Cookbook postponed for a few weeks and chocolate chip brownies

I have been having some heath problems.  I am ok, but need to postpone working my way through the cookbook.  =)


Chocolate Chip Brownies


1 c butter or margarine, softened
2 c sugar
6 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
2 1/4 c flour
1 c chopped nuts
1/2 c cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 c chocolate chips
1 c vanilla baking chips

Cream the sugar and butter; add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.  Combine the dry ingredients.  Stir into the creamed mixture just until blended.  (Do not overmix).  Pour into a 10x15 pan.  Sprinkle with chips and nuts.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until brownies test done.

Working my way through a cookbook

Has everyone seen the movie about Julia Child (Julie and Julia) ?  I thought it was interesting how Julie worked her way through one of Julia's cookbooks.  I have decided to do the same.  I have chosen 101 Things To Do With A Salad.  I love salads and hope to find some favorites using this book.  Cherry-Swiss Salad, Raspberry Chicken Salad, Chicken Fajita Salad, Avocado Chicken Caesar Salad, Jenny's Cashew Bow Tie Salad,  Summer Feta Pasta Salad, Hawaiian Coleslaw, Bacon Broccoli Salad, Mango Fruit Salad, and Tropical Ambrosia Salad are some that will be made.  I can't wait to get started.  Next week, we shall start.  See you then.

Freezer Berry Jam

I have been thinking of trying my hand at making freezer jam.  I think I will try this next week.   It's a small batch and has berries.  We shall see.

Freezer Berry Jam
Yield: 3-1/2 pints

4 cups blueberries
2 cups raspberries
5 cups sugar (seems like a lot, I will try less or use Splenda)
2 tblspns lemon juice
3/4 cup water
1 pkg (1 3/4 oz) powdered fruit pectin

In a large bowl, mash the blueberries.  Add raspberries and mash.  Stir in sugar and lemon juice.  Let stand for 10 minutes.  In a small saucepan, bring water and pectin to a boil.  Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Add to fruit mixture, stir for 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.

Pour into jars or freezer containers; cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.  Cover and let stand overnight or until set, but no longer than 24 hours.  Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 1 year.

Nutrition facts (using sugar)--2 tablespoons = 82 calories, trace fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, trace sodium, 21 g carbs, 1 g fiber, and trace protein.

Roasted Green Beans

Roasted Green Beans


1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tsp canola or olive oil
1 tsp water
salt and pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste

Preheat the oven to 500.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Stir the beans, oil, and water together in a bowl until the beans are coated.  You can also shake them in a ziploc bag.  Spread beans out on the baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  Bake for 8 minutes, or until cooked through.  These are good hot or at room temperature.

Classic Crab Cakes

 
Classic Crab Cakes

1 lb canned or cooked crabmeat, flaked and cartilage removed (about 2 cups)
2 to 2 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs
1egg, beaten
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup EACH chopped celery, green pepper and onion
1 tbsp seafood seasoning
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp prepared mustard
1/4 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce
2-4 tbsp vegetable oil
lemon slices, optional

In a bowl, combine crab, bread crumbs, egg, mayonnaise, vegetables and seasonings.  Shape into 8 patties.  Broil patties or cook in a skillet in oil for 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.  Serve with lemon if desired.  Yield:  8 servings.

Hoisin Chicken Salad

Hoisin Chicken Salad


8 cups torn romaine lettuce
3 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted

In a large bowl, combine the romaine, chicken, tomatoes, and onions.
In a small bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic salt and pepper.  Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds.  Serve immediately.  Yield:  5 servings.

Decluttering and a salad recipe

This week my goal is to declutter.  I have already gotten rid of 2 1/2 grocery bags full of books.  Well, they are being sent to Goodwill and some family members.   I have way too many books and magazines.  By Sunday evening, I hope to go through the pantry, island, under the bathroom sink, and finish going through our mountains of clothes.  LOL.  P.S.  Don't forget about my giveaway.   I will leave you with a great salad recipe.  Have a wonderful day!!


layered spinach tortellini salad
4m:according to kelly.com

1 (9 ounce) package uncooked cheese tortellini
2 cups shredded red cabbage
6 cups torn spinach leaves
1 (8 ounce) bottle ranch dressing
8 slices cooked, crumbled bacom
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup sliced green onion

cook tortellini per package directions. drain & rinse in cold water. in a large bowl (a clear bowl makes a
pretty sight), layer cabbage, spinach, tortellinit, tomatoes, green onions and  bacon. pour dressing evenly over
top. refrigerate until serving time and  toss immediately before.

