Ham Noodle Bake

Not sure where this one came from, probably allrecipes.com or something similar.

Ham Noodle Bake

Ingredients:
1/4 c. butter, cubed
1/4 c. flour
1/8 t. pepper
2 1/2 c. milk
3-4 t. horseradish
1 T yellow mustard (or use mustard horseradish and eliminate this)
6 c. cooked wide egg noodles
2 c. cubed cooked ham
1 c. cubed cheddar cheese
1/2 c. soft bread crumbs, toasted

In saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk, bringing to boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes until thickened and bubbly. Add horseradish and mustard, mix well. Stir in noodles, ham and cheese.

Pour into 13x9 pan. Cove and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Uncover, add bread crumbs and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Our Review: This was good but next time I will add shredded cheese to the top instead of the bread crumbs but then again I love cheese! Would also be good with peas or mixed veggies mixed in.

Weekly Menu

I'm trying something different this week...planning and buying for two weeks. A little experiement to see if this works better and is any cheaper for our family.

Beef:
Chili (in freezer), cinnamon rolls, raw veggies, fruit
Meatballs, french fries, corn, fruit
Hamburgers, lipton noodles, green beans, fruit
Sub sandwiches (leftover meatballs), chips, raw veggies, fruit
Hamburger Helper Taco, green beans, fruit

Fish:
Tilapia, lipton rice, green beans, fruit
Fish sticks, mac & cheese, peas, fruit

Pork:
Pork Chops, stuffing, corn, fruit
Ham steak, cheesy potatoes, green beans, fruit

Chicken:
Cream CP Chicken, noodles, peas, fruit
CP Fiesta Chicken soup, tortilla chips, fruit
Shake 'n Bake chicken, shells & cheese, green beans, fruit

Freezer Day

Between yesterday and today I made...

Blueberry muffins (from store bought mix)
Applesauce muffins
Cinnamon waffles (bisquick w/cinnamon added and cinnamon/sugar sprinkled on top)
Peanut Butter waffles (bisquick w/peanut butter chips added)
Chili
Taco Soup

I have found that I have good luck just putting the finished products into good ziplock bags and putting it directly into the freezer.

Freezer Cooking/Baking

I love having quick meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in the freezer for those busy or lazy days! I'll be sharing what I add to the freezer on my cooking days.

A couple of weeks ago I was in need of some quick breakfast choices for Brooke & Lexy so this is what I made up for the freezer...

Regular pancakes (from cheap pancake/waffle mix)
Chocolate Chip pancakes (from same mix)
Blueberry Cheesecake muffins (from a store bought mix)
Peanut Butter muffins

Applesauce Muffins

This recipe came from a handout Lexy got at school.

Applesauce Muffins

Ingredients:
1/4 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1 1/2 t. cinnamon
2 cups flour
1 1/4 cups applesauce

Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin tin with baking cups. Cream sugar and margarine. Add egg, mix well. Blend in remaining ingredients. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for 15-18 min.

Our Review: Lexy loved these at school. We'll be trying them for after school snack.

Weekly Menu

Had a crazy week last week so most of these are held over from then.

Mackeral Patties, fried potatoes, macaroni & tomato juice, pineapple

Hamburger Helper Lasagna, cresent rolls, green beans, peaches

Ham Noodle Bake, salad, pears

Teriyaki Chicken, Cheesy Hashbrowns, green beans, fruit cocktail

Frozen Pizza, raw veggies, apples

Weekly Menu

This weeks menu...

Chow Mein, cheese slices, pineapple

Teriyaki Chicken, cheesy hashbrown casserole, green beans, peaches

Ham Noodle Bake, salad, pears

Taco soup, tortilla chips

Popcorn chicken, lipton noodles, green beans, fruit cocktail

Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken

This one came from the Kraft Food & Family magazine.

Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken

Ingredients:
1/2 lb. fettuccine, uncooked
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips/chunks
1 1/4 cups fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 t. flour
4 oz. Cream Cheese, cubed (can use reg. or less fat)
3 T Parmesan Cheese
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. pepper

Cook pasta as directed on package.

Meanwhile, cook chicken in skillet or put in crock pot in the morning with about 4 cups water and let cook on low for 6 hours or hight for 3.

In skillet, mix broth, flour, cream cheese, 2 T. parmesan, garlic powder and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until mixture boils and thickens. Stir in chicken.

Drain pasta, place in a large bowl. Pour chicken mixture over pasta; toss to coat. Sprinkle wit remaining parmesal cheese.

Our Review: This was good but kind of bland tasting. I think I will investigate seasoning that could be added for next time.

Brown Sugar Smokies

Got this recipe from Robin. These can be used as an appetizer or as part of a meal!

Brown Sugar Smokies

Ingredients:
1 pkg beef Little Smokies
1 pkg bacon
brown sugar

Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Cut strips of uncooked bacon into three. Wrap each small piece of bacon around a smokie and secure with a toothpick. Sprinkle brown sugar generously over the top of the smokies wrapped in bacon. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes until bacon is cooked through.

For a meal serve with mac & cheese, veggie and fruit.

Our Review: These are YUMMY! We've had them a couple of times as appetizers and as part of a meal.

Easy Lasagna

Not sure where this one came from.

Easy Lasagna

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1 1/2 jars spaghetti sauce
32 oz. cottage cheese
2 eggs
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
2 t dried parsley
3 cups shredded mozzarella
salt/pepper
lasagna noodles

Brown and drain beef. Add spaghetti sauce and simmer.

Mix cottage cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, eggs, half of the parmesan, parsley and salt/pepper.

Cover bottom of 9x13 pan with 1/3 spaghetti sauce/meat mixture. Cover sauce with uncooked lasagna noodles (I used 4). Spread 1/2 of the cheese mixture on top of noodles. Repeat layers until everything is used up ending with spaghetti sauce/meat mixture. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan on top. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes. Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving.

Our Review: Mike and I loved this (Brooke was gone). It was so easy to make too!

Weekly Menu

This weeks menu...

Brown sugar smokies, mac & cheese, pears, green beans

Grilled Cheese, tomato soup, peaches, raw veggies (not done last week)

Easy Pleasing Meatloaves, potatoes, corn, peaches

Mackeral Patties, mac & tomato juice, fried potatoes, mandarin oranges

Fettuccine Alfredo w/Chicken, cheddar/garlic rolls (from package), salad, fruit cocktail

Bakers Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Right off the back of the Chocolate Chunk package!

Baker's Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups flour
3/4 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margaring, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 t. vanilla
1 pkg (12 oz) chocolate chunks (or chips)
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional - I did not use)

Preheat oven to 375. Mix flour, baking soda and salt until well blended, set aside. Beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, beat until well blended. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well blended after each addition. Stir in chocolate and walnuts. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool one minute then transfer to wire racks. Cool completely. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Weekly Menu

This weeks menu...

CP BBQ Pork, french fries, corn, pineapple

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, tomatoe soup, carrots/celery, strawberries

Meatballs, lipton noodles, green beans, pears

Chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, white gravy, corn, mandarin oranges

Lasagna, garlic toast, salad

Cocoa No Bake Cookies - Mike's favorites!

This has been in my recipe box for many years and is Mike's very favorite.k

Cocoa No Bake Cookies

Ingredients:
1/2 c. bujtter (1 stick)
1/2 c. milk
2 c. sugar

1/2 c. peanut butter
1 t vanilla
3 c. quick cooking oatmeal
1/4 cocoa powder
1 c. coconut (optional)

In saucepan cobine butter, milk and sugar. Heat over medium heat stirring constantly. Let boil one minute.

Remove pan from heat and add peanut butter, cocoa, vanilla, oatmeal and coconut (I have never tried it with this but it would probably be good). Stir well and immediately drop by spoon fulls on wax paper. Let cool.

Peanut Butter Muffins

This is another one I got off of allrecipes.com and made my own changes to.

Peanut Butter Muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 T. brown sugar

1 T. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

1 cup peanut butter

2 T. cold butter or margarine

1 cup milk

2 eggs

cinnamon/sugar mixture

Combine sugar, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the peanut butter and butter until it resembles course crumbles. Beat eggs & milk and stir into dry ingredients until moist. Fill lined muffin tins 2/3 full. Sprinkle cinnamon/sugar mixture on top.

