The Cooking Divas

Honey Walnut Shrimp

2010-05-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry about all the Asian meals but... that's my family :) This is a good one also. I can't remember what website I got it from but here is the recipe.

Ingredients:
1 lb. 31/40 count shrimp/prawn
1/2 cup Walnut halves (make sure you get the walnut halves)
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon condensed milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 egg white
1/2 cup corn starch (for coating the prawn)
Oil for frying

For the Walnuts:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water

Method:
Peel and deveined the shrimp/prawn.
Pat dry with paper towels, add the egg white, mix well with the shrimp and set aside.
Rinse the walnut halves with water, drain and set aside.
Heat up the water until it boils and add in the sugar.
Keep stirring until it turns thick and golden color and then add the walnut.
Boil for 2 minutes, then drain and place walnuts on a cookie sheet/parchment paper to dry. (Regular paper will not work as the walnut will stick to it).
Heat the oil in a wok over high heat.
Coat the shrimp with a thick layer of corn flour and then fry in the hot oil until golden brown. Remove the shrimps from the wok and drain on paper towels.
In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk and lemon juice.
Add shrimp and toss with the mayonnaise sauce.
Transfer to a serving plate and garnish the candied walnuts on top of the shrimp and serve immediately.

Chinese Beef Broccoli

2010-05-06T13:43:00.001-07:00

This is from the Pioneer Women Cooks Blog - of course it is going to be good.

Jaden’s Chinese Beef Broccoli (from The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook)

SERVES 4 AS PART OF MULTICOURSE MEAL

1 lb (500 g) top sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into 1/8-in (3-mm)-thick strips
11/2 lbs (750 g) broccoli, cut into bite-size florets1 tablespoon high-heat cooking oil1 tablespoon minced garlic

BEEF MARINADE
1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon cooking oil
Freshly ground black pepper to season the beef

STIR-FRY SAUCE
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
2 teaspoons Chinese black vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)

1 In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the Beef Marinade. Add the beef and let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.

2 In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the Stir-fry Sauce.

3 In a wok or large sauté pan, add 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water and bring to a boil. Add the broccoli and cover to steam for 3 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green, crisp tender and you should be able to pierce the stem with a fork. Drain.

4 Discard the water in the pan and dry the pan well. Set the pan over high heat and when hot, add the high-heat cooking oil and swirl to coat. Add the garlic and fry for 15 to 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the steak strips, keeping them in one layer and fry 30 seconds. Flip the strips and fry the other side.

5 Pour in the Stir-fry Sauce and stir to combine. Simmer until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 30 seconds. Add the cooked broccoli back into the pan and toss to coat well.

BBQ Chicken Spaghttei

2010-05-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

This recipe is from one of the blogs on our sidbar, Picky-Palate. It's nothing fancy but Brent and I liked it.

BBQ Chicken Spaghetti (a take on BBQ Chicken Pizza)

1 lb. think spaghetti noodles
4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 large red onion, peeled and finely chopped (I used a whole onion and did thin slices instead of chopping it)
2 Tbsp. dry Ranch Dressing Mix (I used 3 Tbsp.)
3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Shredded chicken (I used a whole roasted chicken already cookd from the store to make it easy)
BBQ sauce (just use your favorite kind)

Cook noodles and drain. I recommend reserving a little bit of the cooking liquid to add back to the pasta when you mix it. Place olive oil in pot over medium heat and saute onions until softened and golden. Meanwhile heat shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Add cooked spaghetti to the onions, add Ranch Dressing seasoning and cilantro leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add reserved cooking liquid as needed to mix. Top with warm shredded BBQ chicken. We also topped it with a little cheese.

*My kids don't like onions or cilantro, so I kept stuff seperate and they added what they wanted. They loved the chicken with the pasta.

Cottage Cheese Cookies

2010-04-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Check out the Peck's recent post.

I'll admit I was skeptical...they are definitely not decadent....but taste pretty good for a "healthier" option. The do seem to be best if eaten within a day.

Enjoy.

Sesame Noodles

2009-12-07T13:28:00.001-08:00

Here is another recipe I tried - I added some notes at the bottom for the changes I would make to it.

Better Than Takeout Sesame Noodles (Serves 4)

For the sauce:

6 Tbsp peanut butter
5 Tbsp soy sauce
1 ½ Tbsp sugar
1Tbsp warm water
1 Tbsp Asian sesame oil
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
¼ cup chopped ginger
3 cloves garlic, chopped

For the rest:

½ lb. Thin spaghetti
1 Tbsp Asian sesame oil
½ lb. Cooked and finely shredded chicken
¼ English cucumber, peeled and cut in slivers
½ red pepper, diced
10 snow peas, thinly sliced across
¾ cup bean sprouts

1. Put all the ingredients for the sauce into a blender or mini food processor and whirl until smooth.
2. Cook the spaghetti following package directions. Drain, rinse, and toss with the sesame oil and chicken. Add the sauce and mix until evenly combined.
3. Top with the crunchy vegetables and serve immediately

(This is the original recipe – most of it was good but some changes I would make is skip the red pepper, cucumber, and snow peas and instead use thinly sliced carrots and bean sprouts only. Of course, keep the chicken and noodles too)

Chewy Brownie Cookies

2009-12-07T13:26:00.000-08:00

My sister hosted a cookie party and these are the cookies I made and brought. We got judged on the look and taste of the cookies. I didn't win for good looking cookies but I did win for best tasting. I got this recipe from allrecipe.com and it was so easy to make.

Ingredients:
2/3 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening, sugar, water and vanilla. Beat in eggs. Combine flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and beat just until blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts if desired. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 7-9 minutes; do not overbake. Cool 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.

2009-10-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

I just tried this recipe last weekend and it was pretty good. The dressing is really yummy! Anything Asian goes well with my family :)

Oriental Chicken Salad

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 head iceberg lettuce, torn
2 cups cubed, cooked chicken
1 cup salted cashews
1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 (6 ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
1 (3 ounce) can chow mein noodles
1/4 cup chopped green onions

DIRECTIONS
In a small saucepan, combine the first seven ingredients. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Cool. In a large salad bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; add dressing and toss to coat. Serve immediately

Peach Party

2009-09-15T09:46:00.001-07:00

Girls,
With all the great peach recipes everyone is talking about it lead me to and idea. What if we have a peachy get together. The possibilities are endless. Anything that you make with peaches. Leave a comment if you want to come and with times that would work for you. Also what you think you are going to bring. Amanda I am requiring that peach french toast out of you. It looks divine!

Peach French Toast with Peach Syrup

2009-09-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 small package (3 ounces) vanilla instant pudding mixed with 2 cups half and half

1 cup finely chopped fresh or canned peaches

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

5 eggs, beaten

12 slices of wheat or whole grain bread

Prepare pudding according to package directions. Fold in chopped peaches, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add eggs and mix well. Dip bread slices into mixture. Cook on well greased skillet over medium heat, turning frequently so toast doesn't scorch.

Peach Syrup
1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup water

3 cups pureed fresh or canned peaches

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Combine sugar and water in medium saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to boil over medium heat. Boil 1 minute. Add peach puree. Return to low boil and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add lemon juice. Store in refrigerator in tightly sealed container

Wow...this is so good that is should be a dessert!!

Fresh Peach Pie

2009-09-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

9-11 peaches
1 cup sugar
1/2 c. corn starch
1/2 c. cold water
pinch of salt
1 lemons

*makes 2 pies*

Mash 3 peaches. Add sugar and bring to a boil for 3 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine water and cornstarch until dissolved. Add a pinch of salt and the juice from the lemon. Add to the peach mixture and bring to a boil. Should be glossy. Remove from heat and cool to room temp. Peel and slice 6-8 peaches and gently fold into cooled mixture. Fill 2 baked pie shells and refrigerate until set.

*This is really yummy and very peachy. The peach filling tends to set pretty quickly and is a little thick when trying to fold in the peaches. Next time I make it I might decrease the cornstarch by a bit (maybe 1/8 cup???).

Shannon's Famous Fresh Peach Dessert

2009-09-04T06:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks Shannon for the recipe.

1/3 cup powered sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 package graham crackers crushed
15 medium peaches peeled and sliced
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 pint whipping cream

Crush graham crackers ( I doubled the crust part of this recipe). Mix powered sugar and butter with the graham crackers. Then press into the bottom of the pan. Reserve some of the crust to sprinkle on top. Make homemade cream with whipping cream. To do that add a little sugar into the whipping cream and beat with beaters until stiff.

Mix sweetened condensed milk with lemon juice. Then place the peaches on the crust pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the top. Add the fresh cream on top and sprinkle with crust.

Peach Dessert. . .

2009-09-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

Okay I just had a fabulous peach dessert made by Rachel Ratchford...who said it's Shannon's recipe...I thought "oh it will be on the cooking blog," no such luck...So Shannon give us (or me) the recipe with graham cracker crust, yummy cream sauce and delicious peaches--I'm craving it!!
Thanks

Zucchini Cake

2009-09-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup olive oil
6 cups grated zucchini
3 cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp soda
1 tsp salt

Mix all ingredients together. Pour into large sheet cake pan. Add 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips to the top of batter.
Bake 350 for 20-30 min

Grilled Peaches with Blackberry Sauce

2009-09-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

Prep time: 10 minutes Grilling time: 8 to 10 minutes

Sauce
6 ounces fresh blackberries, about 1 cup
2 to 3 T. granulated sugar

In a food processor, puree the blackberries with 2 T water. Add the sugar to taste.

2 T unsalted butter
1 T granulated sugar
4 medium peaches, firm but ripe, halved and pits removed

1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream (optional)

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Brush the peach halves all over with the butter mixture.
Grill the peach halves over Direct Medium heat until they are browned in spots and warm throughout, 8 to 10 minutes, turning them every 3 minutes or so. Serve the peaches warm with the blackberry sauce and frozen yogurt or ice cream, if desired.

Peach Cobbler

2009-08-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

This recipe varies from typical "cobbler" recipes. I like it better because it is way richer and way sweeter. Everything should be richer and sweeter, eh? Now in this recipe, I always use my home canned peaches, but I'm sure it could be adapted to use fresh peaches. I would suggest slicing peaches similar for a pie. I do use some of the peach juice in the recipe as well, so perhaps a simple syrup would be a good substitute if using fresh fruit. Anyway, here goes:

Peach Cobbler

1 qt. peaches and juice
1 box yellow cake mix
1/4 c. marg. or butter
coconut
nuts (pecans or walnuts work well)

In an 8 x 8 baking dish, place all peaches in dish. Add approx. 1/4 cup of juice. Sprinkle with 1/2 box of yellow cake mix. Dot all over with butter. If desired sprinkle with some coconut and nuts. Drizzle on approx. another 1/4 cup of juice. Bake uncovered at 350 for about 1/2 hour or until top begins to get golden brown. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store leftovers covered at room temp.

UPDATE:
***I've been thinking about this and this is one recipe where I've never actually measured anything. The more I think about it though, wherever it calls for 1/4 cup of juice, it's probably more like 1/3 cup. You don't want it to be too dry, but you also don't want it to be too 'smooshy'. Hope that makes sense.***

Peaches are in!!

2009-08-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

Requesting any and all peach recipes!

New Site

2009-08-24T21:09:00.001-07:00

I got an email with a new website that is kind of fun. It is called Super Cook. I added the link to the side bar. What you do is register--it's free and then you add ingredients that you already have on hand--it will ask if you have other ingredients and you can click on any ingredient you have in your kitchen then it will find all the recipes that have ingredients you have. Recipes that you can make right now without going to the store.
Check it out....http://www.supercook.com

Crockpot Pizza

2009-08-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

1 bag wide egg noodles
1 lb. hamburger
2 small cans pizza sauce
16 oz. mozarella cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Your favorite pizza toppings

Cook the egg noodls according to package. Brown the hamburger, then layer all the ingredients in the crockpot and top with a layer of cheese. Cook on low 3 t0 4 hours (although, watch it, I o
nly need to do it for 2-3 hours).

I got this recipe from my sister. It is pretty good. The only thing I'm going to change next time I make it is try italian sausage instead of hamburger meat and use a lot of pepperoni!!

Pineapple Zucchini Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

2009-08-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

For the recipe, click here. I'm too lazy to type it in and I can't figure out how to cut and paste on Blogger (does anybody know how to do it?).

My Review: I made this for a family get-together and it was a big hit. The cake is super moist and has lots of texture. I LOVED the cream cheese frosting- one of the best I've tried. I did toast the coconut (be careful when you do this, I toasted it in the oven on broil and ended up charring 3 different attempts, resulting in a kitchen full of smoke. It only takes around 2 minutes to toast it to a golden brown and is totally worth the extra work). The only thing I did different from the recipe is I threw on some toasted coconut on top of the frosting which I thought made it look pretty and gave it a little extra crunch. I'd give this one 4.5 stars out of 5. Why not 5 you ask? I don't know. I guess I wasn't absolutely dying over it, making it a "you haven't lived until you've eaten this food" food like peach crepes or peas and potatoes.

Coconut Shrimp with dipping sauce...YUM!

2009-07-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

1 (14 oz) Can Coconut milk...can be "light
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1 1/4 lbs. raw shrimp, peeled......I used Medium size
3/4 cup flour
4 egg whites
3/4 cup Panko (japanese bread crumbs)
3/4 cup flaked coconut (can be lightly toasted)

Sauce: 1/3 cup apricot jam, 2 TBSP. cocount milk, 1 tsp. mustard (spicy or table)
* I would double this when I make it again..we ran out.

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400
Spray cookie sheet with non stick spray.
In large ziploc bag combine coconut milk (remember to save some out for dipping sauce), cilantro, and shrimp..... Refrigerate for an hour.
Then place flour in shallow bowl. In another bowl beat egg whites.. In a third bowl, combine bread crumbs and coconut. Drain shrimp and discard marinade. Dip shrimp in flour, then egg whites, and then roll in crumb mixture.
Place on baking sheet and bake 7-9 minutes, on each side or until lightly browned. Meanwhile make your dipping sauce to serve with the shrimp!
We looved this low calorie, easy version, hope you like it!

Blueberry Cornbread

2009-07-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

1 cup flour

1 cup cornmeal

3 tbsp. baking powder

1/4 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 c. buttermilk

4 tbsp. butter melted and cooled

1 tbsp. lemon zest

2 c. blueberries

Preheat oven to 350

Sift together flour, cornmeal and baking powder into a large bowl. Mix in sugar. Make a well in the center of the mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, butter and lemon zest. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just combined. Gently fold in blueberries. Pour batter into greased loaf pan. Bake 35-40 minutes. Leave in loaf pan and cool for 5 minutes. Turn bread onto rack to cool.

My review: Out of 5 stars, I'd give this 2. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed with this one. I had high expectations since I love cornbread and I love blueberries and the picture on Tasty Kitchen looked soooooo good. It really just lacked flavor. It definitely needs more sugar, which came as no surprise, since it only called for 1/4 cup. If I were to make this again, I would double, maybe even triple, the sugar...and I usually cut a lot of sugar from recipes that I make. I might also cut down on the baking powder (calls for 3 tablespoons!) because I swear you could taste it- that's a lot of baking powder! Mine also needed to cook for about 10 minutes longer than specified. After the toothpick came out dry, I took it out and cut into it and the middle oozed with uncooked batter. It has potential, but definitely needs some work.

Tasty Kitchen

2009-07-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

I just added a new website on the sidebar called Tasty Kitchen that I've run across through the Pioneer Woman website. I am dying over some of the recipes I've found, especially the ones with zucchini, and I can't wait to try them. If your zucchini is coming on strong like mine, here are a few worth checking out. Otherwise, check out that new site- it looks really fun and yummy and full of deliciousness.

Grilled Corn and Feta Salad

Pineapple Zucchini Sheetcake with Cream Cheese Frosting

...and this doesn't have zucchini in it, but it sounds sooooooo good

Blueberry Cornbread

When I try them out, I'll post the recipe and a quick review.

No Bake Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberries!

2009-06-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

Ladies, sit down for this one... it is sooooo good. And so bad for you. Just don't eat dinner and you'll be fine. This was one of my all time favorites that my mom used to make when I was a kid. Except she used cherry pie filling instead of the strawberries. I highly recommend trying that too. Anywho...

No Bake Cheescake with Fresh Stawberries

Graham Cracker Crust:
1/3 c. melted butter
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. finely crushed graham crackers (1 whole package, or 9 full sheets)

Mix all that up really well and press into pie plate. Put it in the fridge to chill while making the filling.

Filling:
8 oz. softened cream cheese (I use the Neufchatel cheese that is 1/3 less fat-- it works great!)
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
8 oz. (or one small tub) whipped cream

Beat the cream cheese and gradually add in powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, beating well. Fold in whipped cream. Pour onto crust and let chill in fridge for at least 2 hours. Refrigerate any leftovers (yeah right).

Top with fresh cut strawberries. I don't add any sugar to my strawberries, I think it balances out the cream really well. Also, in my picture, I put the strawberries all on top to make it look oh-so-pretty. But really, if there are any leftovers, the strawberries have the potential to make the remaining cheesecake/crust a bit soggy. So my advice is just spoon a bit of strawberries onto each individual piece. Don't faint from all the cheesecakey-goodness.

See how happy they are? I'm telling ya', it is so good...

Orange Mango Chicken

2009-06-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

Since receiving several mangos in Saturday's Bountiful Basket (if you don't know what I'm talking about, click here), I decided to search for some mango recipes on allrecipes.com. I found this dish and I thought it turned out pretty good. Next time I think I'd double the sauce since I served it over rice and it needed a little more moisture. The best thing about it was it was super easy and fast. From start to finish, it is under 30 minutes!

Orange Mango Chicken

3 tbsp. oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (I used chicken tenders)
1/8 tsp. ground thyme
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 lemon juiced
1 mango peeled, seeded and sliced
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

Heat olive oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken breast halves 5-10 min. on each side or until no longer pink and juices run clear. Season both sides with thyme, salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Heat the lemon juice in skillet over medium heat and scrape up browned bits. Mix in orange juice, mango, ginger and cinnamon. Over high heat, cook and continuously stir for 4-5 min. until thickened. Spoon over chicken breast halves to serve.

Egg Drop Soup

2009-03-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for sides to have with Asian food and I got this classic chinese soup recipe from my step-mom. It is way easy and my kids love it! (even Michael who doesn't normally like eggs or anything else besides sugar :))

Egg Drop Soup (serves 5 people)

5 cups chicken broth
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/8 cup chopped chives
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ Tbl corn starch
3 eggs whites
1 egg yolk

Mix 4 cups chicken broth, ginger, chopped chives, and salt. Mix last cup of chicken broth with cornstarch then add to the mixture. Bring to a boil. In meantime, mix egg whites and yolk with a fork. Once soup is boiling drop egg mixture in the soup until cooked. That's it!!

A "Grape" Recipe

2009-03-10T19:45:00.001-07:00

My sister-in-law just posted this on her blog and I thought it looked divine...

Grapes are in season, so I'm about to tell you the most delicious...the most delectible...the most sinful way to fully enjoy a bunch of grapes.

Start with the following ingredients:

4 lbs red seedless grapes (you have to get the biggest, crispest, firmest grapes you can find)
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 t. vanilla extract, to taste

Wash and stem grapes. Set aside. Mix sour cream, cream cheese, white sugar and vanilla by hand until blended. Sitr grapes into mixture and pour into large serving bowl.
Mix 1 c. brown sugar (packed, to taste) and 1 c. crushed pecans together. Sprinkle over top of grapes to completely cover. Chill overnight.

Seriously...TO. DIE. FOR.

Cinnamon-Sugar Muffins

2009-03-04T13:36:00.000-08:00

These muffins are a family favorite in our house and are so easy and quick to make. The recipe is taken from the Taste of Home web site and is originally called "French Breakfast Puffs". I changed the name because it seemed more fitting. And, lucky you! We actually had one remaining muffin after breakfast, so I was able to get a picture. And now this lone muffin will go into hiding so the kids won't eat it and I can. ;) These are so very, very good and could easily be served as breakfast, or even as a dessert. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup shortening, margarine, or butter
1 cup sugar, divided
1 egg
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Directions:

In a small bowl, beat shortening (or margarine or butter), 1/2 cup sugar and egg until smooth. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg; add to the sugar mixture alternately with milk.
Fill greased muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.
Meanwhile, combine cinnamon and remaining sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the warm puffs in butter, then in cinnamon-sugar. Serve immediately. Yield: 1 dozen.

Yummy Pound Cake

2009-02-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

Found this on the internet, and it has already become a family favorite.

3 cups
1/2 tsp
1/4 tsp
1/2 pound
3 cups
6
2 tsp
1 1/4 cups

Cake flour
Salt
Baking soda
Unsalted butter, room temp
Granulated sugar
Eggs, large, separated
Vanilla extract
Sour cream, room temp

Oven Temp ~ 350° Baking Time ~ 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours
Pan Type ~ 10 inch tube pan

Position a rack in the center of the oven, and preheat. Lightly butter a pan and dust with flour tapping out the excess.

Sift together the flour, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and the baking soda. In a large bowl, using a hand-held electric mixer set at high speed, beat the butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the sugar and beat until light in color and texture, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla. Reduce the speed to low, and in thirds, alternately beat in the flour mixture and sour cream.

In a large greaseproof bowl (I use glass), using a hand-held electric mixer (clean beaters) set at low speed and beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, increase the speed to high, and beat until the whites just form stiff peaks. Stir about one fourth of the beaten whites into the batter; then fold in the remaining whites. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top.

Bake until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick or bamboo skewer inserted comes out clean.
Cool the cake completely on a wire rack. Run a long knife around the edges to release the cake from the pan, then turn out onto a serving plate.

Variations on flavoring: In addition to the Vanilla, add either grated zest of lemon or orange or 1/2 teaspoon of rum or brandy extract.

Imagine it smothered with strawberries and whipped cream..... okay its great even by itself.

Sarah's Chicken Enchiladas

2009-01-26T11:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I wanted to take a picture of this yummy dish but we got to it too fast that it was impossible. I can not take any credit for these because they are so good that I'm giving them credit to who I got it from, my friend Sarah...I got these off her blog.
Anyway, to the yummy dish. The nice thing about this recipe you can always add more for the amount of people you are serving.

Chicken breasts
salsa
sweet corn
tomato
rice--cooked
sour cream
Pico de gallo
cheese
tortillas
Red Enchilada Sauce ( next time I will get the bigger can of enchilada sauce just to have a little more juice.)

First, place in a crockpot, salsa (any kind--I used homemade) with chicken breasts let it cook for a few hours until it can be pulled with a fork to shred.
Then make some rice (I did about 2 cups cooked rice...any kind of rice I think will work.)
While that is cooking chop some tomato and green onion. Add it to a bowl. Add rice and some more salsa along with a little sour cream and some corn.

Grate some cheese and get your tortillas ready (I used the ones you have to cook first but any will do.) Then start assembling...
Place some of the rice mixture, shredded chicken in the tortilla, add some cheese on top, roll and place seam down in 9x13 pan. When all done add enchilada sauce with a little bit of sour cream and mix together--it makes it a lot more creamy. Before you add the sauce put a little more of the rice mixture on top of the tortillas and then add sauce. (if you want to.)
Place in 350 degree oven and bake for 25 minutes, when done take out place a little more grated cheese on top and bake another 5 minutes.
I made one pan and had enough to make another pan and found someone to give it too. I served it with homemade guacamole and tortilla chips. My family really enjoyed it and they made great leftovers too. They were so filling that one was plenty.
Enjoy!!!

Some kind of avocado dip

2009-01-05T20:12:00.000-08:00

I don't know how healthy this is but it is way yummy. I don't know the actual name for it but here you go.

Avocado Dip

1 (16 oz) package frozen corn

2 medium tomatoes (or 3-4 roma tomatoes)

2 small cans sliced black olives

1 bunch green onions (about 3 stalks)

3-4 medium avocados cubed

Seasoning

1/3 cup EVOO

3 TBS apple cider vinegar

1 tsp dried oregano

¼ cup lemon juice (or 2-3 fresh lemons)

¼ cup lime juice

½ tsp pepper

½ tsp salt

5 garlic cloves chopped

In a small bowl mix seasoning ingredients together then set aside.

In a large bowl combine corn, onions and olives then pour seasoning mixture over corn mixture, stir, then set aside to marinate.

Before serving add tomatoes and avocados.

Then serve with corn chips.

Healthy Recipes

2009-01-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

I think it is time to post some yummy healthy recipes. Since we all probably had way to many sweets over the holidays it would be great to get on a healthy start for the New Year.

Irene's Krazy Krunch Popcorn

2008-12-18T17:02:00.000-08:00

1 C butter
1/2 C Karo Syrup
1 1/3 C sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
almonds or pecans (optional)

Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil a rolling boil for about five minutes, stirring all the time. Remove from heat and add 1 tsp vanilla.

Prepare enough popcorn to fill a large tupperware bowl, about 3/4 full. I'll usually pop some extra popcorn in another bowl, then I can add some more if I have too much syrup.

Add the nuts, almonds or pecans, or both to the popcorn. Have this ready so when your syrup is ready you can pour it onto your popcorn and nuts.

Gently fold the syrup over the popcorn and nuts to coat well.
Spread on wax paper to dry.

Very easy and super yummy!

OATMEAL CRANBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES

2008-12-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

I got this recipe from Wendy Allen.

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 6-ounce package Ocean Spray® Craisins® Original Sweetened Dried Cranberries
2/3 cup white chocolate chunks or chips

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375ºF.

Using an electric mixer, beat butter or margarine and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, mixing well. Combine oats, flour, baking soda and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add to butter mixture in several additions, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sweetened dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.

Makes approximately 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Peanut Butter Smoothie

2008-11-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

This recipe has nothing to do with Thanksgiving, but maybe you could try it with the left over icecream you had with your pie. We made these for FHE tonight and loved them. Preface: I used to work at Zuka Juice (now Jamba Juice) over 10 years ago in which I learned how to make each and every smoothie. My favorite was the "peanut butter mood" which I consumed nearly on a daily basis. Hmmm, that's where the freshman 15 came from...Anyways. I honestly haven't tried to replicate it 'till tonight and boy was it good! For anyone who may be linked to Jamba Juice in any way, this is my own interpretation of the original recipe since I only relied on my very very poor memory and not on anything written down, so please don't sue me for sharing this on the Internet with the whole wide world. I just want to spread some peanut butter cheer. Now...on with the recipe.

Peanut Butter Smoothie

(all measurements are very rough)
1/2 c. to 3/4 c. milk (depending on how runny or thick you like it)
a few scoops of vanilla icecream (vanilla frozen yogurt would work also)
spoonful of peanut butter
a drizzle of chocolate sauce
1/4 to 1/2 a banana
ice

Blend all together and enjoy! Seriously, I was so excited about how much this tasted like the real thing I so dearly loved 10 years ago. Give it a whirl.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

2008-11-19T07:49:00.000-08:00

2 Tbsp. active dry yeast
½ cup warm water
4 eggs
1 cup shortening
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup warm milk (110-115 degrees)
½ cup sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup instant vanilla pudding mix
1/3 cup instant butterscotch pudding
1 teaspoon salt
7-8 cups flour

Filling:
¼ cup butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Frosting:
Favorite cream cheese frosting
Freshly ground cinnamon, optional

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the eggs, shortening, pumpkin, milk, sugars, pudding mixes, salt and 6 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (it will be sticky). Turn onto a a floured surface; knead until smooth about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down, divide in thirds. Roll each portion into a 12x8 inch rectangle and brush with melted butter. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over dough. Roll up jelly-roll style Cut into 12 slices. Place cut side down in to greased 13x9 inch baking pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 350 for 18-25 minutes or until golden brown and done. Frost with favorite cream cheese icing and sprinkle with freshly ground cinnamon.

Potatoe Chip Chicken

2008-11-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

1 cup coarsely crushed potatoes chips
1 tbsp parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp onion powder
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp mayonnaise

In a bowl or a large resealable plastic bag combine all dry ingredients. Brush chicken on both sides with mayo. Then shake chicken in bag. Place olive oil & chicken in baking dish. Bake at 350 for 60 minutes

Chicken Noodle Soup

2008-11-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

8 cups water
10 chicken bouillon cubes
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp onion flakes
1/2 tsp garlic salt
carrots diced
peas
celery diced
3-4 cooked chicken breasts cubed
Grandma's frozen noodles (or a different brand is fine, look in the freezer section)

Un-thaw noodles for 15 minutes prior to cooking. Boil all ingredients for 15 minutes (excluding the chicken only). When noodles are fully cooked then add cooked chicken.

Creamy Cheese & Veggie Soup

2008-11-12T16:30:00.000-08:00

4 chicken bouillon cubes
6 cups of water
3-5 diced potatoes
1 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced onions
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups broccoli
salt & pepper

Cook together until veggies are tender.

3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
4 cups milk
1 16 oz cube of velvetta broken into pieces

Melt butter in a separate sauce pan then with a whisk add the flour until fully blended. Next add in the milk and blend well. Add this mixture to the pot with the veggies. Then add in your velvetta and simmer until the cheese is melted. Stir well and serve.

You can also do this recipe and just a straight broccoli soup. Just leave out the potatoes, carrots, and celery.

Broccoli and Rice Cream Soup

2008-11-07T14:49:00.000-08:00

So we had a great family gathering over the weekend and served Rice Bowls. I had WAY too much broccoli, carrots, and rice leftover (none of which freeze well to use later). So I rummaged through the fridge to see what other leftovers I could pull together. I thought that the results were pretty tasty and had a friend even ask for the recipe...so here it is. All measurements are approximate.

Broccoli and Rice Cream Soup (aka Leftover Soup)

6 Cups Steamed Broccoli
3 Cups Grated and Steamed Carrots
6 Cups Cooked Rice
2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup
2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
3-4 Cups Milk (till desired consistency)

Mix all together and bring to a boil on the stove. Cook until desired temperature and consistency.

I think the Whipping Cream gave it the most distinct flavoring. Sweet and fat how can you go wrong? You can add salt, pepper, or other seasonings, but I found that it it was fine without.

Sweet Potato Casserole

2008-11-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

This will be on our table at Thanksgiving. It's so yummy! Almost tastes more like a dessert.

3 c. cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
(about 2 large or 3 medium)
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. milk

Peel, slice and boil potatoes for 20-25 min. Mix other ingredients in a bowl. Drain potatoes and add to mixture, beat with mixer until smooth. Pour into lightly buttered 9x13 dish. Top with the following:

1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. flour
1/4 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Cut brown sugar, butter and flour together until crumbly. Add pecans and sprinkle on top of potato mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 min.

2008-11-04T06:33:00.000-08:00

Please share your favorite Thanksgiving recipes!

Homemade Mac & Cheese

2008-10-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

I just made this tonight and need something to do while it cooks so here I am. Cameron LOVES this dinner and requests it frequently. It takes about 30 min. start to finish. And somehow I feel better about the kids eating this, rather than the processed Kraft stuff they love so much. I don't really have measurements so I'm kinda guessing...

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. flour
salt
pepper
about 2 c. milk
grated cheddar cheese

Boil macaroni till tender. White sauce: Make a roux (sp?) by melting butter in a sauce pan. When melted, add flour and mix till bubbly. Add salt and pepper (maybe 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper?). Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, and heat till bubbling and reaches desired consistency (you might want to start with 1 1/2 cups of milk and add more milk if the white sauce is too thick). Taste white sauce and add salt and pepper if needed. Combine white sauce with macaroni and put in a baking dish. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top and bake for 20 minutes on 350.

Cowboy Caviar

2008-10-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

This is Shannon's sister's recipe. It is so yummy! I want some more right now.
4 tomatoes
1 can shoepeg corn (she said Bowman's carries--Walmart she has a hard time finding it--it's by all the canned veggies.)
1 can black beans
1 bunch green onions
cilantro
pkg. italian good seasons mix (follow directions on package and make dressing.)
Mix everything together and enjoy with chips!!

Apple Dumplings

2008-10-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Here is the recipe from the dessert I made at recipe swap last week. I think Emily C. put it in the cookbook but I got it from Pioneer Woman Cooks blog. It is way easy and so yummy!!

2 Granny Smith apples
2 cans crescent rolls
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoons vanilla
cinnamon
1 small can Mountain Dew

Peel and core apples. Cut apples into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan. Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.

Chocolate Praline Pecan Cake

2008-10-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

8 Tbs butter, cut up
¼ C. heavy whipping cream
1 C. packed light brown sugar
¾ C. chopped pecans
1 package (18.25 oz.) devils food cake mix w/ pudding (if you can’t find one that has
pudding, it will still turn out fine, just not quite as heavy.)
1 C. water
½ C. veg. oil
3 large eggs

Whipped Cream topping:
1 C. heavy whipping cream
¼ C. powdered sugar
1 oz. semi sweet chocolate chopped up for garnish

Pre-heat oven to 325 F. Combine butter, cream, and brown sugar in small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until butter is melted (about 3 minutes). Pour the mixture evenly into two 9” round cake pans, then sprinkle with the chopped pecans. Set pans aside.
Combine cake mix, eggs, water, and oil in a large mixing bowl and blend until well combined. Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans, pouring it over the pecan mixture. Smooth it out with a rubber spatula. Place the pans side by side in the oven on center rack. Bake for 35-37 minutes.

When cakes are done, cool them on wire racks for at least 10 minutes before removing them from the pans. To remove them run a dinner knife around the edge and invert each onto a rack to cool, praline side up.

While cakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream topping. When cakes are completely cool, assemble them by placing one cake layer, praline side up on a serving platter and spread half the whipped topping on top. Place the second layer, praline side up, and top with remaining whipped topping and garnish with chopped chocolate pieces.

Another recipe from a friend...the same friend in fact. I did try this one and LOVED it. A couple of tips...I forgot to add the pecans at first, so the praline layer started to spread. I caught the mistake on the second one and it all worked out fine. I also doubled the whipped topping recipe and put it around the sides...it was for a child's birthday and I was trying to hide the nuts. It looked nicer with just the topping between layers...but it didn't hurt the taste one bit to have the extra on the sides. Also, I couldn't find the pudding in the mix cake mix, and it turned out fine with a devils food cake mix.

Tomatillo Tortilla Soup

2008-10-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

1 quart chicken stock
6-8 tomatillos (with husks removed and rinsed well)
2 small bunches cilantro (ends cut off)
1 jalapeno (seeds removed)
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 head of garlic
juice from 1 lime
2 4 oz. cans of diced green chilies
1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
1 can corn (don't drain)
2 15 oz cans of black beans (don't drain)
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground pepper
Ground red pepper (as much as desired for heat)
Corn tortillas, cut in strips and fried (like on a Cafe Rio Salad)

Put chicken stock in large pot. Rinse all veggies. Blend tomatillos, cilantro, and the jalapeno in the blender. Blend well. Add 1 of the cans of green chili. Add the onion and garlic to the blender mix. Blend well for a minute. Add lime juice and make sure it's well blended. Add to the chicken stock in large stock pot. Bring to boil. Add diced green pepper, other can of green chili, corn, beans, and chicken. Then add the cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve with fried corn tortilla strips, sour cream, and diced avocado. Add a little more lime juice if desired.

I just got this recipe from a friend and haven't had a chance to make it yet...but it is the season for warm soup. I hope to enjoy it soon.

White Chicken Chili

2008-10-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

1 lb. chicken, cubed
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 onion, chopped
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1 TBSP. oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 cans great northern white beans, rinsed and drained
1 tsp. cumin
1 can chicken broth
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. whipping cream (or evaporated milk)
1 can chopped green chilies

Saute chicken, onion, and garlic powder in oil until chicken is done.
Combine beans, broth, chilies and seasonings in large pot. Add chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and cream (or evaporated milk). This is very yummy and works great with breadsticks as a side.

Pumpkin Pie Dessert

2008-10-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

I can't take credit for this recipe because it was given to me by someone in the neighborhood. I've had so many people ask me for it that I thought I'd post it.

6 eggs 1 tsp. salt
1 can evaporated milk 1 tsp. ginger
1 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 tsp. clove
1 large can pumpkin 1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix above ingredients together and pour into 9x13 pan.

Crumb topping:
1 yellow cake mix
1 cube butter

Mix cake mix and butter with mixer until crumbly. Put crumb topping on pumpkin mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 min. or until knife comes out clean.

Pumpkin Cheescake (EASY!)

2008-10-13T19:54:00.000-07:00

1 graham cracker crust
1 12 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 c. pure pumpkin
2 eggs

Mix the cream cheese, sugar and pumpkin pie spice on medium speed. Stir in pumpkin. Add eggs and mix until well blended. Pour into crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Cool. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Best Baked Potato Soup Ever

2008-10-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

1-2 lbs. Bacon ( I used half turkey bacon and half regular bacon.)
2/3 cups butter
2/3 cups flour
5 cups milk
2 cups chicken broth
4-8 potatoes-baked, peeled and cubed (I cubed half and mashed a little the rest.)
4 green onions--chopped
1/4 regular onion-chopped
1 garlic clove-minced (optional--but very good.)
1 1/4 cup shredded chedder cheese (grate some extra for the garnish.)
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
*Cook bacon, melt butter, add onions and garlic, saute. Add flour. Stir milk and chicken broth together and add to mixture--wisk until thick and almost to boil. Put in potatoes--wisk until boiling. Reduce heat, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Cheese and bacon. So yummy!! Hope you all like it too.

Zucchini Brownies

2008-10-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

I'm not taking credit for these. But I have had a few people ask for this recipe. So thanks to Shannon these have been quite the buzz. So here it is. . .
2 c. shredded zucchini
1/2 cup oil (can use applesauce)
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. cocoa
*Mix zucchini, oil (or applesauce) and vanilla. Add sugar, flour, salt and soda. Mix by hand. (I use my mixer-I'm lazy.) Spread in greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Fudge Frosting
1 cube butter--melted
3 Tbsp. cocoa
2 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 beaten egg (yes--raw, I said the same thing you are thinking "Are you sure?" It's great.)
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)
Mix together and frost brownies.
Hope you all enjoy-Thanks again Shannon for such a hit of a recipe.

Toffee Carmel Dip

2008-09-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

So easy and so good. I had it at a party this weekend. It was gone before we left and I dreamt of eating it in my sleep.

1 block of cream cheese
1 package of heath toffee bits
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Melt the cream cheese in the microwave for 40 seconds just until it is soft. Then mix all the additional ingredients. Make 1/2 hour before serving so that flavors mix. The toffee will get soft if you mix too early. Serve with cut up apples for dipping.

Coupons

2008-09-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

I just added a link to a site where you can print off coupons for groceries. There are additional sites listed at www.ksl.com under Studio 5. They're in the Living on Less section. Hope these help!

Fresh Peach Cake

2008-09-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

This is my sister-in-laws recipe and it is one of my favorite fall desserts. It's so yummy!

Cake

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

3/4 cup oil

1 1/3 cups mashed peaches

2 cups flour

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

dash of salt

*Mix oil, eggs, and sugar. Add mashed peaches. Stir in the flour, soda, cinnamon, and salt. Put in a 9" greased round pan or bundt pan or can use loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes-check with toothpick.

Sauce

1 cup sugar

2 tsp. flour

1/2 cup butter

2 egg yolks

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1 tsp. vanilla

*In small sauce pan, combine ingredients well. Boil until thickened. WATCH CAREFULLY--will scorch.

Serve cake with sauce and fresh peaches.

Scotch-A-Roos

2008-09-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

This is for those of you who ate way too many camping. . . (a.k.a. Shannon, Melissa, Crystal, Emily and Rachel, oh of course ME!--and all of those MANLY Men of ours!!) ENJOY!
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup peanut butter
5 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
_________________
Blend sugar, syrup & peanut butter. Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Mix in cereal, press into 9x13" pan. When cool, frost with milk chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Makes about 36 bars.

Zucchini Carrot Cake

2008-09-04T18:02:00.000-07:00

This is soooo good!!

2 eggs
1 C Sugar
2/3 C Oil
1 1/4 C All- purpose Flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C grated carrots
1 C grated and drained zucchini
1/2 C nuts (optional)
Frosting:
8oz Pkg Cream Cheese
3 tbs. Margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar

Beat eggs with sugar until frothy. Gradually beat in oil. Add dry ingredients. Beat on high speed for 4 minutes. Stir in carrot, zucchini and nuts. Pour into greased 9" square pan. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.
Frosting: Mix cream cheese and margarine; add sugar and vanilla. Beat well until smooth.

Another great website

2008-09-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends growing up has a website with her sister. They have some pretty good recipes that look so devine. Just wanted to pass it along if you are ever in a rut for what to cook. (like I am right now--just need to try something new--going to check out a few of these wonderful recipes that all of you are contributing...my recipes aren't half as good as yours all are!!!) Here is the link--happy cooking. --Heather
mysisterscucina.blogspot.com

Fried Rice

2008-08-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of the Olympics!!

Fried Rice

Ingredients:

1 to 2 Chicken breasts or 10 Chicken Tenders (cut into small pieces)
3 Scrambled eggs
2 Carrots (finely grated)
1/2 White onion (finely chopped)
3/4 cup Frozen peas
1/2 cup Butter
1 to 2 Garlic cloves (Crushed) or 1 teaspoon of garlic Powder
2 cups White rice (not instant)

Marinate chicken in soy sauce, if you do not have much time, mix it with chicken before cooking
In a large frying pan Cook chicken in small amount of olive oil, add carrots and onions and saute until clear
Add frozen peas and cook until soft.
In a separate pan cook rice then add to the mixture
In another pan, scramble three eggs, chop finely and add to mixture
Melt 1/2 cup butter, add crushed garlic cloves to butter, stir and add to mixture
Mix all together well, add soy sauce to taste and Enjoy

(If I don't have all the veggies separately I use a frozen stir fry mix and chop it up real good when it is cooked.)

Cream of Zucchini Soup

2008-08-13T10:15:00.001-07:00

Here is another one

2 onions
2 Tbsp butter
2-3 med zucchini
3 C chicken broth
1/2 C half and half
1/2 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
pinch cayenne pepper
cheese for garnish

Saute onion in butter, add sliced zucchini and broth. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 min. then add the seasonings. Remove from stove and puree in blender. Add half and half. Return to stove and heat. Do not bring to a bring to a boil. Garnish with chees.

Zucchini Drop Cookies

2008-08-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

2 C zucchini (grated and raw)
1 tsp. baking soda
2 C sugar
1 C oil
2 eggs
4 C flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. salt
2 C nuts
2 C chocolate chips

Beat zucchini, baking soda, sugar, oil, and eggs together. Sift together and add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Add nuts and chocolate chips (or raisins). Drop by teaspoons on greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 12-15 min.

Choco-Zucchini Cake Frosting

2008-08-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

2 C Powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Beat all ingredients until well blended. Drizzle on Choco cake or Zucchini bread.

Choco-Zucchini Cake

2008-08-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

2 and 1/2 C flour
1/2 C Cocoa
2 and 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 and 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 C butter (softened)
2 C sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp orange peel (grated)
2 C zucchini (grated and raw)
1/2 C milk
1 C nuts (optional)

Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Beat butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla, orange peel and zucchini. Add dry ingredients alternateing with milk. Blend in nuts. Pour into greased and lightly floured Bundt or tube pan. Bake at 350 for one hour or until cake tests done. Drizzle with frosting.

Zucchini Bread

2008-08-12T12:34:00.002-07:00

2 C sugar
1 C oil
3 eggs
3 C flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
2 C Zucchini (grated and raw)
1 C nuts (optional)

Mix together sugar, oil and eggs. Sift flour, salt, soda, baking powder, and cinnamon and add to mixture. Add grated raw zucchini and nuts. Bake in 2 regular sized loaf pans at 350 for 45-60 min. Can also make 4 smaller loaf pans.

I usually double it and make 2 reg loafs and 4 mini ones. Then I can share, but not too much.

Zucchini

2008-08-12T12:34:00.001-07:00

Stuffed Zucchini

2008-08-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here are all the Zucchini recipes you all keep asking me for. Enjoy!

4 med Zucchini
1 lb. ground beef
1 small onion (chopped)
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 tsp. oregano
1/4 C parmesean cheese (grated)
1 can tomato soup

Cut stem off of zucchini. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; scoop out seeds and pulp leaving 1/4 inch shell. Brown ground beef , onion and garlic. Drain Fat. Add oregano, zucchini pulp, parm cheese and 1/4 of the soup. Arrange zucchini shells in a shallow baking dish. Spoon meat mixture into shells. Spoon remaining soup over top and sprinkle with addition parm cheese. Cover and bake at 375 for 35 to 40 min. Remove cover during the last 5 min.

Cool Summer Jello Smoothies

2008-08-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

My kids loved these and it's so easy!

1 pkg. Jello any flavor; 4 serving size
1/2 C boiling water
1/2 C cold water
ice cubes
11/2 C cool whip (the recipe says thawed, but frozen works fine too)

Combine Jello and boiling water in blender and blend 1 minute or until Jello is dissolved. In a glass measuring cup combine the 1/2 C cold water with enough ice cubes to make 11/2 C ice water. Add ice water and cool whip to blender and blend until the ice is all gone and it's reached "smoothie" consistency. We topped ours with an extra dollop of whipped cream!

Hope everyone doesn't mind, I added a link to the side titled 'Everyday Food Storage'. Check it out, I thought it was really great!

Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps

2008-08-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

I haven't tried this recipe but it sounded super yummy & easy.

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 Cup finely chopped onion
1 lb ground turkey breast
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic salt
1 12 oz bag of Broccoli Slaw
1 small can drained water chestnuts
½ Cup Yoshida’s Teriyaki Sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Approximately 15 Butter Lettuce leaves (you can also use iceberg lettuce leaves)

1. Place oil into a large 5 qt skillet or other large pan over medium heat. When hot, add onion and cook for 5 minutes to soften. Add ground turkey, salt, pepper and garlic salt. Brown and crumble until cooked through.

2. When turkey is cooked, stir in broccoli slaw, water chestnuts, teriyaki sauce and sesame oil. Cook for another 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Reduce heat to low until ready to serve. Serve spoonfuls inside lettuce leaves.

Enjoy!

Tomato-Spinach Pizza

2008-08-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

I'm glad you all liked the fruit salsa! I just went to the store and completely forgot to get the ingredients for it, so I have to wait till Monday. So sad. Anyhoo-here's a fun pizza I like to make-especially in the summer. I can't eat it right now because of the feta/pregnant thing so if you make it, eat some for me! PS-checked out Pioneer Woman-how did I not know that this website existed? Zucchini cakes? Ricotta stuffed roma tomatoes? I was drooling on the computer! Maybe we should have a Pioneer Woman recipe swap to test out some of the recipes!

Tomato-Spinach Pizza

1 pizza crust (whatever your favorite recipe is)

Olive oil
1 tsp. dried basil leaves (or use fresh if you have them in your garden!)
1 bag of spinach, roughly chopped
1 pound Roma tomatoes, sliced
8 ounces Mozzarella, shredded
4 ounces of Feta cheese, crumbled

Lightly brush dough with olive oil and sprinkle with basil, leaving a little border for the crust.
Layer ingredients on dough starting with spinach and ending with Feta. The spinach looks like a ton but cooks down. The tomaotes shrink up a bit to so don't be stingy. Bake about 10 minutes at 450.

I want to be a pioneer woman

2008-07-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

Alright, I know I'm probably not supposed to post without a recipe, but...who cares. I'm writing to say that I just checked out the Pioneer Woman website. I'm pretty sure it's my new favorite. Delicious and funny. I love it. And those apple dumplings? Emily, I can't believe I missed out (on everyone's company of course- I'm sure the dumplings were good too)- please please please invite me anytime you make something with the word dumplings, or apple or dessert.

And, I made Rachel M's fruit salsa today. Goodnight, that stuff is fantastic.

Tortellini Salad

2008-07-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Tortellini Salad

1 package cheese tortellini(cooked and cooled)

4tsp. olive oil

1/4 Cup freshly grated parm. cheese

2 cloves garlic

1 tsp. basil

1 jar artichoke hearts

Take most of the juice off the artichoke hearts and blend all of the above ingredients.

(don't blend the cheese tortellini)

Then pour over the tortellini and chill.

super fast, yummy, and easy,

just like me, minus the easy.

Chicken and Broccoli Bake

2008-07-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

This recipe helped Porter to try broccoli for the first time and actually enjoy it. It's a MIRACLE!!!

4 chicken breast halves
3 packages (10 ounces each) frozen
broccoli, cooked according to
package directions, or 2 pounds fresh
broccoli, well trimmed and cooked until
tender-crisp
1 can (10 1/2ounces) cream of chicken soup
½ cup milk
½ cup Miracle Whip
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ cup bread crumbs

Cook chicken breast in water just to cover for
about 30 minutes. Remove chicken, cool, and dice meat.

Coat 9x13 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
layer broccoli in bottom of pan, place chicken pieces
on top of broccoli. Mix soup, milk, Miracle Whip,
cheddar cheese and lemon juice. Spread on top of chicken.
Sprinkle with bread crumbs and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Makes 5 to 6 servings.

Fruit Dip

2008-07-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

Super Yummy and easy

1 8oz. strawberry cream cheese (beat until softened)
1 small jar marshmallow creme

Mix together and chill before serving. Serve dip with
strawberries, kiwifruit, pineapple, bananas, and grapes.

Fruit Salsa

2008-07-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

Another good summer recipe. You know how we all crave fresh fruits and veggies in the summer!

2 Golden Delicious Apples
2 Kiwi
1 container strwaberries
1 container raspberries

Chop up all of the fruit. As chunky as you like. I do it with a food chopper and make it pretty small.

Add:
1 Tbspn. brown sugar
2 Tbspn. sugar
1 Tbspn. fruit preserves (strawberry or raspberry)

Cinnamon Crisps
Use these for dipping in the fruit salsa

Cut soft tortillas into 1/8's
Cover a baking sheet with tortilla triangles
Spray with butter flavored cooking spray
Srinkle cinnamon sugar on top
Spray again with cooking spray

Bake at 350 for about 8 minutes (keep a close eye because oven temps vary)

Pasta Primavera

2008-07-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

Since everyone has gardens going, here's a recipe to use up some of those vegetables! It's super easy and healthy.

3 carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips
2 medium zucchini or 1 large zucchini, cute into thin strips
2 yell0w, cut into thin strips
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, cute into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 Tbspn. dried Italian herbs (or herbes de Provence)
1 pound bowtie pasta
15 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan

On a baking sheet, toss all of the vegetables with the oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs to coat. Transfer half of the vegetables to another baking sheet and arrange the vegetables on baking sheets evenly. Bake unti the carrots are tender and the vegetables start to brown, stirring after the first 10 minutes. Takes about 20 minutes total.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Toss the pasta with the vegetable in a large bowl. Toss with cherry tomatoes and enough of the reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Season the pasta with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Makes alot so half recipe if needed.

Better Than a Restaurant Alfredo

2008-07-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

When I go out to eat I never get Alfredo because I always compare it to this. Hope you enjoy.

Alfredo Sauce:
1/4 c. butter
1 c. heavy cream
2-3 garlic cloves diced
1 c. Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp. parsley
salt & pepper

Start your noodles boiling. Then simmer butter & heavy cream for 5 minutes. Add garlic, salt, pepper. Stir in cheese over a medium heat, until it melts. Serve promptly over fettuccine noodles. Grill chicken and place on top of noodles and sauce.

Garlic Bread:
melt 1/2 cup butter
2-3 garlic cloves
1 tsp. basil
1/4 tsp salt

Brush onto sliced french bread. Set oven on broil or 375 degrees. Keep a close eye on the bread so it doesn't burn.