The Cooking Gal

Sweet & Sour Chicken

2011-05-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

This was really good! It isn't PF Chang's quality, but I will definitely make this again. It was really easy and I thought it was good and ALL my kids ate it with very little complaining from Jake. That is a big deal!Sweet & Sour Chicken

From: Sun Bird seasoning packet

1 1/2 lbs. chicken, cut in strips

1/4 c cornstarch, 1 3/4 c water; divided, 2 T Soy sauce

2 T. oil

1 green bell pepper, 1 onion; cubed, 2 carrots; diagonally sliced

1/3 c sugar

1/4 c catsup

1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained

3 cups cooked rice

1. Combine cornstarch, 1/4 cup water and soy sauces; add chicken. Marinate 5 minutes, coating chicken with mixture

2. In large skillet or wok, heat oil. Remove chicken from marinade with slotted spoon and stir-fry until browned; remove from pan.

3. Stir fry vegetables ( I used broccoli instead of green peppers and I LOVED it.) Return chicken to pan.

4. Combine seasoning packet, sugar, catsup, and 1 1/2 cups water; blend well. Add to chicken mixture and simmer 5 minutes or until thickened.

5. Add pineapple chinks and heat. Serve over rice. Makes 6 servings, 1 cup each

Cheese Potato Soup

2011-05-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

Cheese Potato Soup

From: Lindsay Dunn

4 c. cubed potatoes

1 c grated carrots

1 c chopped celery

½ onion chopped

3 chicken bullion cubes

Boil all of the above in 4 cups water until tender, and then add 3 ½ cups milk.

In a small saucepan melt 1 cube butter; ½ cup flour, and 1 T mustard. Stir till paste.

When soup is to a boil add the mixture from the saucepan. Stir until thickened.

Add 1 lb. Velveeta cheese that is cubed into small pieces. Let melt, stirring every few minutes.

Sloppy Joes

2011-05-14T13:16:00.001-07:00

I know what you are saying WOW! Jamie those look like the most AMAZING sloppy joes ever. Well, they are! I got this recipe from Ryan's mom. They are the best sloppy joes I have ever tried and I consider myself a expert in this field. HA! HA!
Sloppy Joes

1 lb ground hamburger

2 cans Chicken Gumbo soup

Ketchup to taste

Brown your hamburger and drain. Add the soup and ketchup. Cook for a few more minutes so that everything gets heated up. You could very easily do this in your crock pot. I would just brown my hamburger first and combine in the crock pot on low 2-4 hours. Serve with cheese, chips, or potato salad.

ENJOY!!

Amazing Brownies

2011-05-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

These are my new favorite dessert! They are mini brownie bites with amazing frosting on top. They come in all different flavors and they are the perfect size. The best part is they are only .35 a piece. Cookies & Cream are my favorite!!!

Amazing Desserts

Robin & Sharon Offley

801-358-8308

Banana Bread

2011-05-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

BANANA BREAD
I got this recipe from Tandi Davis and it is by far my favorite. It is so easy!

1 square butter
1 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
3 bananas, mashed
2 eggs

Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix four, salt, and soda in a separate bowl. Mix dry ingredients with the creamed mixture, alternating with mashed bananas. Bake at 325* for 60 minutes for one regular sized loaf pan, 55 minutes for 2 half loaves, 45 minutes for 4 mini loaves. Bread is done when top is golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

Tortilla Soup in the Crock Pot

2011-05-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

This was delicious!! I will make this again for sure! It was super easy and my family loved it.

TORTILLA SOUP IN A CROCK POT

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
2 cans (14 oz) chicken broth
2 cans (14 oz) stewed tomatoes, chopped with liquid
1 c. medium salsa
2 T. dried cilantro
1 T. ground cumin
3 - 4 flour or corn tortillas, cut into 1/2 inch strips. I would fry these in a little oil or go to Costa Vida and buy a bag of there tortilla strips.
cheese , grated

Combine all ingredients except tortilla strips and cheese in greased 4 1/2 to 6 quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat 4-6 hours or on low heat 8-10 hours. Ladle hot soup into individual serving bowls over strips of flour tortilla and shredded cheese. Makes 6-8 servings

Navajo Tacos

2011-05-03T11:07:00.001-07:00

Navajo Tacos

I make these the easy way, but they are still really delicious. Here's what I do:
I thaw out Rhodes rolls for a couple of hours. Then I roll them out into circles.

Then I fry them on hot canola oil.

They cook fast!