Bake at 400 for 15-17 minutes. Serve with butter and/or jelly.

Our Review: These are going into the freezer for quick breakfast options for the girls, haven't tried yet! UPDATED: we tried these and they are YUMMY! We had them plain but with jelly would also be good!

Make Ahead French Toast

This one is based on a recipe on allrecipes.com with some changes from me.

Make Ahead French Toast

Ingredients:
1 loaf french bread, cut into about 12 1" slices
7 eggs
1 1/2 c. milk
2 t. vanilla extract

1/2 c. butter, melted
1 c. brown sugar
2 T. maple syrup (I just used regular syrup)
1 c. chopped pecan (option, I did not use)

Mix eggs, milk and vanilla in a bowl, pour mixture into bottoms of a 13x9 and an 8x8 square pan. Dip each piece of bread into egg mixture (both sides) and then sit on top of egg mixture in pan. I got 8 in the 13x9 and 4 in the 8x8. Refrigerate over night. In the morning mix together butter, brown sugar, syrup and pecans and spoon mixture over each piece of bread.

Cook at 350 for 40-45 minutes.

Our Review: This was delicious, didn't even need syrup over top! I think it would also be good with cinnamon/sugar mixture over top instead of brown sugar, butter, syrup mixture! Think next time I'll try to make these into french toast sticks and freeze for the girls for breakfasts.

Weekly Menu

This weeks menu...

Chili, cinnamon rolls

Fish Sticks, mac & Cheese, green beans, pineapple

Chicken Chile Spaghetti, mandarin oranges

Tostados, peaches

Ham sandwiches, pretzels, raisins, carrots (game night)

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

I kind of made this one up.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can enchilada sauce
12 (6 in) corn tortillas
green chiles (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cook chicken, I used boneless/skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot on high for about 4 hrs. Shred chicken. Mix together chicken, soups and chiles (optional). Layer 6 of the tortillas on bottom of 13x9 pan, cover with 1/2 can enchilada sauce. Spread chicken mixture over sauce. Layer 6 more tortillas on chicken mixture, cover with remaining enchilada sauce. Top with shredded cheese.

Cook at 350 for about 20-25 minutes until heated thru and cheese is melted.

We served this with a big salad and pineapple chunks.

Our Review: This is basically my chicken enchiladas in casserole form. Much less mess and time and just as yummy!

Crockpot Orange Chicken

Found this one at www.crockpot365.blogspot.com

Crockpot Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken cut in 2 inch chunks
1/2 cup flour
olive oil, for browning the chicken
1 T kosher salt
6 oz. (1/2 can) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
3 T brown sugar
1 t balsamic vinegar
3 T ketchup

Dredge chicken pieces with the flour, shake off excess. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on the stove and brown the chicken on all sides. There is no need to fully cook it, just sear it enough for the flour to stick and get a nice coating.

Put chickent pieces into slow cooker. In small bowl, combine the orange juice concentrate, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt and ketchup. Taste, if you'd like the chicken to be a bit sweeter, add a touch more sugar. Pour sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, and toss gingerly to coat.

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4. Serve over white or brown rice.

Our Review: We did not care for this one. It was the first that I have tried that we felt was inedible. If you try it and it turns out good let me know so I can try again...maybe I did something wrong.

Weekly Menu

Opps forgot to post this!

Hamburger Helper, green beans, mandarin oranges

Spaghetti (homemade sauce), garlic toast, peaches

Pasta Salad

Tuna Helper, peas, pears, crescent rolls

Chicken Enchilada Casserole, salad, pineapple

Caramel Apple Crumble

This is a recipe that I came up with after looking through a bunch of recipes to use up some of the apples that we picked at the orchard.

Caramel Apple Crumble

Ingredients:
5 apples - peeled, cored & sliced
2/3 c. caramel topping
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
pinch salt
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
1 t. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375.

Place apples in an 8x8 pan. Pour caramel over top of apples. In bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Stir in flour, salt, oats, cinnamon and sprinkle on top of apples/caramel. Bake at 375 for about 35 minutes until bubbly and topping is browned.

Our Review: YUMMY! Very good cool weather dessert!

Pizza Bake

This one came from tasteofhome.com (with changes by me) and originally was call crock-pot pizza but I did this one in the oven to avoid cleaning cheese out of the crockpot :)

Pizza Bake

Ingredients:
1 pkg (16 oz) wide egg noodles
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion (I didn't use this)
2 jars (26 oz each) spaghetti sauce (recipe called for one jar, definately needs two)
2 t. Italian seasoning
1 pkg sliced pepperoni, halved
3 cups (12 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups (12 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
sliced black olives to taste
mushrooms (optional, I did not use)

Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion (optional) over medium heat to done, drain.

Stir together noodles, beef, pepperoni, seasoning, spaghetti sauce, black olives. Pour half of mixture in 13x9 pan, cover with 1/2 cheese; repeat layers. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes until heated thru and cheese is melted.

CROCKPOT: If you want to do this one in the crockpot, cook the noodles and beef. Add spaghetti sauce, seasoning, black olives to beef. Coat the crockpot with cooking spray. Spread a third of the meat mixture on bottom, cover with a third of the noodles and pepperoni, sprinkle a third of the cheese. Repeat layers twice. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Our Review: This was LOVED by all!! Very tasty, full of flavor.

We served this with salad and grapes.

Weekly Menu

This weeks menu...

Meatballs (packaged), mac & cheese, peas, pineapple

Chicken 'n Noodles (homemade), mashed potatoes, corn, mandarin oranges

Crockpot Orange Chicken, rice, green beans, peaches

Pizza Bake, salad, strawberries

Sandwiches, chips, veggies and raisins (game night)

Desserts this week include Caramel Apple Crumble with apples we picked at the orchard and Thin Mint Cookies!!

Baked Ziti

This one comes from the back of the Hunts Four Cheese Sauce, with a couple of changes.

Baked Ziti

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef or mild pork sausage
16 oz. ziti noodles
8 oz. shedded mozzerella cheese
2 cans Hunts Four Cheese Spaghetti Sauce

Cook and drain beef or sausage. Cook ziti noodles according to package directions. Mix cooked ziti, beef/sausage and sauce and pour into 9x13 pan. Top with mozzerella.

Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes to heat through and cheese melts.

Our Review: We have had this one a couple of times and we really like it. We have tried both beef and sausage and both are equally yummy.

We serve this with salad, garlic bread and fruit.

Chicken and Cheese Crescents

I adapted this from a recipe at allrecipes.com. I think the recipe as is would be great and we will try it sometime but I knew for now my girls would eat it better in my adapted format. I'll put the original recipe first and then my adapted recipe!

Original Recipe...
Chicken and Cheese Crescents

Ingredients:
1 (4lb) whole chicken, cooked and deboned (I used 2-3 breasts)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 350.

In saucepan heat soup, milk and 4 oz. of the cheese over low heat. Meanwhile, separate crescent rolls into triangles. Place some chicken onto the large end of each rool and top with a little cheese. Roll up and place in a 9x13 pan. Pour 1/2 of soup mixture directly into pan, not on top of rolls.

Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes, or until rolls rise slightly and are lightly browned.

Pour remaining 1/2 of soup mixture into the dish, laying any leftover chicken meat on top, ans sprinkle with any remaining cheese. Return to oven until rolls are browned and cheese has melted.

My adapted recipe...
Chicken and Cheese Crescents

Ingredients:
1 whole chicken, cooked and deboned (I used 2-3 breasts)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
velveeta cheese
2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 350.

Cut some of the velveeta up into bite size pieces. Unroll crescents into triangles and place some chicken and a piece or two of velveeta on large end and roll each one. Place on baking sheet and bake according to package directions.

Meanwhile, combine soup, milk and a chunk of velveeta in a saucepan. Heat until cheese is melted.

Serve crescents with soup mixture over top (if desired).