Cheeseburger Soup

1/2 lb ground turkey or ground beef (I used 1 lb)

3/4 c chopped onion

3/4 c shredded carrots

3/4 c diced celery

 1 t parsley

1 t dried basil

3 T butter 

3 T flour

2 cans chicken broth

32 oz bag frozen hash browns 

8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

1 1/2 c milk

In large soup pot, brown beef along w/ onions, carrots, celery, basil, & parsley. Drain. Add broth and hash brown potatoes. Bring to boil; simmer 12 min. In small skillet, melt butter, then stir in flour until bubbly. Add to this mixture to soup; bring to a boil. Add cheese and  milk. Stir until melted. Add more water or milk for desired thickness.

Giveaway Time!!

If I can get up to 100 followers, I will giveaway a copy of "Our Best Bites" cookbook.  To check it out, check Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Our-Best-Bites-Mormon-Kitchen/dp/1606419315/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310432292&sr=8-1

Goggles and such

Kiera wearing her goggles that she won at the Library's Summer Reading program.  They always have a swimming party at a local pool for the kids.  She loved wearing them.  Maya has them as well, but didn't want her pic taken.  LOL

Jordan is wearing Maya's goggles.  He looks sooo cute!

Maya and Kiera smiling together.  So happy that day.

Buckwheat Pancake Mix recipes

So, I have a package of buckwheat pancake mix and don't know what to do with it.  I know my kids won't eat them as pancakes, so I did a quick search and found 2 recipes that I think they might like.  Enjoy!!



Pancake Flour Muffins

2 cups Newhope Mills Buttermilk or Old-Fashioned Buckwheat Pancake Mix
1 cup Milk
1 tbsp. melted butter or oil
1 egg

Drop egg into flour; stir in milk and butter. Bake at 450 for 12-15 minutes.



CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
(using Buttermilk or Old-Fashioned Buckwheat Pancake mix)
1/3 cup Shortening or Margarine2/3 cup Brown Sugar1 Egg1 tsp. Vanilla1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups Pancake Mix1/2 cup Chocolate Chips
Mix together.  Drop rounded tsps on baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 12 to 15 minutes.

A to Z

A thru Z

A: is for Apple, what’s your favorite variety?
Fuji apples, for sure

B: is for Bread, regardless of nutrition, calories, or whole grains what is your favorite type to have a nice big slice of?
100% whole wheat

C: is for Cereal what is your favorite kind currently (just one!)
Rice Krispies


D: is for Doughnuts, you might not currently be eating them but what kind do you fancy?
Krispy Kreme, but only get them maybe 1 x year

E: is for Eggs, how would you like yours prepared?
Denver Omelet


F: is for Fat Free, what is your favorite fat free product?
Cheese or frozen yogurt


G: is for Groceries, where do you purchase yours?
Winco, Roth's IGA when they have sales, and they just opened a Trader Joes in the next town over!!

H: is for Hot Beverages, what is your favorite hot drink?
Herbal Tea or Hot Cocoa

I: is for Ice Cream, pick a favorite flavor and add a fun topping.
French Vanilla Ice Cream with some sort of chocolate sauce or just plain Rocky Road

J: is for Jams or Jellies, do you eat them, and if so what kind?
yes, I love apricot, apricot pineapple, raspberry, strawberry, etc.

K: is for Kashi, name your favorite Kashi product?
I don't think I have ever bought any.

L: is for Lunch, what was yours today?
Cheese sandwich on whole wheat, fruit, and a pickle.


M: is for microwave, what is your favorite microwave meal/snack?
Oatmeal or popcorn.

N: is for nutrients, do you like carbs, fats, or proteins best?
I love carbs!

O: is for oil, what kind do you like to use?
Olive oil, canola oil, or cooking spray.


P: is for protein, how do you get yours?

