Just Dinner

Beer and Cheese Bread ABM

2011-08-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

This bread was delicious! It rose so much that I couldn't really put all the cheese on top or it would fall into the bottom of the bread machine. It took about an hour for it to be devoured by the family(with me only getting one tiny slice!).
Beer and Cheese Bread- Automatic Bread Machine
1 1/3 cups warm flat beer
4 1/2 cups white flour
2 -3 tablespoons dried herbs, of your choice
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1/3 cup white sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
2 1/4 teaspoons bread machine yeast
1 cup cheese, grated

Directions

Pour warm beer into bread maker pan.
In a large bowl, fluff up or wisk gently together, flour, cheese, sugar and salt.
Put this mixture on top of beer.
sprinkle yeast over flour layer.
near the end of baking, after bread has risen as high as it will get (last 1/2 hour left or so) quickly top loaf with remaining cup of cheese.
Select "basic bread" and regular crust
Baking time varies on your machine.

Summertime Pantry Challenge

2011-07-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

I'm going to do this pantry challenge along with goodcheapeats!

Hubby had surgery this week so it's a good time to eat what we have at home and save money! I will be buying specials at the grocery store along with fresh produce and raw milk.

Baked Oatmeal

2011-06-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Willow has been waking up VERY early and I have been half awake as I try to get her food...this was a great way to have a hot breakfast without a lot of thinking by me!

From Money Saving Mom:

Freezer-Friendly Baked Oatmeal

1/3 cup butter, melted
2 large eggs
3/4 cup raw sugar (or brown sugar)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons milk
3 cups oats (regular or quick oats)

Beat eggs, sugar and butter together. Mix in baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon and salt.

Stir in milk and oats. Pour into a greased 9×13 foil pan or baking dish and cover well. (Can use a Ziploc freezer bag, if freezing). Freeze.

To serve: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes, until set in the middle. Serve warm with milk. (We like to sprinkle sugar on top before pouring the milk on.)

If you want to serve it without freezing it first, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it at 350 degrees for 35-45minutes in the morning.

Serves 6-8.

Hoe Cake

2011-05-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

I have found heaven on earth... Finally I have found a recipe for those elusive awesome, fluffy, buttery, soft as pillows biscuits and it's SO easy since there's no rolling or cutting! Thank you so much Christy(Southern Plate)!!!!

1/2 Cup vegetable shortening

2 Cups self rising flour(or add 3 tsp baking powder and 2 tsp salt to regular flour)

1 Cup milk

Preheat the oven to 425. Pour a thin layer of oil to cover the bottom of an 8 inch round cake pan(I used my cast iron skillet) and place in the oven to heat.

In a large bowl, thoroughly cut the shortening into the flour. Pour the milk in and stir until wet. The batter will be lumpy. (don't overstir!!!!!) Pour into the well-heated pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, until browned. Invert onto a plate. (I didn't invert it...we cut it and it was gone so fast there wasn't time)

Chocolate Pie

2011-05-24T14:09:00.001-07:00

Mmm this was so good! Now to try it out on my mom when she comes to visit next! This is from Southern Plate.

1 Cup sugar
1/3 Cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 Cup self-rising flour
2 egg yolks
2 Cups milk
2 tsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 baked pie shell

Meringue
3 egg whits
1/4 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 325. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa powder and flour. mix well. Beat in the egg yolks and add the milk Place over medium heat and cook until thickened, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Stir in the butter, vanill and salt. Pour into the baked pie shell and top with meringue, if desired, or whipped cream.

To make the meringue, whip the egg whits until foamy with anelectric mixer on high speed. Add the sugar. Continue beating on high speed until soft peaks form. pour onto the top of the pie and spread to the edges to seal well. Bake at 325 for 15 minutes or until the top is golden. Allow to cool completely and refrigerate before serving if you like.

Peanut butter icing

2011-05-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

This made an easy, frugal icing for our cake! Yum! Another recipe from Southern Plate.

1 box yellow cake mix
1 1/2 Cups sugar
7 Tbsp milk
2 Tbsp shortening
2 Tbsp margarine(I used butter)
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 C creamy peanut butter

Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, baking it in a 9x13 inch pan.

While the cake is cooling, combine the sugar, milk, shortening, margarine, and salt in a medium heavy saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Once it reaches a rolling boil, stop stirring and let boil for 1 to 2 minutes or until it reaches the soft-ball stage. Remove from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla and peanut butter. Beat until smooth and quickly spread onto the cake.

Lemon Jello Cake

2011-05-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

I love lemon desserts and this one was finally lemony enough for me!

1 (18 1/2 ounce) yellow cake mix
1(5 ounce-family size) lemon jello
4 eggs
3/4 Cup water
3/4 Cup vegetable oil

Combine all ingredients and bake at 350 for as long as the cake mix says for your pan size. I used a bundt pan and it took 45 minutes. Pull out of the oven and poke with holes. While hot pour the glaze over the top(recipe below).

Glaze
2 Cups powdered sugar
2 lemons-juice

Mix together well.

Paula Deen Cornbread

2011-05-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

This is Paula's Deen's recipe doubled which makes the perfect amount for my cast iron skillet. The BEST cornbread of all the recipes I've tried!

2 Cups cornmeal
1 Cup flour
1 1/2 Cups buttermilk
4 eggs
1/4 Cup vegetable oil
2 1/2 Tbsp baking powder
2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350. Oil cast iron skillet and put on stove on medium low while you mix together the ingredients for the cornbread. Do not overstir--just until the mixture has no dry flour/cornmeal. Pour batter into heated skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Serve with lots of real butter.

BBQ Cowboy Beans & Biscuits

2011-04-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Mandi sent this in August and I finally got around to making it. So good and easy! I made the biscuits in my cast iron skillet...love that thing!!!

I did throw some quinoa in just because I'm trying to use it up:o) Oh and an onion with the meat...Texas onions are so cheap right now and yummmmy!

BBQ Cowboy Beans & Biscuits

From: 5 dollar dinners

Ingredients

1.3 lb ground beef
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 cups cooked black beans or Substitute 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups cooked pinto beans or Substitute 1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes, drained
Drop biscuits (see recipe below)
1/2 bag frozen corn

Directions

1. Brown the ground beef with the crushed garlic cloves. Drain and return to skillet. Add the black and pinto beans, as well as the BBQ sauce, diced tomatoes…and stir through. Let simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes.
2. Make drop biscuits.
3. Prepare the corn as directed on package.

4. Serve BBQ Cowboy Beans over Drop Biscuits with Corn.

Drop Biscuits
-----------------
Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
4 Tbsp butter or margarine
1 cup milk

Directions
1. In mixing bowl, combine wheat flour, white flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
2. Cut in 4 Tbsp of butter with pastry blender or 2 knives.
3. Slowly mix in milk and stir with fork. Mix until thick batter forms.
4. Drop biscuits onto greased cooking sheet or into greased muffin tins. Makes 12 biscuits.
5. Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Cool on cooling rack.
6. Serve warm with Cinnamon Honey Butter.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-04-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

We had some meals we didn't make last week so I am putting those on and also making more than a week plan because we have everything on hand.

Monday:
Salisbury steak with onion gravy(new)
Veggie

Tuesday:
BBQ Cowboy beans and biscuits(new)
Veggie

Wednesday:
Asian Salmon (new)
Fresh green beans

Thursday:
Mexican vegetables on cornbread

Friday:
Steak
Squash
New England baked beans(new)

Saturday:
Bumblebee soup
Depression era bread

Sunday:
Quick Pasta Carbonara
Veggie

Monday:
Pizza

Tuesday:
Cheesy beef taco skillet

Cream Soup Substitute

2011-04-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

I would have sworn I had this recipe on here but I can't find it by searching so I'm putting it on again.

Ingredients:
2 cups dry milk
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup chicken bouillon granules
2 tablespoons dried onion flakes, optional
1 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil, optional
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano, optional
1/2 teaspoon ground marjoram, optional
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 to 3 teaspoons butter
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients except butter together and store in airtight container. To use, mix 1/2 cup dry soup mix with 1 1/4 cups water and cook until thick; add butter. This is equal to one can cream soup. The mix makes enough to equal 9 to 10 cans. For cream of mushroom or celery soup, add chopped sauteé mushrooms or celery along with the butter while cooking.

Chicken Shepherd's Pie

2011-04-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

This was one of Mandi's choices for this week and it was perfect for what I had in the kitchen! It's originally from here. I had canned succotash on hand so two cans of that made the vegetables and I added cheddar cheese before the mashed potato layer. Out of a 9x13 pan there was one small serving leftover that Hunter(13) had for breakfast today!

3 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
1 can cream of chicken soup
salt and pepper to taste
2-3 cups cooked, chopped chicken
3 cups mashed potatoes (I used instant)

Boil carrots in the broth till tender. Stir in peas, cream of chicken soup, salt & pepper and cooked chicken.

Pour into a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Top with mashed potatoes. Dot with butter. Bake 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Twinkie Tiramisu

2011-04-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm stalking eatathomecooks lately! I've been trying to not make big desserts unless I already have the ingredients on hand but this sounded just way too good so I went to the store(using the excuse that my son needed to go get a new bike tube...). I used vanilla pudding because I was wanting more of a regular tiramisu taste but the chocolate sounds awesome too! This was SO. GOOD.

1/3 cup boiling water
1/2 cup sugar
2/3 cup strong brewed coffee
2 boxes (3.4 oz) instant pudding mix
3 1/2 cups milk
1 container frozen whipped topping, thawed (8oz)
1 box Twinkies

Mix the boiling water and sugar together, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the liquid turns clear. Stir in the coffee and let it cool.

Mix the pudding mix and milk together with an electric mixer until the pudding has thickened. Fold in the whipped topping. This makes a delicious mousse-like fluff.

Slice the Twinkies in half, lengthwise. Place half of the slices on the bottom of a pan. I experimented with pan sizes. 9×13 was a bit too big. 9×9 was too small.

Drizzle with half the coffee syrup.

Spread half of the chocolate fluff over the Twinkies in the pan. Top with the rest of the Twinkies. Drizzle with the remaining coffee syrup. Spread the chocolate fluff over the top of all of it. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Skillet biscuits

2011-04-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

These were pretty good...still looking for the perfect recipe though. I used 1/2 cup whole wheat flour so they would have a small bit of nutrition...

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons butter, cubed
3/4 cup milk
Directions
In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt together. Cut butter into mixture until it begins to look likecornmeal.
Make a well with flour mixture and slowly add milk into the middle.Knead dough with your fingers and add milk when necessary. Roll out dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to desired thickness. Cut with small biscuit cutter.
Butter bottom of skillet and place biscuits in pan. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

2011-04-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

Monday:

Lunch:

PB&J on bagels

Dinner:

Baked pasta with cauliflower(although I'll be using broccoli)

Tuesday:

Lunch:

Fish sticks and corn nuggets

Dinner:

40 clove crockpot chicken w/ 2 chickens (the beginning of rubber chicken)

Succotash

Salad

Wednesday:

Lunch:

Ramens

Dinner:

Stuffed shells

Salad

Garlic bread

Watermelon

Thursday:

Lunch:

Mac n cheese w/ sausage

Dinner:

Stirfry with bamboo shoots, rice noodles over hot rice

Oranges

Friday:

Lunch:

Grilled cheese and soup

Dinner:

Liver and onions

Mac and cheese

Pea salad

Saturday:

Lunch:

Leftovers or ramens

Dinner:

Chicken soup with pumpkin, noodles and veggies

Sunday:

Leftovers

Salsa Verde in the crockpot

2011-04-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

We loved this!! And the leftover meat I cut up and put in a beef pot pie along with some other steak a few nights later. This is another eatathomecooks.com recipe. I used a huge steak from our freezer of local beef and cooked it overnight with all the ingredients but the onions(which I added and let cook another 4 hours or so until they were soft).

Salsa Verde in the crockpot

boneless rounds steak or another cut of beef

1 small can of salsa verde
1/2 cup chicken broth, beef broth or water
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 clove garlic, minced
1 onion, sliced
flour tortillas
cheddar cheese
lettuce, tomato, sour cream etc
Put the steak and onions in the crockpot. Combine the salsa, broth and seasonings. Pour over the steak. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
Shred the meat and serve in the tortillas with the fixings.

Whole Wheat Soft "pretzel" Rolls

2011-04-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

I made these following the recipe at goodcheapeats but I didn't do the soda bath and then I made them more "roll" like in shape than a pretzel. They went with our black bean soup and were fabulous!

Whole Wheat Rolls

Dough:

1/2 cup water
1 cup milk
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 cup whole wheat flour
3 cups bread flour
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon yeast

For topping:

melted butter & coarse salt
melted butter & cinnamon sugar

Throw dough ingredients into bread machine as directed(by machine manual) on a dough setting. When the cycle ends, remove the dough to a lightly oiled surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.

Preheat the oven to 450°. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Roll each portion into a long snake, about 18 inches long. Shape the snake into a horseshoe. Twist the sides of the horseshoe, about halfway up, around each other twice. Flip the ends over onto the U of the horseshoe. Press to seal. Continue until all the pretzels are shaped.

Bake for about 9 minutes. Brush with butter and sprinkle with coarse salt, if desired.

If you prefer sweet pretzels, brush the baked pretzels with melted butter and sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Menu Plan

2011-04-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

Green salad

Thursday:

Lunch:

Frozen bean burritos

Carrot Raisin salad

Dinner:

Black bean soup

Whole Wheat Soft Pretzels

Green salad

Friday:

Lunch:

Ramens

Dinner:

Paula Deen's Skillet biscuits

Gravy and sausage

Snickerdoodles

Saturday:

Lunch:

PB&Js

Carrot sticks with ranch

Dinner:

Cottage Pie

Salad

Blueberry pie

Sunday:

Lunch:

Fish Sticks

Corn nugget

Dinner:

Stuffed shells

Salad

Garlic bread

Monday:

Lunch:

Grilled cheese and soup

Dinner:

Liver and onions

Mac and cheese

Pea salad

Tuesday:

Dinner out

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

2011-04-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

This was a cookie recipe but Willow was having a rough day so I knew I wouldn't have the time to keep switching cookies in and out of the oven. Instead it went into a pie pan(sprayed with baking spray) and I baked it at 325 degrees for 20-30 minutes. It was delicious!
This recipe is from allrecipes here and is for cookies.

1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups peanut butter chips(I used half a bag of pb/chocolate chip mix)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt, stir into the creamed mixture. Finally, fold in the peanut butter chips. Drop cookies by heaping teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until set. Cool on wire racks.

Fresh Cranberry Apple Pie

2011-03-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

This was a tart delicious pie! I didn't layer the fruit and it worked out fine that way:o)

FRESH CRANBERRY APPLE PIE
Pastry for 9 inch 2 crust pie
1 3/4-2 c. sugar
1/3 c. flour
3 c. sliced pared tart apples (2-3 med.)
2 c. fresh cranberries
2 tbsp. butter
Stir together sugar and flour. In pastry lined pan, alternate layers of apples, cranberries and sugar mixture, beginning and ending with apple layers, dot with butter. Cover with top crust with slits, seal and flute. Cover edge with 2-3 inch strip of aluminum foil to prevent excess browning. Bake at 425 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until crust is brown. Remove foil last 15 minutes of baking.

Penne with Sausage, Onion and Cranberry Sauce

2011-03-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe here when trying to find easy recipes using fresh cranberries. It is SO good!!!!! You'd never guess there's cranberry in it until you run into a little piece of one and I used double the amount called for even! I used orange juice in place of the sherry just because it was what I had on hand.

Click here for the original.

Penne with Sausage, Onion and Cranberries
1/2 pound dried penne or other small pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen and thawed
5 links sweet Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 cup dry Sherry
3/4 cup chicken stock, preferably low-sodium or homemade
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup pasta water

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat and add the onion. When the onion is soft and translucent, add the cranberries, sausage, basil and oregano.
2. Cook until the sausage begins to brown and the cranberries are popping. Add the Sherry and turn the heat up to medium. Scrape the bottom of the pan to remove and cooked-on bits. Once the Sherry is reduced by at least half, add the chicken stock and garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If the sauce is a bit tart for your taste, you can add 1/2-1 tablespoon of sugar to sweeten it.
3. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, add the pasta water to thin the sauce. Toss the pasta and the sauce and serve.

Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

2011-03-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

This was SO good!!! I tripled the recipe and we had very little leftover. I used round steak.

The recipe is from food.com. Everyone in the family loved it--even Willow(almost 2 years old now).

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 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.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-03-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Monday
Lunch:
Sandwiches
Cantaloupe
Dinner:
Broccoli beef over brown rice
Leftover blueberry pound cake

Tuesday:
Lunch:
Bean bowls
Dinner:
Shar's mom's roast
Noodles
Crowder Peas
Cookies(box)

Wednesday
Lunch:
Mac n cheese w/ hot dogs
Dinner:
Homemade pizza
Salad
Choc. pie

Thursday:
Lunch:
Split green pea soup
Bread
Dinner:
Penne w/ sausage and cranberry

Friday
Lunch:
Grilled cheese
Soup
Dinner:
BBQ Beef casserole

Saturday
Lunch:
leftovers
Dinner:
Oven omelette
Chocolate pb cookies

Sunday:
leftovers and/or dinner out

Pumpkin Soup

2011-03-06T15:47:00.000-08:00

Last year, for the first time, I cooked and canned our jack-o-lantern pumpkins. It was a huge job to do three big pumpkins and I thought I'd never do it again...but all winter we've had delicious things made with this pumpkin and now I am sure I will.

Today I made pumpkin soup. I'm eating meatless for awhile so this will also make a good meal for me on the nights I'm cooking meat for the rest of the family. I didn't use heavy whipping cream but instead used evaporated milk. This was from allrecipes but I made changes and am putting that recipe below.

Ingredients

6 cups vegetable stock
3 teaspoons salt
4 cups pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions
Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, thyme, garlic, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.
Puree the soup in small batches (1 cup at a time) using a food processor or blender.
Return to pan, and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir in heavy cream. Pour into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Menu Plan March 7-13

2011-03-06T15:30:00.000-08:00

Monday March 7
Lunch:
Frozen bean burritos
Dinner:
Spaghetti and meatballs(no meatballs for me)
Garlic bread
Pecan pie

Tuesday March 8
Lunch:
Mac n Cheese with hot dogs(for kids)
Dinner:
Individual pizzas
Salad

Wednesday March 9
Lunch:
Sandwiches and goldfish crackers
Dinner:
Blackeyed peas
Cornbread
Chocolate pie

Thursday March 10
Lunch:
Packed snack meal(fruit, cheese, goldfish crackers, pb on saltines)
Dinner:
Tuna sandwiches
Macaroni Grill Noodles

Friday March 11
Lunch:
Bean bowls(hot beans topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream)
Dinner:
Steak (I'll either make a greek salad or grilled cheese)
Mashed potatoes
Crowder peas
Chocolate peanut butter cookies

Saturday March 12
Lunch:
Leftovers or sandwiches and goldfish crackers
Dinner:
Broccoli beef over brown rice
Blueberry pound cake

Sunday March 13
Lunch:
Split green pea soup, bread
Dinner:
Hibachi Buffet

Menu Plan February 1-7

2011-01-31T20:20:00.000-08:00

Tuesday February 1
Layered meatball casserole
Salad
Box cookies

Wednesday February 2
Marinated rib steak(using up marinade in fridge)
Green bean casserole
Stuffing
Banana cake

Thursday February 3
Easy beef enchiladas
Rice
Refried beans

Friday February 4
Turkey and broccoli casserole
Succotash
Waldorf salad

Saturday February 5
Steak tips over rice
Pea salad
Bread

Sunday February 6
Pizza with pepperoni, black olives and green peppers
Baked apples

Menu Plan

2011-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

I wasn't feeling great last week and my menu plan didn't go as good as it could have because of it. We went out to eat one night and another I just didn't want to make lentils and rice. This week will hopefully go better. We're down to the last of the pantry challenge time and I'm ready to be done:o) Our pantry is still full but I think I did pretty good working it down and will continue to use what's in there even after the challenge is over.

Tuesday
Breakfast: Grits
Dinner: Potatoes and franks

Wednesday
Breakfast: Oatmeal
Dinner: Skillet Sausage Pasta

Thursday
Breakfast: cereal
Dinner: California Quesadillas refried beans, rice

Friday
Breakfast: cereal
Dinner: Noodle Stroganoff

Saturday
Breakfast: Pancakes
Dinner: Pizza (Pepperoni)

Sunday
Breakfast: Eggs
Dinner: Mom's chili over rice

Breadsticks

2011-01-21T10:37:00.000-08:00

1 cup warm water
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4C oil
3 Cups bread flour
2 1/2 tsp yeast

Put in the bread machine on dough cycle. When that is complete divide into equal parts(as big as you want...I think I made 12). Then I followed my friend, Traci's, recipe for topping them. Her blog is here.

1/4 C cheddar cheese, finely grated
1/2 C grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1 lb loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
1/4 C butter, melted

Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl. Cut bread dough into 16 portions. Shape into breadsticks. Dip in butter, then dip in topping. Place on cookie sheet. Bake in 400 deg. oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch them disappear in 10-12 seconds!

Menu Plan

2011-01-17T18:34:00.000-08:00

Wednesday January 19th
Breakfast: Grits
Dinner: Turkey pot pie, stuffing

Thursday January 20th
Breakfast: Cereal
Dinner: Tuna mac n cheese, green bean casserole, cauliflower

Friday January 21st
Breakfast: Oatmeal
Dinner: Cheese enchiladas, rice, refried beans

Saturday January 22nd
Breakfast: Cereal
Dinner: Chinese Chicken and rice, cauliflower

Sunday January 23rd
Breakfast: Grits
Dinner: Slow cooker beef sandwiches, corn casserole, peas

Monday January 24th
Breakfast: cereal
Dinner: Taco Lentils and rice

Tuesday January 25th
Breakfast: Grits
Dinner: Groutmere buns, lima beans

Menu Plan January 11-16

2011-01-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

Lunches will be leftovers, ramens or pb&j's.

January 11
B-Grits
L-Butternut pumpkin soup w/ frozen cornbread muffins
D-Tacos, Beans, Rice

January 12
B-Oatmeal
D-Tuna Croquettes, Green Bean Casserole, bread

January 13
B-Cereal
D-Pizza & Salad

January 14
B-Muffins--frozen blueberry
D-Pot Roast, fruit salad, rolls & leftover cornbread muffins

January 15
B-Grits
D-Bean soup and rolls or muffins

January 16
B-Cereal
D-Southwest Beef & Bell Pepper Skillet

Liver and Onions

2011-01-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

Let me say first off that I know a majority of people think liver and onions are not edible. I was raised eating a lot of strange things and I'm thankful that I was! While I won't eat some of the things I did as a kid(froglegs for example) some are still favorites....liver, brie, smoked oysters, oysters on the halfshell to name a few.

We still have a freezer full of organic local beef and in there was liver. I was so excited when I brought the meat home and saw it!

Then I went searching for recipes and went with one with high ratings on allrecipes.com Totally awesome! I highly recommend it and hubby does too(he's the only other one in the house that didn't have pasta instead of liver). I did make a gravy to go with it just with pan drippings and milk which is not in the picture:o)

2 pounds sliced beef liver
1 1/2 cups milk, or as needed
1/4 cup butter, divided
2 large Vidalia onions, sliced into rings
2 cups all-purpose flour, or as needed
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Gently rinse liver slices under cold water, and place in a medium bowl. Pour in enough milk to cover. Let stand while preparing onions. (I like to soak up to an hour or two - whatever you have time for.) This step is SO important in taking the bitter taste of the liver out.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Separate onion rings, and saute them in butter until soft. Remove onions, and melt remaining butter in the skillet. Season the flour with salt and pepper, and put it in a shallow dish or on a plate. Drain milk from liver, and coat slices in the flour mixture.
When the butter has melted, turn the heat up to medium-high, and place the coated liver slices in the pan. Cook until nice and brown on the bottom. Turn, and cook on the other side until browned. Add onions, and reduce heat to medium. Cook a bit longer to taste. Our family prefers the liver to just barely retain a pinkness on the inside when you cut to check. Enjoy!

Basic Corn Muffins

2011-01-01T17:06:00.000-08:00

This recipe came from here and the only change I made was using free flowing brown sugar(coupon deal that I needed to use up). It worked perfectly!

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup canola oil
1 cup milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin pan or line with paper muffin liners.
In a large bowl, mix together corn meal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add egg, oil and milk; stir gently to combine. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.

Menu Plan January 1-9

2011-01-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

I'm in on the pantry challenge from goodcheapeats.com. This is all from what we have on hand!
My goal is to spend less than $300 this month on groceries(and eating out, health/beauty etc) and to make it mainly produce!
January grocery spending 37.99/$300

Saturday January 1, 2011
Blackeyed peas(Hoppin John) and cabbage
Cornbread muffins

Sunday January 2
Liver and onions
Spinach salad
(leftovers for anyone not wanting liver)

Monday January 3
Beans and rice (with brown rice)
Pea Salad

Tuesday January 4
Chopped steak w/ gravy
Mashed potatoes
Succotash

Wednesday January 5
Spaghetti
Garlic bread

Thursday January 6
Tator Tot Hot Dish
Corn Casserole
w/ Jiffy Clone

Friday January 7
Cranberry baked ham
Buttered noodles
Lima beans

Saturday January 8
Bacon Cheeseburger rice
Brussel sprouts

Sunday January 9
Leftovers

Also I plan to make rice crispy houses I got on clearance at Target and make a fruitcake.

Ham and Swiss Skillet

2010-12-30T08:20:00.000-08:00

I've made this twice. The first time I used link sausage and the second time I used ham like the recipe says. I prefer it with ham but Hunter wasn't sure which one he liked better. It was a hit with the whole family for sure both times!

This is a Gooseberry Patch Recipe.

Skillet Ham and Cheese

1/4 C onion, chopped

1/3C green onion, chopped

1/4C butter, melted

1 Tbsp flour

1 tsp salt

3 1/2 C milk

2 C cooked ham, cubed

8 oz macaroni, uncooked

1 C sour cream

1 C swiss cheese

Saute onions and peppers in butter until tender. Stir in flour and salt. Gradually whisk in milk. Add ham and macaroni. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Mix in sour cream and cheese. Heat through and serve.

Menu Plan December 6-16

2010-12-06T05:41:00.000-08:00

December 6:
Biscuits and gravy
Pumpkin muffins
Blueberry muffins

December 7:
Black Bean Soup
Rye Bread

December 8:
Beef tacos
Rice
Beans

December 9:
Dinner Nachos Supreme
Veggie

December 10:
Sloppy joes
with homemade buns or bread

December 11:
Pasta Smokie Bake
Garlic Pull Apart Bread

December 12:
Hamburger gravy/mashed potatoes
Veggie

December 13:
Hot Dog Muffins
Veggie

December 14:
Red beans and rice

December 15:
Grilled Cheese and Soup

December 16:
Crockpot Roast

Crockpot Lasagna

2010-10-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

This was a really easy tasty meal! I put it in the fridge overnight(because I forgot to turn the crockpot on but we'll pretend it was planned). It only took about 3 hours on low to warm up and be done since I'd let it sit overnight:o) I did not take a picture because I got lazy and instead of layering I threw everything together and layered with noodles so it doesn't *look* as lovely as it really should have.

Tee sent this through the recipe challenge group.

Slow-Cooker Lasagna

Prep Time:
15 min
Total Time:
6 hr 15 min
Makes:
8 servings
What You Need!
1 lb. ground beef
1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
1 container (15 oz.) BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Ricotta Cheese
1 pkg. (7 oz.) KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
1 egg
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
6 lasagna noodles, uncooked
Make It!
BROWN meat in large skillet; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce and water. Mix ricotta, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tbsp. Parmesan, egg and parsley.
SPOON 1 cup meat sauce into slow cooker; top with layers of half each of the noodles, broken to fit; and cheese mixture. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles, broken to fit; cheese mixture and meat sauce. Cover with lid.
COOK on LOW 4 to 6 hours or until liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses; let stand, covered, 10 min. or until melted.
* Made with quality cheeses crafted in the USA.
Kraft Kitchens Tips
Healthy Living
Save 4g fat per serving by preparing with lean ground beef, POLLY-O Skim Ricotta Cheese and KRAFT Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese.
Note
For best results, do not cook on the HIGH heat setting.
Make Ahead
If your slow cooker has a removable liner, layer ingredients in liner as directed. Refrigerate overnight. Place liner in slow cooker the next day and cook as directed.

Granola Cookies

2010-10-28T11:52:00.000-07:00

These were good but way too salty. I'd make them again and use half the salt. The recipe comes from here.

1-1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1-1/2 cups granola
1 cup raisins or other dried fruits such as cranberries, blueberries, chopped dates
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease baking baking sheet. In a small bowl with a wire whisk, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and completely combine. Add milk and combine. Mix in flour mixture. Stir in granola and dried fruit. Drop by heaping teaspoonsful, 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 11-14 minutes. Makes apprx. 1-1/2 to 2 dozen.

BBQ Beef Casserole

2010-10-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

This recipe was sent in by Tee on Recipe Challenge in November of '09. I really wasn't sure about it with the bbq sauce but it turned out really good!

Barbeque Beef Casserole

Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup barbeque sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained

Cornbread for on top:
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
6 Tbsp veg. oil
3 egg
1 cup milk

Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until evenly browned. Add the onion, bell pepper, corn and tomatoes. Cook and stir until vegetables are tender. Drain excess grease, and stir in the barbeque sauce. Spread the beef mixture in an even layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Mix the cornbread batter. Spread the batter over the top of the beef mixture.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center of the cornbread layer comes out clean

Jiffy Cornbread Box Mix Clone

2010-10-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

This is the recipe I use when a recipe calls for a box of Jiffy brand cornbread mix. It works out great:o)

2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
3 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 Tbsp veg. oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes

Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Cookies

2010-10-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

This came from Allrecipes. The kids loved them! To me they tasted good at first but then the whole wheat flour was more "grainy" than I'm used to for pb cookies. Probably a good thing that I didn't love them so I wouldn't eat them and the kids still got a fun dessert for our picnic while watching Pink Floyd at the Miller Outdoor Theater:)
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, honey, brown sugar and egg until smooth. Combine the whole wheat flour and baking powder; stir into the batter until blended. Roll into small balls, and place on a greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly using a fork.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cookies are slightly toasted at the edges.

Menu plan October 13th-19th

2010-10-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

October 13
Pintos n rice
Cornbread

October 14
Crockpot Carne Picada with gravy
Frozen veggie
Rice

October 15
Crockpot Falafel
Beet cake

October 16
Tex Mex Mac n Cheese
Frozen veggie
Texas garlic bread

October 17
Rachel Ray's Sloppy Joes
Basil Pasta
Pea salad

October 18
Italian Mac N Cheese
Green beans
Texas garlic bread

October 19
Homemade pizza night

Pork Steamed Dumplings

2010-09-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since we've had a new family favorite/top rated recipe but this one is getting that title. They are absolutely fabulous! I used regular soy sauce and 1/2 Tbsp ground ginger since I had these on hand. I needed two packages of wonton wrappers eventhough I stuffed them quite full. They did stick together after steaming but not too bad:)
I found this recipe on the Mom's Plan's blog here.

Pork Steamed Dumplings2 lbs. ground pork
1/3 c. cornstarch
2 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
1 tsp. minced garlic
3 tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. sesame oil
1/2 c. chopped green onions
60-90 won ton wrappers (depending on how full you stuff them)

-Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.

-Place about 1 tsp of the pork mixture in the center of each won ton wrapper and gather up the corners, pinching them together at the top. Pat the edges with water to make them stick.

To prepare and eat now:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and arrange dumplings in steamer basket over the boiling water. Cover and steam about 20 to 25 minutes or until the pork mixture is entirely cooked.

To freeze:Freeze for one hour on a cookie pan and then place in a Ziploc bag.

To prepare after freezing:Bring a pot of water to boil and arrange dumplings directly from the freezer in the steam basket over the boiling water. Cover and steam about 25 to 28 minutes or until the pork mixture is entirely cooked.

Spicy Chicken Lasagna Roll-ups

2010-09-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

This is another Kraft recipe found here. I made it with whole wheat lasagna noodles and to make it again I'd use regular plus lots more sauce.

what you need
1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. Crushed red pepper
3 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
2 cups KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1/2 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 Eggs, beaten
12 Lasagna noodles, cooked, rinsed and drained
make it
HEAT oven to 375ºF.

MIX first 3 ingredients; combine 1/2 cup with chicken, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan and eggs. Spread 1/4 cup onto each noodle; roll up.

SPREAD 1/2 cup of the remaining sauce mixture onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish; cover with lasagna rolls (seam-sides down), remaining sauce mixture and mozzarella.

BAKE 25 min. or until heated through.

Cheesy Chicken & Salsa Skillet

2010-09-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Another kraft recipe. This one can be found here. I used more pasta and tomatoes than called for just because the little ones love noodles and will pick out green peppers so it made the balance better for us:)

what you need

2 cups multi-grain penne pasta, uncooked

1 lb. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1-1/4 cups TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Salsa

1 cup Frozen corn, thawed

1 large Green pepper, cut into short thin strips

1 cup KRAFT Mexican Style 2% Milk Finely Shredded Four Cheese

make it

COOK pasta as directed on package.
MEANWHILE, heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 2 min. Stir in salsa, corn and peppers. Bring to boil. Simmer on medium-low heat 10 min. or until chicken is done, stirring occasionally.
DRAIN pasta. Add to chicken mixture; mix lightly. Top with cheese. Remove from heat; cover. Let stand 1 min. or until cheese is melted.

Southwest Beef and Bell Pepper Skillet

2010-08-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

This is a kraft recipe from here. We loved this! Very different and really good:) I made a loaf of rye garlic pull apart bread and there was a small portion left of the skillet meal plus some bread so it was plenty of food for all 6 of us:)

what you need

1 lb. Extra-lean ground beef

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) beef broth

1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained

1 each large green and yellow pepper, cut into thin strips, then halved

2 cups Instant white rice, uncooked

1-1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheeses

make it

BROWN meat in large ovenproof skillet. Stir in broth and tomatoes; bring to boil.
ADD peppers and rice; stir. Cover; simmer on low heat 5 min. or until rice is tender.
HEAT broiler. Top rice mixture with cheese; broil 2 to 3 min. or until melted.

Menu plan Aug. 27-Sept. 2nd

2010-08-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

Friday August 27th
Lasagna(cheese)
Garlic Bread
Salad
Caramelita bars

Saturday August 28th
Layered Pasta Salad

Sunday August 29th
Homemade Pizza night:)

Monday August 30th
Southwest Beef and Bell Pepper Skillet
Iced brownies

Tuesday August 31st
Popeyes fried chicken

Wednesday September 1st

Cheesy Chicken Salsa Skillet

Carrots

Thursday September 2nd
Spicy Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups (minus the spice hee)
Green beans
Garlic pull apart bread

Chocolate Popsicles

2010-08-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

I've had my eye out for popsicle molds and finally found some I liked at Marshalls! They are on Amazon for $10.40 right now(but I paid $7 hee) See after the recipe for my price breakdown of making these at home...

I also have a set from Tupperware but they're quite tiny. Those are perfect for the toddler and preschooler in the house though:) I used cocoa since it's what I had on hand but these would be divine with a dutch or bittersweet chocolate! Hunter wants to make these on his night to choose/cook dinner:)

This recipe comes from The Prudent Homemaker

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 Tbsp cornstarch

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup cocoa powder OR 3 oz unsweetened or bittersweet chocolate

3 cups whole milk ( or 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk plus 1 1/2 cups water)

3 eggs yolks, slightly beaten

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 Tbsp butter

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, cocoa powder and milk.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and begins to boil. Boil one minute. Remove from heat.

Slowly add pudding mixture to egg yolks.

Return pudding to pan. Add vanilla and butter. Boil for one minute.

Let mixture cool slightly. Fill popsicle molds and freeze until frozen solid (about 3 hours).

Makes 8 popsicles, depending on the size of your molds.

********************************************************************************************************************************

Price break down

Cocoa--2 cups in a normal 8 ounce container at $4.39= 1.10 for the 1/2 cup used

Sugar--9 cups in a 4 pound bag at $1.99=33 cents for the 1 1/2 cup used

Milk--16 cups in a gallon at $2.38=45 cents for 3 cups

Eggs-12 for 1.09= 27 cents for 3 eggs plus you can use the egg whites later

For the rest I'll figure 25 cents to make it easy but it would be less than that if you buy in bulk.

So for $2.40 or less you can make 9 chocolate popsicles with REAL chocolate! Plus it's just fun to make it yourself:) I don't buy these but from looking at pricebooks online you normally get 12 Fudgesicles for $3.99(and a long list of ingredients I can't pronounce).

TVP Bean Burritos

2010-08-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure about this but we LOVED it! Instead of oil I used bacon grease that I'd had leftover and stored in the fridge. Also I cooked a pound of beans and used them all. There ended up not being a picture because as soon as it was done I had kids at the table and when I turned around the boys had finished it all! It looked like beans burritos ;o)

Thanks Hillbilly Housewife!

1 cup plain or unflavored TVP granules
3 tablespoons dry onion
2 tablespoons dry bell pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon oregano
2 beef bouillon cubes

Combine the TVP and all of the other ingredients in a resealable plastic container. I like to use zip-lock bags. Label and Seal and the container. Store on the pantry shelf. This is enough for 1 package of mix. Make several at a time for the most convenience.

To Prepare:

1 package TVP & Bean Burrito Mix
1-1/2 cups tap water
15 ounce can refried beans, or 2 cups cooked pinto beans, mashed with a fork or potato masher (they needn’t be smooth)
2 tablespoons oil
8 or 10 flour tortillas

In a skillet combine the Mix and tap water. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it boils. Reduce the heat to low, so the mixture only simmers. Add the refried beans, or mashed pinto beans and the oil. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens up to a good consistency. Spread the filling onto heated tortillas. Add salsa, sour cream, cheese, sprouts, guacamole and anything else that suits your fancy. These are quite good, and very easy. Makes 4 or 5 servings.

Bloomin' Onion

2010-08-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

As a rule we do not fry at home...but I really wanted a bloomin' onion and I really didn't want to drag the kids to a restaurant and pay the money to eat out so we decided to try it at home. Mom had also given us some fish so we had fried fish(and french fries). This recipe came straight from foodnetwork.com and was exactly like the breading I craved! You can find the full recipe here.

Texas Ranch House Beans

2010-08-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

These were a great side dish! I did them in the crockpot and the onions didn't cook very well so I'd do that differently somehow next time. They were just sweet enough and really good!

Texas Ranch House Beans
1 lb pintos 1 c. chili sauce
2 onions sliced 1 clove garlic chopped
1/2 lb bacon cubed 2 TB brown sugar packed
salt & pepper to taste 1 qt beer (I used chicken broth)
Rinse & drain beans. Brown bacon, then add all ingredients.
Pressure cook for 30 min. This could be done in a crockpot or in the oven or stove top as well. adjust times

Chili sauce

1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 Tbs. brown sugar
1 Tbs. vinegar
dash of cloves
1 minced garlic
1 Tbs. chili powder

Simmer together for 5 minutes.

Menu plan

2010-08-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

I am trying for a two week menu plan so I can just send hubby to the store after a week for milk and whatever produce we may need.

BBQ brisket sandwiches and baked potatoes

French Onion Soup
Mom's chili over rice
Hot dogs in the crockpot with garlic pull apart bread
Texas Ranch House Beans w/ rice
Fried fish (new) and blooming onions (new) and kernel corn
Chicken Asparagus Casserole with basmati rice
TVP Bean Burritos

Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu with garlic egg noodles and peas and carrots

Kristine's Beans

Sweet N Sour Meatloaf with mashed potatoes n green beans
Mexican brown rice and pintos
Lasagna, corn on the cob and garlic bread

Homemade pizza--pepperoni and cheese

Lunches:

Mac n Cheese with hot dogs

Grilled cheese and soup

Ramens

PB&Js

Noodles and sauce

Homemade English Muffins

Tuna salad sandwiches

Leftovers

Breakfasts:

Blueberry muffins

Waffles

Cereal

Oatmeal

Grits

Persimmon muffins

Banana bread or muffins

Cheesecake

2010-08-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe for "Chantal's New York Cheesecake" from allrecipes. The only change I made was that I had graham cracker crumbs and I added in a little sugar to the graham crust. This was AWESOME!!! Mine cracked like crazy and I followed the directions to a T so not sure why that was but it tasted so good nobody cared!

Ingredients

15 graham crackers, crushed
2 tablespoons butter, melted
4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup milk
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press onto bottom of springform pan.
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Blend in milk, and then mix in the eggs one at a time, mixing just enough to incorporate. Mix in sour cream, vanilla and flour until smooth. Pour filling into prepared crust.
Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour. Turn the oven off, and let cake cool in oven with the door closed for 5 to 6 hours; this prevents cracking. Chill in refrigerator until serving.

Menu Plan June 18th-28th

2010-07-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday June 18th
Pizza
Salad

Monday June 19th
Brisket
Macaroni salad
Peas

Tuesday June 20th
BBQ brisket sandwiches
Salad

Wednesday June 21st
Breakfast for dinner:
Waffles(frozen from last batch), sausage, eggs, grits

Thursday June 22nd
Hunter's night-baked potatoes

Friday June 23rd
Beans and cornbread

Saturday June 24th
Pizza Nachos

Sunday June 25th
Hearty Mexican Spaghetti

Monday June 26th
Calzones

Tuesday June 27th
Hot Dog Casserole

Wednesday June 28th
Orange Chicken(frozen)
Rice

Pigs in a blanket from scratch

2010-07-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe off the zaar...now food.com I guess...but you can find it here.
Hunter made these tonight for dinner and is getting better at following recipes everyday! As a matter of fact I took a shower as he made them:)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
3/4 cup buttermilk
18 miniature hot dogs
Heat the over to 400ºF. Grease a large baking sheet. Sift the dry ingredients (flour through salt) into a mixing bowl (or dump them in one at a time, whatever).
2Rub the butter pieces into the dry ingredients until mixture is crumbly. Stir in cheese until evenly distributed.
3Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the buttermilk. Stir well with a wooden spoon. Let the dough sit for 3 minutes.
4Sprinkle the dough with flour and stir once or twice then turn out onto a well floured counter.
5With floured hands, pat the dough into a 15 by 7 inch rectangle, trimming the sides if necessary to get a true rectangle. (Handle the dough as little as possible for tenderness, yeah right).
6Using a pizza cutter, slice the rectangle into thirds horizontally then slice each third into thirds vertically, this will give you 9 small rectangles. Slice each rectangle diagonally into two thin triangles.
7One at a time, roll up the sausages in the triangles. Place pointy side down on greased cookie sheet.
8Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on the sheet for 3 minutes then tranfer to a wire rack.

Cinnamon Rolls

2010-07-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

These were SO good!!! I made a pan full today and had to promise to make another pan full tomorrow. I used 1 cup of whole wheat flour so I didn't feel like they were completely unhealthy;o)
The recipe came from this blog here.

Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

Dough:
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm milk
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 egg, lightly beaten plus 2 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups flour (Add a bit more if dough seems too wet after first few minutes of kneading in the bread machine.)
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons bread machine yeast

Filling:
4 tablespoons butter
1 1/3 cup brown sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Icing:
1 teaspoon milk
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla

Put the dough ingredients in the bread machine in the order listed and run on the dough cycle. After the dough cycle is finished, roll the dough into a large rectangle and spread it with 2 Tablespoons melted butter and 2/3 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 Tablespoon cinnamon.

Roll up and cut into 10-15 rolls and place in two greased round cake pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes or until browned. Spread the icing on as soon as they come out of the oven.

You can also cover the unbaked rolls with plastic wrap, stick them in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake in the morning.

Pizza Rolls

2010-07-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

I saw this recipe on another blog (here) and knew I absolutely had to make them. Pizza from scratch is a staple around here and one meal noone will complain about or pick at...

This didn't go quite as smoothly as I was hoping but it still tasted awesome!

Menu Plan Wednesday July 7th-July 13

2010-07-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

Our last menu plan lasted us longer than planned and we even cooked smaller portions...it definitely puts in perspective how much a 12 year old boy eats! hee (Hunter is at my mom's for a summer vacation at the beach)

(Tonight: soak beans)

Wednesday July 7th
Lunch: leftover hot dogs
Dinner: Black beans and rice

Thursday July 8th
Lunch: Baked potatoes
Dinner: Pizza Rolls

Friday July 9th
Lunch: Waffles and fruit
Dinner: Quick Pasta Carbonara
(make sure there is fresh bread made)

Saturday July 10th
Lunch: Sandwiches w/ pretzel goldfish
Dinner: Tacos and rice

Sunday July 11th
Lunch: Grilled cheese and soup
Dinner: Fried chicken salad

Monday July 12th
Lunch: Leftovers or ramens
Dinner: Pizza(Veggie, Cheese and pepperoni)

Tuesday July 13th
Lunch: Leftovers or mac n cheese with hot dogs
Dinner: Pigs in a blanket from scratch

Whole Wheat II

2010-07-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

This recipe comes from The Bread Machine Cookbook. With making the homemade yogurt I love when recipes call for yogurt now! I also just used regular flour and wheat gluten again(2 Tablespoons in this recipe). This was a really good bread with a totally unique texture!

This is for a large loaf(would only do a medium next time and reduce yeast a lot more so it doesn't fall)

1 1/2 C plain yogurt
1/3 C water
3 Tbsp margarine or butter
3 Tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 C bread flour
3/4 C oats
1 1/2 C whole wheat flour
2 1/2 tsp yeast

I used the whole wheat setting.

Fry Bread Tacos

2010-07-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

This was super good! We used a cup of whole wheat flour instead of all white flour and it gave it a great hearty-ness(is that a word?). 8" circles are too big especially for the kiddos!

NAVAJO FRY BREAD

4-5 cups flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup instant milk
2 cups water
To make fry bread: Mix dry ingredients.
Stir in water.
Knead dough lightly; cover and let rest 15 minutes.
Heat 1" vegetable oil in a 10" skillet.
Pinch off dough in small amounts and pat dough into thin 8" circles.
In the hot oil, quickly brown on both sides.
Drain on paper towels.

Potato Hot Dogs

2010-07-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

This was such a simple thing to do but it makes something that looks completely different from our usual hot dog meals and the kids loved it!

Make mashed potatoes.
Cut hot dogs down the middle and fill with potatoes.
Top with cheese.
Bake at 350 until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Jiffy Box Mix Clone

2010-07-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

I made our corn casserole to go with beans instead of cornbread last night and it calls for a box of Jiffy cornbread mix. I have plenty of cornbread ingredients so I found a recipe to do it myself. The Jiffy is cheap but this is still way cheaper!

If a box of Jiffy is called for instead use:

2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup corn meal
3 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

If you want to make it into cornbread then add:
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
And bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes.

Rye and wheat bread

2010-06-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

I didn't take a picture of this because it looks like bread:) But it was SO good! The outside reminded me of the crunchiness of a cracker!

1 1/8 water
2 2/3 Tbs vegetable oil
3/4 cup wheat bran
1 Tbs honey
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup bread flour(I used regular)
3/4 cup rye flour
3 Tbs vital wheat gluten
2 tsp yeast

Add in that order and use the whole wheat setting with a medium crust.

Black Bean Pasta Salad

2010-05-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

I kinda threw this together to use up things and it was really good!!

8 ounces smallish pasta(I used medium shells)
1/2 cup miracle whip--this was just to use up the last of a jar but could be removed without any effect I think
16 ounces salsa
2 cups cheese--I used half colby jack/monterey jack and half mozzarella
1 can black beans--I used leftover beans from our black bean burrito night

Boil pasta, cool completely then throw the rest in stir and put in the fridge to let the flavors mix. I left it in an hour but anywhere up to a day would work fine:)

Rachel Ray's Sloppy Joes

2010-05-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

These were so good and easy! I used a cheaper ground beef and cut out the olive oil plus used green bell peppers. We'll definitely have these again!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan
1 1/4 pounds ground beef sirloin
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon steak seasoning blend, such as McCormick brand Montreal Seasoning
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 crusty rolls, split, toasted, and lightly buttered

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil and meat to the pan. Spread the meat around the pan and begin to break it up. Combine brown sugar and steak seasoning. Add sugar and spice mixture to the skillet and combine. When the meat has browned, add onion and red peppers to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and cook onions, peppers, red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce with meat for 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and paste to pan. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to simmer and cook Sloppy Joe mixture 5 minutes longer. Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, pile sloppy meat onto toasted, buttered bun bottoms and cover with bun tops. Serve with your favorite sides or sliced tomatoes seasoned with salt and pepper, dill pickles and Deviled Potato Salad. Have plenty of napkins on hand!

Ham Skillet

2010-05-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

This was a great way to use up leftover ham...very different from what we normally have! I cooked the rice separately because I tripled the recipe and my skillet wasn't big enough.

1/2 cup chopped onion
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 1/2 cups frozen peas (green, or English peas), about 10 ounces
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped cooked ham
1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
3 to 4 cups chicken broth
2 to 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
In a heavy skillet, saute the chopped onion in 2 tablespoons of butter until onion is tender. Add ham and rice; cook over low heat until rice just begins to turn golden brown; add 3 cups chicken broth. Cover and cook, stirring frequently, over low heat for 20 minutes. Add frozen peas and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 to 15 minutes longer, or until rice is tender, adding more chicken broth if necessary. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter and the Parmesan cheese.
Rice and ham skillet recipe serves 4.

Gingerbread Waffles

2010-05-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

These were in the Family Fun magazine and I knew I had to make them. The smell of gingerbread in the house was so warm and comforting! We ate them without syrup(and with syrup and with only butter and...) and they were delicious!

Ingredients
4 eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup molasses
1 cup buttermilk
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Whipped cream and fruit, optional
Instructions
With an electric mixer, beat the eggs until they're light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar, molasses, and buttermilk and mix until blended, about 1 minute more.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, spices, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and stir until smooth. Stir in the butter.
Cover and refrigerate the batter overnight or cook immediately in a waffle iron until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Serve with whipped cream and fruit, if you like. Makes 14.

Potato Bread

2010-05-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

I love trying new bread machine recipes. This one turned out to be a very thick yummy bread!

1-2/3 cups warm tap water
2 tablespoons margarine
4 cups unbleached bread flour or whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons Honey or brown sugar
1/2 cup instant mashed potato flakes
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Measure the ingredients into the bread pan in the order listed. Make a well in the flour and sprinkle the yeast into it. Set the machine to it’s Rapid or Quick Cycle. On my machine this lasts for 80 minutes, or 1-1/3 hours. Press Start, and let the machine work it’s magic. Remove the cooked bread from the pan after baking and allow it to cool before slicing.
If you like a fluffier, higher rising loaf, then you make bake this on the Basic Cycle instead of the Rapid Cycle. The bread will be fluffier, and rise much higher. It will still taste very good too.
The texture of this bread reminds me of the crusty homemade loaves you can still find baked in old fashioned wood burning stoves in some hidden portions of the deep south. I like this bread best with margarine and jelly, but it is an excellent all purpose bread. It stays soft a little longer than some machine baked breads. Perfect for lunchbox sandwiches. Makes a 2 lb loaf.

Duggar's oatmeal cookies

2010-05-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

This is my official go-to recipe for oatmeal cookies. These were AWESOME! These were from Mandi's week on recipechallenge.

DADDY’S FAVORITE OATMEAL COOKIES
(& Jessa’s favorite cookie dough!)
1 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. white sugar
2 eggs
Cream first four ingredients Together,
Now add:
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 c. flour
3 c. oatmeal (or just a little less)
1 1/2 c. chocolate chips (optional)
Mix. Shape into balls on pan, then flatten with hand.
Bake at 350 for 10-15 min.

Pricebook

2010-04-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

To see this typed out it looks like nothing but this is hours and hours and hours of work. I live north of Houston and would love to merge lists with anyone else that has one going! I have gone to Target also but nothing made the lowest price so didn't get listed. I will keep this updated and add more items as I grocery shop too.

Produce:
Garlic peeled Sams 3-13-10 $3.47/2# $1.74/#
Grapefruit(Texas Ruby Red) Kroger 1-10-11 $3.99/10# .39/#
Mushrooms(large) Sams 3-13-10 $3.98/24oz 16.6/oz
Onions(yellow) Sams 3-13-10 $6.98/10# .698/#
Potatoes Target 1-10-11 $3.99/10# .39/#
Red grapes Kroger 7-2-10 .99/#

Meat/TVP:
Bacon(ends) Grocery Warehouse 3-13-10 $15/20# .75/#
Beef 80/20 Sams 3-7-10 $20.09/9.75 lbs 2.06/lb
Beef 80/20 Kroger 3-18-10 $9.95/5# $1.99/#
Ham shank HEB 4-3-10 #1.29/#
Hot Dogs(Beef) Sams 3-13-10 $18.58/10# 12 cents/oz
Pepperoni Sams 3-13-10 $11.74/5# $2.35/#
TVP (Bob's) HEB 4-3-10 $2.29/10oz 23cent/oz
Brisket Kroger 7-2-10 .99/#

Frozen:
Birds eye stir fry veggies Sams 3-13-10 $6.98/72 oz 9.7cents/oz

Baking/pantry:
Baking powder aluminum free Kroger 3-18-10 $2.69/10oz 27cents/oz
Brown Sugar Sams 3-26-10 $4.58 4.09cents/oz
Chicken Bouillon Sams 3-26-10 $4.87/25 oz 19cents/oz
Cornstarch Sams 3-13-10 $2.28/35oz 6.5cents/oz
Flour bleached Randalls 3-29-10 $1.29/5# 26cents/#
Flour Whole Wheat Kroger 4-3-10 $2.29/5# 46cents/#
Flour soy Kroger 4-3-10 $2.39/1.5# 9.96cents/oz
Honey Sams 3-13-10 $11.67/80oz 15cents/oz
Instant Dry Yeast Sams 3-26-10 $4.16/2# 2.08/# 13cents /oz
Milk dry powder Sams 3-13-10 $11.88/4.4lbs 16.875cents/oz
Oatmeal Sams 3-26-10 $6.98/9# 4.8cents/oz
Olive Oil (Bertolli EVOO) Sams 3-13-10 $13.98/2Lt 21cents/oz
Pinto Beans Sams 3-26-10 $26.79/50# 53.6cents/#
Pectin liquid Walmart 4-3-10 $2.87/6 oz 48cents/oz
Powdered Sugar Sams 3-26-10 $4.54/7# 64.86cents/lb
Rice Sams 3-26-10 $14.54/50# 29 cents/#
Salt Walmart 4-3-10 33 cents
Sugar Walmart 1-10-11 $1.56/4# 40 cents/lb
Unflavored gelatin Kroger 3-18-10 $6.89 8 oz (86cents/oz)
Vegetable oil(Wesson) Kroger 3-18-10 $1.99/48oz 4 cents/oz

Canned goods:
Baked Beans(Allens) Sams 3-26-10 $4.38/115oz can 61cents/#
Diced tomatoes Sams 3-26-10 $2.88/102 oz 2.8cents/oz
Mushroom stems/pieces Sams 3-13-10 $5.88/100 oz 5.9cents/oz
Peaches sliced Del Monte lt syrup Sams 3-13-10 $4.98/106oz 4.7cents oz
Pudding(chocolate/vanilla) Sams 3-13-10 $3.98/112oz 3.6cents/oz
Tomato Paste Food Fair 3-7-10 49 cents/6 oz 8.2 cent/1 oz
Tomato Sauce Sams 3-26-10 $2.78/106 oz 2.6cents/oz
Tomato soup(Campbells) Kroger 3-18-10 $1.39/26oz 5cents/oz

Pasta:
Ramens Sams 3-13-10 $5.88/36 16.34cents/each

Dairy:
American cheese Sams 3-7-10 $9.72/160 slices/5# $1.94/lb
Butter HEB 4-3-10 $1.50/#
Butter Sams 3-13-10 $7.12/4# $1.78/#Sliced
Cheddar cheese(shredded) Sams 3-13-10 $11.12/5# $2.22/#
Eggs white Sams 3-26-10 18 ct 2.54 14 cents/egg
Milk whole Walmart 4-3-10 $2.38/Gallon
Mozzarella cheese(shredded) Sams 3-13-10 $ 10.43/5# $2.09/#
Yogurt vanilla yoplait Walmart 4-3-10 .45 (Target .50 1-10-11)

Drinks:
Fair Trade Coffee 3-7-10 $9.88/40oz 3.95/lb
Tea single bags Kroger 3-18-10 $1.49/100/8oz 18cents/oz
Tea family bags Kroger 3-18-10 $1.31/5.4oz 24 cents/oz

Cleaners/laundry:
Dishwasher detergent Sams 3-13-10 $7.98/192oz .04/oz
Gain fabric softener Sams 3-13-10 $9.48/133Fl oz 7.35/oz
Wind Laundry detergent Sams 3-13-10 $14.28/32.5lbs 44cents/lb

Condiments:
BBQ Cattlemens Sams 3-13-10 $8.88/1Gal 6.9cents/Fl Oz
Ketchup Sams 3-26-10 $3.48/114 oz 3.1cents/oz
Pace Picante $8.56/138 oz 6.2 cents/oz
Soy Sauce Sams 3-26-10 $4.98/64oz 7.8cents/Fl Oz

Bread:
Hamburger buns Sams 3-7-10 $1.88/16 buns 12 cents/bun
Flour tortillas Sams 3-26-10 $4.48/30 tortillas 15 cents/tortilla
Whole wheat bread Sams 3-7-10 2/$3.66 20 oz $1.47/lb

Misc:
AA batteries Sams 3-7-10 $10.98/48 23 cents each
AAA batteries Sams 3-7-10 $12.98/48 27 cents each
Diapers Target "club pack" 124 for $19.99 16 cents each
Foil Sams 3-13-10 $17.84 18"X500' 2.38cents/sq ft .035 cents/linear ft
Popcorn Sams 3-26-10 $16.58/50# 33.16cents/lb
Scott 1000 TP Sams 3-13-10 $18.88 3456 sq ft .0055/sq ft ($23 at Sams 12-2010 .006/sq ft)
White vinegar Sams 3-26-10 $3.38/2 Gallons $1.69/Gallon

Corn Dogs

2010-04-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight was supposed to be pizza but I am out of mozzarella so I had to come up with something else(since I had no urge to go to the store today). I don't deep fry so this was not my first thought...of course it went over fantastic with the kids and I just hope they don't think we'll be eating them more than once every year or two. I used the recipe off hillbilly housewife.

1 cup milk
2 medium eggs
1/4 cup oil
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/3 cups corn meal
2/3 cup flour
1 to 1-1/2 pounds hot dogs
flour for dusting (about 1/2 cup)
Hot Fat for Deep Frying
Popscicle sticks

In a large bowl combine the milk, eggs, oil, sugar and salt. Mix it very well. Sprinkle in the baking powder, corn meal and flour. Stir it all up to make a slightly thick batter.

Take your hot dogs and dry them off on paper towels. Dust the hot dogs with flour, coating them completely. The cornmeal batter won’t stick to the hot dogs unless they are coated in flour. The batter just slides right off of the wieners naturally slick outsides. Shove popscicle sticks into the flour coated hot dogs. Set the hot dogs aside.

While all of this is going on, it’s a good idea to get your hot fat to heating up. You want the temperature to be about 375F. Allow the fat to preheat so it is almost smoking by the time you are ready to add the corn dogs.

Now, to coat the floured hot dogs with batter you have two choices. You can swirl the hot dogs in the bowl of batter until they are coated, and then drop them into the hot fat. If this is a little difficult I know of an easier way. Scoop some of your corn meal batter into a narrow jar or cup which is as tall as your hot dogs are long. Fill the jar or cup about 3/4 of the way full. Dip your hot dog into the batter while you hold onto the stick. Swirl the hot dog to coat it evenly. Be careful or the batter will overflow. Raise the wiener above the cup and let any excess batter drip off. Quickly place the battered dog into the hot fat. The fat will bubble up and cook the outside of the batter, making the corndogs the exact same shape as the ones you buy at the store.

Only fry a few corn dogs at a time. If the corn dogs crowd each other they don’t fry very well. I only fry 2 or 3 at a time. Turn the corn dogs when the bottom side is well browned. Use tongs to remove the cooked corn dogs from the fat. Allow them to drain on paper towels. Repeat the process, coating and frying a few at a time, until all of the corn dogs are cooked. Refill the narrow jar or cup with batter from your bowl as necessary. Continue until all the hot dogs are coated or until you no longer have enough batter to coat the hot dogs efficiently.

If you don’t want to waste any unused batter, it can be dropped by small spoonfuls into the hot fat, and fried until brown. Serve these along side the corn dogs.

If desired, you can make small corn dogs by cutting hot dogs into thirds, or quarters. Poke a toothpick up into the end of the hot dogs. Coat and fry them as described above. These are nice for fancy days, and for kids parties. Provide plenty of ketchup and mustard for dipping.

This recipe makes about 12 to 14 corn dogs.

Tortellini soup

2010-04-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

I took a recipe from thefrugalgirl.com and modified it to use what I had on hand. The neighbor gave us the BEST carrots and I used green onions from our garden. I saw the first tomato starting to turn red so it won't be long and the tomatoes will be fresh and homegrown too.

1 pound sausage(I used bulk natural breakfast sausage)
1 medium onion(or green onion)
1 clove garlic(I used three but we loooove garlic)
5 cups broth...for this I used 5 cups water and 5 chicken boullion cubes from the mega pack I bought at Sams
1 can tomatoes(about two cups)...diced, stewed...whatever kind
8 ounce tomato sauce
1 cup sliced carrots
1 medium pepper(I used half of a yellow bell pepper)
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano(I used a good amount of italian seasoning for this and basil)
1/2 cup red wine(thought I had an open one but it wasn't so 1/2 a cup went in the pot and a big glass went with me for lunch)
16 ounces of frozen tortellini...originally this called for 8 ounces of fresh or 4 of dry(cooked before adding) but with a 3 year old and 1 year old the more pasta the better, right?

Brown the first three ingredients. Throw in the rest except for the wine and tortellini and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the tortellini and wine, cook for 1-3 minutes(I did four just to be sure the tortellini was done). Serve. Yum! I meant to throw on some parsley at the end since mom gave us a huge plant but the wine made me forget. ;o)

Carrot Raisin Salad (Lubys)

2010-04-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

Got this off recipezaar. While I love Lubys I never order carrot raisin salad...I only make it at home to use up carrots but I quite like it. This was done this without pineapple and it's great!

Ingredients
2 lbs carrots, peeled and trimmed
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup raisins, plumped
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Directions
1Shred carrots using a large hole grater or food processor.
2In a large bowl, comine the shredded carrots, raisins and pineapple.
3In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and powdered sugar until well blended, pour over carrot mixture and toss lightly to coat.
4Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Hamburger gravy with mashed potatoes

2010-04-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

From Hillbilly Housewife and Mandi's week on recipechallenge. This was good! I added a lot more salt than a teaspoon for sure though.

2 Pounds of Hamburger (as lean as you like)
1 Medium Onion chopped
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 quart milk
5 pounds potatoes

Brown your hamburger and onion in large skillet till cooked. Drain off any fat and put into bowl to hold. In large skillet melt butter then add flour with salt and pepper added in. It will clump up and look not right, its OK, cook with faith! Add the quart of milk all at once and begin to stir. It will take quite a little while (like 10 min or so) till the white gravy begins to thicken, but it will. After it is thickened add your hamburger and onions that have drained. Of course serve over your mashed potatoes. We love to throw a few (about 2-3 garlic toes) into the pot of potatoes to be boiled to cook with the potatoes. Mash the garlic toes in with your potatoes. Serve the hamburg gravy over your garlic mashed potatoes. Very economical and very filling.

Homemade Granola

2010-04-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

This is straight from The Tightwad Gazette. We like our granola sweet so this works perfectly for us especially over homemade yogurt :)

Mix 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup veggie oil and 1/3 cup honey in saucepan and heat until sugar is melted.

Combine 5 cups oatmeal, 1/2 cup dry milk, 3/4 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of salt in a cake pan. I used a bowl to make mixing easier and then moved it to a cake pan.

Pour sugar mixture over dry mixture and mix well.

Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Let cool in pan. Store in airtight container.

I doubled the recipe and cooked it longer so mine is a little darker than it really should be but it's still great! I didn't add raisins at all but I'll include the directions for it.

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/3 vegetable oil

1/3 cup honey

5 cups oatmeal

1/2 cup raisins*

1/2 cup dry milk

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

pinch of salt

Mix brown sugar, oil and honey in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar is dissolved. Combine dry ingredients in a large cake pan. Pour sugar mixture over dry mixture and mix well. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Let cool in pan. Store in an airtight container.

Optional: add nuts, wheat germ, coconut, dates etc

*add raisins after cooking

Bow Tie Pepperoni Pasta Salad

2010-04-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

I made this early in the day to go with dinner but the kids had a light lunch so they ate almost the whole bowl! They said it tasted just like pizza:)

16 ounces bow tie pasta
1 (3 1/2 ounce) package pepperoni
1 cup Italian salad dressing
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
Directions
1 Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
2 Add Bow Tie Pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or all dente; drain.
3 While pasta is boiling, brown pepperoni in skillet until crisp on both sides and place on paper towels to absorb the grease.
4 Toss pasta with pepperoni, italian dressing, parmesian cheese and italian seasoning.

Homemade Yogurt

2010-04-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Another project I've wanted to do forever and finally have time to do!! The kids were especially excited but we all love yogurt here! *updated 6-10 for adding sweetness!

Cost: I was paying 3.50 for a quart of yogurt at the grocery store. This recipe makes 4 quarts. The milk is about 2.50 a gallon and then I bought a small yogurt for starter that was .45. Total of 2.95 or 74 cents a quart! Frugally fantastic!

I followed the recipe here :)

I threw my four quart jars, lids and bands into the dishwasher then put the full gallon of whole milk into a pan to heat. I did stir fairly often to be sure it wouldn't stick, burn or develop the film on top.

When it got to temperature(185-195F) I put it into the sink with coolish water...I changed the water a few times with coolish again. My pot came with a warning that changing temperatures quickly can cause the bottom to separate and liquify...ack.

Once that got down to 120 degrees I added the 6 ounce container of yogurt with live cultures(I used Yoplait vanilla) and whisked it all together well. *The third time I made this I waited until I had two quarts left and I added a bit over 1/2 cup of sugar and whisked until it was blended then continued as usual hoping it wouldn't be runny. It turned out just as thick and perfect as ever!

I skimmed the bubbles off with a spoon then poured into the four jars, added caps and bands then put into the cooler with a gallon of water(120 degrees).

Three hours later I came back and moved them to the fridge.

Waited overnight and it was thick and awesome!!!

The kids were loving it...with strawberries(and sugar).

Another frugal meal plan

2010-04-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

Spicy Crockpot Pinto beans and leftover cornmeal pancakes
Pizza with sausage/tvp and salad
Pizza with pepperoni and salad
Scalloped Potatoes N Franks and applesauce (getting close to having to do this in the outside roaster or cut it from our regular frugal menus since we're close to a/c time)
Bumblebee soup with bread(trying to put in 1Tbsp vital wheat gluten into each cup of all purpose unbleached flour instead of buying more bread flour until I use up the vwg)
BLT wraps w/ pasta salad (subbing creamy italian for regular italian)
Tasting is Believing Chicken with rice
Ramen helper with beef/tvp mix
Pintos and cheese with Paula Deen's layered cornbread
Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes with steamed veggies
Beans and rice with salad or fruit
Baked ziti with steamed veggies
Cheese enchiladas (I'll use whole wheat flour tortillas) with homemade refried beans and rice
Black bean soup with homemade pumpernickel bread
Breakfast for dinner--sausage, eggs, potato cakes
Mac n cheese with ham and potato bread

And other things I want to make:
Tortellini ham and bean salad
Granola(from Tightwad Gazette book)
Oatmeal cookies
Oatmeal pancakes
Make grape jelly

Cornmeal pancakes

2010-04-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

Mandi posted these on her week and I finally made them. We all liked them but I'd prefer to have them with a main meal with no syrup on them:)

The picture is a double batch.

Cornmeal pancakes

Recipe #75499

http://www.recipezaar.com/Cornmeal-pancakes-75499

by integrity1st

45 min | 20 min prep

10 pancakes

    * 1 1/3 cups cornmeal
    * 1 1/4 cups flour
    * 1 teaspoon salt
    * 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    * 2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups of milk with 2 tbsp. vinegar in it)
    * 2 eggs
    * 4 tablespoons butter or margarine

   1. place cornmeal, flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl mix buttermilk and eggs (Mix milk and vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes then add eggs to mixture and stir if not using buttermilk) add wet ingredients to dry ingredients then stir in melted butter.
   2. stir.
   3. pour batter on lightly greased pan or griddle.
   4. flip when surface bubbles appear.
   5. Serve with maple syrup or regular pancake syrup.

Cheddar Chive Bread

2010-04-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

This recipe is from CD Kitchen. This turned out really tasty but I added more flour as the bread machine was doing it's thing and still never had it turn into a nice ball of dough. Then it fell while baking...definitely one to play with to perfect!

1 1/2 cup water
3 1/4 cups Bread Machine flour
1 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
OR
2 tablespoons freeze-dried chives
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons regular active dry yeast
OR
1 1/2 teaspoon bread machine or quick-acting active dry yeast

Directions:
Bake on White Bread cycle

Note: Do not use the delay bake option with this recipe

Crunchy Onion Barbecue Chicken

2010-03-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

This recipe came through from Tee on recipe challenge just in time for me to be starving and come on to find a quick dinner. I didn't bother with crushing the onions but it would have made a finer "crust". This was SO good!!

Ingredients

1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1-1/3 cups french-fried onions, crushed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)

Directions

Place barbecue sauce in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the onions, cheese and pepper. Dip both sides of chicken in barbecue sauce, then one side in onion mixture.
Place chicken, crumb side up, on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 22-27 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 170°. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half equals 286 calories, 10 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 97 mg cholesterol, 498 mg sodium, 9 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 36 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.

Crunchy Onion Barbecue Chicken published in Healthy Cooking April/May 2010, p53

Feta Topped Chicken

2010-03-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

I missed getting a picture of these because they went so fast but they were awesome! Buying feta in bulk at Sams makes it a GREAT deal!

4boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 1/4 lb)
2tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette dressing
1teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4teaspoon seasoned pepper
1large roma (plum) tomato, cut into 8 slices
1/4cup crumbled feta cheese (1 oz

Set oven control to broil. Brush both sides of chicken breasts with
dressing. Sprinkle both sides with Italian seasoning and seasoned pepper.
Place on rack in broiler pan.

Broil with tops 4 inches from heat about 10 minutes, turning once, until
juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170°F). Top
with tomato and cheese. Broil 2 to 3 minutes longer or until cheese is
lightly browned.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Broil chicken about 15 minutes. Top with
tomato and cheese. Broil 1 to 2 minutes longer.

Persimmon Coconut Cake

2010-03-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

While my internet was down I actually looked through my printed recipes and found this one. Very german chocolate cake-ish with the nuts and coconut:) I'm including the frosting recipe but I made up a buttercream with coconut.

Persimmon Coconut Cake
Grease a 9X13 pan
2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cup oil
4 eggs
2 cups persimmon pulp
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup coconut
Mix all ingredients a few at a time then fold in pecans and coconut. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out of the middle clean.

Coconut icing
1/4 cup margarine
8 ounce cream cheese(room temp)
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup coconut

Blend together then stir in nuts and coconut. Keep refrigerated.

Greek Meatloaf

2010-03-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

This was soooo good! I'm putting this up because it was super good eventhough the pictures of a meatloaf with a green center weren't something I'd upload:) I didn't use ground lamb and instead only used ground beef.

MEATLOAF:

1 1/2 lbs. ground lamb
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
2 eggs
1/4 c. milk
2 c. quick oats
2 tbsp. oil
1 lg. onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, mashed
1 c. parsley, chopped
1 tsp. cumin

FILLING:

1 lg. bunch spinach, chopped
1 beaten egg
1 1/2 c. feta cheese, crumbled

TOPPING:

1/2 c. catsup
1 tsp. cinnamon
3 tbsp. Parmesan cheese

Mix meats. Beat eggs in small bowl with milk and oats. Let stand 5 minutes. Saute onion and garlic in oil. Combine all the meatloaf ingredients. Mix all the filling ingredients together. Put 2/3 of meat mixture in the shape of hollow loaf in pan. Fill with the filling and top with remaining meat. Spoon topping over meatloaf. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let stand before serving.

Artichoke Hearts and White Beans with Pasta

2010-03-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

This was from this dairy free website. I am not dairy free but the recipe fit with the beans and artichokes I wanted to use and I'm so glad I did! Even when it was done I was worried we wouldn't like it but the only complaint came from Justin because he didn't like the artichokes but they were easily picked around :o) I used dried beans and they were way softer than I'd wanted so with stirring they became mush...tasty mush though:)

Artichoke Hearts and White Beans with Pasta
Serves 4
1 tablespoon garlic
1/2 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 can quartered artichoke hearts, with juice
1 can white beans
1 cup cooked pasta shells [use your favorite GF pasta for gluten-free]
Saute garlic and onion in deep skillet over medium heat for five minutes in
olive oil.
Add lemon juice, simmer for two minutes.
Add artichoke hearts with juice and simmer for another five minutes until
sauce is opaque.
Lower heat to medium low. Add white beans and cover skillet, allowing ten
minutes of cooking time. Add cooked pasta shells, mixing well. Serve with
red pepper flakes and [vegan "parmesan"] if desired.

Baby Cereal Cookies

2010-03-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

This was off recipezaar. I thought it would be a good way to use the box of infant cereal Willow absolutely refused to eat. They weren't bad...reminded me a lot of molasses cookies from the store but they needed icing to be just like those and that would defeat the purpose of a healthier cookie:)

Recipe #104405

SERVES 24

1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups infant cereal
3 tablespoons whole milk

Preheat oven to 375.
Grease a cookie sheet or spray with nonstick spray.
Lightly cream molasses and butter.
Mix in egg and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and cereal.
Add to the butter mixture.
Blend.
Add milk.
Drop on the cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Bake 10-12 minutes.

Garlic Pull Apart Bread

2010-03-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe off frugalgirl and man it was fantastic! We will be making this quite often! I used my buttery roll recipe for the dough.

Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 pound of bread dough, either frozen (which should be thawed first) or homemade

In a small bowl, combine the butter, parsley, garlic powder and garlic salt. Cut dough into 1-in. pieces (about 15-20). Roll into balls and dip into butter mixture. Layer in a 9×5 or 4×6 loaf pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Dump and Cook Lentil Soup

2010-03-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

This was a very healthy dinner...was very much like a stew but with lentils instead of meat. I don't know that I'd make it again but I love trying out different bean/lentil/pea recipes.
This came from the hillbilly housewife website and can be found here.

1 bag lentils rinsed
2 qts water
2 large potatoes..peeled and diced
3 stalks celery…sliced
1 large onion..peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic..minced
4-5 carrots…peeled and diced
2 15oz cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 ketchup..more or less to taste
salt&pepper to taste
1 T italian seasoning
2 bay leaves..optional

In a large pot put all ingredients EXCEPT ketchup. Bring to a boil, cover then lower to a simmering boil and cook for approx 1 hr..adding more water if needed, add ketchup( I prefer more) and adjust seasonings to your liking. Continue to cook on simmer until lentils are done. Remove bay leaves. The longer it cooks the better it tastes, even tastes better the next day

Fruit Cocktail Cake

2010-03-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

Ginny on dailyrecipes found this website with recipe for using fruit cocktail. We made this one for Hunter's birthday cake and it was a neat idea but the fruit made it kinda slimy;P

Fruit Cocktail Cake 2

1 cup of flour
1 cup of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of soda
1 egg
2 1/2 cans fruit cocktail, well drained

Sift together flour, sugar, salt and soda. Beat 1 egg and mix with 2 1/2
cans of fruit cocktail. Mix the egg mixture and flour together and put
into greased and floured 8 x 8 inch pan. Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2
cup chopped nuts and spread on top. Bake at 300ºF. for 1 hour.

Red Lentil Soup

2010-02-27T16:46:00.000-08:00

This was very much like a chicken and rice soup since I used chicken stock. Hunter didn't like it because of the feta but other than that everyone liked it:)

Found the recipe here:
http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/red-lentil-soup-recipe.html

Red Lentil Soup Recipe
Be sure to pick through your lentils carefully. I somehow always find pebbles or clots of dirt hiding in their midst. Better to catch them on the front end, before you chip a tooth. And to make this soup vegan, just skip the feta at the end i bet some chopped avocado would be a good alternative.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 shallots, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
6 cups good-tasting vegetable stock (or water)
1 1/3 cup red lentils, picked over and rinsed
1/2 cup brown rice, picked over and rinsed
as much fine grain sea salt as you needslivered almonds, toasted
black oil cured olives, chopped
feta, crumbledIn a big soup pot, over medium heat, combine the olive oil, onion, shallots, and red pepper flakes. Let them brown, and caramelize a bit, stirring occasionally.Stir in the broth, bring to a boil, then stir in the lentils and rice. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until the rice is very tender, and not at all toothsome. By this time, the lentils will have collapsed into a thick slop of sorts. If you need to add more water/broth at any point do so a splash at a time, until the soup thins out to the point you prefer.Unless you used a salty broth, you will likely need to salt generously, until the the soup no longer tastes flat. Serve each bowl topped with almonds, olives, feta, and a slight drizzle of olive oil if you like.Serves 4 - 6.

Bumblebee Soup

2010-02-27T16:42:00.000-08:00

Loved the name of this and the questions from the kids and hubby;) After being assured no bumblebees were harmed they liked it! I didn't mash at the end but it'd be good that way too for sure!

Bumblebee Soup - A Bacon, Black Bean and Corn Chowder

Makes about 10 cups

4 strips bacon, sliced in 1/4" pieces
1 diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 quart chicken broth
2 (15-oz) cans black beans, drained
2 cups fresh corn, or frozen sweet corn, thawed
1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder, optional
1/2 tsp dried oregano
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Add bacon to a cold saucepan, and over medium heat, cook until the bacon is
crisp. Reserve bacon, and leave 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pan. Over
medium heat sauté the onions with a pinch of salt for about 5 minutes, or
until it becomes translucent.

Add the garlic, sauté for 2 minutes, and then pour in the broth, and half
the reserved bacon. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer,
stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 20 minutes.

If a thicker soup is desired, take a potato masher and carefully mash some
of the black beans against the bottom of the pan. This will thicken the
soup. The more you mash, the thicker the soup will get. After mashing some
of the black beans, let it simmer for another 10 minutes to achieve the
desired texture.

Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot with the remaining bacon over the
top as a garnish.

Sausage and beans with potatoes

2010-02-27T16:39:00.000-08:00

I was in a huge hurry putting this together and totally forgot the onions...think it would have helped keep the potatoes white but they did okay anyways and all cooked well. I think a sauce would have pulled it together even better but hubby and I liked this...the kids didn't complain:)

Serving Size : 4

1 pound Smoked sausage
6 Potatoes
2 Onions
1 1/2 pounds Green beans -- fresh

      Peel potatoes and cut into chunks. (Similar to the chunks you would
place in stew).   Put the potatoes into the bottom of your crockpot.
Peel and slice the onion and lay onions on top of potatoes.   Wash and
prepare the fresh green beans. Place on top of the onion. Add
approximately 1 cup of water to the crockpot. Slice the smoked sausage
into slices or four large portions and place on top of green beans. Turn
the crockpot on a medium setting and cook all day.   Approximately 8
hours. This turns into a delicious one pot meal for a busy day.

Black bean soup

2010-02-27T16:37:00.000-08:00

This came from the food network site and is SO good! It made a good sized pot and I am totally happy to have some leftovers:) I loved the cilantro flavor in it!

Ingredients
10 slices bacon, finely chopped
2 medium onions, chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
6 garlic cloves, pressed
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups canned chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
4 (15 1/2-ounce) cans black beans, drained but not rinsed (I cook a pound of dry beans overnight)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 bunch cilantro
juice of 1/2 lime
Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
Sour cream, for garnish
Grated cheddar, for garnish
Directions
Put the bacon into a large heavy pot and place it over medium heat. Cook until it starts to give up its fat, about 4 minutes. Stir in the onions and cook, stirring, until they start to turn translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until you can smell it, about 1 minute. Add the broth, tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire, and chili powder. Stir in the beans, turn the heat to high and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat so the soup is bubbling gently and cook 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, pick off all the thick stems from the cilantro. Wash it and shake dry. Chop the cilantro coarsely and stir it into the soup when it has been simmering 10 minutes. cook until the soup is thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lime juice. Serve with the garnishes.

Whole Wheat Bread 2

2010-02-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

This is another whole wheat bread recipe but this one is supposed to hold up better in a lunchbox. Hunter's only complaint with the last loaf was it crumbled before he got to lunch. It sunk in the middle so next time I'll be decreasing the yeast to 1 1/4 tsp but that is all in the brand of bread machine(this worked perfectly!). Once cut you really can't tell how much it actually sunk so it won't affect sandwiches thankfully.

1 1/4 cup warmish water

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

3 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp Vital Wheat Gluten(this is supposed to help it not be crumbly)

2 Tbsp powdered milk

1 tsp salt

3 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/4 tsp bread machine yeast

Put into bread machine in the order listed. Choose whole wheat setting.

Yeast Cornbread

2010-02-02T15:32:00.000-08:00

This was one of Mandi's recipes for her week on recipechallenge and it originally came from here. I decided to do it in the breadmaker...put in all the ingredients called for (liquids first, yeast last) and put it on the quick setting. It came out perfectly! Now to make this by hand would NOT be hard but I'm lucky if the kids give me enough time to thrown ingredients in the breadmaker:) I'd like to add a little more sugar or maybe some jalapenos next time!

1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
1 1/4 cups warm water, divided
1 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup non-fat dry milk powder
3 Tbs. butter, softened
2 Tbs. sugar
1 1/4 tsp. salt
2 1/2 – 2 3/4 cups flour
Dissolve the yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water in a mixing bowl. Add all the other ingredients, except the flour and beat until smooth. Gradually mix in enough flour to form a soft dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 6-8 minutes. Work in extra flour if needed. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to bring up the oiled side. Cover lightly with a clean towel and let rise about an hour.
Punch the dough down and shape it into a loaf. Put it in a greased loaf pan and cover it with the towel again. Let it rise until double in size, about 30 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Pitas

2010-01-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

Over three years ago I made hummus and said I needed to find a recipe for pita to make my favorite snack/meal inexpensive. Well I found it and it is fantastic! No more expensive cardboard from the store(with the name pita on the package). I will be trying 1/3 whole wheat flour next. It's too bad I can't double this recipe because the kids were all over these and *poof* gone!

This recipe came from momgrind.com

1-1/4 cups whole milk. Warm it for about 30 seconds in the microwave.

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cups bread flour. Bread flour...not all purpose flour(although you can add vital wheat gluten...I don't remember the quantities though)

1-1/2 teaspoons sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon Bread Machine Yeast

Throw all ingredients into breadmaker on dough setting.

On a lightly floured surface divide into 8-12 portions depending on how big you want them. I made 8.

Shape in smooth balls.

Use a rolling pin to flatten.

Cover dough and let rise about 30 minutes or until slightly puffed. I turned on my oven for a minute then turned it off and popped them in there since it's not warm in my house right now.

Bake in 450 degree oven for 5 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack. I'm including this step but I didn't do it...just grab one up and tear off small pieces as tossing hand to hand so to not burn yourself.

Whole Wheat Bread

2010-01-29T12:28:00.000-08:00

I made this for Hunter's school lunches. All bread at the store has things in it that I can't pronounce and Hunter needs the least amount of added chemicals possible. Plus this will be super cheap compared to buying bread at the store! I threw in some flax and sesame seeds too.

I got this recipe from about.com

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
4-1/4 cups whole wheat flour
3 tablespoons nonfat dry milk
2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Preparation:

Place ingredients in bread pan in order listed or according to manufacturer's directions. When adding the yeast last, make a small well with your finger to place the yeast. This will insure the proper timing of the yeast reaction. Use Whole Wheat or Timed Cycle, or according to manufacturer's directions.

Mint Chocolate Delight Cookies

2010-01-26T15:55:00.000-08:00

These reminded me of girl scout thin mints...sooo good! And we packed some up for Hunter to take in his lunch this week too:)

2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Dark Chocolate & Mint Morsels
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 325° F.

COMBINE flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels. Drop by well-rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 11 to 13 minutes or until cookies are puffed and centers are set. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

FOR MINI MINT CHOCOLATE DELIGHT COOKIES: Prepare dough as above. Drop by well-rounded measuring teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or until cookies are puffed and centers are set. Makes about 7 dozen mini cookies.

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-01-23T16:29:00.000-08:00

These were a yummy cookie and the kids didn't know they had zucchini in them...I could definitely pick out the shreds but I knew they were there:) They are a soft muffiny type cookie. Got this recipe off the 'zaar and didn't use nuts.

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
2 small zucchini, grated (you want it to measure approximately 2 cups of grated zucchini)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2-2 cups walnuts, chopped (optional)

First you will want to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Spray cookie sheets with cooking spray or line with Parchment paper.
Next you want to cream your butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Then you want to add the egg, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into the butter mixture, gradually; mix well.
Stir in the zucchini.
Fold in your walnuts (optional), and chocolate chips.
Drop by teaspoonfuls with two (2) inches between each cookie-- onto the cookie sheets.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden.
Do not over-bake, or you will not enjoy your cookies.
Let stand to cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove and place on wire racks to allow to cook completely.
This recipe makes a lot but is easily halved to make 4 dozen instead of 8!

Menu Sunday

2010-01-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

Sunday: Roast with Potatoes, Fruit with Cream

Monday: Chicken and Dumplings, Buttermilk Bakery Bread

Tuesday: Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Salad

Wednesday: Cheese Quesadillas with Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup

Thursday: Beef Sour Cream Enchiladas, Homemade Refried Beans, LatinRice

Friday: Barbecue Pulled Roast Sandwiches, French Fries w/ Cheddar cheese and bacon bits

Saturday: Turkey, Dressing, Veggies

Lunches:
PB&J sandwiches
Ramens
Leftovers
Grilled cheese
Quesadillas
Hummus

Snacks:
Cuties
Crackers
Jello
Cereal...maybe into bars

And to bake:
Persimmon cake
Pumpkin muffins

Banana Cake

Potato Salmon Patties

2010-01-05T06:50:00.000-08:00

These were so good! I made a double batch and there were no complaints just requests for more:)

INGREDIENTS:
1 (14.75 ounce) can salmon, drained and
flaked
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup garlic and herb seasoned dry bread
crumbs
1/4 cup dry potato flakes1 medium onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

DIRECTIONS:
1.In a medium bowl, mix salmon, eggs, garlic and herb seasoned dry bread crumbs, dry potato flakes, onion, garlic, dill weed, celery salt, salt, and pepper. Form the mixture into 2 inch balls, and flatten into patties about 1/2 inch thick.
2.Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. In batches, cook patties about 5 minutes on each side, until lightly browned.