Our Review: Mike and I really enjoyed these with the mixture over the top so I'm sure we would enjoy the original recipe. Brooke is against most sauces so she ate hers without the mixture.

We served these with green beans and

Weekly Menu

This weeks menu...

Taco Soup, tortilla chips, apples

Crockpot BBQ Pork, steak fries (frozen), corn, pears

Baked Ziti, salad, garlic bread, mandarin oranges

Chicken/Cheese Crescent Casserole, green beans, fruit cocktail

Sandwiches, raw carrots, chips, grapes - game night

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

I got this one from http://www.recipezaar.com/ but I changed some things, so here is mine...

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:
4-6 chicken breasts (or any chicken really, I used thighs)
2 (10 1/2 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes
1 (8 oz.) jar Cheez Whiz
1 (11 oz) bag Cheesy Doritos, crushed
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese

Boil chicken (or put into crockpot) until chicken is cooked through. When cool, dice into bite size pieces (or shred).

In large saucepan over medium heat, mix soup, Rotel and Cheez Whiz until blended.

Preheat oven to 350.

Layer greased 13x9 pan with 1/2 crushed chips, 1/2 chicken pieces, 1/2 cheez sauce...repeat layers.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.

Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

We served this with salad and peaches.

Our Review: We liked this one, it will be made again! Kind of a nice variation of our Nacho Casserole. Might try velveta next time (I like the flavor better).

Homemade Samoas Cookie Bars

Found this one at www.bakingbites.com

Homemade Samoas Cookie Bars

Ingredients:
crust...
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 t vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 t salt

topping...
3 cups shredded coconut
12 oz good quality chewy caramels
1/4 t salt
3 T milk
10 oz. dark or semisweet chocolate bars/chips

First, make the crust. Preheat oven to 350 and lightly grease a 9x13 pan or line with parchment paper. In large bowl, cream together sugar and butter, until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Working at low speed, gradually beat in flour and salt until mixture is crumbly. Pour dough into prepared pan and press into an even layer.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until base is set and lightly hesitates. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Preheat oven to 300. Spread coconut evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or spray with cooking spray). Toast for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until coconut is golden. Cool on baking sheet, stirring occasionally. Set asside

Unwrap the caramels and place in a large microwave-safe bowl with milk and salt. Cook on hight for 3-4 minutes, stopping to stir a few times. When smooth, fold in toasted coconut. Put dollups of the topping all over the shortbread crust. Using a spoon/spatula spread topping into an even layer. Let topping set until cooled.

When cooled, cut into 30 bars with a large knife or pizza cutter. Melt chocolate in a small bowl. Heat on high in microwave in 45 second intervals, stirring thoroughly to prevent scorching. Dip the base of eac bar into the chocolate and place on a clean piece of parchment or wax paper. Use a spoon to drizzle remaining chocolate across the bars to finish.

Let chocolate set completely before storing in an airtight container.

Our Review: These were great!! YUMMY! We were impatient and tried to cut them before everything was cool and set so they were a little crumbly at first so we just drizzled chocolate on the top and ate some like that. After sitting awhile they were much easier to cut.

Weekly Menu

This weeks menu...

Hamburger Helper Lasagna, green beans, garlic toast, bananas

Smoked Sausage on grill, chips, carrots/cucumbers, pears

Baked Pork Chops, lipton noodles, green beans, mandarin oranges

Smothered Steak, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit cocktail

King Ranch Chicken Casserole, salad, peaches

and one night for dessert...Homemade Samoas Cookie Bars (like girl scouts)

Leftover Meat Salad

This is one of my favorite sandwich fillings for lunch.

Leftover Meat Salad

Ingredients:
Leftover Meat (I've tried chicken, turkey & ham)
2 T miracle whip
1 T mustard
2 T relish

Use a food processor (I have a mini one) to chop the meat finely. Put in bowl and add other ingredients. Mix and serve on bread. You may need to add/subtract from my measurements depending on the amount of meat you have!

Individual Chicken Pot Pies

got this one from http://www.daysofwhineandnoses.blogspot.com/ thanks! I changed a few things and doubled her recipe so here is what I did...

Individual Chicken Pot Pies


Ingredients:
1 (15 oz) pkg refrigerated pie dough
1/2 t salt
4 T all purpose flour
2 t dried rubbed sage
1/2 t black pepper
*1 lb. chicken (I used bone in and cooked in the crockpot then removed bones)
2 cups water
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (I used a little less, peas & carrots)
2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (red. fat)

Preheat oven to 425.
Unroll pie crusts and cut 8 circles out using your bowls as your guide. Spray 2 cookie sheets with cooking spray and place circles and extra pieces of crust on sheets. Spray dough with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. Pierce top of dough with a fork. Bake dough for about 8 minutes or until golden.

*Combine chicken, flour, sage and 1/4 t salt and pepper in a skillet*. Let cook for a few minutes. Add water, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in vegetables and soup. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes. Spoon 1 cup chicken mixture into each ramekin or bowl. Top each serving with a circle crust.

*In the original recipe, instead of cooking the chicken in the crockpot before it told to cut up raw chicken in bite size pieces, coat with flour, sage, salt, pepper and brown in skillet for about 5 minutes*.

Our Review: Mike and I liked these, they tasted like real pot pies! Brooke liked the crust but not the filling (probably b/c it had veggies). These would also be good with turkey in place of the chicken!

Weekly Menu

This weeks menu...

Taco Salad (w/fritos), fruit cocktail

Mac & Cheese w/beanie weanies or tuna, green beans, apple slices

Smoothered Steak, mashed potatoes, corn, pears

Biscuits & Gravy, sausage, eggs, hashbrowns

Subway

and homemade brownies!

Frosty Orange Creme Layered Dessert

This one is from the food & family summer 2009 magazine.

Frosty Orange Creme


Ingredients:
2 cups orange sherbet or sorbet, softened
1 pkg (8 oz.) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed

Line a 9x5 (loaf) pan with foil extending over sides. Spread sherbet onto bottom of prepared pan to form even layer. Freeze 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat cream cheese in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Gradually add condensed milk and juice, beating until blended. Gently stir in Cool Whip. Pour over sherbet in pan.

Freeze for 3 or more hours. To unmold, Invert pan onto plate; remove foil.

Our Review: This was absolutely amazing!! Everyone gave this a 10 out of 10.

Robin made this last night and after I told her that I thought it could use more sherbet, she used a 13x9 pan put a layer of sherbet in the bottom, covered that with the cream cheese mixture (let freeze) and then topped it all with another layer of sherbet. She said it turned out great!

Potato, Broccoli and Sausage Skillet

This one is from http://www.bettycrocker.com/

Potato, Broccoli and Sausage Skillet

Ingredients:
2 cups water
2/3 cup milk
2 T margarine or butter
1 box Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes
2 cups halved & sliced fully cooked sausage (I used turkey sausage)
1/2 cup Thick 'n chunky salsa (I did not put this in)
2 cups frozen broccoli (1 used about 1 cup)

In skillet heat water, milk and margarine to boiling. Stir in contents of uncooked potatoes and sauce mix pouches. Add sausage and salsa (if desired), stir until well mixed. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes (a little shorter if no salsa is used), stirring occassionally.

Stir in broccoli. Cover and cook for 8 minutes longer or until potatoes and broccoli are tender.

We served this with buttered bread and peaches.



Our Review: Mike and I really liked this one. Brooke said it was OK and Lexy didn't care for it even though it had her favorite sausage.

Crockpot Swiss Casserole Chicken

This one came from http://crockpottuesdays.wordpress.com/, thanks!

Crockpot Swiss Casserole Chicken

Ingredients:
6 chicken breast halves
4-5 slices swiss cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup (I used cream of chicken)
1/4 c. milk
2 c. stuffing mix (I used 1 box stove top)
1/2 c. butter, melted

Spray crockpot with cooking spray (I didn't and the cheese made for a hard clean up). Lay chicken breasts in crockpot. Top with cheese. Combine soupo and milk and spoon over cheese. Sprinkle stuffing mix on top. Drizzle melted butter over stuffing mix.

