15 Minute Rice and Taco Skillet

1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. (1-1/4 oz.) Taco Seasoning Mix
2 cups water
2 cups instant white rice, uncooked
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 large tomato, chopped


BROWN meat in large skillet; drain.

ADD seasoning mix and water; stir. Bring to boil.

STIR in rice. Sprinkle with cheese; cover. Simmer on low heat 5 min. Top with lettuce and tomato just before serving.

Serves about 4

German Pancakes or Crepes

2 eggs
2 tablespoons white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup milk

1. Mix sugar and flour, then add milk and eggs. Beat until smooth. (Will be liquidy but that's ok.)

2. Heat large skillet over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into pan then tilt the pan to achieve a round shape. Heat until golden, then flip and brown on other side. Serve immedieately with syrup & powdered sugar, or fresh berries & whipped cream.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Servings: About 4

This is the best recipe I've found for these to date. They are so yummy, even when not prepared correctly. Plus, the ingredients are in your pantry all the time! This is a great go-to meal for breakfast.

Black Cat Cookies

These are easy, fun, and perfect for having the kids help. My mom used to make us a version of these when I was little, and I loved them. Have fun!

• 1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup baking cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 48 pieces candy corn
• 24 Skittles or other round candies
  

DIRECTIONS

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Roll dough into 1-1/2-in. balls. Place 3 in. apart on lightly greased baking sheets.
2. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar. Pinch top of cookie to form ears. For whiskers, press a fork twice into each cookie. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set. Remove from the oven; immediately press on candy corn for eyes and red-hots for noses. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Kalua Pig - Mainland Style

My mom gave me a recipe for this, but I decided to add a few ingredients (cabbage, ginger, chicken broth) and I thought it tasted pretty close to the real thing. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

Pork Butt/Shoulder
2 TBSP ginger (grated)
1/4 Cup Liquid Smoke
Rock Salt/Sea Salt Crystals
1 Cup Chicken Broth
Chopped Cabbage (optional)

Brown the outside of the meat using your favorite seasoning salt (optional). Mix liquid smoke and ginger together and rub into the meat. Then rub meat with salt. Place meat in crock pot and pour in remaining liquid smoke mixture and chicken broth. Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours. Add salt as necessary. When ready to serve, separate from the bone and pull apart, removing any visible fat. Mix in cabbage and serve over rice. Ono-licious!

Hint: The real flavor comes from the liquid smoke and the rock/sea salt so be generous with both.

Peas and Carrots Alphabet Soup

I made this last night and Madison thanked Heavenly Father in her prayers for "the delicious soup that she loves so much." I thought it was good too and super easy.

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 carrots, diced

1 cup alphabet pasta (Can be found at Trader Joe's)

Kosher salt

1 10-ounce package frozen peas (2 cups)

Place the broth in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the carrots, pasta, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer until the carrots and pasta are tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the peas and cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Bon Apetit!

Snickerdoodles

These are a favorite at our house. Soft, chewy, and rolled in sugar. What could be better?

Snickerdoodles
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Combine 1 1/2 cups white sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs. Mix well.
3. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Blend well. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Combine 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Roll dough in sugar/cinnamon mixture and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Immediately remove from cookie sheets.

Smokey Pesto Red Pepper Chicken Pockets

Super Good! Super Easy!

Chicken Breast, cooked and cut in pieces
Smoky Provolone Cheese slices
1/2 cup pesto (I used the Pesto from Costco)
1/4 cup mayo (I didn't use any mayo)
Green Onions
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 Jar of Roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
Pita pockets halved
Sliced Olives (To taste- I didn't use any)

Preheat oven to 350. In a bowl combine chicken, green onions, roasted red peppers, olives; mix. In a separate bowl combine pesto, mayo and lemon juice and mix. Add pesto mixture to the chicken mixture. Spoon into pita halves. Place sandwiches on cookie sheet and bake 7-10 minutes.

Baked German Apple Pancake

Baked German Apple Pancake presented by Red Forest Bed & Breakfast

Brian and I had a bunch of apples from apple picking yesterday so I decided to try this recipe I found on the Internet. We really enjoyed it and didn't think it needed any kind of topping. Since the egg whites are beaten, the end result seems very light...which can cause you to eat more! It's supposed to serve 4, but Brian and I basically ate the whole thing by ourselves.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup milk

Dash of salt

3 eggs, separated

2 tablespoons margarine

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 large or 4 small apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Place 9" ovenproof glass pie dish with deep sides in preheated oven. (I used an 11x7 retangular Pyrex.)
3. Beat egg whites until stiff.

4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, milk, salt and egg yolks with a hand mixer.

5. Gently fold egg white mixture in.

6. Sauté apples, sugar, margarine and cinnamon in skillet for 2-3 minutes until apples are well coated.

7. Pour apples into heated glass pie dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

8. Pour the batter over apples slices.

9. Bake for 20 minutes at 350° until the pancake is brown and puffy.
1o. Remove from oven and loosen sides.

11. Invert on plate, if desired. Cut and serve with maple syrup, if desired.

Summer Pasta Bolognese

From REAL SIMPLE Magazine, served here with Pioneer Woman's Fresh Green Beans and garlic toast.

12 oz. fettucine (3/4 package)

2 T. olive oil

1 lb. ground turkey

salt and pepper

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 1/2 lb beefsteak tomatoes (about 3), chopped

3/4 c. dry white wine I used chicken broth instead

1 small zucchini, grated

3/4 c. fresh basil leaves, torn

1. Cook the pasta according to directions.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, breaking up the turkey with a spoon, for 3 minutes.