Then I top them with Nalley's Chili, cheese, salsa, and sour cream. We also do butter and honey for dessert.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-05-01T14:37:00.001-07:00

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
yield: 5 dozen

1 c. butter or margarine
1 c. creamy peanut butter
1 c. sugar
1 c. packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375*
In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, and eggs on medium speed. Mix until well blended. Stir together flour , baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture; beat until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake 8-10 minutes

May Menu #1

2011-05-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

Monday - Navajo Tacos
Tuesday - Tortilla soup in the crock pot!!
Wednesday - Banana Bread
Thursday - ASHLEY'S 2nd BIRTHDAY!!!! OUT!!
Friday - Tin Foil dinners on the Grill!
Saturday - Ashley's Justin Bieber party! BBQ - Pasta Salad
Sunday - MOTHER'S DAY Hmmm! PANINI sandwiches! Yum!

Crepes

2011-04-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

I got this crepe recipe from my sister-in-law, who is an AMAZING cook. So trust me when I say these are delicious!

DANISH PANCAKES -AKA: CREPES

2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla (optional)
1/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
milk
*Not sure on the amount of milk. I usually just keep adding milk until it is thin enough. I like mine to be about the consistency of egg nog.

1. Mix all ingredients together. Leaving the milk to the last. Beat until smooth.

2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly

3. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.

Fruit Dip

2011-04-28T20:33:00.001-07:00

This is such a delicious and light fruit dip. Great for summer parties!

FRUIT DIP
1 pint vanilla yogurt
1 pint light cool whip
1 pkg. vanilla pudding

Mix together! I just whipped it with a wire whisk, but I am sure you could use your kitchenaide. It is that easy!

Swiss Chicken

2011-04-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

This is honestly so easy and so dang good! I got this recipe from my mother-in-law and everything she makes is delicious!

Swiss Chicken
Roll chicken in beaten eggs and seasoned bread crumbs. Fry in oil until brown. Place in a pan (I used a cookie sheet, but a casserole dish would work better.) After placing chicken in pan cover with sliced mushrooms and a slice of swiss cheese. Pour 1 cup water with 2 cubes chicken bouillon dissolved in the water over the chicken or use chicken broth.
Bake uncovered for 44 minutes at 350*.
I served mine with a green salad, baked brocolli, and a baked potato.

Broiled Brocoli

2011-04-13T11:30:00.001-07:00

I know this is a crappy picture, but I forgot my camera and I had to use my phone. I will update it later. Let me know what you guys think of this one. I was really surprised at how good it was. This is such a delicious treat. I could it a giant plate full! This is my friend Stephanie's recipe. She said her kids LOVE it!

BROILED BROCCOLI
Cut up fresh broccoli into bite size pieces. Spread broccoli on a cookie sheet and drizzle with Canola oil and kosher salt. Broil for 3 minutes and stir and broil for another 3 minutes. Then ENJOY!!!

Taco Muffins

2011-03-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

Brooks LOVED these! He ate his with ketchup, of course! He eats everything with ketchup.
I saw these on Biggest Loser and they looked really good, and they were!! Loved these. I was a little afraid to try the turkey sausage, but it was really good.

Jennie-O Taco Muffin Recipe

Ingredients
3 (6-inch) stone-ground corn tortillas
12 Jennie-O Turkey Store® Turkey Breakfast Sausage Links, cooked according to package instructions and cut in half widthwise
1/2 cup tomato salsa
2-1/4 cups liquid egg white or egg substitute
1/4 cup (1 ounce) finely shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
12 Tablespoons roast tomato salsa (or your favorite salsa)
1 non-stick muffin pan
Low-fat or fat free refried beans (optional)
Extra salsa (optional)
Fresh melon slices (optional)

Directions
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Stack tortillas and cut into quarters. Cut quarters in half so you will have 8 wedges for each tortilla (and a total of 24 wedges). Spray each muffin cup with olive oil cooking spray.

3. To assemble: place one tortilla wedge in each muffin cup, with the widest side at the bottom of the cup. Place a second tortilla wedge on the opposite side of the muffin cup so that the wide edges will be overlapping in the bottom of the cup, by about 1/2 inch. The tortilla wedge points will extend outside of the cup, about 1/2 inch straight up. Repeat for the other muffin cups. Place two sausage halves (from one whole link) in each muffin cup, on top of the tortilla wedges. Place a tablespoon of salsa on top of the sausage. Measure 3 tablespoons of egg white (or egg substitute) into each muffin cup. Bake 10 minutes or until eggs are just set and no longer wiggle. They will be slightly puffed. Carefully remove "muffins" from pan and place two on each serving plate.