We love turkey (deli turkey slices, ground turkey, turkey meatballs, etc), beans, veggie burgers.

Q: is for Quaker, how do you like your oats?
With a little bit of peanut butter and sweetener or with blueberries and sweetener

R: is for roasting, what is your favorite thing to roast?
Vegetables or sweet potatoes

S: is for sandwich, what’s your favorite kind?
Turkey, turkey bacon (sometimes), lettuce, tomato, and avocado on fresh bread or whole wheat.  :)

T: is for travel, how do you handle eating while traveling?
Try to pack snacks or light meals.

U: is for unique, what is one of your weirdest foods!
Tofu Stuffed Shells

V: is for vitamins, what kind do you take?
Prenatal vitamins, when I remember to take them.

W: is for wasabi, yay or nay?
No

X: is for XRAY. if we xrayed your belly right now, what food would we see?
Eggs and Potatoes with LOTS of water.  

Y: is for youth, what food reminds you of your childhood?
peanut butter logs (pb, honey, oatmeal, dry milk, maybe some chocolate chips or coconut), popsicles, and banana pancakes.


Z: is for zucchini, how do you prepare it?
Oven roasted with olive oil, garlic, and a little bit of parmesan cheese.  YUM!

Mexican Hash

Mexican Hash
From:  Amish cookbook


1-1 1/2 lb ground beef (we use ground turkey)
1-1 1/2 lb grated cheese (we use fatfree)
1 sm bag Doritos, crushed
1 can cream of mushroom soup ( or celery, we use the Healthy request)
1 can cream of chicken soup (Healthy request)
1 can enchilada sauce  (we have made our own)
1 sm can mild chopped green chiles
1 can evaporated milk (we use fatfree)

Brown the meat and drain well.  Mix the soups, sauce and milk.  Add the drained meat and stir.  Put half of the crushed Doritos in the bottom of a baking dish, half of the meat mixture and half of the cheese.  Repeat, making sure the cheese is on top.  Bake at 350 for 30 mins.

Just another day

Sienna and Kiera hanging out.   Kiera just loves being with her.  She's like her little Mommy.

Just out of the bath.  She loved that dress.  Was trying to eat it and her toes.

Hanging out with Jordan's new HUGE Diego doll.  

Easy Stroganoff

This is too easy and my kids love it. 


Easy Stroganoff

1 lb Ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
8 oz sour cream
1/4 cup milk

Brown ground beef with onion. Add remaining ingredients. Serve over rice or noodles.

Aunt Kaye Lynn's Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies

My whole family loves these cookies from my Aunt.  It makes a lot.  I keep them in a large Tupperware bowl with a slice of bread to keep them moist and soft.  These are cake-like and very soft.  Enjoy!

Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yield: 6 dozen cookies

1 c shortening or margarine, softened
1 box brown sugar (I use light brown sugar or the Splenda brown sugar blend)
2 beaten eggs
2 cups applesauce
2 tsp baking soda
4 c flour
1 large package chocolate chips

Mix shortening, sugar, and beaten eggs.  Add baking soda to applesauce and mix.  Mix into sugar mixture.  Add flour.  Combine and add chocolate chips.   Using spoon, add to ungreased cookie sheets.  Bake at 375 for 10-15 mins or until light brown.

Old Recipes

Hope these aren't repeats.  Here are some recipes I was cleaning out of an old board I was on.


Mint Chocolate Cookie Crunch

1 bag mint chocolate chips (or, Andes Mint Chips)
2 1/2 bags (or 5.5 C) dark chocolate chips
1 pkg. Oreo cookies
4 C Rice Krispies

melt the chocolate chips (and mint chips) until just melted.
Then, finely crumble the Oreo cookies. We use a blender/food processor to do this, and purposefully leave a few larger random pieces. Combine the Oreo, Rice Krispies and melted chocolates in a large bowl. Stir until well coated. Using a spoon or an ice cream scooper, create cookies on top of waxed or parchment paper. Allow cookies to harden up on the counter for a few hours before eating. This recipe makes 124 cookies! They are great to give as gifts, if you're willing to share :)
You can also easily cut the recipe in half. Use 1/2 a bag of Andes mints, 1 (12oz) bag of chocolate chips, 2 C Rice Krispies and a half a package of Oreos.
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 Here's an easy slow cooker recipe.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cans of pinto beans
2 cans of Mexican diced tomatoes (undrained)
2 Tbs of fajita seasoning
1-2 Tbs of canola oil