3. Add the garlic a nd cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and wine/broth and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and fold in the zucchini and basil. Serve over pasta.

Makes 4 servings.

This was SO delicious and flavorful. The ground turkey was super tasty, too.

Zucchini Cakes

I am not a big fan of zucchini, but I tell you what, these are delicious! I found the recipe on http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/ a couple of weeks ago. And today lo and behold a dear friend dropped off the biggest zucchini ever, so what else could I do but make this delectable little cakes.

1 large zucchini

1/2 c. seasoned bread crumbs

1 heaping Tbsp. minced garlic

1/2-3/4 c. Italian cheese blend

1-2 eggs

a pinch of kosher salt

olive oil

black pepper

Chop the ends off the zucchini and then use a cheese grater to shred it. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean towel and squeeze out the liquid. I was very surprised how much came out. Next place the semi-dry zucchini in a large bowl. Add the garlic, bread crumbs, cheese, 1 egg and salt and pepper then stir with a fork. If mixture is to dry, add another egg. If it is too dry, the mixture will fall apart when you try to cook it. In a frying pan, heat olive oil on medium heat. Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4". When the oil is hot, drop the zucchini batter by large spoonfuls into the pan and then flatten with the back of the spoon. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. The PW recommends serving these with Ranch dressing for dipping sauce, of which I had none last night, so we ate without and they were still fabulous on their own.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole

4 (or 2-3 large) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 lb broccoli florets, cooked
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup dry stuffing mix

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Boil chicken until tender and shred or cut into bite size pieces. Meanwhile, steam broccoli until crisp but tender.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the soup and mayonnaise. Set aside. In a 9X13 inch baking dish, layer the chicken, broccoli, soup mixture, and cheese. Sprinkle dry stuffing mix over the top and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.

Serves 4 and very yummy.

Sweet and Sour Pork

4-6 thick pork chops

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup chili sauce (found in Asian food section)

1/4 cup honey

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix honey, soy, and chili sauces.  Place pork chops in greased 3 quart casserole dish.  Pour sauces over pork chops.  Bake for 1 hour.  Easy and yummy!

Calabasa Con Pollo y Tortillas

I am half Mexican and grew up with this staple that is not only tasty, but very healthy and delicious. It's name translates into squash with chicken, sounds a lot less intimidating in English:). It is an easy dinner to make. I usually make the tortilla dough, let it sit while I get the calabasa together and begin it and then go back to the tortillas to start rolling them out.

A make-ahead tip: you can make the tortilla dough and roll out the tortillas, placing one at a time in between pieces of waxed paper and then in the fridge. When you want to cook them, take them out and pop them on a warmed up grill. They taste so much better than store ones and are better when first cooked.

I haven't taken a picture of it, but will post one as soon as I have one.

Calabasa con Pollo

5 to 6 boneless chicken breasts (can substitute 10-12 chicken tenders) frozen
1 large onion, chopped
1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed (you can always buy it already cubed at the store)
1 - 15 oz can of diced tomatoes or diced tomatoes with chile
2 cups of frozen or fresh corn
1/2 tsp garlic
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in large soup pot. Cover and simmer over low to medium heat for 45 minutes or until chicken is done, stirring occasionally. Serve with hot flour tortillas.

Flour Tortillas

4 cups of flour
1 1/2 tsp to 2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
About 1 1/3 cups of warm water

After mixing salt and flour, cut in shortening until mixture is crumbly (with pastry cutter or fork). Add warm water. Knead well.

Place in bowl, cover and let rest in a warm place for at least 1 hour. Knead again until dough is smooth and glossy. Pinch a small amount of dough and roll until very thin. Keep flipping tortilla as it is rolled to get a round shape.

Cook on top of stove on an ungreased griddle set to medium heat.

Turn tortillas on both sides until lightly brown.

Keep warm in tortilla warmer or fold two pieces of foil together on three sides, put paper towel in foil and place tortillas inside to keep warm.

Using Leftovers

I HATE wasting food and when we were preparing for a trip a few weeks back, I realized we had 1-2 pieces of three different types of chicken leftover from dinners in the past week. We also had several items that would not wait until we made it home. I didn't feel much like cooking or anything heavy that night, so this fit the bill. It's nothing too exciting, but I guess i hadn't spent much time thinking about making salads as entrees.

a few leftover chicken tenders or slices of ham or salami
(we used marinated ones)
green leaf lettuce
green pepper
sugar snap peas
tomato
anything else you need to use in your fridge that works

My husband and I used different chicken leftovers to top our salads. Prep salad. Cut chicken tenders in slices and heat up in microwave for 25 seconds. Top salad with chicken and drizzle with dressing. It was filling and a great way to get our veggies. It's so simple, it's easy to overlook using leftovers in this way.

Mom's Sweet Spaghetti

This is still my favorite spaghetti sauce to date:

1/4 cup spaghetti seasoning
1-1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 quart canned tomatoes (or "stewed" tomatoes from the grocery store)
1 can tomato soup
salt and pepper to taste

Brown the beef with salt and pepper. In a blender, mix together tomatoes, soup, seasoning, and brown sugar. Add to beef mixture and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with pasta. Easy!

