Recipes

Perfect Easy-Peel Hard Boiled FRESH Eggs

2012-02-06T22:57:00.000-08:00

You know how hard it is to peel eggs when they're boiled from fresh eggs right? You lose a big part of the white along with the shell. The funny thing is, the eggs in the store aren't even that fresh. They're usually a week or two old, at least. So we had an extreme dilemma when our pullets started to lay. Even when I let eggs sit in the fridge for 4 weeks, when I boiled them the traditional way they were still impossible to peel. I've read about swirling them in a pan of water after boiling to crack them all over and peel easily. I never tried it but I didn't want all of the eggs peeled at once. I was about to buy a set of Eggies when I read about this trick at backyardchickens.com. I have been hard boiling eggs within days of them being laid and sometimes on the same day they're laid and it has, so far, never failed me (knock on wood).

1. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature. I usually have a dozen or so sitting on the counter that have never been put in the fridge so I don't know how long it takes for refrigerated eggs to come to room temp. Maybe 30 minutes or so?

2. Fill a pot with enough water to cover the eggs. Don't put the eggs in the pot at this point. If you have a basket that will fit in the pot and still allow the eggs to be completely submerged in the water, use that and put the eggs in it while the pot of water boils. So anyway fill the pot and bring it to a boil.

3. Once the water is boiling, gently lower the eggs into the boiling water. It's easiest with a basket or you can use a ladle. I don't think it would end well if you drop them in by hand.

4. Cover the pot and lower the heat a little. With my stove the water stays boiling after I add the eggs. I have one burner that has a "power boil" feature so I don't know if it would stay boiling or come back to a boil quickly on a stove without this feature. Let the eggs simmer for about 15 minutes. note: since I use a basket that has a handle, the cover doesn't fit tightly. It doesn't seem to matter.

5. When there's about 2 minutes left on the timer, I let the water run in the sink until it's really cold, and fill a bowl with it. Put some ice in too. You want the water REALLY cold.

6. After the 15 minutes is up, take the eggs out of the boiling water and put them right into the icy water. This is where a basket really comes in handy. If you don't have a basket it might be quicker to drain the eggs completely and then dump them in the bowl of water. Just do it quickly.

7. Let eggs sit in the ice water for at least 5 minutes.

And that's it. This egg was laid, boiled and peeled all in the same day. Even after they've been in the fridge for a few days they're just as easy to peel.

Soft Sugar Cookies

2011-04-27T23:34:00.000-07:00

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 cup sour cream
3 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 tsp salt
4 cups flour
extra sugar

Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl cream butter and sugar. Add sour cream and eggs and mix well. Dissolve baking soda in vinegar and add to mixture. Stir in vanilla. Combine cream of tartar and salt with flour. Add to creamed mixture. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with sugar and bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes about 7 dozen.

Macaroni Salad

2011-04-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
4-6 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise or miracle whip
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3 tablespoons mustard
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vinegar
3/4 teaspoon ground celery seed
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

Cook macaroni as directed on package (I boil it for 8 minutes). Drain well and allow to cool. Mix all ingredients.

Glazed Pork Chops

2010-10-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

4 pork chops (or enough for one layer in a 9 x 13 baking dish)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1 tbs mustard
1/4 to 1/2 tsp pepper
2 tbs water

Place pork chops in a 13 x 9 baking dish. Mix remaining ingredients and spread over pork chops. Bake at 350° for 1 hour, basting several times in the last half of the hour.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

2009-10-11T00:59:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbs cornstarch
2-1/2 tbs vinegar
1/3 cup pineapple juice
1/2 tbs soy sauce
1/8 tsp garlic powder

hint: 1/2 tbs = 1-1/2 tsp

In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir in vinegar, pineapple juice, soy sauce and garlic powder. Cook over medium-low heat until bubbly. Allow to simmer for 2 minutes.

Lemon Bars

2009-10-11T00:50:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

2/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 cups flour
4 eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup flour
6 tbs lemon juice
2 tbs grated lemon zest
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For crust, place first four ingredients in a large bowl and beat at medium speed until smooth. Add 2 cups flour and beat at low speed until well blended. Press into a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes.

While crust is baking, prepare topping. Beat eggs slightly. In a separate bowl, stir together sugar and 1/4 cup flour. Add to eggs. Beat well. Add lemon juice, zest, baking powder and salt. Beat until smooth.

Pour lemon mixture over baked crust. Return to oven and bake 25-30 minutes or until just set. Sprinkle with powdered sugar while hot. Let cool and cut into bars.

Texas Sheet Cake

2009-10-11T00:44:00.000-07:00

Cake Ingredients:

2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
4 tbs cocoa powder
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

Icing Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
5 tbs cocoa powder
6 tbs milk
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
chopped nuts if you use them (I don't)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, sugar and salt in a small bowl. Set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add cocoa and stir. Add boiling water. Allow mixture to boil for 30 seconds, then remove from heat. Pour over flour mixture and stir lightly. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, stir together buttermilk, eggs, baking soda and vanilla. Stir into the chocolate mixture. Pour into a jelly roll pan and bake for 20 minutes.

For icing, melt butter in a saucepan. Add cocoa and stir well. Remove from heat. Add milk and vanilla and stir. Stir in powdered sugar and mix well. Add nuts if you use them. Pour over warm cake.

Pancakes

2009-10-11T00:38:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour
1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tbs baking powder
2 tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
2 cups milk (more or less)
4 tbs oil
2 eggs, beaten

Mix flours, baking powder, sugar and salt. In another bowl mix the milk, oil and eggs (I actually don't put it in another bowl-why wash two bowls??). Add wet ingredients to the flour mixture and mix well with a whisk until smooth. If you like thicker pancakes use less milk and if you like thin ones, use more.