Cook on low 8-10 hours or high 3-4 hours. (I cooked for about 9 hours and the chicken seemed a little dry so I would go with 6-8 hours).

We served this with green beans and pears.


Our Review: This was very tasty, we will be making it again!

Lime Chiffon Pie

This one came from Kraftfoods.com

Lime Chiffon Pie

Ingredients:
2/3 cup boiling water
1 pkg (3 oz) Jell-O Lime sugar free gelatin
ice cubes
1/2 cup cold water
2 cups thawed Cool Whip
1 1/2 t lime zest
2 T lime juice
1 ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust (6 oz)

Add boiling water to gelatin mix in large bowl, stir with whisk 2 min. until completel dissolved. Add enough ice to cold water to make 1 cup. Add to gelatin, stir until ice is melted.

Stir in cool whip, zest and juice. Refrigerate 15-20 min., or until mixture is very thick and will mound. Spoon into crust.

Refrigerate 4 hours.

Our Review: Yummy, yummy! We all liked this one!

Weekly Menu

Manwich, coleslaw, tator tots, mandarin oranges

Chicken Pot Pie, fruit cocktail

Potato, broccoli, sausage skillet, buttered bread, peaches

Baked Pork Chops, squash bake, pears

Pizza (school event)

and for dessert...frosty orange creme layered dessert

Breakfast Casserol

Not sure where this one came from.

Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:
24 oz. frozen shredded potatoes
2 cups shredded cheese
2 cups cooked ham
1 can cheddar cheese soup
2 soup cans full of milk
10 eggs
salt & pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients except shredded cheese. Mix well. Pour into a 13x9 pan. Bake at 350. The recipe said for 45-50 min. but I had to cook mine for 70 min...until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Add shredded cheese to top and bake for another 5 min. until melted.

I served this with peaches and sour cream to top.

Our Review: Mike and I really liked this. I made it with the potatoes still frozen may try thawed next time to see if it takes less time. Very filling.

Weekly Menu

This weeks menu...

Chicken Patties, mashed potatoes/gravy, corn, mandarin oranges

Spaghetti (homemade sauce), garlic bread, strawberries

Breakfast Casserole, peaches

Crockpot Swiss Chicken Casserole , green beans, pears

Tuna Helper, green beans, crescent rolls, pineapple

and one night...Lime Chiffon Pie

Millionaire Cake

Got this one from www.afostermamaslife.blogspot.com, thanks!

Millionaire Cake

Ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 box instant vanilla pudding
1 3/4 cups milk
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
Large can crushed pineapple, reserve juice
8 oz. cook whip

Prepare cake mix, substituting pineapple juice for water.
Bake as directed on box, let cool.
Beat pudding, milk and cream cheese until smooth.
Spread cream cheese mixture on cake.
Spread crushed pineapple over pudding.
Top with cool whip and refigerate.

Our Review: We all thought this tasted good the first night but even better after it was in the refridgerator overnight...YUMMY!

Crockpot Saucy Pork

Not sure where this one came from :-)

Crockpot Saucy Pork

Ingredients:
1 can cream of chicken soup (I use 98% FF)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 pkg lipton onion soup mix (I only used 1/2 pkg)
Pork roast/chops/steaks (I used frozen steaks)
Egg noodles (I used half a package)

Place frozen pork in crockpot (if not using frozen add a little water to the pot). Pour remainder of ingredients on top. Cook 8 hours on low.

Remove pork and break into chunks. Boil noodles on stove, drain.

Pour noodles into crockpot with juices and return pork to crockpot. Mix well. and eat.

We served this with corn and peaches

Our Review: I really didn't think Brooke would like this since she is against all things "saucy" but she had seconds on her plate within minutes. Mike and I both liked this one as well. Lexy didn't try it.

BBQ Chicken Pizza

This recipe was adapted from one at http://www.thriftyandchicmom.com/, thanks!



BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients:
2 (12 inch) pre-baked pizza crust
2 cup barbeque sauce
chicken, cooked and cubed
3-4 cups shredded colby-jack cheese

Cook Chicken. I used leg quarters (4) and cooked them in the crock pot for 8 hours and then took the skin off and deboned.

Preheat oven to 350. Place pizza crust on baking sheets. Spread BBQ sauce on each crust and top with chicken and cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Our Review: Mike and I both thought this was very tasty. Lexy ate a few bites and said she like it. Brooke didn't care for this (she doesn't like BBQ sauce).

Weekly Menu

This weeks menu...

Breakfast burritos, tator tots, mandarin oranges

Beef Enchiladas, salad, strawberries

Taco Salad, peaches

BBQ Chicken Pizza, raw veggies, pineapple

Crockpot Saucy Pork, egg noodles, corn, peaches

Mock Chicken/Turkey Cordon Bleu

Mock Chicken/Turkey Cordon Bleu

Ingredients:
Chicken or Turkey Tenderloins
Ham (I used Carl Buddig)
Sliced Cheese (I used swiss)
Heavy Cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic powder to taste

Grease a baking dish and layer the tenderloins on the bottom.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.

Place a layer of ham followed by the cheese and then pour about a cup of heavy cream over the top.

Bake at 450 for about 25-30 minutes or until tenderloins are done, the cheese is melted and browning and the cream is bubbly.

We served this with lipton noodles, green beans and peaches.

Our Review: This was excellent. Very easy to make and tasty. Definately a keeper!

Guacamole

Guacamole

Ingredients:
Avocado
1/4 t salt
2 T salsa (I used 1/2 chopped tomato instead)
3/4 t garlic powdre
1/2 t lemon or lime juice

This recipe can be doubled/tripled whatever according to your crowd size.

Cut the avocado in half, squeeze out the pit and scoop the fruit into a bowl.

Add the salt, juice, salsa/tomatoes, and garlic powder. Mash it together with a fork.

Taste. If you can't taste the avocado much, add a bit of salt. If it's a little flat, dribble a little juice in.

You can stir in cilantro and/or chopped onion is you desire.

Our Review: I'm the only guacamole eater in the house and I have to say this is excellent! I served it with bacon/cheese quesadillas and also had a little on tortilla chips, yum!

Weekly Menu

Meatloaf, baked potatoes, corn, pears

Bacon/Cheese Quesadillas, guacamole/sour cream/salsa, watermelon, strawberries/bananas

Nacho Casserole, peaches

Mock Chicken Cordon Bleu, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit cocktail

Tuna Casserole, salad, mandarin oranges

BBQ Chicken

This is a tried and true favorite around here!

BBQ Chicken

Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken (with or without bones)
BBQ sauce (your favorite one)

I put the chicken in the crockpot in the morning and let cook all day. Take the chicken out and debone (if needed) and shred. Mix chicken with BBQ sauce and place in a casserole dish. Cook at 350 for 20 minutes.

I serve this with french fries (baked), corn and fruit.

Paula Deen's Mac & Cheese

Got this one from www.immeasurablymoreblog.blogspot.com

Paula Deen's Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:
2 cups dried elbow macaroni, cooked and drained (makes 4 cups)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
4 T butter, cut into pieces
1/2 t salt
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350. Once you have the macaroni cooked and drained, place in a large bowl and while still hot add the cheese . In a seperate bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients and add to the macaroni mixture. Pour macaroni mixture. Pour into a greased 13x9 pan. Bake 30 to 45 minutes. Top with additional cheese if desired.

Our Review: This was dry and bland. I'm not sure why, I had such high hopes.

Super Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole

Just threw this together tonight.

Super Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole

Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 boxes Stove Top stuffing

Cook chicken (I threw it in the crockpot all day) and cut into cubes. Make stuffing according to box directions. Mix together stuffing, soup & chicken and spread in a 13x9 pan. Cook at 350 for 15-20 minutes until light brown on top.

I served this with corn and pears.

Our Review: YUM! Easy peasy and super delicious! Brooke had thirds!

Pizza Cups

This one came from a kids cookbook.

Pizza Cups

Ingredients:
2 cans refrigerated biscuits
1 lb. ground beef
1 jar pizza sauce
1/2 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375. Spray two muffin pans with nonstick spray. Press a biscuit evenly into muffin cups (cover bottom & sides). Chill until ready to fill.

Brown ground beef, drain. Stir in pizza sauce and heat through.

Evenly spoon beef mixture into muffin cups. Bake 15 min. Sprinkle with cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and biscuits are golden. Let stand 5 minutes. Gently remove pizza cups from pan.

I served this with raw carrots/cucumbers, mandarin oranges.

Our Review: We all really liked this one. The girls said it tasted just like pizza. I think I'll try to add pepperoni pieces and black olives to it next time!

Honey Crockpot Chicken

This was adapted from a Taste of Home recipe.

Honey Crockpot Chicken

Ingredients:
1/2 cup orange juice
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 T minced gingerroot
12 garlic cloves (I used minced ~1/2 T)
1/2 t pepper
1/4 t salt
4-6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves

Place chicken breasts in crockpot. In small ball, combine remainder of ingredients and pour over chicken. Cook in crockpot for 6-8 hours on low.

Our Review: This was ok but had a pretty strong weird taste to it.

Mackeral Patties

This one is one from my childhood.

Mackeral Patties

1 sleeve saltine crackers (crush)
1 can mackeral (or salmon) (drain and remove bones)
1 egg

Mix together all ingredients. Make into approx. six patties. Heat on stove to brown on both sides.

I served this with mustard for dipping, macaroni and tomato juice, fried potatoes and fruit.

Weekly Menu

Playing catch up a bit on here! I've been cooking, just forgetting to put it on here. I have a few recipes that I still need to get on here.

This week's menu...

Open Face Beef Sandwiches, mashed potatoes, corn, pineapple (didn't get to)

Ham Steak, homemade Mac & Cheese, green beans, fruit cocktail

Fish Tacos, lipton noodles, mandarin oranges

Super Easy Chicken & Stuffing Casserole, corn, pears

Teriyaki Beef, cheesy potatoes, green beans, peaches

Weekly Menu

Meatless Stuffed Shells, garlic bread, salad, strawberries

Pizza Cups, raw veggies, mandarin oranges

Open Face Beef Sandwiches, mashed potatoes, corn, pineapple

BBQ Chicken, french fries, corn, peaches

Tuna Helper, green beans, crescents, pears

Weekly Menu

Opps forgot to put this on this week! Brooke is gone (to Papa & Grammy's) and it's way too hot to cook much so it's easy easy this week!

Breakfast burritos (sausage, egg, cheese), hashbrowns, watermelon

Fish Sticks, Mac & Cheese, green beans, peaches

Tuna Helper - Alfredo, crescent rolls, salad, mandarin oranges

Baked Chicken Fried Chicken (didn't get to last week), mashed potatoes/gravy, corn, pineapple

Meatball sandwiches with spaghetti sauce, carrots, apples

Weekly Menu

I'll post recipes and pictures after I have made new or noteworthy meals.

Not all of my dinners will be gourmet, who am I kidding, none of them will!! I will admit I use a lot of prepackaged foods but I'm a busy mom! I might not always get to every one of the meals if we have a hectic week and end up at Sonic or another fine eating establishment but this is my attempt at trying to try out some of the great new recipes I have been pulling from random places and cooking healthier for my family!

This week...

Honey Grilled Chicken, lipton noodles, green beans, mandarin oranges (didn't get to last week)

Baked Chicken Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn, pineapple

Sausage patties, eggs, biscuits, hashbrowns, peaches

Taco Salad, fruit cocktail

Beef Sausage on grill, potato salad, raw veggies, watermelon

Weekly Menu

I'll post recipes and pictures after I have made new or noteworthy meals.

Not all of my dinners will be gourmet, who am I kidding, none of them will!! I will admit I use a lot of prepackaged foods but I'm a busy mom! I might not always get to every one of the meals if we have a hectic week and end up at Sonic or another fine eating establishment but this is my attempt at trying to try out some of the great new recipes I have been pulling from random places and cooking healthier for my family!

This week...

Smothered Steak, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit cocktail

Grilled Hamburgers, pasta salad, raw carrots/celery, bananas

Ravioli, garlic bread, salad, applesauce

Tilapia, coleslaw, fried potatoes, pineapple

Honey Grilled Chicken, lipton noodles, green beans, mandarin oranges

Weekly Menu

I'll post recipes and pictures after I have made new or noteworthy meals.

Not all of my dinners will be gourmet, who am I kidding, none of them will!! I will admit I use a lot of prepackaged foods but I'm a busy mom! I might not always get to every one of the meals if we have a hectic week and end up at Sonic or another fine eating establishment but this is my attempt at trying to try out some of the great new recipes I have been pulling from random places and cooking healthier for my family!

This week...

Coconut Baked Chicken, lipton noodles, green beans, strawberries (didn't get to last week)

Hamburger Helper Lasagna, garlic toast, green beans, peaches

Frozen Pizza, salad, pears

Chicken 'n Noodles, mashed potatoes, corn, mandarin oranges

Pork Chops, stuffing, corn, pineapple

Weekly Menu

I'll post recipes and pictures after I have made new or noteworthy meals.

Not all of my dinners will be gourmet, who am I kidding, none of them will!! I will admit I use a lot of prepackaged foods but I'm a busy mom! I might not always get to every one of the meals if we have a hectic week and end up at Sonic or another fine eating establishment but this is my attempt at trying to try out some of the great new recipes I have been pulling from random places and cooking healthier for my family!

This week...

Grilled Cube Steaks, boiled potatoes, corn, fruit cocktail

Baked Coconut Chicken, cheesy hashbrowns, green beans, peaches

Mackeral Patties, fried potatoes, macaroni & tomato juice, pineapple

Chow Mein (I use the LaChoy in a can but I use ground beef instead of the meat that comes with it but I do use the juice off of their meat), chow mein noodles, cheese slices, mandarin oranges

and one night, Carrot Bread

Easy Chocolate Eclair Squares

This recipe came from http://healthycookingforfamilies.blogspot.com/ although I did change some of the ingredients from natural to what I could find at the grocery store.

Easy Chocolate Eclair Squares

Ingredients:
2 cups cold milk, divided
1 pkg. (4 serv.) vanilla pudding
1 pt Heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
Honey graham crackers (you'll use almost the whole box)
4 squares BAKER's Unsweetened Chocolate (I used semi sweet)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) margarine
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Mix pudding mix with 1 3/4 cups milk with a whisk; place in refrigerator for a few minutes.

Pour heavy whipping cream ans sugar into a mixing bowl and beat on HIGH until very stiff peaks form.

Gently fold whipped cream into chilled pudding.

Line the bottom of 13x9 pan with graham cracker squares. Pour half of the pudding mixture on top and spread evenly. Place another layer of graham crackers on top and then another layer of pudding mixture. Top with a layer of graham crackers.

Melt butter and chocolate in microwave safe bowl for 1 1/2 minutes. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add remaining milk (1/4 cup) and powdered sugar. Stir until well blended. Pour immediately on top of graham crackers.

Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.

Our Review: This is SO good. All of us loved it! I even had it for breakfast the next day :-)

Bourbon Sauce

This can be used as a sauce for chicken, beef or pork.

Bourbon Sauce

Ingredients:
1/4 t minced garlic
1/4 t ginger
1/2 t crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup apple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 T ketchup
1 T cider vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup soy sauce

Put all ingredients in a sauce pan, heat over medium heat until well blended. Add meat cut into bite size pieces to sauce. Bring to hard boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Bourbon Chicken

I found this recipe online but changed it quite a bit, I was so excited to find this b/c bourbon chicken is one of my favorites!

Bourbon Chicken

Ingredients:

boneless chicken breasts

1/4 t minced garlic

1/4 t ginger

1/2 t crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 cup apple juice

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 T ketchup

1 T cider vinegar

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup soy sauce

Cook chicken. I did this by cooking 4 frozen breasts in the crockpot on high for about 4 hours but you could also cook in a skillet with a little oil or in the microwave. Cut chicken into bite size pieces.

Add all ingredients (except chicken) to a saucepan, heating over medium heat until well blended.

Add chicken and bring to a hard boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

This can be served over rice but we didn't. We served this with lipton noodles, steamed veggies and peaches.

Our Review: This is REALLY good!!!! The girls didn't care for it but Mike and I both loved it. This WILL be made again. The leftovers will be yummy in a salad! I think I'll even try the sauce over beef and pork.

Crunchy Onion Chicken

This recipe came from a magazine cut out.

Crunchy Onion Chicken

Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken breast or tenderloins
6-8 oz. french fried onions (in canned goods section)
1 egg
2 T flour

Combine onions and flour in ziplock bag and mix together while smashing the french fried onions. Dip chicken into egg and then into flour/onion mixture. Place in 13x9 pan sprayed with cooking spray. Cook at 350 for 30 min. or until chicken is cooked through.

We served this with lipton noodles, green beans and apricots.

Our Review: This chicken was really good. I even used it cut up in a salad the next day.

Pasta Medley Salad

This is one of our family favorites during the warm weather months!

Pasta Medley Salad

Ingredients:
1 (16 oz.) pkg. rotini (I use garden/tri color)
14 oz. Low fat turkey smoked sausage, cut into 1/2 in slices & halved
3-4 carrots shredded (~1 cup)
1 container cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced ripe black olives
1 bottle fat free Italian dressing

Prepare rotini according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Combine rotini with remaining ingredients, toss. Chill overnight for best taste.

**This makes a large batch of pasta salad. It can be halved if only a small amount is needed.

We served this with crescent rolls and strawberries.

Crockpot Pasta Meatball Soup

This one was adapted from a Taste of Home recipe.

Crockpot Pasta Meatball Soup

Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked pasta (I used 1 1/2 cups whole wheat penne)
32 frozen Italian meatballs
2 cans (14 1/2 oz each) chicken broth
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups frozen sliced carrots (could use corn in place of this)
1 can (16 oz.) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 jar (14 oz) meatless spaghetti sauce
1 cup frozen peas (I used canned)

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in the crockpot. Add pasta to crockpot and cook on low 6-8 hours.

We served this with garlic bread and fruit cocktail

Our Review: This soup was very easy and good! Definately will be made again.

Muffin Tostados

This one was adapted from a magazine recipe.

Muffin Tostados

Ingredients:
12 (6 in.) four or corn tortillas
1 1/2 cup fat-free refried beans
1 lb. ground beef, cooked and drained
1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

toppings:
lettuce
tomato
sour cream
black olives
salsa

Preheat oven to 400. Mist every other cup of two 12 cup muffin tins with cooking spray. Press a tortilla into each sprayed cup, flattening out edges, and bake until golden, about 8 min.

Divide beans among tostadas, top with beef and cheese. Return to oven and bake until warmed through, 7-10 min.

Place tostados on plate and top with toppings as desired.

We served this with cantelope slices.

Our Review: This one tasted okay but was really a mess to eat and we couldn't fill them very well so there was a lot of "extra" tortilla.

Weekly Menu

I'll post recipes and pictures after I have made new or noteworthy meals.

Not all of my dinners will be gourmet, who am I kidding, none of them will!! I will admit I use a lot of prepackaged foods but I'm a busy mom! I might not always get to every one of the meals if we have a hectic week and end up at Sonic or another fine eating establishment but this is my attempt at trying to try out some of the great new recipes I have been pulling from random places and cooking healthier for my family!

This week...

Chicken 'n Noodles, mashed potatoes, corn, mandarin oranges

Fish Sticks, Mac & Cheese, green beans, pineapple

Crockpot BBQ Pork Ribs, french fries, corn, peaches

Nachos, pears

Bourbon Chicken, lipton noodles, steamed veggies, mixed fruit

and one night...Chocolate Eclair Squares

Weekly Menu

I'll post recipes and pictures after I have made new or noteworthy meals.

Not all of my dinners will be gourmet, who am I kidding, none of them will!! I will admit I use a lot of prepackaged foods but I'm a busy mom! I might not always get to every one of the meals if we have a hectic week and end up at Sonic or another fine eating establishment but this is my attempt at trying to try out some of the great new recipes I have been pulling from random places and cooking healthier for my family!

This week...

Muffin Tostados, cantelope

Pasta Medley Salad, crescent rolls, strawberries

Manwich, chips, raw carrots/celery, peaches

Pasta Meatball Soup, garlic bread, fruit cocktail

Cruchy Onion Chicken, noodles, green beans, apricots (didn't get to this one last week)

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

I'm not sure where this one came from.

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts (frozen or thawed)
2 cups Salsa
1 pkg Taco seasoning

Place chicken in crockpot. In bowl combine salsa and seasoning and pour over chicken. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high 3-4 hours.

Shred chicken with forks and serve with tortillas (or hard shells), lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, etc.

** My kiddos do not like salsa so I cooked the chicken in the crockpot by itself, shred with forks and then heated chicken and seasoning (and a little water) in a skillet.

Our Review: We all loved this, definately a keeper!!

Weekly Menu

I'll post recipes and pictures after I have made new or noteworthy meals.

Not all of my dinners will be gourmet, who am I kidding, none of them will!! I will admit I use a lot of prepackaged foods but I'm a busy mom! I might not always get to every one of the meals if we have a hectic week and end up at Sonic or another fine eating establishment but this is my attempt at trying to try out some of the great new recipes I have been pulling from random places and cooking healthier for my family!

This week...

Pork Chop & Oven Fries Bake, green beans, applesauce

Waffles, bacon, mandarin oranges

Frito Chili Pie, raw veggies, apples

Crockpot Teriyaki Beef, cheesy potatoes, green beans, pineapple

Crunchy Onion Chicken, lipton noodles (chicken), corn, apricots

and one day this week, Muffin Glory Cake

Crockpot Herbed Turkey Breast with Orange Sauce

This one came from http://theatoztwins.blogspot.com/

Crockpot Herbed Turkey Breast with Orange Sauce

Ingredients:
1 boneless skiness turkey breast (2-3 lbs) or 2 turkey tenderloins
1 large onion, chopped (I just sprinked on minced onion)
3 cloves garlic, minced (again used minced garlic)
1 t dried rosemary
1/2 t black pepper
1/2 t salt
1 1/2 cups orange juice

Toss onion into crockpot. Combine garlic, rosemary, pepper and salt in a bowl. Slice raw turkey 3/4 way throughat 2 inch intervals. Rub turkey with garlic mixture, make sure to get in between slices as much as you can. Place turkey in crockpot on top of the onion, sliced side up. Pour juice over the top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

** I used a frozen turkey breast so I was unable to slice through it to put the spices on so I just put on the outside of breast.

We had this will stuffing (stove top), corn, mandarin oranges

Our Review: This turned out really good and tender. I think because I was unable to slice it as directed, mine didn't have really any of the orange juice taste but was still very good! Definately be making this one again.

Super Simple Sausage Gravy

I had this recipe written on a piece of paper so I'm not sure where it came from.

Super Simple Sausage Gravy

Ingredients:
1 lb Bob Evans orig. recipe or country sausage roll
1/2 cup flour
4 cups milk
Salt & Pepper to taste

Crumble & cook sausage in large skillet until browned. Stir in flour until dissolved. Gradually stir in milk. Cook gravy until thick and bubbly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This was served with biscuits, eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, bananas

Our Review: This gravy was very good. We will definately have it again!

Crockpot Roast

I do not care for the taste of pot roast so I wasn't sure if I would like this or not but I was very pleasantly surprised.

Crockpot Roast

Ingredients:
Beef Rump Roast

All I did was stick the thawed rump roast in the crockpot with just a tiny bit of water (I would not have put in the water if the roast had been frozen). Cook it on low for 6-8 hours. Remove from crockpot and shred with two forks.

Our Review: This had a great taste all by itself (Mike & I kept sampling it)...and I didn't add any seasonings! Half of the shredded beef was used for open face sandwiches with brown gravy poured over the top of bread, potatoes and beef. The other half has been frozen for bbq beef sandwiches at a later date.

Weekly Menu

I'll post recipes and pictures after I have made new or noteworthy meals.

Not all of my dinners will be gourmet, who am I kidding, none of them will!! I will admit I use a lot of prepackaged foods but I'm a busy mom! I might not always get to every one of the meals if we have a hectic week and end up at Sonic or another fine eating establishment but this is my attempt at trying to try out some of the great new recipes I have been pulling from random places and cooking healthier for my family!

This week...

Baked Pork Chops, stuffing, raw carrots/cucumbers, mandarin oranges

Crockpot Roast (open face beef & gravy), mashed potatoes, corn, peaches

Crockpot Orange Turkey Breast, rice, green beans, pears

Super Simple Sausage Gravy, biscuits, bacon, eggs, bananas

Crockpot Chicken Soft Tacos, tortillas, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, apples

Simple Ranchy Breaded Tilapia

This recipe was adapted from a recipe at allrecipes.com.

Simple Ranchy Breaded Tilapia

Ingredients:
3/4 c. crushed croutons (I used Italian flavored)
1 oz. pkg. dry ranch mix
1 lb. Tilapia fillets
olive oil

Mix dressing mix with crushed croutons.

Lightly brush fish with olive oil (or you could use milk).

Dredge in couton mix.

Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.

We served this with Liptons butter and herb rice, green beans and fruit cocktail.

Our Review: This was great. This one will go in the recipe box and be used again.

Cheddar Mac & Ham Casserole

This recipe came from the food & family magazine.

Cheddar Mac & Ham Casserole

Ingredients:
1 pkg. (14 oz) Kraft Deluxe Macaroni & Sharp Cheddar Cheese Sauce
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup cubed ham
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup Kraft Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese

Prepare macaroni & cheese as directed on package. Add peas, ham and milk, mix well.

Spoon into 1 1/2 qt. casserole; sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

Bake uncovered at 400 for 15 min. or until heated through.

Makes 4 servings

For a crunchy topping, mix 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers with 1 T melted butter; sprinkle over casserole before baking.

** I doubled this recipe to make a 13x9 pan and I did not add the peas this time.

Our Review: This recipe was good but I think would be even better with velvetta shells and cheese.

We served this with salad and peaches.

Baked Mac & Cheese

This recipe came from http://www.recipezaar.com/.

Baked Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

1 (8 oz.) pkg macaroni noodles
4 T butter
4 T flour
1 cup milk
1 cup cream
1/2 t salt
pepper, to taste
2 cups good quality shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup buttered breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 400. Cook and drain macaroni noodles, set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt butter. Add flour mixed with salt and pepper using a whisk until well blended.

Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly. Bring to a boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly). Reduce heart and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.

Add shredded cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts. turn off flame.

Add macaroni to the saucpan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.

Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

Bake 20 minutes until top is golden brown

(This can be frozen for later use in a zip lock bag. After mixing macaroni with cheese sauce, allow to cool to room temperature in bag and then add to freezer. Take out of the freezer the night before it is to be used and allow to reach room temp. Then put in buttered dish and sprinkle with crumbs. Bake for 20 to 30 min.)

We served this with ham steak, green beans and peaches.

Our Review: I was looking for a recipe that tasted like Golden Corral's mac & cheese that Brooke loves. Brooke said this one tasted a lot like it. This was very tasty to all of us! It is time consuming because of all the constant stirring. This will go into our recipe box and made again.

Crockpot BBQ Pork

This is SO easy and SO yummy!

Boneless pork ribs
BBQ sauce

Put ribs (can be frozen) into your crockpot and cook for 5-6 hours on low. Take ribs out and break into chunks (could be shredded for sandwiches) and drain liquid out of crockpot. Return ribs to crockpot and pour bbq sauce over and stir. Cook on low another hour or so.

We served this with baked french fries, green beans and pears.

Fruit-Filled Coffee Cake

This recipe is from http://www.kraftfoods.com/


Fruit-Filled Coffee Cake


Ingredients:


1 pkg. white cake mix
1 t ground cinnamon
1 cup sour cream
3 eggs
1/4 cup water
1 can (21 oz) fruit pie filling (I used apple)
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted (I did not use this)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 T milk


Heat oven to 350 F. Beat first 5 ingredients with mixer until well blended. Pour into greased and floured (or sprayed) 13x9 pan. Top with spoonfuls of pie filling.


Bake 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean; sprinkle with nuts. Cool 10 min.


Mix sugar and milk; drizzle over cake. Cool completely.



Our Review: Brooke thought this one was really good. I'm would give it an 8 out of 10.

Easy Stromboli

This recipe is from www.pillsbury.com

Easy Stomboli

Ingredients:

1/2-1 lb. ground beef
1 can Pillsbury refrigerated classic pizza crust
1/2 cup pizza sauce
4 oz. (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped green peppers (I didn't use)
1/4 t dried Italian seasoning

Heat oven to 400. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick spray. Brown ground beef in skillet until done, drain.

Unroll dough, place on cookie sheet. Starting at center, press out dough with hands to form 12x8 inch rectangle.

Spread sauce over dough to within 2 inches of long sides and 1/2 inch of short sides. Place beef lengthwise down center, forming 3 inch wide strip and to within 1/2 inch of short sides. Top with cheese, pepper, seasoning. Fold long sides of dough over filling, press edges to seal.

Bake at 400 for 14 to 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

We served this with a salad and fruit cocktail

Our Review: This was great. Brooke said it looked and tasted like a giant pizza roll. Definately will be made again.

Mixed Berry Parfaits

This one came from womansday.com

Mixed Berry Parfaits

Ingredients:

1 box (3 oz) strawberry gelatin

1/2 cup each strawberries & blueberries

1 box or 2 cups prepared vanilla pudding

Prepare gelatin as box box directs. Refrigerate, occasionally stirring gently (try not to create bubbles), 30 minutes or until consistency of egg whites.

Meanwhile, stem and hull strawberries, cut in small pieces. Combine berries and divide betweet 5-6 parfait glasses.

Add gelatin and gently stir with skewer to incorporate berries so some are suspended in the gelatin (don't overstir). Refridgerate 3 hours or until set.

Prepare and spoon pudding on gelatin. Spoon pudding over gelatin.

Our Review: This was yummy!

Teriyaki Sauce

This sauce can be used over chicken, beef, pork. Very yummy!

Teriyaki Sauce

1 T cornstarch
1 T cold water
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 t minced garlic
1/2 t ground ginger
1/4 t ground black pepper

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cornstarch, cold water, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic ginger and ground peopper. Let simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and bubbles.

Spaghetti Sauce

This is a childhood favorite of mine, I just can't eat spaghetti without this sauce. This one is LOVED by everyone in the family.

Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients:
2 lb. ground beef
4 sm. can tomato sauce
4 pkg. Lawry's original spaghetti seasoning
5 cans water

Put tomato sauce in large pan, stir in seasoning. Add water mixing thoroughly after each can. Heat to boiling and then set aside.

Cook beef and drain. Mix beef into pan of sauce. Let sit for several hours. Heat before serving.

Bowtie Alfredo Bake

I got this recipe from my mom, thanks!

Bowtie Alfredo Bake

Ingredients:
8 oz. bowtie pasta
Chicken, cooked and cubed (you can use precooked chicken or boil your own)
1 1/2 jars Alfredo sauce
3/4 can peas
parmesan cheese

Cook pasta and drain. In bowl mix together pasta, chicken, alfredo sauce, peas. Put in a 13x9 pan and sprinkle with parmesan. Bake at 350 for ~15 minutes to heat through.

This was served with crescent rolls, pineapples

Our Review: We all liked this one (well the girls could've done without the peas). This will go into our recipe box and be made again!

Weekly Menu

I'll post recipes and pictures after I have made new or noteworthy meals.

all of my dinners will be gourmet, who am I kidding, none of them will!! I will admit I use a lot of prepackaged foods but I'm a busy mom! I might not always get to every one of the meals if we have a hectic week and end up at Sonic or another fine eating establishment but this is my attempt at trying to try out some of the great new recipes I have been pulling from random places and cooking healthier for my family!

This week...

Ranchy Tilapia, noodles, brocolli, pears (still haven't gotten to this one)

Stromboli, salad, fruit cocktail

Baked Mac & Cheese, Ham steak, corn, applesauce

Taco Salad, mixed berry parfaits

Crockpot Turkey Breast w/Orange sauce

And one day this week, Fruit filled coffee cake

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cake

This one came from http://www.healthycookingforfamilies.blogspot.com/, thank you!

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cake

Ingredients:

1 pkg. devil's food cake mix

1/4 c. oil

2 eggs

1 1/4 c. water

1 pkg. chocolate instant pudding mix (4 serv. size)

1 12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips

Cool Whip

Spread oil in bottom of 13x9 pan. Pour in the rest of the ingredients (except cool whip) and mix well with a fork. Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes. Can be served warm or cooled with cool whip on top.

This can also be made with any type of cake mix, pudding, chips. My friend made it with butterscotch chips and it was awesome. The website also suggested spice cake with butterscotch pudding and chips, yum!

Our Review: This cake is AWESOME and SO easy! This will go in the recipe box and made again and again!

Pepperoni Pizza Bake

This one came from http://www.tasteofhome.com/.

Pepperoni Pizza Bake

Ingredients:

1 pkg (16 oz) wide egg noodles

2 1/4 cups pizza sauce, divided (I used one jar and it wasn't enough)

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (I used canned)

1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe black olives, drained

1 pkg (3 1/2 oz.) sliced pepperoni

2 cups (8 oz.) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, combine noodles and 3/4 cup pizza sauce (I think I will double this next time). Transfer to a greased 13x9 pan. Top with remaining pizza sauce.

Layer with mushrooms, olives and pepperoni. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered at 375 for 15-18 min. or until heated through and cheese is melted. 8 servings

Our Review: This was VERY good. Before even baking it Lexy said "I smell pizza". All of really enjoyed this one, it will go into our recipe box and be made again!

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Sidedish

This recipe came from Robin, thanks!!

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Sidedish

Ingredients:
1 pkg. shredded hasbrowns, thawed
2 c. sour cream
2 c. shredded sharp cheddar (I used velveeta b/c that's what I had)
1 can cream of celery or mushroom
1 stick of butter, melted
salt/pepper

Mix together all ingredients and spread in a 13x9 pan. Bake at 350 for 45 min.

I made 1/2 of this recipe in a 9x9 pan, I just cut everything in half.

Our Review: Mike and I loved this one. Lexy and Brooke not so much. This one will go into our recipe box and made again!  UPDATE:  This is now one of Brooke's favorites (if I make with shredded cheddar instead of velvetta).

BBQ Pork Chops

I got this one over at http://www.thebuggycrew.blogspot.com/, thank you!!

BBQ Pork Chops

Ingredients:
4-6 pork chops
3/4 c. water
1/4 c. vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar)
1 T sugar
2 T Worcestershire sauce
1/2 c. ketchup
1 t salt
dash pepper

Place pork chops evenly in baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients & pour over chops. Bake uncovered at 350 for 1 hour.

We served this with cheesy hashbrown casserole, green beans & peaches

Our Review: These smelled wonderful baking but ended up having just a touch of flavor. Mike and I liked them and Lexy liked hers with regular bbq sauce poured over them, Brooke didn't care for them.

Weekly Menu

I'll post recipes and pictures after I have made new or noteworthy meals.

Not all of my dinners will be gourmet, who am I kidding, none of them will!! I will admit I use a lot of prepackaged foods but I'm a busy mom! I might not always get to every one of the meals if we have a hectic week and end up at Sonic or another fine eating establishment but this is my attempt at trying to try out some of the great new recipes I have been pulling from random places and cooking healthier for my family!

This week...

Ranchy Tilapia, rice, green beans, pears

Bowtie Alfredo Bake, peas, pineapple, crescent rolls

Pepperoni Pizza Bake, salad, crescent rolls

BBQ Pork Chops, cheesy hashbrowns, green beans, peaches

Spaghetti, garlic bread, strawberries

And one night, Chocolate chocolate chip cake

Weekly Menu

I'll post recipes and pictures after I have made new or noteworthy meals.

Not all of my dinners will be gourmet, who am I kidding, none of them will!! I will admit I use a lot of prepackaged foods but I'm a busy mom! I might not always get to every one of the meals if we have a hectic week and end up at Sonic or another fine eating establishment but this is my attempt at trying to try out some of the great new recipes I have been pulling from random places!

This week...

The girls are on Spring Break this week and Mike is off so we have lots of family fun planned...which means lots of eating out I'm afraid! I'm thinking when we do eat at home it will be some of the convenience foods we used to eat but if we eat anything new or interesting I'll be sure to post about it!!! Enjoy your week and family!

Grasshopper Pie

This recipe came from www.tasteofhome.com

Grasshopper Pie

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 pkg (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 3/4 cups cool whip, divided
1 pkg (4.67 oz) mint Andes candies, chopped, divided
1 chocolate crumb crust (9 in.)
1/4 t mint extract
2 drops green food coloring, optional

In a small bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Fold in 3/4 cup cool whip. Fold in 3/4 cup candies. Spoon into crust.

In another bowl, combine extract and remaining cool whip, add food coloring. Spread over pudding layer and sprinkle with remaining candies. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until set.

Our Review: One word...AWESOME! I love mint and so does my girls so this was a dream dessert for us! We couldn't even wait long enough for it to set fully before diving in! Definately going into the recipe box and made again and again and again!

Crockpot Calico Beans

Got this recipe from Dad & Karen, thanks!

Crockpot Calico Beans

Ingredients:

1 lb. bacon, cut in pieces
2 lbs. ground beef
1 whole onion (I used minced onion instead)
1 can kidney beans
1 can red beans
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 t prepared mustard
1 can pork and beans
1/2 t dry mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 t vinegar (it called for more but I didn't want it overwhelming)

Cook bacon and put in crockpot. Brown beef and onion, drain and put in crockpot. Add all other ingredients to crockpot (do not drain the beans). Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

We served this with cornbread and grasshopper pie.

Our Review: This was REALLY good! Mike, I, Lexy, Kelly (Brooke's friend), Maamaw & Grandpa Tom all loved it. Brooke didn't care too much for it. This will definately be put in the recipe box and made again.

Blueberry Coffee Cake

This recipe came from http://www.foodnetwork.com/.

Blueberry Coffee Cake

















Ingredients:

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1 (12 oz.) can buttermilk biscuits
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine, melted
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup sugar


Preheat oven to 375. Generously grease a 9" square pan.

In a small bow, combine brown sugar and cinnamon and mix well with a fork. Seperate biscuit dough into 10 biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters. Dip each quarter of biscuit into the melted butter and coat with brown sugar mixture. Arrange in a single layer in pan.

Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the oats.

Combine blueberries and sugar in a bowl and toss to coat. Spoon over oats and biscuits.

Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of oats.

Drizzle remaining melted butter on top.

Bake for 20 min. or until cake is golden brown and center is done. Cool for 20 minutes. Serve warm.


















Our Review: This dessert was really good. I think it would also be good with other fruits. This will definately go into our recipe box and be made again.

Chili CheeseDog Casserole

I found this recipe at another blog, http://www.thebuggycrew.blogspot.com/.

Chili CheeseDog Casserole
















Ingredients:

2 cans chili w/beans (I used turkey chili w/beans)
1 pkg little smokies (cocktail sausage links)
1 tsp. chili powder (I didn't have any so I left it out)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 pkg. Jiffy corn muffin mix

Preheat oven to 400.

Combine chili, little smokies & chili powder in skillet, mix well and cook over med. heat until mixture is hot & bubbly (3-4 min.)

Stir cheddar cheese into chili mixture. Spoon mixture into 8" square pan.

Prepare corn muffin mix batter according to pkg. directions. Spoon batter evenly into 6 mounds on top of chili mixture in an. Bake until corn muffin topping is golden brown, 20-30 min.

We served this with raw carrots/celery and applesauce.


















Our Review: We really liked this one, it tasted like a chili cheese coney from Sonic! Brooke wasn't home to try but the rest of us ate it up. This one with go into the recipe box and be made again.