Cocoa Surprise Cookies

My little sister randomly sends me recipes that she clips from magazines. She doesn't cook, but she loves for me to cook and try new things so I can tell her about them. Yes, she's a bit odd.
She sent me this recipe a while ago and I finally got a chance to try it.
They were a huge hit with my kids and with my class that I teach at church.

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (I used a mixture of dark chocolate and semi-sweet chips)
2 cups miniature marshmallows, frozen

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 vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa and baking soad; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips. Roll into 1-1/2 inch balls. Press 2 to 3 frozen marshmallows into each; reshape balls.
Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8 -10 minutes or until set. Cool 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool.

Crock Pot Recipes!

I ran across a post on meckmom.com requesting crockpot recipes - see the comments on that post for lots of recipe ideas

Here's one of the links I found there: http://www.crockpothappiness.blogspot.com/

Cream Cheese Frosting for Red Velvet Cakes

Beat together 6 ounces of cream cheese, softened (I use the low fat kind) with 1/2 cup of butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla till light and fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, beating well. Gradually beat in 2 1/2 -2 3/4 cups additional powdered sugar to reach spreading consistency. This frosts one sheet of red velvet cake. Cover and store cake in refrigerator.

Cinnamon French Toast

Every time we try to make French Toast we always put cinnamon in the egg mixture and that never really works out very well. I came across this cinnamon bread and it's really good as French Toast and gets rid of the putting the cinnamon in the egg issue. I'm not really sure it can be found everywhere, but I found it at our Wal-Mart and our Costco (although we didn't have it at our last Wal-Mart). Anyway, it's really easy and good!

Ingredients:

-Cinnabon cinnamon bread

-Eggs

-Milk

Directions:

Make like you normally make French Toast! Voila!

Creamy Artichoke Dip

8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. sour cream
1 can diced green chiles (do not drain)
1 small jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained
6 oz. DiGiorno shredded parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients together in a microwave-safe dish. Heat one minute in microwave, stir and continue to heat in 30 second increments until parmesan cheese is melted and dip is heated through. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with diced tomatoes and olives (if desired) and serve with shepherd's bread or tortilla chips. Quick and delicious!

Chocolate Trifle

1 box Duncan Hines devils food cake mix
2 small boxes instant chocolate pudding
3 cups milk
2 (8 oz.) Cool Whip
4 Heath or Skor candy bars (freeze and crush)

Bake cake according to box directions in 9X13 inch pan. Cool. Mix pudding and milk and stir until thickened. Slice cake in half, making 2 think 9X13 inch layers. Layer in 9X13 inch pan 1/2 cake, 1/2 pudding, 1/2 Cool Whipe, then 1/2 crushed candy bars. Repeat and chill. If serving in a trifle dish, divide layers by one-fourth.

This is Aunt Mary Landreth's recipe. Mmmmm, so good!

Banana Banana Bread

I especially prefer this banana bread because it has no nuts or other nonsense involved.
--
Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter (I melted it to make it easier to mix)
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Pour in banana mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes
Yields: 12 Servings

Mexican Casserole

This casserole is very hearty and delicious. I didn't know what to expect while making it, but I was very pleasantly surprised at how scrumptious it turned out. The best part is that it's easy and satisfies that mexican food craving. I'm a big fan of mexican food so this hit the spot perfectly.

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
8 ounces egg noodles
1 (15 ounce) can chili
1 (14.5 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/4 cup salsa
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 -2 cups shredded mexican blend or cheddar cheese.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef, onion, pepper, and celery and saute for 10 minutes, or until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain the fat and set aside. In a separate saucepan, cook noodles according to package directions. When cooked, drain the water and stir in the meat mixture, chili, tomatoes, corn, taco sauce and taco seasoning mix. Mix well and place entire mixture into a 10x15 baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake at 250 degrees for 20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated

Classic Cheesecake

Okay, everyone has to try this cheesecake! It is so yummy, I must say. I made it for the first time this week and sent some home to my in-laws. My father-in-law called me that night to let me know that was the best cheesecake he has ever had. My husband inhaled the other 3/4's of it that same night. :) It's pretty simple too.

Ingredients:

3 - 8 oz pkg of cream cheese (softened)

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

2 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 pt sour cream

3 tbl sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

Beat together in a large bowl cream cheese (make sure it's extra soft or it will be lumpy), sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Pour gently over baked graham cracker crust in a 9" spring form pan. Bake at 350 degrees for at least 30 minutes (may require 45 min). Take from oven and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Mix together sour cream, 3 Tbl sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla. Pour over cooked cheesecake and cook for another 5-10 minutes. Refrigerate for 24 hours. Top with pie filling of your choice.

Instead of pie filling, I used a bag of mixed frozen berries. I thawed them in a sauce pan with 3 tbl sugar and a little cornstarch and water. Once the mixture became bubbly, I poured it into a container and refrigerated it for half an hour. For every slice of cheesecake, I would pour some of the berry sauce over it. It was out of this world!

Graham Cracker Crust

1 1/4 cups crushed graham crackers

2 tbl sugar

4 tbl soft butter

- Mix well and spread evenly over bottom of pan. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool.

Seasoned Oven Fries

I made these last night and this is just one pre-cooked potato. They say the amount of ingredients should yield 6 potatoes but I must have had a big one. Very very yummy.
-
Ingredients:

6 medium baking potatoes
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (I used Mrs. Dash and it worked great)

Directions:

Cut each potato lengthwise into thirds; cut each portion into thirds. In a large reasealable plastic plastic bag, combine the butter, oil and seasoned salt. Add potatoes; shake to coat. Place in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, at 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tender, turning once.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Smoked Chicken, Broccoli, and Black Bean Soup

I know we are coming out of soup season, but this is a great one to add to your repetoire. It is really delicious. It comes from a chef here at a local restaurant in La Jolla Cove, George's. It is very popular and after tasting the soup you may be able to see why it is a hot spot. Enjoy!