I use a ladle that holds about 1/3 cup of batter. Ladle it onto a hot griddle or pan set on about medium-low or medium (on my stove it's #4 where #5 is right in the middle) and cook until there are bubbles on top and the edges look dry. Turn and cook the other side. This makes a lot so we have some leftovers for the next day's breakfast or for snacking.

Cut-Out Cookies

2009-02-23T23:22:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour

Preheat to 350°. In large bowl cream the butter and sugar for 2 minutes. Stop and scrape bowl. Cream for another 60 seconds. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.

Sift together baking powder and flour. Add this mixture 1 cup at a time to the butter mixture. Mix well. Blend last cup by hand. Dough will be stiff. It does not need to be refrigerated like most cut-out cookie recipes (which is what I like about it).

Divide into 2 balls. Wrap one with plastic wrap until ready to use. On floured surface roll out to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out cookies and carefully place on parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake for 6-8 minutes. Let cookies rest on cookie sheet until ready to frost. (let them cool completely)

Makes about 3 to 3-1/2 dozen cookies depending upon size of cutters.

Easy Chicken and Noodles

2009-02-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 large can (12 oz) chicken (or about 1.5 cups cooked chicken)
1 can cream of ______ soup (I usually use cream of chicken)
1/3 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk or broth
2 tbs minced dried onions
cooked egg noodles

Mix all ingredients except noodles in a saucepan and heat through. Serve over noodles.

Sloppy Joe Noodles

2009-02-23T22:53:00.001-08:00

This is like Sloppy Joes with noodles instead of bread.

Ingredients:
1/2 box (about 6.5 oz) rotini pasta (or any shape will work)
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup onions, chopped
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped (optional-I don't use this)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1-1/2 cups ketchup
2 tsp prepared mustard
1 tbs brown sugar
Shredded cheese for garnish (optional)

Cook pasta as directed on the box. While it's cooking, cook the ground beef with the onion (and peppers) until beef is browned and cooked and onions and peppers are cooked. Drain well. Add garlic powder, ketchup, mustard and brown sugar and mix well. Bring to a boil and lower heat-allow to simmer until heated through. When pasta is done, drain it and add it to the meat mixture. Stir well. Garnish with shredded cheese if desired.

Taco Soup

2009-02-01T23:29:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 onion chopped
2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz each)
2 cans diced tomatoes (14-15 oz each)
1 can green beans, undrained (about 15 oz)
1 can corn, undrained (same size as the beans)
2 cups water (or use one of the tomato sauce cans)
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
2 cans kidney beans (optional-I don't add these)

note: if you like it extra spicy, use the spicy diced tomatoes for one or both cans.

Use a pretty big pan for this. My pans go from a 4 qt which is too close to being too small for this recipe to a 6 or 7 qt stock pot type thing so I use the stock pot. It only ends up about half full but my stovetop stays cleaner.

Cook ground beef with onion (I cheat and use minced dried onions). Drain well. Add everything else and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Pour into bowls and garnish with cheese, sour cream, avocados, etc.

Taco Seasoning Mix

2009-02-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
2 tsp instant minced onion
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp crushed dried red pepper
1/2 tsp instant minced garlic
1/4 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/2 tsp ground cumin

Mix together. Makes the equivalent of 1 package of taco seasoning. To make taco meat mix with one pound of ground beef, browned and drained, and add 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for about 15 minutes.

Meatloaf

2009-02-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground beef
2 eggs
1 cups milk
1-1/4 cups crushed crackers or dried bread crumbs
1 onion chopped, or 4 tbs dried minced onions
1 tsp salt
pepper to taste (I don't even own pepper so I didn't add this)
ketchup

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix all of the ingredients together, whatever way makes you comfortable (I use a big ziploc bag-I don't like touching raw meat). Form into a loaf-like shape in a 13 x 9 baking dish. Mine was probably about 2" tall but it actually got taller in the middle during baking. Squirt ketchup all over the top. Bake for one hour and twenty minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165° or so.

Chicken Soup

2009-02-01T23:19:00.000-08:00

this is a super easy and quick soup. It's not as good as the kind that takes a long time but it's not bad for a quickie soup.

Ingredients:
1 tbs butter
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion (I cheated and used dried onion)
about 8 cups chicken broth (or water and chicken bouillon)
1 large can (about 13 oz) chicken, not drained
1 cup sliced carrots
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
pepper if you like it (I don't)
about 2 cups egg noodles

Melt the butter in a 4 qt saucepan and cook the celery and onion for about 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth, chicken, carrots and the spices. Bring it all to a boil and add the noodles. Let simmer for about 20 minutes or so.

Peach Cobbler

2009-02-01T23:15:00.000-08:00

note: if I use frozen peaches that we froze ourselves, I skip the peach baking step and since they are sweetened, I also don't add the sugar to the peaches. If using fresh peaches, to peel them easily dip them in boiling water for about 1 minute, then put them in a bowl of ice water. The skins will peel right off. Then slice them into the baking dish.

Ingredients:
about 6 peaches, peeled and sliced (if you like lots of peaches in your cobbler feel free to use more)
2 tbs lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/3 cup flour
3 tbs sugar
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup buttermilk
2 tbs sugar mixed with 1/8 tsp nutmeg and 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Heat oven to 400°. Place peaches in a 2 qt baking dish. Add lemon juice and 1/4 cup sugar and stir to coat. Cover with foil and put in the oven for about 15 minutes. If you use canned or frozen (thawed) peaches you can skip this step. But drain the peaches first.