Brown chicken in oil in non-stick skillet. While chicken is browning, put pinto beans in slow cooker. When chicken is browned, place in slow cooker. Pour tomatoes onto chicken and then sprinkle fajita seasoning on top. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Serve with brown rice, cheese and sour cream.
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German Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

1 package German Chocolate Cake Mix
1 stick butter
2 eggs
1 tub Coconut Pecan Frosting

Melt butter in large bowl. Mix in cake mix and eggs. Roll in to 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Once cool, place a good layer of frosting between two similar sized cookies.
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Blueberry Craisin Oatmeal Cookies

Pouch of Betty Crocker Oatmeal Cookie Mix
1/2 stick butter
1 tbsp water
1 egg
1/2 c. dried blueberries
1/2 c. dried cranberries

You can use any combination of dried fruit really, but I LOVE the dried blueberries. Unfortunately, they are rather expensive, which is why I mix them with less expensive cranberries. Raisins would work too. Mix up the pouch mix with the butter, water and egg. It will be VERY stiff. I recommend a fork (my room mate/neighbor uses her hands). Add dried fruit and mix well. Scoop by rounded teaspoons onto sheet and bake according to pouch directions.
Like I said. Super easy. Super good. And kinda frugal too! (Depends on the fruit you use! :)
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Garlic Bundt Bread

3 cans of biscuits
1 stick of butter
2 - 3 cloves of garlic, pressed
1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese

Melt the butter. Add garlic and Italian Seasoning. Line the bundt pan with the biscuits standing on their side. All the way around. Then pour the butter mixture over them. Bake at 350 for 30 - 35 minutes, until biscuits are done. Flip onto a plate and top with grated parmesan cheese. Pull apart to serve.
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 Bacon Ranch Crockpot Chicken

4 - 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
1 -2 cloves of garlic, pressed
1 package of Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing mix
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
4 boneless skinless chicken breast
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 - 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Place chicken in the crock pot, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix the soup, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix together. Stir in the garlic and bacon. Pour over chicken. Cook 4 - 6 hours on high or until chicken is cooked through. At the last 15 to 20 minutes before serving, top with grated cheddar cheese.
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 Snickerdoodles (from Recipezaar)
SERVES 12

1/2 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
TOPPING 1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375°F for a non-stick cookie sheet, or 400°F for any other pan. Cream the butter, then add sugar and mix. Sift the flour,salt, and baking powder into the mixture, add egg and mix well. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Shape the dough into walnut size balls and roll in topping mixture. Place about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes (8 is usually enough, so keep an eye out).
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COOKIES N' CREAM COOKIES

1- 1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 tbs vanilla
3 eggs
1 small pkg. vanilla instant pudding
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
20 Oreos, broken into pieces

Cream butter and sugars. Add vanilla and eggs, mix well. Add dry pudding and mix well. Add dry ingredients and beat until combined (batter will be stiff). Stir in Oreos. Scoop onto cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 9-12 minutes.
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CHICKEN BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

1 cup cooked, diced chicken
1-1/2 cups frozen broccoli, steamed
2 packages of chicken flavored Top Raman Noodles,cook according to package directions
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, noodles, and 1 cup of cheese. In a smaller bowl combine soup, milk, and the seasoning packets from the noodles. Add soup mixture to noodle-broccoli mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish, and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake covered at 350 degrees until warmed through.
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Magelby Rolls

These rolls are so tasty and make it seem like you did something pretty special when in reality they are super easy! A great addition to any meal!
What you need:-
frozen roll dough (or if you are awesome, unlike me, you can make your own roll dough!)
2 T. parsley flakes
3/4 c. parmesan cheese
3/4 t. garlic powder
butter (I used less than 1/4 c.)

Thaw your rolls to room temperature.
Mix the parsley flakes, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder together in a bowl or plate.
Melt your butter.Roll the dough in the butter.Roll the dough in the mixture.
Set on greased cookie sheet to rise. Cover rolls with greased saran wrap.
Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes.