Easy and Delicious Ranch-Parmesan Chicken

There are plenty versions of this recipe, this is mine and can be on your table in less that an hour, my family loves this chicken!
Ingredients:

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup dry breadcrumbs (even better, use panko breadcrumbs)
• 1/4-1/3 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1/2-1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2-1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup prepared ranch salad dressing (use bottled salad dressing, you might need a bit more dressing)
• 1/4 cup melted butter (no substitutes)

Directions:

1. Set oven to 400° degrees (set oven rack to lowest position).
2. In a shallow bowl mix together the dry breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
3. Dip the chicken into the ranch dressing to coat both sides (allow any excess to drip off).
4. Coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place in a single layer onto a greased baking sheet or line with non-stick foil (do NOT bake in a smaller baking dish or the bottom of the chicken will be soggy).
6. Lightly drizzle the melted butter over each breast (for low-fat option omit the butter or use a diet alternative).
7. If desired you can sprinkle black pepper over the chicken pieces .
8. Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked).

Olive Garden Pasta E Fagioli Soup in a Crock Pot

This tastes exactly like the pasta e fagioli soup at the Olive Garden. Wonderful! Husband loves it!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 4 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
• 1 (16 ounce) can white kidney beans, drained
• 3 (10 ounce) cans beef stock
• 3 teaspoons oregano
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 5 teaspoons parsley
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional)
• 1 (20 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 8 ounces pasta

Directions:

1. Brown beef in a skillet.
2. Drain fat from beef and add to crock pot with everything except pasta.
3. Cook on low 7-8 hours or high 4-5 hours.
4. During last 30 min on high or 1 hour on low, add pasta.

Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole

This will also work great with turkey; if you do not have chicken breasts, then use any leftover cooked chicken. If desired you can fill the crescents just with the filling mixture and omit the soup, just brush with butter before baking. They are wonderful just stuffed with the filling! A few members have experienced a soggy bottom, so you might want to consider just drizzling half (or even a little less) of the soup mixture on top and a little around the sides of the crescents, then save the rest of the soup mixture for another time (this will help prevent a soggy bottom).

Ingredients:

• 2 (8 ounce) cans Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Dinner Rolls
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or any cheese of choice) or 3/4 cup swiss cheese (or any cheese of choice)
• 1/2 cup 18% table cream (or use whipping cream)

FILLING

• 4 ounces cream cheese (very soft)
• 4 tablespoons butter (very soft but not melted)
• 1/2-1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/3 cup onion, finely chopped (can use green onions)
• 2 large cooked chicken breasts, finely chopped (or use about 2 cups, can use cooked turkey)
• 1/2-3/4 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (or use 1/2 teaspoon white salt or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 -4 tablespoons mayonnaise or 2 -4 tablespoons whipping cream
• 1 -2 cup grated cheddar cheese (for topping)

Directions:

1. Set oven to 350°F.
2. Butter a casserole dish (any size to hold crescent rolls).
3. In a saucepan, mix half and half cream, 3/4 cup grated cheese (can use more cheese if desired) and undiluted chicken soup (can season with black pepper if desired).
4. Heat just until the cheese melts (do not boil).
5. For the filling --- (make certain that the cream cheese and butter are very soft) in a bowl, mix the soft cream cheese with butter until very smooth, then add in garlic powder (if using).
6. Add in the chopped chicken, onion and cheddar cheese; mix well until combined.
7. Add in 2 tablespoons whipping cream or mayonnaise; mix to combine (add in a little more if the mixture seems too dry).
8. Season with seasoned salt or white and black pepper to taste.
9. Unroll the crescent rolls.
10. Place 1 heaping tablespoon chicken mixture (or a little more) on top of each crescent triangle, then roll up starting at the thicker end.
11. Drizzle a small amount of soup mixture on the bottom of the dish.
12. Then place the crescent rolls seam-side down on top of the creamed mixture in the casserole.
13. Drizzle the remaining sauce on top (you don't have to use the full amount of cream sauce, just use as much as desired) and sprinkle with 1 cup (or more) grated cheese, or amount desired.
14. Bake for about 30 minutes.

Crock Pot Taco Soup

This taco soup is quick and easy to prepare and has great flavor. I got it from a family friend.
Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) can pinto beans
• 1 (16 ounce) can white beans or 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans
• 1 (11 ounce) can niblet corn
• 1 (11 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes & chilies
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope taco seasoning mix
• 1 (1 ounce) envelope hidden valley ranch dressing mix
• 1 lb shredded chicken, ground beef or 1 lb any meat

Directions:

1. Cook meat and drain.
2. Shred if needed.
3. Add all ingredients to crock pot.
4. DO NOT DRAIN CANS.
5. Stir.
6. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
7. Keep on low until serving to keep hot.
8. Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.

Really Good Vegetarian Meatloaf

High in fiber and protein, low in fat, easy and really yummy! I've always thought meatloaf looks and smells so delicious and savory so, as a vegetarian, I decided to make a no-meat version! This is basically our favorite meatloaf recipe but with cooked mashed lentils instead of ground meat. The result is a very tasty dinner!
Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese or 3/4 cup swiss cheese, cheese or 3/4 cup monterey jack cheese or 3/4 cup American cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 1/2 ounces spaghetti sauce or 4 1/2 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Add salt to water and boil in a saucepan.
2. Add lentils and simmer covered 25-30 minutes, until lentils are soft and most of water is evaporated.
3. Remove from fire.
4. Drain and partially mash lentils.
5. Scrape into mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.
6. Stir in onion, oats and cheese until mixed.
7. Add egg, tomato sauce, garlic, basil, parsley, seasoning salt and pepper.
8. Mix well.
9. Spoon into loaf pan that has been generously sprayed with Pam (non-stick cooking spray) or well-greased.
10. Smooth top with back of spoon.
11. Bake at 350 degrees for 30- 45 minutes until top of loaf is dry, firm and golden brown.
12. Cool in pan on rack for about 10 minutes.
13. Run a sharp knife around edges of pan then turn out loaf onto serving platter.

Should Be Illegal Oven BBQ Ribs

After not being able to find restaurant ribs that satified my hot sweet appetite, I carefully attempted various combinations of flavors until I found one that I and my family thought was perfect. Hope you enjoy them too.
Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork back ribs
• 1 (8 ounce) jar honey
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 medium onion, grated or finely chopped
• 12 ounces barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup white sugar

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients together in large roasting pan (i use bottom of turkey roaster).
2. Cut ribs apart for easier serving.
3. Mix together making sure to coat all ribs with this semi-dry paste.
4. Spread ribs out evenly on bottom of pan.
5. cover lightly with foil.
6. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 1 hour.
7. Turning or stirring occasionally.
8. You can use broiler for these ribs, just watch more closely, and adjust cooking time.
9. These ribs are also great finished on the grill for a few minutes on each side.

Japanese Mum's Chicken

It just takes a bit of time. If you feel your chicken is cooked (and going to overcook) remove it before going on to reduce the liquid. Same thing, if you must use breast meat, remove it (so it doesn't dry out) and continue reducing the liquid .
Ingredients:

• 8 chicken drumsticks, skin on (the skin is important for flavour, and is so tasty to eat!)
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and bruised
• 1 small hot chili pepper, slit open, seeds removed

Directions:

1. Place all the ingredients in a saucepan over a high heat.
2. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes.
3. Remove any scum that rises to the surface.
4. Increase the heat, turning the drumsticks frequently in the liquid, and cook until the liquid has reduced to a sticky glaze.
5. Arrange the chicken on a serving platter, remove the garlic clove and chili from the liquid, and spoon the glaze over.
6. NOTE It's a glaze rather than a sauce, so there's not a whole lot of it.

Panda Express Orange Chicken

A copycat recipe from Panda Express. This chicken is tangy and flavorful. Give it a try! I'm sure you and your family will enjoy it.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken, chopped into bite sized pieces
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• white pepper
• oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch, plus
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon gingerroot, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red chili pepper
• 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Orange Sauce for Stir Fry

• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons water
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 orange, zest of

Directions:

1. Place chicken pieces in large bowl.
2. Stir in egg, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon oil and mix well.
3. Stir cornstarch and flour together.
4. Mix flour mixture and egg mixture.
5. Add chicken pieces, stirring to coat.
6. Heat oil for deep-frying in wok or deep-fryer to 375 degrees.
7. Add chicken, small batches at a time, and fry 3 to 4 minutes or until golden crisp.
8. (Do not overcook chicken).
9. Remove chicken from oil with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; set aside.
10. Clean wok and heat 15 seconds over high heat.
11. Add 1 tablespoon oil.
12. Add ginger and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant; about 10 seconds.
13. Add and stir-fry crushed chiles and green onions.
14. Add rice wine and stir 3 seconds.
15. Add Orange Sauce and bring to boil.
16. Add cooked chicken, stirring until well mixed.
17. Stir water into remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth and add to chicken.
18. Heat until sauce is thickned.
19. Stir in sesame oil and orange zest if desired.
20. Serve over jasmine rice.

Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

 A very good broccoli cheese soup. Serve with crusty bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/2 medium chopped onion
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 lb fresh broccoli
• 1 cup carrot, julienned
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Sauté onion in butter. Set aside.
2. Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.
3. Add the chicken stock. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat 20-25 minutes.
5. Add salt and pepper. Can be puréed in a blender but I don't. Return to heat and add cheese. Stir in nutmeg.

Best Grape Salad

I got this recipe from a coworker at the salon I work at. I didn't think it would be so wonderful and addictive! It's very creamy and sweet, and a great mix of flavors. It will be the best thing you ever use grapes for (except maybe wine!).

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs green seedless grapes
• 2 lbs red seedless grapes
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, to taste

Topping Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed, to taste
• 1 cup crushed pecans, to taste

Directions:

1. Wash and stem grapes.
2. Set aside.
3. Mix sour cream, cream cheese, white sugar and vanilla by hand until blended.
4. Stir grapes into mixture, and pour in large serving bowl.
5. For topping: Combine brown sugar, and crushed pecans.
6. Sprinkle over top of grapes to cover completely.
7. Chill overnight.

Pulled Pork (Crock Pot)

I found this pulled pork recipe years ago, and it's a favorite at potlucks. Freezes well for easy quick meals.
Ingredients:

• 4 lbs pork roast (shoulder or butt)
• 2 large onions
• 1 cup ginger ale
• 1 (18 ounce) bottle favorite barbecue sauce (I like Sweet Baby Ray's)
• barbecue sauce, for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. Slice one onion and place in crock pot.
2. Put in the roast and cover with the other onion, sliced. Pour over the ginger ale. Cover and cook on LOW for about 12 hours. See Note2 below regarding amount of time needed!
3. Remove the meat, strain and save the onions, discard all liquid. With two forks, shred the meat, discarding any remaining fat, bones or skin. Most of the fat will have melted away.
4. Return the shredded meat and the onions to the crock pot, stir in the barbecue sauce. Continue to cook for another 4 to 6 hours on LOW.
5. Serve with hamburger buns or rolls and additional barbecue sauce. Any leftovers freeze very well.
6. TIP: freeze ready-made sandwiches - a scoop of meat on a bun, well-wrapped. These make a great quick meal or snack. To reheat, remove wrapping, wrap in a paper towel, and zap 1-2 minute in the microwave.
7. Note: Shoulder or butt are recommended because the meat shreds very well. Other cuts do not shred as readily. It is a fattier cut, but the fat melts away in the cooking and is poured away when you discard the liquid.
8. Note 2: I have an older, smaller crock pot. The above times work perfectly for me. But if you have a newer or bigger crock pot, you may need to revise times downward, esp. after the bbq sauce is added. I think you need at least a couple of hours for it all to meld, but that may be all you need. Update: I recently bought a bigger crockpot, I think 5 or 6 qts. I cooked a 6 lb pork shoulder in it for 8 hours and it was shreddable at that point. Shredded, added the sauce, and cooked for another hour or so to meld everything. So use your best judgment on timing!
9. Note3: You might want to turn your roast over after it's cooked a while, to ensure more even cooking. I think this may depend on the size and shape of your roast and the size of your slow cooker. Remember that each time you remove the lid you lose heat and be careful, as turning a large piece of meat is awkward.

Funky Chicken With Sesame Noodles

This has to be one of the most amazing chicken dishes I have ever made or eaten. It's really scary to watch people just attack this dish and practically inhale it in one breath. Brush up on your Heimlich Maneuver, people do get a little over-enthusiastic over this. Prep time includes marinating time.
Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghettini (get the thinnest spaghetti you can find)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sesame oil (some reviewers have said that 1/2 cup of oil is too much and have halved the amount, so use your own)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds (or more)

Funky Chicken

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, chopped (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• sesame oil, for sauteing

Directions:

1. First make the sesame noodles: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
2. Drain (I also rinse).
3. In a jar, add the soy sauce, sesame oil and the sugar.
4. Shake until well blended and the sugar has dissolved.
5. Pour this over the pasta.
6. Toss with scallions and sprinkle with the sesame seeds.
7. Set aside while you marinate and then cook the chicken.
8. Funkying the chicken: In a bowl mix the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, garlic, brown sugar and the ginger.
9. Make sure the sugar has pretty much dissolved.
10. Add the chicken, making sure it's all coated with the sauce.
11. Cover and stick in the fridge for 2-3 hours.
12. Remove the chicken from the marinade, and toss out the marinade left at the bottom of the bowl.
13. Heat the sesame oil in a large non-stick pan.
14. Add the chicken in batches and saute for about 10 minutes, or until done, adding more sesame oil as needed.
15. Remove the chicken from the pan and let cool slightly.
16. Slice the chicken diagonally into thin strips.
17. Serve the chicken over the sesame noodles.
18. Stand back and watch your guests/children/loved ones inhale this dish.

Olive Garden Copycat Zuppa Toscana

 

This is a clone of the Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana. Tried and true, approved by former Olive Garden chefs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (I like mild sausage)
• 2 large russet baking potatoes, sliced in half, and then in 1/4 inch slices
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups kale or 2 cups swiss chard, chopped
• 2 (8 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 1 quart water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. Chop or slice uncooked sausage into small pieces.
2. Brown sausage in your soup pot.
3. Add chicken broth and water to pot and stir.
4. Place onions, potatoes, and garlic in the pot.
5. Cook on medium heat until potatoes are done.
6. Add bacon.
7. Salt and pepper to taste.
8. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
9. Turn to low heat.
10. Add kale and cream.
11. Heat through and serve.

Beth's Melt in Your Mouth Barbecue Ribs (Oven)

I almost didn't want to share this ribs recipe because this is one of the dishes that I make that keep my sons coming back home! These can be done with baby back or regular pork ribs. I have also made split chickens this way. The ribs are tender, moist and just slide off of the bone. I know that your family will love them just as much as my family does.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs pork ribs
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon hickory smoke salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
• 2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce (mine is Sweet Baby Ray)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees f.
2. Peel off tough membrane that covers the bony side of the ribs.
3. Mix together the sugar and spices to make the rub.
4. Apply rub to ribs on all sides.
5. Lay ribs on two layers of foil, shiny side out and meaty side down.
6. Lay two layers of foil on top of ribs and roll and crimp edges tightly, edges facing up to seal.
7. Place on baking sheet and bake for 2-2 1/2 hours or until meat is starting to shrink away from the ends of the bone.
8. Remove from oven.
9. Heat broiler.
10. Cut ribs into serving sized portions of 2 or 3 ribs.
11. Arrange on broiler pan, bony side up.
12. Brush on sauce.
13. Broil for 1 or 2 minutes until sauce is cooked on and bubbly.
14. Turn ribs over.
15. Repeat on other side.
16. Alternately, you can grill the ribs on your grill to cook on the sauce.

Simply Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Easy to assemble, deliciously creamy and a great choice for once-a-month cooking. And there is NO canned cream soup in my enchiladas -- Hope you give them a try!
Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 8 flour tortillas, softened (8 inches each)
• 1 1/2 cups grated monterey jack cheese or 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies

Directions:

1. In frypan, cook chicken and onion together in oil over medium-high heat until chicken is just done.
2. Divide cooked chicken evenly between 8 tortillas; add 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese to each tortilla.
3. Roll enchiladas and place seam-side down in 9x13" baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with no-stick cooking spray.
4. Melt butter in a medium saucepan; stir in flour to make a roux; stir and cook until bubbly; gradually whisk in chicken broth then bring to boiling, stirring frequently.
5. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and green chiles; pour sauce evenly over enchiladas.
6. Top with remaining 3/4 cup cheese (baking dish may be double-wrapped and frozen at this point) and bake at 400F for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce near edges of baking dish is bubbly.

Roast Chicken with Spring Vegetables

This is an absolute staple in my house. It is easy to make and turns out delicious every time. From family meals to dinner parties it is a win. I often thinly slice lemon and add to the chicken when I add the vegetables. I have used fingerling potatoes to change it up. The carrots are so delicious - who knew they could be so good. Highly recommend this dish!


Ingredients

3 1/2 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken quarters
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 lemon, halved
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound fingerling or other small potatoes
2 bunches radishes
1 bunch scallions
1 bunch baby carrots
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Directions

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper, then place skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Squeeze 1/2 lemon over the chicken and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut the potatoes and radishes in half and cut the scallions into thirds. Toss the potatoes, radishes, carrots and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a bowl; season with salt and pepper.

Remove the chicken from the oven and scatter the vegetables around it. Continue to roast until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 20 more minutes. Squeeze the remaining 1/2 lemon over the chicken and vegetables. Top with the dill and season with salt.

Pizza Dough for Thin Crust Pizza

This is one of the recipes I adopted in the Great 'Zaar Ophan Adoption of 2005. I hope you enjoy it.
Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (may substitute whole wheat flour for 1 cup of the all-purpose)
• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2-1 tablespoon olive oil
• cornmeal, for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Mix a little sugar into the warm water.
2. Sprinkle yeast on top.
3. Wait for 10 minutes or until it gets all foamy.
4. Pour into a large bowl.
5. Add flour, salt, olive oil.
6. Combine.
7. Knead for 6-8 minutes until you have a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (add a bit more flour if you need to).
8. Cover and let rest for 20-30 minutes.
9. Lightly grease two 12-inch pizza pans.
10. Sprinkle with a little bit of cornmeal.
11. Divide dough in half.
12. Place each half on a pizza pan and pat it with your fingers until it stretches over the whole pan.
13. Try to make it thicker around the edge.
14. If desired, pre-bake at 425 F for 10 minutes (I don't always do this).
15. Then spread with pizza sauce and use the toppings of your choice.
16. Bake at 425 F for 10-20 minutes longer or until bubbly and hot.
17. Makes 2 12-inch pizzas.
18. If you don't want to use all the dough, you can freeze it.
19. Take a portion of dough, form into a ball, rub olive oil over it and place it in a freezer bag (the oil makes it easier to take out of the bag).When you want to make a pizza, take dough out of freezer and allow to thaw before using.

Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cream

Delicious and satisfying... I don't remember where this recipe comes from, but it's a pleaser! Easily doubled. Also, works well with gf pasta and sausage
Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage link, casings removed,crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes, drained,coarsely chopped
• 3/4 cup whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 ounces pasta
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced parsley
• grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sausage and crushed red pepper.
3. Cook until sausage is no longer pink, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes.
4. Add onion and garlic to skillet and cook until onion is tender and sausage is light brown, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes.
5. Add tomatoes, cream, and salt.
6. Simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 4 minutes.
7. (Can be prepared one day ahead. Cover and chill.).
8. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling water.
9. Drain.
10. Bring sauce to a simmer.
11. Add pasta to sauce and cook until pasta is heated through and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes.
12. Divide pasta between plates.
13. Sprinkle with parsley.
14. Serve, passing Parmesan separately.

Great Meatloaf from Virginia

Absolutely delicious meatloaf and sauce! Those who claim they don't believe there can be such a thing as a great meatloaf will love this.
Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (ground shoulder roast is good)
• 1 slice bread (broken or chopped finely)
• 1 egg
• 1 small vidalia onions or 1 small type sweet onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 1/2-2/3 cup whole milk or 1/2-2/3 cup half-and-half

Sauce

• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 -4 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed firm (to taste)
• 1/2 cup ketchup

Directions:

1. Meatloaf: Combine meat loaf ingredients and place into a loaf baking dish.
2. Smooth out top.
3. Sauce: Combine sauce ingredients and pour on top and sides of meatloaf.
4. Bake at 350°F about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until done.
5. ENJOY!
6. *The addition of 1 or 2 teaspoons of Kitchen Bouquet makes this recipe very good.
7. **Recipe should be"plump" from the addition of the milk or Half & Half.
8. It should NOT be runny.
9. ***A second batch of sauce served hot is good to serve with the meatloaf.
10. Note: I note that some of you are using game meat such as deer -- Deer is a very DRY meat. It is wise to HAVE some fat added to the deer -- especially to ground deer. Maybe 25 % fat, ( I recommend 1 lb of ground venison, and 1/2 lb of deer sausage for fat content), otherwise your results will be poor. I don't know about some of the other game meat some are using. Please consult and expert. The recipe is delicious as it stands! Enjoy!

Watchers Cabbage Soup

You can eat as much of this 0-point Weight Watchers cabbage soup as you like. It's so good for you.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups nonfat beef broth (beef is the best) or 3 cups nonfat vegetable broth (beef is the best) or 3 cups nonfat chicken broth (beef is the best)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups chopped cabbage
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 1/2 cup green beans
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Spray pot with non stick cooking spray saute onions carrots and garlic for 5 minutes.
2. Add broth, Tomato paste, cabbage, green beans, basil, oregano and Salt & Pepper to taste.
3. Simmer for a about 5-10 minutes until all vegetables are tender then add the zuccini and simmer for another 5 or so minutes.
4. I have tried different variations. Leaving out green beans. Adding chopped green onions in addition to the yellow onion.
5. All very good. You can customise it a bit.

Oreo Big Balls

 My sister's co-worker brought these to a party and they were quite a hit. I don't know where the recipe came from originally. "Bark" is an artificial chocolate or vanilla candy coating/confectioner's coating used to make a treat called almond bark and can be found at most grocery stores near the chocolate chips. You can use chocolate chips and white chocolate chips if you don't have almond bark, but I have found that almond bark melts better and is easier to work with.

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) package Oreo cookies, crushed
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (24 ounce) package white chocolate bark
• 1 (24 ounce) package chocolate bark

Directions:

1. Using a blender or hand held mixer, mix Oreos and cream cheese together.
2. Roll into walnut size balls.
3. Chill for an hour.
4. Melt approximately 3/4 package of white almond bark.
5. Stick a toothpick in an Oreo ball and dip it in the melted white almond bark.
6. Allow to harden on wax paper.
7. Takes about 15 minute.
8. While waiting, melt about 1/4 package of chocolate almond bark.
9. When Oreo balls are no longer sticky to the touch, decorate with drizzles of chocolate and white almond bark.
10. I just use a sandwich bag with a tiny hole cut in one corner to drizzle the almond bark.

Better Than Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

 

This is the best Alfredo sauce ever. This is several recipes combined into one. You can also add your choice of meat (chicken, shrimp or even crab). The closest OLIVE GARDEN is an hour away and I will never drive that far again just for Alfredo sauce. I promise this is the best sauce ever. Definitely a dish you would want to impress your guest with.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons sweet butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 (12 ounce) box angel hair pasta

Directions:

1. Melt butter in medium saucepan with olive oil over medium/low heat.
2. Add the garlic, cream, white pepper and bring mixture to a simmer.
3. Stir often.
4. Add the Parmesan cheese and simmer sauce for 8-10 minutes or until sauce has thickened and is smooth.
5. When sauce has thickened add the Mozzarella cheese and stir until smooth. STIR FREQUENTLY.
6. While the sauce cooks, boil noodles for 3-5 minutes.
7. Place pasta on serving plates and spoon sauce over pasta.

Slow-Cooker Cheesy Chicken

Almost too easy, the chicken cooks in a creamy, cheesy sauce that is delicious over noodles. This freezes well, too
Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and pepper (optional)

Directions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
2. Mix the undiluted soups together with the garlic powder and pour over chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours , until chicken is tender.
4. Serve with the delicious sauce over rice or noodles.

The Best Chili You Will Ever Taste

This is the best chili recipe I have ever tried. I'm not sure where the recipe originated, but it is amazing! Sometimes, I don't bother adding all four cans of the kidney beans and it still turns out wonderful. Once anyone tastes this chili, they will be begging for the recipe!! Enjoy!
Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 3/4 lb beef sirloin, cubed
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 can dark beer
• 1 cup strong coffee
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 1 can beef broth
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 1/2 tablespoons chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon cocoa
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans
• 4 chili peppers, chopped

Directions:

1. Heat oil.
2. Cook onions, garlic and meat until brown.
3. Add tomatoes, beer, coffee, tomato paste and beef broth.
4. Add spices Stir in 2 cans of kidney beans and peppers.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
6. Add 2 remaining cans of kidney beans and simmer for another 30 minutes.

Oven-Fried Chicken Chimichangas

A fast and healthier way to serve Chimichangas than the traditional deep fried. These are very good, and you may dress them up to you own preference. I like to serve with green chile sauce sometimes instead of the picante sauce.
Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup picante sauce or 2/3 cup your favorite salsa
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped with some tops (about 1/4 cup)
• 6 (8 inch) flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons margarine, melted
• shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
• chopped green onion, for serving
• picante sauce, for serving

Directions:

1. Mix chicken, picante sauce or salsa, cumin, oregano, cheese and onions.
2. Place about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla.
3. Fold opposite sides over filling.
4. Roll up from bottom and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
5. Brush with melted margarine.
6. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes or until golden.
7. Garnish with additional cheese and green onion and serve salsa on the side.

Soft Snickerdoodle Cookies

These snickerdoodle cookies are so delicious, and they have the best texture. They are so fast to put together too! I actually got it from an old recipe that my Great Grandma had clipped out of a newspaper. Grandma always knows best!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 3/4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar and eggs thoroughly in a large bowl.
3. Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Blend dry ingredients into butter mixture.
5. Chill dough, and chill an ungreased cookie sheet for about 10-15 minutes in the fridge.
6. Meanwhile, mix 3 tablespoons sugar, and 3 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl.
7. Scoop 1 inch globs of dough into the sugar/ cinnamon mixture.
8. Coat by gently rolling balls of dough in the sugar mixture.
9. Place on chilled ungreased cookie sheet, and bake 10 minutes.
10. Remove from pan immediately.

Creamy Burrito Casserole

Satisfy your craving for something different tonight. It's good and fairly easy. This is stuff I usually have on hand too.
Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
• 2 -3 cups shredded taco cheese or 2 -3 cups cheddar cheese
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 4 ounces sour cream
• jarred hot sauce, if desired to spice it up

Directions:

1. Brown ground meat/turkey and onion; drain.
2. Add taco seasoning and stir in refried beans.
3. Mix soup and sour cream in a separate bowl.
4. Spread 1/2 sour cream mixture in the bottom of a casserole dish.
5. Tear up 3 tortillas and spread over sour cream mixture.
6. Put 1/2 the meat bean mixture over that.
7. Add a layer of cheese.
8. You could put some hot sauce on this now.
9. Repeat the layers.
10. Sprinkle cheese over the top and bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.

Cracker Barrel's Hashbrowns Casserole

 I don't know if this is Cracker Barrel's actual hash browns casserole recipe, but it is close. This recipe can feed a large crowd and is good for a brunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs frozen hash browns
• 1/2 cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 (10 1/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 pint sour cream
• 1/2 cup onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray an 11 x 14 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Mix the above ingredients together, place in prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes or until brown on top.

Oreo Balls

My sister's co-worker brought these to a party and they were quite a hit. I don't know where the recipe came from originally. "Bark" is an artificial chocolate or vanilla candy coating/confectioner's coating used to make a treat called almond bark and can be found at most grocery stores near the chocolate chips. You can use chocolate chips and white chocolate chips if you don't have almond bark, but I have found that almond bark melts better and is easier to work with.

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) package Oreo cookies, crushed
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (24 ounce) package white chocolate bark
• 1 (24 ounce) package chocolate bark

Directions:

1. Using a blender or hand held mixer, mix Oreos and cream cheese together.
2. Roll into walnut size balls.
3. Chill for an hour.
4. Melt approximately 3/4 package of white almond bark.
5. Stick a toothpick in an Oreo ball and dip it in the melted white almond bark.
6. Allow to harden on wax paper.
7. Takes about 15 minute.
8. While waiting, melt about 1/4 package of chocolate almond bark.
9. When Oreo balls are no longer sticky to the touch, decorate with drizzles of chocolate and white almond bark.
10. I just use a sandwich bag with a tiny hole cut in one corner to drizzle the almond bark.

The Best Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

I clipped this recipe from Taste of Home magazine several years ago and have found it to be the best-tasting easy beef and broccoli stir-fry. It is credited to Ruth Stahl. I often use charcoal chuck steak, which is very tender and lean. I also like that it doesn't call for any unusual ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
• 1/2 cup water, plus
• 2 tablespoons water, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 lb boneless round steak or 1 lb charcoal chuck steak, cut into thin 3-inch strips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, cut into wedges
• 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• hot cooked rice

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water and garlic powder until smooth.
2. Add beef and toss.
3. In a large skillet or wok over medium high heat, stir-fry beef in 1 tablespoon oil until beef reaches desired doneness; remove and keep warm.
4. Stir-fry broccoli and onion in remaining oil for 4-5 minutes.
5. Return beef to pan.
6. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and remaining cornstarch and water until smooth; add to the pan.
7. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
8. Serve over rice.

Scalloped Potatoes

Here's a great scalloped potato recipe that's so easy and absolutely delicious. The leftovers are just as good, maybe even better, the next day. This is one of my favorite and most prepared recipes, from my 1971 Florence Junior Welfare League cookbook.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 dash cayenne pepper
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated cheese, to sprinkle on top
• paprika

Directions:

1. In a small sauce pan, melt butter and blend in flour.
2. Let sit for a minute.
3. Add all of cold milk, stirring with a whisk.
4. Season with salt and cayenne.
5. Cook sauce on low until smooth and boiling, stirring occasionally with a whisk.
6. Reduce heat and stir in cheese.
7. Place a half of the sliced potatoes in a lightly greased one quart casserole dish.
8. Pour half of cheese sauce over potatoes.
9. Repeat with second layer of potatoes and cheese sauce.
10. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
11. Top with some paprika for color.
12. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour at 350°F.

White Queso Dip

This cheese dip is so much better than it looks in the picture.  So much better that it is the ONE dish that my family requires I bring to every gathering. 



Ingredients:

2 blocks of cream cheese
1/2 cup of chopped onions (can be frozen)
1/2 cup of mayo
1 (8 ounce) package of shredded monterrey jack cheese - about 2 cups
1 (8 ounce )package of shredded parmesan cheese - about 2 cups


First, put the two blocks of cream cheese in a microwaveable bowl and zap them for 1 minute to soften.
Add your chopped onions.  I believe the original recipe called for frozen, but I use whatever I have.  If you're not a big "onion person" I would suggest the frozen ones. 
Add your mayo
and the shredded parmesan cheese
Add the monterry jack cheese
Mix it all up well with a fork until it's blended
Spoon the mixture into a baking dish or pie pan.
Use the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly.
Bake at 425 for 20 minutes or until the top is browning and bubbly. 
Enjoy with tortilla chips!

Poverty Meal

When I was a child, my family used to eat this at least once a week due to the fact that it is inexpensive and a little goes a long way. We also added fresh herbs or sometimes whole kernel corn. Its even better the next day and it freezes well.
Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 2 (16 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
• 1 (16 ounce) can water
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Saute onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
2. Brown ground beef and drain.
3. Add ground beef, tomatoes, water, raw macaroni, salt and pepper to the onion and garlic mixture.
4. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until macaroni is tender.
5. If desired, top with Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve with crusty bread and a salad.

Jalapenos' Spinach Enchiladas

Jalapenos is a popular Mexican restaurant. Their spinach enchiladas is one of the most popular entrees on their menu.

Ingredients:

• 4 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach or 4 bunches fresh spinach, cooked
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 lb fresh mushrooms, halved
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 slices white bread, crusts removed
• salt
• 2 teaspoons white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups grated monterey jack and cheddar cheese blend, divided
• 10 -12 flour tortillas

Cilantro Cream Sauce

• 3 cups half-and-half
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, plus
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch, dissolved in a small amount of cold water
• 3 cups chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. For enchiladas, cook the spinach according to the package directions, if using frozen.
2. While spinach is cooking, combine garlic, onion and mushrooms in food processor, and process until coarsely chopped.
3. Melt butter in sauté pan, and sauté onion mixture until onion is translucent.
4. Remove pan from heat, and set aside.
5. Drain spinach, squeezing out excess water.
6. Make bread crumbs in food processor from sliced bread.
7. Add spinach, salt, pepper, nutmeg, chili powder and eggs.
8. Process until blended thoroughly.
9. Transfer to mixing bowl, and stir in onion mixture and 6 tablespoons cheese.
10. Preheat broiler.
11. Spoon a portion of filling onto each tortilla and roll it up.
12. Place each enchilada in casserole dish, seam side down.
13. Repeat until you've used up filling.
14. For cream sauce, mix half-and-half, cayenne, salt and a little of the dissolved corn starch in medium saucepan, and heat until thickened.
15. The sauce should be creamy, not runny; add more cornstarch mixture as necessary.
16. Off the heat, stir in cilantro.
17. Pour Cilantro Cream Sauce over tortillas, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
18. Broil until cheese melts and turns a nice golden color.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

A great version of  Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps! This recipe is from Todd Wilbur and Top Secret Recipes

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons oil
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup water chestnut
• 2/3 cup mushroom
• 3 tablespoons chopped onions
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 -5 leaves iceberg lettuce

Special Sauce

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon hot mustard
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1 -2 teaspoon garlic and red chile paste

Stir Fry Sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

Directions:

1. Make the special sauce by dissolving the sugar in water in a small bowl.
2. Add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice and sesame oil.
3. Mix well and refrigerate this sauce until you're ready to serve.
4. Combine the hot water with the hot mustard and set this aside as well.
5. Eventually add your desired measurement of mustard and garlic chili sauce to the special sauce mixture to pour over the wraps.
6. Bring oil to high heat in a wok or large frying pan.
7. Saute chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side or done.
8. Remove chicken from the pan and cool.
9. Keep oil in the pan, keep hot.
10. As chicken cools mince water chestnuts and mushrooms to about the size of small peas.
11. Prepare the stir fry sauce by mixing the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar together in a small bowl.
12. When chicken is cool, mince it as the mushrooms and water chestnuts are.
13. With the pan still on high heat, add another Tbsp of vegetable oil.
14. Add chicken, garlic, onions, water chestnuts and mushrooms to the pan.
15. Add the stir fry sauce to the pan and saute the mixture for a couple minutes then serve it in the lettuce"cups".
16. Top with"Special Sauce".

Buttery Cut-Out Sugar Cookies W/ Icing That Hardens

 You will not find a better sugar cookie anywhere you search, this will most likely be the only sugar cookie you will use, not only are these cookies buttery delicious, the dough is an absolute dream to work with, it rolls out easily and is easy to handle, also the cookies hold their shape when baked something many sugar cookies do not do

Ingredients:

COOKIES

• 1 cup butter, softened (no substitutes)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

FROSTING

• 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (the sugar must be sifted)
• 1 tablespoon milk (adding in more if needed for proper spreading consistency)
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (can use 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in place of the almond)
• food coloring (use your choice of colours)

Directions:

1. For cookies; in a large bowl combine butter with sugar, eggs, vanilla and almond extract; beat using an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy.
2. In another bowl combine the flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually stir into the butter mixture until well blended.
3. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours.
4. Set oven to 400°F.
5. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper (do not grease cookie sheets use parchment paper only).
6. On a very lightly floured surface roll out the dough into about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
8. Place cookies 2-inches apart on cookie sheet.
9. Bake 4-6 minutes.
10. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
11. For the frosting; in a small bowl mix the confectioners sugar with milk (start with 1-2 tablespoons, you will likely need more milk for the perfect spreading consistency).
12. Beat in corn syrup and almond extract until the icing is smooth and glossy (if the icing is too thick add in a small amount more of corn syrup).
13. Divide into as many separate bowls as you wish for different colours.
14. Add in food colouring until desired intensity is achieved.
15. Paint the icing over the cookies using a brush, or dip edges of cookies into icing.
16. Allow to set on waxed paper.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Here is a delicious spinach artichoke dip!
Ingredients:

• 2 cups parmesan cheese
• 1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix together Parmesan cheese, spinach, and artichoke hearts.
3. Combine remaining ingredients and mix with spinach mixture.
4. Bake for 20-30 minutes.
5. Serve with crackers or toasted bread.

Mongolian Beef ***

This copycat recipe is as good as the original! I originally got this from a recipe adapted from Todd Wilbur's on (and modified it again until I thought I had it right)

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• vegetable oil, for frying (about 1 cup)
• 1 lb flank steak
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 large green onions, sliced on the diagonal into one-inch lengths

Directions:

1. Make the sauce by heating 2 tsp of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over med/low heat.
2. Don't get the oil too hot.
3. Add ginger and garlic to the pan and quickly add the soy sauce and water before the garlic scorches.
4. Dissolve the brown sugar in the sauce, then raise the heat to about medium and boil the sauce for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove it from the heat.
6. Slice the flank steak against the grain into 1/4" thick bite-size slices (Tilt the blade of your knife at about a forty five degree angle to the top of the steak so that you get wider cuts).
7. Dip the steak pieces into the cornstarch to apply a very thin dusting to both sides of each piece of beef.
8. Let the beef sit for about 10 minutes so that the cornstarch sticks.
9. As the beef sits, heat up one cup of oil in a wok (you may also use a skillet for this step as long as the beef will be mostly covered with oil).
10. Heat the oil over medium heat until it's nice and hot, but not smoking.
11. Add the beef to the oil and sauté for just two minutes, or until the beef just begins to darken on the edges.
12. You don't need a thorough cooking here since the beef is going to go back on the heat later.
13. Stir the meat around a little so that it cooks evenly.
14. After a couple minutes, use a large slotted spoon to take the meat out and onto paper towels, then pour the oil out of the wok or skillet.
15. Put the pan back over the heat, dump the meat back into it and simmer for one minute.
16. Add the sauce, cook for one minute while stirring, then add all the green onions.
17. Cook for one more minute, then remove the beef and onions with tongs or a slotted spoon to a serving plate.
18. Leave the excess sauce behind in the pan.

Greek Potatoes (Oven-Roasted and Delicious!)

These potatoes are a staple in our home. Whether accompanying roast lamb or chicken, or just on their own, we have them a couple of times a week. They are delicious and the ones that get overly-brown in the pan and stick a bit are MINE!

Ingredients:

• 8 large potatoes, peeled, cut into large wedges (about 6-7 wedges per potato)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (more garlic is a good thing, less garlic is a no-no for this recipe)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano (get the Mediterranean, it's the best!)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• sea salt
• fresh coarse ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 420°F A reviewer has suggested spraying the baking pan with Pam - that sounds like a great idea!
2. Put all the ingredients into a baking pan large enough to hold them.
3. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper.
4. Make sure your hands are very clean and put them in the pan and give everything a toss to distribute.
5. The garlic will drop into the water/oil solution but its flavour will permeate the potatoes, and this way, it won't burn.
6. Bake for 40 minutes.
7. When a nice golden-brown crust has formed on the potatoes, give them a stir to bring the white underside up, season lightly with a bit more sea salt and pepper and just a light sprinkling of oregano.
8. Add 1/2 cup more water if pan appears to be getting dry, and pop back into oven to brown other side of potatoes.
9. This will take about another 40 minutes.
10. Do not be afraid of overcooking the potatoes- they will be delicious.
11. Note: I often melt a bouillon cube in the water; if you do, make sure to cut back some on the salt.

Crock Pot Lasagna

This was just toooooo easy!! And it was VERY good!! I put this in my crock pot (I have an oblong sized model) and some Italian Parmesan Bread in my bread machine and I went to work. When I came home, my whole house smelled wonderful!!
Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 12 ounces cottage cheese (we like 2%)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup asiago cheese
• 12 ounces lasagna noodles, uncooked
• 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef, onion and garlic in frypan.
2. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano.
3. Cook long enough to get it warm.
4. Spoon a layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break to fit) and top with cheeses.
6. Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used up.
7. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.