4. Working quickly, sprinkle each "muffin" with one teaspoon of cheese. Top each muffin with few olive slices and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve hot with low-fat or fat free refried beans, extra salsa and fresh melon slices.

Nutrient Analysis for one 2-"taco" serving
Calories: 231
Protein: 20 grams
Carbs: 6 grams
Fat: 12 grams
Sat: 3 grams
Poly: 8 grams
Mono: 1 gram
Fiber: 1 gram
Sodium: 515 mgs

Chocolate Brickle Squares

2011-02-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

Can I just say YUM!! I love these, maybe it is because I have a weakness for chocolate, toffee, and saltines. I have a really hard time knowing when to stop with these little pieces of sunshine!!

Chocolate Brickle Squares

vegetable cooking spray
12 graham crackers or saltines (both are delicious)
1 c. butter or margarine
1 c. sugar
1 pkg. chocolate chips
1 (60z.) pkg almond brickle chips or crush up a Skor bar

Line 15x10x1 jellyroll pan with foil. Coat with cooking spray. Place graham crackers (or saltines) in a single layer in prepared pan. Set aside. Combinge butter and sugar. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring often. Pour over crackers. Bake 5 minutes @ 350*. Remove from oven: sprinkle with chocolate chips. Spread evenly when soft. Sprinkle with brickle chips (or Skor bar), press into chocolate.

Mango Tapioca Pudding

2011-02-20T20:00:00.000-08:00

I thought that I was making a recipe of something I had at a Thai restaurant, but I know realize that it wasn't. That would explain why it didn't taste like I remember. I won't try this one again, but I will try the sweet mango rice.

Mango Tapioca pudding

1 cup SEED tapioca (available in the baking aisle) - serves 5-6 people
4 + 1/2 cups water
1 tsp. salt
1 can coconut milk
maple syrup or table syrup (for serving)
Optional: 1-2 ripe mangos, cut up (for cutting instructions, see link below) OR substitute other tropical fruit (note: this pudding is also delicious without fruit)

Place 1 cup seed tapioca in a pot and cover with 2 cups water. Allow to soak for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the tapioca will have absorbed much of the water. Add another 2 + 1/2 cups water, plus 1 tsp. salt and place the pot over medium-high heat.

Cooking the Tapioca

Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and, stirring occasionally to keep tapioca from sticking, continue cooking for 12-15 minutes. (Tip: if the tapioca is too thick to cook easily, add a little more water) After 15 minutes, most of the tapioca seeds will be translucent (as shown). Remove pot from heat and cover with a lid. Let sit until tapioca is warm (not hot) - 10 to 30 minutes. Any remaining tapioca that are hard will soften.
Now put your pudding together: Scoop about 1/4 cup of the warm, cooked tapioca into individual bowls. Drizzle over 2-3 Tbsp. syrup, then add the mango pieces or other fruit (if using) and a generous amount of coconut milk (3 Tbsp. to 1/4 cup per portion). Now stir and ENJOY!

Tips: This Tapioca Pudding is wonderful served cold on a hot day, or served warm on a chilly day. It can be reheated in the microwave (no need to heat the coconut milk), or simply place tapioca in a sauce pan with a little water and stir until warm.

Tapioca Pudding is vegan plus gluten-free and lactose-free; in other words, it's great for all diets and tastes!

Cheese Ball

2011-02-20T19:54:00.000-08:00

I LOVE cheese balls! I think I ate most of this one! This is a very simple cheese ball.

Cheeseball

1 pkg cream cheese (softened)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
5-6 green onions sliced
Mix these together and roll into a ball. Then roll in:
1 pkg crushed Ritz crackers or 1 cup crushed walnuts.
I love to eat these with the new Wheatable crackers.

Yummy Crystal Light Drink

2011-02-20T19:10:00.000-08:00

This drink is delicious! It is a little tangy and I love it! Super easy to make too.

Crystal Light Drink

2 limes sliced
1 pkg raspberry lemonade Crystal Light
1 liter of Fresca
1/2 bag pebble ice

Mix and serve! Easy and delicious!

Strawberry Shortcake

2011-02-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

I couldn't believe how much Ryan LOVED this. He doesn't really like desserts, but he couldn't stop talking about this one. So I will probably make it again.

Shortcake
1 pkg yellow cake mix
1 cup sour cream
1 pkg instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water

Mix together. Pour in small bundt pans. Bake at 350* for 18 - 22 minutes

Fajitas

2011-02-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

These weren't anything gourmet, but the were still good.
Fajitas

In a large skillet heat 2-3 T of olive oil and 2 cloves of garlic pressed. Add red and green peppers, and onions. Cook until tender. Add cooked chicken cut into strips. Put inside warmed flour tortilla. Top with sour cream and guacamole spread.

Raspberry Thumbprints

2011-02-10T08:04:00.001-08:00

These are irresistible! My friend Melanie actually brought these to me and I couldn't stop eating them. She said they are super easy and I believe her!!
Raspberry Thumbprints

1	pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
1/2	cup butter or margarine, softened
1	egg
3	tablespoons Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/3	cup seedless raspberry jam
1	cup white vanilla baking chips
	Red or green sugar, if desired

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$0.40 off Betty Crocker® Cookie Mix

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About Concordance™

Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, egg and flour until dough forms.
Roll dough into 3/4-inch balls; place 2-inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Using thumb or handle of wooden spoon, make indentation in center of each cookie. Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon jam into each indentation.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 5 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave baking chips on High 1 to 2 minutes or until chips are melted; stir until smooth. Spoon melted chips into small resealable plastic bag; cut small hole in corner of bag. Squeeze bag gently to drizzle melted chips over cookies. Sprinkle with colored sugar.

Chocolate Rice Krispies

2011-02-10T07:56:00.001-08:00

I lOVE these!! They have lots of names, but this is what I call them.
Chocolate Rice Krispies

1 cup corn syrup
1 cup white sugar
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups rice krispies
1 bag chocolate chips

Bring sugar and corn syrup to a boil in saucepan. Remove from heat and add peanut butter. Pour over Rice Krispies in a large bowl and blend. Spread in greased 9 X 13 baking dish. Melt chocolate chips in microwave. Spread evenly over the top of the Rice Krispies. Let chocolate set before serving.

Spaghetti Pie

2011-02-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

Spaghettie Pie is one of my favorites! It is super easy and it's delicious!

Spaghetti Pie

Cook noodles (I used wheat)
Mix with:
1 egg
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter

Mix together until well blended.
Layer with 1 cup cottage cheese and 1 egg mixed together.
Layer of spaghetti sauce and browned hamburger.
Layer of cheese.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Serve with caesar salad and garlic bread!

SLACKER!!!

2011-02-10T07:37:00.000-08:00

I am a little behind. I went on a cruise last week and slacked on posting the week before aaaand after. So I will try and do a bit better!!!

Pan-seared Tilapia with Quinoa & Parsley vinaigrette

2011-01-24T17:45:00.000-08:00

This was interesting. I saw it on Biggest Loser and thought I would try it. The Quinoa had a very strong Garlic flavor. It was good in small amounts. The vinaigrette was pretty good too. They used Halibut, but I used Tilapia. Not sure if it would have made much of a difference. My kids LOVED the green beans.

Ingredients

For the quinoa: 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

1 shallot, finely diced

1 clove garlic, finely diced

1 cup uncooked quinoa

1 cup low (or no) sodium chicken or vegetable stock

For the vinaigrette: 3/4 tablespoon shallots, finely diced

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon olive oil

4 four-ounce Tilapia filets

Method:

Heat a medium sauce pan over medium high heat, add the olive oil and sweat the shallot for 2 minutes stirring constantly.
Add the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add the quinoa and stir to coat with the shallot and garlic, then add in the stock and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender but not mushy.
Meanwhile to make the vinaigrette, place the shallots and vinegar in a medium mixing bowl.
While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
Add the parsley and season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste.
When ready, remove the quinoa from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, fluff with fork and reserve.
To cook the Tilapia: Place a large nonstick sautÃ© pan over medium-high heat and drizzle with the remaining oil.
Place the fillets in the hot pan and cook for 4 minutes, or until the fillets are golden brown on the bottom.
Turn the fillets over and cook for 3 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through but still moist and juicy.
To serve: Divide the quinoa evenly among 4 serving plates, top with halibut and drizzle with parsley vinaigrette.

January Menu #4

2011-01-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

Monday - Pan-seared Tilapia with Quinoa & Parsley vinaigrette (Biggest Loser Recipe)

Tuesday - Rosemary lemon herb roasted chicken with veggies

Wednesday - 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY - OUT TO DINNER-

Thursday - Crock pot Santa Fe Chicken (Weight Watcher recipe)

Friday - Baked Chipotle Sweet potato fries

Saturday - Crepes

Sunday - Crock pot Italian Chicken

Sesame Beef Stir Fry

2011-01-23T17:08:00.000-08:00

This is delicious! I was out of brown rice today so I used cal-rose white sticky rice and I have to say the brown rice tastes a lot better in this recipe.

Sesame Beef Stir Fry

2 portions brown rice (about 1/2 cup uncooked

2 portions lean ground beef (about 1/2 lb)

1 T. toasted sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 green onions, sliced

1 cup broccoli slaw (I couldn't find any at the store so I used cole slaw and it tasted the same)

1 cup napa cabbage, shredded

1 T. lite soy sauce ( I was out so I used Yoshida's sweet & savory sauce and it was delish)

crushed red pepper flakes to taste

Prepare brown rice according to its package directions.
WHile the rice is cooking, in a medium skillet or wok, brown the ground beef over medium heat, until no longer pink. Remove the beef from the skillet, drain and set aside.
Heat sesame oil in the skillet over medium - high heat. Add garlic and green onions; stir fry for 2 minutes. Add the broccoli slaw and cabbage; stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add rice and soy sauce; stir fry for 2 more minutes.
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the rice and vegetable mixture and season with red pepper flakes, to taste. Stir until ingredients are well combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
Divide into 2 portions
I double this recipe because otherwise it doesn't make very much.

Buttermilk Syrup

2011-01-21T11:20:00.001-08:00

I know this isn't on the menu this week, but I got up this morning and wanted to make something yummy for my kids (they don't have school today.) So I made them french toast with homemade buttermilk syrup. I love this stuff. I could literally drink it.

Buttermilk Syrup

1/2 c buttermilk (substitute 1/2 T vinegar with the rest milk)

1 c sugar

1 cube butter (real not margarine)

1 tsp. light corn syrup

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. baking soda

In a saucepan combine: buttermilk, sugar, butter & light corn syrup. Bring to boil. Remove from heat and add: vanilla & baking soda. Stir with a wire whisk and be careful it really foams up! I usually double the recipe. It lasts quite a while in the fridge.

Peel a Pound Soup

2011-01-21T11:12:00.001-08:00

Peel a Pound Soup

1 head cabbage (I used 1/2 a head) chopped

6 lg. onions (I only used 2), chopped

1 lg. green pepper

1 lg bunch celery

1 qt. tomatoes

1 pkg onion soup mix

1 qt. chicken broth

I also add 1 lb hamburger

Put in large pan - Bring to boil. Simmer until done add salt & pepper to taste.

Don't let the cabbage and onions scare you away from this soup. It is really good. My kids even liked it. Super filling and the legend says you can eat as much as you like without adding any pounds. That is without the hamburger of course. It makes a ton too!

Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs

2011-01-19T20:53:00.000-08:00

I LOVE these! They are always so tender and juicy! I know that sounds like a Burger King commercial, but it's all I know! I tried doing them in kabobs and grilling a whole breast. The breast where good, but the kabobs where better.

It was fun to grill outside in the winter!

Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs

1/2 c olive oil

1/2 c ranch dressing ( I use Gregg's from Costco)

1 T. minced fresh rosemary (dried works as well)

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. white vinegar

1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste

3 T Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. white sugar, or to taste (optional)

5 skinless boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes

In a medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, salt. lemon juice, white vinegar, pepper, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes. Place chicken in the bowl and stir to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the grill for medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill skewers for 8-12 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear. Note: this recipe works well for beef and shrimp.

Taco Soup

2011-01-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

This is a staple at our house. It is something that is easy to store and most of us usually have on hand.

Taco Soup

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can corn, drained

2 cans diced tomatoes

1 lb hamburger, browned

1 packet taco seasoning.

Brown your hamburger and drain. Mix with taco seasoning and add to pot with beans, corn and tomatoes. mix together and cook on medium until warm. Serve on top of tortilla chips or Frito's. You can top with sour cream, cheese, avocado, lettuce, or salsa.

January Menu #3

2011-01-17T15:31:00.000-08:00

Monday - Taco Soup

Tuesday - Relief Society Mtg with Julie Beck!!!

Wednesday - Rosemary ranch chicken Kabobs

Thursday - Peel - a - pound soup

Friday - Leftover soup (Ryan is out of town) No cooking tonight!!!

Saturday - Sesame Beef Stir fry

Sunday - Becky's peanut butter bars

Lemon Bars

2011-01-17T15:28:00.001-08:00

These were amazing! I couldn't get enough, and I don't usually like lemon stuff.

LEMON BARS

1	cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour*
1/2	cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4	cup powdered sugar
1	cup granulated sugar
2	teaspoons grated lemon peel, if desired
2	tablespoons lemon juice
1/2	teaspoon baking powder
1/4	teaspoon salt
2	large eggs
	Additional powdered sugar



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	About Concordance™

Heat oven to 350°F.
In medium bowl, mix flour, butter and 1/4 cup powdered sugar with spoon. Press in ungreased 8-inch or 9-inch square pan, building up 1/2-inch edges. Bake crust 20 minutes; remove from oven.
In medium bowl, beat remaining ingredients except additional powdered sugar with electric mixer on high speed about 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Pour over hot crust.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched lightly in center. Cool completely in pan on wire rack, about 1 hour. Dust with powdered sugar. For bars, cut into 5 rows by 5 rows.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

2011-01-17T15:20:00.000-08:00

This was awesome! It isn't a traditional cordon bleu, but my family really liked it. Quick and EASY!

Chicken Cordon Bleu

prep: 10 min

cook: 1 hour

8 to 10 pieces of chicken ( I used 30 frozen chicken tenders in 2 casserole dishes)

cream of mushroom soup

Swiss cheese

Packet of thin ham, any type

1 c. milk

1 c. sour cream

Place chicken in a 9 X 13 casserole dish. Place ham on top of chicken to cover chicken. Place swiss cheese on top of ham. In separate bowl mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk; mix together. Pour on top of chicken. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook in oven 375* for an hour. Longer if chicken is frozen. Yummy on top of rice.

Stuffed Manicotti

2011-01-17T14:54:00.000-08:00

This was okay! I would probably add some garlic if I make this again. It lacked the flavor I was hoping for.

Stuffed Manicoti

Meat Sauce:

3 C hamburger - browned

2 c water

4 tsp sweet basil

16 oz tomato sauce

1/2 c chopped onion

1 1/2 t. salt

2 T dry Parsley

Cheese stuffing:

12 oz low fat ricotta cheese

12 oz low fat cottage cheese

1 egg

1/3 c parmesan cheese

2 T. parsley

1/4 t. salt

Stuff uncooked shells. You can Freeze it at this point. When thawed bake covered with foil at 400* - 45 minute. Add 2 cup grated cheddar cheese - bake uncovered - 15 minutes.

Mrs. Fields Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-01-13T21:56:00.000-08:00

THESE ARE THE BEST!!!

Mrs. Fields Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cream together
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar

Add
2 eggs
1 tsp. real vanilla extract

Mix together
2 cups all-purpose flour
2½ cups oatmeal (blended into a fine powder)
½ tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda

Mix all ingredients well, then add one 24-ounce bag of milk chocolate chips and 1½ cups chopped walnuts (or pecans). Drop 1" balls on ungreased cookie sheets, two inches apart, and bake at 375° for 6-8 minutes. Makes approximately 60 cookies.

Pot Roast

2011-01-13T21:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight I made a pork roast. I purchased a kit at the store that had spices and a roasting bag together. I thought I would try it. This would have worked great if I hadn't doubled the cooking time. The roast was frozen when I put it in so I thought it would need more time. I will try this again, but when it says cook for 2 hours I will not cook it for 4. I put it with a garden salad with a little Gregg's ranch dressing and it was still edible. HA! This is going to be a great year of food for my family.

Homemade Mac n' Cheese

2011-01-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

I really like this mac n' cheese. It was quick and easy and it tasted pretty good. Not the best, but pretty good.

Homemade Mac n' Cheese

from "Dining with Donny Osmond"

2 T. butter

2 T. flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. dry mustard

2 1/2 c milk

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

2 c dry macaroni

1/4 c buttered bread crumbs

Melt butter in saucepan. Remove from heat and add in flour, salt, and dry mustard. Slowly add milk and heat, stirring constantly until hot and thickened a little. Add 1 1/2 cups of the cheese. Heat and stir until melted. Meanwhile cook macaroni in boiling, salted water until done. Drain. Combine with sauce in a casserole dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese and bread crumbs. Bake at 375* until browned and hot.

Deluxe Turkey Dinner

2011-01-13T21:31:00.000-08:00

This was probably the single WORST things I have ever made. It looked so good in the picture, but I didn't like the combination of flavors. Maybe if I put the zucchini on the side I would have like it. I thought I would love it because stuffing is one of my all time favorites, but was I wrong. Aubrey liked it though.