Mix flour, 3 tbs sugar, baking powder. and baking soda in a medium bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk and stir just until moistened.

Drop the topping by large spoonfuls onto the peaches (hot ones if you used fresh peaches). Sprinkle top with the sugar/nutmeg/cinnamon mixture.

Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes or until topping is browned.

Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Tangy Pork Chops

2009-02-01T23:13:00.001-08:00

Note-The original recipe calls for thickening the sauce at the end but I don't bother. If you want to just add some water mixed with cornstarch (probably about 1/2 cup water with a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch) at the end, turn the crock pot on high, and cook until it's thickened a little.

Ingredients:
4 pork chops
1 large onion, cut up
1 stalk celery, cut up (if you don't have this just leave it out-I almost never have celery on hand)
1/4 cup ketchup
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tbs brown sugar
2 tbs apple cider vinegar
2 tbs Worcestershire sauce (I use Angostura brand)
1 tbs lemon juice

Put the pork chops in the crock pot. Put the onions and celery on top of them. Mix the rest of the ingredients and pour over the top. Cook on high for an hour or so and then low for about 5 hours. Serve over rice.

Cheesy Enchiladas

2009-02-01T23:07:00.000-08:00

This is a pretty fattening dish so I use low fat for the cheese and sour cream and fat free milk. I also use 100% whole wheat tortillas.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (you can also use cooked chicken-I use a 12 oz can)
2 tbs minced dried onion (if you like fresh better, chop it and cook it with the beef)
1 tbs flour
1/2 tsp salt
dash pepper
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp oregano
1/2 can diced tomatoes, not drained (I put the other half in the freezer for the next time)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 eight-inch flour tortillas

2 tbs butter
2 tbs flour
1.5 cups milk
4 oz Velveeta
4 oz sour cream

Heat oven to 350°. Brown beef (with onions if you use fresh) and drain well. Add flour and stir in well. Add the spices and tomatoes w/ juice. Heat through.

On each tortilla, put some cheese and filling (note-you want to put about the same amount of cheese and beef filling in each tortilla. What I do is kind of eyeball-divide the meat into 6 portions. Same with the cheese. It doesn't have to be perfect, just close). Roll each filled tortilla up and place in an 11 x 7 baking dish, seam down. (Line the pan with foil if you want. I do because I don't like having to soak it and then scrub it for days).

Now make the sauce. Don't skip the sauce or else your tortillas will get all hard and chewy. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until smooth and bubbly. Whisk in the milk. Stir and heat until thickened. Add the Velveeta and stir until melted. Add sour cream and stir well. Pour sauce evenly over the filled tortillas. It will seem like too much sauce but it's not. Pour it all on!

Bake at 350° for about 30 minutes.

SOS

2009-02-01T23:02:00.000-08:00

This is from allrecipes.com. I LOVE this stuff but my son does not so I don't make it as often as I'd like to.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup flour
2 cups milk (add another 1/4 cup if you need to, depending on how thick you like it)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp beef bouillon granules
pinch pepper
1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Brown ground beef and drain. Add flour and stir well. Cook over medium heat until flour is all absorbed. Add remaining ingredients. Stir and bring to a boil. Lower heat and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes. Serve over biscuits.

Homemade Gravy

2009-02-01T23:00:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
3 tbs oil (use olive oil and you can tell yourself the gravy is healthy)
5-6 tbs flour
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth if you're making something chicken-ish with it)
1/8 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
pepper to taste

Put oil in a medium pan. Add flour slowly and whisk to mix until dissolved. Heat on med-high for a minute or so, stirring constantly. Add broth, stirring well so it's not lumpy. Add paprika, salt and pepper and stir. Heat to boiling, reduce to a simmer, and let it simmer for 5-10 min or so, stirring often.

Easy Baked Pasta

2009-02-01T22:57:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

2 cups (dry) rotini or other interesting shape pasta
1 lb ground beef or pork sausage
1 chopped onion
1-2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can (about 14 oz I think) diced tomato
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1/4 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried parsley
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350°. Boil pasta as directed on package. While pasta is boiling, brown meat (and drain it), then add onion and garlic and cook until they're done (or do what I do and use 2 tbs dried minced onion and 1/2 to 1 tsp garlic powder). Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and spices. When the pasta is done, drain it and add it to the meat mixture. Mix well. Add 1/2 of the cheese and mix. Put in a 2 qt baking dish (I line mine with foil because I hate soaking it for days to get all that stuck on food to come off). Cover with foil and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, remove foil, and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.

Chuck Wagon Chili Mac

2009-02-01T22:55:00.000-08:00

This recipe is directly from the Kraft website (is that legal? I hope so). I changed it just a little. I used the deluxe mac & cheese (with the squeezy cheese) instead of the regular. Partly because all of our regular mac & cheese are cartoon characters and just didn't seem dinner-like. The mac & cheese was the 2% variety. I also didn't put the cheese and sour cream on at the end and I left out the kidney beans because I didn't have any. My kids liked it a lot-even my picky one. And it is incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients:
1 pkg. (7-1/4 oz.) KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
1 lb. extra lean ground beef
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (16 oz.) kidney beans, drained
1/3 cup BREAKSTONE'S Reduced Fat or KNUDSEN Light Sour Cream
1/3 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese

PREPARE Dinner as directed on package, using Light Preparation directions.
MEANWHILE, brown meat with chili powder and cumin in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. tomatoes with their liquid and the beans; simmer 3 min., stirring occasionally.
STIR in prepared dinner; cook 3 to 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Top with sour cream and cheese.

No Bake Cookies

2009-02-01T22:50:00.000-08:00

note: we have nut allergies in our family so we use soy butter. For people without allergies, or if you just don't need more soy in your diet, sub peanut butter for the soy butter. Also, this recipe makes a ton of cookies. I think it's actually doubled.

Ingredients:

2 sticks butter
4 cups sugar
1 cup milk
6 tablespoons cocoa powder
3/4 cup soy butter (see note above)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups quick oats

Line several cookie sheets with waxed paper. We usually end up using 3 cookie sheets with the cookies pretty close together. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan. Add sugar and milk. Stir well. Add cocoa powder. I sift it through a strainer so that it has no lumps. Stirring constantly, bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat. Allow to boil for ONE MINUTE. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and soy butter. Stir until soy butter is completely melted. Add oats and stir well. Drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper lined cookie sheets. I have the three different size cookie scoops that pampered chef sells and I use the smallest one. Allow to set up-it takes a while depending on the room temperature and humidity. I always think they'll never set up but they always do.

Buttercream Frosting

2009-01-19T23:29:00.001-08:00

Ingredients

1 stick butter, softened
4 tablespoons milk (or use whipping cream to make it extra creamy)
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar (more or less)

In a bowl, beat the butter, milk and vanilla until smooth. Add sugar about 1/2 cup at a time. Make sure the mixer is on low when you add it or you'll get a cloud of powdered sugar. Experience speaking here. Keep beating until it's all smooth. You may need a bit more or less sugar depending on how you like your icing. I am not picky about it so for me, it's easier to just add the 4 cups and be done with it.

Easy Baked Pork Chops

2009-01-19T23:27:00.000-08:00

6 pork chops
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 recipe onion soup mix
2 cans cream of whatever soup (I used one chicken and one mushroom)
one soup can full of milk

Heat oven to 375° F. Brown pork chops in olive oil and transfer to a baking dish. It's ok if they overlap. Sprinkle with onion soup mix. Pour the soups over the top and then pour the milk over that. You don't need to mix it-somehow it mixes up in the oven. Cover tightly with foil and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Serve with something that goes with gravy, like rice, mashed potatoes, or plain noodles because this recipe makes plenty of gravy.

Onion Soup Mix

2009-01-19T23:26:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:
4 teaspoons instant beef bouillon granules
3 tablespoons dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon onion powder
heavy pinch of ground celery seed or celery salt

Mix up and use like you would an envelope of onion soup (does anyone actually make onion soup with it?).

Perfect Chocolate Brownies

2009-01-19T23:22:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
3/4 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup butter
2 1/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (I left these out, obviously)

1. Preheat oven to 350 ° F
2. Line a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick foil OR line it with regular foil and butter the foil.
3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat, then stir in cocoa.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Mix in sugar and vanilla then mix in eggs one at a time.
6. Stir in remaining ingredients then stir in nuts if using them.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.
8. Cool completely, before cutting into 2x2" squares.

source

Press-in-Place Pie Crust

2009-01-19T23:21:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oil (I use canola)
1-1/2 cups flour
1-1/2 tsp sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Put everything in the pie pan. Mix with a fork as much as possible, then finish mixing with your hands. I don't like touching stuff like that so I use a plastic glove on my hand. Pull off pieces of the dough and press them to the sides first. Once all the sides are done, press onto the bottom. Once it's all evenly coated with pie dough you're ready to add the filling. It's not the prettiest pie crust in the world but hey, I'm not entering any contests and it all eats the same. When I make a fruit pie I always use a streusel topping so I don't need to worry about a top crust. For apple pie I just use about 4 golden delicious apples (peeled and sliced), 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Mix it up and put it in the crust. Then for the topping mix 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 2 tablespoons butter (I use smart balance buttery spread) until it's all crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the pie. Bake at 350 for about an hour. I put strips of foil around the edges before I bake, and then take them off after about the first 20 minutes. It helps keep the pie crust from getting too dark around the edges.

If you make this crust for a pie that doesn't get baked, just bake it first at 400 for about 15-20 minutes or until it's lightly browned. I actually have never done this-I guess I always make baked pies.

Chicken Garlic Pasta

2009-01-19T23:19:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
6-8 oz rotini pasta (I use ronzoni healthy harvest-it's a whole wheat blend)
1.5 tablespoons butter (I actually use smart balance buttery spready-it's better for you than butter)
1-2 cloves garlic
1.5 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons chicken broth (I use water and chicken bouillon granules)
1 can chicken (about 12 oz) or use 1 to 1.5 cups cooked chicken or turkey
1.5 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook pasta as directed. While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a 10" skillet. Add garlic and cook for about 1 min (medium heat). Stir in flour and cook for about 1 more minute. Add broth and milk all at once. Using a whisk, stir until smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for another minute or so. Add chicken and heat through. Add parsley, salt, pepper (I add about 1/2 tsp salt. No pepper) and parmesan cheese and stir until cheese is melted. Add hot drained pasta and stir.

Basic Biscuit Mix

2009-01-19T23:13:00.001-08:00

This mix can be used in any recipe that calls for Bisquick®; just use the same amount of mix as the amount of Bisquick® called for.

Ingredients:

8-1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1/4 Cup (4 Tablespoons) Baking Powder
1 Tablespoon Salt
2 Teaspoons Cream of Tartar
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1-1/2 Cups Instant Dry Milk or Dry Buttermilk Powder
2-1/4 Cups Vegetable Shortening

Note: I find it easier to use my stand mixer and make 1/2 of the recipe at a time

In a large bowl, sift together all dry ingredients. Blend well. With a pastry blender or a stand mixer, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Place in an airtight container. Store in a cool dry place. Use within 10 to 12 weeks (I store mine in the refrigerator-it keeps longer and stays fresher that way). Makes about 13 cups of mix.
Recipes using this mix:

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
Cornbread Mix

Cornbread Mix

2009-01-19T23:12:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

2 Cups biscuit mix or Bisquick®
1/2 Cup Cornmeal
1/2 Cup Sugar
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder

Mix all ingredients together and place in a heavy duty sealable plastic bag.

To make Cornbread:

1 bag Cornbread Mix
2 eggs
1 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Butter or Margarine, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the mix in a large bowl, and add the remaining ingredients. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Pour into a greased 8 inch square baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.

Pancake Mix

2009-01-19T23:11:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

10 Cups All Purpose Flour
2-1/2 Cups Powdered Milk
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Baking Powder
1 Tablespoon Salt

Mix all ingredients together in a large sealable container. (I use a big Tupperware Canister.)

To make Pancakes:

2 Cups Mix
1 egg (optional)
1-1/4 Cups Water or Milk
1/4 Cup Cooking Oil
note: If egg is not used, increase water/milk by 1/4 cup.
For thinner pancakes, add a little more liquid

Place dry mix into a medium bowl. Add liquid ingredients and mix well. A few lumps in the mixture is okay, don't mix too long or pancakes may be tough. Preheat a skillet or griddle to 350 degrees. If you aren't using a nonstick skillet, grease it lightly. Pour batter onto hot skillet. When edges look dry and top of pancakes are bubbly, flip them. Cook until bottom is light brown. Serve with syrup or jam.

Applesauce Spice Snack Cake Mix

2009-01-19T23:06:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1-1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
3/4 Cup Sugar
1-1/2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Allspice
1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cloves

Place all ingredients in a heavy duty sealable plastic bag.

To Make the Cake:

1 Bag Snack Cake Mix
1 Egg
1/3 Cup Vegetable Oil
3/4 Cup Applesauce. (I usually use a large jar of baby applesauce-3rd Stage)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Pour the mix into an ungreased 8 or 9 inch square baking pan. In a small bowl, combine egg, oil and applesauce, beating with a fork to blend. Stir into Cake Mix until smooth and blended. Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Chocolate Pudding Mix

2009-01-19T23:05:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1-1/2 Cups plus 2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
3-1/4 Cups Granulated Sugar
1-1/3 Cups Cornstarch
1/2 Teaspoon Salt

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well with a wire whisk. Place mix into a sealable container that will hold at least 8 cups.

To make pudding:

1 Cup Pudding Mix
2-3/4 Cups Milk
2 Tablespoons Butter or Margarine
1-1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Place pudding mix and milk in a saucepan. Cook at medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens to the desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Pour into 6 bowls and chill. Makes 6 servings.

Spaghetti Sauce Mix

2009-01-19T23:04:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons Minced Dried Onion
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Cracked Rosemary
2 Teaspoons Dried Oregano
1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
2 Teaspoons Dried Basil
2 Teaspoons Dried Parsley
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Sugar

Mix all ingredients and place in a sealable plastic bag.

To make Spaghetti Sauce:

1 lb Ground Beef or Ground Pork Sausage, browned and drained
1 - 15 ounce can Tomato Sauce
2 - 14-1/2 ounce cans Diced Tomatoes
1 - 6 ounce can Tomato Paste
1-2 Cloves Garlic, minced
3 Bay Leaves
1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 bag Sauce Mix

Mix all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes. Remove Bay Leaves. Serve over spaghetti noodles

Roasted Potatoes Mix

2009-01-19T23:03:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon Minced Dried Onion
1-1/2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
1 Teaspoon Chopped Chives
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Cracked Rosemary
1-1/2 Teaspoons Dried Parsley
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Salt-Free Seasoning (like Mrs. Dash)

Combine all ingredients in a sealable plastic bag.

To Make Roasted Potatoes:

5-6 Potatoes, cut into 1" cubes
1/4 - 1/3 Cup Olive Oil (Vegetable Oil can be used instead)
1 Bag Mix

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place cut up potatoes in a 13 x 9 baking dish. Drizzle oil over potatoes and mix lightly to coat. Sprinkle mix over coated potatoes and mix to coat evenly. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked.

The mix, oil and potatoes can be put in a large plastic bag and shaken to coat, but I find that alot of the spices stick to the bag instead of the potatoes, so I use the method described above.

Barbecue Sauce Mix

2009-01-19T23:02:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Sugar
1 Tablespoon Minced Dried Onion
2 Tablespoon Celery Flakes
1 Teaspoon Ground Dry Mustard
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Dash Pepper

Mix all ingredients together and place in a sealable plastic bag.

To make barbecue sauce:

1 Bag Mix
1 Cup Ketchup
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tablespoons White Vinegar

Mix all ingredients together.

I usually put this sauce on browned pork chops or ribs, then put them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Either use a heavy pan or baking dish, or put a cookie sheet under the pan to keep the sauce from burning.

Dill Dip Mix

2009-01-19T23:01:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:
4 Teaspoons Dried Parsley
1 Teaspoon Salt Free Seasoning (Like Mrs. Dash)
2 Teaspoons Dried Dill Weed
1 Teaspoon Sugar
1/8 Teaspoon Salt

Place all ingredients in a small sealable bag.

To Make Dip:

1 Bag Dip Mix
1 Cup Sour Cream (You can use low fat or fat free, if desired)
1 Cup Mayonnaise (You can use low fat or fat free, if desired)

Blend Sour Cream and Mayo in a small bowl. Add mix and blend well. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Fiesta Dip Mix

2009-01-19T22:59:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
2 Teaspoons Dried Parsley
1 Teaspoon Sugar
3/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Cilantro
1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Pinch of Salt
Pinch of Pepper

Place all ingredients in a small sealable bag.

To Make Dip:

1 Bag Dip Mix
1 Cup Sour Cream (You can use low fat or fat free, if desired)
1 Cup Mayonnaise (You can use low fat or fat free, if desired)

Blend Sour Cream and Mayo in a small bowl. Add mix and blend well. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

2009-01-19T22:57:00.000-08:00

Note: I only make half of this recipe, but still use 8 tortillas. The 4-5 servings in the original full size recipe must be really huge servings. I don't use the chiles, but for half of a recipe I would probably still use the whole can of them.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chiles, drained
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, cut up and softened
3 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
2 (8-oz) packages Montery Jack cheese, shredded (I actually use cheddar)
2 cups whipping cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add onion, and saute 5 minutes. Add green chiles; saute 1 minute. Stir in cream cheese and chicken; cook, stirring constantly, until cream cheese melts.

Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons chicken mixture down center of each tortilla. Roll up tortillas, and place, seam side down, in a lightly greased 13-x-9 baking dish. Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese, and drizzle with whipping cream.

Bake for 45 minutes.

4-5 servings.

Easy Chicken a la King

2009-01-19T22:51:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1-1/4 cup chicken broth (I use bouillon cubes)
1-1/3 cups milk
1/4 cup (or a small can-drained) mushrooms
2 tablespoons minced dried onion (or the equivalent amount of fresh-cook with butter)
1-1/2 cups cooked cubed chicken or turkey
1-1/2 to 2 cups frozen peas
small thing of chopped pimientos (not sure of the size-I don't use them)
cooked rice or toast

Melt butter in a saucepan (I use a 10" one with straight up-and-down sides). If using fresh onion, saute it now. Stir in flour. Stir and cook till bubbly. Stir in broth and milk. Bring to a boil, reduce heat slightly and cook 3 minutes-stir constantly. Add mushrooms, onion (if using dried), chicken and peas. Cook till heated through. Add pimientos. Serve over rice or toast.

note: I’ve started making this in a lower fat version: Use only 2 tbs of butter. Mix the flour with the milk and some of the broth (I use a shaker cup from Tupperware) before adding to the melted butter in the pan. Add the remaining broth and stir, then proceed as in the original recipe, bringing the mixture to a boil, reducing the heat, and then cooking for 3 minutes.

Brown Sugar Pork Chops

2009-01-19T22:49:00.002-08:00

Ingredients:
6 pork chops
6 tablespoons brown sugar
6 tablespoons margarine
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the chops in a 9x13 inch baking pan. Place 1 tablespoon of brown sugar on top of every chop. Place 1 tablespoon of margarine on top of the brown sugar. Sprinkle chops with soy sauce. Cover pan with foil and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until browned.

Cola Pork Chops

2009-01-19T22:49:00.001-08:00

cola park chops:
Ingredients
1 cup ketchup
1 cup cola (not diet, but caffeine free is okay)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
8 pork chops
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Mix together the ketchup, cola and brown sugar. Place pork chops in a baking pan and pour cola mixture over, coating well. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for about one hour depending on the thickness of the pork chop.

Bacon and Egg Bake

2009-01-19T22:48:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

5 Hard Boiled Eggs, chopped
8 ounces Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 - 10-3/4 ounce can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
2 Tablespoons Minced Dried Onion (or use 1/2 of a fresh onion, diced and sauteed)
1/4 Cup Milk
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
6 slices Bacon, fried and crumbled
Biscuits

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, cheese, soup, onion, milk and seasonings. Mix well. Place in a greased 8" baking dish. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over top. Bake for 20 minutes; serve over biscuits.

Beef Noodle Soup

2009-01-19T22:46:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 lb Ground Beef, browned and drained
2 Tablespoons Minced Dried Onion (or use 1/2 of an onion, diced and sauteed until soft)
2 - 14-1/2 ounce cans Diced Tomatoes (do not drain)
3 Cups Water
3 Beef Bouillon Cubes
1 Cup Frozen Peas
1 Cup Frozen Corn
1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
1-1/2 Cups Uncooked Egg Noodles

Combine all ingredients except noodles in a dutch oven. Bring to a boil, and cook over medium high heat for about 10 minutes. Add noodles. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook 10-15 minutes or until noodles are done.

Cheese Garlic Grits

2009-01-19T22:45:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

3-1/2 Cups Water
1 Cup Grits (regular, not quick)
1 Clove Garlic
1/4 Cup Butter or Margarine
Dash Worcestershire Sauce
6 ounces Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
Paprika

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in grits. Cover and cook on low heat for 12-15 minutes. Add garlic, butter, worcestershire sauce and half of the cheese. Stir until cheese and butter are completely melted. Place in an 8" baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 20 minutes.

Cheeseburger Soup

2009-01-19T22:43:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

1 lb Ground Beef, browned and drained
3-4 Tablespoons Butter or Margarine
3/4 Cup Shredded Carrot (optional)
3/4 Cup Diced Celery
1 Teaspoon Dried Basil
1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley
1/4 Cup Minced Dried Onion (or 1 fresh onion, diced)
3 Cups Water, divided
3 Chicken Bouillon Cubes
4 Cups Diced Potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
1/4 Cup Flour
8 ounces (about 2 cups) Processed Cheese, cut up (Velveeta)
1-1/2 Cups Milk
3/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
1/4 Cup Sour Cream

In a 4 quart saucepan, melt the butter. Saute the carrot and celery until tender. (If you use fresh onion, saute it with the carrot and celery.) Add basil, parsley and dried onion. Add 2-1/2 cups of the water, the bouillon cubes, the potatoes and the browned beef. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender. Mix the flour with the remaining 1/2 cup water until smooth. Add to pan. Cook at medium heat, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add cheese, milk, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until cheese is melted. Remove from heat and blend in sour cream.

Chicken Pot Pie

2009-01-19T22:38:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1-3/4 Cup Water
2 Chicken Bouillon Cubes
1/4 Cup Minced Dried Onion (or use 1 whole onion, diced and sauteed)
1 Cup Flour, divided
1 Teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
2 Cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables
1-1/2 Cups Cooked Diced Chicken
3/4 Cup Quick Oats
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
2 Tablespoons Butter or Margarine
1/2 Cup plus 2 Tablespoons Milk
1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a medium saucepan, combine water, bouillon cubes, onion, 1/4 cup of the flour, and poultry seasoning. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2-3 minutes. Add vegetables and chicken and stir well. Place in greased 2 quart baking dish. In a small bowl, combine remaining 3/4 cup flour, oats and baking powder. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Add milk and syrup and mix with a fork until just blended. Spoon over chicken mixture. Bake for 35 minutes.

Chili Spaghetti

2009-01-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 lb Ground Beef, browned and drained
2 Tablespoons Minced Dried Onion (or use 1/2 of a fresh onion, diced and sauteed)
2 Cloves Garlic
3 Cups Tomato Juice
1 - 16 ounce can Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
6 ounces Spaghetti, broken up, or Elbow Macaroni (uncooked)
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
2 - 3 Teaspoons Chili Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well and place in a greased 2-1/2 quart baking dish. Bake, covered, for 65-70 minutes. Let stand covered 10 minutes.

Ground Beef Stroganoff

2009-01-19T15:54:00.002-08:00

This is the easiest stroganoff recipe ever.

Ingredients:
1 lb Ground Beef, browned and drained
2 Tablespoons Flour
1 Packet Onion Soup Mix (I use Lipton)
1 Cup Water
1 - 4 ounce can Mushroom Stems and Pieces, drained
1 Cup Sour Cream
Cooked Egg Noodles

Combine all ingredients in a skillet and bring to a boil. Simmer about 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream and serve over noodles.

Layered Cabbage Rolls

2009-01-19T15:54:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

1 Medium Head Cabbage
1-1/2 lb Ground Beef, browned and drained
1/2 lb Ground Pork Sausage, browned and drained
2 Tablespoons Minced Dried Onion (or use 1/2 of a fresh onion, diced and sauteed)
1 Teaspoon Chili Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/8 Teaspoon Pepper
2/3 Cup Uncooked Long Grain Rice
2 cans condensed tomato soup
2 tbs brown sugar
2 cans water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut cabbage up coarsely and place in an oiled 13 x 9 baking dish. in a medium bowl, combine meat, onion, seasonings and rice. Spread evenly over cabbage. In same bowl, combine tomato soup, brown sugar and water. Pour over meat mixture. Cover pan with foil and bake for 1-1/2 hours.

Hash Brown Casserole

2009-01-19T15:52:00.002-08:00

Ingredients:

1 - 24 ounce package Frozen Hash Browns, thawed (about 8-9 cups)
1 - 10-3/4 ounce can Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 Cup Milk
1 Cup Sour Cream
8 ounces Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
2 Tablespoons Minced Dried Onion

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except for 1/2 of the shredded cheese. Place in a greased 13 x 9 baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for 45 minutes.

Veggie Pancakes

2009-01-19T15:52:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

2-3 Medium Zucchini, shredded (about 2 cups)
1 Medium Carrot, shredded
1 Medium Potato, peeled and shredded
1/3 Cup Frozen Peas (thawed)
1/3 Cup Frozed Corn (thawed)
1/2 Cup Pasteurized Egg Substitute
1/4 Cup Flour
1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 Teaspoon each Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder and Celery Seed
Vegetable oil for frying

Drain zucchini, squeezing to remove excess liquid. Combine zucchini, carrot, potato, peas and corn. Stir in egg substitute, flour, cheese and seasonings. Mix well. In a skillet, heat 1/4" of oil over medium heat. Drop batter by 1/4 Cupfuls; press lightly to flatten. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Serve warm.

note: I always use egg substitute for this recipe. 2 eggs may be used instead.

Easy Buttermilk Biscuits

2009-01-19T15:51:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:
2-1/2 Cups Flour
3 Tablespoons Sugar
1-1/2 Tablespoons Baking Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Cup Butter or Margarine, softened
1 Cup Buttermilk
(Substitute for Buttermilk: Place one tablespoon vinegar into a measuring cup. Add enough milk to equal 1 cup. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and mix just until dry ingredients are moistened. DO NOT OVERMIX! If using a cookie sheet to bake biscuits on, let batter sit for a few minutes to thicken up. Place equal amounts in 12 greased muffin tins, or drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto a cookie sheet Bake for about 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cheddar Muffins

2009-01-19T15:50:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

2 Cups Flour
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
1/4 Cup Minced Dried Onion (or use 1 fresh onion, diced and sauteed)
4 Teaspoons Dried Parsley
4 ounces (1 Cup) Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Egg, beaten
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1/3 Cup Butter or Margarine, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, paprika, onion and parsley. Stir in cheese. Add egg, milk, sour cream and butter. Mix just until blended-try not to mix too long, or muffins may be tough. Spoon batter into a greased muffin tin. Bake for 20 minutes.

Oatmeal Fudge Bars

2009-01-19T15:46:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
2 Cups Brown Sugar, packed
1 Cup plus 2 Tablespoons Margarine, softened and divided
2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract, divided
2 Eggs
2-1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Salt, divided
3 Cups Quick Oats
1-14 ounce can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1-12 ounce bag Chocolate Chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix brown sugar, one cup of margarine, one teaspoon of vanilla and the eggs. Sift together flour, baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt; stir in oats and add to egg mixture. Mix well. Reserve 1/3 of the mixture; press remaining oatmeal mixture into a greased 9x13 pan. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons margarine, condensed milk, and chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until chocolate is melted; remove from heat. Stir in remaining vanilla and salt. Spread over oatmeal mixture in pan. Drop reserved oatmeal mixture by rounded teaspoonfuls onto chocolate mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. (don't overbake-I baked them for 25 minutes). Cut into bars while warm.

Rice Pudding

2009-01-19T15:45:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:
1-1/4 cups uncooked white rice (or 2-1/2 cups cooked rice)
1-1/2 cups white sugar (it also works with brown sugar)
1/2 cup butter, melted
5 cups milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup raisins (optional)

In a saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. (If using cooked rice, skip the previous step). Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine 2 1/2 cups cooked rice, sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg and raisins (if using) and mix well. Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish. The mixture will look very soupy, but it will thicken up during cooking and cooling. Bake in preheated oven until top is golden, 30 to 60 minutes (I cook it for about 45 minutes). Serve warm or cold.

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

2009-01-19T15:44:00.002-08:00

Ingredients:

1-1/2 Cups biscuit mix or Bisquick®
1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
1/2 Cup Milk
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar, Packed
1/4 Cup Cocoa Powder
1-1/2 Cups Boiling Water

Preheat oven to 350°. In an ungreased 8" square pan, combine biscuit mix, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, milk and vanilla. Blend well.
Combine brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle over top of cake mixture. Gently pour boiling water over top of mixture. Do not stir. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until edges separate from pan. Cool in pan 15 minutes before serving. The cake will rise to the top and the pudding will be on the bottom. This cake is really good with ice cream or whipped cream.

Easy Chocolate Fudge

2009-01-19T15:44:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

2 lbs. Powdered Sugar
3/4 Cup (1-1/2 Sticks) Butter or Margarine
1 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/2 Cup Milk
1-1/2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract
1/2 Teaspoon Salt

In a medium saucepan, heat all ingredients over low heat, stirring until smooth. It will seem too thick, but as you heat and stir it, it will become thinner. Spread mixture in a greased 11" x 7" pan. Cool completely and cut into squares.

note: this can also be made in the microwave. Melt butter in a large measuring cup. Add cocoa and stir well. Add milk, vanilla and salt and stir. Add powdered sugar and stir well. Spread in an 11 x 7 pan (or a loaf pan). Work quickly when using the microwave-it gets hard to stir it if you take too long!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

2009-01-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

2 Cups Flour
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Cup Butter or Margarine, softened
3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
3/4 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
1-1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
2 Cups (12 oz.) Chocolate Chips
2 Cups Quick Cooking Oats

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside. In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix well. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and oats. Drop by tablespoonfuls about 2" apart on cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool on pan for about 3 minutes, then remove and place on a cooling rack. Makes about 4-1/2 dozen.

Lemon Cream Cupcakes

2009-01-19T15:40:00.000-08:00

Cupcake Ingredients:

1 Cup Butter or Margarine, softened
2 Cups Granulated Sugar
3 Eggs
2 Teaspoons Grated Lemon Peel
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
3-1/2 Cups Flour
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 Cups (16 oz) Sour Cream

Frosting Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons Butter or Margarine, softened
2-1/4 Cups Powdered Sugar
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
3/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/4 Teaspoon Grated Lemon Peel
1-2 Tablespoons Milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease muffin tins, or use liners. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs. Add lemon peel and vanilla extract; Mix well. In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). Fill each muffin cup with 1/4 cup of batter. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

To make frosting:

In a small bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add lemon juice, vanilla, lemon peel and milk. Beat until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Makes about 2-1/2 dozen.

This recipe can also be baked in a 13" x 9" pan instead of a muffin tin. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely and frost.

Honey Bun Cake

2009-01-19T15:33:00.000-08:00

Cake Ingredients:

1 Box Yellow Cake Mix
4 Eggs, beaten
3/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
1 Cup Buttermilk
(Substitute for Buttermilk: Place one tablespoon vinegar into a measuring cup. Add enough milk to equal 1 cup. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes)
1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Quick Cooking Oats

Glaze Ingredients:

1 Cup Powdered Sugar
2 Tablespoons Milk
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil and buttermilk. Mix well. Pour half of the batter into a greased 13" x 9" cake pan. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon and oats. Sprinkle over batter. Pour remaining batter over sugar mixture. Using a butter knife, swirl sugar mixture and batter together. Don't mix them completely! Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

To Make the Glaze:

Mix all glaze ingredients well. Pour over warm cake.

Apple Crisp with Cheese

2009-01-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

4 Cups Sliced Apples (I use Golden Delicious, about 5 of them)
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Water (use less water for softer apples)
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Butter
1 Cup Velveeta Cheese, cut up

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place apples in an 8" square baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon and pour water into dish. Stir gently so that apples are all coated with the cinnamon mixture. In a medium bowl, combine flour and sugar. Using two knives, or a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs. Stir in cheese. Sprinkle evenly over apples and bake for 50-60 minutes, until apples are tender.