½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup diced carrots
½ cup diced onions
½ cup diced celery
1 cup broccoli stems, diced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
¼ cup dry white wine
4 cups chicken stock, hot
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon Tabasco
1 cup diced smoked chicken (recipe follows)
1 cup cooked black beans
1 cup broccoli florets
2 cups heavy cream
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with a small amount of warm water (optional)

In saucepan, add ¼ cup butter. Saute carrots, onion, celery, and broccoli stems for 5 minutes. Add thyme, oregano and basil; sauté 5 minutes more. Add wine and deglaze pan. Add hot chicken stock and reduce heat by 1/3. Add Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, smoked chicken, beans and broccoli florets. Simmer 5 minutes. Add cream, simmer 5 minutes more and season to taste (thicken with cornstarch if desired). Drop in remaining butter, piece by piece, stirring until melted and serve immediately.

Smoked Chicken:
On a covered grill, slightly smoke boneless chicken, cooking to medium rare (about 30 minutes). The chef at George’s uses applewood chips and does not allow the grill to become too hot.

Homemade PlayDough

This is similar to the recipe Hill used when we were in Utah. Gracie loved it and if some does find its way into her mouth, it won't make her sick. I highly reccommend it! Hours of play dough fun!

Ingredients:
1 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
1 c. water
1 tbsp. oil
2 tsp. cream of tartar
Food coloring by drops

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a pan and stir. Cook over low heat, stirring until a ball forms.
2. Add food coloring and mix thoroughly until desired color.
3. Cool on foil. Store in covered container

Mac & Peas

I was pleasantly surprised by this recipe. It was very easy to make and also very yummy to eat. It is an Italian family recipe from my friend Brooke. It is one of her favorites. Enjoy!

½ package frozen peas (16 oz. bag)
½ yellow onion peeled and sliced thinly in quarters
2 or 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small can tomato paste (6 oz.)
2 large bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta- small shells, ditali, or broken spaghetti

In a small pan sauté the sliced onion in olive oil until the onion is clear. Add the frozen peas and cook together with onion until peas are no longer forze. Empty the can of paste into pan with onion and peas, add 2 paste cans full of water also, and two bay leaves. Mix together well and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add more water if sauce becomes too thick. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 30 minutes.

Serve over “macaroni.” Serves four.

Upgrade: add grilled chicken breast, cut into several small pieces and mix in.

Chicken Spaghetti from The Pioneer Woman

This recipe comes directly from The Pioneer Woman Cooks! website. I fully credit her innovation and cooking skills, but I made this over the weekend and it was TO DIE FOR, and really very simple. Step by step instructions (with step by step pictures) can be found at the link above.

1 cut-up fryer OR 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1-1lb. box of thin spaghetti
2 cans cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup (I prefer chicken)
1 onion
1 green bell pepper
1 (4oz.) jar diced pimentos, drained
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp. Lawry's season salt
salt
ground black pepper
1/8-1/4 tsp. red cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1. Place chicken in large pot and cover with water, bring to boil and allow to boil for a few minutes, then simmer on med-low heat for 30-45 minutes. Remove chicken and reserve 2 cups of the chicken broth from the pot; set aside.
2. Add spaghetti to remaining broth in the pot and cook until al dente (do not overcook or the spaghetti will become mushy in the casserole). While spaghetti cooks, shred chicken breasts or pick the meat from the bones of the cut up fryer. You should have approx. 2 cups of chicken meat. Dice the onion and bell pepper very finely.
3. When the spaghetti is finished, drain in and place it in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken and cream of mushroom/chicken soup. Mix together then add the onion, bell pepper, diced pimentos and 2 cups of the shredded cheese.
4. Now add the Lawry's seasoned salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper (1/8 tsp is about right, especially if you're feeding this to kids). Taste the mixture and add salt if necessary. Now, add the reserved chicken broth one cup at a time until the mixture becomes stirrable, but NOT soupy (usually just under 2 cups). Place the mixture in a casserole dish (at least 9x13 size) and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

This makes a very FULL 9x13 pan of casserole, but it was gone in no time at our house. The boys loved it, too. They even ate the included veggies (dicing them finely is the trick). Enjoy!

Best Ever Tomato Soup

Best EVER tomato soup EVER! I wanted to make Ultimate Grilled Cheese sandwhiches with this but didn't have the time. Instead I just slapped some mayo and a slice of velveeta on some wheat bread and grilled it. It was FAB-U-LOUS dipped in this BEST EVER tomato soup.

3 Tbs. Olive Oil
2 Large Onions, diced small
5 cups diced and seeded tomatoes
2 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup basil pesto
salt & pepper to taste
Fresh Parmesan cheese

Cook onions in oil over med-low heat until translucent.
Add tomatoes and allow to warm to a simmer.
Add chicken stock.
Bring to a simmer and allow to cook 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and add whipping cream and pesto.
Blend to desired consistency in blender.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Top with fresh parmesan cheese and serve.

Recipe courtesy of Abbi Penn.

Buttermilk Pancakes

*From my sister-in-law* These aren't thick, heavy, cake-like pancakes, they are light and delicious. Great for kids. The recipe is easier than I expected and not too hard to memorize b/c there's 1 of almost everything.

Whip the following with hand mixer in a large bowl:

-1 egg

-1 c. sour cream (can use Light)

-1 c. buttermilk (or 1 c. milk & 1 TB lemon juice)

Add the following and mix by hand:

-1 c. flour

-1 tsp. baking soda

-1 tsp. baking powder

-1 TB sugar

-1/2 tsp. salt

Drop batter 1/8 c. at a time onto greased griddle warmed to med-high heat. Cook until top bubbles, then flip and cook until done. Makes about 24 small pancakes.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

I used to have a similar salad at TGI Friday's every time I went there in college and then they stopped making it. Big mistake. I have no reason to go to TGI now. Luckily, it's easy to re-create, super good, and hard to mess up!

Salad Ingredients:
-Chicken (prepared any way you like; I just "browned" mine on the stove top)
-Lettuce (I just used a bag to make it super easy)
-Can of corn, drained (or you can use frozen, I'm sure)
-Can of black beans, drained and rinsed
-Tomato
-Shredded cheese (I used Colby Jack)
-Avocado
-Crushed up tortilla chips and/or onion straws (depending on preference)

Note: you'll notice there are no measurements because it's up to how many people you're serving and how much you want of each thing - I just guessed it all out. Like I said, it's hard to mess up.

Dressing Ingredients:
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup Ranch dressing (I used Hidden Valley, I'm sure whatever is fine)

Directions:
1. Put chicken, lettuce, corn, beans, and tomato in a bowl and mix up, set aside.

2. In separate bowl, mix up BBQ sauce and Ranch (you may like more or less BBQ or Ranch, up to you).

3. Put lettuce mixture in bowls or on plates and top with shredded cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips (or onion straws).

4. Put dressing on and mix up and eat!

(See, it's so easy I had a hard time making directions...it's pretty self explanatory. Also, you don't have to have avocado, but it makes it so good - especially if you're lucky enough to have good avocados in your area! Californians!)

Pam's Chicken Enchiladas

2 cans chicken breast
16 oz. sour cream
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 c. shredded cheese
1 can diced green chiles
1 c. sliced black olives
1 can sliced mushrooms
1 pkg. flour tortillas

Combine all ingredients and place desired amount in center of tortilla, roll up tortilla burrito style and lay in greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Place remaining mixture over the tops of the tortillas. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Creamy Rigatoni with Broccoli and Brie

This pasta combination is delicious and easy to make.

1 pound dried rigatoni
1 head broccoli, florets and saltks cut into ½-inch pieces and steamed
½ cup (2 ounces) pine nuts, toasted
8 ounces Brie (with rind), cut into 1-inch pieces
Kosher salt and pepper

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and return the pasta to the pot. Add the steamed broccoli, pine nuts, Brie, ¾ tablespoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir until the cheese melts. Divide among individual bowls.

Tip: The Brie’s rind adds a rich, earthy flavor to the pasta, but you can omit it if you prefer. You can also try fontina or Taleggio instead of Brie.

Spaghetti Primavera

I tried this out today from Kraft Foods but had to modify due to our lack of supplies and money. Robby said it was fantastic!

Ingredients:

2 cups cut-up fresh vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, carrots)

2 Tbsp oil

4 oz. spaghetti, cooked, drained (about 2 cups)

3/4 cup spaghetti sauce

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

Cook and stir vegetables in hot oil in large skillet 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.

Add spaghetti and spaghetti sauce. Cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stillring occasionally. Add cheese; mix well.

Kraft Kitchen Tips

Subtitute 2 cups frozen mixed broccoli, cauliflower and carrots for cut-up fresh vegetables.

I used frozen peas because that was all I had on hand. It also only serves 3 so I guess it would just be for you and the hubs.

Enjoy!

Roasted New Potato Salad

A fresh twist on an old favorite. This potato salad is flavorful and satisfying. It is a little labor intensive, but worth it. Here are the details:

1 1/2 pounds new potatoes (about 9 or 10) cut in half
5 Tablespoons EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
1 teaspoon salt
Fresh-ground black pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tablespoon sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 small red onion, sliced thin
1 cup chopped parsely
2 plum tomatoes

Preheat oven to 425. Put potatoes in roasting pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the Olive oil. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Roast for 40 to 50 minutes, or until tender. Let them cool for 10 to 15 minutes.

While potatoes roast, bring 1 quart salted waterto a boil in a small saucepan. Add green beans and boil 1 to 2 minutes, no longer. Drain and rinse in cold water.

In a large bowl, combine the garlic, vinegar and 3 Tablespoons Olive oil. Add onion, parsley, tomatoes, and green beans.

Add potatoes to the bowl and then add remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste. Toss well.

Bon Apetit!

Fruit Salsa & Cinnamon Chips

Fruit Salsa

2 kiwi fruit, peeled and diced
2 golden delicious apples, peeled and diced
8 oz. raspberries
1 lb. strawberries
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. Brown sugar
3 Tbsp. preserves (any flavor)

Mix raspberries and strawberries with the sugar and preserves.
Add apple and kiwi. Cover and chill for at least 15 minutes.

Cinnamon Chips

10 flour tortillas (small ones)
Melted butter-between ½ and ¾ a stick
1 cup cinnamon and sugar mixture

Brush tortillas with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture.
Use pizza cutter to cut into wedges.
Place on cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Let cool.

How unique is this? I love this. It's different, delicious, and classy. It could almost be used as an April Fools meal. Enjoy.

Szechwan Shrimp

4 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup sliced green onions
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces cooked shrimp, tails removed

DIRECTIONS
In a bowl, stir together water, ketchup, soy sauce, cornstarch, honey, crushed red pepper, and ground ginger. Set aside.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in green onions and garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in shrimp, and toss to coat with oil. Stir in sauce. Cook and stir until sauce is bubbly and thickened.
Serve over hot cooked rice.
This is a surprisingly easy and quick recipe. Ready in 30 minutes or less. I would suggest doubling the liquid ingredients for extra sauce. If you do not like spicy food or are serving to children, I would suggest decreasing the crushed red pepper or taking it out all together. I personally love the extra zing it gives the dish. You can also add carrots or stir fry vegetables to the sauce for a little change.

Brushetta Chicken Bake

I found this recipe on the back of a box of Stove Top and it's awesome. I've already made it 3 times. Once for myself, once with Angie and Hill in San Diego, and then I made it to take over to a sister in our ward who had a baby. Seriously, it's so great because it's super easy, pretty healthy, and it tastes really good. I highly recommend it as an option when you have to take meals to people since it's more of a healthy casserole. It worked out great for me!

Ingredients:

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 pkg (6 oz.) chicken Stove Top

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup hot water

1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tsp. dired basil leaves

1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Put first four ingredients in a bowl and mix until moistened.

3. Place chicken in 9x13 baking dish and sprinkle with basil and cheese.

4. Top with stuffing mixture.

5. Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Seriously...SO easy and really good. Enjoy!

Chocolate Sour Cream Waffles

Technically these are "dessert" waffles but I make them for breakfast and just eat them as is without syrup or anything. My husband uses syrup, but I think that might make them too sweet. Either way, they're really yummy even though I'm not generally a chocolately breakfast person.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 T. unsweetened cocoa
2 tea. baking powder
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter (I've used margarine as well)
1 egg
1 tea vanilla

Directions:
1. Heat waffle iron to medium-high heat (or you can make pancakes).

2. In large bowl combine flour, sugar, cocoa and baking powder.

3. In medium bowl stir together sour cream, milk, butter, egg and vanilla until smooth. (It's definitely important to mix the flour mixture and liquids separately first.)

4. Stir liquids into flour mixture until well blended.

5. Cook on waffle iron or griddle.


Note: they turn out pretty flimsy looking and soft...not hard and crispy like your average waffle. I liked them that way though.

Can be also be served as a dessert with ice cream, frozen yogurt, strawberries, etc...

Yummy Stuffed Bell Peppers

This looks hard, but it's really not. It's great for a change from the same old things. It smells heavenly and makes your whole house smell delicious. I am a cheese lover and like the cheese and basil on top the best so the next time I make it I will cut the peppers lengthwise and have stuffed bell pepper boats with cheese and basil covering all the tops.

3 T Chicken broth
6 large, well proportioned green or red bell peppers
1 lb Ground Turkey (or beef), browned in a pan.
1 medium to large onion, chopped
2 -3 thinly sliced garlic cloves
1 cup cooked rice
3 T brown sugar
1/4 c cider vinegar
1 T dried Thyme
1 tsp cinnamon
1 T dried oregano
Dash of Tabasco
Salt and pepper to taste
15 oz of homemade tomato sauce (from the can works too)
1/2 cup grated mozzerella cheese
1 c grated cheddar cheese1/4 c minced fresh basil
Slice stems and tops off peppers. Remove seeds and white membranes. Rinse and set aside to dry.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Place onion an dgarlic in a non stick skillet with broth. Saute over low heat until tender.
Add browned ground turkey.
Mix in cooked rice, brown sugar, vinegar, all spices, and about 1/2 cup of tomato sauce.
Stuff peppers with the meat mixture.
Place upright in a 2 quart casserole dish that has been coated with cooking spray.
Place any remaining mixturearound the peppers in the dish. Pour any remaining mixture around the peppers in the dish.
Pour remaining tomato sauce over peppers.
Bake for 1 hour, then remove from the oven and sprinkle cheeses and fresh basil over the top. Bake 5 -10 minutes more or until cheese is melted.

Easy Pleasing Meatloaf

2 lb. lean ground beef
1 pkg. (6 oz.) stuffing mix for chicken
1 cup water
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided

PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients except 1/4 cup of the barbecue sauce.

SHAPE meat mixture into oval loaf in 13x9-inch baking dish; top with remaining 1/4 barbecue sauce.

BAKE 1 hour or until cooked through.

May substitute ground pork or veal for the ground beef and/or ketchup for the barbecue sauce.

Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 1 hr 25 min
Makes: 8 Servings
--
I've been looking for over a year for a good and super super easy meatloaf recipe and I feel like I've struck gold with this!

Minestrone Soup (tastes like Olive Garden's)

*Flavorful, delicious, and not difficult. Also, it's a flexible recipe as you can see by the changes I made based on what I did or didn't have on hand when I made this *I got this recipe from my sister-in-law 

In pot, heat:

2 T Olive Oil

Add and saute:

1 Med. Onion (or equivalent Dried Onion, whatever you have)

2 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder, whatever you have)

2 carrots, sliced thinly

2 stalks celery (I didn't have these and it turned out great)

Add:

2 cans Diced Tomatoes - Italian Recipe (or just regular diced tomatoes w/ Italian Seasoning added)

2 cans chicken broth (14 1/2 oz.)

2 t. dried parsley (or 1 T. fresh)

2 t. diced basil

1 t. dried oregano

1 t. salt

pepper

Bring all to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer 20 minutes.

Add:

2 cans kidney beans, drained (15 oz.)

2 c. shredded cabbage (optional - I didn't have this either)

Simmer 10 min.

Stir in:

1 med. sized zucchini sliced (again, I didn't add this)

1/2. c. uncooked elbow macaroni

Cook 10 min.

Serve topped with Parmesan Cheese OR shredded Pecorino Romano cheese (Kirtland brand at Costco in the deli/refrigerated section at the back - Jillyn recommended that I have this cheese on hand because it's delicious added to almost anything like soups, salads, pasta, hot veggies, toasted on bread, etc - it's really similar to fresh parmesan they grate onto your food at Italian Restaurants.)

Super Easy Pork Tacos

This recipe is super easy (hence the name) and very delicious! Just put two ingredients into the crockpot in the morning and in the evening you will have very tasty tacos. I like to serve the tacos with tortillas (of course), cheese, sour cream, and advocados.

Buen Provecho!

1 jar of salsa (choose your favorite, any kind will do)
1 pork roast, or tenderloin (I usually use a tenderloin)
Put roast, or tenderloin in crockpot
Pour salsa over top.
Cook in crockpot on low for 6-8 hours, until meat can shred with fork.
Use shredded pork as meat for soft tacos.

Devil's Food Cake Mix Cookies

1 box Devil's Food cake mix

2 eggs

1/2 c. vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients together, roll into walnut-sized balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet, then move to wire rack. Makes 2-3 dozen cookies.

Variations: Add walnuts, pecans, coconut or chocolate chips.

These stay very moist and chewy for a couple of days (if they last that long!)

Grilled Turkey & Cheese Sandwich

I stole this idea from Jenna but she used avacados and swiss cheese instead.

Prepare just like a regular grilled cheese sandwich and add turkey, ham, or whatever your fancy. I added turkey and Kraft singles (off-brand). It was so easy and you can add whatever you have on hand.

I give all the credit to Jenna as she's my secondary mentor for cooking, and my mom is my first.

AND this is the first recipe I've ever made just flying by the seat of my pants. I think I should get a pat on the back for that.

Hope you enjoy! It's so quick and easy, I don't know how you couldn't!

Heavenly Chocolate Mousse

My absolute favorite thing about the Internet is being able to find a recipe for ANYTHING I am craving at ANY moment. It's awesome. I've been wanting creamy chocolate, so chocolate mousse was the perfect thing! This was really good and really easy and hit the spot! It looks kind of fancy, too, so that's fun. Apparently, you can use it in a pie, but I like it with lightly sweet whipped cream on top. Beware: it's really rich (but really good).

Ingredients:

8 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (or 1 1/3 cups chocolate chips)

1/2 cup water, divided

2 T. butter (no substitutes)

3 egg yolks

2 T. sugar

1 1/4 cups whipping cream, whipped (no sugar)

Directions:

1. In a microwave or double boiler, heat chocolate, 1/4 cup water and butter until the chocolate and butter are melted. (I did chocolate chips in the microwave according to the package directions and then added the water and butter after it was all melted.)

2. Cool for 10 minutes.

3. In a small, heavy saucepan, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and remaining water. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture reaches 160 degrees F, about 1-2 minutes. (I didn't test the temp.)

4. Remove egg yolks from heat and whisk in chocolate mixture.

5. Set saucepan in ice or cold water and stir until cooled, about 5-10 minutes.

6. Fold in whipped cream.

7. Spoon into dessert dishes.

8. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

Mom's Spaghetti & Meatballs

This is super easy (few ingredients) and very tasty. You kind of have to wing it on the amount of spices and herbs, according to your own preference. I just made this two nights ago, should've taken a picture!

Sauce:
1 lg. can crushed tomatoes
2 cans tomato paste
2 cans water (from tomato paste cans)
oregano
salt & pepper
sugar (just a tad to offset the acidity of the tomatoes)

Combine all these ingredients in a large pot and cook over medium heat until mildly boiling, reduce to med-low heat, then add the meatballs. (Note: this sauce is also great for lasagna, manicotti or other Italian dishes. Add sausage, ground beef or chicken.)

Meatballs:
1.5 lbs ground beef
2 pieces of bread, soaked in milk
1 egg
parmesan cheese
parsley
garlic salt
salt & pepper

Mix these ingredients together, mushing the bread and egg into the ground beef with your hand. Roll into balls (the larger they are, the longer they cook) and drop them into the sauce mixture. Cook in sauce over med-low heat at least one hour. Serve all this over spaghetti and you've got yourself one tasty, home-cooked Italian meal!

*This also makes a great crockpot recipe.

Calling Meatball Recipes

I want to learn to make them but I need easy recipes.

Jenna, I know you have one!

Thanks everyone!

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

I have ham left over from this weekend and a huge bag of potatoes that I'd like to get rid of. Not to mention 3 blocks of cream cheese I was going to use for a cheesecake only to decide against it after the purchase had been made. So this recipe is perfect and has everything that I already have in my kitchen.

~

Prep Time: 30 Min

Total Time: 1 Hour

Makes: 15 Servings

~

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1 cup chicken broth
3 lb. red potatoes, thinly sliced (about 12 cups)
1 pkg. (6 oz.) Smoked Ham, chopped
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
1 cup frozen peas

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Mix cream cheese, sour cream and chicken broth in large bowl until well blended. Add potatoes, ham, 1-3/4 cups of the cheese and peas; stir gently to coat all ingredients.

SPOON into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.

BAKE 1 hour or until heated through and potatoes are tender.

Italian Vegetable Soup

This recipe is great one, especially if you have leftover cooked ham from another dinner. Most of the other ingredients you will probably have on hand. Bon Apetit!

3 small carrots, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
2 small potatoes, diced
2 T. chopped parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
3 t. beef bouillon granules, or 3 beef bouillon cubes
1 ¼ t. dried basil
½ t. salt
¼ t. pepper
16 oz. Can red kidney beans, undrained
3 cups water
14 ½ oz. Cant stewed tomatoes, with juice
1 c. diced, cooked ham

Layer carrots, onions, potatoes, parsley, garlic, beef bouillon, basil, salt, pepper, and kidney beans in crockpot.
Do not stir.
Add water.
Cover and Cook on Low 8-9 hours
Or on High 4 ½ to 5 ½ hours until veggies are tender.
Stir in tomatoes and ham.
Cover and cook on High 10-15 minutes.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

I got this recipe off the Food Network and modified it slightly. It was really good though - especially if you like cheese!

Prep time: 10 minutes (so it says...it took me longer!)

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

Kosher Salt

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 eggs, beaten

1 14 oz. can evaporated milk + 1/4 cup milk + 1/4 cup water (2 cups total)

1/2 cup margarine, melted

3 cups grated sharp cheddar

1 cup bread crumbs

1 teaspoon paprika

1/4 cup grated Parmesan (can use the fridge kind)

Directions:

1. Preaheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally until almost tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

3. In a larger bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and 1/4 cup melted margarine.

4. Put half the macaroni into a greased 2-quart casserole dish and top with half the cheddar cheese. Repeat.

5. Pour the milk mixture over the macaroni and cheese.

6. In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the paprika, the remaining butter, and the Parmesan. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the macaroni.

7. Bake until brown and bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes. Serve warm.

Creamy White Chili

1 lb. cooked, skinless, boneless chicken (cubed)
1 ½ tsp. garlic powder
1 medium onion chopped
1 Tbs. vegetable oil
2 cans great northern beans
1 can (14 oz) chicken broth
2 cans (4 oz) chopped green chilies
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp cumin *
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp. pepper
¼ tsp. cayenne pepper *
1 cup sour cream
½ c whipping cream

Sautee the chicken, garlic & onion in oil. Add beans (rinsed & drained), broth, chilies & seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream & whipping cream. Serve immediately.

*If doubling this I suggest not doubling the cumin & cayenne pepper. Otherwise it is really hot!

Having a lid on soup while it is simmering depends on you. I kept the lid on because I wanted to keep all the juice/moisture in instead of having it thicken up so much. Also you can grill the chicken on a George Forman grill and then add to the sauteed garlic and onion if you want. I’ve tried both ways and both are yummy.

Angel Chicken Pasta

Way good and way easy!!!

3-4 big chicken breasts
¼ cup butter
1 dry Italian salad dressing mix
½ cup white cooking wine
1 can condensed golden mushroom soup
4 ounces cream cheese with chives
½-1 lb angel hair pasta

Preheat oven at 325
In pot melt butter and then stir in Italian dressing
Add wine & soup
Add cream cheese until melts
Heat through- but do not boil

In a 9x13 pan cut chicken breasts into smaller pieces
Space them out and pour sauce over.
Cook about 60 minutes

Pour over pasta and/or rice.

Fiesta Casserole

Fiesta Casserole

1 lb extra lean ground beef
1 green pepper- chopped
1 onion- chopped
1 red pepper- chopped (optional)
1 jar (16oz) Thick ‘n Chunky Salsa
10 oz. corn
Flour tortillas
Cheese

Preheat oven 375
Brown meat with peppers & onions in large skillet.
Drain and add salsa & corn. Bring to boil
Spoon 1 cup meat mixture onto bottom of 13x9 inch baking dish.
Top with tortiallas, overlapping if necessary.
Spoon ½ of remaining mixture over tortillas, and top with cheese.
Top with more tortillas and meat mixture, cover with foil.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Remove from oven and uncover.
Sprinkle with cheese and let sit until cheese is melted.

Quick and Easy Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 cups milk
6 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:
Melt butter in a medium, non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Add cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring with wire whisk until smooth. Add milk, a little at a time, whisking to smooth out lumps. Stir in Parmesan and pepper. Remove from heat when sauce reaches desired consistency. Sauce will thicken rapidly, thin with milk if cooked too long. Toss with hot pasta to serve.

I never knew Alfredo sauce was this easy to make!

Chicken Noodle Soup

4 c. chopped, cooked chicken
1 c. chopped celery
1/4 c. chopped carrots
1/4 c. chopped onions
1/4 c. butter
8 oz. egg noodles
2 boxes (32oz) Swanson chicken broth
3-4 c. water
1/2 t. dried marjoram
1/2 t. ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 T. dried parsley (I prefer fresh)

1. In a large stock pot, saute celery and onion in butter.
2. Add chicken, carrots, broth, water, marjoram, pepper, bay leaf and parsley. Simmer 30 minutes.
3. Add noodles and simmer 10 more minutes.