Deluxe Turkey Dinner

from "Eating for Life"

1 cup herb seasoned stuffing mix

1 cup fat-free, reduced sodium chicken broth

2 stalks celery, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

4 portions turkey breast slices

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 zucchini sliced

1 squash, sliced

1 c whole-berry cranberry sauce

Preheat oven to 350*
Prepare stuffing according to its package directions, substituting fat-free chicken broth in place of butter. Add celery and onion to stuffing, and mix thoroughly.
Lightly coat an 8" X 8" baking dish with cooking spray. Layer turkey breast slices evenly into the bottom of the baking dish and season with freshly ground black pepper.
Evenly layer sliced squash on turkey, and top with a layer of cranberry sauce. Spoon prepared stuffing on top of cranberry sauce.
Cover with foil and bake until the turkey is cooked through, approximately 40 minutes.
Turn oven to broil setting. Remove foil and place under broiler for 5 minutes to brown the dressing.
Divide into 4 portions, serve and try to enjoy! HA1

January Week #2 Menu

2011-01-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

Monday - Subway "Eat Fresh"

Tuesday - Deluxe Turkey dinner from "Eating for life"

Wednesday- Homemade Mac 'n Cheese

Thursday - Pork Roast with Potato Wedges and Mrs. Fields chocolate chip cookies

Friday - Stuffed Manicoti

Saturday -Left overs and breakfast! Gourmet I know!!

Sunday - Chicken Cordon Bleu

Beef Wraps

2011-01-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

Ryan has my camera so when he gets home I will post the pictures of these delicious wraps. These are SOOOO good and easy. My friend Stephanie gave me the recipe she makes them ahead of time and sends them with her kids to school or takes them on a long ride and they stay good.

Beef Wraps

2 cups frozen red & green bell peppers
1/2 lb. thinly sliced deli cooked roast beef, cut into strips
1/4 cup Zesty Italian salad dressing
4 tomato-basil tortillas
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

1. In medium nonstick skillet, cook and stir peppers over medium-high
heat for about 5 minutes or until tender. Add beef and salad
dressing, mix well. Cook until thoroughly heated.

2. Spoon beef mixture evenly down center of each tortilla. Sprinkle
with cheese. Roll up each tortilla. Makes 4 wraps.

I have been making these for awhile now so I don't follow this
exactly. I cook a roast in the crock pot (on low all day) and then
just shred the meat when it is done instead of the deli meat and I use
regular tortillas. I don't measure the dressing I just dump it in
unitl i like the taste. You can also use low-fat or fat free Zesty
Italian dressing. One other note: you need to use the monterey jack
cheese. I have made them with mozzarella & cheddar cheese and they
are not as good. I buy peppers when they are on sale and then cut them
up and freeze them. I hope you like them. They are super easy, fast
and yummy.

Hawaiian Chicken

2011-01-06T18:39:00.000-08:00

Let's just say I won't be adding this recipe to my cookbook. The chicken seemed dry and it lacked any flavor. This is why I am doing this to go through my recipes and find the ones I LOVE. If you want to try this one let me know how it turns out for you. It was a really busy night for me an maybe I didn't make it with enough love. HA! HA!

Hawaiian Chicken

10-12 chicken breasts

salt

2 cans (15 oz) pineapple chunks

4 T cornstarch

2 T soy sauce

2 chicken bullion cubes

flour

cooking oil

1 c honey

1 1/2 c cider vinegar

1/2 t ginger

2 green peppers, cut into 1/4" strips

Roll Chicken breast in flour and sprinkle with salt. Brown in oil. Drain pineapple; reserve chunks, and pour juice into measuring cup. Ad water to make 3 cups. Add honey, cornstarch, soy sauce, ginger, bullion cubes, and vinegar; Bring to boil and boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour over chicken pieces in 2 quart baking dish. Bake uncovered for 40 min. Add pineapple chunks and green pepper. Bake 30 min loner or until chicken is tender. Serve with cooked rice.

German Meatballs

2011-01-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

So the meatballs were a bit of a disaster. I should learn how to read! I got all my ingredients out and realized that it said Tomato SOUP not SAUCE. There is a difference. The other thing I neglected to notice was the fact that they take 2 hours to cook on the stove and 1 hour in the oven. I was thinking 30 minutes tops. Regardless of the earlier disaster, the meatballs were really good and I will make them again! So here is the recipe.