Reeses Squares - 5 Ingredients & No Bake (Reese's)

These bars are EXTREMELY RICH and not for people with a fear of CHOCOLATE and PEANUT BUTTER (if those people actually exist)!!! Very easy no bake 5 ingredient recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 lb confectioners' sugar (3 to 3 1/2 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 (12 ounce) bag milk chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Combine graham crumbs, sugar and peanut butter and mix well.
2. Blend in melted butter until well combined.
3. Press mixture evenly into a 9 x 13 inch pan.
4. Melt chocolate chips in microwave or in double boiler.
5. Spread over peanut butter mixture.
6. Chill until just set and cut into bars (these are very hard to cut if the chocolate gets "rock hard".

Fudge Crinkles (A Great 4 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookie)

These are chewy, fudgy, SUPER EASY cookies that you can probably make right now! I have watched these disappear time and again and everyone is always asking for the recipe. It is almost embarrassing to give it out, it is that easy :) Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 (18 1/4 ounce) box devil's food cake mix (Betty Crocker Super Moist suggested)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• confectioners' sugar or granulated sugar, for rolling

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Stir (by hand) dry cake mix, oil and eggs in a large bowl until dough forms.
3. Dust hands with confectioners' sugar and shape dough into 1" balls.
4. Roll balls in confectioners' sugar and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until center is JUST SET.
6. Remove from pans after a minute or so and cool on wire racks.
7. *My Notes*:.
8. I have tried these with several different cake mix brands. They all come out good, but the Betty Crocker does come out the best.
9. I was having a problem with my cookies flattening while baking. This usually happens with the generic cake mix brands. You can play with your oven temp and try them on 375 to keep them from spreading. Adding more oil than called for will also cause the cookies to spread -- I wouldn't suggest it, they really don't need extra oil.
10. Another way to keep them nice and thick and to get the most "crinkled" or "crackled" look is to make them bigger. When I roll them at about 1.5 inches they look prettier.
11. And my best tip: My confectioners' sugar was consistently being absorbed by the dough. The last time I baked them, I rolled them into balls without rolling in the sugar and let them "dry" for a few minutes. Then I rolled them in sugar and baked. These came out with a nice coating of sugar that didn't disappear.

Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken

I got this recipe from a nurse at work. We're always sharing easy and family-pleasing recipes. The sauce tastes like a creamy Alfredo sauce. This is great with noodles.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs chicken pieces
• 1 (2/3 ounce) package Italian salad dressing mix
• 4 tablespoons melted butter (divided)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Directions:

1. Place chicken pieces in crock pot and sprinkle Italian seasoning over chicken. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a sauce pan and saute onion and garlic. Add Cream of Chicken Soup, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
4. Add this mixture to crock pot and cook on low for an additional hour.

Ww 0 Point Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup

You can eat as much of this 0-point Weight Watchers cabbage soup as you like. It's so good for you.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups nonfat beef broth (beef is the best) or 3 cups nonfat vegetable broth (beef is the best) or 3 cups nonfat chicken broth (beef is the best)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cups chopped cabbage
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 1/2 cup green beans
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Spray pot with non stick cooking spray saute onions carrots and garlic for 5 minutes.
2. Add broth, Tomato paste, cabbage, green beans, basil, oregano and Salt & Pepper to taste.
3. Simmer for a about 5-10 minutes until all vegetables are tender then add the zuccini and simmer for another 5 or so minutes.
4. I have tried different variations. Leaving out green beans. Adding chopped green onions in addition to the yellow onion.
5. All very good. You can customise it a bit.

Panera's Cream Cheese Potato Soup

This is my favorite recipe for potato soup. It's a copycat of the one they use to serve at the St. Louis Bread Company (Panera). The recipe originally called for shredding your potatoes, but I never could get them to cook that way. I know they should cook faster, but I never could get it to work.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cut into chunks

Directions:

1. Combine broth, potatoes, onion, and spices.
2. Boil on medium heat until potatoes are tender.
3. Smash a few of the potatoes to release their starch for thickening.
4. Reduce to low heat.
5. Add cream cheese.
6. Heat, stirring frequently, until cheese melts.

Beer Bread

You can even mix it in the baking pan for easy cleanup. This is sensational when served with soups or just as a snack, but don't expect it to be around very long when your family gets a taste of it! Be sure to use a sheet pan on the shelf below the pan to catch any excess butter that may drip during cooking.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour (sifted)
• 3 teaspoons baking powder (omit if using Self-Rising Flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt (omit if using Self-Rising Flour)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 (12 ounce) can beer
• 1/2 cup melted butter (1/4 cup will do just fine)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix dry ingredients and beer.
3. Pour into a greased loaf pan.
4. Pour melted butter over mixture.
5. Bake 1 hour, remove from pan and cool for at least 15 minutes.
6. UPDATED NOTES: This recipe makes a very hearty bread with a crunchy, buttery crust. If you prefer a softer crust (like a traditional bread) mix the butter into the batter instead of pouring it over the top.
7. Sifting flour for bread recipes is a must-do. Most people just scoop the 1 cup measure in the flour canister and level it off. That compacts the flour and will turn your bread into a "hard biscuit" as some have described. That's because they aren't sifting their flour! If you do not have a sifter, use a spoon to spoon the flour into the 1 cup measure. Try it once the "correct" way and you will see an amazing difference in the end product.
8. I have had many email from you kind folks about using non-alcoholic beverages instead of beer. That is fine to do but I highly recommend adding a packet of Dry Active Yeast or 2 teaspoons of Bread (Machine) Yeast so that you get a proper rise.
9. The final result should be a thick, hearty and very tasteful bread, NOT A BRICK! ;).
10. Thank you all for the incredibly nice comments and those of you who left a bad review - learn to sift sift SIFT! You will be amazed at the results you get.