherbet
1 cup strawberries
1/2 cup peaches
Ice

Lowfat Strawberry Sr. Cream Pie

2009-07-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

1 pt. strawberries - sliced
1 small pkg. vanilla instant pudding - sugar-free
1 cup light sour cream
1/4 cup skim milk
2 tsp. orange or lemon zest
3 1/2 cup thawed lite cool whip
1 prepared 9" graham cracker pie crust.

Hull berries rinse, slice and set aside, reserving a few for garnish. Combine pie filling, sour cream, milk, zest, 2 cups cool whip in a bowl. Mix with whisk until well blended, about 1 min. Spoon 1/2 into crust. Add strawberries and gently push into the cream. Top with remaining filling. Freeze 1 hour or chill 3 hours before serving. Garnish with the rest of the cool whip and additional strawberries.

Michele's Frozen strawberry sour cream pie

2009-07-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

2 c. strawberries, hulled and chunked up
3 Tblsp sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
3 1/2 cup cool whip

Mix together and put in a graham cracker crust. Freeze.

Black Bean/corn Salad

2009-07-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

I get recipes from the Food Network on my homepage, this one I gave a try. It was tasty! I had to tweak it a little, to use what I had on hand. They called it a Salad, but we found it most enjoyable eaten with tortilla chips.

Ingredients

2 cans black beans, drained, about 30 ounces
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup diced green onions
1/4 cup diced pineapple
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
4 tablespoons sherry vinegar
Juice of 1/2 lime
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch ground cumin

Refridgerate for one hour before serving.

I changed it up a little by using Apple Cider Vinegar (what I had).
I added the juice of the whole lime
I didnt have a jalapeno, but I think it would be tasty with a little fire.
I added extra cilantro, because again, i like it.
I omitted the green onion, and just used a tiny bit of yellow onion instead of the red. (what i had)
I only used one tomato (steve's not such a fan)
I only used a little bit of pepper, green and red.
I used one can of black beans, and one of kidney. This was an accident, i didnt read the label, but it was tasty all the same.

So you can see, you can tweak this to your own liking. :)