German Meatballs

2 lbs lean ground beef

1 large onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

1 t salt

4 good dashes Worcestershire sauce

1 egg

1 c raw rice

1 1/2 t ground savory garlic powder

Mix together and make into balls

In another pan heat the

following:

4 cans tomato SOUP

2 cans water

6 squirts Maggi (German type soy sauce)

1 can beef consomme

2 bay leaves

Bring these ingredients to a boil. Drop meatballs in and let simmer (barely boiling) with lid for 2 hours on top of stove, stirring occasionally w

ith spoon OR

Bake in the oven for 1 hour at 400*

Chicken Tacos

2011-01-03T17:56:00.000-08:00

Chicken Tacos

I got this recipe from the "Eating for Life" cookbook. I love these tacos! One of my favorites. If we weren't trying to eat healthier I would add sour cream and cheese!

1 T olive oil

4 limes, halved, divided

5 cloves garlic, minced, divided

2 tsp ground Cumin, divided

4 portions chicken ( the recipe calls for swordfish or tuna)

1 ripe avocado ( I use 3), peeled, pitted, and diced

1/4 red onion, minced

2 jalapenos, seeded and minced

2 T fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tomato

8 (6 inch) flour tortillas

8 lettuce leaves

Preheat grill to medium
Combine olive oil, juice of 3 limes, 4 garlic cloves and 1 tsp cumin in a shallow bowl or pie plate. Then add meat to this marinade and let soak for 15 minutes at room temperature, turning once after about 7 minutes.
While meat is marinating, in a separate small mixing bowl, stir together the remaining lime juice, garlic and cumin with diced tomatoes, onion, jalapenos and cilantro.
Place marinated meat on hot grill and cook for approximately 5 minutes, turn agnd grill for approximately 5 more minutes, until cooked throughout. Place meat on cutting board, let cool slightly, then slice into thin strips
Grill tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side
place two tortillas on each plate. Put a lettuce leaf in each tortilla, fill with portion of grilled, sliced chicken, and top with tangy avocado salsa. Fold and enjoy!

(Avocado salsa)

Teriyaki Chicken with baked Brown rice and steamed carrots

2011-01-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

So I know this isn't the fanciest meal, but this is a staple at our house. Jake would starve without rice and chicken. It is a quick and healthy meal that my WHOLE family loves. The rest of the week Jake might starve, but today he eats like a king! HA!

Teriyaki Chicken

This chicken was SOOOO easy and really good. I did cook it a little to long and I think it would be a lot better if I had cooked it only 40 minutes with the tenders and 50 minutes with breasts. My sister in law taught me this one. All I did was put frozen chicken tenders in a 9 X 13 casserole dish and pour Yoshida's Sweet & Savory sauce on top. Then I cooked it uncovered for 50 minutes at 375*. Super easy and really good. BBQ sauce would be really good too.

Melanie's Baked Brown Rice

1 1/2 C brown rice

2 1/3 C water

2 tsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

Spray a small casserole dish. Pour in rice. Boil water in microwave with salt. Add to rice then add oil. Cover with tinfoil and bake for 1 hour at 375*. Fluff rice and cover with dish towel. DO NOT DOUBLE

And last but not least I steamed some veggies in my steamer and put a little butter and italian herb seasoning on top and they were delicious!

January Week #1 menu

2011-01-02T15:42:00.000-08:00

Ryan and I are trying to eat healthier in the New Year so I am trying some recipes from the "Body for Life" cookbook.

Sunday - Teriyaki Chicken with baked Brown rice and steamed carrots

Monday - Chicken Tacos

Tuesday - German meatballs with brown rice

Wednesday - Hawaiian chicken w/rice

Thursday - Chuck roast with potatoes and carrots and wheat rolls

Friday - BIRTHDAY DINNER!!!!! It's no cruise, but it will do

Saturday - Beef wraps

Sunday - Melanie's turn to cook. She is making me a cake she said I could blog about her dinner. I told her there was no pressure it just needs to be GREAT!

First official post

2011-01-01T17:56:00.000-08:00

So a few months ago I decided I needed a hobby. Something that would add to my family instead of take away from it. Well this is what I came up with. I love to cook or rather EAT and cooking just seams like an essential part of the cycle. I have TONS of recipes and I have never tried most of them. So this year I am going to go through my recipes one meal at a time. (The mess of books to the left is my cookbook shelf in the pantry) Every sunday I will post my weekly menu and I will try to post daily the recipe and the result. I would love to get your recipes too. You can email them to me at jamiegardner@mac.com. Wish me luck!